Apologies to Jim (no, not you) again, this time for encroaching on his territory.
Every year on his birthday, Diamond Geezer takes the London bus corresponding to his age. This year he is 53. This year, I also will be 53. I've long been aware that DG and I are of an age, but until I read his post this morning about yesterday's birthday, it didn't occur to me that I might do likewise, in Sheffield.
For the last couple of years, I've sort of done it, a bit, by accident. Until I moved last summer, I lived bang on the 51 route, and frequently rode a section of it. I lived pretty near the 52 as well, and would often take a 52 to just short of my destination if no 51 was forthcoming. I have never done either of these from end to end. I have been to one terminus of the 51, both walking, and the time the driver forgot to stop, but I have never been to Charnock at the other end. I have walked past the starting point of the 52 (since moving) but I have never been to Woodhouse.
The first birthday I had in Sheffield was my 48th. A 48 and 49 bus seem rather elusive. I find mention of them in passing, but no official record seems to exist - perhaps others can help. The 50 goes to Chesterfield, so perhaps I could start with that one - it's not even a very long journey. Then I could do the entirety of the 51, and even squeeze in the 52 while I'm still 52.
And then what a treat in July - the 53 promises an hour and a half excursion to Mansfield.
As the Big Days Out have somewhat stalled (Saltaire was a great start, but the process has been somewhat held up by the second random pick being Ladybank) perhaps I could manage some bus trips in the meantime.
And, ooh, Jim - I went on a new tram yesterday! In Nottingham. Not as nice as the Sheffield ones. They don't have conductors, but ticket machines and threatening notices, but it was certainly a very efficient way of getting from the station to the University.
Today I am shortly off for a day trip visiting old canal haunts...
Dazzling Jewel on test
5 days ago
I'm not sure when it ended, but Sheffield Transport's 48 would have been a real birthday treat. Not only did it go all the way to Manchester over the Woodhead pass taking two and a quarter hours, but it had a refreshment halt (unique for an ordinary bus as opposed to coach service as far as I know) at the Flouch Inn. I used it once on a winter's Sunday evening to return to Manchester and enjoyed a swift half and one of the sandwiches laid on specially for bus passengers.
ReplyDeleteThe 49 couldn't have been more different, although it was unusual in using the small bus station in Bridge Street rather than the Central Bus Station. It went only to Wordsworth Avenue a 25 minute run up Penistone Road and Herries Road.
But you've given me an idea for my next bus holiday, after I've finished the one I've just started and will be blogging about soon.
Just to add that the Nottingham trams also have teams of (often female) inspectors who if they find someone without a ticket will invite them to leave the tram with them at the next stop to "discuss the matter".
ReplyDeleteI was interested too by how they designate areas of pavement as compulsory ticket areas. If I was just walking past I might do so quite nervously!
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