SHARP OF BOSTON
Operating from Boston to Freiston Shore
Acquired from Battle in 1950, and originally Charles Alfred Sharp, this business became A (Eric) Sharp of Boston. At some time in the earlier days it was based in Sutterton. They operated from Boston to Fishtoft and Freiston, and typically the fleet would be six Bedford vehicles in a red and cream livery, including OBs and OWBs. In 1954, the service was popular enough to require the provision of three vehicles on the bus route. In 1964 the fleet numbered five, all Bedfords, three OB, one SB and a 7-seater. The Sharp's business was sold to Hogg of nearby Benington in 1982.
Illustrated below is an undated timetable from this operator. There are handwritten additions on the back giving additional journeys on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the school holidays:
9.00 am and 4.30 pm Boston to Freiston Shore
2.20 pm Freiston Shore to Boston
As may be seen from the timetable there were three route variations (a) via Fishtoft and Hawthorn Tree (b) via Freiston Village and Hawthorn Tree (c) via Fishtoft, Halfway House and Hawthorn Tree. Lincolnshire Road Car service 63 also ran between Boston and Freiston Village, but on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. On those two days most of Sharp's runs went via Fishtoft rather than Freiston.
There were attempts in earlier years to make Freiston Shore a seaside resort but these were short-lived, and today Freiston Shore is a thriving RSPB Nature Reserve. This is the biggest example of such a project in the United Kingdom and over 150 bird species are recorded here each year.
Always a popular spot to visit for Bostonians however, as evidenced by journey possibilities in the timetable for trips outwards from the market town of Boston as well as shopping and market day (Wednesday) trips into town. The Plummers Hotel, which was bult in the mid eighteenth century, was once derelict. Twentieth-century land reclamation has altered the shore line and left this high and dry, now several fields from the shores of the Wash. Happily it now is once again a thriving hotel.
GORDON SHARP REMEMBERS
Please accept the first of many tales and clippings regarding Sharps Coaches.
Many years ago, whilst suffering a bout of ill health my Grandfather Charles Afred Sharp (Eric's Dad) remarked to the then young Eric, one day I'll buy that piece of land yonder and open a garage on the site. He did and then started Sharps Coaches there too, the legend across the back of the Bedford Coaches later read Chas. A. Sharp - nobody ever did catch Charlie, he was too quick. Reputed to be the first dealer to sell Model T Fords in Lincolnshire.
with many thanks to John Brogden for the loan of the timetable,
and incorporating also information from articles and publications
by Roy Marshall and David Kaye found in the libraries of Lincolnshire
