A nest of bees at Westbury House failed to disrupt an event to showcase the work of Bradford on Avon’s community groups.

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

The not-for-profit groups, social groups, charities and organisations showcased to visitors what they can do and how they could join in and volunteer.

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

Bradford on Avon mayor, Cllr Jack Vittles, said: “It was an absolute joy to see and meet so many different volunteer organisations at BoA Join In! on Saturday.

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

“I am proud of the way in which our town continues to support all these groups and organisations, and I hope that many new volunteers came forward on Saturday.

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

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

Zoe Chapman and Kady Chatman, of Riding for the Disabled’s Saxon Group with pony Dolly offer fun and assistance to adults and children with disabilities. Image: Trevor Porter 77118-7Zoe Chapman and Kady Chatman, of Riding for the Disabled’s Saxon Group with pony Dolly offer fun and assistance to adults and children with disabilities. Image: Trevor Porter 77118-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

They could also enjoy tea and cake with Dolly the Pony, brought along by the Saxon Group of Riding for the Disabled based at Widbrook.

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

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

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

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

West Wilts Radio was present playing visitors’ requests for favourite tunes, or visitors could head along the river to have a go at bowls and croquet.

BoA Join In! also marked the start of Great 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.