What’s in a name? - TrustNews Mar 16
Phil Yates recalls the story behind a famous local bus company
Remember the buses with the golden inscription King Alfred embossed on their framework? The story starts with Robert Chisnell, a Wintonian born in 1870, who owned two traps as a means of transport until 1914 when his horses were commandeered by the army. Not to be deterred, he then acquired a Darracq motor car which he converted into a van, soon followed by more vehicles to form a fleet. When the military camp was established at Morn Hill for troops waiting to embark at Southampton, Robert saw an opportunity to set up first an ‘SPO’ business (sausages, potatoes, onions) in Winchester and secondly a transport service to and from the city. After the war in 1918 a further opportunity arose when Leyland Motors started to recondition their trucks which had seen war service with the RAF and sell them mainly as chassis. Robert saw the potential to expand his taxi service and purchased two chassis which he fitted with charabanc bodies – the start of a new adventure into the public transport business.
The first King Alfred charabanc set off on a trip to Bournemouth on Whit Monday 1920, starting a tradition in popular coach excursions lasting over 50 years. When Winchester City Council began building their first council estate at Stanmore, Robert was approached as a possible provider of an omnibus service to connect Stanmore with the city centre. As a result, on 9th October 1922, the bus service started not only with two runs to Stanmore but also runs to Twyford and Flowerdown (near Lyttleton). Over the ensuing years the fleet of buses increased with the introduction of double-deckers in 1944 (utility style at first). The radius of routes also extended as far north as Basingstoke and south to Fishers Pond.
In the mid-1920s, Robert’s daughter Evelyn and sons, Fred and Bob, joined the business which became R.Chisnell & Sons Ltd on 6th August 1939. After a lifetime of service to the city Robert died on 5th June 1945 aged 75, just three days before VE Day. Despite problems in the 1960s the familyrun company – now with two of another generation on board - continued until 28th April 1973 when Robert’s grandson, Richard, drove Leyland Panther 417 on its last journey to Weeke (Route 13) at 11.35pm. The company had been sold to Hants & Dorset Motor Services (National Bus Company).
But the story does not end here and I will reveal more in the next TrustNews. In the meantime, this year’s ‘running days’ are Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May.