It never ceases to amaze me as to what fantastic industries we had in our local area. William J Bence was born in Willsbridge close to the former Queens Head pub. He moved to Kingsfield House (still there at junction of Bath Road and Marsham Way) when he married.

Started out as a Carrier, Bill started his bus company in 1920, with a route covering Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Downend and Keynsham. No bus stops and Ford vehicles. The same route continued under various guises until 1986!

The company expanded as WJ Bence & Sons, building its own bodies (Light Green and White were the colours for their buses) and for other regional operators. Charabancs were built, their own model known as “Queen of the West”. The works being at the corner of the Bath Road and Kingsfield Lane. Some of the buildings still there. Did you know that Longwell Green Sports FC was formed in 1966 by workers from the coachworks.

In 1924 the company further expanded to Hanham, Laura House and surrounds. Can still be seen as Tollgate Hire and the house still exists within.

There was a rift in the family in the 1920s and in 1930 The Bristol Tramway took control. The company becoming Bence Motor Services Ltd. By this time Bill had moved to Oldland Hall.

1944 saw the company become Longwell Green Coachworks. Buses being made for such areas as Newport, Cardiff, Stockport etc. The last double decker being 1966. Each vehicle could be designed individually and this lead partly to the downfall. Bodies were made for such companies as BRS, Post Office and even 79 Green Goddesses.

In 1983 the company folded, although WH Bence (relative) can still be found in Yate.

There have been further links in the past, Jones and Bence (Harry, the son) at Two Mile Hill. Indeed, an audience member is related to the Jones. Someone else in the audience recognised the body work of a library van that he had worked.

A great presentation with John across all the detail.