Community

Our Monthly roundup of the chatter in the Dings. Fun Day, Awards, Halloween, Bonfire Night and many other happenings.

The Dings Fun Day 2024

From Nola: Firstly to those in the neighbourhood who support us and help make the Fun Day happen – Eastside Community Trust for the grant and The Invisible Circus and Marky Jay for the circus workshop and incredible show. Extra thanks to Marky Jay for providing the sound system for the day too

Thanks also to our local businesses who supplied such fantastic raffle prizes, Dorcas Casey and family for the crocodiles and crafts table, April Richmond for setting up a stand to explain more about the Temple Bid Quarter, Gerard for the brilliant face painting, Luis for running the very popular football tournament and Saeed for being our First Aider on the day.

And a massive thanks to those in The Dings who helped out – Helen and Alice for the Posters. Nerys, Alice and Chantelle for the pre prep. Those who popped over to help set up including Lisa as a last minute recruit.

Chantelle for running the tombola and the very popular slushie stand, Alice for creating the chalk welcome and setting up the shop and the free book stall, Rich who came down from Birmingham to run the BBQ along with his excellent fellow BBQers Siham and Sabrina. Thanks to those who sold raffle tickets – Sal, Alice, Liz and Ben. And everyone who bought some To Ali for the Silly Games and compering. Lee for taking photos. Serrie for keeping on top of the litter. Luca who helped count the cash and do the raffle draw. And those who stayed behind and returned to help with the clear up. Many hands really do make light work.

Grateful also to the sun for joining us – what a relief !

And last but by no means least thanks for everyone who came along – bought tickets, shopped, ate, played and had fun

We raised an incredible £650 from our collective efforts which will be used for community activities over the next year.

As one of our members stated “What a amazing event, my son had a great time. Well done 2 the organisers x” Big Well done to the organisers.

Marky Jay | Bristol Children’s Entertainer

In Case you missed him – we had a great entertainer who was sponsored by the wonderful Invisible Circus who were unfortunately unable to come along this year.

Eastside Community Thank You Awards

Congratulations to Sal Caseley who received an Eastside Community Thank You Award on Thursday evening. This is what was read out and received a big round of applause from all in the room

Sal Caseley has recently stepped down as Chairperson of the Dings Community Association after an incredible 17 years. In that time Sal has been instrumental in making The Dings a vibrant and supportive place to live. Amongst her many achievements she has sought out funding to re-establish youth group sessions, met with local developers to speak on behalf of the community, organised the annual Fun Day, been a listening ear to many residents, handed out Christmas and recipe bags, tackled many a tree and bush on the monthly community gardening days, set up a food bank during Covid, organised volunteers to help around the Dings, established relationships with other community groups, our councillors and the police, liaised on a refurbishment of the Safe Ouse and been brilliant fun through all of it ! This is a heartfelt and genuine thanks to Sal for all that you did, and continue to do, from the whole of The Dings.

Harry Simpson also received an award for his work getting the No.61 bus up and running. He wasn’t there to receive his award unfortunately but also received a lot of recognition from people in the room. This was the piece that was read out for Harry.

Harry has worked tirelessly over the past few months to secure a bus route that services The Dings. Older residents and those with limited liability were unable to access shops or other key amenities and some were left feeling trapped and isolated. Harry initially applied to First Bus for a route diversion. When this was unsuccessful he created a route himself and applied for WESTlocal funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (part of Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan). He had to manage a late change in Operator and complexities around bus stop restrictions. We are delighted to say he was ultimately successful and the No.61 route will be in service from September. This will be life changing for many residents and we would like to say a very heartfelt Thank You to Harry !

Community Gardening

WE did plant a few Bulbs but generally give it a break this time of year as we are a bit fair weather. Nola took some great Autumnal photos though..

Could the return of Wilko be a sign of the future of shopping destinations in Bristol?

A much-loved retail brand is returning to Bristol via a shopping service. Wilko, which closed its final stores in Bristol in October 2023 after entering administration, will be returning to the city via a “hub” in St Philips. (actually out of the Deliveroo hub)

Events

Halloween

Halloween Fun in The Dings from Nola

Bonfire night – shared by Helen

Hi all, Hannah More Primary is doing a bonfire night on actual 5th November. No fireworks, fenced off bonfire, lots of kid friendly activities, hot dogs and hot chocolate in their field. All welcome

Invisible Circus News

They are sadly moving out 🙁 They have been great neighbours and did pay for Marky Jay to come to the Fun Day – Big thanks.

To carry on supporting them though keep an eye out for their events

The Invisible Circus presents…

‘Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps’

We are thrilled to be producing a series of live performances for Halloween and Christmas, and a digital audiovisual trail, which will share just some of the incredible histories of this iconic Bristol location.

WHEN?

Part 1: Halloween – Saturday 2nd November, 14:00 – 18:30 – Live Event

Part 2: Christmas – Saturday 7th December, 14:00 – 18:30 – Live Event

Part 3: Valentine’s – February 2025 – Audiovisual Trail Launch

Event Location: Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS

Admission: FREE

WHAT IS IT? Live immersive re-enactments of true historic tales, with an Invisible Circus infused theatrical twist, performed by characters you will come across at different spots up and down Bristol’s iconic Christmas Steps.

Development News

Shared by Irene:

Tell us what you think about the initial ideas for the regeneration of Western Harbour.

From 21 October to 15 November, you will be able to view the plans and find out more by visiting one of the exhibitions, attending a drop-in session or by filling in the survey online.

Read all about it and find all the dates/locations you need https://orlo.uk/POjGB

and

Plans for 430 flats behind Temple Meads include new shops, restaurants and bars

Developers have applied for planning permission to build 434 flats behind Temple Meads as well as new shops, restaurants and bars. The 13-storey apartment blocks are planned for Silverthorne Lane, a formerly industrial area undergoing a major regeneration.

Studio Hive is hoping to get approval from Bristol City Council for the new flats, which would be split across three buildings. The apartments would be build-to-rent, meaning none would be available to buy.