The Noise 2012 – A Volunteer Revolution!

The Noise 2012 took place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend in the communities of Barton Hill, Horfield, Lawrence Weston, Little Stoke, Lockleaze, Manor Farm, Sea Mills, Southmead and Upper Horfield. 870 people from 50 different churches and groups gave nearly 8000 volunteer hours working on a wide variety of different locally based projects and activities.

Over 90 specific community projects were completed over the weekend, including building a shelter in a community allotment in Barton Hill, rubbish and bramble clearance at Lawrence Weston Community Farm, work in the grounds of local schools in Horfield and Lockleaze, and many different individual garden projects across all communities.

A local resident from Manor Farm said “I am so grateful for the gardening work which was done last Saturday. What a transformation from a ‘jungle’ to a garden again! The friendly people worked so hard, and it was a pleasure to hear their happy laughter and chatter as they worked. Thank you so much.”

Noise volunteers are aged from as young as 5 years old, right up to 80, with a significant majority aged between 12-18. Whatever their age, everyone has a great time over the weekend. One youth group leader commented, “I just wanted to say that this was our first time doing this kind of event and all of us really enjoyed ourselves and had a fantastic time. And we can't wait till next year!! Thank You.”

While some Noise volunteers were working on the practical projects, others were setting up and hosting 8 different Family Fun Afternoons that took place over the 3 days. Hundreds of people came out to enjoy all the free activities on offer, from the face painting to the football coaching, the climbing wall to the café area – and even in the rain on Monday!

On the Sunday, The Noise also hosted 3 different events for Senior Citizens, a three course dinner in Horfield and Southmead, and a cream tea in Sea Mills. Each event had a great atmosphere as everyone enjoyed meeting new people, eating good food, and being entertained.

The Noise aims to connect with as many people in the community as possible, and is really grateful for the support of, and partnerships with Bristol City Council, Local Neighbourhood Partnerships, the Police, and many other community workers and organisations, that make the work and events of the weekend possible, and ensuring there is a positive and long term impact.

Many Noise volunteers are involved in similar work within their local communities all year round, with children and young people, the elderly, and those looking to get more support and help in connecting with organisations and services. The Noise looks forward to encouraging more of this throughout the year.