Re-creation of H&D Route 7

On Sunday, 30^th June 2002, Mike Smith and his bus, H&D 677 re-created the Hants & Dorset Motor Services route 7 from Bournemouth to Swanage via the Sandbanks to Shell Bay ferry. The trip was arranged with the assistance of Chris Harris.

Registered as KEL 405, 577 started life in 1950 as a stylish half-cab 26-seater coach and worked touring duties from Bournemouth. In 1960 the original Portsmouth Aviation body was removed, the chassis lengthened and a new ECW bus 37-seater body fitted. It was re-classified as a Bristol LL6B. To provide clearance for boarding the Sandbanks ferry, which was part of H&D route 7, the body was cut away at the rear in 1962. Withdrawn from service 1972, 677 saw further service with a scout group at Godalming before being bought for preservation in 1978.

The re-creation started in Exeter Road, as near as possible to the old bus station, long since demolished following a disastrous fire in 1976. With the many changes of the road layout in Bournemouth, the Square is practically a pedestrian precinct with a bus only lane from Exeter Road into Gervis Place. All traffic now follows Terrace Road to reach the Poole road.

Many photo stops were made along the route through Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, Shell Bay and Swanage. The trip finished at the Pier Approach outside the old bus office now used by a local taxi company.

Thanks to Mike for inviting me along for a memorable day to relive my childhood days out by bus to Swanage.

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