Open topped by East Kent back in 1981 after a low bridge accident at Chestfield in 1980, she replaced the open top PFN AEC Regents on the Thanet 69 Coastal Service. Working with 3 open toppped ex M&D Atlanteans she survived in service until 1992 when replaced with ex Southdown convertable VR's from the UVW batch.
She eventually found her was to Chepstow Classic Bus via Wall of Fallowfield and PVS of Carlton.
She was bought last year by Paul Houselander and has now been fully restored as "Pride of Thanet".

To celebrate the return to Kent of Bristol VRT/Willowbrook RVB977S better known as the 'Pride of Thanet', now owned by FotEK member Paul Houselander, a road run on her former route was organised. The vehicles met at the boating lake in Ramsgate where a great many photographers had gathered. They then ran on to Minnis Bay through Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate stopping en route for pictures. Returning from the Bay a stop was performed for breakfast at Westgate before heading to Westwood bus garage for more pictures and then on to Ramsgate.

FotEK member and webmaster Jake Bamford who drives for Buzzlines Coaches had reason to take his usual vehicle - Transbus Dart SLF GX05AVV to the main depot at Lympne. Returning through Dover he called in on the former East Kent garage at Russell Street, due for demolition very soon. This may have been the last bus from Russell Street however the following weekend Jake, who also owns ex East Kent Bristol VRT SKL681X (7681), returned with 7681. Although she was a Thanet car she may well have visited Dover on service. She may well prove to be the last true 'car' to leave Russell Street.

On our main website we have a picture of the month on the title page, here you can see them all.

Donated to FotEK by Carl Underwood last year who carried out the fanastic restoration on 1178. She was used for a while as a mobility bus in the Nottingham area and had an extra door fitted amidships with a wheelchair lift. The lift has been removed though the door remains although when time permits this to will be replaced by a standard National window bay. Inside her vynal seats have been replaced with blue moqette which certainly gives your bum a bit more grip! We are currently selling shares in this bus! Visit http://friendsoftheeastkent.weebly.com for more information.

780B has been off the road for sometime now whilst some minor mechanical work was undertaken and a repaint of the bodywork was done. The majority of this work has been done now- mostly by members Carl and Tim with some help from Barry and Tony. We hope to get 780B MOT'd soon and back on the road.