I’ve been trying to gather more information over recent weeks so haven’t had too much time to actually write a blog! I have finally walked the entire route! Not in one go, I hasten to add – although the parts were tiring enough. Today I walked from Langley Grove, New Malden to Kingston, I’ve also done The Triangle, Coombe to Kingston Bypass, Blakes Lane, Old Malden to Lindsay Road, Worcester and on the occasion of going to Cheam – from Lindsay Road, Worcester Park to Sutton! You can see a lot by walking and obviously I’ve photographed everything so hope to upload some interesting snaps later.
Richard Holmes, local pub historian gave me a postcard he bought of the 113 bus (precursor to 213) passing along Cheam Broadway in the 1920s. Turns out it is an S439 type bus. I decided it’d be fun to recreate the photo in modern times and the below image is my attempt. I got some strange looks standing in the middle of a road crossing waiting for the 213 to pass but it was a fun exercise I will probably try to do more once I’ve made my selections from Kingston and Sutton Archives’ photo collection (there are some cracking images of the old A3 among others…hope to post in the future with some examples).
I also advertised in my work’s newsletter and that has prompted some wonderful memories. This is one of my absolute favourites:
I felt I must respond to your request for experiences on the 213 bus as it
was my mode of transport in 1956 to Cheam Village to see my fiancée
having had to sell my 1938 Austin 12 to buy the engagement ring! At that
time I would have travelled on the new underfloor engined RF buses.
On one occasion I didn’t use the 213 because I missed the last bus home around midnight and had to walk!
The gentleman above lived in Arundel Road, Kingston at the time which is about 5 miles from Cheam. A long walk, but worth it I’m sure, as he and his wife are still together – 57 years later!
213bus 