We are a friendly, community-led charity based at Meadow Vale Community Centre in Speedwell, Bristol. Our trustees are all volunteers who are working together to improve the quality and availability of local community facilities for use by everyone who lives and works in the area.
On the pages in this website, you can find more information about the centre, how to get involved as a volunteer and how to book/hire the space - as well as groups and activities that currently take place here.
If you would like more information, please get in touch through our contact page.
Latest news:
Help create a community mandala for Meadow Vale
Residents are being invited to help create a large colourful mandala for Meadow Vale - which will be showcased at a launch event in February 2026.
The mandala is being produced by the Brick Project, a local community interest company (CIC) run by Dan Petley and Fraisia Bruist-Papazian - which "creates social painting activities that draw communities together". The pair have been responsible for collaborative public art works across the city.
The mandala project will involve local people of all ages linked to both Meadow Vale and Hillfields Park Community Centres and workshops are also being run for pupils from Summerhill Academy and Speedwell Nursery.
The finished artwork will consist of 468 brightly coloured circular discs, all painted during the art sessions. It will be displayed on an outside wall of Meadow Vale Community Centre to be on permanent view for local people to see. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Quartet Community Foundation.
Dan and Friasia say: "Come and paint your own circular piece of art. All materials are supplied at drop-in sessions and everyone is welcome to participate.
:"Sessions are at both Meadow Vale and Hillfields Park Community Centres to create hand-painted mandala circles representing whatever is important to you and represents you as part of the Speedwell and Hillfields community. This will interlock in a giant hexagonal 468 piece mandala.
"This super colourful mandala will be permanently displayed outdoors at Meadow Vale Community Centre..."
Painting sessions have recently taken place at the Halloween event at Meadow Vale and there will also be opportunities to take part at the centre's Community Portrait Exhibition launch on Thursday November 6 from 6-8pm and the Community Cafe on Monday November 17 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, when Dan will also be talking about Brick Project and how it started.
There will be a further chance to get involved this year at the Meadow Vale Children's Christmas Party on Saturday December 13 from 12-2pm and at Hillfields on the same day from 2.30-4.30pm.
For a full list of sessions available see the poster below:
The mandala is being produced by the Brick Project, a local community interest company (CIC) run by Dan Petley and Fraisia Bruist-Papazian - which "creates social painting activities that draw communities together". The pair have been responsible for collaborative public art works across the city.
The mandala project will involve local people of all ages linked to both Meadow Vale and Hillfields Park Community Centres and workshops are also being run for pupils from Summerhill Academy and Speedwell Nursery.
The finished artwork will consist of 468 brightly coloured circular discs, all painted during the art sessions. It will be displayed on an outside wall of Meadow Vale Community Centre to be on permanent view for local people to see. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from Quartet Community Foundation.
Dan and Friasia say: "Come and paint your own circular piece of art. All materials are supplied at drop-in sessions and everyone is welcome to participate.
:"Sessions are at both Meadow Vale and Hillfields Park Community Centres to create hand-painted mandala circles representing whatever is important to you and represents you as part of the Speedwell and Hillfields community. This will interlock in a giant hexagonal 468 piece mandala.
"This super colourful mandala will be permanently displayed outdoors at Meadow Vale Community Centre..."
Painting sessions have recently taken place at the Halloween event at Meadow Vale and there will also be opportunities to take part at the centre's Community Portrait Exhibition launch on Thursday November 6 from 6-8pm and the Community Cafe on Monday November 17 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, when Dan will also be talking about Brick Project and how it started.
There will be a further chance to get involved this year at the Meadow Vale Children's Christmas Party on Saturday December 13 from 12-2pm and at Hillfields on the same day from 2.30-4.30pm.
For a full list of sessions available see the poster below:
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November launch for Community Portrait Exhibition
A portrait exhibition celebrating the themes of community, connection and ageing is being launched at Meadow Vale in November - depicting local people who use the Centre.
Artist Mandy has been drawing people attending the Community Cafe - which takes place every other Monday - for the past six months.
