07/10/2016 - Mrs Johnson Hangs up Her Clipboard!
Joan Johnson retires after 60 years at family coach firm
From her first tour to Fort William to her last in Llandudno, Joan Johnson has travelled the length and breadth of Britain, but now after 60 years it’s finally time to hang up her clipboard.
Joining the business in 1956, when the firm was only operating 3 coaches, a furniture removal lorry and a taxi, Joan juggled bringing up her 5 children with office work and coach driving, becoming one of the first female coach drivers in the UK.
Her career as a holiday courier started in 1981 when she and her son John operated the company’s first inclusive tour. Since then she has escorted more than 350 tours to places all over the UK, Europe and the world. With Joan Johnsons as their courier, passengers know to expect “service with a smile, even if things go a bit wrong!”
Since then Joan, has watched the business develop from strength to strength; it has won many coach industry awards; it celebrated 100 years in business in 2009 and now it’s well known blue, yellow and white livery on its buses and coaches can be seen near and far – from Stratford-on-Avon to Switzerland!
Mrs Johnsons also adds “I have enjoyed every minute of it and will miss working with our friendly drivers, lovely customers all the friends I have made over the years”.
John Johnson, Joan’s son and fellow director added “Mum’s probably done an average of just about 10 tours a year for the last 35 years, so that must be about 350 tours! And to just about everywhere in Britain and Europe and many places worldwide too. Mum has always been available to help at short notice too, so she may need her clipboard again at some time!”
Joan will be missed by all of the many customers that she has escorted on holidays, and by the whole team at Johnsons! Happy Retirement Joan.