A popular and well-known Eden bus driver has “hung up his keys” after 11 years running pupils to and from school.
Experienced bus and wagon driver, John Wilson, aged 82, of Great Strickland, called it a day at the end of term.
But Morland Area C of E School did not let the moment pass by without saying a big thank you.
Before breaking up for summer, John was surprised to be suddenly called into the office of headteacher Louise Donnelly-Stott after a daily drop-off.
“I thought, what have I done wrong!” chuckled John this week, only to find all the children waiting for him.
Also present on his special day was wife of 60 years, Ida, aged 78, who also recently retired from school bus driving after a remarkable 50 years. Also present was one of his sons, Mark and his partner, plus his daughter Jayne Croasdale and niece Joan James.
John was presented with a bouquet of flowers, plus a cake in the shape of a bus made by a little girl at the school.
He also received a voucher for Larch Cottage Garden Centre, at Melkinthorpe, and a cash gift, in recognition of his many years of service.
John, a familiar sight in his 25-seater Mercedes, has collected around 19 children every day and taken them to and from school; doing things such as buying them all a little chocolate egg at Easter.
He said: “They are such great kids and so well-mannered.
“I’ve never had a problem and I can’t believe I’ve been doing it for 11 years, it’s flown by.” With the contract for the service up for renewal, John could not commit to another five years but said he’d be more than happy to occasionally help out if ever needed in future.
He first passed his public service vehicle licence (PSV), back in 1973. He had wanted to attend a Carlisle United game away to Ipswich and went along to the local supporters’ coach, then run by Titterington Coaches, Blencow, to see if he could get on.
He was told there was only one seat left — the driver’s — and so ended up going on to pass the test and then start driving it when The Blues were promoted to the old First Division in the 1974-75 season, famously beating Chelsea 2-0.
