Spring event raises over £15K for Arnos Vale Cemetery

Spring event raises over £15K for Arnos Vale Cemetery

Posted on: 26 Apr 2016

The evening of Saturday April 23 saw many Bristol luminaries join together at Arnos Vale for a Night at the Cemetery fundraising event, raising over £15,000 towards the Lifetime Appeal to help secure the long term future of Arnos Vale.

 

Chango Drummers welcome guests - Arnos Vale in Bristol

Chango Drummers welcome guests. Credit: Harrison Dowling

 

Those in attendance included the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, High Sheriff of Bristol, Helen Wilde and Mayor George Ferguson, along with a group of other invited guests. The gathered supporters were treated to an evening of entertainment that focussed on acts with a particular link to Arnos Vale, having either performed there previously or with family ties to the great Bristol landmark. The selection of performers included Totterdown Chango Drummers, local musician Sophii Negus and magician Adam Richards, followed by a charity auction and raffle.

 

In total the night alone raised £7,852 which was matched by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HFL). Until the end of June 2016 the HLF will match all funds raised so in actual fact the evening contributed £15,704 towards Lifetime Appeal whose goal is to secure the long term future of Arnos Vale so that the beautiful Victorian Garden Cemetery can be enjoyed by generations to come.

 

If you would like to give to Arnos Vale’s Lifetime Fund and have their donation doubled before the end of June, you can give in the following ways: Text ‘JUNE16 £5’ or ‘JUNE16 £10’ to 70070 or click the ‘Donate Now’ button at the top of Arnos Vale’s Facebook page. You can also donate via arnosvale.org.uk.

 

Guests Welcomed at the entrance to the Anglican Chapel - Arnos Vale in Bristol

Guests Welcomed at the entrance to the Anglican Chapel. Credit: Harrison Dowling

 

Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust Chief Executive, Mike Coe, explained:

 

“The event went better than we could have imagined with over £15k added to our Lifetime Fund.  So many guests commented on what a community treasure Arnos Vale Cemetery is and got to learn a lot more about the history of the site as well as donating to the cause.”

 

“This event was preceded by an unbelievable pledge of £25K by our own Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery group, many of which were involved in the original campaign to save the site, which means we have now smashed through the half million mark for the fund”

 

Mayor George Ferguson with Arnos Vale Chair of Trustees Malachy McReynolds - Arnos Vale in Bristol

Mayor George Ferguson with Arnos Vale Chair of Trustees Malachy McReynolds. Credit: Harrison Dowling

 

Arnos Vale Cemetery is a place of respect for over 300,000 people buried and remembered. It is also a green space that enjoys an abundance of wildlife and plants which thrive in the natural environment. Arnos Vale Cemetery can be booked for a whole range of events and special occasions such as corporate, fundraising and charity events, and it is a beautiful, unforgettable venue for a wedding. There is also a gift shop on-site selling Bristol Blue Glass, unique cards and confectionery, while the Atrium Cafe is the perfect place to sit down for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. 

 

For more information on the history of Arnos Vale, the Lifetime Fund, and all the great things to do visit www.arnosvale.org.uk


Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.