DOWNEND’S Community History and Arts Project is holding a free history walk in May.
Everyone is welcome to join this fascinating amble around the centre of Downend, to find out how our area grew from a wild and dark forest into a thriving modern community.
During the walk, on Saturday May 11, we will discuss some places which no longer exist, like Cleve Hill House, the Quaker burial ground, the Cottage Homes and the hat factory, as well as some which are still standing, like the Green Dragon, WG Grace’s birthplace and the King George V Playing Fields.
We will cover some local people and incidents, and recount changes in society over the centuries.
As well as sharing the history they have found, CHAP members are also keen to collect people’s own reminiscences, as the group’s aim is to gather and share local history. So please come along with your memories and stories from the past, or questions if you are keen to know more.
The event will be supported by Historic England’s Local Heritage Education Manager Michael Gorely.
The walk is open to people of all ages and abilities and will not include any hills. There is no need to book. Meet at the Scout Memorial at 10am.
CHAP is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation that aims to produce a community history resource and create a coherent identity for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.
For more information visit www.downendchap.org, email big.gin@talktalk.net or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.
Helen Rana