Getting on the buses

But as they say, Southdown Motor Services was most definitely a cut above most of its competitors '“ which was exactly what it intended to be right from the word go.

Based in Brighton, Southdown was one of the most important bus operators in southern England in its heyday.

Formed in 1915 from an amalgamation of three earlier operators including Worthing Motor Services, the company became a subsidiary of larger company BET and survived as a separate operator until all of BET's subsidiaries were nationalised as part of the National Bus Company in 1969.

It might be just a memory now, but part of the memory is the stroke of genius with which it began '“ its choice of livery.

"There were any number of companies that painted their buses green, but the dark drab shades used by such as Maidstone and District and London General Country Services were not for Southdown," as Glyn says.

"Its was a bright apple green that blended well with the backdrop of the rolling South Downs through which it buses passed."

Roofs and window surrounds were rich cream, and a darker shade of green was applied to the radiators, mudguards and wheels. Pre-war, gold lining completed the distinctive look.

And quality became the watchword.

"Buses and coaches were immaculately maintained and presented. The phrase 'the Southdown sparkle' was coined to describe their appearance."

And with that quality went forward-thinking.

"With the post-war travel boom Southdown became a leader in the field of coach holidays," Glyn says. "Its luxuriously-appointed touring coaches, specially-selected drivers and faultless organisation set standards of comfort and service that many of today's operators would do well to emulate."

All of which Hailsham-based Glynn and John explore in their new book Southdown Memories, published by Ian Allan Publishing (see www.ianallanpublishing.com; ISBN13/EAN: 9780711032552) at 16.99.

Building on the success of their earlier book Southdown Days which analysed the operator from the standpoint of the passengers, the book examines what it was like to work on Southdown's vehicles.

The authors have tracked down a number of ex-Southdown drivers, conductors and other staff who tell a range of stories. Glynn and John have built their anecdotes into a broader narrative on the operations of the bus company, offering a busman's holiday to Southdown's legion of fans.