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Author Topic: Bransons Coaches  (Read 16937 times)

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Pete

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Bransons Coaches
« on: January 26, 2012, 07:27:16 PM »
Another familiar sight when I was a schoolkid

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Scimitar

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2012, 07:47:29 PM »
They used to pigk us up from old Calow C of E school (opposite Calow Church) ant take us swimming to Bolsover Baths. If we were really lucky in summertime, we went to Ringwood baths (open air).

Happy days :D
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Slacker

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2012, 09:34:07 PM »
All trips as a kid used to be by Branson's. Last time I went with them was Isle of Wight in the late 80s. Dave who ran the trip formed Nova Tours.
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Fly

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2012, 06:22:38 PM »
We used to do the taxi servive for Nova.
I once mentioned to Dave about some photos that my late dad had took a good years ago.
They were of a coach that caught fire at Wadshelf. (Just before the brow of the hill before the descent to the Highwayman)
Dave told me he was driving it.
I'm trying to get in touch with Dave to verify this, the name on the coach is Wray & Sons, Harrogate ?
I've also contacted the coach company, they might like a copy of the photo's, or not  :)

I've dug the photo's out and scanned them.
These have never been published online.


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Alsatian

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2012, 07:00:51 PM »
My dad used to drive part-time for Bransons whilst he was also working as a driver on East Midland Motor Services. At that time (late '40s early 50s) it was owned and operated by two sisters (J & T as in J T Branson). Here are a couple of photos of him:



My Dad (circled) and some colleagues on an evening tour (obviously before strict drink driving rules)



On an EMMS 'road staff' day trip - circled is my Mum and Dad, who met whilst Mum worked as a clippie (romantically entwined staff were called 'budgies'!) He once told me that the most feared job as a driver was taking road staff out on day/evening trips - everyone was a critic. Having said that he had numerous safe driving awards and was regarded as Chesterfields' depots no1 driver - still miss him terribly, even after 14 years - RIP Dad  :(
« Last Edit: January 27, 2012, 07:03:49 PM by Alsatian »
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Pete

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2012, 07:16:08 PM »
Do you recognise these folks?

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Gerty Gumdrop

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2012, 12:13:33 PM »
Bransons were always used by my school for trips (Manor School literally round the corner from Bransons).

Years later I used them to ferry folks to dinner dances in the Peak District.  Business was always done on trust via one of the Misses Branson, no deposit, and bill settled up after the event.  Incredible really, and an unthinkable way of doing business these days.

 :)
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Fly

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2012, 05:13:01 PM »
I've seen Dave and mentioned the coach in the photo's. Coincidence.
His coach that he was driving caught fire in around the same area though.
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alphanov

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2014, 12:56:25 PM »
Quote from: Pete on January 27, 2012, 07:16:08 PM
Do you recognise these folks?



Just saw this and although it's a few years old thought I'd reply.

I believe that they are Len Branson and his wife Flo.  Len was the son in JT Branson and Sons.  Flo was one of my Grandad's sisters and was originally a Wain.

the garage site and Len & Flo's bungalow are now an apartment block.

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Nev
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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2014, 05:59:31 PM »
Cheers for sharing that alphanov and welcome to the forum.
Good photo - good memories !!
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Fly

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2014, 06:01:48 PM »
Welcome to chesterfieldonline alphanov   :)
The Branson family must have been in business a long time judging by that bus.
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alphanov

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #11 on: January 04, 2015, 11:00:29 AM »
Quote from: Fly on December 28, 2014, 06:01:48 PM
Welcome to chesterfieldonline alphanov   :)
The Branson family must have been in business a long time judging by that bus.
Thanks for the welcome.  :)

I've been lurking for a while....  ;D

Yes JT Branson was in business for quite a while.

John Thomas Branson (born 1876) was originally a waiter before he started in the coach business.  I've no idea when the business started up and, unfortunately, all those who may have that information are no longer with us.  I reckon Transpire may be able to assist with that though....

He had three children Leonard (Len), Evelyn and Louis.  Len was the "and son" in the business.  After Len's death in 1973 the business continued with Evelyn and Louis running it.  I remember going with Len to Plaxtons to pick up the new coaches when they replaced some of the fleet.

Regards

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Nev
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Pete

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2015, 11:21:55 AM »
A shot of the premises.

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Old Cruser

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #13 on: January 04, 2015, 01:28:00 PM »
Quote from: alphanov on January 04, 2015, 11:00:29 AM
Thanks for the welcome.  :)

I've been lurking for a while....  ;D

Yes JT Branson was in business for quite a while.

John Thomas Branson (born 1876) was originally a waiter before he started in the coach business.  I've no idea when the business started up and, unfortunately, all those who may have that information are no longer with us.  I reckon Transpire may be able to assist with that though....

He had three children Leonard (Len), Evelyn and Louis.  Len was the "and son" in the business.  After Len's death in 1973 the business continued with Evelyn and Louis running it.  I remember going with Len to Plaxtons to pick up the new coaches when they replaced some of the fleet.

Regards

--
Nev


Please feel free to join in on the topics you will be made welcome -  ;)
It sounds as if you had an interesting childhood centered around the coaches :)
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Gerty Gumdrop

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Re: Bransons Coaches
« Reply #14 on: January 04, 2015, 06:11:39 PM »
Hi Nev, welcome to the forum.  Its good to have another member on board as new contributions are always welcome and add some diversity  :)
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