THE WEEK IN East & North East Somerset FREE Issue 529 13th June 2018 Read by over 40,000 people each week More roadworks and closures lined up this summer Motorists will face From Monday 2nd July, A431 Bath Road and A4175 Keynsham Bypass, are part significant diversions when Cherry Garden Road. of a wider £3.35m sections of two major roads Council will be starting a The works, which look set Government funded scheme at are closed this two-month project to repair to overlap with to improve drainage and summer. and improve drainage on the improvement works on the flood protection systems in

South Gloucestershire. For the first month or so, there will be temporary traffic lights but in August there will be closures on some sections of Cherry Garden Road and Bath Road. When a small stretch of road on the Bitton side of the roundabout is closed, the official diversion route will be via Bath, Saltford, Keynsham and – see the map on page 3. Continued on page 3 2 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 More roadworks and closures lined up this summer Continued from page 1 “For the second, there is be affected for the first month The detour when part of Bath likely to be significant but during the second month Road near Bitton Station is disruption as we close the council says there may be closed, and during the closure different sections of the some disruption to routine of part of Cherry Garden roads. We understand the collections. Road, will be via Bridgeyate, scheme will cause disruption Under certain circumstances and Longwell to residents, commuters and local businesses affected by Green. At a drop-in event businesses and would like to the road closure may be held at Bitton Rec last apologise in advance and eligible for a reduction or Tuesday for people to find kindly ask for your patience relief in business rates. about the project, concerns while this is taking place.” Meanwhile further along the were raised about the impact Access for residents and A431 at , the on the lanes around the businesses in Cherry Garden council has been co-ordin- Golden Valley, which were Road and Bath Road will be ating flood alleviation works used as a short cut four years maintained during the work, for the past six months, with we need to work on the main begin over the summer and ago when the A431 was which involves replacing minimal disruption. route through the village to take up to four weeks.” closed for months because of and/or upgrading defective It has been working with repair and, where possible, Meanwhile the repair and a landslide at Kelston. More pipes, removing root ingress landowners to improve and make improvements to the replacement drainage works recently roadworks in the from trees and replacing clear ditches and rebuild existing highway drainage on Road between Wick also saw the lanes defective manholes and gully vehicle ditch crossings, as systems. All works will be Wick and jammed with cars. covers. CCTV surveys have well as clearing vegetation at carried out under temporary which started in mid-May are Council officers say they will revealed significant damage Pipley Brook, using CCTV traffic signal control and we going well and the team have be monitoring the situation and the council says it may equipment to inspect highway do not anticipate major not as yet discovered any and will operate a “flexible find further defects as work drainage systems along the disruption in the area. unexpected major problems. approach” to the traffic begins on site. A431, and surveying and “We do not yet have a The work is likely to be management and will The council also says it will clearing culverts along Pipley detailed programme of these completed by the end of implement additional do everything to minimise the Brook and culverts that cross works but anticipate they will October. regulations, closures or impact on bus passengers and the main road. signage if appropriate. more information is expected The council says: “We are The council says there will be soon. Bin collections will not now reaching the stage where “minimal disruption” during the first month of the works:

Also in this week’s issue Queen honours Staple Hill councillor . . . page 5

Volunteers angry over thefts from Kingswood Park . . . page 6

Big parking changes planned for Warmley . . . page 7

Surprise party for dedicated Keynsham community worker . . . page 25

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 3 Kingswood Fishponds Tumble dryer fire Do you recognise leads to safety advice this man? Police need help identifying this man who they believe Crews from Kingswood provided safety advice. trainers. Don’t put in may have information related to an investigation into a and Hicks Gate fire The cause of the fire is drenched clothing – wring distraction burglary. stations were called to a thought to be accidental. or spin it first. The burglary happened kitchen fire in Court Road People are advised not to Make sure the ducting is on Wednesday 30th in Kingswood last leave dryers unattended clear and free of build-up, May between 1pm and Thursday evening. when in use including that the external vent is clear 2.30pm at an address in Firefighters found the overnight. Only put clothing and unobstructed and that Fishponds. tumble dryer fire was out on in the dryer and regularly your property has working Two men knocked on arrival but carried out an clean out the filters. Don’t smoke alarms. For more on the door of an elderly inspection to ensure there overload dryers or put in fire safety visit the Avon woman who lives was no further damage and large bulky items or Fire & Rescue website. alone. The men said that they were from a water company and THE WEEK IN required urgent access to her property to stop a leak next door. While one man went to the kitchen and Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, moved the woman’s washing machine the other man Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, searched her house. Corston, Downend, Emersons The men stole jewellery and more than £1,000 in cash. Green, Fishponds, , If you can help identify the person in the e-fit or have Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, any information that could help with the police Longwell Green, , investigation, call 101 quoting reference number Marksbury, North Common, 5218117939 and ask to speak to PC 4478 Davies. Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, . 16,000 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

