The First Wessex team with one of the 30 elephants coming to Dorset next spring. All images: Stampede by the Sea.
Published: June 5, 2024 | Updated: 5th June 2024
For eight weeks next spring, 30 model elephants, each designed and painted by talented artists, will be popping up across Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis.
It’s all part of Weldmar Hospicecare’s Stampede by the Sea art trail – which has just secured the support of First Wessex, a local operator run by First Bus South.
First Wessex is set to serve the trail on its X51, X52 and X53 Jurassic Coaster routes, enabling visitors to see the colourful new residents car-free.
Weldmar CEO Caroline Hamblett said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have First Wessex ‘on board’ as our transport partner at Stampede by the Sea.
“Weldmar Hospicecare provides specialist end of life care for local adults who have a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones.
“The Stampede by the Sea art trail, with all these brightly coloured elephants, is a unique and exciting way to raise awareness of the work of the charity in the west of Dorset, as well as raising vital funds to allow us to provide this care.
“The support of the local business community will be absolutely fundamental in making it a success.
“It’s going to be big, fun and exciting – just like the iconic Jurassic Coaster bus, which we’ve all seen driving along the coastal roads of Dorset.
“We look forward to it bringing significant numbers of people into the area to follow our amazing art trail!”
First Wessex joins other local sponsors confirmed for next year’s trail, including manufacturers AmSafe Bridport and Shield Sights, accountancy firm Saffery, pet care brand Dorwest Herbs, Hive Beach Café and J.P. Morgan Bournemouth.
James Eustace, commercial director for First Bus South, added: “Working as transport partner for Stampede by the Sea further cements our commitment to the communities we serve in Dorset.
“We’re proud to be supporting Weldmar Hospicecare in the vital work it does, through this exciting arts trail.
“Together, we want to encourage people to choose the bus as their preferred method of travel, supporting people where they can to use public transport.”
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