Saltford Community Association (SCA) and Saltford Parish Council (SPC) co-hosted a special ‘Big Thank You’ event on Friday 13 March 2026 to recognise and celebrate some of the invaluable work of volunteer groups across the village. The ‘Big Thank You’ event followed the Parish of Saltford Annual Parish Meeting 2026, as hosted by SPC Chair Cllr Jon Godfrey.
Around 140 people attended the ‘Big Thank You’ event at Saltford Hall, following invitations from SCA and SPC. The evening provided an opportunity for both organisations to acknowledge the many individuals and groups whose time and dedication help make Saltford such a vibrant and supportive community.
Following the Annual Parish Meeting, speeches were delivered by SPC Chair, Cllr Jon Godfrey, and SCA Chairman, Richard Evans, who thanked volunteers for their continued efforts. The evening also included a short guest talk by Stavros, Chair of Saltford Brass Mill, who spoke about volunteering opportunities at the historic Saltford Brass Mill and the important role volunteers play in preserving our local heritage.
Image shows some of the 140 residents at the APM and Big Thank You.
Inset image L-R: Cllr Jon Godfrey (SPC Chair), Richard Evans (Chairman of SCA) and Stavros Christofides (Chairman of Saltford Brass Mill).
SPC and SCA are keen to emphasise that Saltford is fortunate to have a very large number of people who give their time generously as volunteers across a wide range of groups, organisations and activities in the village. The ‘Big Thank You’ event aimed to recognise and celebrate some of these contributions, but with so many people playing an important role in community life it is unfortunately not possible to invite or mention everyone individually.
Saltford Parish Council and the Saltford Community Association would therefore like to state their sincere appreciation to all those who volunteer their time and energy to support village life. The work carried out by these individuals – often quietly and behind the scenes – makes a huge contribution to the strength, vibrancy and wellbeing of the Saltford community, and their efforts are very much valued.
Saltford Parish Council has on its agenda each year invitations to the Big Thank You – if residents would like to see a person or group invited to the event please do raise to SPC’s attention at the time for the Council’s consideration.
Parish of Saltford Annual Parish Meeting (APM)
Immediately prior to the ‘Big Thank You’ event, Cllr Jon Godfrey had chaired the Parish of Saltford Annual Parish Meeting (APM), which was open for all residents to attend. SPC was pleased to welcome approximately 140 people.
During the meeting, the Chair provided comment on how protecting the Green Belt would be a focus in the future, as well as information on the Parish Council’s precept for 2026/2027.
Cllr Godfrey also acknowledged and thanked the Saltford Community Association for their significant contribution to the village, including the running of Saltford Hall and range of community events, and as supported by SCA’s amazing volunteers.
No questions were raised by the public, and Cllr Godfrey formally closed the Saltford Annual Parish Meeting 2026.
Further details from the Annual Parish Meeting 2026 can be found in the draft minutes of the APM 2026, available on the SPC noticeboard and on the Parish Council website under ‘Meetings – Agendas & Minutes‘.
APM draft minutes have been made available on SPC’s noticeboard, and are also available on our ‘Meetings – Agendas and Minutes’ page
Big Thank You speech from Cllr Jon Godfrey, Chair of Saltford Parish Council
Cllr Jon Godfrey, SPC Chair, expressed thanks on behalf of Saltford Parish Council to a number of local organisations and volunteers for their contributions to the community, as invited by SPC to the Big Thank You, as follows:
Saltford Brass Mill: Thanks were expressed to the volunteers and trustees of the Saltford Brass Mill Project for their ongoing work in maintaining the historic Brass Mill at The Shallows and enabling public access to this important local heritage site.
Paul Goddard and the Saltford Scouts: Appreciation was given to Paul and the Saltford Scouts team for organising the village’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations, recognising the significant planning and coordination required to deliver this important community event. Thanks were also noted for the support of the Church, the Guides and other volunteers involved in the annual Remembrance commemorations.
Rob Taylor and Chris Warren: The Chair also thanked Rob and Chris, Saltford residents and former Parish Councillors, for repainting the ‘Lest We Forget’ lettering on the War Memorial railings in preparation for the Remembrance commemorations.
