The Week in East & North East Somerset FREE Issue no 426 9th June 2016 Read by over 30,000 people every week In this week’s issue ...... page 3 £7m makeover for Keynsham Leisure Centre . . . B&NES Council keeps its promise to residents page 5 Raid at Avon Valley Park . . . Burglars smash their way in to steal cash pages 12 & 13 Two new housing schemes blocked . . . ‘South Glos shortage no excuse for poor plans’

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Keynsham

B&NESLeisure Council has kept centreits promise and listened will to the get £7m makeover wishes of Keynsham residents with its revised plans for the leisure centre. The uncertainty over the ownership of the Riverside now also appears to be resolved with the council agreeing a deal to purchase the leasehold interest on the site. The £7m project will see the current leisure centre refurbished and extended, retaining its sports hall and spectator gallery for the From left, Cllr Martin Veal, Cabinet Member for Community Services, council leader Tim Warren & swimming pool. The squash courts will also be retained and new Keynsham councillor Charles Gerrish amenities will include a teaching pool, soft play area and enhanced gym. New and improved changing facilities will be included along buildings. Early last year, it lodged a speculative planning with additional studio space. application to convert the redundant office space into flats, but this Last year, as part of B&NES Council's consultation on the was subsequently withdrawn. With the council acquiring the site, a Placemaking Plan, residents were asked to comment on three major obstacle in the regeneration of Keynsham town centre has possible locations for a new leisure centre in the town but with potentially been removed. Cllr Warren said: “As well as greatly fewer facilities than it currently provides. It soon became clear that improving the look and feel of the inside of the leisure centre, the there was a strong desire to retain a multi-sports hall and spectator planned improvements are also a great opportunity to revitalise the facilities for swimming galas and in response to public reaction, Riverside and Temple Street area.” council leader Cllr Tim Warren pledged last autumn that any new facility would indeed include those amenities. The plans go on display at four feedback events, the first of which is today (Thursday) at the Space from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and another next Tuesday (14th June) from 2pm to 4pm. The displays will move to the leisure centre itself on Friday 24th June (10am-2pm) and Tuesday 28th June (4pm-8pm). It is hoped to have a planning application for the enhancement work ready this summer with work planned to begin early next year. The refurbishment will be staged so as to avoid the complete closure of the leisure centre but clearly the pool and other facilities will be unavailable at various times. In addition to the detailed plans, there are also outlines ideas for a wider transformation of the Riverside and former fire station land. While B&NES has always owned the freehold on the Riverside, an asset management company has held a long lease on the

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Fishponds 80-year-old left shaken after street robbery Police are appealing for witnesses after an 80-year-old woman was robbed by a cyclist in Fishponds last week. The victim was walking along Vassall Road near the junction of Gill Avenue on Monday 30th May when she was approached from behind by a man on a bike. He grabbed her shopping trolley, which she uses to help her walk, causing her to fall onto a nearby car. She then had to walk home, shaken and scared, holding onto cars and walls for support. The robbery took place at approximately 12.30pm. An Avon & Somerset police spokesman said: “We're looking for anyone who saw a male wearing dark clothing on a mountain bike in the area at the time cycling in to alleyways at the back of Symington Road, Fishponds. “Anyone with information is asked to contact us now on 101 and quote crime reference number 5216117631.”

The Week in Kingswood Bible theme to flower festival The United Church in Kingswood is staging a flower festival tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. The theme is Favourite Bible Stories. The church will be open tomorrow from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free and there will be refreshments available in the church hall.

Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, , Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, , Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 15,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%. Publisher Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381 www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767

Managing Editor Stephen Rodgers [email protected] Editorial Becky Feather 07973 839936 Christine Rogers Advertising Jodie Deason and Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 [email protected] @theweekineditor No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of Keynsham & Saltford Times Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Keynsham Thieves target wages in raid at wildlife park Intruders smashed their way into Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park and stole the staff's wages. The raiders, who used power tools to break in during the early hours of Monday morning, were caught on CCTV. The suspects are two middle-aged men, one with a significant limp. Owner Doug Douglas, pictured by the damaged building with his wife Hannah, said: “I employ 30 local people whose wages have now been taken from us.” The amount of money taken is described as “significant” in the wake of the half-term holiday takings. None of the animals were hurt. The park was not open on Monday anyway as it was a The break-in happened between 12.30am and 4am and maintenance day so staff spent the day clearing up after the anyone who saw anything or has CCTV on Pixash Lane or police and forensics team had been. Broadmead Lane is asked to get in touch.

