Yarn bomber pays tribute to Swindon celebrity Bob the cat

For around 20 years, Bob the cat was a familiar face at Taw Hill village centre until his death at the beginning of November. 

Bob's owner Claire Edwards shared the heart-breaking news on the dedicated Facebook page for the roving cat's exploits with hundreds reacting with sadness and fond memories.

A GoFundMe page was set up so that those mourning the loss of the local celebrity could contribute towards a lasting tribute for Bob in the form of a bench, or possibly even a statue. The 'Fly High Bob' post box topper in tribute to Swindon's most well-known cat (Image: Laura Sharp)But in the meantime, one local woman who herself is well known for her woolly wonders, Laura Sharp, has paid her own tribute to the feline figure with a post box topper celebrating his life. 

After making a post box topper for Bob, and then another for Bob and his 'girlfriend' at the time Olympia, a new post box topper popped up in the area of Bob sat underneath a rainbow with the words 'Fly High Bob'

Many have praised the topper, calling it a 'fitting tribute' for Bob. 

One member of the public said: "How beautiful, brings tears to your eyes knowing how much joy he brought."

A second person said: "Such a fitting tribute to an amazing fur baby."

Previous post box toppers made by Laura Sharp in honour of Taw Hills most famous four-legged resident (Image: Bob Life)

As well as the post box topper, families have also left flowers, pictures and cards for the cat at the Taw Hill Village Centre shops where Bob would frequently be seen, creating a memorial for him.

Another person added: "The flowers and pictures are just wonderful outside the coop and by the pharmacy."

The fundraising page for a permanent memorial for Bob has raised £2,600 so far. 

In response, Ms Edwards said: "We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone that [has] commented and donated.

Bob the cat (Image: Bob Life)

"I have also been in contact with Adam John, the Haydon Wick parish councillor who has kindly agreed to raise the possibility of a plaque and bench at the parish meeting."

Bob had started to get ill towards the end of September with Ms Edwards announcing that he was 'living out the rest of his days on patrol.'

Then, Ms Edwards announced Bob's death on November 4 with a post on social media which said: "I am deeply saddened to share the news that we lost our beautiful Bob today.

"We are incredibly upset but also know that there will be many people who took Bob to their hearts and will also miss him greatly."