Comfy Coaches

Comfy Coaches Limited
Company type	Private company
Industry	Motor coach services, passenger transport
Founded	1926
Founder	E R Gudge
Defunct	1962
Fate	Closed and route licences transferred to Aldershot & District Traction Company Ltd; fleet sold to various purchasers
Headquarters	Lower Bourne, Farnham, England, United Kingdom
Area served	Surrey, Hampshire, South Coast, and surrounding areas (up to 35-mile radius)
Products	Excursion and private hire coach services

Comfy Coaches Limited was an innovative motor coach company located in Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, operating excursion and private hire services from 1926 until it closed in 1962. The proprietor decided to concentrate on his automobile dealership and repair workshops, transferring route licences to Aldershot & District Traction Company Ltd and selling the fleet to various purchasers.

Early Years Before the War

On 3 January 1921, Mr. E R Gudge launched his business at Crossroads Garage, 44 Frensham Road, Lower Bourne, primarily dealing in motor vehicle sales and repairs, alongside operating two private hire cars. Following a fire in 1923, a larger workshop was constructed, enabling the company to expand into passenger transport services. By 1926, the firm acquired its first coach and added seven more between 1929 and 1939. Quickly, the company earned a reputation for dependable daily excursions and private hire offerings.

During World War II

With the onset of war in 1939, part of Crossroads Garage was requisitioned for use as an Auxiliary Fire Service station. Starting in 1940, contracts for transporting workers and ENSA performers helped sustain the business, benefiting from its close location to Aldershot Garrison. The company purchased two additional coaches previously operated by the War Department in 1940-41 and acquired another second-hand coach in 1943.

Post-War Developments

After hostilities ended, operations recommenced within a 35-mile radius, with destinations such as Southsea proving especially popular. The late 1940s witnessed substantial fleet growth and upgrades aimed at improving passenger comfort and dependability. In 1953, a booking office opened on Castle Street, Farnham, providing access to over one hundred licensed destinations including South Coast trips and three-day tours to Blackpool and Devon.

During summer Saturdays, demand for private hire surged so much that external operators were sometimes engaged. Long-distance tours were equipped with extra fuel tanks and seating arrangements adjusted for passenger comfort; multiple drivers were assigned on journeys exceeding 300 miles. Contracts with the Education Authority for school excursions along with special tours—such as two-week Scottish trips featuring local choirs—further diversified income sources.

Fleet modernization persisted throughout the 1950s. In 1956, Comfy Coaches took part in the British Coach Rally at Brighton, securing noteworthy results including 10th place in the Concours d'Elegance among fifty-four competitors. In 1958, driver R Bell achieved first place in both Road Section and Driving tests as well as second place in Concours d'Elegance.

The final vehicle was purchased in 1961. Upon founder Ernie Gudge’s retirement in 1962, his son Norman chose to prioritize the expanding car service garage business amid rising car ownership trends. As a result, Comfy Coaches ceased operations in April 1962.

Route licences and the booking office were sold to Aldershot and District Traction Company; vehicles were disposed of to private enterprises. The former garage premises expanded its thriving Morris, Riley, and MG dealership activities. The site changed hands multiple times before obtaining planning approval for residential development in 2012.

Heritage activities

In April 1962, Taylor's of Sutton Scotney acquired the 999 PPL, a 29-seat Bedford J4ZL fitted with a Plaxton body, which they operated under the name Nostalgic Tours until approximately 1993. In 1994, Norman Gudge sought to restore an ex-Comfy Coach and repurchased this vehicle from Taylor's, 32 years after its initial sale.

Following multiple relocations and mechanical refurbishments, the coach remained unrestored until early 2004. At that time, a group including the founder’s grandson came together to save and restore the vehicle. Restoration work is now conducted in a leased portion of a contemporary farm building that offers sheltered space. To support this effort and maintain an archive of related images and documents, the Comfy Coaches Interest Group was created.

External links

Comfy Coaches Interest Group