Former Derbyshire bus driver Pat, 91, awarded for her 30-year career
“I spent most of my life driving buses.”
A 91-year-old former bus driver has been presented with her own stop sign by regional bus operator trentbarton in honour of her long service.
Pat Gwyther received the sign bearing her name during a special presentation at Longmoor Lodge Care Home, in Sandiacre, where she now lives.
Pat spent 30 years behind the wheel, taking passengers around Long Eaton, before retiring in 2001, at the age of 67.
Arran Bakewell and Leeann Shearer, both current trentbarton bus drivers on Pat’s former route, visited the care home to present the award.
Pat was also joined by her daughter, Lindsey Gwyther, staff and fellow residents who congratulated her on receiving the long service accolade.
She said: “I spent most of my life driving buses and it’s taken me all over the country so it means a lot to be recognised for my job.”
After moving to Longmoor Lodge in June 2025, staff learned of Pat’s long career and the home’s activities coordinator and wellbeing lead, Lisa Sudale, made plans to celebrate her three decades of service to the community.
As well as contacting trentbarton about Pat’s career, Lisa arrange a trip along Pat’s former bus route, so she could retrace the journey that had once been a part of her everyday working life.
The trip down memory lane had Pat sharing stories from her time behind the wheel, pointing out familiar landmarks and recalling shops and businesses that used to line the streets of Long Eaton.
Joined by Lisa, the pair got off the bus to walk around the estate where Pat once lived, going to see a tree she planted many years ago that still stands today.
Lisa said: “It’s difficult to put into words how heartwarming it was. Pat wasn’t just remembering these places; we were actually there together and she was showing me parts of her life.
“Seeing her pointing everything out, walking around where she used to live and telling me her stories was incredibly special. Days like that are why I love my job.”
The journey also gave Pat a chance to see how much travelling by bus had changed, as she took advantage of improvements in accessibility, including wheelchair spaces and ramps – unfamiliar features for much of her career.
Pat said: “We had no power steering in those days so my arms were stronger than all the men I knew.”
Lisa added: “The outing showed the importance of getting to know the lives of our residents before they moved into care and finding meaningful ways for them to reconnect with the occupations, interests, places and experiences which have shaped who they are.
“For Pat, being a bus driver for 30 years was a huge part of her life, and it was amazing trentbarton honoured that long career with her very own bus stop.”