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4 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Staple Hill Fishponds Pleas for Shirley recognised in foodbank donations Queen’s Birthday Honours The foodbank at Fishponds Baptist Church Shirley Potts from Staple 35 years, initially for the is in need of donations of Hill has been awarded the ward and since items particularly tinned British Empire Medal in local government goods including tomatoes, the Queen’s Birthday reorganisation in 1995, she potatoes, vegetables and Honours List. has represented Staple Hill custard. Toilet rolls are She gets the award for on South Glos Council. also needed. services to the community She has helped get many The church on Downend in South Gloucestershire. community projects going Road is an outlet of the She is expected to receive in the area, including the East Bristol Foodbank run her award from Dame Janet Friends of Page Park, by the Trussell Trust. Trotter, the Lord Lieutenant Christmas on the Hill, the Donations can be dropped of Gloucestershire later in Staple Hill Regeneration off at the church on Sundays or weekday the year. The ceremonial Project and still remains deprivation affecting the Girls’ School in Knowle. mornings. county of Gloucestershire very active locally. local area and enhance the She said she had been The referral-based includes modern This picture was taken lives of local residents. inundated with messages of foodbank is open on Gloucestershire and South recently at the launch of the Dame Janet was a guest and congratulations and was Fridays from 12.30pm to Gloucestershire and Dame new Staple Hill Community is standing on the left, next quick to say there are lots of 2.30pm. Find out more at Janet is the Queen’s Hub which evolved from to Shirley. Now 82, Shirley other people working hard http://www.fbcbristol.org. representative. Shirley has the Our Place Community is a former teacher and for the community in Staple uk/foodbank.htm been a Labour councillor for Flat and aims to tackle deputy head at Merrywood Hill.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 5 Fishponds Woman’s face burnt in liquid attack A man has been arrested following a public appeal for witnesses to a robbery in Fishponds. Last week the police put out an appeal for information after a 74-year-old woman had liquid sprayed in her face and had her bag stolen as she sat on a bench in Vassals Park on Tuesday 29th May. The pensioner, who was out with her dog, needed hospital treatment for burns. Investigating officer PC Martin Hudd said: “This was an alarming attack on a vulnerable woman as she walked her dog in a public park. I want to say thank you to the public as I received nine calls in one day with information. As a result a man has been arrested. He has been released under investigation while inquiries are ongoing." Friends of Kingswood Cyber security talk Park ‘furious’ over thefts A series of talks will be taking place in South Glos libraries by experts from the University of the West of England as part While the Friends of Friends of Kingswood Park, Award Scheme. The Friends of the national Festival of Learning. Kingswood Park were said: “As a group we are also cultivated four The talks are free - book in advance at info.uwe.ac.uk - and busy installing lovely furious that after giving up neglected raised beds in the open to everyone. The first is next Monday (18th June) at flower displays in the High so much of our own town centre, transforming 6.30pm at Library and is by Dr Phil Legg, a Street on the first weekend precious time, there are them from eyesores to senior lecturer in Computer Science at UWE and programme of June, thieves were busy people who think that they beauty. leader for the MSc Cyber Security, accredited by the National helping themselves to can just help themselves. This year they bought plants Cyber Security Centre and GCHQ. plants and one of the new “We believe this was not an and baskets again with help benches in the park. act of youths messing from the local councillors. A The funding for the benches around but a pre-meditated local nursery planted them was awarded after action designed to gain up and brought them on for customers voted in a Tesco these items. For example, installation in June. There scheme to support the the bench was bolted down are baskets around the trees Friends. to a concrete base.” in Regent Street, hanging The Sweet William plants Last year the Friends bought baskets around Bank Road that were stolen had been and planted up three ‘cup and barrier planters on the planted by children as part and saucer’ planters and railings opposite Kings of a holiday scheme while located them along the Chase. the rose and lavender A420 from Kingswood’s The Friends have also bushes that were taken cost Bristol boundary to Regent cultivated and planted the a substantial amount of Street. Local councillors large raised bed at the money. helped with the funding junction of Cecil Road and Diane Thomas, chair of the through their Member Hanham Road with support from South Gloucestershire Council. The Friends do much for Kingswood and on Sunday held their annual Fun in the Park event with an Abba tribute band topping the bill. Tomorrow (Thursday) they will be holding another of their town centre walkabouts to highlight issues and ways it can be The bench was stolen even though it had been bolted down improved.

