Vintage Pictures To Whet Appetite For Alexander Dennis Open Day, May 11

Published on: 5 May, 2019
Updated on: 5 May, 2019

By David Rose

Bus and coach maker Alexander Dennis’ open day at its plant in Slyfield, Guildford, this coming Saturday, May 11, looks set to be a treat.

The day will be packed with fun for families, historic vehicle enthusiasts, potential graduate and apprenticeship candidates, technology buffs and those simply keen on nosing around the home of the UK’s most famous heavy vehicle manufacturer.

It goes without saying the firm is well known as being a Guildford company through and through, with its formation by John and Raymond Dennis in 1895. Over the years – from Dennis Bros, to Hestair Dennis and now Alexander Dennis – it has employed thousands of local people.

At the open day there will be free copies of an A5 size illustrated booklet charting the firm’s history, which I have helped Alexander Dennis produce.

As a taster, here are some photos of some of its employees and vehicles down the decades…

For more details of the open day click here for our previous story.

Dennis Bros illustration used for promotional purposes featuring one of its fire engines rushing down Guildford High Street.

The Onslow Street factory in about 1910.

Staff pictured at the Woodbridge factory in about 1910.

The Woodbridge factory in the 1920s.

Dennis Bros staff who were also volunteer firemen, nurses and management pictured during the Second World War.

A Dennis Bros specialist vehicle from the 1920s.

The Dennis Bros male voice choir.

Tool room staff in 1957.

A Dennis Bros lawnmower pictured at Guildford’s sports ground in Woodbridge Road.

Refuse vehicles under construction in about the 1960s-70s.

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