VOLUNTEERS who help make Downend a brighter place to live have been honoured by the parish council.
Parish Champion awards were presented to the Friends of King George V Playing Fields and two groups – Yarn Busters and Knit & Natter – that make colourful toppers for the post box outside Downend Post Office during the annual meeting of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish council in May.
The awards are made to people in the area who “truly embody community spirit”.
Parish council chairman Janet Biggin, who presented them, said: “The Friends of King George V Playing Fields have worked closely in partnership with the parish council.
“Their dedication and energy have made a real difference, not least in organising an Easter egg hunt this year, with over a hundred people taking part, which brought so much joy to so many local families, being a free event.”
“Over the years our brilliant post box toppers have designed and made some fabulous creations for our post box here in Downend.
“The creativity never fails to bring a smile to my face and, I’m sure, to everyone who passes by.”
The parish council’s annual meeting also heard that around £14,000 had been awarded in grants to local organisations including Downend in Bloom, disability charity Paul’s Place and park friends groups to support their work in the community.
Two new defibrillators, one outside Avonmere Care Home and another at Bromley Heath playing fields, have been funded.
The parish council is inviting people to a free event at King George V Pavilion on August 16 from 11-5pm to celebrate a year since it opened, with stalls, music, food and family activities.
