On the second and fourth Thursday of the month, The Bridge in Bathampton offers a warm and welcoming space in the Miller Room next to St Nicholas’ church for all ages of the community to come together
Open from 9-11.30am, it offers toys and activities for preschoolers (and for school aged children in the holidays) as well as tables to just sit, chat and enjoy refreshments, plus jigsaws, colouring and games.
“The next door school, Bathampton Primary, is also keen to get involved in meeting the community around them,” explained Rachel Howlett, the Children’s and families minister at St Nicholas Bathampton.
“Each week in term time a small group of children from the school come and join in, sometimes bringing games to share with other visitors or a book to read. The school Headteacher, Mrs Boyce, is also heading a project in school to develop a community meadow to allow more community groups to use the school facilities and the Bridge is hoping some sunny weather allows a summer visit.
“One thing all generations seem to enjoy is refreshments! The Bridge offers toast, cake and biscuits, as well as coffee, tea and squash. The opening times allows parents to pop in after the school run for a quick drink, people to meet their friends over coffee or those who are seeking community to come and meet new people. Rarely today do we find spaces where all ages can get to know each other but the essence of community is that it is not defined by age.
“As a church we are very fortunate to have all-ages represented within our community and it creates a wonderful sense of family that we wanted to share with the rest of Bathampton and well as show Jesus’ love through hospitality to everyone who comes through our doors.”
The Bridge is free to attend, with a donation’s jar for refreshments.