Inside Salisbury: Recognition for first female bus driver
Bus naming ceremony took place to honour Salisbury's first female bus driver
by Annette J Beveridge
Salisbury’s first female bus driver achieved a special honour with a bus-naming ceremony which took place in front of her family and friends.
Gwen Watton passed her Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) test and began driving buses in Salisbury in 1972 paving the way for hundreds of women who have taken to the driving seat since.
Salisbury Reds General Manager, Andrew Sherrington, said: “Times were very different in the early 1970s, and it was virtually unheard of for a woman to drive a bus.
“Gwen was a trailblazer and, despite numerous setbacks, was accepted for training by our predecessor, Wilts & Dorset.
“Gwen spent her entire career driving buses, both here in Salisbury and to-and-from London. Her family is extremely proud of her achievements, and so are we.
Salisbury Reds wanted to recognise Gwen’s accomplishment and have named one of the buses after her.
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Andrew Sherrington added: “Sadly she passed away in June 2018, but we were pleased to welcome members of Gwen’s family for the unveiling - and we’re all looking forward to seeing the bus making its way along many of the routes that she drove for so many years.
“Even to this day, women are still under-represented within the bus industry. We are working hard to change this by holding special recruitment days designed to highlight the benefits of a bus-driving career - with the opportunity for potential applicants to talk to our current female team members about what it’s like working for Salisbury Reds.
It is hoped that Gwen’s achievements - and the sight of her bus making its way around Salisbury - will inspire many more women.
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Gwen’s family said: “This honour is a beautiful way to remember our mother’s contributions. Though she never sought recognition, she would be deeply touched, and we hope her legacy encourages future generations of women to pursue this career path.”
The bus displaying Gwen Watton’s name will initially operate along Salisbury Reds’ Britford and Petersfinger park and ride routes.
For more information about joining Salisbury Reds, please visit salisburyreds.co.uk
