Sustainable September - events in Abbotswood and nearby

Abbotswood Action Group have announced their programme of events for "Sustainable September" - there's lots to interest all the family. The first event is this Sunday, 1st September:  “Lines In The Landscape: A time trail walk exploring how people and nature interconnect in our modern town and countryside” The walk will set off from outside St Nicholas Church, Abbotswood at 2 pm.

A walk of about two hours at a gentle pace from Abbotswood to Wapley Bushes and back. Discover disused streams and ancient hedges in the built-up area, and see how wildlife and people use pathways, beelines and wildlife corridors in the Nature Reserve. Please wear suitable footwear and dress according to the weather.

If you’re interested, other events during the month include wildlife talks and a Bicycle Safari (think “nature ramble on wheels”)

Volunteering opportunity - treasurer for local group

Are you good with figures? Could you spare around 4 hours a month to help Abbotswood Action Group, who have a vacancy for a volunteer Treasurer? Please contact Steph on volunteeringyate@southernbrooks.org or 01454 868570 to find out more.

Annual Abbotswood Clean Up Day Saturday 14 April - please come and help!

It's less than a week now until this year's Annual Abbotswood and local area Clean Up Day. Last year about 50 people, of all ages, took part and the weather was brilliant.

AAG does things across the whole local area (much more than just Abbotswood) and takes in an area of Yate from Witcombe to the West, Shire Way to the East and Badgeworth to the South as well as Abbotswood, Chargrove and Hardwicke.

As numbers and equipment allow people are encouraged to litter pick wherever you would like to in the area, or you can do do painting and planting near the shops and St. Nix Church. There will even be free refreshments to keep you going!

Maybe you could come with your street or nearest park in mind? We really hope to meet you there this coming Saturday, 14th April from 11 am until 3 pm.

Do please pass the invitation on too your friends, neighbours and family. Everyone is very welcome.

Abbotswood Christmas event Sat 25 November - fun for everyone!

The 4th annual Abbotswood Christmas Event takes place on Saturday 25th November in the Abbotswood shopping centre starting at 4pm. The attractions include:

• Dodington parish brass band
• Christmas bazaar
• Father Christmas  
• Street magician 
• Face painting 
• Living nativity with live donkeys
• Local school choir 
•  Big Christmas Lights switch-on by the Mayor of Yate

Picnics and Play events - Saturday 15 July 2017, 12 noon to 4 pm

Do you have neighbours you've never met? Have you ever thought it would be nice if someone organised a community get-together near where you live? Perhaps you (with help) could organise s neighbourly picnic!

Abbotswood Action Group is encouraging people from the lcal area to host a "bring and share" picnic with games and activities on your nearest green space or tarmac play area.

AAG will be happy to help with invites, encouragement and advice. They also have a small fund to help with purchases of play equipment if needed for your picnic (first come first served!)

All the picnics will be put on a map so people can wander around and enjoy different activities.

If you and a group of neighbours would like to join in, please contact Rob on 07890 569196, speak with a member of the AAG committee, or email community.aag@gmail.com

Quite a few picnics have already been registered. Dodington Parish is planning one at Woodchester Play Area, where you can give your views about improvements to the play area and meet your local councillors. Kelston Close residents and Solon South West Housing Association are running a picnic and fun afternoon at QE2 Kelston Close playing field, and lots more gatherings are already being planned.