A community bus in Southwich got a makeover thanks to a Southern Co-op funeral co-ordinator.
Thomas Parfitt from the Co-operative Funeralcare in Frome spent five days painting the bus at Hope Nature Centre, using materials bought through a £300 donation from the Southern Co-op.
The bus was donated by the More Bus Group and will be used at the centre to help train people with learning disabilities in animal care and catering skills. It will also be converted into a venue for school groups and birthday parties and an events space.
Mr Parfitt said: “As soon as I got the green light, on my days off, I started painting. I used all the animals that are in the farm as references and popped a cartoon twist on them. It’s all painted using spray paints – no brushes or pens.
“It is really great to make such a difference to the centre and those who use it.”
Director of HR at Hope Nature Centre, Clair Beaty-Pownall, added: “We were incredibly grateful for the donation of the bus to Hope Nature Centre and we are delighted that it has been completely transformed.
“After securing funding to have the interior stripped, we then needed an exterior makeover. The bus now looks amazing and we know that it will have a very positive impact, not only on the centre, but on the local community, who will be able to enjoy this exciting additional space for many years to come.”
The donation was possible through Southern Co-op’s Love your Neighbourhood programme, which aims to promote greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.