Monthly disco nights in Hanham Over-25s are welcome at the monthly party nights hosted by ZAP events at Hanham Community Centre. DJs play a wide variety of music including disco, current charts, R&B and reggae, and also take requests. There is a large dance floor, friendly atmosphere and parking is free. The next events are on Friday 17th June and Friday 22nd July. For more information or to reserve a table call 07850 227613 or visit www.zapevents.co.uk

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Derelict property 'safe' despite part falling on pavement A dilapidated building in Warmley is not considered to be in a dangerous condition, even though part of it fell on to the pavement recently, as this picture shows. The poor state of the old house that stands on the corner of Mill Lane and Tower Road South in Warmley has caused some concern. An eyesore for many years, it is nonetheless locally listed which

means it is considered to be of some importance. A South Council spokesperson said: “Our Building Control team are monitoring the situation and have assessed the property on a number of occasions since 2011. “The building is dilapidated, however it is not considered to be in a dangerous condition. “The property is a locally listed building and as such our conservation officer is additionally aware of its condition.” The chunks that fell off the building have now been moved.

Body confirmed as missing former

ASt body foundBrendan's on Mount Toubkal in Morocco atstudent the weekend family on 22nd May. was confirmed on Tuesday as being that of teenager Connor His parents John and Sian, who Jarvis, a former student at St Brendan's College in were this week in Morocco Brislington. preparing to bring his body home, A massive search had been launched for Connor, 19, from thanked everyone for their kind Timsbury, who had been due to return from a solo trip to thoughts and messages. Marrakech on 28th May. He had last been in contact with his

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Hanham Christmas fair in jeopardy The popular Hanham Christmas Fair, which attracts thousands of visitors, may not happen this year because there aren't enough volunteers to organise it. The fair always takes place on the first Friday evening in December. Hanham High Street is closed to traffic and many local shops stay open late. As well as hot food stands, charity and community groups have stalls along the street and there are commercial vendors, as well as entertainment and amusements. Richard McKenzie, of High Street retailer The Aerial Man, said the 2016 Christmas fair was discussed at last week's meeting of Hanham traders, and only four people are currently volunteering to help organise it. “Hanham's Christmas fair is in jeopardy this year,” he told The Week In. “It would be a shame as this is a long-standing event and attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 people. “Volunteers don't need to be traders - they might be residents or belong to local groups or churches. We have four volunteers at the moment but we need another five to 10 to run the fair.” If you can help contact Richard on 07841 330838 or email [email protected]

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schools and their history since the Second World War. The museum has a number of relevant Letters photos and artefacts collected over the years, but is now asking former pupils to Clearing up the travellers' look in their sheds and attics to see what mess they have that would add to this exhibition. Dear Becky, The schools concerned are: I took some photos after the travellers left • Kings Oak Academy, formerly Kingsfield Chesley Hill recently which show the total School, and before that Kingswood disrespect of the common, council, police Grammar and local residents. The site has been left could be better spent elsewhere. As a • , formerly looking like a rubbish tip with all sorts of fly- minimum I have also asked the council to Hanham High tipping left behind. ensure the access points are re-dug to • , formed from the deter this from happening again. merger of Stockwell Hill and Page School The main reason for writing is to call upon for Girls residents to slam the door on anyone • , formed from the touting for garden clearance work. It might merger of Chase School for Boys and seem cheap, but in the long run we as Rodway Technical College council tax payers end up paying for the • Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, previously clear-up. Oldland Common Boys' and Girls' Cllr Ian Adams schools Siston ward • The Grange School itself, originating in South Glos Council the Hanham Road School for Girls and Woodstock School for Boys I have asked Many of your readers will have been taught Council, as part of the welfare assessment Museum seeks artefacts at these places of learning, and the made, whether it included taking names and memories from museum wants to collect memories, and vehicle details. I have asked this Kingswood schools photographs and any other material that question because I want to know if any Dear Editor, will tell the story of education locally. prosecutions can be made. Whilst I The next stage in the development of So we would be pleased if any of your appreciate under the Discrimination Act secondary education in the area of the readers who can help would get in touch 2010 travellers have “protected former Kingswood Borough Council takes with us at Tower Road, Warmley, BS30 characteristics”, that doesn't mean they place at the end of this academic year, 8XT, or via our website kingswoodmuseum can flout the law, abuse common land, fly- when the Grange School closes in its @gmail.com tip and be allowed to get away with it. current form. Alan Bryant/Steve Wood It's very frustrating that the council are now So we at Kingswood Heritage Museum Joint curators left with clearing up this mess. It's a waste think now is the right time to create an of resources and is drawing on funds that exhibition featuring our local secondary

