I know the two buses A379ROU and A234GNR went to Kent county council and were later part-ex three years ago with cherished plates up in Plaxtons Sheffield, this is where my search has ended any info would be most apreciated
Mike Are you the person advertising for the whereabouts of this coach in the Whitstable Times recently?
I am a member of an enthusiasts group based in Kent which tries to keep track of all the local coach operators fleets. We know that A234 GNR was with Chalkwell Coaches of Sittingbourne from 7/91 and are fairly sure it was re-registered to KIW 7360 in 9/91. They owned it until around 2003 but we lost track of it afterwards.
However if you have a look at this link: www.skylineaviation.co.uk/buses/+Leyland-71-82.html
you will find the following: 8200919 (TRCTL11/2R) – Plaxton C53F 8411LTP1C004 new 2/84 to Mainwaring, Gilfach Goch (A234 GNR, later KIW 7360); ex Chalkwell, Sittingbourne by 6/03; to Stack, Listowel by 6/03; r/r 84 KY 1256 by 6/03
There's no mention of Kent County Council, but perhaps they handled it in a dealer capacity and resold it soon afterwards (unlike A379 ROU which stayed with Kent CC for a while). In other words, GNR seems to have been exported to Ireland and re-registered again to the modern Irish registration shown. The PSV Circle list the operator as Eoin Stack, Duagh, Listowel, County Kerry. Finally, a bit more detective work on the web found www.kerryman.ie/local-notes/countywide-1087561.html
which gives contact details (068 45162 or 087 2522402).
If this is the firm that you understand has cut up A379 ROU, then maybe they swapped identities at some stage while in Kent?
Sorry if this creates as many questions as it answers, but hope it helps. Derek J
Over the moon we've found her, been in touch with operator and we're picking it up in december. Thanks to all who helped and this magnificent web site too.
Added by Mike Mainwaring on 17 September 2008.