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21 April 2023 - A new link has been added to the home page to the official web page of the new Norfolk Classic Bus & Coach Show which will be held at Thursford Steam Museum in North Norfolk on Sunday, 23rd June 2024. Use this link to view full details of the event and to download vehicle and sales stand entry forms. 


10 April 2023 - The events page has been updated for 2023 showing the events which LKH 133, LM 452, LC 556 and LL 711 are due to attend. (A downloadable .pdf document which can be printed off for ease of reference is available by clicking here


24 March 2023 - The webmaster's e-mail address has been updated following a recent change of network provider. All links relating to this change have been updated throughout the site.


19 February 2023 - The events page has been updated for 2023 showing the events which LKH 133, LM 452, LC 556 and LL 711 are due to attend. (A downloadable .pdf document which can be printed off for ease of reference is available by clicking here


11 January 2023 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a very interesting new submission from site visitor, Stephen Bullock, recalling his memories of the Company from the 1930s to the 1990s.


4 January 2023 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a very interesting new submission from site visitor, Mike Goose, recalling his memories of the Company from the 1940s.


26 November 2022 - Good news to report! This website was recently submitted and officially accepted by the British Library Web Archive. This means that the site will be permanently archived at the British Library and so preserved in the event of it ever going offline. This is a very welcome move and ensures all the many hundreds of hours of work dedicated to the setting up and continuous improvement and maintenance of this site will not be permanently lost should the facility go 'down' or be taken offline for any reason.


17 November 2022 - Additional links have been added and various amendments have been made to the vehicles page.


12 November 2022 - The history page for Norwich Electric Tramways Ltd has been updated with a fine selection of photographs of the Company's motor omnibuses, kindly submitted by former ECOC driver, Roy Gray. These pictures were from his late uncle Jack (Jimmy) Wilde's collection and were probably taken by his father in the early 1930s.


11 November 2022 - Site visitor and former ECOC employee, Geoff Pullen, has kindly informed me that the 13 Bristol LS saloons acquired 2nd hand from Eastern National Omnibus Company to offset one man operated vehicle shortages in the late 1960s were LS5Gs and not LS4Gs as previously stated. Also, the 4 ECW bodied Bedford VAM 45 seat saloons delivered new to Eastern Counties in 1967 had vertically mounted underfloor engines, not horizontally mounted as previously stated. My thanks as always to Geoff for correcting this information. The vehicles pages have been updated accordingly.

News has recently reached me through social media that Stagecoach are about to sell off most of their heritage vehicles, including at least one of the two 1966 former Eastern Counties Bristol FLF6G Lodekkas they have owned and operated for many years. The vehicles in question are FLF452 (JAH 552D) and FLF453 (JAH 553D). FLF452 has since been converted to open top while FLF453 remains in original condition. This could well present an excellent opportunity for an individual or perhaps a syndicate to acquire an ex Eastern Counties FLF for continued preservation.


7 November 2022 - A new section 4 has been added to the vehicles pages detailing the many service and engineering vehicles that were operated by Eastern Counties during the Tilling era.


6 November 2022 - Various improvements have been made to the vehicles pages.


5 November 2022 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with a selection of exterior and interior views and a plan of Norwich Central Works, Cremorne Lane, courtesy of Maurice Doggett (in respect of the exterior views) and Geoff Pullen (in respect of the interior views and plan). The page has also been updated to include a previously missing reference to the former Norwich Electric Tramways premises in Silver Road, Norwich and includes an exterior photograph taken in the mid 1930s, submitted by site visitor Mick Tooke and an interior view taken by Geoff Pullin in 1967. The questions & answers page has been updated with an answer to question 19 enquiring when Mr C. J. Foxlee retired as ECOC Company Secretary. The history page link to the Company senior management profile has also been updated to reflect the answer to question 19. The United history page now includes an image of a 1927 fare-table booklet which has kindly been submitted by Nigel Utting.


3 November 2022 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with a photograph of Welney outstation, courtesy of site visitor, Stewart Singram. The questions & answers page now has a new question 19 enquiring when Mr C. J. Foxlee retired as ECOC Company Secretary.


23 October 2022 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with photographs of Bawdsey and Longstowe outstation premises, courstesy of site visitors Martin Mowle and Nigel Eggleton respectively. The questions & answers page now has a new question 18 asking for photographs to be submitted of outstations where there are presently none on file.


19 August 2022 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to reflect new ownership details for LFS 54 (54 CPW) and FLF 447 (HPW 447D).


29 June 2022 - The events page has been updated to include change of date for LKH 133's attendance at the North Norfolk Railway's Vintage Transport Weekend along with various minor changes to the arrival times at other events.


11 May 2022 - The events page has been updated to include the Ipswich Transport Museum's Classic Vehicles Day which LKH 133 is scheduled to attend on Saturday, 1st October.


1 May 2022 - The events page has been updated to include the East Anglia Transport Museum's Trolleybus Weekend which LL 711 is scheduled to attend on Sunday, 25th September.


24 April 2022 - The events page has been updated to include the annual Norwich Busmens' Reunion at the Woolpack PH, Golden Ball Street, Norwich on Friday, 9th September which LL 711 is scheduled to attend.


31 March 2022 - The events page has been updated. LC 556 will now be attending the Mid Suffolk Light Railway's Bus Day at Brockford Station, Suffolk on Sunday, 7th August 2022. This event replaces the 'Buses Magazine Buses Festival' which has changed its venue making the journey too far to travel to.


27 March 2022 - The events page has been updated. Due to an unfortunate move of venue, I will not be able to attend Buses Magazine's Buses Festival on the 7th August this year. The venue has been moved from the East of England Showground, Peterborough to Syston Airfield, Nr Northampton and it is just too far for me to travel to. Apologies to anyone who may have wished to accompany me to this event.


6 March 2022 - The events page has been updated. Due to an unfortunate clash of dates, I will not be able to attend BusFest at Whittlesey as originally planned on Sunday, 15th May. My apologies to anyone who may have been thinking of enquiring about going with me on this trip. It is intended to get to this event at all costs next year!


27 February 2022 - The events page has been updated for 2022 showing the events which LKH 133, LM 452, LC 556 and LL 711 are due to attend. (A downloadable .pdf document which can be printed off for ease of reference is available by clicking here)


21 February 2022 - The how the passion began page has been updated with a section about the acquisition of LKH 133 by Patrick Burnside & Michael Kingston in October 2020.


9 February 2022 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated to include a new photograph of the former outstation at Eye, Suffolk, courtesy of the webmaster, a new photograph very kindly submitted by site visitor, Tom Burnham of the outstation at Saffron Walden, Essex and three new photographs showing Southwold outstation shortly before demolition in Nov 2021, courtesy of the webmaster.


29 January 2022 - The routes page now has a link to a street by street schedule of the Peterborough City stage carriage services circa 1959/60. 


19 January 2022 - The routes page now has a link to a street by street schedule of the Cambridge City stage carriage services circa 1959/60.  A similar schedule detailing the city stage carriage routes in Peterborough will be added shortly.


11 January 2022 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated  to include a link to a Flickr page featuring a selection of photographs of recently restored LL666 (GPW 666).


29 December 2021 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to include various changes of status and ownership of a number of vehicles. 


22 December 2021 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to show that LL666 (GPW 666) has now been fully restored, returned to the road and passed to a new owner in the Netherlands after a long period undergoing restoration, firstly with a private owner in West Wales and then with a wedding hire and hospitality company in Belgium.


24 November 2021 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to show a change of ownership of LFS54 (54 CPW).


21 October 2021 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to include new information confirming that AH210 (NG 5401) no longer exists, having been broken up and removed from Ben Jordan's premises at the Dell, Coltishall.


2 October 2021 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated with a link to a new page containing a selection of views of AH 210 (NG 5401) - the last Tilling era survivor at Ben Jordan's premises at the Dell, Coltishall.


14 July 2021 - The events page has been updated for 2021 showing the events which LKH 133, LM 452, LC 556 and LL 711 are due to attend.


14 February 2021 - The timetables, faretables and other ephemera page has been updated with the addition of images of staff privilege travel passes, courtesy of site visitor Tony Tate.


26 January 2021 - The vehicles section has been updated with a new set of photographs representing the LK class.  The parcels service page has been updated with an image of a red stove enamelled sign displayed by agents participating in the Company's express parcels service.


25 January 2021 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a new submission from site visitors, Reg Bryant and Brian Moore recalling their memories of the Sunday and Bank Holiday route 48 between Norwich and Hemsby Beach.  A vehicle profile for LKH 133 (HPW 133) has been compiled and is now available to view or download as a .pdf document on this site.


22 January 2021 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a new submission from site visitor, Geoff Pullin, recalling his memories of 1960s fleet classification and numbering.


7 December 2020 - A major revision to the vehicles section has now been completed following many hours work by yours truly!  It is fervently hoped that every vehicle, whether delivered new or acquired second hand during the Tilling era, is now included in this section.  This is still an ongoing project as it is intended to include a set of photographs of each vehicle class wherever possible. However, as most of the work in this direction has now been completed, I felt it was time to upload the revised pages.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you spot any errors or omissions and I will do my best to ensure corrections are duly made.


30 November 2020 - Various minor revisions and web link updates made to various pages throughout the site. An additional question has been added to the questions & answers page (Question 17) submitted by site visitor, Stewart Singram.


29 November 2020 - The links to related sites page and the known preserved and surviving vehicles page have been updated to show new website links for the Eastern Transport Collection Society and the East Anglia Transport Museum. The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to show new ownership details for LFL59 (559 BPW).  The how the passion began page has been updated to show revised web link details for ETCS and EATM.


19 November 2020 - The links to related sites page has been updated to show LFL 60 (560 BPW) no longer owned by the Eastern Transport Collection Society and a change of ownership of LKH 108 (HPW 108) from Ian Hunter of Leeds to William Staniforth of Nailsworth, Gloucs. Also the fact that LKH 133 (HPW 133) is no longer kept at the Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum, following its acquisition by Patrick Burnside and Michael Kingston on 2 November 2020.


6 November 2020 - LKH 133 (HPW 133) has been jointly acquired from long time owner David Gray of Lincoln by the webmaster, Patrick Burnside and Michael Kingston with effect from Monday, 2nd November 2020. This fine 56 seat ECW bodied Bristol K5G dating from May 1949 has now joined her former fleet mates LL 711 (KNG 711), LM 452 (3014 AH) and LC 556 (3003 AH).  The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated accordingly.


29 September 2020 - An additional answer has been added to the questions & answers page (Question 15) submitted by site visitor, Roger Wolfe.


25 August 2020 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a new submission from site visitor, Barry Walker, recalling a memory from the Suffolk coastal resort of Felixstowe and an observation by site visitor, Geoff Pullin referring to Roger Wolfe's memory of Cambridge bus operation uploaded on 3 July 2020.


14 July 2020 - An additional question has been added to the questions & answers page (Question 16) submitted by site visitor, Roger Wolfe.


3 July 2020 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a new submission from site visitor, Roger Wolfe, recalling the local bus scene in and around Girton, Cambridge during his childhood years.


12 June 2020 - The Eastern Counties Omnibus Memories page has been updated with a new submission from site visitor, Steve Satterthwaite, recalling the bus scene in the city of Cambridge whilst he was studying at university in 1969 and 1970.


26 May 2020 - Further research into the origins of Stalham out-station has revealed that the premises thought to be located in St Giles Road from 1931 to 1936 is a misnomer and the out-station was not established until the business of H. Robertson of Brumstead Road, Stalham was acquired in July of 1936.  Therefore, the depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated accordingly.

The site description has been revised to reflect the true date when the National Bus Company came into being, so this website now covers the period from the 14th of July 1931 to the 31st of December 1969.


26 December 2019 - The questions & answers page has been updated with an additional answer to Question 10 submitted by site visitor, Geoff Pullin.


14 August 2019 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with recently taken photographs of King's Lynn garage and former out-station premises at Great Massingham and Littleport.  The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated with new ownership details for LKH 108 (HPW 108) which has now returned to William Staniforth.


22 July 2019 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated amending the details and current status of D 3 (CAH 923) which has now been fully restored by the Ipswich Transport Museum and the questions & answers page has been updated with a reply received by site visitor, Mike Willsher.


10 June 2019 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to show a change of ownership of FLF 456 (JPW 456D) and the questions & answers page has three new questions which have been submitted by site visitor, Barry Mason.


29 November 2018 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated with current status of each vehicle.


17 November 2018 - Various updates and improvements made throughout the site.


16 November 2018 - New WWII Memorial page set up to commemorate the brave employees of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company who gallantly gave their lives for our freedom during the dark days of the Second World War. "We will remember them"...


15 November 2018 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been completely revised and updated and now includes photographs of all the known Tilling era survivors. 


12 November 2018 - Former Eastern Counties Service Vehicle X 39 (ENG 707) has been acquired jointly by ETCS members M. Betterton & S. Eade.  This vehicle dates from 1942 and was originally an ECW bodied Bristol L5G bearing fleet number LL 107 (later LL 607). It was withdrawn from passenger carrying service in 1959 and was converted into a lorry shortly thereafter. The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated accordingly. 


