More than 100 people turned out to a family event in Bemerton designed to bring residents together. 

Held on Saturday September 25, the ‘Big Bash on Bemerton 2021’ was attended by people of all ages who came together to celebrate the agencies and projects that work on the estate.

After having to put the annual event on hold in 2020, organisers say it was "great" to gather families once again while keeping Covid precautions in place.

Held on Gainsborough Close, the event included:

  • a BBQ provided by volunteers from Grace Church
  • refreshments from Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council’s Resident Engagement Team
  • face painting from Fantasy Faces by Jodie
  • a raffle organised by the Chair of the Residents Association which raised £88.10 for the event
  • football and dodgeball from Wilts Council’s Healthier Communities Project delivered by District Sports

New activities for this year, which were also free of charge, included Share Salisbury who brought their giant jenga and other garden games; Wiltshire Creative who got people involved in their Winter Wonderland project; Rise:61 Bike Hub who set up a ‘Dr Bike’ station and Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team who provided a free axe throwing activity.

Robin Imeson, Director of Rise:61, said: “Bemerton Heath is a wonderful community to live and work in and it was so nice to facilitate this fun event again.

"It was great to see so many whole families there, with every generation represented, enjoying the activities and we were very proud of the bike hub lads volunteering to fix people’s bikes for free. We want to thank all our amazing partners for their support and for what they do to help people on our estate."

MP John Glen who attended the event straight from the airport after a ministerial trip to the US said: "Bemerton Heath is a fantastic place and Rise:61 and their partners do an incredible job supporting local people and building an even greater sense of community there.

"The Big Bash was a pleasure to attend and I would encourage everyone to donate to Rise:61’s minibus fund which will help their community garden and bike hub projects thrive and enable them to take young people on special trips off the estate too."

If you would like to donate to help the charity buy a minibus/van to help with their bike hub and community garden projects click here or send a cheque to St Michael’s Community Centre, St Michael’s Road, Salisbury, SP2 9LE.

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