6 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Proposed parking shake-up in Warmley Plans to change parking 500 names was presented to the restrictions around Warmley went council highlighting how the on show at the community centre restrictions are affecting the Post last Tuesday. Office. Customers find it difficult to Highways officers from South park and business has been affected. Gloucestershire Council were on The parking review proposes some hand to talk to residents about the shared use parking (permit holders raft of proposed changes which and a maximum stay of two hours include splitting Warmley Station from 8am to 6pm from Monday to car park into short and long stay Saturday with no return within four parking. hours) on the High Street and Tower As the map above shows, there are Road North. also proposed areas for shared use, The free Warmley Station car park is residents’ permit parking and currently long stay (with no limit) limited waiting bays, as well as no and is used for various purposes waiting at any time. Also proposed including commuter and is the first pavement parking ban in recreational. Those who use it for South Gloucestershire. long periods of time affect a regular The review has come about because turnover of cars which the council a number of concerns have been says may be having a negative effect raised by local residents and on local businesses. businesses about parking on High The car park was surveyed between Street, Station Close, Warmley Thursday 6th July and Sunday 9th Station car park and the surrounding July last year by an independent accommodate the most amount of consultation opens on Friday (15th) areas. enumerator. The busiest day was the people. The short-stay section online – search under Consultations Some of this has been exacerbated Thursday when 153 cars drove in would be from 8am to 6pm seven on the council’s website. Responses by parking relocating from the and 83 could not find a space. 58% days a week with no return within are invited by 6th July. residents’ parking scheme that was of the car park was being used as a four hours. The long-stay part would If you do not have internet access implemented last year in Tower long-stay (longer than four hours). seven days a week from 8am to 6pm and would like a paper copy, call Road North and Station Road which It is proposed to split the car park with no return within eight hours. 01454 863028. was introduced for similar reasons. into two – long stay (four hours) and People are encouraged to have their The legal process to introduce any Last month a petition with almost short stay (two hours) - to try to say on the proposals when the changes could take up to 18 months.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 7 8 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 LETTERS Sorry saga of this one- Conservatives issued a press release that the pollution in the High Street has about their proposals, while in been dispersed to other roads, albeit not way trial opposition, concerning traffic in to the levels that trigger air quality Dear Stephen & Becky Keynsham High Street. It stated that management zones. The one-way trial commenced on 24th B&NES Council ought to consider Pedestrianisation not tested, businesses April 2017. B&NES Council stated that trialling BOTH a one-way system AND hit, congestion at peak times worsened, it was intended to last up to 18 months. full pedestrianisation for a limited implementation mishandled, decisions 18 months takes us to the end of October period to see if either would work. rushed and premature - the one-way trial 2018. Why was the public consultation “The idea of making the High Street has been a catalogue of lack of ambition, embarked on so prematurely? Why is a It is suggested that this change of use more pedestrianised is clearly popular complacency, and ineptitude that, I decision being made this summer about would add to the vitality and viability of among many residents so it would be suggest, are the hallmarks of this Tory the future of the one-way system? the street. By their own admission the wrong for the council to ignore this,” administration. B&NES Council announced recently vast majority of orders are delivered and said the Conservatives. Keynsham Liberal Democrats that the two sets traffic lights which are those few that are collected are after However, now in control of B&NES close together at the approaches to the 6pm when the shops are closed. In any Council, that is exactly what the mini-roundabout by Iceland would be We can’t afford to event in my experience people who Conservatives have done – ignored this! synchronised to aid traffic flow. collect pizzas immediately go home to The consultation report revealed that the lose any more shops Astonishingly that promised change to Dear Sir consume them, giving no benefit to the footfall on the western side of the High the operation of the traffic lights has not I strongly object to the application for High Street. I understood that “the Street on Saturdays dropped from 6,995 yet happened. Why not wait until the change of use of the premises in Regent change of use will only be permitted in 2016 to 5,477 in 2017 which is an outcome of that change can be Street to a takeaway (story in The Week where the development makes a positive astonishing drop of 22% and that with monitored? The claim by B&NES In, Issue 528). The planning statement contribution to the vitality and viability the Tory one-way trial in operation for Council that 53% of respondents to the accompanying the application contains of the centre and does not undermine the only eight months of 2017. No attempt public consultation on the one-way trial information that is not only inaccurate retail function and character of the wider has been made to see whether full wanted the one-way system to continue but contradictory. primary shopping area.” This is clearly pedestrianisation of the High Street at is misleading. The headline figure of Firstly the premises had an agent’s not the case in this instance. weekends or bank holidays would 53% was actually 23% plus 30% who board erected in February/March 2017 With two adjacent properties having generate a safe, exciting, innovative would like to see improvements such as for marketing purposes. By April/May been converted into a double-fronted street experience that would attract pedestrianising the High Street 2017 that board showed that the Domino’s Pizza establishment which visitors and shoppers to the High Street completely, or allowing traffic to cross premises were let and I could find no operates in largely the same way as Papa and increase footfall. directly from the High Street into information on the internet regarding its John’s, (a mainly delivery-based B&NES Council stated that an expected Temple Street. The 53% claim would availability. I believe therefore that Papa business), it would mean two double- outcome of the trial would be “increased appear to be the same B&NES Council John’s had already at that stage fronted takeaways creating a dead zone retail spend”. In fact 42% of local spin as claiming that reducing the commenced negotiations on the from a shopping point of view. This on businesses saw a drop in monthly garden waste collection service by three property which meant that this property top of a further two takeaways located takings. The improvements in air quality months was somehow the same service. was not available for more than a couple directly across the road will add to an in the High Street are welcome but there In September 2013, the local of months, not the year+ suggested. Continued on page 10 is a feeling that all that has happened is

