Historic Plaque Unveiled at Winchester Bus Station

In a landmark celebration of diversity and progress in the transport industry, Women in Bus and Coach in partnership with Stagecoach have unveiled a commemorative plaque at Winchester Bus Station to honour Mary Curry, one of the first two women to qualify as a professional bus driver for Hants & Dorset in 1973. This special event paid tribute to Mary’s remarkable contribution to breaking gender barriers in the industry and her lasting impact on generations of women drivers.

The plaque unveiling, which is the first plaque as part of a new national initiative by Women in Bus and Coach to recognise trailblazing women across all roles in the bus, coach and community transport industry, took place on Thursday 3^rd October at 10:30am at Winchester Bus Station, with representatives from Stagecoach, Women in Bus and Coach, key local dignitaries and of course Mary Curry in attendance.

Mary Curry, along with her colleague, made history over 50 years ago by stepping into a role traditionally dominated by men. Her determination, skill, and passion paved the way for women across the UK to pursue careers in transport, a profession where women now play a vital and growing role.

Marc Reddy, Managing Director for Stagecoach South said “Mary Curry's story is one of perseverance, courage, and breaking boundaries. By recognising her, we hope to continue inspiring more women to consider careers in bus and coach driving. Her legacy lives on in every woman who has taken the driver’s seat and continues to challenge outdated norms in the industry.”

Stagecoach, a proud supporter of gender diversity, has been working closely with Women in Bus and Coach to ensure that women have equal opportunities in the sector and are celebrated for their contributions.

Louise Cheeseman, Women in Bus and Coach chair said “Mary Curry is a true pioneer, and we are honoured to have celebrated her achievement at Winchester Bus Station, where she started her journey. This plaque is a testament to her trailblazing spirit and the progress we continue to make in promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace and we look forward to unveiling many more across the country in the months to come.”

The unveiling of the plaque is a timely reminder of the importance of diversity within the workforce and a celebration of the women who continue to shape the future of the transport industry.