The old passenger bus #910, which used to serve routes in Essex, now serves as a colorful playground for Ukrainian children. Artist Billy Beaumont transformed the bus’s interior by painting it with a forest landscape, stars, birds, Ukrainian flags, and the alphabet.
The Go-East Anglia Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) has given the bus a new role, designating it for Ukrainian children. The bus previously transported passengers to Basildon and Brentwood on the outskirts of London. Now, it has become a symbol of colorful leisure for children.
Billy Beaumont, a local artist, created the striking design of the bus, including flying birds and planets on the ceiling. The interior was decorated with Ukrainian figures in national costumes, flags, and the alphabet.
The artist said that he collaborated with Ukrainian children to create the design, who even helped him write the Ukrainian alphabet, for which he expressed his gratitude.
SHAP, a humanitarian organization set up by Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Britons in Wiltshire, uses the play bus as a tool to support Ukrainian children who have experienced tragedies due to the Russian invasion. Mike Bowden, the head of SHAP, believes that while there is no cure for children’s trauma, it is possible to help them enjoy the bright moments of play and laughter that can help alleviate their condition.
Gavin Smith, a representative of bus operator Go-East Anglia, is proud of the new purpose of bus #910, considering it a perfect idea to extend its service to benefit Ukrainian children.
