Anna Karen 1936-2022: a star of On the Buses. 1970s Sitcom, now social history
I was sad to see that Anna Karen, Olive in the 1970s Sitcom On the Buses, has died at 85.
I watched at least some episodes of the programme which was definitely of its time, capturing a working class culture that was even then passing into history. Relentlessy sexist and at best ignoring the multi-cultural communities that were even 50 years ago a positive and established part of life. The culture by the way has fortunately changed but it hasnt disappeared.
Tory Chair Oliver Dowden tweeted that the programme was filmed in his Hertsmere Constituency which caused me to check if it actually was. Studio scenes were at ITV studios in the London area. Shots of the bus garage were at the old Eastern National Bus Garage, Lordship Lane N22 (Wood Green, nearly opposite the tube station). It’s now a bingo hall.
The 251 bus ran from Wood Green to Southend (details below). I lived in the area from 1956 to 1975 (I live nearby now) and have memories of occasionally doing the full journey. It took a while- 2.5hours according to the link below although in 2022 traffic conditions it would probably take most of the day.
There is still a fully functioning (and fully unionised)TFL bus garage in Wood Green just a couple of minutes walk from the old Eastern National garage. Suffice to say no bus ventures anywhere near Southend. Those were the days etc..
On the Buses
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Buses
251 Bus Route
http://www.sct61.org.uk/route251.htm
Anna Karen
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