25th May 2018 - The events page has been fully updated to show all the events that LL 711 will hopefully be attending in 2018.  Please note, LM 452 and LC 556 will not be attending any events this season.


17th May 2018 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with a current photo taken by Mark Doggett of the former booking and enquiry office in Millfleet, King's Lynn.


6th April 2018 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with two new photographs of the former outstation premises at Saxmundham (now in use by a car washing and valeting company).  Newly restored LG 4 (VG 5541) is now fully roadworthy and has appeared at her debut event at a Midland Bus Museum Open Day at Wythall.  Click here to view three superb photos of this long awaited and eagerly anticipated completed restoration (courtesy of Owen Phillips).  It is fervently hoped that LG 4 will make a welcome return to her old home town of Felixstowe on Sunday, May 6th 2018 and take part in the Annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Road Run organised by the Ipswich Transport Museum.


3rd March 2018 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with a new colour photograph of the former outstation premises at Harleston, Norfolk. 


6th February 2018 - LL 711's 65th Birthday Celebratory Run page now includes a link to a downloadable .pdf format route detail sheet which LL 711 followed during her celebratory run on Sunday, 28th June 2015.


21st January 2018 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with two new photographs of the former outstation premises at Three Holes (now owned by a scrap dealer).


14th January 2018 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with two new photographs of the original outstation premises at Northwold (now converted to a private residence).


31st October 2017 - LG 4 (VG 5541) -  The story of its incredible repatriation and restoration has been superbly featured in Bus & Coach Preservation Magazine (Volume 20, Nos.4 & 5 - September & October 2017 issues).  The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to reflect a recent change of ownership of LFL 60 (560 BPW).


17th July 2017 -  EXCITING PRESERVATION NEWS!!  LG 4 (later HLG 4) (VG 5541) dating from 1933, has now reached the final stages of its extensive restoration by owner Roger Burdett, who repatriated the vehicle from the USA in 2000 where it had resided since export in 1962!      

The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated with all known information as at July 2017. Photographs uploaded of known Tilling survivors, LG 4 (VG 5541), LFS 13 (5613 NG) and LFS 17 (1117 PW).  A new link to a YouTube video of LL 711 (KNG 711) travelling through the streets of Beccles, Suffolk on Sunday 9th July 2017, courtesy of ECOC enthusiast, Nigel Utting, is now accessible from the home page.


30th June 2017 -  LL 711's timetable for the Filby Open Gardens event on 15th and 16th July 2017 is now available on the events pageThe known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated following receipt of information regarding the survival of LFS 13 (5613 NG) in the USA and LFS 17 (1117 PW) in Belgium.  


17th May 2017 - The events page has been fully updated to show all the events LL 711, LM 452 and LC 556 will hopefully be attending in 2017. The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated with all known information as at May 2017. 


13th Febuary 2017 - Update of previous post:  The trustees of the Eastern Transport Collection Society have informed me that LFL 60 (560 BPW) has not yet been transferred to its new owner and therefore remains in the ownership of ETCS.  The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated accordingly.


1st January 2017 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to reflect a recent change of ownership of LFL 60 (560 BPW).


25th July 2016 - Two photographs taken in July 2016 of the former site of Debenham out-station have been added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page.


24th July 2016 - Two new external links have been added to the foot of the vehicles page enabling access to the Omnibus Society's splendid Eastern Counties photographic archives.


16th June 2016 - A new page devoted to the many Tilling era Eastern Counties vehicles which the webmaster wishes could have been saved for future preservation has now been uploaded to the site.  You may wish to suggest others which are not on this photographically illustrated list.  It is intended to include further details about each of the vehicles featured in this list in due course.  This new page can be accessed from the vehicles page and the known preserved and surviving vehicles pageA selection of photos of LM 452 (3014 AH) en-route to and at the 2016 Clacton Bus Rally which are accessible from the events page have been added to the site.  A selection of photos of LL 711 attending the 2016 Eye Open Gardens Weekend which are accessible from the events page have been added to the site.


14th June 2016 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated to take account of the recent sale of FLF 447 (HPW 447D) to Viv Carter of Tattingstone, Suffolk. This vehicle was formerly owned by Ian R Mahoney of Brentwood, Essex but has been sold on as a result of the closure and sale of Denyer's yard in Stondon Massey, Essex earlier this month.  Eminent enthusiast and preservationist, William Staniforth has kindly assured me that the two other former Eastern Counties vehicles which had been long term residents in this yard, namely LL 679 (GPW 679) and LS 809 (3809 PW) have been safely removed to alternative accommodation and remain in the ownership of Ian Mahoney. The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been updated with interesting out-station information and additional photographs kindly submitted by David Slater, Robert Appleton and Mark Doggett.


7th June 2016 - A flyer in .pdf format for the North Norfolk Railway's Vintage Transport Weekend on 2nd & 3rd July is now available for viewing/downloading from the events pageThree interesting new items (6, 7 & 8) have been added to the memories page.


24th May 2016 - A new question has been added to the questions & answers page.  LL 711's timetable for the Eye 'Open Gardens' event on Saturday, 11th June can now be viewed/downloaded as a .pdf document from the events page.


22nd May 2016 - A flyer for the forthcoming Eastern Transport Collection Society Bus Rally at Old Buckenham Airfield is now available for viewing and downloading from the events page.


18th May 2016 - At long last my move from Norwich to Eye, Suffolk has finally gone through and I am now well settled in my new abode!  For those that may have been wondering why there has been no activity on this website over the past few months, this was the reason!  My first job has been to update the events page so visitors can see which events LL 711, LM 452 and LC 556 are hopefully going to attend this season.  Further updates will follow very soon, including revisions to the depots, out-stations, works and offices and questions & answers pages.  FLF 447 (HPW 447D) has been advertised for sale in Essex.  It is in quite poor condition, having been owned by 'peace campaigners' before being acquired as a potential preservation project by Ian Mahoney of Brentwood.  Sadly, it has been stored out in the open for many years and so would require extensive restoration in order to bring it back to a roadworthy condition. Further details will hopefully be available in the near future....so watch this space!  The East Anglia Transport Museum at Carlton Colville, Lowestoft now has a new website which can be viewed by clicking here.


2nd January 2016 - The second-hand vehicles spreadsheet, accessible from the vehicles page has been updated with new details kindly submitted by site visitor, Ron Mesure.  The models page, accessible from the time-tables, fare-tables and other ephemera page has been updated with revised photographs of models 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 & 38 plus a new photo - model 46.


