LOST INDEPENDENTS: BICKERS

Bickers Ford R192/Willowbrook was new in September 1970, in contrast behind is ex London Transport Guy Special MXX 356.

Bickers commenced services in 1925 with a 14 seat Model T Ford for use on services from Coddenham, business expanded through the 1940's with Lings of Brockford taken over in 1955, in 1968 they took over the Ipswich to Otley service from P & M Coaches and in 1974 the Ipswich to Debenham service from Eastern Counties. During 1981 they took over the Ipswich to Woodbridge services from JDW Transport, this was extended during 1982 when Eastern Counties withdrew from the Bawdsey service. In 1988 Bickers was sold jointly to Ipswich Buses and Eastern Counties.

Bristol LH/Plaxton GGV 47N had a relatively short career with Bickers from New passing to Laws of Killingworth, North Tyne Travel and later to TMS and then to United in 1992 and numbered 1902.

Freshly repainted into Eastern Counties livery ex Bickers Bedford YMT /Willowbrook SB 811 NBJ 842P lasted about a year after takeover before being withdrawn.