A community centre in Bristol has reopened to the public after 18 months of extensive building work. Volunteers at Meadow Vale Community Centre in Speedwell managed to raise over £300,000 towards the construction of a brand new building alongside the existing hall.
Speedwell has seen numerous housing developments built in the neighbourhood but locals say the community lacks nearby facilities, apart from its friendly pub. In 2011 the community centre was run by an unregistered charity ‘on the verge of folding’ but over the last 10 years, volunteers raised funds for the building and a new park and children’s playground on what had previously been derelict scrubland.
Lindsey Fuller, formerly a headteacher at the local nursery, has been working hard with other volunteers to get the centre back on its feet for over a decade. It became apparent to her while working in the nursery that there were few affordable activities available within walking distance for local families.
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But the small hall was not big enough, so the volunteers raised funds to construct an additional building which will formally open to the public on May 29. The local community is being invited from 12-3pm to give their views on the kinds of activities they would like to see at Meadow Vale.
Lindsey said: “There’s nothing else in Speedwell, there's no heart to the community, it was about getting that heart back and creating a place where people could connect. And having local activities that people could afford.
“On the estate, although a lot of people work, there’s a lot of low income families so it was about getting a space back that people could go to do activities they could walk to.
“It’s quite a diverse community now, it’s really important to engage everyone to create community cohesion. Bringing people together to share and connect.”
Previously, Meadow Vale ran toddler groups, a food club, food bank, judo classes, a board games and card club and a retirement group. Their aim now is to restart those groups and utilise the new space to create a whole range of activities that will serve the local community in Speedwell.
Jim Currie, who volunteers as treasurer, has been working hard in his retirement over the last few years, raising funds for the new building. Jim said: “In Speedwell the density of housing has increased but there’s almost nowhere for people to go within walking distance.
“Now the new building is complete, we want to get people from the community to come down and tell us what they want. It’s been hard work and we’re so pleased to have gotten to the other side of it. We are keen to reach out to the community and encourage them to take ownership.”
The Meadow Vale open day is taking place on Monday, May 29 between 12pm and 3pm. Guests will be treated to homemade cakes, refreshments and have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions run by current activity providers at the centre which include judo, Falun Gong, gardening and a range of family groups.
There will be the opportunity to have a look around the new facilities which now include two community spaces that can be used for a wide range of activities and are available to hire for events, celebrations and ongoing activities.
Local people interested in hiring the spaces or in running groups and activities at the centre will have the opportunity to chat to volunteers and discuss how the centre can best respond to existing and emerging needs in the local area for people of all ages. Trustees will be available throughout to speak to local people who are interested in getting involved in a wide range of volunteering opportunities and activities.
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