Knowle West
In the summer of 2020, having lived in Knowle West for a year, we moved into the Lee Abbey community in one of the most deprived wards in Bristol, on Filwood Broadway. Bristol is a divided city, a “tale of two cities”, with affluence and deprivation, but many of us long to see a more equal city, a City of Hope.
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Since April 2023, we have been co-leaders of the community, which we love. Living in a small community on the estate can be intense, so we regularly take breaks away.
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As well as being members of Hope Chapel, since 2019 we attend a local church called The Cairn,which meets in a house and garden, including for a monthly community lunch, with about 25 people. Roger goes to Man Friday there, to chat with other men about life and faith.
We bring together local church leaders three times a year for supper, chat and prayer. We regularly join with other Christians in Knowle West to pray for the estate and also pray every weekday morning as the a community.
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We enjoy working with local churches and Christians to serve local people. We are both involved with St Barnabas' Foodbank, Messy Church and with Fun Days (linked to the Noise 365). The church was a Quiet Space after the killings of two teenagers in January 2024. Roger helped the Christian community across Bristol respond to the tragedy.
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We have both mentored pupils under the Transforming Lives for Good scheme and mentored parents through a listening and support service called Parent Buddies
Angie is involved in the Knowle West Alliance working group, working with other organisations for the good of the estate, such as through the Levelling Up Fund, helping to improve the Broadway. She also works closely with the Filwood Community Centre opposite us, for gatherings, such as the Knowle West Fest, with over 700 people. Angie organises values -based crafts with children. As Lee Abbey community, we enjoy providing refreshments and have lots of chats, and chances to serve and encourage those involved. Angie co-runs a creative space for local people, and sings in a local gospel choir. She facilitates regular worship nights, called Embers.
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This gives a flavour of the sort of prayer and service we are involved with on the estate. For more, see the Lee Abbey SMC Facebook page
