Chislehurst and Sidcup Running Day

Sunday 23rd June 2002

Prepared by Ian Smith, 15th July 2002

Part 4: Cavalcade on the 228

Q83 was ready to depart for Chislehurst, now blinded as a 228, but was already full. But behind it was RF366, restored to doorless condition, and gleaming in the sunshine. I clambered aboard with Jim Andress for the ride to Chislehurst.

We had an enjoyable ride out to Chislehurst again. At the War Memorial another red RF waited at the lights. It was RF453 again, this time with John Hinson at the wheel. We turned the corner and rolled across the Common down into Chislehurst, and round to the Gordon Arms. RT2043 rolled up behind, having come in from Sidcup Garage on a 161 turn.

More buses gathered for the Cavalcade. Q83 had already been despatched, but RF366, RT2043 and RM3 formed a convoy, waiting for DM1052. But it was RM1699 and RTL139 on 228 duties that turned up next at the stand. No 228s for years, then seven turn up at once! RF366 went round the block to ease the congestion.

I joined RT2043 and the Cavalcade set off, with RT2043 in the lead (not counting the long-gone Q83), followed closely by RM3 and RF366.

I had a grand view from the platform of RT2043 as we crossed Chislehurst Common to the War Memorial, then scooted down into Sidcup. We passed under the Station Bridge. Until 1958 it was only 13ft 6in clearance, requiring single-decker operation. We followed the 228 route on, turning north-westwards through Avery Hill to Eltham. A right turn from the High Street took us to Well Hall Station, where the modern interchange is a far cry from the old days of the 228.

Q83 was already there, and the five buses of the Cavalcade formed up ready for departure in convoy this time. The bus station also held the usual suspects, including East Thames Buses' Excel 329 on the 132 and Stagecoach's Dart SLF SLD222 on the 162.

Then it was off towards Sidcup again, in convoy, with me aboard RML3. Even the Excel joined in for a way, passing the Fleetline when that stopped to drop someone off.

The convoy rolled back along to Avery Hill, then down Halfway Street to Sidcup. I alighted at the station, and accepted an invitation to a cup of tea. John and Gill Hinson went past on RF453 again, just on the west side of the station bridge, heading once more for Sidcup Garage. John hailed me, as they were carrying a lady passenger who had e-mailed me about travelling on RFs on the 241 in the past, and whom I had sent details of the Running Day. We exchanged waved greetings, and I went for tea.

Part 5: Sidcup and Chislehurst again

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5.