SUNDAY Sudoku CHEMISTS Sunday 17th June Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell 1-Easy 2 -Hard Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Stockwood Pharmacy, 78 Hollway Road, BS14 8PG (9am-7pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-5pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 9 LETTERS already difficult situation for the will not do anything on the issue. The continues to serve the growing At present we have an A4 every 30 remaining retailers. untaxed and no MoTs will get picked up community of Keynsham as it should. minutes in the day and it is usually I have been retailing at this end of on ANPR systems although when I Stephen Farthing, Hengrove within a few minutes on time. The other Regent Street for the past 32 years and asked, they are not fitted to local police bus is First’s 19A, this being an hourly seen the gradual erosion of A1 shops cars and can only be acted on when the Some deterrent! service when it turns up. along the west end of Regent Street. It is car is moving on the highway. Dear Sir The A4 drove the 38 First bus off the a difficult time for the High Street in So I don’t hold out too much hope for It was interesting to read in Issue 526 Keynsham-Bath route as it was not general but here, footfall has fallen very Bitton’s review as my area is still that the new ‘footpath’ in Keynsham is reliable; the Keynsham–Bristol side was significantly over recent years and any ongoing. made of ‘deterrent paving’. continued by an “enhanced” 349. further dilution of retail premises along B L Venn I read your article on the day I had seen So what happens if the A4 goes down this stretch will bring into question its a young woman struggling determinedly the bypass, apart from Bath Bus future viability as a shopping area. It is Complaining to the to walk over it up the hill, whilst Company losing all the daily business of the lack of shops which is challenging Traffic Commissioner wearing high heels. Perhaps it would be Keynsham–Bath. This would be very the viability of the area. wise of her in future to carry a pair of costly in revenue as Keynsham relies on Dear Stephen In fact the retail function of this part of stouter footwear, as demonstrated here this service, we would be left with Re your article about the threat to the A4 Regent Street might as well be scrapped by the contractors this morning (7th First’s 19A hourly, and what would airport bus last week, what part, may I altogether if this change of use is June). It doesn’t deter them! happen if First decided to withdraw the ask, did Martin Curtis of Bath Bus permitted, because fellow retailers are 19A? There would be no direct Company not entirely comprehend finding it difficult to survive and their Keynsham–Bath service in the day until about the original points I said in Issue absence will certainly be a loss to the 39 in the evening! 500? Kingswood. So how about B&NES ACTUALLY I warned then that I was keeping an eye Martyn Chugg, Craft Design doing something - i.e. getting the traffic on the situation (after Bath Bus Regent Street, Kingswood to move, hence negating Bath Bus Company said that the one-way trial in Company’s arguments for using the Keynsham had seen the airport bus lose bypass. I think we all realise that Don’t hold your business) and I have been. It seems a poor sign of B&NES’ B&NES is not going to change its mind The excuse offered of cutting out breath, Bitton understanding of the skills employed by about the one-way system so how to get Keynsham is both poor and insufficient Dear Sir lorry drivers that they see fit to construct the traffic moving. and I'm heading for the position that I I admire your piece in Issue 527 deterrent paving to deter lorries from I did suggest a few weeks ago that the think it borders on spitefulness. referring to a parking review planned for hitting the wall. I don’t have the same removal of the two sets of pedestrian Connectivity to cities like Bath or Bitton. May I put across to readers that I skills as a lorry driver, but in over 50 lights and mini-roundabout and the Bristol IS a basic right. I therefore do have a letter dated 2007 from South years driving, I have always managed to provision of a proper set of junction not accept the descriptions as offered by Glos Council to say that a parking avoid hitting walls at the side of the traffic lights to incorporate a pedestrian Bath Bus Company. Isolation is NOT an review is due to take place soon for the road. sequence would hopefully improve the option. Mr Curtis seems to be as on a par Rodway area and Bridge Road, and here Name and address withheld flow up Bath Hill, along Temple Street to that of James Freeman of First Group. we are, 11 years later, and the survey has and up Rock Road, plus improving air My hand has been forced. I will be been so say done and passed and still quality. Who knows, improving traffic writing to the Traffic Commissioner of Council must get the remains in the same status. flow could actually make a visit to the South West on this matter in the near Also after meeting the police about traffic moving Keynsham more attractive and hence future. I helped save the 51 bus service parking and cars untaxed and no MoTs, Dear Editor footfall to all shops? in the outskirts of Bristol by contact the police letter I have received states all The leading article in last week’s edition Does B&NES care? Do pigs fly? with the Traffic Commissioner of the parking issues are for the parking was a dagger for the A4 bus being Keith of Keynsham services of the council. They state they South West. I will ensure that the A4 withdrawn for Keynsham-Bath.

