Country Bus Rallies were very fortunate to secure the use of the haulage yard of Paul Bowen, on the outskirts of Knockholt Pound, for use as a temporary garage during the day. It was there that I headed on RT3148. The parked cars were a problem again. (Yes, if you parked one, despite our requests not to, do feel guilty!) We met RP21 amid the chicane, and Steve Baker pulled in on the offside to let Paul Brophy pass in the longer bus.
Just beyond the Halstead turn we pulled in to Bowens Yard, and parked in the line-up already there: SNB312, GS1, SNB257. One of Bowen's preserved Bedford lorries (CKL941) came into the yard to join the other (FRJ104) on display.
SNB312 needed to be moved to allow access to the big shed, and was moved along the row. SNB257 slipped away for another turn on the 431. RT604 came in, turned, and reversed into the row. RT3148 was set up for its next foray: back up to Knockholt Pound and then to Green St. Green. People had lunch. GS62 arrived, wearing a rare 471 blind (Knockholt Crown), and parked next to GS1.
RF679 came in to join the lunch-club. It wouldn't be here long, as it was to operate the workmen's special 431B from Knockholt Pound to Fort Halstead.
I joined RT3148 and we set off up to Knockholt Pound to begin the afternoon adventures. We turned round the triangle and announced that we were a 471 to Green Street Green only. Some of those who had bought a programme worked out that this would then be the bus to form the 431C from Green Street Green to Fort Halstead. The bus filled with enthusiasts.
Meanwhile RT604 came up from the yard to start a 431 run to Sevenoaks, and displaced a GS from the stand. SNB257 unloaded by the triangle after a 431 trip to Sevenoaks and back, and headed off to the yard.
All photos by Ian Smith. Click on most of them for a larger picture.
Back to Ian's Bus-stop
Part 2: Round the 471
Part 4: Fort Halstead