Amesbury Enjoys A Feast Of Fun
In close collaboration with Amesbury Town Council and various local organisations, Swaythling Housing was delighted with the success of the partnership's Big Lunch held on Sunday 18th July in the gardens of Bowman Centre, Archers Gate in Amesbury. Part of the Eden Project, the Big Lunch is a national campaign to encourage neighbourhoods throughout the country to enjoy lunch and entertaining activities together.
Around a hundred people brought along a picnic and blanket and enjoyed a tempting spread of free activities ranging from arts and crafts, face painting and ice creams, to garden games and a variety of stalls. Families also had the opportunity to dress up in police uniforms and explore the police car provided by the Amesbury Town Neighbourhood Policing Team, who attended to launch a new project called the 'Strike Team'. The Neighbourhood Policing Team was able to recruit many young, enthusiastic people who committed to help the 'Strike Team' and they will be working alongside the police to improve the Amesbury community.
Some magical fun was provided by a children's entertainer, who mesmerised his audience and provided special balloons throughout the day free of charge.
As well as providing free family entertainment, the event offered the opportunity for residents to meet their neighbours and to find out about the activities offered at their community centre over the summer period. As development of the area is ongoing, the event proved the ideal venue to welcome new residents into their community.
Commenting on the success of the day, Jade Missen – Community Development Officer at Swaythling, said: "We're thrilled that so many residents were able to enjoy the array of activities on offer, and all in lovely sunshine. We'd like to work again with our partners and residents to provide an even bigger and better event next year".
Feedback from residents included: "Thought it was a good idea to come along to something on my doorstep and to make new friends". Another said: "Nice to support community events – a free event means more people will come". One young resident captured the feeling of his friends: "Really good and funny – a good laugh".
The event was led by Swaythling Housing Society (part of Radian) in partnership with Amesbury Town Council, Archers Gate Residents' Association, Woodford Valley Parish and Amesbury town policing team, as well as local resident volunteers. Special thanks go to the Reverend Joanna Naish, Helen Morrison - Amesbury Deputy Town Clerk and Councillor Jan Ferraro.
For more information about other community events, please contact Jade Missen, Swaythling Community Development Officer on 023 8062 8170.
To find out about how the Big Lunch campaign started, please visit the website http://www.thebiglunch.com/index.php
