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Fond farewell for Grantley

Norwood driver, Grantley BestHis place in the history of London’s transport was sealed last year when he became runner-up in the Top London Bus Driver award. It topped off a career on the buses spanning 48 years.

Grantley Best, described by his operations manager Ken Robinson at Norwood, as an “old school professional”, retired recently with the best wishes of everyone at the garage.

Grantley began his career as a conductor at Carshalton until its closure in 1963. He moved briefly to Thornton Heath and then on to Norwood where he later became a driver.

He has a pile of safe driving certificates and has an “excellent” attendance record. And Ken Robinson said he’d tried to persuade Grantley to stay on.

“I felt it was time to retire,” said Grantley. “I have more time with my wife Joyce now, which is good, and I’m looking forward to pottering about in the garden when the better weather arrives.”

Apart from gardening he also enjoys working on his computer and having the odd flutter on the horses – “not very successfully, I might add.”

Later in the year he and Joyce plan to visit Barbados to see friends and relatives as well as Grantley’s father, who is in his eighties.

“I’ve enjoyed my career,” said Grantley, “and will still be seeing my colleagues at the garage because I’m involved with one or two things like collections for the lottery.”

Ken said: “Everyone wishes Grantley all the best in his retirement. He is much respected by people at the garage. He has a quick sense of humour and got on really well with people.”

Published: Wed 10 Mar 2010Modified: Wed 10 Mar 2010Archived: Wed 7 Apr 2010

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