Ruth Rogers and Nick Gardham from Community Organisers recently hosted an inspiring workshop for 25 participants keen to explore ways of uniting and reviving community spirit. The event, generously sponsored by SNG, saw local residents coming together to learn new tools and frameworks to re‑connect after a challenging few years.
Christian Noll, representing Lambourn Junction CIC, was impressed. “I have three pages of notes and lots of ideas learnt from other participants as to how to build further on the work of Lambourn Junction to create an even stronger sense of community,” he said. That enthusiasm was mirrored across the room as people shared experiences and hopes for collective action.
One attendee highlighted the lasting impact of the COVID pandemic on local bonds:
“During COVID we were all forced to isolate and like a snail retracted into our shell. A lot of community spirit was reduced since we were not allowed to meet. It’s taken some time for this to be built up again and the tools and techniques presented by Community Organisers are really powerful to help this accelerate.”
This feedback reflects the core mission of Community Organisers: to bring people together, help them listen deeply, identify shared concerns, and build collective power to drive positive change.
Thanks to this session, the seeds have been sown for fresh collaboration and Christian will discuss some initiatives with residents as well as representatives from SNG who are poised to assist. With frameworks firmly in place and new energy unleashed, Ruth, Nick and the participants are well on their way to turning ideas into action making Lambourn’s community bonds stronger and more resilient than ever.
