Oxford Bus Company Managing Director Phil Southall sending off Dave Cook and Ray Leach

Jan 11, 2021 09:42 GMT TWO OXFORD BUS COMPANY ENGINEERS RETIRE AFTER 97 YEARS SERVICE

Mechanics Dave Cook and Ray Leach have downed tools after almost a combined century servicing buses at Oxford Bus Company.

They have both retired after spending nearly 50 years each keeping buses in top condition. In careers spanning six decades, Mr Cook and Mr Leach experienced significant developments in the transport industry.

Mr Cook joined Oxford Bus Company in August 1971, when Edward Heath was prime minister and How Can You Mend A Broken Heart by Bees Gees was Number One in the charts. He completed 49 years’ services in total.

Mr Leach joined the company a year later in August 1972, when School’s Out by Alice Cooper was Number One in the charts, the average bus fare was 3p and a pint of beer 15p. Mr Leach completed 48 years’ service in total.

The pair were at the forefront of ever-developing transport technology during their careers, which has included a recent transition from diesel vehicles to hybrid.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director said: “Dave and Ray have been part of the Oxford Bus Company team for many years and will be sorely missed by colleagues. We wish them both a happy and long retirement with their families.

“They have both experienced so much development in the bus industry and always kept abreast of engineering advancements. We are fortunate to have many loyal and hard-working colleagues and who are a credit to the company.”

The Oxford Bus Company has kept the people of Oxford moving since 1881. Our services now span the width and breadth of Oxford and also take passengers to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. In addition, our City Sightseeing Oxford hop-on, hop-off open topped bus company provides enjoyable tours of Oxford. And our sister companies, Thames Travel and Carousel Buses provide convenient travel services across South Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire respectively. Contacts

City Sightseeing Press Contact For general enquires [email protected] +44 (0)1865 790522 Fax: +44 (0)1865 202154

Greig Box Turnbull Press Contact Media enquiries [email protected] 03301 331 074

Oxford Bus Company Press Contact For general enquires [email protected] 01865 785400

Thames Travel Press Contact For general enquires [email protected] 01865 785400

Carousel Buses Press Contact For general enquires [email protected] 01494 450151