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I have called home, benefits massively after the 2008 crash. out of this - the export income my I urge readers to please vote to remain in company earns contributes taxes to fund the EU. Letters health, education, policing, libraries and Jakub Korab, Hanham High Street accident many other public services. Dear Editor, Without access to the EU the way it Library service is vital I just want to say shame on the people exists now, I would not be able to Dear Editor, who walked on by when an elderly lady continue my work - there is not enough As a regular reader of The Week I was fell in Keynsham High Street on demand in the UK alone to sustain it. As very interested to note local MP Chris Saturday 28th May. such, I would likely have to shut down Skidmore is urging the Tory-run council My very caring 14-year-old grand- my business, and find a new way to earn in South Gloucestershire not to cut daughter Hannah came to her aid, a living, at the same time as many library facilities. This follows his recent helping her up and retrieving the lady's people who will be in the same position. survey after a public meeting which shoe. In the past few months, I have seen new found residents preferred this option to a Her nose was bleeding profusely, due to enquiries from the UK come to a 50p a month cut in the green bin charge. the fact she was on Warfarin. Another complete halt. The last time I saw a drop As a young mother in the early 1970s, I caring lady came to help and got some like this was for the three months leading remember being very grateful for our tissues for her. up to the last general election; local Fishponds Library where I was a Once my grand-daughter knew the lady uncertainty kills investment. IT is a keen member. Later my bright young was in safe hands, she apologised and canary in the coalmine, a quick way to son Alan also enjoyed choosing books left, explaining she only had half an hour cut spending; what happens in IT, and in the process gained useful for lunch. We sincerely hope the lady happens in the wider economy a couple knowledge which stood him in good has fully recovered and we send her our of months later. If we vote to leave the stead at school. best wishes. EU, we face years of depressed demand It is clear local residents in Kingswood, Sandra Carr both from within the UK as well as Hanham and other local libraries feel Hanham Europe, and the likely closure of many very strongly on this important issue, as businesses like mine. What happens to noted in your report that petitions and A plea to remain small businesses sooner or later local demonstrations have recently happens to larger ones. Dear Sir, highlighted this emotive cause! Chris I run a small business, consulting in a I understand that people want to leave Skidmore, being an established niche area of IT to companies the EU partly because they see it as a historical author and parent besides his throughout Europe. I am only able to do quick fix for immigration - it's a main job as a hardworking MP, clearly this because the EU exists and grants convenient way of channelling anger makes this an issue very close to his me freedom of movement, freedom of around lots of unrelated issues. A flat heart. work, and simple tax arrangements economy, ever-rising house prices, an Libraries are still essential for young and between countries. Doing a job in Turin underfunded NHS. Pulling up the old and let us not forget they also or Krakow is as straightforward as doing drawbridge will not solve any of these provide technical support for amateur the same job in Poole. I cannot problems, but it will put a lot of people computer users in this modern age, understate how amazing this is! These out of work. It will "fix" immigration therefore I fully support Chris Skidmore arrangements, which are not covered by though, just not the way it is imagined; and his team in their quest to prevent the regular trade agreements that the Leave the quickest way to get people to stop loss of this vital service for our ever campaign advocates, allow me to coming to your country, or to leave it, is expanding community. provide a service that would not to drive your economy off a cliff. You only Mary Martin (Mrs) otherwise exist. The UK, the country that need to look at what happened in Ireland Kingswood

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leaving the EU will not solve our any reason to doubt Kraft: "I believed problems. Most countries in the world them and the employees believed have free trade agreements. We would them...- who wouldn't.” Letters have to renegotiate a free trade deal with Carr's extensive experience and Walking from choice the EU and that would probably mean contribution to British business had Dear Editor, complying with EU rules, including free already earmarked him for the CBI We are very bemused by Anne Upton's movement of people. presidency before the takeover battle, so comment ('is the suggestion that they Think carefully about how you vote it, and the knighthood, were unrelated. are made to walk everywhere like because we will not get back to pre-EU Her suggestion we, or the EU, second class citizens forever'?). days. Nice thought, but it won't happen. subsidised the Polish factory, is pure A few years ago we made the conscious Irene Pearce & Maurice Hanson fantasy; Cadbury's output was 80% choice to give up our car. It's a choice Keynsham export, and they invested in a new and not a right to have a car. The reason factory in Poland back in 1993 for the we gave up the car was because of Criticism is untrue local market, and due to reduced labour noise, pollution and not enjoying being Dear Stephen, costs, any output for home consumption on the road with all the speeding, Amoree Radford's attack on Sir Roger still showed a profit over Somerdale's impatient drivers. We now mostly walk, Carr (Issue 424) was untrue and products, hence another Polish factory or use the bus or train and we certainly unreasonable; the October 2007 in 2007. BAE Systems is a big local do not feel like second class citizens. It is announcement of Somerdale's closure employer exporting to countries outside our choice as to whether we travel the as unprofitable was made by the the EU - exactly what we'd need to do in green way or pollute our atmosphere Cadbury board under the chairmanship the event of Brexit - in competition not with noisy cars. We must add that luckily, of Sir John Sutherland - Roger Carr only with Russia and America, but some we are not disabled, even though we are didn't arrive until 2008. of our EU partners, yet unbelievably Ms in our 60s. We understand why Anne What he “spearheaded” in 2010 was a Radford is equally confused on that would need a car for her disabled very determined defence against Kraft's issue. husband. hostile bid to take Cadbury out of British Michael O'Regan On a more serious note, people who control, and Lord Mandelson, Labour's believe that if we leave the EU, we would Business Secretary, said the get back to pre-EU days are living in Government would oppose any buyer Write to us cloud cuckoo land. We simply do not who failed to respect the historic The Week In is independent of any political or have the manufacturing industry confectioner, but in the event neither commercial interest. We aim to produce a anymore and will never get back to what they, or the EU, had any say in the balanced and accurate view of local news and we were like before joining the EU. matter - under British company law, it welcome comments from our readers. These days of increasing automation was down to the shareholders, a Normally, we will publish letters in full but and even cars being built by robots situation Roger Carr later criticised as reserve the right to shorten or clarify the means that the work is not there. The president of the CBI. contents or to refuse publication. Please try to days of walking into a job are long gone. Swayed by Kraft's promise to retain keep letters under 300 words and supply your Even Cadbury's of Keynsham had Somerdale, they agreed acceptance, all full name and address for reasons of reduced their workforce, due to Roger Carr could do was get the best authentication. Only the name and district automated manufacturing lines and terms, but so acrimonious was the where you live will be reproduced. Anonymity using outside contractors. bargaining he refused to shake hands is possible under certain circumstances. Nobody knows what would happen if we with Kraft's negotiator, Irene Rosenfeld. Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, leave the EU. Even Michael Gove has Unite Union and Ms Radford were e-mail and should arrive at our offices no admitted that jobs are not guaranteed. overjoyed, but in January 2011, after later than 5.30pm on the Monday of each Jerry Moore is correct in saying that Kraft reneged, she claimed they hadn't week. E-mail to:[email protected]

