Do you know a carpenter, glazier or cast iron welder who could help transform a disused traditional red ‘heritage’ phone box into a valuable facility for the local community?
The 2nd Stoke Gifford Rainbows would like to transform the phone box at The Green, North Road (near the Beaufort Arms) into a community toy library, filled with good quality second-hand toys and books for local children to borrow.
The idea of converting the phone box came following a visit by the Rainbows to the North Bristol Foodbank in Horfield, where the five- and six-year-olds were inspired to do something with a lasting impact for children not as fortunate as themselves.
In a ‘Rainbow chat’ (discussion round), the girls decided they wanted to do something more long-term, and thought of collecting toys and books.
One of the girls, Ruth, aged 6, said: “Visiting the foodbank made me think about other children. I want to help them and everyone should have toys to play with.”
The phone box at The Green, which stands opposite the Rainbows’ regular meeting place at the St Michael’s Centre, has been out of use for a number of months after BT decided it could no longer justify maintaining it due to its low rate of use. It was recently adopted by Stoke Gifford Parish Council at a cost of £1.
After discussion with the parish council, a local engineer provided a free survey of the box, recommending repairs which would allow the box to be a safe, water tight library.
The Rainbows’ assistant leader Michelle said:
“If we can find the right people to help us, we plan to renovate the box, and then decorate it with monthly themes – creating a talking point in the village that not only spreads the word about Girlguiding, but also provides a useful service for families in the area.”
“We work hard with the girls to encourage them to think about their community. This is a perfect way for them to do something visible and positive in their area, and something to be proud of for years to come. We really hope people will be able to come forward and help us make the girls’ ideas a reality.”
Volunteers who come forward to help with the girls’ project will also be asked to talk to them about their jobs, thereby encouraging their interest in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
The Rainbows are hoping to win funding for their project through the Airbus Community Awards scheme which is being promoted in the Bristol Post.
Offers of help should be sent to 2ndstokegiffordrainbows@gmail.com – or call the Journal on 01454 300400.
This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 35). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