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10 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 LETTERS More meaningful residents and I would argue that most of might feel more accepting of the apparent approval by those who took these adults are NOT part of the local disturbance they cause us at these times. part in the survey. survey needed community. We bought our homes at a time when the I stated that 58% were in favour when of Dear Sir Ms Curnock seems misinformed as to playing fields were a community space course it should have read 53%. It would The recent one-way survey and its the intentions of AEK-BOCO. The club for all residents; the football club has seem that I am unable to distinguish my outcome, with almost 50% of business held a public meeting to inform expanded beyond the scope of the site 8s from my 3s. Well, that's my excuse! reporting a downturn in trade if the one residents that they wish to add and this is our problem. I wonder if Ms John Howlett system.is NOT reversed, will result in a floodlights, dugouts, a seating stand and Curnock is a member our local Keynsham resident cleaner High Street but many less shops fencing at Greenbank Road, necessities community in Hanham, as I don’t think as people will continue to avoid if their first team is to be allowed to she truly understands our concerns. Keynsham. progress to the next league. It should be Kim Madan The congestion around Keynsham is noted that for the past two seasons, this Local Resident to Greenbank Road Write to us much, much worse now and future High team has not finished in a position playing fields Street shopping will be coffee shops and The Week In is independent of any where promotion is even a more charity shops, an avoidable political or commercial interest. consideration. It should also be noted it downward spiral that in 10 years will Same old, same old was announced at the public meeting We aim to produce a balanced and make us all realise it could have been so Dear Stephen that cricket will no longer be played at accurate view of local news and different. I presented at Ashton Way in Keynsham Greenbank Road, plus there was no B&NES must have a more meaningful for the 12.08 Saturday service number welcome comments from our mention of a 3G pitch here either - or survey to include at least 30% of 17 through to Southmead Hospital. It readers. does Ms Curnock know something we residents. was showing cancelled. How can First don’t? Normally, we will publish letters in David Whalley bus justify cancelling an hourly service? The club has been offered alternative full but reserve the right to shorten Keynsham To be fair they do seem to be improving sites by South Gloucestershire Council but they still have a long way to go for or clarify the contents or to refuse at Tenniscourt Road and Fisher Road in consistent reliability. publication. Please try to keep Club show residents Kingswood for cricket and a 3G pitch, I have recently been approached to give letters under 300 words and supply so why not develop these alternative my online opinion on First service little consideration sites to suit their needs? There is already your full name and address for Dear Becky routes. Presumably as a result of a floodlit ball court at Tenniscourt Road. It is a shame that Kay Curnock, Avon previously published complaints. No reasons of authentication. Only the Keynsham Town uses a much larger site Youth League Cup and Plate Secretary, way, Jose! name and district where you live and their floodlights are not as close to has failed to understand residents’ I am not even going to respond to the Air residential properties as is the intention will be reproduced. Anonymity is objections to the development of the Decker comments recently published, at Greenbank Road. As already possible under certain circum- Greenbank Road site leased by AEK- and their threat to bypass Keynsham. mentioned in previous articles, the FA stances. BOCO Football Club from South We have heard all the excuses many guidelines are that floodlights should Gloucestershire Council (Letters, Issue times before... NOT be within 65 metres of a residential 528). Maureen P Copy can be sent by post or, boundary. There are many properties The local community does respect and Keynsham preferably, e-mail and should within this limit at Greenbank Road. support the promotion of football for AEK-BOCO may be a family friendly arrive at our offices no later than young people in the Hanham area and club to their members but to the families Maths error 9.00am on the Monday of each it’s encouraging for AEK-BOCO to Dear Stephen living close to the site, they show little week. have the support of a rival club. I would like to correct a schoolboy error consideration. If the club had the Unfortunately, it is the adult teams at the that I made in my letter to you E-mail to: courtesy to inform home owners in club that show a lack of respect for the concerning the one-way system’s advance of any unusual activity, then we [email protected]

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 11 Remaining work on bund now complete Concerns over the new own worries. three weeks. We asked for bund scheme built to stop He said: “We raised questions assurance that promised work illegal occupation of Siston with South Gloucestershire would be done and what Common have been eased, Council about the work contingency plans were in says the chairman of the carried out and that still place to avoid further erosion parish council. remaining. The relevant of the bund. The bund cost £18,000 and officer had confirmed the “A reply has since been was created around the height of bund was as per the received to say grass seeding common in front of The design scheme and with has now been completed - Horseshoe pub in March. regard to the outstanding because of the previous spell Siston Parish Council work, it was stated the grass of warm weather, without commissioned the work from seed and lockable bollard watering every day it is A lockable bollard is now in place South Gloucestershire would be completed within unlikely enough seed would Council after a series of have germinated. Also the “I can confirm all is now well traveller encampments which officer stated he had looked at - the bollard shuts off led to complaints about noise, the bund and agreed that vehicular access over the disturbance, intimidation and whilst there is some hard-surfaced cycle and the major and costly clear-up crumbling due to the previous walkway near front of The operations needed afterwards. dry weather, the overall Horseshoe pub and I could Some critics have said the profile remains in-situ. clearly see lots of grass seed bund is not high enough to be “I visited the site on 1st June on that and other sections of effective and this week John to see for myself all work had the bund. Hunt, chairman of the parish indeed been completed, “I am happy to say a good job council, said that as well as especially to check on the has now been done, with the queries and concerns raised lockable bollard without need to wait a little longer to by certain local residents, which the site was still see if the bund scheme stands The bund councillors had also had their vulnerable. the test of time.”

