BHNG Summer community event

Date: Saturday 6 June Location: Mottram Road green space Host: Barlow Hall Neighbourhood Group Proposed duration: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Event overview

The BHNG summer community event is a family-friendly, inclusive gathering designed to bring local residents together and build social connection across the neighbourhood. 

The event will provide opportunities for connection, wellbeing, learning, and fun through activities, entertainment, and refreshments in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The event aims to strengthen community relationships, increase engagement with BHNG, and create a positive shared experience for residents of all ages.

Background

Intro about BHNG… who we are, what we do, how to get involved (copy from newsletter)

Objectives

1. Provide a fun and enjoyable event for local residents
2. Encourage community connection
3. Encourage greater involvement of residents in BHNG activities
4. Promote local groups, services, and initiatives

Target audience

All BHNG residents

BHNG information and engagement stall

1. Information about the group and how to get involved (sign-up sheet), promote the WhatsApp chat and sub-groups (QR code)
2. Information on local activities, groups, events that residents can join (Chorlton booklet recently produced)
3. A map for people to say what they do/ don’t like about the area
4. Asking for ideas on people want to see and do in the area
5. Ask people on the WhatsApp group to tell their neighbours about the group and the event
6. Info on committee members

Proposed activities

Activities will be designed to appeal to a broad age range and encourage participation:

• Unity Arts will provide art and craft activities, circus equipment and supervision, bunting, gazebos, cushions and chairs, big games and resources for play.
• Music; DJ TBC
• Information stalls from BHNG and partner organisations
• 1. BHNG green group (to be launched at the event)
  2. Local community police to attend and provide anti-crime freebies (TBC)
  3. Southway Housing; resident involvement and potentially Debbie to attend to promote green activities (TBC)
  4. Ken Foster bike repairs (free of charge)
  5. Groundwork (TBC) to attend to promote home energy advice and green activities (decorate a pot?)
  6. Chorlton plant swap? (TBC)
  7. Friends of Chorlton Park? (TBC)
  8. Other groups? (TBC)
• Food and refreshments
• 1. Ice cream van – first 50 people get a free ice cream
  2. Refreshments TBC
  3. Catering TBC
  4. Please bring a picnic!

Community and partner involvement

Where possible, local groups and organisations will be invited to take part by:

• Hosting information stalls
• Running activities or demonstrations
• Providing performances or entertainment

This will strengthen local partnerships and showcase available support and opportunities within the community.

Health, safety, and accessibility

• Risk assessments to be completed prior to the event
• First aid provision onsite TBC
• Clear signage and stewarding
• Accessible layout for wheelchair users and pushchairs
• Consideration for dietary needs and allergies

All activities will comply with relevant health and safety requirements.

Promotion and communication

The event will be promoted through:

• Posters on community noticeboards around the Barlow Hall estate 
• Barlow Hall chat WhatsApp group
• BHNG newsletter; distributed to every home on the estate
• BHNG website and social media channels
• Word-of-mouth; ask people on the WhatsApp group to tell their neighbours about the group and the event
• Can we promote through the school?

Budget 

Costs include:

Item	Cost	Notes
Unity Arts; provision of entertainment and activities	£180	Fi booking
DJ providing music	£TBC (suggestion £500)	Fi in contact
Ice cream van and first 50 ice creams	£TBC	Fi in contact
Catering	£TBC	Fi to speak to Vicky
Refreshments	£TBC	TBC to ask Co-op to provide
Road closure	£160	Dave
Banner TBC
Printing for resources to have on our group stall and posters to promote the event	£TBC	Colette
Activities/ resources for the green group stall	£TBC	Colette
Groundwork	£TBC

Opportunities for sponsorship, in-kind donations, or volunteer support will be explored to manage costs.

Evaluation and outcomes

Success will be measured through:

• Attendance numbers
• Resident feedback (informal conversations or short surveys)
• Level of engagement with stalls and activities
• Overall atmosphere and community participation

Feedback will help inform future community events.

Conclusion

The BHNG Summer Community Event offers an excellent opportunity to bring residents together, strengthen community ties, and create a positive and memorable experience. With thoughtful planning and community involvement, the event will support BHNG’s commitment to building strong, connected neighbourhoods.

Evaluation

Actions

Ref	When	What	Who	Notes
1	April	Follow up with DJ	Fi	In progress
2	April	Follow up with ice cream van from Arrowfield Rd (availability, can we book them, approx. price for 50 free ice creams)	Fi	In progress
3	April	Draft a proposal about engagement and purpose of the event	Colette	Done
4	April	Develop ideas for the green stall	Colette
5	April	Contact Groundwork about green stall (decorating pots?) and cost of living money-saving tips on homes	Colette
6	April	Contact Kevin who said he wanted to help out	Fi
7	April	Contact Gracie who said she wanted to be more involved at the advent craft event	Colette	Done, admin to add her to the WhatsApp group
8	April	Contact local community police inviting to attend and asking for anti-crime freebies	Fi
9	April	Contact Ken Foster	Eran	Done; happy to attend as long as we have public liability insurance
10	April	Contact Vicky about catering (discuss costs and suggestions)	Fi
11	April	Send Phil info on public liability insurance to book	Colette	Done, waiting for response
12	April	Organising the road closure	Dave
13	April	Provide background about the group for section 2 above (copy from newsletter text)	Fi? Eran?
14	April	Look back at info from the AGM to se people’s interests and how we can make progress on ideas	TBC
15	May	Risk assessment	Tess
16	May	Agree where to borrow tables from	TBC
17	May	Source picnic blankets?	TBC
18	April	Can we promote the event through the school?	TBC
19	April	Agree which activities we want for our group stall	Committee
20	May	Prep resources for our group stall	TBC
21	April	Agree which groups to invite to have a stall/ info (Southway, Groundwork, Chorlton plant swap, Friends of Chorlton Park etc)	Committee
22	April	Decide whether we need first aid provision and if so what	Committee
23	April	Print posters promoting the event and put up on noticeboards	TBC
24	April	Share poster on social media and WhatsApp groups	Mike TBC