A Hucknall History
Transport Back to the Future
Huthwaite Coach Firms
The Nottinghamshire Free Press column explains frustration of existing bus operators losing route licensing following derailment of trams. No doubt the surnames Pratt and Turner could equally trace notable Huthwaite family members, but research cannot readily identify longevity of their addressed Saloon Car
trips beyond finding following weeks advertisements.
At the meeting of Sutton Urban Council on Tuesday evening, presided over by Mr. H.C. Wright (chairman) the question was raised in regard to the Traffic Commissioners' decisions in reference to the recent applications of the Mansfield Tramways Company for licences to run 'buses in substitution for trams, and to whom they gave certain protection including fares to be charged.
The Clerk (Mr. Luther Pepper) said he had received a number of letters on the subject from 'bus owners. Messrs. Pratt Bros., of Huthwaite, wrote stating that they had been asked by the Traffic Commissioners to return their road licence "so that it might be revised in such a way as to give certain benefits to Mansfield Tramways. We are objecting to this revision, and respectfully request your Council to give us their support to such objections."
Letters to the effect that they were also objecting and asking for the Council's support were read from Messrs. Leah Bros., Huthwaite, the Pinxton 'Bus Co., Ltd., who urged that "the monopoly is not for the public benefit," and from the Trent Motor Traction Co. Mr. G.G. Hancock, of Sutton, writing on behalf of a large section of the public called attention to the advisability of holding a town's meeting.
Mr. J. Percival asked what action the Council should take?
The Clerk said they could write to the Ministry of Transport objecting to the decision.
Mr. Walton moved that an objection be sent to the Traffic Commissioners.
The Chairman said the Council were not concerned with the 'bus owners as such, but with the residents of Sutton, and their being able to use vehicles at a reasonable fare. What they had to do was to consider how best they could act to gain that end.
Mr. Thompson said they ought to take every step that would result in advantage to the ratepayers.
The Clerk suggested that the matter should be left to the Licencing Sub-Committee with power to act, and this was agreed to.
PUBLIC NOTICES. - 22nd July 1932A SALOON 'BUS will run to Skegness on Tuesday, August 2nd. Fare 7s. 6d. return. Depart Huthwaite 7.0 a.m., Portland Square 7.15 a.m. Book early to secure your seat and to avoid disappointment. For further particulars apply at the above address or 'phone 322 Sutton.-PRATT BROS.
SALOON CAR, 6-seater, BLACKPOOL, Weekly or Day Trips. SKEGNESS each Sunday. Car available for anywhere at any time. Moderate Terms. Wedding a Speciality. Apply.-
C. & H. TURNER, 139, Chesterfield Road, HUTHWAITE.
HUTHWAITE COUNCIL MINUTES - 13th January 1933
A letter was read from the Mansfield and District Omnibus Owners' Association intimating the intentions of Messrs. Leah Bros., of Huthwaite, to apply to the Traffic Commissioners for a licence to run a service from Sutton via Chesterfield Road, Huthwaite, to Newton, to accommodate the Council's new housing scheme on that route, and requesting support to such proposal. It was resolved that the Secretary (Mr. R.H. Kerslake) and Mr. Leah be asked to attend the special meeting of the Council on the 23rd inst., in connection with the matter.
Leah Bros.
Despite being twice denied licensing to share regular public services on routes preferentially handed to a Mansfield District bus fleet, Leah's coach trips went far beyond winning the first local school run. That need arose after parental uproar having to send children to Huthwaite Road senior classes. Leah's thus became well remembered and thereafter synonymous running Huthwaite bus and coach trips. Behind company named Leah Bros. were two Leah brothers Colin Harry and Frederick Norman.
J A Leah
Historical vehicle specialists help identify some of the coaches originally owned from new by Leah's. Earliest found model is a Karrier two-stroke TS3-engined 21-seater purchased October 1961 by Leah Bros. of Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire. Ending their partnership on 30th June 1969 passed that, along with entire family business onto the son of C H Leah. Selling that vehicle after about another 18 months came under his future J A Leah company title, personally representing owners name John Anthony Leah.
Registration HTO 980V traces a Plaxton Paramount first registered Friday 29th February 1980, by J. A. Leah. Replacement with a similarly bodied Dennis chassis determines coach plate number E541 EAL newly registered 1st May 1988. In addition had been 1st May 1987 registration of the 35 seater Bedford based Plaxton Paramount. The 1992 Mercedes-Benz featured in one magazine.
Guy's putting people in van
Chesterfield-based bodybuilder Frank Guy has completed the first PCV conversion on Mercedes-Benz 711ID turbo van. The 19-seater, which was unveiled last week, has been bought by coach operator JA Leah of Huthwaite, Notts. It cost £34,500 and is fitted with coach seats and a small luggage boot. ...
Baileys, Butler Bros and Whites Coaches were just some of the other known coach trip organisers. Family claims running a past Woodfield Bus from Blackwell Road also eludes research. But a prolific number of early companies had seen out train excursions.
21 Mar 23 by Gary Elliott Updated 21 Mar 23