Saltford4Nature: Recognition was given to the Saltford4Nature volunteers for their ongoing work maintaining flower beds and green spaces around the village, supporting biodiversity and helping keep the village environment attractive. Ian, a Saltford4Nature volunteer – and independently of the group the leader of the Saltford Wombles – was also recognised and thanked. Recognition of how both Saltford4Nature and the Saltford Wombles work individually but for similar aims were raised.
St Mary’s Church: The Parish Council extended its thanks to representatives of St Mary’s Church, including Rev’d Nigel Williams, Church Warden Ian, and PCC Treasurer Pam, for their continued engagement with the Council in the care and maintenance of St Mary’s churchyard and for the Church’s wider contribution to village life.
Cheryl Hannan and Robin Dixon: Thanks were also expressed to Cheryl and Robin, who had organised and led Parish Walks for many years. The Council recognised their work in planning routes, undertaking risk assessments and guiding residents on local walks. A special note of thanks was given to Robin on stepping down from the role, and appreciation was expressed to Cheryl for continuing to lead the walks.
Mary and Nigel Stoate: Thanks were given to Mary and Nigel for their care and maintenance of the flowers in SPC’s Norman Road phone box, helping to brighten the village throughout the year.
Cllr Godfrey then thanked Saltford Parish Councillors for the time that they donate to the village, and stated that he was very proud of what the Councillors have achieved, as well as complimenting them on the wide range of skills and knowledge that they bring to the Parish Council.
Finally, thanks were expressed to the two B&NES Council Ward Councillors for Saltford, for their support and time, and engagement with the Parish Council.
Cllr Jon Godfrey then handed over to Richard Evans, Chairman of the Saltford Community Association.
Mary tending the phone box flowers, March 2026
Big Thank You from Richard Evans, Chairman of Saltford Community Association
Richard Evans, Chairman of the Saltford Community Association (SCA), welcomed guests and thanked Saltford Parish Council for its work supporting the community. He highlighted the strength of Saltford’s community life, with many active groups including schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, churches and support groups.
The SCA Chair noted that the village benefits from a wide range of volunteers who help run community activities and organisations, and emphasised that the evening was an opportunity to formally thank them for the time and commitment they give to village life.
Local businesses were also recognised for their support.
The Chair spoke about the work of Saltford Community Association and the many volunteers who help keep Saltford Hall running, including those involved in maintenance, events, fundraising, the SCAN magazine, and catering and at the bar at community events.
Recent improvements to the hall included a new sound and projection system, and the repainting of some of the rooms available for hire. Information was shared about ongoing maintenance requirements, as well as SCA’s hopes for future refurbishment work at Saltford Hall.
Saltford Hall, on Wedmore Road, is the location of many fantastic events and activities as arranged by SCA. Any fundraising events raised go to supporting the Saltford Community Association, including the running of Saltford Hall.
Check out SCA’s latest SCAN for all the latest news and for upcoming events!
He also highlighted several community initiatives supported by SCA, including the Post Office and Library Hub, community support activities and events such as Sunday Afternoon Teas and the Coffee Club, and support provided to Ukrainian families who lived (or had been hosted) in the village.
Looking ahead, the SCA Chairman encouraged more residents to consider volunteering or joining the SCA management committee, noting the importance of planning for the future and bringing new people into community roles. Specifically, he shared that the position of SCA Vice Chair was currently vacant. He also mentioned the SCA AGM on 26 March, and upcoming Saltford Festival later in the year.
The Chairman of Saltford Community Association concluded by recognising the contribution of past volunteers and thanking everyone who continues to give their time to support the community.
He then introduced Stavros Christofides, Chair of the Saltford Brass Mill Project, who had been invited to speak about Saltford Brass Mill and the important work of volunteers at the historic site.
Speech by Stavros Christofides, Chairman of Saltford Brass Mill – about volunteering
Stavros Christofides, Chairman of the Saltford Brass Mill Project, thanked SPC and SCA for organising the event.
He also expressed thanks also to a B&NES Ward Councillor for their Ward Councillor Support Fund contribution of £500 for specialist equipment to clean the Brass Mill following instances of flooding.
The Chairman shared that the Saltford Brass Mill Project is a registered charity, and the Brass Mill itself is a scheduled ancient monument that we are privileged to have in the village.
