A Poem for Patchway
'A Poem for Patchway’ was initiated by Patchway Town Council supported by Southern Brooks Community Partnerships to celebrate the town council’s 70th anniversary in 2023.
A trail of 13 plaques with 19 poems from local residents and organisations can be found around Patchway.
The full list of poems and their locations can be found below.
Winning Entry
'Community Cohesion' by Win Williams for Coniston Community Centre
Community Cohesion - that's the new educational buzz phrase!
Grandiose statements on what should be done -
By one party and another - not to be out done!
All it means really is to work together for the common good,
"Joined up thinking", "joined up doing"
Not me, me, me; I'm the best
But working together, one for all and all for one!
Win, win situations and all the rest.
An example of this can be seen near at hand,
"Patchway Festival" and for all that it stands,
Churches, schools, community groups too;
Individuals, businesses, so much to do -
Promoting, fund raising and having fun
Indoors and outdoors we're hoping for sun!
After it's over, so much has been raised
For groups and good causes, you'd be amazed!
But most of all, the important bit
Is building up the Community Spirit!
​
Located at Patchway Town Council, Callicroft House, Rodway Road
Runner Up Entry
'Youth Club' by St Chads kids and youth group Pathfinders and Explorers
There's this big empty hall down on Rodway,
Attached to a church is the truth,
It's quiet all week until Thursday,
When it's filled to the rafters with youth!!
Playing hide and seek in the vestry,
Running around in the space,
Karaoke, nerf wars, water fights and much more,
And they do love an obstacle race!!
Sometimes little kids are found crafting,
Or eating a biscuit or two,
While a grown up tells them a story,
Usually something that Jesus did do!!
The big kids are raiding the tuck shop,
Discussing big issues of life,
And tackling the trickier subjects,
That often do cause them some strife.
Now often the teenagers of Patchway,
Get a bad name in the press,
But those who come on a Thursday,
They honestly are simply the best!!
These groups have been running so long now,
That kids who once came have kids too,
And they come along on a Thursday,
To find out what things they will do.
Explorers is the name of the kids group,
Pathfinders, the name for the teens,
St Chads hosts this groups for the children,
And we love that they're all full of beans!!
​
Located at St Chads Church Garden
Runner Up Entry
'Platinum Party' by Alex Manning, 12 years old
Patchway Platinum Party Hooray Hooray
Patchway must celebrate the day!
1953 we could all roam free and play every day.
2023 we play because we can,
The town Council provides us with Bouncy castles and Characters for fun.
Love being in Patchway
It's our Town.
​
Located at St Chads Church Garden
'Library' by Carolyn Percy
Perusing bookcases
And searching for familiar names or faces
That will take me to another world.
Crisp pages full of words.
Hear the authors’ voices,
Witness their choices.
A story is something
You’ll carry forever.
Libraries are
Interesting places,
Bright and friendly spaces.
Read to your heart’s content
And
Relax,
You’ll always be welcome.
​
Located at Patchway Library
'Patchway' by Alison Smith, Memory cafe
Where is the butcher, the baker, the veg shop?
Where is the knick knack shop, at the end of the rank?
Where is the chemist who stocked all things?
Where is the newsagent, and the cleaner who sings?
So much is changing, so fast and so sure,
Us old ones are left far behind,
With doctors all online and dentists so full,
Who takes care of us, as we grow older still?
The shopping is online, no banks on the street,
The buses are few and late,
Where is the neighbour, the friend next door
In times of hardship and troubles so raw.
There are old folks who struggle with day-to-day things
There are young folk with stress and fatigue
What’s our world coming to, year after year
When we’ve lost the way that was once so clear?
Thank the Lord for the churches, the clubs and the groups
Who are there to help keep us sane,
May they long continue to attract and fulfil
The empty lives that so much need a thrill.
The centres and halls, the community spaces
The library and other venues,
Thank you for so many volunteers’ outlets
Who provide the support and the safety nets.
