*For all the Village news visit our Website: www.abbotsleigh.org.uk*!
Abbots Leigh Civic Society Annual Report 2025-2026
Click here to view our annual report.
Bonfire night 2025
The village came togerther at another hugely memorable Bonfire Night. There were some clear changes this year with the whole of the Old School Field available for people to enjoy the bonfire and the impressive new fireworks display.
The success of this event, like the festival in the field, is a result of the time and effort given by members of the village. In particular, the Abbas Civic Society will like to thank Nick Wallum and family for let the team set up in their field and host the bonfire; the crew from Newavon Arms in Pill for a mesmerising fireworks display: Lucy, from the butcher's block, in Portishead, for the contribution of delicious sausages for the hot dogs; the team at Abbots Leigh nursing home, who helped off enormously with the cooking; the Poples again gave access to power into the field, and Andy Cunliffe provided the water supply.
Chris Alcock built the bonfire, and Robin Powell got it burning beautifully. Tim Harms and his team of marshals were instrumental in orchestrating timings, and safety, while Ben Jordan provided accident, first aid cover.
Sarah Thorne designed the poster to advertise the event, and the Paris Council provided constant support and the insurance for the field.
The cider gals provided scrumptions mulled cider; Damon Cooper served superb bar refreshments, and Mikael and Charlie put in great shift as the barbeque crew, with Anoo and Rashi serving hot dogs and onions. Lindsey and her family an a brilliant sweat stall which the children of the village loved.
The clear-up operation was supported by more volunteers, and in particular, Drew Smith, who helped before, during, and after the event. His specialist know how was invaluable as were his magnets for sifting any metal from the ash.
Apologies, if anyone has been missed, the contribution from so many volunteers made this kind of event much more enjoyable, and far less onerous for the Civic Society.
If you would like to get more involved, then perhaps help, lead one of the teams for the night, or any other event, then please do email us, or speak to a member of the city society.
“Remember, remember the fifth of November!”
The Childrens Christmas Party, December 2024
This wonderful annual party was another huge success. Well done to our team of organisers - Rachael Doherty, Gabi Watson, Adri Allen, Mel King, Cathy Ascherl and Gemma Whiston, with the magical assistance of our team of Santa’s Elves; Bella, Alice, Poppy, Jorja and Grace, The children had loads of fun with the entertainer and it was rounded off with a very special visit by Father Christmas who brought a gift for every child. Thank you to Henry Burnand for persuading him to drop in!
So lovely to see lots of smiling faces and the community having a great time together.
Tennis tournament - Saturday 3rd August 2024
The Tennis tournament was a great afternoon with a wonderful atmosphere! Followed by lovely canapes and drinks. The civic society was very please to be able to support such a great event.
We are working on…
Recruiting new members!
If you have enjoyed the events we have done for the community and feel its your time to help make things happen, we would love for you to join us. Please email us to abbotsleighcivicsociety@gmail.com
Come and help us to make the fun happen!
We are so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers who step up to help at our events and that is why they are so successful. Apart from being fun, volunteering to help is a great way to meet new people in the village. So, if you like working with a team, enjoy a laugh and being part of our lovely village community then we would love to hear from you. We always welcome suggestions and ideas so please do get in touch with Mel & Jon - abbotsleighcivicsociety@gmail.com.
All residents of Abbots Leigh are deemed to be members of the ALCS and are thus very welcome to attend any of the events it organises. We very much hope that everyone who lives in the village see the ALCS as their Community Group.
We help to organise various activities and events, which utilise the local facilities and talents of the villagers. In particular we focus on making use of the Village Hall and the Old School Field (opposite Abbots Leigh Church on Church Road).
Committee & Contact Information
We have a committee:Henry Burnand
- Henry Burnard (Chair)
- Neil Hopkinson
- Adriana Allen
- Jon Brewer
- Rachael Doherty
- Eleni Franklin
- Rosie Gloyns
We meets several times a year to plan events and discuss matters concerning the village. We are always looking for new people who will help with events and/or join the committee.
Any enquiries please email at abbotsleighcivicsociety@gmail.com