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# Ipswich pub donates double decker bus to homeless shelter
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-pub-donates-double-decker-bus-to-homeless-shelter/
- Published: 2024-09-10T04:00:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:36:02.000Z
- Description: The Duke Ipswich has donated its double-decker bus to The Ipswich Bus Shelter, a local organisation that supports the homeless community.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, Changemakers, #article, The Duke Ipswich, Hammond Recovery Motor Group, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** The bus, which helped the pub survive COVID-19 restrictions and hadn't been moved for over three years, will continue to benefit the community by providing shelter and support services for those in need.

**A true community project:** [Hammond Recovery Motor Group](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/hammond-recovery-motor-group/) transported the bus free of charge and [The Duke](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/the-duke/) plans to host fundraisers to help pay for bus renovations.

![The bus being towed](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725611712-duke-ipswich-bus-handover.jpg)

Hammond Recovery facilitated the operation Photo: Sally Goodger (Sally Goodger)

**What they're saying:**

- Chris Mapey, Landlord of The Duke: "Our double decker bus was a lifeline for us and our patrons during some of the toughest times of the pandemic."
- Sally and Roy Goodger, new managers of The Duke: "We are delighted to see this double decker repurposed to support The Bus Shelter Ipswich in their mission to aid the homeless community."
- Gareth Brenland, Co-Founder of [The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/the-bus-shelter-ipswich-cic/): "We are intending to use the bus to provide a lifeline to those facing a night on the street by offering a safe space/sleep along with other services to help the wider community."
- George Hammond, Recovery Manager of Hammond Recovery Motor Group: "We are honoured to support The bus Shelter Ipswich and The Duke in this meaningful endeavour."

![The bus being recovered from the Duke Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725611813-bus-leaving-1.jpg)

The recovery option was anything but simple Photo: Chris Mapey

**What's next:** The Bus Shelter Ipswich will incorporate the bus into its services, providing temporary accommodation and support to homeless individuals in Ipswich.

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