Names on the buses

2 Dora Bryan

924 Dora Bryan

Connections with Brighton and Hove : Dora Bryan was among the distinguished group of actors who made their home on Brighton seafront in the 1960s and 1970s. But unlike Lord Olivier, Dame Anna Neagle, Sir John Clements and many others she stayed in Brighton until she died. Born in Southport, Lancashire, she found fame after the war through her distinctive voice which she could use to comic effect. A versatile performer, she starred in films such as The Blue Lamp and on radio in Hancock’s Half Hour. She recorded a hit song All I want for Christmas is a Beatle and had her first of many stage successes in The Water Gipsies in the West End. Dora Bryan and her husband, the cricketer Bill Lawton, ran Clarge’s Hotel on Marine Parade for many years and when the business failed, they continued to live in part of the house. She carried on acting well into old age but had to stop in 2006 after having trouble memorising her lines. She was left a widow in 2008 after 54 years of marriage when Lawton died. Much loved in Brighton, she frequently appeared at charity events, especially those involving animals. She died in July 2014 aged 91 and hundreds people attended her funeral service in St George’s Church, Kemp Town, where she had worshipped.

2 Dennis Dart carried name since September 1999 as part of the launch of the Walk of Fame at Brighton Marina, on METRO Line 7 until April 2004 the bus was sold in August 2004. Name now on 924 Mercedes Streetdeck from April 2015.