THE Friends of Horfield Library (FoHL), which came into being in September 2020 during the pandemic, is winding up.
Members at the annual meeting last month felt it was time to hand over to new volunteers, but none have been found.
Group chair since it began, Chris Lindop, said: “Lots of organisations are struggling at present to get more involvement from volunteers and that’s certainly been the case with us. The events we’ve put on have always been popular, especially with kids, so it would be a shame to see it all dwindle to nothing.”
Despite the challenges of forming a group during Covid, over the four years FoHL has been involved in at least six successful funding bids. Noteworthy achievements include: an appearance in BBC news photos; a popular plant sale where plants sold before they made it on to the table; a stand-out mural; and an appearance on Radio 4’s Moneybox (on the difficulties of opening an account during Covid).
The group held a market and a celebration with street drama and face painting in 2023. Thios summer it was in the headlines over the theft of hanging baskets from the library and their subsequent replacement. At least three events have been held each year, among them treasure hunts, crafts, singing and a ukulele band.
Chris said: “Now we’ve got a locked container well equipped with folding tables, chairs, gazebos – everything you need for a fun event. But after nearly five years, it’s time for the team to hand on to people with fresh energy to keep the group going. We have a possible treasurer, but we need a few more people to help. We’ve done all the groundwork, but there’s lots of scope for new ideas.
“If you feel you’d like to be involved in continuing what the group started, the door is still open. It doesn’t have to be a big undertaking.
Email us at fohlbristol@gmail.com if you’d like to find out more about it.”