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08 June 2011

Over 600 Christians part of 'The Noise’ 2011 in North Bristol

On the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, for the 10th consecutive year, Christians from all over Bristol and beyond, got together to show the love of Jesus in lots of very different practical ways.

Over 600 people from over 30 different churches worked together with the same desire to make a difference in the communities of North Bristol during The Noise

In the last 10 years The Noise has grown significantly. This year, Noise volunteers worked hard to complete 85 community transformation projects, including work in local primary schools and residential homes, individual garden tidy ups, massive rubbish clearance in public spaces, and feedback from the community has been really positive. A teacher from a local primary school commented; "Thank you very much for all your team's hard work.  The children will benefit from the extra play space that you have created for them... It's good to know that the community cares so much."

And a local police community support officer said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you to yourself and The Noise Project for the fantastic job you made of the raised flower beds... It has really lifted the spirits of the residents and gives them all something to enjoy all year round."

As well as the practical projects, there were seven "family fun afternoons" over the weekend, including community BBQs.  The whole community came out to enjoy the great weather, the inflatable games, face painting, The Noise Talent Show, and the fact that everything on offer was free.

Over 150 guests enjoyed the three senior citizens banquets - a great occasion of good food, company and entertainment.  There were also organised football coaching and tournaments enjoyed by 100s of children, and a lot of cars were washed for free all over the community.

The impact of The Noise was felt not only in the community but by the volunteers who gave up their time over the weekend.  It was encouraging to see volunteers from of all ages and backgrounds enjoying working together - but particularly to see an increased number of 14-21 year olds involved.  A youth leader who brought a team from outside Bristol said; "We had a great time and it was so good for our young people to get out of their comfortable little world for a while!  They were particularly surprised to see that the area where we were working looked a lot like where they live; but the needs they discovered behind closed doors really got them thinking about the needs there might be in their own communities!  And they definitely want to do it again next year!"

The Noise is about demonstrating what Christians are all about, not just for a weekend, but the whole year round.  Relationships with local churches, community organisations, families, and individuals have been built in the run up to, and over the course of this weekend - The Noise looks forward to seeing God continue to work in these, and in the communities of North Bristol.