Harpers Bus Memories In Colour

Most people living in the Cannock Chase, Aldridge and Brownhills areas, before 1975, will have heard of Harper Bros (Heath Hayes) Ltd. This company, almost always simply referred to as 'Harpers' was synonymous with public transport in the area, taking many residents on their journeys to school, work, days out, tours and even on a summer Saturday coastal express service to their chosen holiday destination. The company also put the name of Heath Hayes, a small Staffordshire mining village, on the national map as bus enthusiasts throughout the country took an interest in this well-known operator. Their mixed fleet amounted to over 50 vehicles, making them the largest independent operator in Staffordshire. They included buses bodied by their own workshops, ancient second-hand workhorses and purpose-built brand new vehicles.