What would we do without such caring people?
What would we do without Charities too?
Where would we be in a world of uncaring
Where people are thoughtless and not used to sharing?
This place that I live is so different now
Not everything for the better I fear,
But still we survive and hope in the future
As we continue our lives with nature and nurture.
​
Located at St Chads Church Garden
'Our poem about Patchway' by Paula and Lucija, Gauting, Germany Students
Patchway, a city in the UK, where dreams take flight,
With vibrant streets and a skyline shining bright.
In Patchway, you’ll find a tapestry of life,
Where hustle and bustle blend with moments of respite.
From the bustling markets to the cozy cafes,
Patchway’s charm will leave you in a daze.
Stroll along the winding streets, lined with history,
And discover hidden gems, a delightful mystery.
The people of Patchway, so warm and kind,
With open hearts and a welcoming mind.
They’ll greet you with a smile, make you feel at home,
In this city where community has truly grown.
The parks and green spaces, a sanctuary of peace,
Where nature’s beauty brings a sense of release.
Take a leisurely walk or have a picnic in the sun,
In Patchway, there’s always something fun to be done.
From the local art scene to the vibrant nightlife,
Patchway offers experiences that ignite.
Soak in the culture, embrace the diversity,
And create memories that will last eternally.
Patchway, a city that’s full of life and zest,
A place where you’ll always feel your best.
So come and explore, let your spirit roam,
In Patchway, you’ll find a place you can call home.
​
Located at Patchway Town Council, Callicroft House, Rodway Road
'Dad' by Rachael Cockram
Patchway Library
There is a word of letters three,
That spells the best that there can be,
It simply speaks about a man,
Who does for me all that he can,
He gave me life and from then on,
I knew who to depend upon,
The life he gave he made worth living,
And asked no thankyous for his giving,
He stands by me through thick and thin,
And lets me put my trust in him,
And for no price of any kind,
He shares with me his soul, his mind,
He is my rock, he is my guide,
And from the bad he helps me hide,
I know he’s helped to make me strong,
I know he helps me carry on,
I know this man described above,
Would never stint in giving love,
He never has through good or bad,
Because this man he is my Dad.
​
Located at Patchway Community Centre, Rodway Road
'Snack Attacks' made using AI
At Snack Attacks by the Park, delight takes its stand,
With English breakfast and classics grand,
In warmth and welcome, patrons find their way,
A cozy haven for meals every day.
Amidst modern design, the ambiance gleams,
Fresh and clean, as if from dreams,
A touch of comfort, staff's friendly embrace,
Dining here feels like a warm embrace.
Affordable prices, accessible to all,
No barriers to answer dining's call,
Bristol's gem, where al fresco's a choice,
Outdoor seating lets diners rejoice.
Full English breakfast, a star of the show,
Bacon rolls, too, to make taste buds glow,
For health-conscious souls, avocado's crowned,
With poached eggs, a harmony found.
Quench your thirst with drinks so divine,
From soft to wines, all in line,
Catering, they offer, for moments of grace,
Weddings and parties, in any space.
In Bristol's heart, this treasure is found,
Where mornings and lunches are simply profound,
Snack Attacks by the Park, a culinary art,
Where joy, taste, and service never part.
​
Located at Norman Scott Park Pavilion, Coniston Road
'Men in Sheds' by Robert Jones
Men in Sheds
It’s easy to Say
There’s one nearby, not far away.
We make things from wood
We would do more if only we could
We enjoy biscuits and tea
We enjoy a chat, now that’s free.
We talk shoulder to shoulder
Now that we are older
What are we about
Come see, come find out..
​
Located at Blakeney Road Allotments
'Talking Time at the Library' by members of "Tea, Talk and Stories"
We found the pathways
Through the bookshelves
Into friendship and sharing.
Walking among the leaves
In an allotment of memories,
Nurturing dreams.
Horses nibbling at the turf,
Travellers moving on...
Mind the roses!
