community matters / spread joy not germs / be kind
christmas 2020
2020 has been a year like no other in living memory. With the latest set of restrictions and the second wave of Covid many in the community are feeling isolated, worried and weary. Residents and staff at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust who usually organise community events cannot organise any big gatherings but believe it is essential that we don’t give in to the “Christmas Is Cancelled” vibe that’s going around. In amongst the difficulties of this year, residents have been incredibly good neighbours to one another, helping out with shopping and deliveries, socially distanced street parties, clapping for carers, cooking for others and more. Led by local resident and Trustee of LNT Jody Cook, we are organising a series of activities and events to make sure that Christmas is NOT cancelled, and encourage the community to be the great neighbours that we know they are. To get involved with organising any of the events or add your own contact Jody. Details of events and activities below, in this Winter leaflet, and on our Facebook page. We know that not everyone celebrates Christmas and we want this to be an inclusive community celebration so whatever your religion (or none) we hope you join in with making merry, spreading joy not germs and being kind to your neighbours. If you have an alternative celebration that you would be willing to share with your community we would love to hear more about it and share in your customs too.
Community secret santa
We know that finances have been tight for many people over lockdown. Christmas, even a smaller scale and socially distanced Christmas, can be pretty pricey and nobody wants to disappoint their kids. Building on the amazing generosity we saw in lockdown we are organising a community secret santa. If you can donate a present for a child or young person please either drop to the Hub Wed/Thursday 9.30 - 3pm or contact info@lockleazent.co.uk or 0117 914 1129 to arrange a time to deliver any gifts you can donate. The deadline for gifts is Friday 11 December.
Also if you know any young people or children in Lockleaze who would benefit from a gift this Christmas please nominate them using this nomination form. Deadline for nominations is Friday 11 December 2020, deliveries will be made the 19 and 20 December. If you want to help with wrapping, delivering, or sourcing gifts please do get in touch! Also please help spread the word through your WhatsApp groups, social media, work colleagues and anyone else who can help us to make sure Lockleaze children and young people all have something to look forward to this Christmas. You can download posters (below) to share with your networks.
santa claus is coming to lockleaze
Santa’s Lockleaze Tour
Santa will be living it large on the back of a truck trundling round Lockleaze - he needs to keep his distance to make sure he doesn’t catch any germs before the big day but his elves will be coming alongside the truck with their Christmas music and wrapped sweets. Please help keep Santa and his elves safe by watching him from your front garden or front door. Help light his way with lanterns and windows full of star decorations. If you can help decorate Santa’s truck, provide lights, want to help his elves deliver sweets or light the way get in touch with Jody to get involved.
Santa will also be switching on the Gainsborough Square Christmas Tree lights before his Lockleaze tour. We are exploring with Police and Councillors if a public light switch on can be managed in a socially distanced way, if not, we’ll explore facebook live options.
art packs
We’ve got a limited number of art packs available to give out with lots of materials for fun Christmas crafts. Packs include craft materials for six activities, including for lantern making ready for Santa’s tour of Lockleaze on 12 December details of Christmas activities and an inspiration sheets to help inspire you without prescribing what you should do. Do think of anyone who might benefit from an art pack (any age) you can call get them from the Hub on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9.30 - 3 or contact maria@lockleazent.co.uk or call 0117 914 1129 Get in quick before they all go!
Elves are off the shelves
where have those cheeky elves gone?
Help us to find them! We’ve had reports of sightings in Gainsborough square and Stoke Park woods. Maps available from 1 December to download here or collect from the Hub, Lockleaze.
Christmas recipe book
Thanks to United Communities for producing this lovely book of recipes for inexpensive gifts, things to do with leftovers and just yummy treats for snaffling up yourself this Christmas. Download yours here, or pick one up in the Hub.
Follow the star trail
Make your own christmas chatterbox
Download our template here or pop into the Hub to pick one up.