Success at Big Bash on Bemerton Heath hosted by Rise:61

Big Bash on Bemerton Heath has been running since 2017, led by charity Rise:61. 

The charity has been running since 2014, aiming to provide support and opportunities to people living on the estate.

The annual bash brings together members of the community, to show them what services and activities are available to them, and bring families together for a day of fun.

Director at Rise:61 Robin Imeson said: “The idea is at the end of the summer we celebrate the start of autumn and showcase everything that’s on offer for the community over the next coming year - and also just celebrate what a great community Bemerton Heath is.

“It’s always good attendance, good fun and we’ve been blessed with the weather.”

Robin Imeson is the director of Rise:61 (Image: Newsquest)A combination of Rise 61 projects and representatives from groups in Salisbury brought activities and information to families attending.

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Stall holders included Charley Miller from Wildlife and Wellbeing, who showed children how to plant strawberry plants; Laura and Georgia from the Take Part team at Wiltshire Creative who brought fancy dress costumes for children to try on and borrow; Wiltshire Council's resident engagement team and various sporting activities such as mountain bike jumping and archery.

Men’s activities including a men’s support group and coffee tasting were also available.

Pictured: Harper, Lillie Mae and Freddie (Image: Newsquest)

Free soft drinks and an ice cream van were on offer - with the first 100 customers receiving a free ice cream, and children queued up to have their faces painted for free.

Robin added: “These events are really important because obviously we live in a society that’s getting increasingly isolated, but Bemerton Heath has always been blessed with a really good sense of community and people like getting out of their homes and just doing stuff together.

“It builds a sense that there’s loads of good things going on, often the news can be quite negative but people like just hanging out and having fun.”

For more information about Rise:61, click here.