George ROBERTS

BACKGROUND HISTORY

George Roberts's first vehicle was a Ford (Model T) which he bought in late 1926 or early 1927 and he used it to work a route between Wrexham and Southsea Church.

Prior to this he had been invalided during the Great War and although he recovered from his respiratory illness he suffered a major accident when he then went to work at Plas Power Colliery.

His passenger transport business was a success and he was able to buy first a new 20 seater Bedford WLB in 1934 and in the following two years he purchased a total of three new Dennis buses.

His routes were from Wrexham to Bradley and from Wrexham to Southsea. He also undertook numerous private hire engagements.

In January 1935 George sold his business to Crosville for a sum of £9,500 and his fleet of 6 buses were transferred.

His son Tom has retained some of the business records and these show as an example that in the period of January to April 1932

Routes Private Hire

Miles 58,141 2,499

Passengers 14,942 738

Takings £433 £141 19s 3d

The records also show his charges for private hire in July 1934 as :-

32 seat coach to Rhyl £4 8s

20 seat coach Long Coast £5 10s (This is believed to be a trip along the coast to Caernarfon and return along A5)

32 seat coach to Blackpool £8 8s 3p

(Acknowledgement to Mike Edge - author of Wrexham Bus Companies)

HISTORIC FLEET LIST

The table below gives a list of all recorded vehicles known to have been with this operator. I am indebted to David Donati for his dedicated work in compiling this data and enabling me to present it.

In the right hand column - where available - there is a link to a photograph of the vehicle. The photo will open in a new window. Links in CAPITAL LETTERS suggest the vehicle is seen when with the operator.

Chassis and body numbers are to be found on the right hand side of the table below. You may need to scroll to see them.

© Ron Hughes and David Donati - any reproduction should give credit to the originator and may require permission.