Stagecoach stars set for the Royal spotlight: seven employees honoured with invitations to the 2026 Royal Garden Party
- Seven standout employees, representing 220 years of combined experience in the bus industry, have been invited to Buckingham Palace
- The nominees are being recognised not only for their professional excellence but for their extraordinary contributions to the community
Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, is proud to announce five of its most dedicated employees have been invited to attend the prestigious Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2026.
The invitations serve as a recognition of their extraordinary long service, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the UK bus industry and their local communities. Representing more than 220 years of collective experience, the nominees range from long-serving drivers to commercial leaders and operations experts.
Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer for Stagecoach, said:
“These invitations are testament to the passion and resilience that drive our business.
“Whether it is through decades of safe driving, community fundraising, or pioneering transport partnerships, these five individuals represent the very best of Stagecoach. We are thrilled to see their hard work recognised on such a grand stage.”
Meet the guests of honour:
Marilyn “Maz” Gibson (Ecclesfield Depot)
Known affectionately as Maz, 79-year-old Marilyn has been a pillar of the Ecclesfield Depot for 35 years. Currently serving as Depot Operations Administrator, Maz works full-time while acting as a devoted carer for her husband, Dennis, who lives with Alzheimer’s. Over the last eight years, she has been a tireless fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society. When not working or caring, Maz is a dedicated Chelsea FC fan, travelling across the UK and Europe to support her team.
Dave Skepper (Commercial Director, East Midlands)
Dave’s career began in the 1980s behind the wheel as a bus driver. Since joining in 1988, he has risen to Commercial Director, becoming a driving force for innovation in the East Midlands. From implementing the award-winning Student Rider and Smart Commute schemes to spearheading the "Zebra" funding bid for electric buses in Hull, Dave’s "superpower" is his ability to build partnerships. A true busman, Dave even has a bus stop and shelter in his own back garden.
Norman Fullard (Slatyford Depot)
Starting his career in February 1971, Norman recently achieved the staggering milestone of nearly 50 years of accident-free driving. His expertise has taken him as far as Malawi and Kenya on secondment for Stagecoach in the 90s. Locally, he was given the honour of driving the first electric bus at Slatyford. Outside of work, Norman trains Newfoundland dogs in water rescue techniques and is a member of the International Plastic Modellers Society.
Martyn Rice (Cwmbran Depot)
May 2026 marks 45 years of continuous service for Martyn, who began his journey in 1981 as a service driver. Throughout his career, Martyn has been the "ultimate flexible professional," transitioning between National Express coaching, private hire, and local service work across Cardiff and Cwmbran. His 45-year tenure is celebrated by colleagues as a masterclass in loyalty, resilience, and service to the South Wales community.
Robert and Mandy Bilham (Rawmarsh Depot)
Robert is an Engineering Manager and his wife Mandy is the Storekeeper at Rawmarsh. Both are retiring in March 2026 after an incredible 85 years of service at Stagecoach Yorkshire between them. Both make a formidable team, helping take the Rawmarsh Depot to one of the best performing in the country with exceptional reliability.
Charlie Pullar (Aberhill Depot)
Charlie started with the company at our Aberhill depot in November 1977. He's a larger than life character and always goes above and beyond for his passengers. He works regular late shifts and often phones at the end of his duty to inform us that there is someone stranded and he will drop them off near their house.
Charlie is married to Tricia and they have two grown up children. Charlie and Trica are also foster parents for children from 5 years old up to teenagers and always assist when emergency foster care is needed. Charlie is a valuable member of the Aberhill team and has been fundraising for various charities. This included walking the West Highland Way with some of his colleagues.