Chairman Barry Jakes, Charlotte Leslie and Mickey Pierce

It was a landmark day for a focal point of the Southmead community – and Charlotte Leslie was there joining in the celebrations.

People from all over Southmead, including Darth Vader actor David Prowse, were at Southmead Rugby Club on Sunday to mark the opening of the new changing rooms.

Residents and club members from around the neighbourhood were involved in building the new facilities next to the Greenway Centre on Doncaster Road, with the valuable assistance of grants from Sport England and the RFU.

Charlotte said she was delighted to see the neighbourhood pulling together to improve the club:

“It’s so good to see the real Southmead – working together for the community, especially after the negative publicity it’s had recently.

“The opening event was great, with Ambleside Avenue-born David Prowse there donating his last light sabre from his time in Star Wars and raising £2,000 for the club.

“It’s really good to see such an important part of Southmead thriving and I’m sure this will have a great impact on the area as a whole.A huge congratulations must go to Barry Jakes, Mickey Pierce, Gary Mills, Jason Silcox and their team for their hard work in making it happen.”

Local band Hooper played at the evening celebrations, following a day of rugby matches which included a junior tournament featuring 150 players, as well as a The Peeler charity team captained by former Bristol and Wales lock Gareth Llewellyn.