Happy Harold photos from trolleybus books

all supplied by Peter Ellingworth

The Silverhill photo is from 1959 and you can see the sign for the Roxy cinema and also Apps clothing store.

Peter Ellingworth… As Alan said, top photo taken shortly before the end in May-June 1959, and judging by the shadows from south west to east late one afternoon. ‘H-H’ is possibly out on a post maintenance test run, or running down to the seafront prior to taking up public service between The Fishmarket and Bathing Pool. ‘H-H’ was a lucky survivor when the other open-toppers were scrapped, being kept back as a maintenance and overhead wiring de-icing vehicle. It was decked out as a novelty especially for the Queen’s Coronation, and was such a success it was kept on in full regalia additionally for the summer evening seafront runs and enthusiasts’ round town tours. Bottom photo taken in 1953 Coronation Year, alongside Grosvenor Gardens if I remember right , just east of The Bo Peep Pub. Hard to believe that the youngster looking around at ‘H-H’ would be around 85 now if still with us…..
Both Allan Murray and Robert Mack were prolific transport photographers, and I think Robert Mack who came from Leeds knew the late David Padgham, who as we know was a Hastings doyen and highly respected local historian. Regarding the former single deck trolleybus we remember being used by M&D until 1972 as a booking office by the Town Hall : you will all be pleased to know this in safe hands, and is gradually being restored by the National Trolleybus Association back into full working order. This particular vehicle was kept in use as a spare at Silverhill depot until 1950. Thanks again for the most enjoyable SMART meet up Alan. Looking forward to the next one.

Tony Court-holmes… i went to the Roxy when i was a kid

 

1 thought on “Happy Harold photos from trolleybus books”

  1. As Alan said, top photo taken shortly before the end in May-June 1959, and judging by the shadows from south west to east late one afternoon. ‘H-H’ is possibly out on a post maintenance test run, or running down to the seafront prior to taking up public service between The Fishmarket and Bathing Pool.
    ‘H-H’ was a lucky survivor when the other open-toppers were scrapped, being kept back as a maintenance and overhead wiring de-icing vehicle.
    It was decked out as a novelty especially for the Queen’s Coronation, and was such a success it was kept on in full regalia additionally for the summer evening seafront runs and enthusiasts’ round town tours.
    Bottom photo taken in 1953 Coronation Year, alongside Grosvenor Gardens if I remember right , just east of The Bopeep Pub. Hard to believe that the youngster looking around at ‘H-H’ would be around 85 now if still with us…..
    Both Allan Murray and Robert Mack were prolific transport photographers, and I think Robert Mack who came from Leeds knew the late David Padgham, who as we know was a Hastings doyen and highly respected local historian.
    Regarding the former single deck trolleybus we remember being used by M&D until 1972 as a booking office by the Town Hall : you will all be pleased to know this in safe hands, and is gradually being restored by the National Trolleybus Association back into full working order. This particular vehicle was kept in use as a spare at Silverhill depot until 1950.
    Thanks again for the most enjoyable SMART meet up Alan. Looking forward to the next one.

    Reply

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