Now the 15 people featured will have their portraits revealed for the first time at the cafe on Monday November 3 - with a further chance for local residents to view the exhibition on the evening of Thursday November 6.
The evening event will also include a visit from the Brick Project and the opportunity for attendees to paint a disc for the Meadow Vale Mandala Project.
Each of the participants in the exhibition has been asked to share what brings them joy and what they think is the secret to a long life - and these thoughts will also be shown with their portraits.
Mandy comes to Meadow Vale Community Centre after recent successful portrait exhibitions at The Beehive and BrunelCare.
She says: "I started painting in care and community settings two years ago, when a friend recommended me to paint her father. I found that engaging with the residents was a transforming experience. My intention is to capture the essence of the person who has lived a life..."
The exhibition launch will take place at Meadow Vale Community Centre's Community Cafe on Monday November 3 from 10.30am - 12.30pm, with the portrait reveal at 11am. The evening event will take place from 6-8pm with wine and refreshments served. All welcome.
Artist Mandy has been drawing people attending the Community Cafe - which takes place every other Monday - for the past six months.
Now the 15 people featured will have their portraits revealed for the first time at the cafe on Monday November 3 - with a further chance for local residents to view the exhibition on the evening of Thursday November 6.
The evening event will also include a visit from the Brick Project and the opportunity for attendees to paint a disc for the Meadow Vale Mandala Project.
Each of the participants in the exhibition has been asked to share what brings them joy and what they think is the secret to a long life - and these thoughts will also be shown with their portraits.
Mandy comes to Meadow Vale Community Centre after recent successful portrait exhibitions at The Beehive and BrunelCare.
She says: "I started painting in care and community settings two years ago, when a friend recommended me to paint her father. I found that engaging with the residents was a transforming experience. My intention is to capture the essence of the person who has lived a life..."
The exhibition launch will take place at Meadow Vale Community Centre's Community Cafe on Monday November 3 from 10.30am - 12.30pm, with the portrait reveal at 11am. The evening event will take place from 6-8pm with wine and refreshments served. All welcome.
New art club for 7-11s starting at Meadow Vale in September
A new after-school arts and craft club for children aged seven to eleven will be starting on Mondays at Meadow Vale in September - made possible by funding from Quartet.
Launching on September 8 - the club came as a result of local parents asking for more activities for their primary-aged children in the area - and art was one of the things they wanted.
The young people will have plenty of chance for creative fun with sessions ranging from painting, paper craft and mask making to bead work, batik and clay work with some nature-themed sessions. The club will be led by the children's preferences and what they want to do in the sessions.
There are bursary places available for children receiving free school meals and parents will be able to book for a term - with the club funded for a whole school year.
The club will start on September 8 at 3.45pm at Meadow Vale Community Centre. For more information and to book email [email protected]
Launching on September 8 - the club came as a result of local parents asking for more activities for their primary-aged children in the area - and art was one of the things they wanted.
The young people will have plenty of chance for creative fun with sessions ranging from painting, paper craft and mask making to bead work, batik and clay work with some nature-themed sessions. The club will be led by the children's preferences and what they want to do in the sessions.
There are bursary places available for children receiving free school meals and parents will be able to book for a term - with the club funded for a whole school year.
The club will start on September 8 at 3.45pm at Meadow Vale Community Centre. For more information and to book email [email protected]
Community Cafe re-starts after summer break
Meadow Vales's Community Cafe will be re-opening it's doors in September after a summer break - with a host of talks and activities planned for this autumn.
The cafe was launched in November last year after residents asked for a social space to come and meet others in the area over a cuppa.
It runs every other Monday and includes information stalls and monthly visits from St Pauls Advice Centre - as well as a raffle and visiting speakers and artists.
The cafe will welcome local people back on September 1 with a visit from classic car enthusiast and resident Alan Rogers who will be bringing his 1965 Ford Zephyr to the centre. This should bring back memories and there will be the chance for people to have their photo taken next to the car.