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Councillors throw out housing schemes against planning officers' advice Councillors have overruled the advice of their planning planning policy in favour of residential development for local officers and thrown out two controversial housing authorities which do not have a five-year land bank for housing schemes in Oldland Common and Kingswood. requirements, even if a planning application is not ideal. South Gloucestershire Council doesn't have a five-year housing She said that with the Cherry Tree, councillors had to consider supply and this was uppermost in the minds of planning officers whether the loss of the pub would cause “significant and when they advised the Development Control (East) Committee demonstrable harm”, pointing out that it had been marketed last Thursday to approve the two schemes. unsuccessfully for more than 10 months, there were two other The first scheme was the conversion and extension of the pubs within 800 metres and the 10 spaces being provided for vacant Cherry Tree pub in West Street, Oldland Common, into parking met the council's minimum standard. seven apartments, and the second the demolition of the old Planning officers acknowledged that the amenity space being NHS property by the roundabout at the junction of Hanham proposed was limited but said the Bristol & Bath Railway Path Road and Cecil Road to build a block of eight flats with parking was close by. for eight cars. The vote was split but a majority of councillors rejected the With both applications, planning officer Helen O'Connor scheme on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence reminded councillors of the presumption in the national shown for the pub to be no longer viable. The pub won the

Crossword ACROSS 7 Peninsula in the west of Ireland (6) 8 Oven (6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 A prophetic sign (4) 10 Old vehicle for local use (8) 7 8 11 Small racing cars (2-5) 13 A word in a song (5) 15 Passenger ship sailing between two ports (5) 17 A word made from initials (7) 9 10 20 Block (8) 21 Item of Roman clothing (4) 23 Persuasive (6) 11 12 13 24 Disease caused by vitamin C deficiency (6) DOWN 14 1 Strong (4) 2 Schedule of items for discussion (6) 15 16 17 18 3 Marry (7) 19 4 Former royal palace in Scotland (5) 5 Young girl acting in a masculine way (6) 20 21 22 6 Safety (8) 12 Take more reservations than space for (8) 14 Joy (7) 16 Scoundrel (6) 23 24 18 Overwhelm (6) 19 Familiar word for a sandwich (5) 22 To award or present (4)

in 12 Across DownThe Week • Thursday 9th June 2016 7 Peninsula in the west of Ireland (6) 1 Strong (4) 8 Oven (6) 2 Schedule of items for discussion (6) 9 A prophetic sign (4) 3 Marry (7) 10 Old vehicle for local use (8) 4 Former royal palace in Scotland (5) 11 Small racing cars (2-5) 5 Young girl acting in a masculine way (6) 13 A word in a song (5) 6 Safety (8) 15 Passenger ship sailing between two ports 12 Take more reservations than space for (8) (5) 14 Joy (7) 17 A word made from initials (7) 16 Scoundrel (6) 20 Block (8) 18 Overwhelm (6) 21 Item of Roman clothing (4) 19 Familiar word for a sandwich (5) 23 Persuasive (6) 22 To award or present (4) 24 Disease caused by vitamin C deficiency (6)

