Local Schoolchildren’s Poetry Showcased on Basingstoke Buses

Stagecoach South has unveiled a unique community initiative, giving local primary school children the chance to see their poetry displayed inside two buses operating within the Basingstoke network.

The competition, open to primary schools in the area, aimed to celebrate young creative talent while enhancing the passenger experience with inspiring poetry. Winning entries were selected and professionally designed for display inside the buses.

Students and teachers from South View Junior School and Park View Primary School joined, Kerry Mansfield, Stagecoach South’s Basingstoke Operations Manager and Sebastian Gardiner, Graduate Management Trainee, who spearheaded the initiative, at the official launch. The children had the exciting opportunity to step on board and see their poems in person, now proudly showcased for all passengers to enjoy.

This initiative reflects Stagecoach South’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities, as well as celebrating the creativity of young writers.

Sebastian Gardiner, Graduate Management Trainee said:
"We are thrilled to provide local schools with the opportunity to feature their students’ work inside our buses. These wonderful poems will now be enjoyed by members of the community every day, bringing a touch of inspiration to their journeys."

The two specially decorated buses feature 24 poems written by students from Merton Junior School, South View Junior School, Park View Community School, and The Costello School.