On September 15 - resident and cookery teacher Fatima will be sharing Middle Eastern food and talking about its cultural significance. St Pauls Advice Centre will also be holding its regular welfare rights drop in with a chance for people to get benefits advice.
And on October 6 - beekeeper Alyson Hurst will be giving a talk on bees and bringing some products made from local honey for people to purchase if they wish.
Artist Mandy has been drawing portraits of regular cafe goers - and these will be unveiled on November 3 - with a portrait exhibition which friends and family members can also attend.
Coming up we also hope to have a mandala workshop in November and on December 15, local historian Rob Acton Campbell will be giving a talk on Troopers Hill, the Emra and the Butler families.
Previous historical and health talks have been very popular - with the hall packed out for a talk on Speedwell by Dave Cheesley in January and on George Muller by Jennifer Perrett in July. A visit by herbalist Dr Bernie Munoz in June was also very well received.
Outreach Worker Sue Mackinnon who runs the cafe says: "Our talks and artists have been really popular and the cafe has often been packed out for these. We are open to any new suggestions and offers from speakers and artists to come along, or residents who want to come and talk about interesting hobbies.
"The cafe aims to bring people together and provide a welcoming space to meet others. It is run on a donation only basis so people only pay what they can afford or can have refreshments for free if they can't."
Anyone who would like to give a talk or any organisations or local groups who would like to run a stand can email [email protected]
The cafe will be open on September 1 from 10.30am - 12.30pm. All welcome.
Pilates classes come to Meadow Vale
Residents will have the chance to try Pilates sessions locally at Meadow Vale from June - with new classes starting at the community centre on Monday mornings.
Run by experienced teacher Emily Osborne, the classes are for adults of all ages - whatever level - and will be run on a drop-in basis. People can also give it a try with the first session just £5. Her classes in East Bristol are very popular and we are delighted to welcome her to Meadow Vale.
The sessions which take place from 9.30 - 10.30am will run until the end of July and then stop for the summer break, re-starting on September 1.
For more information contact Emily at [email protected] or see further details on the poster below.
Run by experienced teacher Emily Osborne, the classes are for adults of all ages - whatever level - and will be run on a drop-in basis. People can also give it a try with the first session just £5. Her classes in East Bristol are very popular and we are delighted to welcome her to Meadow Vale.
The sessions which take place from 9.30 - 10.30am will run until the end of July and then stop for the summer break, re-starting on September 1.
For more information contact Emily at [email protected] or see further details on the poster below.
Residents come together to celebrate Speedwell's different cultures
Meadow Vale's first Community Culture Day was enjoyed by over 250 people in a colourful celebration which included dance, music and food from around the world.
Residents brought national dishes to showcase their country's cuisine and the main hall echoed with the sounds of African drumming, Indian dance and a Kirtan performed by the Sikh Temple on nearby Church Road. The day ended with a peaceful and meditative Tai Chi class which takes place on Fridays at the centre.
As well as the chance to sample food from around ten countries, attendees had the chance to learn how to make a Sri Lankan curry, have henna hand design or African hair braiding. There was cultural art for children run by the Refugee Art Collective, and face printing which also reflected the world theme.
Jacques Carver (35) who came with his wife Kate (35) two-and-a-half-year-old son and two week old baby said: “...My son had an amazing time, it was very good for kids and so local for us. At the end the Czech guy was doing stuff on the guitar. There was a really good atmosphere and people from different backgrounds - it makes you happy to be in the area…”
Asia Kamal who attended with her daughter Vary (15) brought a dish from Turkistan. She said: "We really enjoyed the event and I was delighted to share my traditional dish with the rest of the community. It was a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate our cultures. I'd be happy to be involved again in the future."
And Sharon Millard who held a Tai Chi session at the event also brought a Jamaican soup to share. She said: "I think it was a really good event. It was nice that there was food to share and you could find out about different cultures. I was talking to a lady who explained about Ramadan. It would be nice to have more of these events put on."
Meadow Vale Community Centre wants to thank all the residents for bringing their dishes to the event and for making it such a successful day.