Amazed, looking back
Through lost fields.
Children running across the grass
Where houses blossom.
Sunny windowsills,
Fat cats dreaming in the warmth.
Oops! A butterfly!
Surrounded by books, we chat,
Patching stories together...
Quilts of warm memories.
​
Located at Patchway Library
'The Patch' by members of Patchway Youth Centre
The Patch
Talented People
Hi!
Eat
Pizza Making
Arts and Crafts
Try it
Cry with laughter
Helicopter
​
Located at Patchway Youth Centre, Coniston Road
'We like being silly and insane' by Cheri, Meredith and Layla - Patchway Youth Centre
Hi!
I think when pizza is outside
I cry with laughter
Singing Badminton
And eating snacks with friends
We like drawing with a pineapple helicopter
And I like
garden crafts
Trees
Then walking with you
The Patchway club is playing - try me.
​
Located at Patchway Youth Centre, Coniston Road
'Pineapple on Pizza' by members of Patchway Youth Centre
I like pizza
I like pineapple
But does it fit together?
​
Located at Patchway Youth Centre, Coniston Road
'Patchway Remembrance 11/11' by Councillor Angela Morey
Proudly leading the community, the red robed Mayor guides the way, young scouts, silver veterans, all are welcome
Against the autumn wind, we parade past the parade, poppies pinned to our lapels
Turning from Coniston into Norman Scott Park, we congregate around the war memorial, wreaths poised to lay down
Calling larks the only noise as we observe our moments of reflection in hushed silence
Handshakes and catchups follow in the bars and cafes, a sea of familiar faces with some young new additions
What were them drums this morning? is asked on Facebook
A traditional town, a warm and welcoming community, showing their respect to our fallen heroes
You are part of something bigger than just yourself, you are stitched into the Patchway patchwork, stretching through the ages.
​
'Patchway' by Liz Evans Southern Brooks Community Coordinator for Patchway and Charlton Hayes
(44 almost 45)
Patchway is a lovely place,
The people full of cheer
If you need a helping hand
There's always someone near
There's groups for each and everyone
And always stuff to see,
From old to young there’s so much fun
It’s a joyful place to place to be!
​
Located at the Casson Centre, Rodway Road
'Patchway' by The Nibletts
People filled with life and colours
Adults, children, elderly too
Together people gather through and through
Cats purr as people walk by
Happy children fly kites in the sky
Walking dogs in the area
Afro, straight, curly and bald
Yellow sun makes Patchway a brighter place
​
Located at the Casson Centre, Rodway Road
'St Chads' by Anon
'Pop in for a Chat' by Keith Walker, Chairman of Coniston Community Association
In Patchways’ heart a beacon stands tall
Coniston community answering the call
With open arms it welcomes all
From young to old answering every call
Education blooms like flowers in spring
In Coniston’s halls knowledge takes wings
Arts, culture and heritage entwine
In the tapestry of Patchway’s design
For the mind and body sanctuary found
In leisure and sport, joys abound
Mental wellbeing a guiding light
In Coniston’s embrace taking flight
From dawn to dust doors wide open
A haven for all where troubles can hide
Advice advocacy, a steady hand
Guiding the community across the land
The cafes warmth, a cherished delight
Where meals and laughter weave through the night
In the fridge a beacon of hope
For those in need, struggling to cope
Children, elders and all in between
Find solace in Coniston’s serene
A cornerstone of Patchway’s domaine
Coniston community a cherished refrain
So lets gather round for a chat and a smile
In Coniston’s embrace we’ll linger for a while
For in this haven we find our kin
In the heart of Patchway where love begins
​
Located at Coniston Community Centre, The Parade
'A short poem about a teenager who’s happy in a mean world' by Terricka Hocking
In a mean world, she shines bright, a happy teen, spreading love day and night.
With kindness and smiles, she takes a stand, making the world better…
Hand in hand.
​
Located at Blakeney Road Allotments
