News Archive

Employees research garage history

A comprehensive history of Palmers Green bus garage has now been recorded for future generations to enjoy thanks to a team of Arriva London employees.

Union convenor Maurice Cullum, driver and T&GWU branch chairman Mike Wormall, driver and garage convenor Ted Simpson and their colleagues at Palmers Green have spent four years collating a book about the garage’s role in the community and now it has been published.

What started out as a scrapbook has turned into a fascinating 140-page colour guide, which brings to life the evolution of the area from the garage’s perspective, in words and in pictures.

Chapters covered in the book include an introduction to Mike Wormall, a history of the garage and the local area and a small biography of the man who built the garage, John Cathles Hill.

Original newspaper cuttings that talk about the introduction of motorised buses are also included as are articles contributed by current Palmers Green drivers.

Mike said: “We’ve found out so many interesting things along the way, like the fact that the garage was originally a roller skating rink.

“We’ve also uncovered the important role that the Palmers Green buses played in the first and second World Wars.”

The whole project first started out of ‘sheer curiosity’, but it soon snowballed from there.

“Before long, people were keen to contribute ideas and we got hooked on finding out more.

“It’s taken a great deal of work and a lot of research, but we hope the book really captures the people, the atmosphere and brings to life what life was and is like working at the garage,” added Mike.

Published: Tue 30 Sep 2008Modified: Mon 29 Sep 2008Archived: Tue 28 Oct 2008

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