On a pleasant, but chilly October afternoon, Sanders former Edwards Coaches of Llantwit Fardre National Express Caetano Levante bodied Volvo B9R type number 908 - 6542 FN “OSCAR” is captured as it passes through the village of Brampton with the above journey on Aylsham High School contract service 82. I believe this recently acquired contract was previously operated by Wrights Coaches of Wroxham.
Situated in the upper valley of the River Bure, today Brampton is one of the smaller Norfolk villages, but in Roman times, hence the name Bramtuna on this side of the double sided village sign, it was an important manufacturing and trading centre with links to the North Sea. Excavations have revealed a Roman bath house and upwards of 150 pottery kilns in or nearby. Note the two dolphins atop the sign, the design of which is based upon another Roman artefact that can be seen in Norwich Castle Museum and is variously recorded as either a brooch or furniture accessory.
At one time Brampton was served by Eastern Counties 751-4 group of services which provided direct Monday to Saturday facilities to and from Norwich including late night journeys. However, this disproportionate level of service probably had more to do with the fact that much of the 751-4 group was worked by ECOC Aylsham outstation and Brampton just happened to be on line of route for vehicles running onto and off of the main section between Buxton and Norwich via Spixworth. In the left background the timetable case above the green litter bin on the bus shelter gives details of the former Aldborough Community Bus Monday only service to/from Aylsham. However, in recent times this service was replaced by Feline Travel and although their service 1A continues to operate to/from Aylsham on Monday the timings are somewhat different.
Originally registered FJ11 GMY, as we can see this vehicle has received Sanders cherished plate 6542 FN which was previously carried by former Stagecoach Alexander bodied Dennis Trident 17345 - X396 NNO. The registration 6542 FN was originally carried by an East Kent Park Royal bodied AEC Reliance delivered new in May 1963 which subsequently received a new Plaxton body in March 1974.
Finally, a big thank you to the driver of the white Ernest Doe & Son van who, having parked to the left of the village sign, just as 908 appeared in the distance, very kindly moved out of the way for me.
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