s against planning officers' advice Community Pub of the Year award from Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore in 2013 and he too was against its loss, saying: “I firmly believe that in the right hands it could still be an asset to the community and a busy public house.” Councillors also gave the lack of amenity space for future residents as a reason for refusal, saying there was no convenient or safe access to public space. After the meeting the agents for the Cherry Tree scheme told The Week In that an appeal would be considered. Councillors were almost unanimous in their decision to reject the flats scheme for the old Kingswood Learning Difficulty Service site in Hanham Road. The officers said there was a lack of private amenity space for The original plans for a three-storey block of 12 two-bed seven out of the eight flats and only a small amount of apartments were withdrawn after planning officers said the communal space but advised that this did not amount to a scheme didn't meet the council's parking standards and could “significant and demonstrable harm” that would outweigh the increase on-street parking, but a revised scheme for a two- benefits of extra housing. Their report pointed out that storey building with eight flats was being recommended for Kingswood Park was a four-minute walk away. approval. Turning down the plans, councillors said the proposed off-street Council officers said that given the location of the site, the parking was inadequate and would impact on surrounding proposed number of parking spaces was acceptable and streets. During the debate they heard from local councillor Andy adequate cycle parking would be provided. Perkins, who said the area was already “saturated” with They said the site was a short walk from a “highly sustainable parking, and local residents were suffering as a result. town centre location” with excellent bus and cycle links, and Councillors also rejected the plans on the grounds of the lack of there were two free two-hour public car parks nearby where amenity for the future residents - likely to be families - and said visitors could park. there was not suitable access to open space.

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FITNESS & WELLBEING

A'Ditch new online community processed called The Green Apple Clubfood is for better health' creating a stir. Run by Mangotsfield-based biomedical scientist and clinical science writer Sonia Nicholas, the website is designed to encourage members to improve their health by eating less processed food. Sonia said: 'Incidence of chronic diseases, such as migraine, obesity, diabetes and cancer, have all increased over the last few decades, in direct correlation with the increased amount of processed, convenience foods in our diets. “I think that people drastically underestimate how our diet affects our general health and wellbeing. We need to get back to eating fresh, whole foods with less refined sugar, artificial Sonia sweeteners and chemical additives.'” The Green Apple Club website is an information resource of access to, and understanding of, the most recent clinical scientifically-referenced articles and over 100 affordable, research results available. There is information out there, on unprocessed food recipes. The recipes are all designed to how food and nutrition can help people living with conditions provide maximum nutritional benefit, whilst using everyday such as chronic migraine and cancer, but this knowledge is not supermarket produce. commonly known. I want to show people that they can take Sonia has written extensively on the subject of food and health charge of their own health, from their own homes, working in and has been in the news recently due to her work on using diet tandem with their doctors.” as a complementary approach to cancer therapy. Find out more about The Green Apple Club at She said: “My background in clinical publishing gives me www.thegreenappleclub.com

Peer support group The Positive State of Mind Peer Support Group was set up to support people with people mental health such as depression and anxiety. Come along to make friends and build support networks, share common experiences, share support tools and strategies, and confidential, supportive environment. It's free, friendly and informal and meets every other Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Kingswood Library. The next sessions are 22nd June and 6th July. For more information contact Rosie from the Community Ignite group on 0117 9600376.

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Situations Vacant

AbbeyfieldFind Bristol out and Keynsham about Society, whichliving offers supported andkitchen working areas, too. All the at houses Abbeyfield have lovely communal sitting housing for older people, is holding an open day at The Space in rooms and dining rooms for residents to socialise in, and beautiful, Keynsham High Street next Monday (13th June). extensive gardens where they can help if they'd like. It's a chance to find out more the newly-refurbished supported house All meals are included in the fees - residents enjoy lunch and supper which is reopening soon in Westbourne Avenue in Keynsham, just off together and can choose whatever they wish for breakfast, so they Charlton Road. can prepare it themselves at a time to suit them. People are invited for a chat over a cup of tea and cake and hear Caring, fully-trained staff are on site 24 hours a day to look after and about living there, as well as about job opportunities with Abbeyfield support residents - whether they need help filling in a form, going to a which also has houses in Hanham, Redland, Henleaze and Easter doctor's appointment, putting up a shelf or just a cup of tea and a chat. Compton. Abbeyfield aims to help older people enjoy as independent The open day on Monday is from 10am to 4pm. Call 0117 973 6997, and as active a lifestyle as possible and the aim is to be affordable to or contact [email protected] or visit www.abbeyfield- everyone. Residents have their own self-contained flats within the bristol.co.uk houses. The flats have en-suite bathrooms and many have small Volunteer drivers needed Swan Transport Scheme provides transport to people in the Bath and North East Somerset area who are elderly, frail or disabled and on a low income. Journeys may include hospital and doctors' appointments, day care centres, trips to the hairdresser or shops. All mileage costs are paid.New drivers are needed, but particularly from Keynsham, Bath, Timsbury, Peasedown St John, High Littleton, Farmborough and Clutton. Call 01761 439548.

