CWK205 (2009)

I was reading an article in the History Centre today about a popular Coventry Bus Conductor called Fred Bevan and i wondered if anyone on this forum actually remembers him at all ? I don't know exactly when he retired, but he started on the Buses in 1936 and was with CCT for a long time ! He seemed to be a regular later on, on the 19 route and was known for entertaining his passengers by playing tunes on his Mouth Organ, while his Driver Bill Bevan sang the words !!! Fred also wore a Black Leather Glove on one hand, possibly to hide the damage caused to it from the starter handle on an early CCT Bus, that spun back with such force and unfortunatly shattered the bones in his hand !
If any forum members have got any photo's of buses on the 19 route taken in the late 1950's or early 60's, there is every chance that you might spot this little old Conductor on your picture ???

Fred used to play his mouth organ, entertaining his passengers on route, a great character, who had lots of chat and cheeky with it too. There were a couple of letters and a story about him in the CET. He loved the 401-3 Daimler Freelines when they were on the service, reserving the front seat for himself, and thats where he used to strike up a tune as they made their merry way. Of course a regular conductor got to know his passengers on the 19..I heard it termed as the 'happy bus'. I have included a pic of Fred with his driver outside the Bear at Berkswell..circa 1965.

I so remember him. We used to live in Hockley Lane and i often caught a single deck bus to school. I do remember the 1/2 cabs, especially the dp's, but also travelled on the Freelines very often. He was a real character and seemed to know many people's names.

Fun loving happy go lucky characters like Conductor Fred Bevan and our very own Forum Founder and former "CCT" Driver Peter "Sandy Lane" Walduck have long since gone off Coventry's buses now and it's sad really, as you just don't get to chat and have a laugh with the Driver's like you used to ??? They just sit there now behind that protection screen, with a face like thunder and if any of them actually speak English these days, it's a miracle !!!
To be fair on the Driver's these days though, they do get alot of hassle from the local yobs who happen get on board and if ever there is any trouble at all, they don't have anyone there to back them up, like a Driver would have done for their Conductor years ago !!!

Careful some of us do still speak English and have a sense of humour it is the only way to survive on the buses these days.We are watched by video cameras,tracked by satellite,your driving speed braking and cornering are all recorded and as if that is not enough they have unleashed an army of Driver Quality Monitors in case they missed anything else no wonder drivers look miserable!