Post by wirewiper on Jan 14, 2019 13:30:50 GMT
Although I have already posted this in the Forthcoming Bus Events List thread, I am also opening a new thread here in case anyone wants to have a broader discussion about Devon General. I am sure many older enthusiasts will have fond memories of the company's distinctive dark red/cream buses from holidays in the South Devon area.
Devon General Centenary Year:
2019 marks the Centenary of the founding of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Company Ltd. Founded in 1919 as an independent company (with its registered office in Forest Hill, London!) it was bought out by the Torquay Tramways Company Ltd., who retained the company name and transferred its own fledgling bus operations to its new acquisition. The Torquay Tramways Company was wound up in 1935, its tram services in Torquay and down to Paignton having been taken over the previous year by new Devon General bus routes, operated out of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility on Newton Road, Torquay. Although the buildings are no longer there, part of the site is still in use as a bus depot today.
Torquay Tramways was a subsidiary of The National Electric Construction Company, which joined the BET (British Electric Traction) Group in 1931. BET sold out to the Government in 1968 and its operations were amalgamated with the Tilling Group (already Government-owned since 1949) to form the National Bus Company. in 1970 Exeter Corporation - which had operated a joint network with Devon General in and around Exeter for some years - sold its bus operations to the National Bus Company and its assets were transferred to Devon General. DG appeared in no hurry to repaint its new acquisitions and buses could be seen in service in Exeter's green and cream until 1980 - a couple even managed a Summer season in Torquay! Devon General was the first NBC subsidiary to be privatised, in 1987, a management buyout being led by Harry Blundred. Stagecoach acquired the company in 1996 and the Devon General name was discontinued.
The Devon General Society has drawn up a draft (emphasise, draft) list of events to mark the centenary year:
- April (date TBC): Press launch of celebrations at Stagecoach's Matford Depot, Exeter. A new bus in Centenary livery will be unveiled.
- Thursday 18th July: Civic Centenary Run from Exeter (dep. 10.00) to Torquay (arr. 13.30) via Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot
- Sunday 28th July: Torbay Running Day
- Sunday 4th August: Devon General Centenary Bus Rally at Newton Abbot Racecourse - if you want to enter a vehicle, there is a link to the entry form from this page: devongeneral.org.uk/events.html
- Sunday 6th October: Stagecoach Matford Depot Open Day (Exeter).
Devon General Centenary Year:
2019 marks the Centenary of the founding of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Company Ltd. Founded in 1919 as an independent company (with its registered office in Forest Hill, London!) it was bought out by the Torquay Tramways Company Ltd., who retained the company name and transferred its own fledgling bus operations to its new acquisition. The Torquay Tramways Company was wound up in 1935, its tram services in Torquay and down to Paignton having been taken over the previous year by new Devon General bus routes, operated out of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility on Newton Road, Torquay. Although the buildings are no longer there, part of the site is still in use as a bus depot today.
Torquay Tramways was a subsidiary of The National Electric Construction Company, which joined the BET (British Electric Traction) Group in 1931. BET sold out to the Government in 1968 and its operations were amalgamated with the Tilling Group (already Government-owned since 1949) to form the National Bus Company. in 1970 Exeter Corporation - which had operated a joint network with Devon General in and around Exeter for some years - sold its bus operations to the National Bus Company and its assets were transferred to Devon General. DG appeared in no hurry to repaint its new acquisitions and buses could be seen in service in Exeter's green and cream until 1980 - a couple even managed a Summer season in Torquay! Devon General was the first NBC subsidiary to be privatised, in 1987, a management buyout being led by Harry Blundred. Stagecoach acquired the company in 1996 and the Devon General name was discontinued.
The Devon General Society has drawn up a draft (emphasise, draft) list of events to mark the centenary year:
- April (date TBC): Press launch of celebrations at Stagecoach's Matford Depot, Exeter. A new bus in Centenary livery will be unveiled.
- Thursday 18th July: Civic Centenary Run from Exeter (dep. 10.00) to Torquay (arr. 13.30) via Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot
- Sunday 28th July: Torbay Running Day
- Sunday 4th August: Devon General Centenary Bus Rally at Newton Abbot Racecourse - if you want to enter a vehicle, there is a link to the entry form from this page: devongeneral.org.uk/events.html
- Sunday 6th October: Stagecoach Matford Depot Open Day (Exeter).