About us

Deckerdence is owned and run by partners Helen Bleakman and Giovanni 'Jano' Caffo, born out of an idea they had in the summer 2008. One evening over a bottle of wine they scrawled some rough designs onto the back of an envelope depicting a vintage double decker bus mantled by a bespoke marquee in which to have the most amazing parties, and there was no looking back!

Soon they found the ideal bus - a 1967 Leyland PD2 - which had spent its working life in Manchester but had since retired to rural Herefordshire.
The engine, mechanics and bodywork were sound but the interior was sad and sorry. Work began and the project developed organically over nine months. No formal plans were laid down, it was done in the old fashioned way by Jano and skilled local craftsmen, the layout and design taking shape as it went along, with everyone involved coming up with great ideas. The interior was gutted and rebuilt with oak panelling, a bar on both decks and beautiful hand stitched red leather upholstery. All original seats and fittings stripped out have been retained for posterity as the bus is quite a rare model.

By Spring 2009 the project was complete - bus re-sprayed and sign written, marquee made and fitted, and equipped with stage, PA and furniture. Helen and Jano say the best thing about it all is people's reaction when they see Deckerdence, everyone loves it and is competely amazed by their unique creation!