A new chapter at the Old Library
The Old Library, Eastville, has opened its doors to the public
The Old Library, Eastville, has opened it’s doors to the public, after many months of preparation by local residents and a hugely successful launch party, that helped raised over £1000 for the community run space.
The launch event, that took place on the 10th September, saw over 350 people come to celebrate the opening, with a full day of live music, woodcraft, locally made refreshments and games, hosted by a hoard of enthusiastic and hard working local volunteers who helped made the day a huge success.
After a rainy morning of setting up outside, the clouds cleared to welcome local folk artist, Chandra Moon, to the Old Library outdoor stage, kicking off the day’s talent-packed music schedule, that was soon followed by the first round of the highly anticipated Onion Jousting Tournament that got children and adults alike lining up to take part.
The day continued with a well stocked bar serving local ales, a butchers BBQ, locally made Samosas, great salads and freshly baked breads from the Breadstore, alongside a tasty selection of donated homemade cakes inside the café, with a fantastic team of bbq, café and kitchen volunteers ensuring everyone was well catered for. Local band The Sweet Spokes from Easton took to the stage for their first ever gig, followed by touring folk musician Phil Cooper, who’s maraca’s gained him an entourage of happy toddlers shaking their way through his sunny set.
Throw-a-Lightbulb lit up the faces of many, who competed to win lots of goodies including a remote controlled car and scooter, with the Quinnell’s taking first prize of a fine bottle of champagne – perhaps a look through their brilliant homemade Camera Obscura’s after that prize will turn the world upright yet again!
“We’ve loved all of the activities taking place at the launch today – the clay modelling, the face painting, it has really kept the kids entertained and we’ve loved all the live music and having a chance to socialise with our neighbours and all the lovely people involved here at The Old Library. The food has been great too! We can’t wait until the next event and popping in here during the week now it’s open,” commented a neighbour from Tackley Road.
The Old Library team had done a fantastic job of the raffle too, with a great selection of prizes donated from local people and businesses including vouchers from local beauticians and hairdressers Emma Bee and Magic Scissors, a beautiful canvas print of Clifton Suspension Bridge from Ben Costigan Photography, locally made jewellery from Hazel Sutton, alongside games, wine and a tea set donated by Tesco & Wai Yee Hong supermarket.
“We are thrilled with what we have achieved in this community in the past 6 months, and are overwhelmed at how many people came out to support our community and kick start The Old Library project last weekend. The day was a huge success, and we couldn’t have hoped for a better way to launch The Old Library,” commented Emily Shimell, Chair of South Lockleaze & Purdown Neighbourhood Group C.I.C.
“The volunteers should be so proud – with most of us having never taken on a project such as this before, let alone running such a successful community event that brought together people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, it’s really a huge display of what passionate people can do when they come together around a common cause.”
The Old Library, Eastville, is now open to the public Monday & Wednesday from 10am – 4pm and Friday’s from 12 noon – 4pm, for people to meet and relax, have a coffee and cake in the café, borrow a book, use the computers and WiFi, play games and get involved in other activities throughout the week.
Take a look at the What’s On guide in this magazine, or visit the Old Library website www.theoldlibrary.org.uk , find The Old Library Eastville on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter - @OldLibrary_EV.
If you’d like to know more, want to run an activity or class, or are interested in helping run an event or volunteering in the space, get in touch with The South Lockleaze & Purdown Neighbourhood Group at southlockleaze@gmail.com.
Written by: Emily Shimell, Chair, SL&P Bristol.
On behalf of: SL&P Bristol & The Old Library, Eastville.
For: Horfield & Lockleaze Voice
Contact: Emily.shimell@gmail.com, 07931541029