Join James Freeman and Cathy Booth in this fascinating podcast. James eagerly shares his love of the King Alfred buses. This service, set up by the Chisnell family in the 1900’s, was unique to Winchester. James has spent a lifetime trying to bring back the buses from all over the world to their final stop. Each bus has a story and James brings that to life in this episode. He also discusses traffic, womens’ role in buses and the changing face of this well-loved transport.
Great news!
On Saturday 19th September between 10am and 4pm there is a wonderful opportunity to see part of the collection of King Alfred historic buses. Vintage buses formerly operated by King Alfred Motor Services in and around Winchester will be on display in the centre of Winchester (Cattle Market car park off Worthy Lane). These can rarely be seen together in one place at the same time. There will be the opportunity to photograph them and to learn more of their history. More details here
If you liked this episode, please share it with your friends and don’t forget to tell them about the display on Saturday 19th September too!
James Freeman
In September 1974, james was as a bus conductor with the successors to King Alfred in Winchester, Hants & Dorset. He went on to make my career as a Senior Management Trainee with the National Bus Company from 1978. Over the years, having formed the Friends of King Alfred Buses in 1985, the society has collected all the known remaining King Alfred exiles. FOKAB have 14 buses in all. FoKAB has 250 members, and its Joint Presidents are Messrs Robert & Richard Chisnell - cousins and grandsons of the founder, Robert Chisnell Senior.
Picrured: James Freeman (left) with another FoKAB member and volunteer, John Beer, with one of our King Alfred coaches
Photo Credit: FoKAB Collection
Can you help?
Sunday 3rd of May should have been FOKAB’s major event for 2020, the original King Alfred’s Buses running day, but the current coronavirus emergency meant we very reluctantly had to cancel it, in common with most similar events throughout the UK. Whilst their financial situation is not dire, nevertheless this meant they lost the significant income they would normally gain from sales.
Meanwhile, any donations to help them get through this difficult time would be most welcome. For only £20 a year you can become a Friend of King Alfred Buses!
As if the impact of COVID-19 were not enough, they learnt in early May that one of the sites at which our vehicles are currently kept will not be available to them next year. The search for a new home for around 10 vintage buses and coaches is on! If anyone knows of suitable premises offering covered accommodation within reasonable driving distance of Winchester they should be delighted to hear from you.
To offer your help, become a member and/or for further information about King Alfred’s Buses, please visit: www.kingalfredbuses.org.uk
Photo Credits & Descriptions
Left picture - James in the cab and conductor Dave Shawyer on the same bus (595) PHOTO: FoKAB Collection
Middle picture - a 1964 AEC Renown double-decker (595) in Winnall on one of our running Days - 1/1/20 - when the public get to ride for free! PHOTO: Stephen Bigley
Right picture - two buses: on the left - FoKAB member Ruth Andrews led the team that restored the bus on the left (708) from a total wreck found in a field in Ireland to pristine condition between about 2003 and 2012. This is the Leyland Olympic (no 708) dating from 1950. The coach next to it is the Albion Victor. It dates form 1935 and the seats inside date form the mid-20s. On a WOW day a few years ago... PHOTO: FoKAB Collection
James’s Extended Biography
After school and before going to Southampton University to read history, my first job, 45 years ago, in September 1974, was as a bus conductor with the successors to King Alfred in Winchester, Hants & Dorset. In just six months I learned a whole lot more - most importantly that the management was remote and out of touch - which made me decide there and then that I would take a different approach, when it was my turn! I went on to make my career as a Senior Management Trainee with the National Bus Company from 1978 and I have moved around the country taking increasingly senior jobs more or less ever since. I am now 64.
It was during my first management stint, in South Wales, that I found my first King Alfred bus in exile. That was 39 years ago, in 1981. I bought the bus and managed to persuade lots of people to help me put it in order and return it to work in Winchester. Its first appearance carrying passengers was in March 1983 - when it featured in the first of what became annual "running days" when the public could turn the clock back and ride on a King Alfred bus, starting from the time-honoured terminal under the watchful eye of the King himself, standing in the Broadway. Over the years, having formed the Friends of King Alfred Buses in 1985, we have collected all the known remaining King Alfred exiles from across the world - two came back from the USA, another from Ireland. We have 14 buses in all. Each one has a story attached to it. Many have involved comprehensive rescue and rebuild jobs, taking many years. There is now just one left to finish. FoKAB has 250 members, and its Joint Presidents are, of course, Messrs Robert & Richard Chisnell - cousins and grandsons of the founder, Robert Chisnell Senior.