Glider, as Dunn and Hale later became known, were a familiar sight in Brownhills, and a regular and well used operator of seaside tours for local folk. They were based ar what later became the Forward Garage, opposite the Ogley Road – High Street junction. Image from ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington.
Yet another great contribution reaches me from the wonderful Reg ‘Aer Reg’ Fullelove via the young David Evans – and covers something we’ve not explored here on the blog – Dunn and Hale, the coach and bus operators who were based in Brownhills for years before being bought out by Harper Brothers of Cannock.
In latter years, they went under the name Glider Tours.
Reg supplied the following excellent image, and explained it to David:
Believed to be New Road, Brownhills – can anyone identify where, and what the sign says? A great image courtesy of Reg Fullelove.
Hi Bob
A pleasant afternoon cup of tea and chat with our own Mr Reg Fullelove BEM and an amazing photo. This shows Reg’s grandma with a younger lady Mrs Dunn, standing outside the Dunn and Hale office. Reg thinks the photo was taken in New Road Brownhills and very close to the junction with High Street, which is where his grandma lived.
The sign is interesting. Reg told me of the road licence that coach companies had to obtain in order to run on their designated routes; and how larger bus and coach companies bought out the smaller companies to secure their routes, in those pre-war times.
My thanks to Reg for yet this glimpse into another facet of life in Brownhills
Kind regard,
David
So your starter for ten is – come on folks, what do you know? My knowledge of busses in next to nothing, and my knowledge of Dunn and Hale even less. What does the sign say next to the door in Reg’s photo? Did you work for the company, or go on holiday with them? Were any of their drivers of staff particularly memorable characters? How about the ladies in the photo?
Oh, and Reg – please, you have a huge following on the blog. Feel free to comment my friend – we all love it when you do. Your input is so generous, warm hearted and spirited. You are always welcome. Thank you, you are what makes this blog what it is – never apologise for commenting. It makes my day when you do!
I did remember that Mike Leonard posted a picture on Panoramio of the Forward Garage in the late 80s/Early 90s as it was due to be reclad: it revealed a Dunn and Hale ghost sign. I hope this helps folks place the business.
I’m fascinated in this one, as I know so little about it. If can can add to the knowledge, please do: comment here or BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Dunn and Hale haunted the Forward Garage, which still stands today. Over three grand for a Suzuki SJ413? Wow. Image from Mike Leonard and posted on Panoramio.