03/09/2026
Thowback Thursday - Remembering Dennis Ellis
This Throwback Thursday is a little different from our usual look back through East Yorkshire’s history.
Today, we remember Dennis Ellis, a much-loved member of the East Yorkshire family whose life was tragically cut short while doing the job he had carried out for many years.
Dennis joined East Yorkshire in the summer of 1956, starting work at Driffield as a temporary driver. After spells at Driffield, Hull and York depots, he returned to Pocklington in October 1958, where he would remain for the rest of his career.
Dennis became a familiar and well-liked figure, not only among his colleagues but throughout the local community.
Sadly, on Monday 27 September 1993, Dennis was driving a bus along the A1079 at Wilberfoss when it was involved in a devastating collision with an articulated lorry.
Dennis was killed in the accident. He had only recently celebrated his 64th birthday and would have been due to retire the following autumn.
The response following his death showed just how much Dennis meant to those who knew him. More than 300 people attended his funeral at Huggate Parish Church, including representatives from the school, East Yorkshire and the wider local community. His fellow East Yorkshire staff also observed a minute’s silence in his memory.
At the time, our staff newsletter - the Travel Telegraph described Dennis as a well-known and well-liked member of the local community – words which say a great deal about the man behind the uniform.
And Dennis has certainly not been forgotten.
His picture still proudly hangs in the canteen at Pocklington Depot to this day, keeping his memory very much a part of the depot and the East Yorkshire family.
We remember Dennis, his remarkable years of service and the many lives he touched during his time behind the wheel.
