T Williams and Sons

BACKGROUND HISTORY

In 1924 Thomas (Tommy 'Caernarfon') Williams started the business using a taxi ferrying people from Rhostyllen to Wrexham. His service was run in competition with Owens of Rhostyllen who not only was whom his wife's sister was married to but was also the person from whom he had bought the taxi and who was also the person who taught him to drive. Within a year, probably due to family pressure, Tommy changed his route to the more competitive one of Rhosllanerchrugog to Wrexham. Tommy also ran a service to the Llay Main colliery.

In 1928 the first bus was purchased and a number followed including in 1936 a new Bedford WLB. Coaches were included in the acquisitions and this enabled the firm to undertake private hire work especially related to the two male voice choirs centred in the village of Rhollanerchrugog.

Although the firm's livery was originally green it was changed to blue after Crosville appeared in the area.

In October 1952 the business of Owen’s of Rhostyllen was purchased and the route from Rhostyllen to Wrexham was then operated.

Tommy died in 1957 but the business was continued by his two sons Foster and Selwyn. However Foster died in 1981 and Selwyn then ran the business alone. The stage carriage element of the business finished in 1986 but Selwyn concentrated on contract work and private hire until the business finally ceased in 2004 when the depot in Ponciau and some of the remaining vehicles were eventually inherited by Ifor Jones who traded as J O Travel and who worked in association with Owens of Four Crosses, Oswestry.

I am grateful to Selwyn Williams for a very enjoyable and informative experience when he kindly verified this data about his previous business.

Sadly Selwyn died on Sunday 5th February 2017.

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.