I have some fond memories of Derwent Coaches.




(Image Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/busfreakbrian/7481549572 - User: Briandela)

Not only did they operate the Cross Country service between Whickham and Ryton (and, in later years, from Ryton into Newcastle) but they were also the provider of coach travel for my school. They used to take us swimming; take us on school trips to the coast and Lightwater Valley; and for some, although not me as I lived right next to the school; take us home.

The cross-country service was always a laugh. You were allowed to drink, smoke, and basically, do whatever you wanted. You were always aware that the bus might brake-down at a moments notice (the buses never sounded healthy), but since it was usually a coach, the seats were comfortable. It was a regular pub-crawler bus for drinkers wishing to alternate between the bars of Winlaton and Whickham. It was convenient for last orders, the last bus to Whickham used to get you there before 11:00 while the last bus to Winlaton used to arrive before last, last, orders at 11:30.

The bus eventually lost all its character when it was eventually absorbed into GNE, renumbered the 641 and operated by OK Travel. It probably ended sometime in the late 90s when the 637 came into operation.