
photo © David Christie. Shared from Sam Tillson https://www.facebook.com/sam.tillson.7
Sam Tillson… Hastings Old Town, July 1970. A brief moment of tranquility before the boom of seasonal holiday-makers and tourists flood this (dare I say formerly) charming part of the East Sussex coast finds a member of the fondly remembered Southdown Motor Services fleet working her way to another of the south coast of England’s once-enviable seaside resorts. Making up some of the little number of other road vehicles, a Bedford “Hi-” van, an early Volkswagen T1 Combi and what would most likely be a brand-new Ford Capri all feature. I’d hazard a guess at the black car facing away is an Early Austin 1100 or similar mark, but I’m open to correction. It’s an education after all. Aside from its obvious claim to fame regarding the 1066 battle (which actually took place on Senlac Hill, 8 miles to the north west), Hastings is one of the few towns in Britain to retain a funicular railway. Opened in 1902, the East Hill Cliff Railway – also know as the East Hill Lift – is now regarded as the steepest funicular in the UK and also features a section of tunnel, highly unusual for such a system. The upper station stands proud in the backdrop of this photograph. Southdown No.1142 (XUF 142) – a Leyland Tiger Cub with attractive Weymann “Fanfare” bodywork – was one of fifteen new in the first quarter of 1960 (Nos.1130-1144). Despite not being numerically the last, No.1142 was the final example to be delivered and the only one to arrive in April. The 37-seater coaches were new for domestic tours, undertaking both local and long-distance duties across Britain. By the time this image was captured the coach would have another three years in service with Southdown, already downgraded to standard coaching duties. She’s working the jointly-operated “South Coast Express” service, acting as either a stand-in for a newer vehicle or a duplicate on this lengthy, scenic route between Margate and Bournemouth via several other coastal locations. Image: David Christie.
Patricia Burgess… Love it
Peter Houghton… What a great photo
Peter Ellingworth… Ah, the old Southdown livery…like the M&D green and cream. So much better than the bland standardised National Bus colours from the mid-seventies onwards.
Paul Coleman… Great pic. A little bit more to the left & the fishermen’s huts would have been in it too! I think you are correct & that is indeed an Austin 1100.
Tracy Birrell… Lovely photo. I would love to live in the Old Town but unfortunately I’m across the border in Hollington Hillbilly Heaven.