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Arriva’s Northfleet bus depot open day celebrates its 80th anniversary

Messenger Reporter
10:55, 17 July 2017

You wait ages for a mayor to appear and then two come along at once.

Dartford mayor Cllr Rosanna Currans and Gravesham mayor Cllr Harold Craske were guests of honour at Arriva’s Northfleet bus depot open day to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Originally the home of the Dover Road tram sheds, an earlier depot was operated on the site by the Maidstone & District bus company.

Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans and Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Harold Craske alight from a vintage bus to be met by general manager Andy Creba. Picture: Andy Payton
Mayor of Dartford Cllr Rosanna Currans and Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Harold Craske alight from a vintage bus to be met by general manager Andy Creba. Picture: Andy Payton

The formation of the London Passenger Transport Board in 1933 saw it take over operations in Gravesend and Dartford and build the existing garage in 1937.

Tony Smith and owner-driver Peter Plummer on one of the buses. Picture: Andy Payton
Tony Smith and owner-driver Peter Plummer on one of the buses. Picture: Andy Payton

It has been operated by Arriva since 1998.

From left, Karen Hanlon, Ruby Thompson, 12, David Hillas, Shirley Hanlon, and David Hanlon celebrate the anniversary. Picture: Andy Payton
From left, Karen Hanlon, Ruby Thompson, 12, David Hillas, Shirley Hanlon, and David Hanlon celebrate the anniversary. Picture: Andy Payton

The day featured a display of vintage buses, live music, food and an auction of bus memorabilia in aid of the Royal National Institute Of Blind People.

James Mair, left, and Les Stitson from London Omnibus Traction Society. Picture: Andy Payton
James Mair, left, and Les Stitson from London Omnibus Traction Society. Picture: Andy Payton

Free trips on a vintage coach were also available.

Dartford Gravesham Human Interest Transport Messenger Reporter

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