Bartle, William – Converted ambulance to a bus

William Bartle (1873-1948)

BORN in Harlaxton William Bartle, he lived in Main Street until he married Mary Ann and moved first to Dudley Road the St Anne’s Street.

A fitter, he moved to Inner Street and started Blue Belle buses in about 1925, one of the earliest services in town, between Grantham and Great Gonerby and later Barrowby.

He began with a First World War Crossley ambulance which he converted into a bus. He bought a second bus which he painted yellow and called it the Cliff Express.

He also ran circular tours at 1/6d (7.5p) and day trips to Skegness at 5/- (25p) return.

He sold his business to Lincolnshire Road Car in 1931.

He lived at Turnor Crescent when he died.