AS THE renowned Bromsgrove family firm Harris Coaches closed its doors yesterday, Standard readers took to social media to share memories, love and gratitude for the 104-year-old company that had been part of theirs and their families’ lives.
The owners of Harris Coaches, based in Catshill (as featured on our front page and website), decided they had reached their destination and closed the doors for the final time to enjoy their retirement.
And they will enter this new chapter with so many messages of thanks, goodwill and luck for the future.
Our Facebook page and others the story was shared to was overwhelmed with comments from former customers and passengers who Harris’ had helped make memories for – both with trips to all four corners of the United Kingdom and to towns and cities throughout mainland Europe. Here is what some of them had to say.
Martyn Rollason said: “I have many memories of going to school on the ancient Silver Queen coach.”
Sharon Dauncey added: “I have fond memories of Harris Coaches as a youngster, I travelled to France, Italy and Austria plus a few UK trips when my dad was a driver there.”
Sheryl Cartlidge said: “So sad to hear this. I did my work experience there in 1995 and also worked as hostess on a few France and isle of Wight trips with Mark Harper driving the coach.
“I also went on some trips as a teen to Blackpool, fantastic memories.”
Jilly Heath wrote: “Johnny was my late brother. John’s best mate when they were at Parkside – he was always at our house back in the day.
“I always remember when he fell off his little moped on his way round to us, poor thing was so upset.
“Good luck in your retirement Johnny and Steve – enjoy it fully, best wishes.”
Tony Young said: “I remember many great days out with Graham (Whack) Harris driving us to places like Blackpool, Rhyl and other costal days out.
“One of my colleagues Dereck (Sonny) Hill left Bryant’s to maintain Graham’s vehicles.
“Graham was a legend in the coaching fraternity. Not only with his holiday trips but he was very involved in transporting children with special needs round Bromsgrove.
“He bought one of the first Austin Maxis from Bryant’s specifically for transporting children.”
Charlie Philip Darby said: “Great memories of Graham Harris when we were kids. Used to go to Bromsgrove Rovers with him and my dad – what a gentleman.”
Becca Ross said: “We have great memories of our trip to Wales driven by Bill, thank you SO much. xxx”
Judy Hill wrote: “Memories all Harris coaches lined up outside the Welcome Hall going on our Annual summer Trip.”
Becci Wykes said: “We had some great trips out. Sad to see you go but time to rest up.”
Dianna Waldron added: “All the very best for your retirement. Thank you for lovely memories.”
Maureen B. Southall said: “You will be missed,had some great trips. Good luck to you all.”
Kath Williams wrote: “So sad, but Good Luck for the future.”
Jayne Harris said: “I remember going on Harris coaches to Rigby Hall School Bromsgrove.”
And John Harvey said: “We loved the day trips all those years ago.”
That was just a few of the many memories expressed on our Facebook page since we ran the story.
If you have memories or photographs of Harris Coaches trips and excursions, send them to us on our Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page or email them to: [email protected]
Click here for more on Harris Coaches and its history.
