Yelloway remembered

Joshua Jewell (grandson of Joy Parker), Mayoress Elaine Dutton; Mayor Ray Dutton and Joy Parker

A plaque commemorating famous Rochdale coach company Yelloway has been unveiled on the site of its former town centre base, at the entrance to Number One Riverside.

Joy Parker, the daughter of the company’s last managing director Hubert Allen, and a number of former Yelloway staff were present at the ceremony.

Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Ray Dutton cut the ribbon unveiling a fittingly yellow plaque ‘commemorating the contribution of the company to the social and transport heritage of the town’.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member with responsibility for culture, said: “It was lovely to see so many people associated with Yelloway’s proud past at the unveiling ceremony.

“The plaque beautifully captures a lasting legacy to an historic local name synonymous with day trips and seaside excursions. The Yelloway business in Rochdale may have long gone but the plaque ensures the famous name will live on for generations to come.”

Yelloway grew from humble beginnings in 1915 to become one of the biggest independent coach operators in the British Isles.

It ran a thriving business until 1988. In 2008 Oldham company Courtesy Coach Caders snapped up the famous name and brand to be used on 15 of its coaches.