Stockwood Crossword Nursery ACROSS DOWN retains 1. Petrol station (6) 1. Joviality (6) 4. Crustacean (6) 2. Literate person (6) Good 8. Old Testament 3. For nothing (6) rating prophet (6) 5. Sofa (6) Abbeywood Tots Day 10. Not in a key 6. Fruit basket (6) Nursery in Stockwood (mus.) (6) 7. Water down (6) Lane has retained its Good 11. Implied (5) 9. Mess (4) Ofsted rating following a 12. Dissertation (6) visit last month. 10. Helps (4) 14. Barren tract (6) The inspector said that staff 13. Curved sword (5) 16. Skin eruption (4) are caring and considerate 15. Muffler (5) towards children’s 17. Religious order (4) 18. Lasso (6) emotional needs and that 19. Fill to the brim (4) 19. Pure (6) youngsters settle quickly. 22. Aromatic plant (4) 20. Fervent (6) Staff act as good role 26. Stick (6) 21. Stable yard (4) models and children 27. Act upon (6) behave well. Activities are 22. Difficult (4) 28. Midget (5) exciting and interesting to 23. Obliterate (6) 29. Topics (6) motivate children to learn. 24. Drunken spree All youngsters make good 30. Linger (6) (inf.) (6) progress from their starting 31. Score (6) 25. Strain (6) points. 32. Rubble (6) There are 68 children on the roll at the nursery which opens all year round.

12 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 NatWest in Keynsham closes with Hanham branch to shut soon The Keynsham branch of save the Keynsham branch Whitchurch and Keynsham. banking requirements, and can also get coinage there. NatWest Bank closed its saw a petition raised, the NatWest said they received have offered help and support Meanwhile the Hanham doors for good last Monday town council wrote to the 73 inquiries and three with the most suitable ways branch is set to close on 28th and the Hanham branch Royal Bank of Scotland complaints about the closure. to bank in the local area. June. NatWest say they had will shut before the end of Group and B&NES Council The main themes were that Customers can use their debit 30 inquiries and one the month. met with NatWest senior customers were unhappy that card to take out cash and complaint about the closure. A failed campaign to try to management. their accounts would be check their balance at the The main themes from There were concerns about transferred to Knowle and town’s Post Office and can customers – and responses NatWest’s assertion that the asked for them to be use their pay-in book to make from the bank - were similar nearest branch on the Wells transferred to an alternative deposits. Business customers to those in Keynsham. Road in Knowle is 3.3 miles branch instead; they were when it is actually 5.5 miles. unhappy about how the Keynsham And with no direct bus closure may affect the local services between the two, community; and the reason Therapy centre closes anyone without their own customers were unhappy was The Beehive therapy centre on Keynsham High Street closed transport has to change buses having to travel further to do last month after three years in the town. at Totterdown or face a 20- their banking. The centre offered an alternative and holistic health service. minute walk up a steep hill. As a result NatWest said the On Facebook the practice thanks customers and says the The decision was also called local branch team have centre is now permanently closed but gives contact details of into question because of the contacted customers to therapists and practitioners for continuity of treatment or new expected population growth discuss their individual consultations. with planned development of circumstances and ongoing

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 13 Breakthrough at last for health and social care facilities at ? South Gloucestershire Ward at Southmead care housing at both in total across both sites Council is stepping in to Hospital. Frenchay and at the including social care beds help deliver the long- In 2014 the Independent Thornbury Hospital site. for dementia nursing; awaited health and social Reconfiguration Panel, In a statement the council • An Extra Care Housing care facilities on the old which advises ministers on said it was determined to be Scheme on each site of 50 to Frenchay Hospital site. proposals for health service at the forefront of health and 80 dwellings per site; When the decision was change, observed that social care integration in the • Other social care facilities taken some 12 years ago to healthcare provision in area and would be working that bidders propose to close Frenchay Hospital and South Glos had been subject to deliver the facilities as complement the above for sell most of the site for to continual alteration since quickly as possible. the self-funder market. housing, promises were 2005, that residents should The provision, subject to Council leader Toby Savage made that land would be feel exasperated by the planning and a successful said: “The benefits to the Toby Savage reserved for a community years of delay, and that the bid process, includes: council taking on the lead hospital. Frenchay closed in overall process to date had • 45 to 55 ‘step-down’ commissioner role will bringing this sorry and long- 2014 when the new £430m shown a marked lack of rehabilitation beds at bring a number of important running saga to an end and Southmead Hospital empathy for patients and the Frenchay for people who no advantages to residents who working together across the opened, and the long- public who have a right to longer need acute hospital need to access health and NHS and local government awaited community expect better. care but need to regain life social care facilities in to get in place the 21st facilities should have In 2015 the public health skills through a period of Frenchay and Thornbury. century health and social opened that year. minister declared her rehabilitation before “This is an exciting care services and facilities However, there have been a “exasperation” over delays returning home; opportunity to genuinely that our residents deserve.” series of delays to to the promised new • 6 to 10 ‘step-up’ rehabili- integrate health and social The next steps are for the delivering new hospital at Frenchay. tation beds at Thornbury for care – and in Thornbury’s council, Clinical rehabilitation, reablement South Glos Council’s those who perhaps for a case to go that one step Commissioning Group and and recovery services to Cabinet has now agreed to short period are not able to further and have enhanced North Bristol NHS Trust to relieve pressure from take on the lead remain at home but do not GP services/primary care as work together on a Southmead. Rehabilitation commissioning role in need treatment in an acute a key feature of the plans memorandum of beds are being provided on securing rehabilitation beds, hospital; too. understanding and develop an interim basis on Elgar care home beds and extra • At least 72 care home beds “This is a welcome step in project plans.

