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| Outside the bus after generating funding. |
Gerry Watkins, a Cirencester man, launched the Big Yellow Bus Project on
the 1st August 2017 when he came up with the idea of sheltering the homeless in
a double-decker bus during the winter months.
Since then, he has raised enough money to purchase the bus through
various fundraising events across the region. Lynn Hilditch and Tony
Curry presented this cheque for £350 on behalf of Cirencester Thames
Branch. At this presentation Gerry said “This cheque from the Cirencester
Conservatives will enable me to complete the bus conversion and I'm grateful to
them for this and their previous contribution which have added to all the other
generous gifts to get my project into operation. Further donations always
welcomed and useful!”
Dan Hemmings, an A level student at Cirencester College, took
photographs of the event. These pictures and the information he has gleaned
from Gerry will contribute to his project at College.
Gerry is passionate about helping people who find themselves homeless
and has converted the double-decker bus into a safe shelter for homeless
locals. Accommodation upstairs provides 5 male beds and 2 female quarters. The
living space downstairs has cooking facilities, a wood burner, a rest area
which can double up as a bed for a warden/night supervisor.
The Big Yellow Bus Project is aimed at improving homeless peoples'
lives. Residents are expected to comply with rules such as no smoking, no drink
or drugs (unless medically prescribed) or self-abuse.
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| The double decker is now in use. |
The intention of the Project is to help those willing to be helped with
drink or drug problems, anger issues or homelessness. Commitment will require
signing up to any required rehabilitation courses and undertaking a couple of
hours community service a day.
Contact Gerry for more information on this project or you would like to
make a donation:
07808030220
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