Local residents came together in force on Saturday 12th July for a joyful and energetic Community Action Day at the Vassall Community Hub. Despite the blistering heat, neighbours of all ages rolled up their sleeves to work on two inspiring projects designed to improve their shared spaces and strengthen local connections.
🔧 Restoring a Local Landmark: The Gill Avenue Phone Box
One of the day’s main projects was the clean-up and repainting of the Gill Avenue phone box, which had been damaged in a recent fire. What had once been a sad sight on the corner of the street was transformed back to its former glory, thanks to the hard work of volunteers who cleared debris, scrubbed down surfaces, and began painting the base for the red paint. Children helped with brushes and buckets while older residents shared stories of the phone box’s past, a reminder that even the smallest spaces in a community can hold deep meaning.
🌱 A New Beginning: The Vassall Community Garden
At the back of the Hub, another transformation was underway. Armed with spades, gloves, and cake-fuelled enthusiasm, community members began the next phase of creating a brand-new community garden. Overgrown grass was cleared, raised beds were plotted, and compost turned. There was laughter, shared cups of tea, and plenty of ideas for what to plant in the weeks ahead, from herbs and vegetables to bee-friendly flowers. The space, once underused, is now well on its way to becoming a green oasis for everyone to enjoy.
“This work is also part of a wider initiative by Bristol Charities to enhance sustainability and improve access to green spaces at the Vassall Centre. From creating new community gardens to promoting biodiversity and supporting reuse and recycling, these efforts are aimed at building a healthier, more environmentally conscious hub with and for everyone who uses the space.” Zoe Williams, Community Hub Manager
A Day of Shared Purpose
The event brought together residents, local police, councillors (Al Al-Maghrabi and Louis Martin), volunteers, and local partners who care deeply about their neighbourhood. As one resident put it, “It’s not just about tidying things up, it’s about feeling connected, contributing to our community and making something positive happen, together.”
Bristol Charities and the team at the Vassall Community Hub would like to thank everyone who joined, contributed, and helped build momentum for change. Plans are already underway for the next community day, and the hope is that more people will continue to get involved in shaping a greener, friendlier, more connected neighbourhood.
Get Involved!
Want to help shape your local community?
- Volunteer your time for future projects and events
- Get support from the Vassall Community Hub team if you live locally and need a hand
- Donate to help us grow more community spaces and projects like these
👉 To find out more, contact the Vassall Community Hub or drop Jess a line at or ring 07724 546 519
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Together, we can keep building a stronger, more vibrant Bristol, one step (and shovel!) at a time.