30th December 2015 - New link to some fine vintage cine footage of Norwich Surrey Street Bus Station from the summer of 1958 added to the home page.


28th December 2015 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page now includes details of locations and occupation dates for all of the remaining out-stations where photographs are not yet available.  If any visitor happens to have photographs of any of these out-station premises, the webmaster would be very pleased to receive them for uploading to this page.  I am indebted to enthusiast and site visitor, Keith Shayshutt, who has very kindly supplied much of the information on the out-stations allowing the page to be updated and greatly improved by the webmaster over the Christmas period.


27th December 2015 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page now includes details of locations and occupation dates for the Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket and Peterborough, King's Lynn, March & Wisbech out-stations.


25th December 2015 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been revised and now includes details of locations and occupation dates for the Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft & Cromer and Ipswich & Bury St Edmunds out-stations.  Similar details will be added for the Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket and Peterborough, King's Lynn, March & Wisbech out-stations in due course.  A further photograph of Eastern Counties Eye out-station added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, showing long standing Eye out-station resident, N 973 (NAH 973), the unique 1950 ECW bodied Albion saloon resting in the former Castle Street shed.


23rd December 2015 - The questions & answers page has been updated with new photographs of LM 452 (3014 AH) and LL 711 (KNG 711) in response to questions 1 and 2 and AP 353 (GPW 353) to illustrate the response to question 9.


22nd December 2015 - Another photograph of Eastern Counties Stradbroke out-station added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, courtesy of site visitor, Martin Mowle.


20th December 2015 - The new question added to the questions & answers page on 12th December 2015 has now been answered with the help of a photograph of the Millfleet area of King's Lynn discovered on the internet . 


19th December 2015 - A further photograph of Eastern Counties Stradbroke out-station added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, courtesy of David Pass.  A very interesting and informative article by Alec Mitchell in .pdf format recalling his conducting days in 1969 and 1970 with Eastern Counties in Norwich has been added to the memories page.


15th December 2015 - A further couple of photographs of Eastern Counties out-station premises added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, courtesy of enthusiast and site visitor, Stephen Purkiss.  Four new photographs of Eastern Counties models have been uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


12th December 2015 - New question added to the questions & answers page. 


9th December 2015 - A further six images of miscellaneous Company artefacts have been uploaded to the Timetables, faretables & other ephemera pageParcels service page updated with new photograph of agent's window hung card requesting conductor to collect parcels.


25th November 2015 - I am very pleased to report that the restoration of ex Eastern Counties Dennis Ace D3/D973 (CAH 923) is continuing apace and progressing very well.  The vehicle was on display at the Ipswich Transport Museum on Sunday, 15th November as part of their end of season open day and photographs of the vehicle which dates from 1938 and acquired by the museum in 1965 can be viewed here.


23rd November 2015 - A further six photographs of Eastern Counties out-station premises added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, courtesy of enthusiast and site visitor, Stephen Purkiss.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE IDEAL SCREEN RESOLUTION FOR THIS WEBSITE IS NOW 1280 x 800 pixels


20th November 2015 - Lots more photographs of Eastern Counties out-station premises added to the depots, out-stations, works and offices page, courtesy of enthusiast and site visitor, Keith Shayshutt.


14th November 2015 - New link added to useful links page for the National Association Of Road Transport Museums.


29th September 2015 - A time-table for the Harleston 'Food and Drink Festival' taking place on Saturday, 3rd October 2015, which LL 711 is due to operate, has been uploaded to the events pageKnown preserved and surviving vehicles page updated.


29th July 2015 - New question added to the questions & answers page. 


13th July 2015 - LL 711 now has period adverts for local Norwich brewer, Bullards.  It is known that she carried similar adverts for Bullards when she was allocated to Norwich, Surrey Street depot in the 1950s.  Click here to view a couple of photographs taken shortly after the new adverts were applied.


9th July 2015 - A time-table for the Harleston 'Open Gardens' event taking place on Saturday, 11th July 2015, which LL 711 is due to operate, has been uploaded to the events page


7th July 2015 - A new page detailing LL 711's 65th Birthday Celebratory Run on Sunday, 28th June 2015, complete with photographs, has been added to the site, accessible from the home and events pages.


1st July 2015 - A time-table for the Filby 'Open Gardens' event taking place over the weekend of 18th/19th July 2015, which LL 711 is due to operate, has been uploaded to the events page


26th June 2015 - Two more events, hopefully to be attended by LL 711 have been added to the events page.


25th June 2015 - Three new events, hopefully to be attended by LL 711 have been added to the events page.


18th June 2015 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been revised and now includes photographs of many of the out-stations occupied by the Company during the Tilling era.  These photographs have been very kindly supplied by long standing Eastern Counties enthusiast, Maurice Doggett.  There are a considerable number of out-station premises of which there are no photographs for.  If anyone visiting this site happens to have any of the missing photographs, I would be very pleased to have permission to upload them to the page.


11th June 2015 - Six new photographs of Eastern Counties models have been uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


4th June 2015 - LM 452 has been booked to attend Showbus International at Woburn Abbey on Sunday, 20th September 2015. Events page updated.


2nd June 2015 - New images of express coach service time tables added to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section) & (1960s express coach service timetables section). New image of a leaflet issued at the outbreak of WWII detailing stage carriage service revisions in the Peterborough area has been added to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1930s stage carriage service timetables section).  A new image of a leaflet detailing the express coach services operated between Felixstowe, Ipswich, Colchester and London by the Eastern Counties Road Car Company Ltd has been added to the history page.  The events page has been updated.


24th May 2015 - New link to a splendid YouTube video containing vintage footage of buses and trolleybuses at work in various parts of the UK in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, including some very rare footage of Eastern Counties LJ class coaches departing from London, Victoria Coach Station and other pre-WWII Eastern Counties and municipal buses in and around Norwich, Lowestoft and Yarmouth, has been added to the home page.


20th May 2015 - The history page has been updated with a new link to an external website detailing the extent of the WWII enemy air raids on the city of Norwich.  A new photograph has been added to the history page, showing an Eastern Counties Bristol L5G saloon in Red Lion Street, Norwich at the time of the reconstruction of the extensively war damaged Curls department store.


19th May 2015 - An 8 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the winter of 1955 and the spring of 1956 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section).


18th May 2015 - A 20 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the summer of 1955 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section).  New photograph added to the Peterborough Electric Traction Company Ltd section of the Company history page.


