Surprise Visitor

A surprise visitor appeared on Great Yarmouth’s seafront this afternoon in the shape of former Eastern National open top Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol KSW5G WNO 479.

On loan to Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire, it began life with Westcliff On Sea during 1953. It is seen here being passed by a younger First Eastern Counties open topper from 2008 - Volvo B9TL CRZ 166.

My thanks to ‘Reg Vardy’ for his help with this post.

Roy

Open Top Returns

On Wednesday we reported the repaint of FirstBus former Land’s End Coaster 37796 LX59 CXO in its new First Bus explore livery.

Today it returned to First Great Yarmouth’s Caister Road depot where it is shown in the accompanying photo

Our thanks to Steve N for the information and picture.

Roy

Sanders Selection

'Reg Vardy' was out and about in the fine city of Norwich yesterday and provides a selection of photos of some Sanders vehicles.



The first features 526 BV72 KKA, a Volvo B8RLE /MCV eVoRa, exiting Norwich Bus Station on the X55 to North Walsham.



Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodied Volvo B5TL 126 SA71 SAN is seen on Castle Meadow with the X44 to Sheringham.



Heading in the opposite direction was Scania K230UB OmniLink 325 YT11 LPN on its way to the bus station.



Also observed in the city was former Semmence Volvo B9R / Plaxton Panther JL09 RSL which now has Sanders fleet number 933.

My thanks to 'Reg' for the photos.

Roy

Open Top Repaint

Zak tells us that the latest repaint to emerge at First Bus Great Yarmouth is former Land’s End Coaster 37796 LX59 CXO in its new First Bus explore livery.

The Volvo B9TL / Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 hasn’t received any local branding allowing it to work as a spare on Norwich’s explore route for the rest of the season and also as back up for Great Yarmouth’s Coastal Clipper Cabriolet service.

It is noticeable that the middle doors have been retained and that First Kernow (First Cornwall) related displays are shown.

We are grateful to Zak for the information and photos.

Roy

Service Alterations Registered ~ 15th July 2026

There are a few entries concerning some local bus services listed in today's East of England Traffic Commissioner's Notices and Proceedings Report.

Central Connect Transport Limited is introducing two new services from Diss Bus Station from the 19th July 2026. They are the 482 to Bridge Road in Framingham and the 81 to Beccles Old Market which will run Mondays to Saturdays.

First Eastern Counties is cancelling its 931 service between Market Gates Bus Station in Great Yarmouth and Ormiston Venture Academy on Oriel Avenue in Gorleston from 30th August 2026.

The complete Notices and Proceedings Report will be available to view here soon.

Roy

Caledonian Duo

A couple of Caledonian Travel branded coaches were observed on Great Yarmouth's Marine Parade this afternoon with the first belonging to Parks of Hamilton.



LSK 615 makes a return visit and is parked in front of the Sealife Centre with the Wheel featuring in the background.



Later on the opposite side of the road was Caledonian Travel's Mercedes-Benz Tourismo BV22 WUL.

Roy

UEA Graduation Shuttles 2026

Another year passes by so quickly and this year's University of East Anglia Graduation shuttles were in place this morning.



Again First Ipswich were helping out with some of their Wright StreetDecks on loan in their distinctive Ipswich reds colour scheme.



My thanks to Dan High for the photos of three of them, 35916-8 BN72 TVK-M, at the Costessey Park and Ride site earlier today.



Roy