Blokey was part of what gave Trinity that family feel - not least because he also managed to rope in his family to help out run the place in those early days!

From running the bar and rigging the lights to writing policies and business planning, Blokey's commitment helped to shape the Trinity that we have today.

Blokey was the glue that held us together. A cheeky chap. A man who seemed to promise the world and, amazingly, somehow deliver. When the place steadied, he moved on to new adventures, yet always reappeared in any moment of crisis.

How he knew we needed him I just don't know. He was just always there. Perhaps that's why as long as I'm at Trinity, there'll always be a part of me that expects him to walk in just to see how we're all doing.

I will forever be grateful for his support and calm presence, during a time when it felt like the whole thing could fall apart in a moment's breath.

Thank you Pete for always being there and for creating the feeling you still are. Always in our hearts, Emma xx

Simi was a hugely dedicated and influential figure in Bristol’s voluntary sector, devoting her life to the betterment of services for the city’s South Asian community, developing a wealth of activities that included a multi-faith youth service for young people, the first Asian youth festival, an Asian radio show on BBC Bristol and a day care centre for elderly Asian people.

She is most known for her work with Awaz Utaoh, meaning 'raise your voice'. The charity was established in 1997 and has supported women primarily from across Bristol's South Asian community for decades.

Through her work with Awaz, Simi was able to develop and deliver a regular programme of activities embracing and connecting women of all religions. She was a strong and inspiring figurehead for a core group of women who met every Wednesday at Trinity, until her retirement prior to the pandemic. She crafted a safe space for well-being and empowerment that helped to unite and give voice to women of all ages.

For anyone who was blessed with the good fortune to attend Awaz, you were welcomed by a space full of music, dancing, food and fun. Thanks to Simi’s generosity and spirit, everyone was made to feel like part of one big family, of which she was very much the mother figure.

Over the years, Simi’s dedication and work in the voluntary sector has been recognised through several awards including the Lord Mayor’s Medal.

Towards the end, sustaining this valuable work became an increasingly uphill struggle, with the challenges of cuts to funding compounded by Simi’s own declining health. Still, she persisted, never giving up, to ensure that the women who relied on this service continued to have somewhere to go. As one of the women using this service was quoted; "What the statutory agencies of the city could not do for them over the last 15 years, Awaz Utaoh did it.”

We give thanks to this hugely important woman and hope that her work and vision will serve as inspiration to others that - in spite of all our differences and the challenges we face - if we raise our voice, one woman can have the power to bring change, hope and light to the world around her.

Simi's family have created a memorial page where those who knew her can leave their words, photos and memories.

People gather in the main hall for this years drumming workshop Photo @Alexa Ledecky

Families taking part in the craft workshops in the Main Hall Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Almatic's lead singer Katie during their set on the Main Stage Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Children taking part in Cirque De Silk's aerial workshop Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

All the enjoyment early on in our community garden Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Miss T, who attends sessions as part of our music making project plays the Making Tracks showcase Photo @Alexa Ledecky

Families enjoying the spring sun and vibes with Trinity and her iconic towers in the background Photo @ Khali Ackford

Wecil Collective perform in the Main Hall, including an cameo from Trinity's Engagement Coordinator Dr Edson Burton who MC'd on the mics Photo @ Khali Ackford

Bristol artist, DJ and producer Dutchie during her set Photo @ Khali Ackford

Rider Shafique and Sam Binga played the end set at this years Garden Party Photo @ Khali Ackford

Trinity T's everywhere! Photo @Khali Ackford

And it ends ... with Lottie Ball & Edson Burton hosts of this years Garden Party Photo @ Khali Ackford

Team Trinity have teamed up with Caring in Bristol to open Trinity during Christmas

We have joined forces with Caring in Bristol to open up Trinity during Christmas for their annual Caring At Christmas Project.

Caring at Christmas has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people over the Christmas period for over 30 years. It provides day and night time support offering shelter, food, clothing and social activities for people in need in our city during what can be a particularly difficult time of year for many. The project relies on support from volunteers and is funded almost entirely by public donations. For 2018, there are over 1000 volunteering opportunities.

“We’re really excited to be working with the Trinity Centre for our 2018 Caring at Christmas project. Separating out our day centre and night shelter will enable us to better support the wide-ranging needs of the many different people that use our project over Christmas. Caring in Bristol believe in city-wide solutions to dealing with homelessness and partnering with a fantastic community centre, such as the Trinity Centre is a brilliant way to support our mission. It demonstrates the ways community partners can get involved and help provide meaningful solutions to one of the biggest issues facing our city today.” Assistant Director, Lisa Spice

Caring at Christmas has historically run both its day centre and night shelter from the Julian Trust’s building in St Pauls, taking over the building and adding extra support and beds whilst the Julian Trust’s night shelter closes for Christmas. For the 2018 project, Caring in Bristol are partnering with the us to run Caring at Christmas here during the day.

