The Samuel Ledgard Society was formed in October 1998 exactly 31 years since the company ceased bus operations when they were taken over by the West Yorkshire Road Car Company. This was decided at a reunion of former staff and enthusiasts held at the Rose & Crown pub in Otley with the brief of furthering the appreciation and historical documentation of this well- known and much respected legendary company.

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Samuel Ledgard’s, founded in 1912 ran bus services in West Yorkshire covering Leeds, Otley, Ilkley, Bradford and Harrogate areas, also an express service to Blackpool and private hire. They operated from depots in Armley (Leeds), Otley, Bradford, Yeadon and Ilkley with a fleet of over 100 buses and coaches.

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Founding officers of the SLS were Barry and Margaret Rennison, Tony Greaves and the late Don Bate (author of the best-selling history book on Ledgard’s – Beer and the blue buses). All of whom with a wealth of knowledge of the company and plenty of enthusiasm to carry the society forward.

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The subscription for membership was £5.00 and amazingly this bargain price was held from the start until 2023 which was then followed by an even better deal, free for 2024! At that time membership numbers had amassed to 558, rather incredible because it was 57 years since the company finished.

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During the 25 years of the SLS many events have been held, bus running days, reunions, Christmas dinners, collectors’ fairs, outings by bus and formation of a sales team that attended many transport rallies selling all manner of transport collectables, books, photos and models.

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The official journal of the society, the Ledgard Chat, commenced publication in December 1998 and by the end of 2024 had reached issue number 100. From January 2025 the committee decided to cease the printed copy of the Chat and switch to issuing a regular newsletter available free of charge and sent by email. This would include news from the SLS, transport articles mainly regarding Ledgard’s, photos and other items of interest.

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For further information or request adding your name and email address to receive future issues of the ‘Ledgard Chat – E News’ direct to your inbox, free of charge, please contact via the contact message form.