14th May 2015 - The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been revised and now includes photographs of the head office, central works and all the main depots and sub depots occupied by the Company during the 'Tilling' era. My grateful thanks are due to long term Eastern Counties enthusiast, Maurice Doggett, for kindly supplying most of the excellent photographs featured on this page.  It is intended to add photographs of many of the out-stations on this page in due course.  New photographs added to the United Automobile Services Ltd section of the Company history page.


13th May 2015 - A new event, hopefully to be attended by LM 452, has added to the events pageLM 452's profile and history sheet amended. 


12th May 2015 - A further two images of express coach services time tables uploaded to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section and 1960s/1970s express coach service timetables section).  LTPB 'E' plate uploaded to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (time table cases and enamel signs).  Two new events, hopefully to be attended by LL 711, added to the events page.


3rd May 2015 - A 20 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the summer of 1954 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section).


2nd May 2015 - The known preserved and surviving vehicles page has been updated with new information, including the addition of LL 42 (CVF 842) a pre-war Bristol L5G, which was sold to Southern National Omnibus Company Ltd in 1964.  The history page has been updated with new links to the predecessor companies.  The vehicles page has been updated and improved with new links added. The depots, out-stations, works and offices page has been revised and updated in readiness to receive photographs of all the various properties occupied by the Company during the 'Tilling' era.


29th April 2015 - A 16 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the summer of 1951 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section). An 8 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the winter of 1951 and the spring of 1952 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section).  Events page updated with another event which LC 556 is hoping to attend on Sunday, 3rd May 2015.


27th April 2015 - LM 452's profile and history sheet revised.  LL 711's profile and history sheet revised.  LC 556's profile and history sheet revised.


25th April 2015 - A new photograph of an Eastern Counties model has been uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


22nd April 2015 - At long last LC 556 has now been officially repatriated with her original registration number - 3003 AH!  She was re-registered in the mid 1980s with a replacement Staffordshire plate - FRE 699A by the DVLA when her original number was sold off as a 'cherished plate'.


20th April 2015 - Many new images of express coach services time and fare tables booklets uploaded to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


19th April 2015 - The history page now includes an illustrated history in enlargeable .pdf format of the motor omnibus routes established by the Great Eastern Railway Company Ltd from 1904 onwards, taking us back to the earliest beginnings of motor omnibus operation in East Anglia.


18th April 2015 - Further images of Company stage carriage time table books from the 1930s to the 1970s uploaded to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


17th April 2015 - An 8 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the winter of 1950 and the spring of 1951 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1950s express coach service timetables section).  A 20 page booklet detailing the express coach services operating between London and East Anglia in the autumn of 1934 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1930s express coach service timetables section).


16th April 2015 - New images of a TIM type ticket machine, used by Eastern Counties in the 1940s and 1950s, uploaded to the miscellaneous Company artefacts section of the timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageA 1950s coach hire leaflet is now available as an enlargeable .pdf format document from the routes page. A 28 page booklet detailing express coach services operating between London and East Anglia (including time and fare tables) in the spring and summer of Coronation Year 1937 is now available from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page (1930s express coach service timetables section).


15th April 2015 - Further fare tables uploaded to the railway substitute stage carriage services section of the routes page. A new enlargeable schedule of railway substitute stage carriage services in .pdf format is now available from the routes page.  The parcels service page has been revised.  New images added to the badges, buttons and other uniform related artefacts page.


14th April 2015 - New photographs of Eastern Counties models uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


13th April 2015 - New photographs of Eastern Counties models uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageNew link added to useful links page.  The history page now contains a link to an interesting YouTube video taken from the front seat of a car touring the streets of 1950s Norwich with many views of pre-war Eastern Counties vehicles in service!


12th April 2015 - The Depots, outstations, works & offices page has been revised and now includes descriptive information on each of the Company's premises.  Predecessor Company history pages updated to include livery details. Various minor alterations and improvements made throughout the site.


11th April 2015 - A short history of predecessor company, Peterborough Electric Traction Company Ltd in enlargeable .pdf format has been added to the history pageNew question submitted by a visitor has been added to the questions & answers page. The schedule of operators acquired by ECOC between 1932 and 1979 has been updated with new information.


10th April 2015 - New section added to the Company history page detailing members of senior management who served during the Company during the 'Tilling' era.  A short history of predecessor company, United Automobile Services Ltd (East Anglia area) in enlargeable .pdf format has been added to the history pageFurther images of miscellaneous Company artefacts uploaded to timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.  Various minor improvements made throughout the site.


9th April 2015 - The models section of the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page has been revised to include credits to model-makers as per suggestions made by contributors.  More time and fare tables uploaded to the railway substitute stage carriage services section of the routes page. 


8th April 2015 - New page dedicated to Southend Transport's Massey bodied Leyland PD3/6, fleet number 316 (PHJ 955) is now accessible from the 'How the passion began' page. This vehicle, although not related in any way to the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company, very nearly became my first acquisition!


7th April 2015 - Sunday, 28th June 2015 now confirmed as the date for LL 711's 65th birthday celebratory run following the route of former Eastern Counties service 15 from Norwich to Downham Market.  If you would like to be part of this celebration, please email me as soon as possible to reserve your seat!  Please note, that numbers will have to be limited to 35, as that's a full seated load, so it will have to be on a first come, first served basis. Click blue text above to view/download flyer/poster in .pdf format.


6th April 2015 - The new page dedicated to the stage carriage routes operated in the city of Norwich during the 'Tilling' era has been revised with many new photographs of vehicles operating the respective routes added.


5th April 2015 - A further selection of 1970s fare tables are now available for viewing on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page. New page dedicated to railway substitute stage carriage services uploaded to the site, accessible from the routes page. Leaflets detailing traffic arrangements for the 1969 & 1970 late summer bank holidays are now available for viewing on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


4th April 2015 - A detailed schedule of the stage carriage routes operated in the city of Norwich during the 'Tilling' era is now available from the routes page. A further selection of 1970s fare tables are now available for viewing on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


3rd April 2015 - A further selection of 1970s fare tables are now available for viewing on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


2nd April 2015 - New photographs of Eastern Counties models uploaded to the models page accessible from the timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageComplete March 1936 Norwich area time table uploaded to timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


1st April 2015 - Various new images of Company artefacts added to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page


30th March 2015 - A selection of 1970s fare tables are now available for viewing on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageAn enlargeable .pdf format image of the waybill completed by LL 711's conductor at the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day is available for viewing/downloading from LL 711's photo gallery page, accessible from the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day page.  Various new images of Company artefacts added to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page. The Company history page has been updated with details of the Company's pioneering 'one man operation' scheme which commenced in the mid 1950s.


29th March 2015 - The Memories page now includes a .pdf copy of a Norwich Advertiser article covering long retired Norwich driver, Frank Crowe's 90th birthday celebration at the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day on Sunday, 22nd March 2015.  LL 711 appears as 'photo of the week' in the Norwich Advertiser!  New press articles uploaded to the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day page.  Auction catalogue pertaining to the sale of surplus equipment, spares and stores, following the closure of the Company's Cremorne Lane central works in Norwich in March 1987, is now available on the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page in enlargeable .pdf format.


28th March 2015 - Eastern Counties Road Car Company Ltd history page completely revised with new photographs of vehicles added.  Sunday, 28th June 2015 now confirmed as the date for LL 711's 65th birthday celebratory run following the route of former Eastern Counties service 15 from Norwich to Downham Market.  If you would like to be part of this celebration, please email me as soon as possible to reserve your seat!  Please note, that numbers will have to be limited to 35, as that's a full seated load, so it will have to be on a first come, first served basis.


27th March 2015 - Various revisions made to Norwich Classic Bus Running Day page, following comments from site visitors.  New page dedicated to predecessor company, Ortona Motor Company Ltd added to the Company history pageNew link to a photograph gallery of LL 711 in action on routes 13a and 13b as part of the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day added to the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day page.


26th March 2015 - New page dedicated to predecessor company, Peterborough Electric Traction Company Ltd added to the Company history pageThe page contains only photographs of PET vehicles at present, but it is intended to include a brief history of the Company and a route map in due course.  The memories page now includes a link to the Meldreth History Society's website which includes some great memories from people who travelled on the 108 bus which ran from Cambridge to Royston for many years from the early 1930s to the early 1970s, until it changed to the 146 during the NBC era.


25th March 2015 - New page dedicated to predecessor company, United Automobile Services Ltd (East Anglia area) added to the Company history pageThe page contains only photographs of United vehicles at present, but it is intended to include a brief history of the Company and a route map in due course.

On Wednesday, 1st July 2015, LL 711 will be 65 years old! 

I would very much like to mark this milestone by running a special celebratory trip from Norwich to Downham Market, following the former Eastern Counties route 15 via Colney, Barford, Kimberley, Hingham, Scoulton, Watton, Ashill, South Pickenham, Hilborough, Mundford, Northwold, Methwold, Whittington, Stoke Ferry, Wretton and Crimplesham.  LL 711 was a regular performer on this long distance service for many years during the 1960s when she was out-stationed at Northwold.  I was thinking that perhaps running the trip on the following Sunday (5th) would have been ideal, as it would have allowed more people to have the chance to attend, but there are two events planned for the 4th & 5th which it is hoped the bus will be attending, so perhaps doing it on the Sunday before the event (28 June) would be better, as there are no local bus related events planned for that weekend.  If you would like to be part of this celebration, please email me as soon as possible to reserve your seat!  Please note, that numbers will have to be limited to 35, as that's a full seated load, so it will have to be on a first come, first served basis. 


24th March 2015 - New page dedicated to the highly successful Norwich Classic Bus Running Day held on Sunday, 22nd March 2015 added to the site. The new page is accessible via a link on the home page.


23rd March 2015 - New page dedicated to Norwich Electric Tramways Company Ltd added to the Company history page.  

Well done and many thanks to all the organisers, visitors and supporters of the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day held on Sunday, 22nd March 2015.  I am very pleased to report that LL 711 (KNG 711) performed impeccably all day, completing all her time tabled journeys on time and giving great enjoyment to all who travelled on her on the re-created Eastern Counties services 13a and 13b between Norwich city centre and Costessey Church and Ringland Road junction respectively.


21st March 2015 - Tours and excursions brochure from the Summer of 1967 uploaded to the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page. in enlargeable .pdf format.  New page devoted to the Brighton Coach Rally where Eastern Counties won the prestigious Concours D'Elegance Trophy in 1956 with LS 766 (UNG 766). 


20th March 2015 - Further express coach service time and fare tables from Winter 1969 and Summer 1970 added to timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


19th March 2015 - Guided tour of the First Eastern Counties Roundtree Way depot now being offered as part of the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day on Sunday, 22nd March 2015.  The newly added events page has been updated with details of forthcoming rallies and shows and the webmaster's preserved former Eastern Counties vehicles which it is hoped will be attending them. A more prominent link to the site guest book has been added to the home page which will hopefully attract more visitors to sign it.


18th March 2015 - Details of the forthcoming Clacton Bus Rally and Running Day which LM 452 is hoping to attend, are now available on the events page.


17th March 2015 - Passengers' rules and regulations added to timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageFurther images of advertisements added to the advertising & publicity pageVarious other minor additions and amendments made throughout the site.


16th March 2015 - Further images added to the miscellaneous company artefacts section of the timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.


15th March 2015 - Eastern Counties 'Wanderbus' ticket publicity and 'Wanderbus' competition application form and winner's certificate uploaded. These are accessible from the introductory 'How the passion began' page by clicking on 'Wanderbus' at the foot of the page.


13th March 2015 - The forthcoming Norwich Classic Bus Running Day on Sunday, 22nd March 2015 has received local press coverage.  The Norwich Advertiser has published an article publicising the event complete with photographs of preserved LFL 57 (557 BNG), VR 307 (LFS 280F) and FLF 470 (KNG 470D).  A new events page has been added to the site to publicise events which either LL 711, LM 452 or LC 556 are hoping to attend.  An enlargeable .pdf format serialised study of the story of Eastern Counties from 1931 to 1970 by C. G. G. Everett has been added to the Company history pageVarious minor improvements made throughout the site.


11th March 2015 - Details of the Norwich Classic Bus Running Day on Sunday, 22nd March 2015 are now available on this site.  

At long last, LC 556 has been extremely fortunate by being repatriated with her original registration number!  From the start of this year's rally season, the webmaster's preserved light weight Bristol SC4LK saloon which has been restored since 2005, will legally be able to display her original registration number, 3003 AH, on the road for the first time since the mid 1980s, rather than having to display the Staffordshire registration, FRE 699A, allocated to her as a replacement plate by DVLA.  This has been on my wish list for many years and I am very pleased to report that I have finally been able to complete negotiations with the original plate's owner to achieve this long held aspiration.


10th March 2015 - A selection of photographs relating to museum and club owned preserved vehicles have been added to the useful links pageFurther information on the railway substitute services operated by the Company has been added to the routes page.


9th March 2015 - A selection of enlargeable .pdf format early NBC era route maps have been added to the routes page.  Links to two photographs of Norwich Electric Tramways tram car number 12 and a Norwich tramways network route map have been added to the ECOC history pageA brief history of the Ortona Motor Company and its predecessors is now available to view and download as an enlargeable .pdf document from the ECOC history page.