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Remembering the Battle of the Somme Events are being planned locally to mark the 100th ones through letters and parcels and endured the loss of those anniversary of the battle of the Somme. killed or injured. Meanwhile the Co-op in Hanham High Street is On the first day of combat on 1st July 1916, 19,240 British soldiers selling raffle tickets with the chance to win a special Somme 100 lost their lives and thousands more were wounded. It was one of commemorative pin. Funds raised will be donated to Help for the largest battles of World War One in which more than 1,000,000 Heroes and the draw will be on 1st July, the 100th anniversary of men were wounded or killed. the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The Keynsham Royal British Legion Branch will be holding a The pins are made from British shell fuses fired during the battle commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme at the and collected from the historic front line. club on Saturday 25th June between 1pm and 4pm. An exhibition of memorabilia will be on display for visitors to view and handle. Also to mark the centenary, the Legion in Staple Hill is Walk raises hundreds for charities A group of residents at Cossham Gardens, the Leonard holding an event on Sunday 10th July from 2pm to 4pm at its Cheshire care home in Kingswood, took part in a sponsored headquarters in Kendall Road. There will be a combination of walk along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path last Thursday. readings, prayers and entertainment from World War One. The Accompanied by staff and family members they set off from event is free - for tickets call 0117 9560805. Bitton Station on the three-mile walk and hope to have raised An exhibition about how World War One impacted on the lives of around £500 for Leonard Cheshire Disability and the Bristol ordinary people in South Gloucestershire is touring South branch of the Huntington's Disease Association. Huntington's Gloucestershire. It is currently at Staple Hill Library and will be is an hereditary disorder of the central nervous system. there until 18th June. The council is using Twitter to raise the profile of the Battle of the Somme and to illustrate how the war impacted on communities in South Gloucestershire. Scriptwriter Adrian Harris, founder and artistic director of the Brassworks Theatre at Warmley, has created 10 fictional characters for people to follow on Twitter over the initial three weeks of the battle. By following @TheSomme_SG, people will be able to explore life in the trenches for soldiers as well as the contribution of local men, women and children on the Home Front who supported their loved

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Where the speed cameras are this week Police are alerting motorists that mobile speed cameras are again out and about on dozens of roads across Avon & Somerset again this week, including more than 20 in our area. Locations in B&NES include the A4 Bath Road and Manor Road in Saltford, on Charlton Road, Coronation Avenue and Park Road in Keynsham, and on the A39 at Corston. In South Gloucestershire police will be enforcing the speed limit on the A4174 Bromley Heath and A432 Badminton Road south of the ring road, as well as on Abbots Road in Hanham and the A431 Bath Road at Bitton. Prior warning has also been given for California Road, Court Farm Road and Long Beach Road in Longwell Green, for Parkwall Road in Cadbury Heath and Victoria Road/Mill Lane at North Common. Speed limits on the A4175 High Street at Oldland Common, the A420 Wick and the B4465 Westerleigh Road, Pucklechurch are also being enforced. And look out or the speed guns on Feeder Road in Bristol, in Brislington at Callington Road, West Town Lane, and Broomhill Road, and on Sturminster Road, Stockwood.

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Emersons Green Patient satisfaction with treatment centre Ninety-eight per cent of patients who took part in a survey about Emersons Green NHS Treatment Centre over the last 12 months said they would recommend the service. The centre, run by health and social care provider Care UK, treats NHS patients and specialises in a number of areas including endoscopy, gynaecology, urology, hip and knee procedures, ENT (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology and oral surgery. NHS patients have the right to choose treatment at Emersons Green provided they are fit for surgery. All patients are invited to take part in the NHS Friends and Family Test to give feedback on their experience at the centre. The team say they are always striving to make improvements mean that the centre can now carry out more surgeries for NHS to patient care and the orthopaedic knee replacement service is patients per year and bed capacity is freed up. a good example as it has reduced the length of the average A spokesman said: “Access to this service is incredibly quick stay by giving patients a more active role in their own recovery when compared with other NHS facilities, with waiting times and enabling them to be rehabilitated in their own homes. averaging three to four weeks for the first appointment and only New processes mean almost 80% of patients are quickly seven weeks to wait for surgery.” mobile, compared to 20% previously. Patients undertake a • There is also now a shorter wait for those suffering from minimum of two physiotherapy sessions a day before going chronic pain across Bristol and the surrounding areas as the home with planned physio sessions and are supported by treatment centre has teamed up with consultant Dr Murli access to a 24-hour helpline. Krishna to provide injection-based treatments for NHS patients. The centre says the average stay has been cut from five to The service will include treatments for chronic pain conditions around two and a half days. Reported pain levels have fallen including lower back, neck, shoulder, hip, coccyx sciatica and and patient satisfaction levels are high. Improvements also neuropathic pain.

