A COLLISION scene pictured recently on the Free Press' Memories page has prompted the bus conductor who was working on the bus involved in the crash to contact the Free Press.

Margaret Wiltshire, 84, of Curzon Close, Hazlemere, remembers clearly the worst crash she experienced in her 40-year career as a bus conductor in High Wycombe.

"Seeing the picture brought it all back as if it was yesterday," said Mrs Wiltshire.

A number 36 bus and a lorry carrying televisions collided at the junction of Easton Street, Crendon Street, and High Street, High Wycombe, on February 19, 1959.

"It was the 1.05 bus to Cadmore End and we had stopped at the traffic lights. Suddenly this lorry careered straight into us and there was a great big bang followed by screams from frightened passengers."

"It was incredibly lucky that we all escaped unhurt," she added.

"Although I was quite shaken, in those days you wouldn't go to the hospital for such a thing. I was allowed an hour's rest and then I was back on the buses for the afternoon."

Engineer Barry Rackstraw was working for the High Street-based company Davenport Vernons and Co Ltd at the time and was part of a crew who helped to clear the road after the accident.

"Rumour has it that some of the surviving televisions found new homes that day, but then that's just rumour," said Mr Rackstraw.