8th March 2015 - The long awaited schedule of early NBC era ECOC routes is now available on the routes page.  It is intended to include route maps from both the early NBC and 'Tilling' eras in this section of the site.  Watch this page for details of future uploads.  Photograph of 'Tilling' survivor, LKH 108 (HPW 108) is now available on the known preserved and surviving vehicles page, courtesy of Maurice Doggett.


5th March 2015 - ECOC history page updated with new photographs of predecessor companies' vehicles and a new link to an enlargeable .pdf image of a wartime 'producer gas' bus conversion in the shape of LL 58 (CVF 858), a 1939 Bristol L5G saloon with 35 seat Eastern Coach Works bodywork.


4th March 2015 - Further images added to the miscellaneous company artefacts section of the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.  The Advertising & publicity page now includes a newly added section detailing the logos used by the Company's predecessor companies.


3rd March 2015 - Eastern Counties Road Car Company history page revised.  Advertising & publicity page now includes a section on the many styles of Company logos in use during the 'Tilling' era.


2nd March 2015 - New photographs of models of AP and BS type vehicles uploaded to the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageCompany parcel service page revised and now includes a photograph of RL 735 (AAH 735J) carrying an all over advertisement for the parcels service in the 1970s.


1st March 2015 - New section dedicated to models of  'Tilling' era Eastern Counties vehicles added to the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.  Further images added to the miscellaneous company artefacts section of the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page.  A complete set of express coach service time tables from the summer of 1967 is now available to view on the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageVarious minor revisions made throughout the site.


27th February 2015 - A 1933 booklet detailing the express coach services between East Anglia and London has been added to the Express coach service time tables - 1930s page and a coach holiday brochure from the summer of 1939 has been added to the routes page.


26th February 2015 - An employees' rules and conditions of service booklet issued in 1939 and a booklet detailing a 'Memorandum of Agreement' between the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company and the Transport & General Workers' Union issued in 1947 have been added to the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page. Various minor revisions made throughout the site.


24th February 2015 - ECOC history page updated with a new link to a dedicated Eastern Counties Road Car Company page, containing example time table and fare table, coach hire advertisement, time table booklet cover, company profile and downloadable map of routes as of July 1924.  Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new time table issued to coincide with the opening of the new Norwich, Surrey Street omnibus station and garage in March 1936 added. Employees' rules and conditions of service booklets issued in 1931 and 1936 added to the Timetables, faretables and other ephemera pageVarious minor revisions made throughout the site.


23rd February 2015 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page revised and updated with new pictures added. Questions and answers page refreshed and updated with relevant illustrations.  Various other revisions made throughout the site.


22nd February 2015 - Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated and completely revised with a refreshed layout.  New page for 1930s fare tables added.  

It is hoped that LL 711 will be re-creating former Eastern Counties services 13a and 13b - Norwich, St Stephens Street - Castle Meadow - Bank Plain - Dereham Road - Costessey (Church and Ringland Road Junction) as part of a 'Norwich Classic Bus Running Day' to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the cessation of tram services in the city. This event is being jointly organised by the Eastern Transport Collection Society, the East Anglia Transport Museum and the Ipswich Transport Museum on Sunday, 22nd March 2015.  It is hoped that this timetable will be operated by LL 711 on the day.


21st February 2015 - Advertising & publicity page updated with newly added adverts and notices from the 1932 time table book.  Depots, outstations, works & offices page completely revised with a refreshed layout and links to .pdf format photographs of LS 766 (UNG 766) at the 1956 Brighton Coach Rally, where the vehicle won the prestigious Concours D'Elegance trophy!


20th February 2015 - New page added describing the 1930s mobile postal service offered by the company on certain stage carriage routes in Norfolk.  A .pdf schedule of stage carriage routes upon formation in July 1931 added to the Routes page.


18th February 2015 - Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of tickets, parcel service and passenger's luggage labels. Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of miscellaneous company artefacts.

Links to two interesting 'YouTube' videos newly added to home page. Take a virtual ride on restored LK 374 (KNG 374) from the Ipswich Transport Museum to the centre of Ipswich and back!

Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated. LFS 54 (54 CPW) now with Richard Masterman of Gloucestershire, for continued preservation.


17th February 2015 - Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of coach tours and excursions literature added.  Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of company internal dockets, vouchers and passenger's passes.


16th February 2015 - Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of express coach services timetables from the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s & the 1960s.  Eastern Counties bus museum project page revised and updated.


15th February 2015 - Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of stage carriage services timetables from the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s added.   New visitor feedback form now available as a downloadable MS Word document with drop down menus and text boxes.


14th February 2015 - Schedule of express coach services added to the Routes operated section.  Company parcel service details added to site.  Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page updated with new images of stage carriage services timetables from the 1930s and 1940s added.


13th February 2015 - Questions and answers page updated.  New link to Classic Buses Website added to useful links page


12th February 2015 - Advertising & publicity page completely revised with new images of company publicity material added.

Timetables, faretables and other ephemera page completely revised with new images of uniform cap and lapel badges, buttons and apparel added.


11th February 2015 - Do you have a specific Eastern Counties related question you would like an answer to?  If you do, please feel free to submit your question to the webmaster.  Your question will then appear on the site's new questions and answers page which has been added to the site today.


10th February 2015 - The 'Eastern Counties Omnibus Company blog' has never allowed visitors to leave messages due to some technical reason which I have never been able to resolve!  This facility has now been replaced by a new visitors' memories page.  Submissions from visitors by e-mail are most welcome for publication on this page.  Numerous other revisions and improvements have been carried out as part of an ongoing exercise to refresh the site, making it more attractive and 'user-friendly' to visitors and browsing and navigation functions easier.  A new guest book has been added to the site. Please feel free to sign it. Just click the yellow button at the foot of the home page to open it.


9th February 2015 - It is hoped that LL 711 will be re-creating former Eastern Counties services 13a and 13b - Norwich Bus Station - Castle Meadow - Bank Plain - Dereham Road - Costessey (Church and Ringland Road Junction) as part of a 'Norwich Classic Bus Running Day' to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the cessation of tram services in Norwich. This event is being jointly organised by the Eastern Transport Collection Society and the East Anglia Transport Museum on Sunday, 22nd March 2015.  It is hoped that this timetable will be operated by LL 711 on the day.


8th February 2015 - Many revisions, new photographs, updates and improvements have been made throughout the site.  Excel spreadsheets have been converted to .pdf format to enable better access to fleet lists for those who do not have MS Excel on their computers.  Let me know what you think of the changes so far!  Send your thoughts by email to me at patrickburnside44@gmail.com along with any ideas you may have to improve the site further.


