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Last Journey by Bus

Bernard67Arnold

Bernard67Arnold

master brummie
I was reading in the paper over the weekend about the different modes of transport used for Funerals, cycles, motorcycles, fire engines etc but have never see a bus taking someone on their last ride, surely
one of our many "Busmen" must have seen one ??? Bernard
 
It could be a bit of a job getting the coffin through the door way on a bus. As soon as you enter the bus you have to take a 90 ' degree turn to one side or the other. They do not make bendy coffins. A cremation urn would be no bother. It would not surprise me if the urn of ashes of a loved one have not been carried in a carrier bag aboard a bus to a favourite spot. Its best done in secret ,bus drivers can be a bit picky who they carry and no doubt would charge an extra adult fare if they knew about it.
 
Like this, Bernard? (I hope no-one is offended, but I think it would be a lovely last ride).

This was the last journey of Julie Waters (1964-2009) of Sutton Coldfield, according to her last wish, as is explained in this news story.

Except it's obviously not a "London bus", but a beautifully preserved 1960s Midland Red D9.

RIP Julie.
 
It is not a new idea. Thomas Henry Barton (1866 - 26 July 1946) was the founder of Nottinghamshire independent bus company Barton Transport Ltd. He was one of England's motor bus pioneers, and was involved in the invention and development of the oil compression engine. In World War 1 he invented the "gas bag" which was mounted on bus roofs and allowed buses to run on town gas (widely used to conserve precious petrol). As was quite fitting, he was carried to his final resting place on a new Leyland bus chassis, as is movingly described in the clipping below from his obituary. (Sorry about the poor quality: it's the best I could do. I hope you can read it).
 
Here's another one, Bernard!

George Stevenson (c 1915 - 6 November 2003), former proprietor of the bus company Stevensons of Uttoxeter and son of the founder John Stevenson (c 1875 - 1966), was taken on his last journey aboard a 1947 Leyland bus formerly owned by the company. The story can be read here. There is a picture on that webpage but it is small and unclear: I'll try to find a better one.
 
Excellent - my cruel streak makes me think what should I demand to be taken to the next life in?

Along one pew of a knife-board horsebus (curved stairs could be tricky but not insurmountable... More likely a clapped out Ford Escort estate...

Shall we have a Forum quiz on the subject? What transportation would YOU chose?
 
I read somewhere that Ken Dodd has left a will saying his ashes are to be sent to the Income Tax Inspectors with a note saying"Now you have got the ruddy lot",
Bernard
 
Bernard, I used to love the comedy of Ken "Where's me shirt?" Dodd. Remarkably, Kenneth Arthur Dodd has not yet taken his "last journey by bus", and was still performing as recently as last year. I was delighted to learn that "he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide", including the million-seller "Tears" (released 2 September 1965), which reached number one on the hit parade.
 
Thylacine said:
Bernard, I used to love the comedy of Ken "Where's me shirt?" Dodd. Remarkably, Kenneth Arthur Dodd has not yet taken his "last journey by bus", and was still performing as recently as last year. I was delighted to learn that "he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide", including the million-seller "Tears" (released 2 September 1965), which reached number one on the hit parade.
Click to expand...
Ken Dodd is still performing to full houses, I am going to see him next month in Weston, last time I went to see him we came out of the theatre at 12 55 AM.
 
There are a couple of guys who own vintage lorries who provide their vehicles as a hearst for lorry nuts, like myself, to take their last journey.
What I have put in my will is for my ashes to be fired into the firebox of a steam locomotive preferably an ex-Saltley [21A] Black Five but whether my wish will be honoured I'll never know!

The Bristol Lodekka FLF I used to part own some years ago would be an ideal bus-hearst as it had a wide emergency exit at the back and of course enough seats for the mourners!

Here's a few buses that I've painted over the years but none with a black livery I'm afraid:

https://www.redbubble.com/people/arti.../portfolio/bus
 
I hope you Ken Dodd fans are still taking 'the tickle tonic' and have plenty of 'knicky knocky knee' (or whatever it was). :D
 
I have an old photo/post-card of a poor unfortunate carried slung beneath a pole by two Malayan head-hunters! I don't know where they were taking him exactly, but it was probably to a fate worse than the No. 74 to West Bromwich! (or was it the 72?) :(
 
I have an old photo/post-card of a poor unfortunate carried slung beneath a pole by two Malayan head-hunters! I don't know where they were taking him exactly, but it was probably to a fate worse than the No. 74 to West Bromwich! (or was it the 72?) :(

Sorry, I don't know why this has appeared twice!
 
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