Saltford Brass Mill, photo taken September 2025
Stavros explained that though open to the public for free every second and fourth Saturday of the month between May and October annually, many private visits take place during the year. Recently, this included a visit from a group from as far away as Delaware, and that upcoming visits the following week included Civil Engineering students from Bath University and members of the International Early Engine conference.
He explained that during the May to October openings, at least eight volunteers were needed at a time to welcome visitors alongside a range of other volunteer activities, and that the Saltford Brass Mill was keen to recruit more volunteers. Stavros mentioned that volunteers do get very attached to the Brass Mill as reflected by its many longstanding volunteers – and that they are a very friendly and welcoming volunteer group.
Information about volunteering at the Brass Mill was shared, and a printed leaflet circulated to those present. Please click on Saltford Brass Mill Project leaflet to view.
Saltford Brass Mill Project leaflet
Information on the leaflet is as follows:
~ Saltford Brass Mill – Saltford Brass Mill Project: Saltford Brass Mill is a unique survivor of the 30 or so Brass and Copper factories that sprung along the Avon Valley in the early eighteenth century to produce high quality brass goods to be traded by the Bristol Merchant Venturers engaged in the now notorious slave trade. It started hammering brass pots in 1725 and continued hammering and rolling brass for 200 years until 1925. Saltford Mill is known nationally and internationally and is both Grade II Listed and more importantly, also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This recognition puts Saltford Mill on the level of Stanton Drew Stone Circle and the Roman Baths and makes Saltford not just a lovely place to live in but also a historic place with a rich history. BaNES Council are responsible for major repairs and our group look after the site both internally and externally and prepare the monument for visitors from May to October to tell its story with talks, displays, working models and videos.
~ Saltford Brass Mill – The work of the Volunteers: Everyone is welcome to join us and bring whatever skills they have to offer. New members are encouraged to find what suits them and also bring in new ideas. The Project volunteers are individuals with varied and wide spread skills and experiences and some have been members for twenty or more years. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. From October to April the Mill is closed to visitors as it has no heating and is prone to flooding so we meet in the mornings to carry out basic maintenance. From May to October, we open to the public from 10am to 4pm when we also need guides and receptionists. On such days we normally have a morning shift from 10am till 1pm and an afternoon shift from 1pm to 4pm. The Mill requires enough volunteers on duty when it is open to the public or we are hosting a group visit. If you are able to offer a bit of time during these sessions, even if to just be physically present to ensure the safety of our visitors or raise an alarm to colleagues if needed you will be a big help. We find that our new volunteers become more active participants and enjoy interacting with our visitors as their knowledge and understanding of the Mill and its history develop. You will be a welcome addition to the team.
~ Saltford Brass Mill – Volunteer Enquiry: There are no specific requirements that volunteers need to fulfil in order to join the Project. The Mill is a Monument and some parts of it are not wheelchair accessible. There are also some uneven floors and high steps. If you would like to find out more or you know of someone local who is looking for something to fill a bit of time and who could benefit from getting involved with us, please talk to a member today or visit our website at www.brassmill.com and contact us at enquiries@brassmill.com or complete the form below. (Please see the last section of the leaflet for an area to complete details).
Richard, Chairman of Saltford Community Association, thanked Stavros for his informative presentation, and encouraged those present to share the word about volunteering opportunities at Saltford Brass Mill.
Extra thank yous!
A representative of Saltford Community Association spoke to thank Richard Evans, SCA Chairman, for his time and dedication. The volunteers at Saltford Community Association were also sincerely thanked for their contributions.
A representative of Saltford Santa Dash also spoke to thank the volunteers involved and to share about the significant funds raised for charity following their 2025 event.
Big Thank You celebration meal
Those present at the Big Thank You then enjoyed a meal and drinks at the event as well as the chance to engage with other volunteers in the community, with huge thanks to SCA and all their volunteers for serving up a fantastic meal.
SPC and SCA wishes to warmly thank everyone who attended, and who helped to make it such an enjoyable evening. The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the many people who give their time freely to support life in Saltford.
Further to the ‘Big Thank You’ event, Saltford Parish Council and the Saltford Community Association would also like to express their sincere gratitude to all who contribute their time, energy, and enthusiasm to Saltford. From the visible to the ‘unsung’ efforts, SPC and SCA recognise that every contribution helps make Saltford a vibrant, welcoming, and active community for the benefit of all who live in the village.
