ORGANISERS of Downend’s annual firework display have given more than £60,000 to good causes since last year’s event.
Details of some of the 47 community projects and charities to benefit have been revealed as Downend Round Table prepares to put tickets for this year’s display on sale.
The volunteer group puts profits from each year’s event into a fund from which donations of between £250 and £7,000 are made to causes in the area.
Among the groups to benefit are the Friends of King George V playing fields, the park which hosts the display every year.
Downend Round Table has sponsored the planting of ten new trees at the playing fields, at a cost of £250 each.
Funds raised at the display have been granted to install a new bench seat at another nearby green space, Leap Valley, to give visitors an extra place to rest and take in the view.
A group which helps people with disabilities to enjoy the Bristol & Bath Railway Path has also been supported by a grant from Downend Round Table.
Warmley Wheelers is an inclusive cycling project based at Warmley Station, which provides adaptive bikes to allow people with learning disabilities to enjoy riding on the path.
A grant has been awarded to Warmley Wheelers to help buy a side-by-side tandem bike so people they support can cycle alongside a family member, friend or support worker, and to help meet its running costs. The organisation relies on donations and grants to survive.
Other recent beneficiaries include: charity Raeyah’s Hands of Support, which helps children with autism who are undergoing cancer treatment and was set up in memory of an Emersons Green girl; Julian Trust Night Shelter, which provides shelter and support for homeless people in Bristol; Green Community Travel, which provides transport for people unable to access buses and trains; Emersons Green Village Hall; Holly Hedge animal sanctuary.
Funding for educational and recreational activities for children and teenagers has been provided to local scout and guide groups, and school PTAs.
Downend Round Table chairman Paul Wells said: “The Downend Round Table Fireworks is not just about fun and fireworks – it’s about giving back to the community.”
This year’s display will be on Friday November 8 from 5.30pm, with a quiet children’s show at 6.30pm followed by bonfire lighting at 7.15pm and the main display at 8pm, with a variety of stalls and entertainment.
Tickets go on sale on October 1 via the website downendrt.co.uk.
The site also has information for anyone interested in joining Downend Round Table, a non-profit voluntary organisation for men aged 18 to 45.