31st January 2015 - Linked photographs of all the known surviving and preserved vehicles added to the site.


30th January 2015 - All links and references to the now sadly defunct 'Fotopic' photograph hosting website have been removed from this website.


16th August 2014 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated. LKH 108 (HPW 108) has now passed to Ian Hunter, Leeds for continued preservation (ex- William Staniforth, Birmingham and Eastern Transport Collection Society, Attleborough). LL542 (CVF 842) has now passed to Bunker, Lighthorne (ex- William Staniforth, Birmingham and Group 94, Coventry) Preserved as Southern National 377.


30th June 2013 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated. Remains of LL 651 (FPW 522) rescued from the late John Slender's scrap yard near North Walsham, Norfolk by the Eastern Transport Collection Society as a source of spares. AH 210 (NG 5401) still lies derelict in Ben Jordan's yard at the Dell, Coltishall. Confirmed that there are no further surviving Tilling era ECOC vehicles on site.


30th March 2013 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated. LFS 54 (54 CPW) now acquired by Julian Patterson of King's Lynn, Norfolk for preservation.


20th January 2013 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated.


22nd October 2011 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated. LFS 54 (54 CPW) has now been acquired by Viv Carter of Carter's Coaches, Tattingstone, Suffolk as a retirement preservation project.


18th June 2011 - Known preserved and surviving vehicles page updated.


June 2011 - The date and venue for this year's Eastern Counties Omnibus Company retired and serving busmen's reunion has now been announced... the 2011 event will once again be held in the Woolpack Public House on Golden Ball Street, Norwich on Friday, 9th September between 3pm and 6pm. All former ECOC employees and serving FEC staff are most welcome to attend.


March 2011 - VERY SAD NEWS.... Unfortunately, the 'Fotopic' website containing the entire Eastern Counties photographic archive has been taken off line for some unknown reason by its hosts. This is a VERY BIG BLOW as many, many hours of dedicated and painstaking work over the last three or so years has been invested in building this site into what I envisaged as being a permanent online archive of all the many fine vehicles which operated for the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company during the Tilling years. All this effort has seemingly been lost at a stroke! I am fervently hoping that 'fotopic' will resurrect their photo hosting site at some point in the future, but I'm certainly not holding my breath... As a consequence, all the links on this website which refer to the 'fotopic' site are invalid. I offer my sincere apologies to all fellow Eastern Counties enthusiasts who have been regularly visiting and enjoying this site over the past few years. Unfortunately, this dreadful unforeseen occurrence is completely beyond my control!


December 2010 - BREAKING NEWS!!  Long lost 'Tilling Survivor' discovered in Southern Ireland! LC 551 (VVF 551) formerly owned by David Cooke of Long Stratton, Norfolk (for preservation) but sold by him in late 1980. Thought to have been scrapped, but has now come to light in Eire as a caravan!  

Many more 'Tilling' era photos and three new collections devoted to preserved vehicles LK 374, LKH 133 and LKH 341 have recently been added to the 'Fotopic' ECOC gallery. The list of surviving Tilling era vehicles has been updated to include LC 551 (VVF 551) with newly discovered owner, Robert Rowe in the Irish Republic.


18th January 2010 - Established new 'blog' site for enthusiasts and former ECOC employees to share views, stories, memories, photographs and anecdotes. Click this link to open the 'blog' and then click on the message title to leave your message - Eastern Counties Omnibus Company Blog


November 2009 to January 2010 - Yet more photos added to the ever expanding ECOC 'Fotopic' site. The LM 452 & LL 711 collections now hold many previously unpublished photos from their early preservation days. Watch these collections closely as there are many more to follow! New 'fotopic' collection dedicated to the 1930s 'P' class established.


December 2008 to October 2009 - Many more photos added to the 'Fotopic' site. List of surviving Tilling era vehicles updated to show LE 699 (KNG 699) with new owner, Tony Brown at Chelveston Preservation Group, Northants.


November 2008 - Details of Eastern Counties Bus Museum project uploaded as a .pdf file.


August to October 2008 - More photos added to the 'Fotopic' site. List of surviving Tilling era vehicles updated with links to photos of LS 809 and LL 679 owned by Essex preservationist, Ian Mahoney.


March to July 2008 - Lots more photos added to the 'Fotopic' site, especially vehicles of the Lodekka variety, many taken by the webmaster in the 1970s and early 1980s in Norwich, Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft & Cambridge. New collection entitled 'ECOC - Artefacts' added in July to include images of non vehicle related artefacts such as advertising and publicity material, staff long service award badges, uniform badges and buttons, enamel signs, timetable display cases, tickets, ticket machines, timetable booklet covers, express services leaflets, Company letterheads, etc, etc.


February 2008 - New spreadsheets uploaded to list all the various non-standard vehicles operated by Eastern Counties (ie. non Bristol or Leyland) and second hand vehicles acquired by the company to offset vehicle shortages. The second hand listing will include vehicles acquired from the four constituent companies in July 1931 and also vehicles acquired from small independent operators taken over by ECOC over the period 1931 to 1971. Lots more photos uploaded to the 'Fotopic' collections all of which have been indexed to the appropriate spreadsheets where applicable.


January 2008 - Lots more photos have been uploaded to the 'Fotopic' gallery over the Christmas and New Year period. All spreadsheets have had their links to the photos updated. Four new 'Fotopic' collections have been set up to house photos of ECOC's second-hand acquisitions and ECOC vehicles in preservation. At present, these are dedicated to the vehicles preserved by the webmaster, but it is hoped to feature many other preserved ECOC vehicles in the future.


December 2007 - Lots more photos have been uploaded to the 'Fotopic' gallery. Most of the existing Excel spreadsheets have been updated and now have links to the 'Fotopic' gallery. Two new collections have been set up to hold photos of the surviving ECOC Tilling era vehicles and ECOC vehicles with subsequent owners. There is a lot more still to do, but over time, it is hoped that this website will become a permanent reference for enthusiasts of the Tilling era of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company.


November 2007 - This site is now connected to a newly opened 'Fotopic' gallery which contains a host of photographs of the Tilling era Eastern Counties fleet, all neatly divided into 'collections' devoted to each class of vehicle. The ultimate aim is to be able to click on the fleet number of any vehicle shown in the Excel spreadsheets on this site to reveal a photograph of that particular vehicle. Obviously, this is a long term project and will depend on whether photographs of all the vehicles can be located. If you feel you may be able to assist with this ambitious task by allowing your photos to be uploaded, please do not hesitate to contact the webmaster, who will be very pleased to hear from you!


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