Hanham Trees stripped out to prepare site for new estate A long hedgerow on on the site which was provide a new footpath into Greenbank Road was purchased from the House the site, along with traffic chopped down last week as of Faith. The religious calming and junction part of preparation work for group had owned it since improvements at the the new housing estate and the mid-1940s. junction with Hollyguest road improvements which Two separate accesses onto Road. are planned. Greenbank Road are The site is next to AEK- Square Bay and Bellway planned. BOCO Football Club Homes recently secured The developer acknow- which is talking about planning permission from ledged there would be more expansion plans of its own South Gloucestershire traffic using the road as a including floodlighting and Council to build 77 homes result of the new estate and a spectators’ stand for 50, – 27 of them affordable – will be widening it to plus 50 standing places.

14 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Hanham Redfest set to return Musical medley Hanham Ladies Choir will to St George Park be holding a concert at the United Reformed Church The music and arts festival Redfest in Tabernacle Road on will be returning to St George Park on Saturday 30th June. Saturday 4th August after a year Admission is £7 and away, and people are being asked to proceeds will go to the chip in to make it happen. wasn’t always the most popular decision, There are various ways you can help church and to the Lung There will be three music stages with but we think that Redfest 2017 was a fund the festival including donating Exercise Educaton headline act Lack of Afro. There will really good festival.” online via Localgiving – Programme (LEEP) at also be a Kids’ Village, a wellbeing area, He said the organisers have listened to https://localgiving.org/appeal/redfest18/ Cossham Hospital. performance tent, spoken word stage, feedback and taken the decision to return - or setting up a direct debit, putting your The music will be a varied food and craft markets and more. to the park this year. They have won spare change into one of the collection programme including folk In 2016, an estimated 20,000 people some funding from Bristol City Council, tins up and down Church Road, or songs and hits from attended the festival in the park. Dominik the Big Lottery Fund and the Quartet organising a cake sale, sponsored walk, musicals. Tickets will be available on Ljubic, director of Redfest Bristol CIC, a Express Fund but need more and set a or dress-down day at work or school. the door or you can get community interest company, said: target of raising £10,000. So far almost Redfest is also part of the Bags of Help them in advance by calling “There were many reasons why we £7,000 has been raised. scheme at Tesco. Until the end of June 0797 101 5848. changed the format of Redfest 2017 – Among the sponsors are Café Grounded you’ll be able to vote for Redfest any Doors open at 7pm and the and most of them were related to the and The Old Stillage in Redfield, Bristol time you shop at an East Bristol Tesco. concert begins at 7.30pm. thing just getting too big. Energy, Smartmove Removals, The winning cause gets £4,000. Refreshments will be “It became hugely expensive and Warmley-based Gregor Heating, Redfest is also always looking for more available during the extremely time-consuming to organise as Keynsham-based Longwell Records and helpers. interval. a free, volunteer-led event. We know it the Red Lion in Whitehall. Find out more at redfestbristol.co.uk

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 15 Popular reuse sale returns to Keynsham Bargain household and Midsomer Norton should see garden items, too good for the site staff, who will put the recycling, are going on sale donations to one side. at a popular reuse event Suitable items will be sold at next month organised by bargain prices, starting from Bath and North East £5, with some given away Somerset Council. for free. The reuse sale is returning, For items costing more than with a wider variety of £5, cards will be accepted, goods, on Saturday 21st July otherwise it is cash only, and from 10am to noon at the old they must be taken away at MoD building, next to the the time of purchase. recycling centre in Pixash There will also be an Lane. opportunity to visit Bath & People are being encouraged North East Somerset Bitton in Bloom competition to drop off items which are Council’s recycling road- Tomorrow (Thursday) is the deadline for people to enter the Bitton in Bloom too good for recycling and show at the sale to find out competition organised by the parish council. Entry is free and open to everyone who could be reused instead. how to recycle more at lives in the parish. Judging will take place between 23rd June and 7th July. These include furniture, bric- home. Staff will be on hand Cups and certificates will be awarded in the following categories - Best Small Front a-brac, bicycles, garden ware to give advice on how to Garden, Best Small Rear Garden, Best Large Garden, Best Large Rural Garden, and some building materials. reduce waste, answer Best Natural/Wildlife Garden, Nooks & Crannies (for a small area or small display), Residents taking items which recycling queries and Best Hanging Basket or Container and a Newcomer class for first-time entries and for could be reused to recycling provide free recycling new gardeners. For terms and conditions of entry visit www.bittonparishcouncil.co.uk/ centres in Keynsham or containers if needed. or call the council’s leisure officer Sarah Jones on 0775 779 6155.

