Countess Wear Community BBQ

By Ed Shaw (Community Physical Activity Organiser)

Emma, the local Community Builder, and I have often run food and games activities on the green in Countess Wear, especially during the quieter summer holidays. This year, we wanted to do something a little bigger—an event that still offered fun and food, but also created space to chat with residents about what they’d like to see happening locally. 

We spoke to Louise at Café 24, who enthusiastically suggested a community BBQ and even offered to cook the food. With her help, we agreed to fund a sausage or burger and a drink for up to thirty residents. 

We spread the word with posters around the village, shared the event on social media, and handed out flyers while door-knocking. The weather on the day was perfect—sunny and warm—and the community came out in great numbers. In fact, our estimate of 30 attendees was spot on! 

Families enjoyed hula hoops, skipping ropes, and target games, while everyone tucked into their burgers and chatted in the sunshine. We had some brilliant conversations with residents who shared ideas for future activities in Countess Wear, including: 

• Reintroducing short mat bowls at the 100 Club 

• Organising a local history walk 

• Starting a regular coffee morning 

• Continuing work on greening the area (which we’re already supporting) 

There’s plenty for us to follow up on as we head into the autumn, and we’re excited to keep building on the energy and ideas from the BBQ.