- Stagecoach North East driver Norman Fullard marks 55 years’ service with royal recognition
- Slatyford depot stalwart invited to attend Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2026
- One of Stagecoach’s longest-serving drivers with nearly 50 years of accident-free driving
A Newcastle bus driver, who has dedicated more than half a century to serving passengers across the North East is celebrating a remarkable milestone with an invitation to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May.
Norman Fullard, who is based at Stagecoach North East’s Slatyford depot, will reach 55 years’ service with the company on 10 February 2026. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to public transport, Norman has been invited to attend the prestigious Royal Garden Party.
Norman began his career in February 1971, starting with Newcastle Corporation Transport before transferring to Slatyford depot just days later; where he has remained ever since. Over five decades on the road, he has built an extraordinary record, recently achieving nearly 50 years of accident-free driving.
His career has also taken him far beyond the Tyneside. In the 1990s, Norman was seconded overseas with Stagecoach, working as a driving instructor in Malawi before later driving buses in Nairobi, Kenya.
Closer to home, he was given the honour of driving the first electric bus into service from Slatyford depot; marking another landmark moment in his long association with the company.
Outside work, Norman trains Newfoundland dogs in water rescue techniques and is a member of the International Plastic Modellers Society, reflecting the same patience and precision that have defined his professional life.
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said:
“Norman’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. Fifty-five years of service, nearly five decades of accident-free driving and a willingness to embrace change; from overseas secondments to driving our first electric bus speaks volumes about his professionalism and commitment.
“We are incredibly proud of Norman and delighted to see his dedication recognised with an invitation to the Royal Garden Party. He is a fantastic ambassador for Stagecoach, for our colleagues, and for the bus industry as a whole.”
Stagecoach North East continues to celebrate the contribution of long-serving colleagues whose commitment helps keep communities across the region connected every day.
