A commemorative bus painted in a heritage South Notts livery has been unveiled by Nottingham City Transport to celebrate a century of service.
Founded in 1926 by Christopher Thomas Dabell, known as CT, the first journey operated between Gotham and Nottingham at 08:20 on 13th March that year. An average of 7 passengers per journey were carried in the inaugural year, where the return fare was a shilling.
A century later, South Notts continues to provide a daily service along ‘the main road’ between Nottingham and Loughborough, through Clifton, Gotham, East Leake and Stanford on Soar. Today double-deckers are required, operating at a daytime frequency of every 20 minutes.
South Notts was purchased by NCT in March 1991, with the historic importance of the name still proudly displayed on buses that serve the route.
The heritage-liveried bus was officially unveiled outside the former Gotham Garage at 08:20 on 13th March 2026, exactly 100 years to the day of the first bus operating, with representatives from NCT and former colleagues of the South Notts bus company in attendance. They were joined by three of CT’s grandchildren, Pete Dabell, Susan Somers and Chris Dabell.
NCT Managing Director, David Astill, said, “South Notts had an enviable reputation for high standards of service which NCT works hard to maintain on the Nottingham – Loughborough route. We’re delighted to recognise the centenary anniversary of the commencement of the South Notts bus company and feel that presenting one of our modern buses in the old South Notts livery is an appropriate way to do that. With significant residential development taking place in both East Leake and at the new Fairham site, our service 1 is expected to continue to grow in popularity.”
On behalf of the Dabell family, Chris, the youngest grandson of the founder of South Notts, said, “It is remarkable that 100 years ago today, our Grandad drove the first South Notts bus to Nottingham from Gotham garage. We are delighted to mark this occasion and wish to thank all who have contributed to the success of the South Notts brand over the years, and we wish it well for the future.”
Former South Notts driver Roger Bailey attended the launch event in his original South Notts uniform. His father and uncle also worked at South Notts and, between the three of them, the Bailey family clocked up a century of service. Roger said he was pleased to attend in uniform, “in honour of those who can’t be here today.”
In conjunction with owners of preserved South Notts vehicles, a celebratory weekend will take place on 18th and 19th July 2026, with a cavalcade of buses operating along the route on the Saturday and a South Notts-themed open day taking place at Nottingham Heritage Vehicles Charity in Hucknall on the Sunday.
A South Notts staff reunion will also take place that weekend, with a commemorative book also be launched.