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in 20 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

A new primary school for Speedwell? Educate Together Academy Trust UK is consulting with people in the Speedwell area about a new primary school to open in September 2017. The trust says Speedwell has recently seen an increase in population due to new housing and an increase in the local birth rate and is seeking views on the school's location and the need for places. The Educate Together Academy Trust 's ethos is to support schools that are equality-based, co-educational and committed to encouraging all children to explore their full range of abilities and opportunities, learner-centred and democratically run with active participation by parents, pupils and the community. The trust already runs a primary school in Redfield, which has its official opening next month, and is the sponsor for the new Somerdale primary in Keynsham. People interested in a new school for Speedwell are encouraged to fill out an expression of interest form at www.educatetogether.org.uk/speedwellcampaign/ To find out more call Nikki on 0117 379 0119 or email [email protected]

in The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016 21

Bid to cut number of

Asuicidesleading suicide prevention in training South programme Glos aims to help reduce the number of people taking their own lives in South Gloucestershire. South Gloucestershire Council's Public Health team are running two free training courses for anyone wishing to develop their confidence, skills and knowledge to support people who are considering taking their own life. Trainers will be using the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course, widely considered to be the world's leading suicide prevention training programme. The course takes place over two days, with the first on 23rd and 24th June at Kingswood Civic Centre, followed by another on 15th and 16th November. The council's Adults, Housing and Public Health lead member Cllr Ben Stokes said: “While suicide rates in South Gloucestershire are relatively low, the council is committed to reducing the number of suicides each year. “This training will give a wide range of people who work across South Gloucestershire the skills to take the simple steps needed to support people who are in crisis, and is part of a broader suicide prevention approach in the area.” South Gloucestershire is one of seven local authorities to benefit from a £85,000 funding allocation from Health Education England to support the development of suicide prevention training. Find out more by emailing [email protected] or call 01454 864616.

in 22 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

Rotary Club presents life-saving equipment to community centre The Rotary Club of Kingswood has presented a defibrillator to Hanham Community Centre. This is the third one that the club has provided locally - the first two having been installed at the Kingswood and Warmley community centres. Each year approximately 60,000 people in the UK will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. A victim will survive if a defibrillator is available to electrically shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, but speed is essential. Survival rate falls by around 10% for every minute provided training on the use of defibrillators and CPR that defibrillation is delayed. (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to staff from the centre and The picture shows Anthony Hick, of the club, presenting the from the nearby library. defibrillator to Jane Cox from the centre, as well as Louise If anyone would like to know more about Kingswood Rotary Cooper, from the South Western Ambulance team, who Club contact Harvey Henson on 0775 361 2225.

Keynsham Keynsham Competition puts the Collecting tools for Africa The Rotary Club of Keynsham Chew Valley supports the charity focus on local talent Tools for Self-Reliance and will be collecting unwanted tools (not Keynsham people are being encouraged to take photos this electrical) at Waitrose car park in Keynsham this Saturday (11th summer for a competition showcasing what the town has to offer. June) from 8am to 1pm. Keynsham Town Council is running a summer photo competition The charity refurbishes tools throughout the UK to send to Africa in association with Keynsham Photographic Society and Visit where they work with experienced local organisations to train Somerset, the official destination management organisation. artisans to earn a living and help build communities. The prizes include the winning photos being featured on Visit Somerset and Keynsham Town Council promotional material, family tickets for Wookey Hole Caves and West Somerset Railway, as well as a year's membership for the Keynsham Photographic Society. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] by 6pm on Monday 25th July.

Bath Recycling Centre closure Bath & North East Somerset Council's recycling centre on Upper Bristol Road, Bath, will be closed tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. The closure is necessary to allow the replacement of Bath's Destructor Bridge. There may also be a further closure on Sunday and people are urged to follow @destructorbrdg on Twitter for up-to-date news before travelling to the recycling centre on this day. The council's other recycling centres in Keynsham and Radstock will be open as usual but may be busier as a result.

Show at Saltford Hall Saltford Community Association Musical Productions (SCAMP) present Songs For A New World at Saltford Hall from 15th to 18th June. Jason Robert Brown's revue is a dramatic display of musical techniques, from funky R&Bs to love songs, with a splash of gospel and some unexpected humour. Tickets, priced £10 (£8 concessions) are available from Saltford Hall and Saltford Post Office, via email at [email protected], or call 0778 971 6542. in The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016 23

Warmley Goodbye celebration for the

GrangeFormer staff and pupils of the SchoolGrange School in Warmley have just three weeks left to buy tickets for the huge reunion being held in July - the month the school closes for good. The reunion on Saturday 9th July will bring together Grange students from all decades. The organisers say they are aiming to it an event to remember and to “leave a legacy for the school we all love”. The Grange began life in 1970, combining two Kingswood schools - the boys' at Woodstock Road and the girls' in Hanham Road. The decision to close it was taken by South Gloucestershire Council last year, based on its 600 surplus places and the fact that the dated buildings needed well over £10m spent on them. a Facebook page called Lovely Grange Students and bids are A new studio school opened last September in temporary invited until 29th June, which is also the day that ticket sales accommodation at the Grange and work is under way on a new close. £4m building on the campus. For tickets for the event which runs from 4pm to 10pm search The reunion will run from 4pm to 10pm and feature live bands Ultimate Grange Reunion on the internet. The ticket price and acts, DJs, a disco and a firework display. Food and drink includes a brochure for a keepsake. Partners of ex-students are will be available and there will also be a charity raffle, a welcome. memorial for students and teachers who have passed away The event is not for profit and excess funds will be donated to and an auction of past sporting trophies. Auction details are on charity.

