Afton

Settlement in Hampshire

England

Afton

Catching the breeze â 1978 A group of hardy bus enthusiasts enjoying a trip on a vintage open top bus climbing to the top of the cliffs just to the east of Freshwater.

Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called &#039;The Old Girl&#039;, she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator.

This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761">Link</a> — Catching the breeze â 1978 Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Afton is a small village located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated on the western side of the Isle of Wight, Afton is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers stunning views of the English Channel. The village is approximately 4 miles southwest of the town of Freshwater and is part of the West Wight area.

Afton is known for its peaceful ambiance and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat. The village is characterized by quaint, traditional cottages and a close-knit community. The surrounding area is primarily rural, with rolling hills, lush green fields, and a diverse range of wildlife.

One of the village's prominent features is Afton Down, a large expanse of chalk downland that provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Additionally, the area is home to the famous Isle of Wight Festival, held annually on Afton Down since 1968, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world.

Afton boasts a few amenities for its residents and visitors, including a village hall, a local pub, and a small convenience store. For additional services and facilities, the nearby town of Freshwater offers a wider range of shops, restaurants, and schools.

Overall, Afton offers a peaceful and idyllic setting, with its natural landscapes and community spirit making it a charming place to live or visit for those seeking a slower pace of life or an escape to nature.

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Afton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.673369/-1.508188 or Grid Reference SZ3486. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Catching the breeze â 1978

A group of hardy bus enthusiasts enjoying a trip on a vintage open top bus climbing to the top of the cliffs just to the east of Freshwater. Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called 'The Old Girl', she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Site of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival 50 years later

View from East Afton Down towards East Afton Farm with the site in between. The photo was taken exactly 50 years after the first day of the Festival whose performers included Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Ten Years After, Chicago, The Moody Blues, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Jethro Tull and Supertramp.

Paul Coueslant

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay has formed in a break in the chalk cliffs. The rocks shown here are at the SE corner of the bay, viewed from the promenade - Stag Rock, Arched Rock & Mermaid Rock (right to left). A cave is also visible. A fishing boat is moored. Photo taken in June or July 1973. Arched Rock subsequently collapsed in 1992.

Ian Taylor

Walkers on Tennyson Down

Paul Coueslant

Grazing above Freshwater Bay

Paul Coueslant

Bus terminus, Freshwater Bay â 1978

Southern Vectis was the principal operator on the island from the 1930s having come under control of the Southern Railway in 1929. By 1978 it was part of the National Bus Company. Bus 673, a Bristol VR with ECW bodywork, is seen in the standard NBC livery of leaf green, and is representative of what was effectively the standard NBC double deck bus of the period. It is parked at the entrance to the Freshwater Bay Golf Club on Southdown Road waiting for its return to Sandown. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust