Set in stone: piece of transport history makes Rochdale return

The restored memorial stone originally placed in the wall of the new travel centre by Hubert Allen in memory of his father back in 1969 and now unveiled by his family on the ground floor of Number One Riverside in Rochdale

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

A piece of transport history has been officially unveiled in Rochdale.

A memorial stone, originally placed in the wall of Yelloway Motor Services travel centre in 1969 is now back on permanent display at Rochdale Borough Council’s Number One Riverside, close to its original location.

The memorial stone was originally laid in memory of the Yelloway Motor Services founder Herbert Allen, by his son Hubert who succeeded him as managing director in 1956. It was rescued by John Whitworth, a former Yelloway driver, during demolition of the famous site in the 1980s with help from Touchstones. After being in storage for several years it has been carefully restored.

To generations of Rochdale residents, Yelloway Motor Services was synonymous with day trips, seaside excursions and summer holidays by coach. For decades the travel company ran a thriving coach business from its town centre base in Weir Street, where Number One Riverside and the borough’s central library now stand. 

The restored stone was officially unveiled by Joy Parker (nee Allen), daughter of Hubert Allen along with other members of his family and council leader Allen Brett.

Joy Parker said: “It is lovely to see the stone back on display and the family are very proud to see this piece of history live on. I would like to thank the council for producing the plinth and displaying the stone, and congratulations to Steve Buckley, Paul Blackburn and John Whitworth for helping to save and restore it.”

Council leader Allen Brett said: “Yelloway is a well-loved name in our local history, running thousands of trips to popular seaside resorts through their heyday in 50s, 60s and 70s. I was very pleased to meet the family, reminisce about the old days and I am pleased this memorial stone is restored and back on display.”