The Culture Day was part of the Bristol Community Festival - a city-wide celebration of inspiring social action and community-driven work which runs until April 5. You can view the programme by visiting Can Do Bristol.
Residents brought national dishes to showcase their country's cuisine and the main hall echoed with the sounds of African drumming, Indian dance and a Kirtan performed by the Sikh Temple on nearby Church Road. The day ended with a peaceful and meditative Tai Chi class which takes place on Fridays at the centre.
As well as the chance to sample food from around ten countries, attendees had the chance to learn how to make a Sri Lankan curry, have henna hand design or African hair braiding. There was cultural art for children run by the Refugee Art Collective, and face printing which also reflected the world theme.
Jacques Carver (35) who came with his wife Kate (35) two-and-a-half-year-old son and two week old baby said: “...My son had an amazing time, it was very good for kids and so local for us. At the end the Czech guy was doing stuff on the guitar. There was a really good atmosphere and people from different backgrounds - it makes you happy to be in the area…”
Asia Kamal who attended with her daughter Vary (15) brought a dish from Turkistan. She said: "We really enjoyed the event and I was delighted to share my traditional dish with the rest of the community. It was a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate our cultures. I'd be happy to be involved again in the future."
And Sharon Millard who held a Tai Chi session at the event also brought a Jamaican soup to share. She said: "I think it was a really good event. It was nice that there was food to share and you could find out about different cultures. I was talking to a lady who explained about Ramadan. It would be nice to have more of these events put on."
Meadow Vale Community Centre wants to thank all the residents for bringing their dishes to the event and for making it such a successful day.
The Culture Day was part of the Bristol Community Festival - a city-wide celebration of inspiring social action and community-driven work which runs until April 5. You can view the programme by visiting Can Do Bristol.
Community Culture Day to celebrate Speedwell's diversity
Meadow Vale is hosting its first Community Culture Day in March to celebrate Speedwell's diversity - as part of the Bristol Community Festival.
The event on March 22 at the centre will bring the community together to learn about and share different cultures - through art, music, dance and food.
From African drumming to an Indian dance display and workshop - the event will transport people to different countries and give them a chance to sample different food from around the world.
Meadow Vale is looking for any local people who would like to be part of the event - to run a stall or activity. Contact Venisha or Sue at [email protected]
Bristol Community Festival’s full programme is now live and our Culture Day is one of 60 events across the city.
The festival is a two-week celebration of those that come together to make positive change in their communities and aims to inspire residents to take action on things they care about. You can find details of our event and browse the whole programme by visiting Can Do Bristol.
The Community Culture Day will take place on Saturday March 22 from 12-4pm. All welcome.
The event on March 22 at the centre will bring the community together to learn about and share different cultures - through art, music, dance and food.
From African drumming to an Indian dance display and workshop - the event will transport people to different countries and give them a chance to sample different food from around the world.
Meadow Vale is looking for any local people who would like to be part of the event - to run a stall or activity. Contact Venisha or Sue at [email protected]
Bristol Community Festival’s full programme is now live and our Culture Day is one of 60 events across the city.
The festival is a two-week celebration of those that come together to make positive change in their communities and aims to inspire residents to take action on things they care about. You can find details of our event and browse the whole programme by visiting Can Do Bristol.
The Community Culture Day will take place on Saturday March 22 from 12-4pm. All welcome.
Speedwell talk proves a hit at Community Cafe
Monday mornings are now something to look forward to in Speedwell - with the launch of the first community café at Meadow Vale this week offering local people a cuppa, cake and chat.
