BACKGROUND HISTORY

Peter Charles Evans started his business in 1948 in what was a 'Nissen Hut' on Station Road, Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh. Initially the business was mainly involved in the repairs of agricultural vehicles and equipment together with some motor vehicles. He did this alongside working for Crosville as a seasonal driver in Denbigh. The business grew and he gained a local passenger contract. Records indicate that Peter bought his first bus for £200 in about 1956. This bus was a 29 seater Bedford OB with an unusual Woodall Nicholson body.

In July 1959 the business moved to the existing premises at Pentre, Llanrhaeadr and a year later he had a main dealer franchise for Austin and Morris.

By 1963 his son David had joined the business and his daughter Llinos joined at a later stage. There is also now 3rd generation members of the family involved in the family business.

The bus side of the business grew. The work included private hire and tours were started in a limited way. A number of contracts were also obtained which involved the use of double deckers some of which were ex Crosville. In the late 1960's the business of Clwydian Tours, Ruthin was obtained which was a business involving one vehicle but with numerous tour licences which enabled this side of the business to expand. The trading name was also adopted.

In June 1969 the assets and business of Rhyl United Coachways Limited were purchased. This involved a number of premises in Rhyl together with some 6 - 8 vehicles. David Evans was then put in charge of this new side of the business which continued to trade as 'Rhyl United' from the Wellington Road premises. The coach and bus business 'Clwydian Tours' at Pentre, Llanrhaedr also continued with Peter's daughter Llinos taking an active role. By this time there were various businesses being operated - Clwydian Tours, Rhyl United, car sales , car servicing and petrol sales. These remained separate for accounting purposes but were generally a family run business under the main direction of Peter Evans.

Due to the economic climate the business of day tours in Rhyl gradually declined and the Rhyl coach business was eventually brought back to Pentre. The trading name 'Rhyl United' and some premises were eventually sold to Stuart and Melvyn Kerfoot Davies (Voel Coaches) in June 1984. One vehicle also transferred to Voel at this time.

The business of Clwydian Tours continued at Pentre alongside the car sales, repairs and the sale of fuel. A number of new coaches were purchased – the last three having Marcapolo bodywork.

For various reasons in February 2007 it was decided to cease the coach business and the 'goodwill', tour itineraries and a couple of vehicles were sold to Alpine in Llandudno. The remainder of the bus and coach fleet were then sold independently over a period of time.

[I am grateful to David Evans for his assistance in preparing this background information – and his input to the fleet history]

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.