For Brian Dawber, a job as a bus driver was only going to be a stop gap
But after being promoted to the control room team at Reading Buses in 1991, the short-term post ended up lasting a total of 34 years two months. And it is only due to health reasons that Brian, 59, is not seeing out a total of 40 years at Reading Buses where he was control room, duty manager.
Of the stop-gap position, Brian explained he had left the Merchant Navy and was looking for a position in the catering industry.
“I really wanted to continue my career in catering, but I took to the role in the control room where I subsequently worked shifts with a great bunch of people from all walks of life.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a small control room team at the Great Knollys Street depot for the last 34 years and it is with a heavy heart, due to health reasons, that I have decided to retire,” Brian explained.
He was born in south London and during his formative years lived in Kent (twice) and Scotland before arriving in Reading at the age of 18. As control room duty manager at Reading Buses, where there was a total of 12 staff, he was responsible for buses and drivers going out on schedule and his reputation for timing and punctuality earned him two bus industry awards.
He was presented with a UK national bus award and later a Pride of Reading employee of the year award in 2013. He held five different positions in the Reading Buses control room over 34 years.
Brian also met his wife Teresa – ‘another of the good things to come out of Reading Buses’ – 29 years’ ago. She has held a number of positions, from working in the canteen to bus driving, prior to her latest role on the cleaning side.
Said HR Director, Caroline Anscombe: “Brian was a pillar of our control room team for over 34 years and it is with a real sadness that we have to say goodbye to him. He was well respected across every department in the business.
“We wish him all the best for the future and hope he pops back in to visit whenever he can.”
