LIFE on the buses around Keighley in the 1960s will be just the ticket for visitors to a town event.

Well-known history and transport enthusiast Graham Mitchell is giving a talk, and anyone is welcome to attend.

It will form part of the latest monthly meeting of Keighley and District Local History Society, upstairs at the town's library on Wednesday, April 12, at 7pm.

During the 1960s, Mr Mitchell – like many university students – worked as a temporary summer conductor for the West Yorkshire Road Car Company, at both its Keighley and Bradford depots.

In his talk – Two T’ T’ Cat Park: Life on the Buses in the ‘60s – he will recount many of his experiences, from 'the last Braithwaite' and reversing buses at Utley, to an unexpected trip to Blackpool.

He says: "Conducting kept you physically and mentally fit, because most buses were double deckers and the conductor was up and down stairs all day, calculating multiple fares mentally whilst simultaneously churning out tickets from a hand-held machine.

"Looking back, it's amazing how quiet the roads were, how many buses served the estates and how we could easily keep time with no traffic congestion."

Stockbridge-born Mr Mitchell developed a passion for transport from an early age.

He grew up in Cavendish Street, overlooking the old Midland Railway Goods Yard, which stoked an interest in all things railways related – plus an appearance in the classic 1970 movie version of The Railway Children, filmed on the Keighley & Worth Valley line.

He has given talks on topics as diverse as the development of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, the history of St Anne’s Church in Keighley, and the life of King Richard III.

Mr Mitchell, who has also served two stints as town mayor, has been a member of the history society for over five years.

Admission to the latest meeting is £3.50, or free for members. People are welcome to join the society on the evening. Membership costs £15, and will cover the remainder of the year.

Meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month.

Members can if they wish attend via Zoom.

The society has worked with Ingrow St John’s Church to produce a 32-page colour booklet celebrating the 180th anniversary of the church, and copies will be available to buy, priced £3, at the meeting. All proceeds from sales go to the church.