in 24 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

Growing community Fashion gala at church St Mary's Church is Bitton will be hosting a fashion gala on holds first Saturday 25th June. The event is being organised by Bath College students. Doors open at 7.10pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. For Thesummer new Lyde Green Communityfete Association will be advance tickets contact George Friend on 0117 9329389 holding a 'Summer Sizzler' on Saturday 25th June at (evenings only). Blackwell Common, between the National Composites Centre and the science park. The event runs from 11am to 5pm and has been made possible thanks to support from the Lyde Green consortium of builders, Sovereign Housing Association and Gregor Heating, Electrical & Renewable Energy. Local groups including choirs and dancers will be performing throughout the day and Bradley Stoke Radio Station will be broadcasting. As well as 'Bake Off' competitions for adults and children, there will be a children's corner with free, fun activities, a raffle and tombola, stalls, refreshments and an information area for local authorities to connect with local residents. Around 2,550 new homes are being built at Lyde Green over the next decade. People are encouraged to travel to Blackwell Common by bus, bike or walk, and there will be a free car park available. Funds raised from the day will go to the charity Rethink Mental Illness. Find out more on the Lyde Green Community Association Facebook page.

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in 26 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

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in The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016 27

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in 28 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

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The Week in adverts call 0117 986 0381 in The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016 29

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in 30 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016

ACould team from Warmley you who went foster to Oltenita in Romania a Romanian last The rescued animals arerescue now in private shelter pup? with a woman who month to help rescue street dogs are looking for foster homes will look after them until they are all vaccinated and ready to travel for the puppies they saved. to the UK on a transport van in individual cages via the Eurotunnel. Romania has a hard-line policy on strays and catchers are paid per Caroline said: “We are in need of foster homes for these pups when dog, with many tortured and killed. they arrive in the UK so if anyone can find it in their heart to foster Caroline Prater was making her second visit to Romania to help one of these dear souls until they can find a forever home, please rescue dogs from killing venues. Accompanying her was her get in touch on 0786 605 1336.” partner Gavin Chamberlain, daughter Teela, who works at Warmley The team are hoping to go back out to Romania in August if they dog grooming studio Sams Woof Wash, the studio's owner Sam can raise enough funds and donations are always welcome. Machin and another dog fosterer Anne Dexter. Caroline, who has a rescue page on Facebook called Caring Maths club discovers Braille across the Continent, said last month's visit was a “heart breaker” Children from Keynsham's Community @ 67 maths club in with so many sick dogs in dire need for medical assistance. Queens Road recently had a guest visit from Ray Woodley, who She said they saw a frightened mum with her six pups: “We just is blind and uses Braille to read. Ray taught them some very basic words in Braille and bought in his Braille typewriter to show them how he creates letters. Sheila Crocombe, who runs the club, said “It was real privilege for us to meet Ray, the children had a great time and went away with a much better understanding of issues facing blind people, especially in communication.” The maths club will re-start in September and is open to any child aged seven to 11 who wants to have fun with maths. For more information email [email protected] or call 0773 774 2300.

Weddings past and present Some of the Romanian puppies that All Saints' Church, Farmborough, is holding an exhibition of need foster homes wedding dresses and wedding memorabilia on Saturday 2nd July from 10.30am to 4pm and Sunday 3rd July from noon to knew we had to help them so we spoke to the man who was 3pm. working at the shelter that day and said we would like to take this As well as the exhibition, which will include wedding photos and family out , but it's just not as simple as that, you have to pay him stories, there will be organ and piano recitals, a range of stalls and also other workers. including fancy goods, as well as cakes and refreshments. “We also took out another seven pups crammed into a little wooden On Sunday 3rd there will be a family and friends service, kennel, covered in fleas and with swollen stomachs which indicated starting at 11am, which will include the renewal of wedding they were full of worms. They would have been left there in boiling vows. Everyone is welcome. heat with no water in their dish. Yet again it meant more money to pay out but we knew we couldn't leave them there in the condition they were in as they wouldn't have survived much longer. One by one we gathered them up and into the back of the car they went so Crossword Solution we could make our journey to see the vet which was over two hours away from the shelter. They were all checked over by the vet and F A B S T S got the medication they needed to help them.” DINGLE COOKER R E T O M C Sudoku Solutions OMEN RUNABOUT D O E O R 1-Easy 2 -Hard GOKART S LYRIC 918364527 139527864 V H E T 236578914 528146739 FERRY ACRONYM 457129683 476398125 R O B S U 3 4 1 6 9 2 8 7 5 8 6 2 7 3 9 4 5 1 679485231 314685972 OBSTRUCT TOGA 825731496 957412683 O T T A G I 1 6 2 8 4 7 3 5 9 7 9 5 2 6 1 3 4 8 COGENT SCURVY 583916742 683954217 794253168 241873596 K R Y Y N E

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in 32 The Week • Thursday 9th June 2016