Upper Horfield's blooming Housing Association

I have watched the development of Upper Horfield for several years now, and the local housing association, Bristol Community Housing Foundation ( BCHF) have always been at the heart of what's going on in the area. They provide a very good model of what is meant by 'The Big Society' - they are helping to create a good community not by thousands of rules and regulations, but simple things like encouraging people to take ownership of small plots of green space on their street; community clear-ups, and by giving Sue Moon, pictured here, the bulbs, space and most of all freedom to share her gardening expertise with the rest of the street by planting out the communal flower beds. She also makes a mean blackberry jam from local blackberries ( thanks Sue!).
If you want to see an alternative to using thousands of rules and regulations to create a healthy, good community, you could do a lot worse than visit BCHF at 400 Filton Avenue...

Lunch for a song

Disaster struck yesterday - it looks like I've properly lost my wallet. Not temporary loss, the real thing. Card canceling loss. I'm waiting to see what horrors of identity theft await me...

But luckily for everyone at the Upper Horfield Community Trust's weekly lunch, I didn't have to sing for my lunch. A determined rummage in coat pockets and former handbags revealed enough change to buy a superb lunch at UCHT. We had hearty helpings of roast beef and many had apple tart and custard followed by tea and coffee for little over a fiver. Brilliant value and as you can see from the photo, a lovely way to spend a lunchtime.

The Garden of Eden Grove

The garden of Eden probably enjoyed nicer weather than the garden of Eden Grove. But good old English weather is not putting off Ray Hulbert ( pictured) nor the residents of Eden Grove and Upper Horfield from turning this patch of land into their own garden.

The progress is actually more impressive than my amateur photography suggests, and by the time the annual Upper Horfield Festival takes place in the summer, the hope is that the garden will be complete.

I never cease to be amazed at how much goes on at Eden Grove Community Centre and church. Below are just some of the things I've seen this week...

This is the new market at Upper Horfield Community Trust - which sells an enormous range of groceries and fresh produce, as well as offering teas and very tempting home made cakes.

..............No, it's not Richard Dawkins fighting religion.

It's Lee Cummings from Southmead Boxing Club, taking some youngsters aged between around 9-12 from Upper Horfield for boxing lessons in Eden Grove church.
( you can just see one of their legs in the corner.)

It was amazing seeing the energy released from these young people and it made me realise afresh just how important exercise and activities are for youngsters.

Boxing is slowly but surely becoming more popular in schools and youth clubs across Bristol. I've said it once, I'll say it again: If you get the chance, go along and see what kind of work boxing coaches like Lee do. It's impressive.

a Grand effort from Upper Horfield Community Trust

Upper Horfield Community Trust should have festivals more often. I have never known one of their festival weekends to be held in anything other than glorious sunshine.

And this year, they raised in the region of £1000 for the area. Not only that, but they bring a whole community together with a mix of fun for the family, children's activities - and informative stalls and advice points. Everything under one roof - or, er, blue sky.

I entered the prize draw, got caught up in drama as the boards behind me fell over and almost crushed the lady in red hair filling in the prize draw form - and in all the excitement I managed to leave my wallet at the stall. Within fifteen minutes, I'd had a phone call from one of the organisers telling me not to panic, (which I was. Heartily.) He had my wallet. That really said it all - even amongst all the activity, the organisers had time to spot a stray wallet and take the time to return it to its rightful owner. Thank you and well done to Ray Hulbert MBE, and Maria who put so much effort into what was a fantastic weekend.