Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Hornsby Bus & Coach on 28 February to celebrate the business’ 110th year serving the North Lincolnshire community. The Princess Royal met members of the Hornsby family, along with some of the business’ drivers, mechanics and other team members, selected suppliers and other supporters of the business during the visit, and toured the business offices and working depot with members of the family. Time was spent on a service bus and aboard the company’s vintage 1940 Bedford OB.
The Princess Royal heard about the bus industry and how the family have adapted the company over the years, and the 6th generation of the family presented Her Royal Highness with a bouquet of posies and a commemorative cup. Managing Director of the Scunthorpe-based operator Nick Hornsby said: “I am flattered and most grateful that Her Royal Highness chose to visit our business for our 110-year celebrations.
Her Royal Highness was relaxed and brought a big smile to everyone she met. We are a relatively small business in a large industry and this visit helps us raise the profile of independent family businesses who are working hard to support the community.” Representing one of the business’ key customers, Leon Riley, Principal of John Leggott College, said: “It was fantastic to join in the celebration of Hornsby’s historic history. They have been
a key support to John Leggott College, transporting our learners for a number of years. It was a real privilege to be involved.”
The business is currently managed by Nick, along with Chloë Hornsby, representing the fifth generation of the family and the first woman to become a Director in the family’s history, and General Manager Karl Robinson.
Sharing images from the day on its social media pages, the company added: “We are still elated and deeply honoured by The Princess Royal’s decision to visit our humble home in Ashby. This memorable occasion will remain with us for a long time.”
