Trolleybuses were cool,silent and pollutant-free

You may well think I have had a love affair with the Portsmouth trolleybus system.

You could well be right, as they were cool, silent and pollutant free.

The system closed on July 27, 1963 and were much missed.

The petrol buses were just as enjoyable to ride on but the exhaust fumes that were given out were worse than any cigarette smoke breathed in.

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Right, we see a trolleybus passing the New Theatre Royal, in Commercial Road, in what is now Guildhall Walk.

It is taken from Portsmouth Trolleybuses by David R.H. Bowler, a 384-page book covering every aspect of the system.

n Well-known local author Alderman Ralph Cousins is putting together another of his booklets to be published in the new year.

This one is on the building of Leigh Park which celebrates its 60th year of occupation in 2019.

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The first residents had moved in from a drab, war-torn Portsmouth into the countryside and a different way of life to that of a former city dweller.

The first school to be built on the estate was Riders Lane, although the main entrance was in Kingsclere Avenue.

Riders County Infant School opened in January 1954, followed by the junior school shortly after.

There was a school at Stockheath, part of the former HMS Daedalus III Naval Camp, but they were old buildings put to use in 1950.

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It was supposed to have been used for but a short while until new schools were opened but was in service for nearly 30 years.

If you are in the photograph, below, please let me know.

n In the Eddie Wallace photograph, circa 1962, right, we have moved a quarter of a mile further south of the trolleybus picture.

We are at the south end of Commercial Road, where it becomes Hampshire Terrace.

To the left is the Victoria Cinema and to the right the Victoria Hotel on the corner of Wiltshire Street.

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