A space to listen, talk and make friends – it sounds simple, but looking after such a vital community resource can be hugely challenging as bills climb higher and government funding grows thin. In Knowle West, Bristol, lots of work is being done, including a project to transform St Barnabas Church into a building that is accessible and welcoming for everyone. This ambition is being realised thanks in part to Bristol Energy Cooperative.
The church, built in the 1930s, now provides a range of important resources for local people, including a food bank, craft groups, men’s groups and other welcoming spaces regardless of faith. This wouldn’t be possible without ongoing work to improve the building, which up until recently was dark, damp and badly insulated. Now, things are looking a lot brighter, thanks partly to our Megawatt Community Energy Fund, which we distribute alongside fellow community energy group Low Carbon Gordano.
The fund provided £4k towards a decarbonisation plan, including upgrading all lighting to LEDs, creating a thermally efficient front door and draughtproofing the back door. As part of the wider project, the church also wants to install solar panels and battery storage as well as upgrade the building to double-glazing.
The project is led by Reverend Clive Hamilton, who moved down from a diocese in Manchester and has been in Bristol for the past few years.
“My primary driver wasn’t just the environment, my primary driver was the issue of inclusivity,” he said, gesturing to the ceiling above him. “Before we installed the LEDs, the building was very dark and the strip lighting would flicker.”
The difference the lights made was huge, he added. “People walked in and said ‘we need sunglasses’ because it was so dark before. “Seeing the light on in the building gives hope. A sense that the church is open for everyone, no matter what their background or faith.”
One person who is an enthusiastic supporter of the church is Jane, who regularly attends the community lunch and craft meetings.
“Some people come along, they have depression, anxiety, or other problems. The church is friendly, there’s an opportunity to talk,” she says. At the same table, fellow crafter Paula agrees, adding that the new lights have made a huge difference.
“Before it was very dingy, it was difficult to do craft work,” she says. “The people I know here are like family. You need places like this to lift you up.”
St Barnabas is part of the Diocese of Bristol, which declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a target of becoming net zero by 2030.
…
St Barnabas Church was a recipient of our 2024 Megawatt Community Energy Fund.
