There's a whole new journey ahead for Dawlish Coaches and its 50 staff, following its relaunch under new ownership on Friday.
The Dawlish company has been owned by the Tomlinson family for nearly half a century, and the 31-strong fleet now ranks among the largest in the south west.
New managing director and chairman John Weaver informed his guests how his former boss, Neil Tomlinson, had casually broached the subject of selling up, saying: 'Neil was just sitting back in his chair one day and he said, right out of the blue, "John, how would you like to buy this company?"
'I waited three seconds and then said: "Let me get back to you on that".'
Mr Weaver told the audience that he was very proud to be taking on both the company and the reputation of Dawlish far and wide, saying: 'We're bearing the name of this little town all over Europe.
'We hope we can continue to provide the superb level of service that Dawlish Coaches has done for so long. It's a privilege to take over such a prestigious company as this.'
The mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Bill Forrow, said he was very proud to be asked to attend, and praised the firm's contribution to the town, saying: 'This has clearly been a professional and smooth handover, and hopefully this means a security of employment, something we value very much indeed.
'A whole range of people have clearly done their bit, and I offer my huge congratulations to everyone involved.'
Former owner MrTomlinson, commenting on his decision to sell, said simply: 'It was a big decision, but it just felt like the right time.' What he will do next, however, he would not divulge.
Joining Mr Weaver in the driving seat will be the company's former accounts manager Gill Byers, who has bought the firm jointly with Mr Weaver who becomesfinancial director.
Mr Weaver will be continuing the tradition of a family involvement at Dawlish Coaches as his three sons and wife all take up posts with the firm and when asked if his family would remain involved for 50 years like his predecessors he replied: 'At least!'