Smith's Coaches of Reading, 1922-1979
All you ever wanted to know about Reading's Buses
Paul Smith will give a talk about Smiths Coaches which operated in Reading between 1922 and 1979. This will be in the historic Tin Tabernacle in the Garden of Watlington House, access off South Street only.
Smith’s Coaches of Reading, with their distinctively coloured blue and orange vehicles, were an integral part of the local scene for six decades, as well as being seen all over the county on excursions, tours and seasonal coastal expresses.
Paul will explain the development of Smiths Coaches from a single open charabanc to becoming the largest family-owned coach operation in the South of England. This is also the story of an enterprising local man, well known around the town as also a generous supporter of local causes and two-times Mayor of Reading. Paul has undertaken very detailed research using many primary sources and records now lost to the passage of time.
Paul Smith has been researching local transport history for over 50 years, living in the Reading area since a small boy. He has published 20 books and numerous magazine articles over the years. Although he spent most of his working life in print and design, I was latterly Transport Co-ordinator for Wokingham District/Borough Council prior to retiring.
Copies of the book and information on others published will be available at the talk.
To book go to
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/743544249867
Other Information
The presentation will be in the Garden Hall of Watlington House. This is a Tin Tabernacle erected in the 1880s.
Please DO NOT attempt to gain access via the House on Watlington Street. It will be locked.
Access to the garden is via the double garden gates on South Street opposite to no 71 South Street.
Doors open from 1:30pm. The Presentation will start at 2:00pm.
Upto 70 people can be seated.
Toilets are available, however there are no disabled toilets. The doors to the hall are unfortunately not wide enough for most wheelchairs
