Mystery bus trip

Another group I belong to is called The Weekly Wind Up. Membership is free! They meet at a pub in South East England every Thursday evening, usually at least one mild ale is available.  Occasionally a bus is required to get to the pub.

On Thursday 25^th July the meeting was a mystery bus to a mystery pub. All I knew was it would be departing Sevenoaks station at 1830. I arrived at Sevenoaks station about 1715 and walked up the hill to Wetherspoons pub. The best thing about this pub for me was the name ‘The Sennockian’. The only guest beer was Hogs Back HBB which was okay.

Soon it was time to head back to the station to see what the mystery bus. An ex Malta bus no less. I later learned that the owner had spent about a year restoring this bus and it looked excellent. I climbed aboard and after leaving 10 minutes late to wait for someone who had got the wrong train, we headed off.

Our destination turned out to be the Padwell in the village of Stone Street. My beer of choice for the evening was Tonbridge – Ebony Moon. The pub had only re-opened about 3 weeks previously but was looking good, although they still had work to do. I didn’t take photos of the pub inside but took some photos of the bus outside the pub. All in all a great evening out and my first trip on a Maltese bus.

Outside Sevenoaks station

First posting

Well here goes. Thought I'd try and scribble a few words about my interests to start with and explain the blog title.

Beers - real ales, cask ales are the first thing. I'm a beer ticker or scooper. Making a note of all the different beers I've drunk over the years. Going to pubs and beer festivals around the country to add to my list.

Steam - I have been a working volunteer at the Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line) for nearly 21 years. I am currently one of the Guards & Shunters Foreman plus Training Officer for Guards & Shunters. I also do Porter duties at Alton station. I was previously a Travelling Ticket Inspector but gave that up when i was appointed Foreman.

Nationals - I am a big fan of the Leyland National bus. Very few in front line service now but a number are preserved. 3 of which I spend time on travelling to bus rallies on and helping to maintain.
Sometimes these hobbies cross over such as when I occasionally serve beer on the Watercress Line's  Real Ale Train or my annual visit to the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. Yes I do like diesel traction on preserved railways as well, though i don't spend as much time on this.
I also keep a record of all the railway lines  have travelled over in the UK, still got plenty do though.
You might call me an anorak but I prefer the term enthusiast and with these various interests get to travel around and meet lots of interesting people.

Thats it for now. Been writing this in my local, the Egham United Services Club www.eusc.co.uk and its thirsty work!


I hope I will make weekly updates but we'll see how it goes.