The day centre will be open to guests from 24th – 28th December from 10am - 6pm

Caring in Bristol need the help of the city to support the project and people in need over the Christmas period. If you want to organise a fundraiser then we want to hear from you! Get in touch with fundraising@caringinbristol.org.uk. You can also donate to Caring in Bristol via their website.

Caring in Bristol are also looking for engaged community members to join our growing team of volunteers.They are currently recruiting for Caring at Christmas volunteers: please visit their website to apply.

When I come to Trinity I send some emails out advertising gigs and classes, what are going on here. I like getting out and meeting people and having a laugh. I like getting out and socialising and getting out of the house for a day. I am always kept busy at Trinity and I enjoy myself.

(Us) Can you describe your time at Trinity in three words? Happy, working hard

Samba Drumming
If you are interested in joining the drumming band please email here. Samba Drumming is from 6pm - 10pm in the Main Hall.

Samba Dancing:
The dance classes are aimed towards performance, but you don't have to be a performer to take part - you can join us for the fun and the exercise. Learn samba reggae, ijexa (afoxe) and samba carnival style.

7.30 - 8.30pm Dance Beginners
8.45 - 10.00pm Dance Improvers

For more information on dancing email here.

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

Bristol Samba is a community band that welcomes new and experienced drummers and dancers from all backgrounds and abilities. They hold regular weekly sessions and occasional workshops throughout the year. Even if you've never drummed or danced before, come and give it a try! Sessions are held on Mondays at Trinity 6pm - 10pm.

DRUMMING:

If you are interested in joining the drumming band please email: newmembers@bristolsamba.co.uk (enrollement in advance is necessary)

6-7:30pm Beginner Drummers (Main Hall)

8:30-10pm Later Drummers (Main Hall)

DANCE:

The dance classes are aimed towards performance, but you don't have to be a performer to take part - you can join us for the fun and the exercise. Learn samba reggae, ijexa (afoxe) and samba carnival style.

8-9:00pm Dance Class (Fyfe Hall)

For more information about the Dance Classes please email: dancers@bristolsamba.co.uk

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

Led by dance tutor, Barry Shields, the sessions are friendly and relaxed on a large dance floor.

From club style social dancing to ballroom, Latin and music across the decades.

Everyone is welcome, no partner is needed and open to absolute beginners.

Just turn up!

Suggested donation £3 which helps to cover the dance tutor.

Please note this class doesn't run on Bank Holiday Mondays.

Accepting Macmillan Taster Tokens! Find out how you can access this activity for free by calling the Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement team on 0117 353 3042

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

Led by dance tutor, Barry Shields, the sessions are friendly and relaxed on a large dance floor.

From club style social dancing to ballroom, Latin and music across the decades.

Everyone is welcome, no partner is needed and open to absolute beginners.

Just turn up!

Suggested donation £4 which helps to cover the dance tutor.

Please note this class doesn't run on Bank Holiday Mondays.

Please note that there is no class on 04 Nov 2024

Accepting Macmillan Taster Tokens! Find out how you can access this activity for free by calling the Macmillan Prevention and Re-enablement team on 0117 353 3042

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

The health and safety of the people using our Centre is our top priority you can find out what we are doing to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak here.

Want to drum and dance? It’s easy!

Ilu Axe has three groups or learning and performance levels, Beginner, Intermediate and Stage Group, with people moving from one level to the next as and when the pieces taught in the particular level (both the music and the choreography) reach the required standard.

Drums and sticks etc all provided. With our incredible, loveable teachers you’ll straight away begin learning the rhythms and the choreography and all the drum and stick technique stuff.

So if you’d like to get involved, please email courses.iluaxe@gmail.com

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

Ilu Axe has three groups or learning and performance levels, Beginner, Intermediate and Stage Group, with people moving from one level to the next as and when the pieces taught in the particular level (both the music and the choreography) reach the required standard.

Drums and sticks etc all provided. With our incredible, loveable teachers you’ll straight away begin learning the rhythms and the choreography and all the drum and stick technique stuff.

So if you’d like to get involved, please email courses.iluaxe@gmail.com or use the joining form here.

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

If you love dancing, used to dance when you were younger, have always wanted to dance, or are drawn to performance, this company is for you! The focus will be on developing and expanding movement and dance skills, exploring different aspects of movement, and creating a dance performance based on members' ideas and experiences.