The new venture was started as a result of a survey in a number of Speedwell roads to find out what residents wanted to see at the community centre. One of the things asked for, especially among the over 55s, was a sociable hub in the area to meet your neighbours. The coffee mornings which will be held every other Monday at the centre also offer visiting advice and information stands. The first café hosted a stall run by members of St George Strollers which provides walks in the St George area or in easy reach by public transport. On Monday January 27 their walk will begin and end at the Meadow Vale Community Centre café. There was also an information stand from Bristol Age UK and the chance to buy books about St George Park being sold by the Barton Hill History Group - as well as a second hand book sale and a raffle. The event received a very positive response from attendees who stayed for the whole two hours and said they were pleased to have somewhere on their doorstep to go. Julie Payne (59) said: “I thought it was brilliant. For me I don’t normally come out of this house, so to come down there was hard for me but I did it and I didn’t feel out of place as everyone made me feel so welcome “I took away information about yoga and Tai Chi and the Age UK cookery book… and the raffle was an added bonus. I will definitely come again.” And Paul Tanner (73) also said he had really enjoyed the event and would be attending others. He said: “As a first time visitor to Meadow Vale hall, I was greeted, warmly shown to a seat and provided with coffee and cakes. It was a really sociable and friendly coffee morning and the information there was also useful.” The next community cafés will be on December 2 and 16 running from 10.30am to 12.30pm. On 16 December there will be a visit from St Pauls Advice Centre offering debt and benefit advice. The mornings will restart in the New Year on Monday 13 January at the same time and continue every other week. Any organisations or local groups wishing to run a stand at the cafes should email [email protected]
Meadow Vale Community Association is inviting Speedwell residents to come along to its annual general meeting on 27 November.
The volunteer-led charity which runs the community centre on Meadow Vale is also looking for new members from the Speedwell area who would like to get involved - and be able to have their say about what they would like to see at the centre. To become a member you can fill out an online form or email [email protected] for a paper copy. |
New Community Cafe for cuppa, cake and chat
A new community cafe is launching at Meadow Vale from Monday 18 November - to provide a cuppa, cake and place to have a chat.
This comes after door-to-door surveys were carried out in Speedwell and residents said they would like somewhere nearby they could pop in for a hot drink and to meet others in the area.
The cafes will be run every other Monday morning and will also provide information from local organisations such as Age UK about services, activities and support.
It is also hoped in 2025 to have activities at the 'tea and talk' mornings as well as stalls and visiting speakers. Those attending will be asked what they would like to see there and to come up with a name for the social mornings.
The community cafe will launch on Monday 18 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm providing just light refreshments. Other dates for 2024 are Monday 2 and 16 December. The mornings will start again in the New Year on Monday 13 January at the same time and continue every other week.
This comes after door-to-door surveys were carried out in Speedwell and residents said they would like somewhere nearby they could pop in for a hot drink and to meet others in the area.
The cafes will be run every other Monday morning and will also provide information from local organisations such as Age UK about services, activities and support.
It is also hoped in 2025 to have activities at the 'tea and talk' mornings as well as stalls and visiting speakers. Those attending will be asked what they would like to see there and to come up with a name for the social mornings.
The community cafe will launch on Monday 18 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm providing just light refreshments. Other dates for 2024 are Monday 2 and 16 December. The mornings will start again in the New Year on Monday 13 January at the same time and continue every other week.
Meadow Vale in the news!
Meadow Vale Community Centre was recently featured in The Bristol Post within an article about Speedwell. If you missed it you can catch up with the online version here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/forgotten-bristol-neighbourhood-trying-rediscover-9602449
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/forgotten-bristol-neighbourhood-trying-rediscover-9602449
Community Fun Day at Meadow Vale
Around 200 people attended our free Community Fun Day at Meadow Vale on Saturday (7 September) to enjoy a range of activities from African drumming and Circus Skills workshops to a Tai Chi taster.
The Speedwell community was also treated to displays of Indian and Street Dance performed by junior groups which train at the centre - while youngsters also enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting and art table.
The weather held out for people to enjoy a free barbecue - and there was also the chance to chat over a cuppa and cake in our small hall - where adults and children alike tried their hand at our home-made games table.
Information stalls were also hosted by Age UK as well as our regular hirers. It was a great opportunity for residents to find out what we do here at the centre as well as meet other members of the community.
Anna Swanborough (37) who came with her two daughters aged four and 20 months said: "I enjoyed the drumming session and my older child loved the bouncy castle, faceprinting and Bollywood dancing. The food was also great and it was for free, that was nice. We were here for the full time!"
