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David Deacon
• One man who played a prominent role in Harrogate this week, when he presided over the annual conference of the Public Road Transport Association, also figured prominently in the restructuring of the National Bus Company in April. He is Mr D. S. (David) Deacon, now starting his second year as PRTA's chairman, and who was appointed regional executive, Southern region, of the NBC in January — a notable way in which to commence his 40th year in the road passenger transport industry.
David Deacon, a native of Wallasey, was educated at Rugby and Trinity College,. Cambridge, and joined Crosville Motor Services Ltd in 1932 as a trainee, attaining his first appointment the following year as depot superintendent, Wrexham.
During the 40 years he has been responsible for some interesting tasks. The first of these was undoubtedly the period 1945-46, when he served in the military government in Holland and later in Germany, employed on the restoration of tram and bus services. He returned to Crosville first as divisional manager, Rhyl and Llandudno, and then, in 1950, he became assistant traffic manager with United Automobile Services Ltd, Darlington.
His brief with United was to supervise the initial formation of Durham District Services Ltd, a company established to combine the operations of three independents who had been purchased by the British Transport Commission, and were managed by United.
In 1962, Mr Deacon, then assistant general manager of United, was appointed director and general manager of Wilts and Dorset Motor Services Ltd. However, his connection with United was not over — following his election in 1964 to the council of the Tilling Association, he became a director of United.
His membership of the council of the PF1TA began in 1965; he served as junior vice-chairman in 1967-68 and senior vice-chairman in 1969-70, when he was elected chairman.
David Deacon feels that changes in the legislation and structure of the pay industry can only be of benefit to the industry if wisely framed and carefully considered. The operators' associations have, he feels, a vital part to play towards ensuring that this takes place, and in shaping the future.
Now resident in Hove, he admits that the industry has been his hobby as well as his work, though he is also fond of gardening.