Two weekly session run

Mondays, 5.45pm - 7.15pm - Online (back soon at Trinity, Fyfe Hall)

Fridays, 12pm - 2pm - Main Hall

Cost £3 per person, per session

The company is led by Julia Thorneycroft.

Julia has many years experience of creating, directing and teaching dance in professional, community and academic contexts. She is Programme Leader for the Dance Foundation Degree,City of Bristol College, and has Artistic Director roles for Kinesis Youth Dance Company, and Julia Thorneycroft Young Dancers Company. Her performance company, Julia Thorneycroft Dance, creates accessible dance theatre that explores current social themes and human nature, engaging the core human emotions of its audience. She is committed to reaching out beyond traditional theatre space into outdoor festivals and rural touring.

https://juliathorneycroftdancetheatre.com

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.

Trinity has been awarded £12,500 funding to contribute toward the installation of solar PV to Trinity Centre roof, which will match-fund £1,000 committed from the Naturesave Trust. Energy savings from the installation will help support ongoing maintenance costs of the much-loved, grade II* listed, community arts centre and ensure that Trinity can continue to provide free hall space to other community projects.

Installation of solar PV form part of Trinity's 2015 Green Capital Pledge to improve the centre's green credentials.

Emma Harvey, Trinity Centre Manager said; "A massive thanks must go out to all those who voted & supported us to win - we couldn't have done it without you!"

Feeding back about the award to Trinity, the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund Team said; “The judges felt [the] project was most in keeping with M&S core business values - integrity, innovation, inspiration, and in-touch with the community. We are all very impressed with the level of community engagement [the] project has demonstrated and look forward to seeing the impact of our funding.”

St Werburghs City Farm were also amongst winners of the awards. They received funding towards installing 15 solar panels to their new education centre 'The Connection Centre Solar Systems Project, which will educate children and young people about green energy.

About the Trinity Centre

The Trinity Centre is a unique is a Grade II* listed, deconsecrated Georgian church, now a thriving community arts centre and independent live music venue, based in the heart of inner-city Bristol.

Led by Trinity Community Arts, our mission is to empower communities through the arts, to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to access and shape arts and culture.

We deliver projects with arts, education and heritage focuses to encourage participation and promote cohesion within these areas. The centre was used by over 40,000 in 2014, including 8,498 people participating in our community projects and activities.

Trinity provides free and subsidised hall use to community projects through our Trinity Community Initiative (TCI). In 2014 we provided 1,080 hours of free or subsidised hall space, so that community and grass-roots groups were able to run their projects and events.

About the Trinity Centre Conservation Project

The Trinity Centre Conservation Project will compliment previous repair and redevelopment works, helping to protect the building's fabric into the future.

Trinity are campaigning to raise funds to carry out the following programme of works between 2015-2017:

• repairing lead-work on the remaining North aisle (with insulation) to prevent water ingress to the training spaces below
• re-felting and repair to pitched slate roof, to prevent water ingress and damage to the re-developed hall spaces below
• masonry works to the stonework (excluding South aisle) and towers to protect the building's fabric from cramp damage
• restoration of original stained glass, including installation of secondary/tertiary glazings (internally and externally) to improve the energy performance of the building and opening devices to North and South high elevation windows to improve ventilation
• installing Solar PV panels on our community centre, to help the building become more sustainable and allow Trinity to continue to provide free and subsidised hall space for community activity.

This is the final major-works phase relating to the repair and conservation of the historic fabric. Capital works with be framed by an activities programme of workshops and events, including training in traditional heritage trades.

Click here for more info about the project.

Don't worry if you can't skate or even don't own any skates, we have plenty of skates to hire and our lovely Roller Girls & Boys will give you a helping hand if needed.

Doors open at 2pm till 5pm and expect a mixture of good tunes and vibes from our roller-disco team.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Through Trinity providing subsidized hall space for us, we have been able to put on social events for people with learning disabilities over the last 8 years.

It is very hard for someone with a learning disability to have a normal social life. So with Trinity helping us put on full on monthly nightclubs is amazing. We have nearly  200 people dancing the night away at each Rhythm of the Night event and it is getting bigger and better. Join us on the last Thursday of the month and see for yourself...everybody is welcome!

2017 has been the best so far and we are thinking of inviting DJs and musicians with disabilities to perform at these social events, as we did with Plymouth's Funky Llama in 2016.

Trinity has supported these successful nightclubs with staff time, facilities and equipment. This partnership approach has been rewarding for everyone.

We have also seen from their wider community work that Trinity is committed to being a centre for the people of Bristol. Trinity has made a fantastic use of a valuable building and given it a new lease of life.

Tony Holdom, Creative Director, Misfits Theatre Company UK.