Bees threaten visitors to Wiltshire show

A beehive at Westbury House failed to disrupt an event to showcase Bradford’s work in Avon community groups.

Over 40 groups took stalls and stands at the BoA Join In! on Saturday (June 8) in Westbury Garden and St Margaret’s Hall.

Non-profit groups, social groups, charities and organizations showed visitors what they can do and how they could join and volunteer.

Bees nesting in Westbury House failed to disrupt BoA JoinIn! community event on Saturday. Image: Trevor Porter 77118-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mayor of Bradford on Avon, Cllr Jack Vittles, said: “It was an absolute joy to see and meet so many different voluntary organizations at the BoA Join In! Saturday.

“One of the main things that makes our city so unique is the large number of people who are willing to give their time and resources to help others in the local community.

“I’m proud of how our city continues to support all these groups and organizations and I hope many new volunteers showed up on Saturday.

“In the meantime, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Saturday’s event a success and to all those volunteers who continue to give back to our city.”

Visitors were able to discover volunteer opportunities, participate in activities with the BoA Youth team, the Mighty Girls, purchase bird boxes from the BoA Swift and House Martin Group, and join the BoA Girl Guides.

Zoe Chapman and Kady Chatman, from Riding for the Disabled’s Saxon Group with Dolly the pony, provide fun and support to disabled adults and children. Image: Trevor Porter 77118-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

They were also able to enjoy tea and cake with Dolly Pony, brought by the Widbrook-based Saxon Riding Group for the Disabled.

Visitors could recycle their old clothes with Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon or help the Bradford on Avon Men’s Shed build a bat, bird or bug box.

The Men’s Shed also brought their sharpening kit to revitalize worn out gardening tools.

Other activities included a free hand massage, creative sessions with Arts Together and a Bradford on Avon Lions Club raffle.

Eunice Parker and Karen Street, of Bradford on Avon Swift and Martin Group, share nest boxes. Image: Trevor Porter 77118-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

West Wilts Radio was on hand, listening to visitors’ requests for their favorite tunes, or visitors could head along the river to enjoy bowls and croquettes.

Join BoA! it also marked the beginning Big Big Green Week in Bradford on Avon from June 8-16.

Throughout the week, there will be plenty of free, family-friendly activities for people to enjoy.