Safeguard Coaches of Guildford

Laurie James

Mar 2014 · Amberley Publishing Limited

About this ebook

2014 marks the ninetieth anniversary of Safeguard, which has been in business from the mid-1920s. Laurie James uses archives, memoirs and photographs of Safeguard vehicles and its owners, the Newman family, to tell its story. Safeguard is unusual in that it is still very much a family business and has stayed true to its roots in the Guildford area. It is one of the few traditional independent transport firms from the earliest days of bus operation. Throughout times of hardship and uncertainty, Safeguard has maintained a reputation for excellence, not only with its customers, but with its staff, welcoming them into the company family. The loyalty they garnered from the people of Guildford has enabled them to survive. They have ensured that their activities have kept abreast of the changing needs of their passengers, including embracing new technological developments.

About the author

Over the last 35 years Laurie James has extensively researched the history, services, people involved and vehicles of many of the smaller independent bus operators of south east England and the West Country. He has produced several books, focusing on areas such as Horsham, Guildford, Cranleigh, Woking and the Surrey Hills. Having also written the history of Somerset bus firms Hutchings & Cornelius and Safeway Services, he now turns his attention to an early bus operator in the Devizes area of Wiltshire. He currently lives in Hersham, Surrey.