And Bill Wilson (58) who came with his family and grandchildren said: "My daughter lives in the area and it was a lovely idea to hold something like this and for all the community to come together."
Many thanks to all those who came and supported us - by popular demand we hope to hold another community event next year!
The Speedwell community was also treated to displays of Indian and Street Dance performed by junior groups which train at the centre - while youngsters also enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting and art table.
The weather held out for people to enjoy a free barbecue - and there was also the chance to chat over a cuppa and cake in our small hall - where adults and children alike tried their hand at our home-made games table.
Information stalls were also hosted by Age UK as well as our regular hirers. It was a great opportunity for residents to find out what we do here at the centre as well as meet other members of the community.
Anna Swanborough (37) who came with her two daughters aged four and 20 months said: "I enjoyed the drumming session and my older child loved the bouncy castle, faceprinting and Bollywood dancing. The food was also great and it was for free, that was nice. We were here for the full time!"
And Bill Wilson (58) who came with his family and grandchildren said: "My daughter lives in the area and it was a lovely idea to hold something like this and for all the community to come together."
Many thanks to all those who came and supported us - by popular demand we hope to hold another community event next year!
New simple booking system and charge rates introduced for 2024
From 1 January 2024, a new simplified charging structure has been introduced at Meadowvale Community Centre. The hire charges are in the table below.
We hope this makes it easier for people to quickly see costs for their event or celebration. When booking please request the times of the actual event. A 30-minute period either side of the booking will be blocked out to allow you to set up and clean up after your event included price. For party bookings and full day events we add a caretaker fee of £20 to your event.
For day events we will also hold a refundable £50 deposit upon booking to cover any breakages or damage. Payment terms are seven days before an event or upon booking if the event is within 7 days. Thank you for considering Meadowvale Community Centre for your event.
It is important that Meadow Vale Community Centre remains made by Speedwell for Speedwell - so a discretionary rate is available for anyone struggling please get in touch on [email protected].
We look forward to many more community events in 2024.
We hope this makes it easier for people to quickly see costs for their event or celebration. When booking please request the times of the actual event. A 30-minute period either side of the booking will be blocked out to allow you to set up and clean up after your event included price. For party bookings and full day events we add a caretaker fee of £20 to your event.
For day events we will also hold a refundable £50 deposit upon booking to cover any breakages or damage. Payment terms are seven days before an event or upon booking if the event is within 7 days. Thank you for considering Meadowvale Community Centre for your event.
It is important that Meadow Vale Community Centre remains made by Speedwell for Speedwell - so a discretionary rate is available for anyone struggling please get in touch on [email protected].
We look forward to many more community events in 2024.
Toddler Football Classes at Meadow Vale
uSports toddler football training - launched at Meadow Vale in January - will be restarting from Saturday 7 September.
Bringing more access to sport to Speedwell is a key objective for the Meadow Vale Community Association - so we are really pleased to have this collaboration.
Bringing more access to sport to Speedwell is a key objective for the Meadow Vale Community Association - so we are really pleased to have this collaboration.
2023 AGM - 6th November 2023 at 7pm at Meadow Vale Community Centre
All are invited to join Meadow Vale Community Centre's Trustees and members for our 2023 Annual General Meeting which this year will take place in our newly refurbished facilities. Refreshments will be available.
Meadow Vale Community Centre Open Day - Monday 29th May 2023
Thanks to everyone who came to our Open Day on Monday 29th May 2023 to join Trustees, Volunteers and existing centre users to find out more about our new facilities, activities including volunteering, plans for a new community cafe, and how you can get involved!
Judo takes place in the new hall weekly. For further information and to come along and join in, contact @DrakeBristolJudo
Visitors enjoying Meadow Vale Community Association Open Day, May 2023.
Visitors enjoying our new outdoor Community Cafe Space at Meadow Vale Community Association Open Day, May 2023.
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Join us on Facebook for more info, to keep up with all the latest news and to join the conversation!Get in touch at: Meadow Vale Community Centre, 42 Meadow Vale, Speedwell, Bristol BS5 7RF. |
