The Bus
Having looked at the area it was decided that the most effective way to be able to reach out to young people over such a large and sparse area was to have some kind of mobile venue. In March 2002 we took delivery of the Cyber Bus, which was already converted and previously owned by Swindon Youth For Christ. After a couple of weeks' work the Bus was launched in Faringdon.
The Bus is a 1978 Layland Fleetline. Originally owned by Thamesdown Transport (based in Swindon) it was a service Bus for 16 years before being sold on to Youth For Christ. Thamesdown Transport having originally converted the Bus continue to maintain it .
The downstairs of the Bus has a tuck shop area located at the back. Looking from the front, just past the stairs and on the left, there is a table with four chairs; on the right there are two networked computers. These have facilites for playing games - they also have office, web development and graphics software available. At the moment, apart from the games, the other software is all freeware. We are hoping to upgrade some of this software and expand the range, giving young people an opportunity to try some software to which they might not otherwise be able to get access.
Up stairs the Bus has seats around three sides. There are also TV, video and Karaoke facilities, together with a selection of more traditional board games etc. Often the space is used to talk either with groups or with individuals on an organised or casual basis.
The Bus works on a fortnightly timetable and is currently going out to Longcot, Shrivenham and Stanford in the Vale on a regular basis. We also visit Faringdon Community College every Thursday lunch time. The Bus can also be seen at other local events throughout the year; it is also available for hire, with driver, as a temporary venue.
If you would like to know anything more about the Bus, find out about how to become a volunteer or explore the idea of the Bus coming to your village please use the links to the Contact Us page.
If you would like a guided tour of the bus please click below for a video tour.