Island bus goes ‘off root’ to the NEC for special BBC Gardeners’ World Live! appearance

Southern Vectis took pride of place in an unexpected but special appearance at the prestigious BBC Gardeners’ World Live! exhibition in Birmingham this month. 

Visitors to Newport Bus Station on the Isle of Wight may have spotted a unique planter, in the shape of a Southern Vectis bus, as it spent last summer outside the travel shop. 

Recently it underwent a refurbishment and re-plant - before being taken to the NEC in Britain’s second city by our partners, Visit Isle of Wight. 

“We commissioned the Island’s John Miller to build this wonderful creation, and the end result received numerous favourable comments from customers visiting us at the bus station,” said Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager.

“It was so well received, that Visit Isle of Wight decided to take it with them to their stand at the famous exhibition - where it was just as popular. I’d like to thank John for his efforts. He made our buses a real talking point among keen gardeners - something we would never have envisaged.”

Planter creator, John Miller, added: “I was flabbergasted to learn that my Southern Vectis planter reached as far as Birmingham - and generated so much attention from those visiting both Newport Bus Station and the NEC. 

“It’s incredible that one of my creations ended up at Gardeners’ World Live!”

Will Myles, managing director of Visit Isle of Wight, said: “Our visitors to the Island and locals alike love the Southern Vectis planters that are positioned around the    Island, so when we were planning the Island’s stand at Gardeners World Live! exhibition in Birmingham, it was the a ‘no-brainer’ to show and share with potential visitors what they could see around the Island when they visit. And the fact that they are created and planted here, what’s not to love about seeing my favourite Southern Vectis number 5 at the NEC?”

 

For more information about Southern Vectis, please visit islandbuses.info