16 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 South Glos Labour criticises ‘low’ take-up for self-service library system The leader of South October (it was already At the Council’s Cabinet great system and an exemplar Gloucestershire’s Labour operating as a trial at Bradley meeting last Monday, Labour for future value-for-money councillors has questioned Stoke Library) with users Group leader Pat Rooney improvements. the level of public support needing to register to gain said: “The council’s official “It is surely a false economy for Open Access at the access during unstaffed performance report tells us if cost-cutting changes result district’s libraries after the hours. In parallel, staffed that, as of April, 3,655 library in very few residents actually Conservative Council’s hours were cut by 30% across users had signed up for Open using the new service. The Annual Performance the district. Access, which equates to Open Access swipe-card Pat Rooney Report revealed just 13% of Labour councillors say that around 13% of all eligible system has been in place for eligible users have so far ‘Open Access’ technology library users. When I raised several months now, so the mobility problems could not signed up for the scheme. has a role in enhancing my concerns at Cabinet about low registration levels cannot use without assistance. Self-service was introduced staffed services but should this low figure, they were be casually dismissed as Kings-wood will have Open into nine South not be used as a “cover” to cut dismissed by the Tories, who teething problems.” Access technology added Gloucestershire libraries last the much-valued library staff. continue to boast that this is a Staffed hours were cut at all when the library relocates South Glos libraries last across the road to the Civic Kingswood October but Open Access Centre building in the New gives people seven days a Year. Gun alert brings commuter week access although The council’s library service children under 16 cannot use says it will continue to traffic to a standstill it unaccompanied. It has not monitor take-up of Open been installed at Hanham Access and will engage those Armed Response Unit were called to Exchange Court in Kingswood last Thursday evening Library for safety reasons who have not used libraries after a tip-off to the police. because one of the fire exits recently to encourage them to The incident brought the evening’s commuter traffic in the area to a standstill. has steps which people with return to using the service. A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: “Police attended an address on the A420 in Hanham Road, Kingswood, after a call reporting suspicions that a man was in possession of a gun. “The call came just before 5.30pm. Although the witness had not seen a weapon, specialist firearms officers were sent to the address as a precaution. “Three men and a woman came out of a flat and were detained and searched by officers. Police also searched the flat. The incident concluded just after 7pm. “No arrests were made and this is being treated as a false call with good intent.”

Singers are looking for new recruits Next Tuesday (19th June), the St George Singers are holding an open evening for anyone interested in joining. It will be at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church in Kingswood. The choir is 40 years old next year and new members do not have to audition. On Saturday 23rd June the choir will be giving a concert of popular choral music by Purcell, Vivaldi, Charles Wood and Roger Quilter at the church at 7.30pm. As usual, admission is free and there will be free refreshments will be served in the interval. A retiring collection will be taken in aid of the charity Freedom 4 Girls. Free car parking is available in the church car park. The next concert will be in September and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 17 Adam wins place at prestigious drama academy An Oldland Common man applicants to gain one of the Italia Conti Academy thousands of pounds in has succeeded in getting the 30 highly coveted of Theatre Arts in London. coaching, travel and ahead of around 3,000 positions to study acting at Adam Workman, 25, a accommodation, only to former pupil of Sir Bernard face disappointment and Lovell School, has been rejection time and again. Keynsham dreaming of a career in the He said: “There were times Tea and cupcakes world of acting and drama when I just felt like giving since taking his first up but I know that every Keynsham firm FDC Law will be holding a Cupcake dancing lesson at the age of actor has to face the same Day tomorrow (Thursday) at their offices at 64 High four. Membership of challenges and so used Street to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. numerous youth theatre every ‘Thanks but no There will be cakes, coffee and tea in return for groups, such as Stagecoach thanks’ to drive myself on to donations to the charity. Adam Workman in Keynsham, Bristol improve.” School of Performing Arts Having now succeeded in well as friends and family, and the Bristol Old Vic gaining his place, he is now who have contributed to my Spotlight on Skiathos Theatre School, did nothing looking forward to starting costs and cannot express my An illustrated talk on the Greek island of Skiathos is but fuel his passion towards in September and working gratitude strongly enough being given by author (and Skiathos resident) Patricia his chosen vocation. hard in the meantime to but I still have some way to Main at St Peter’s Church, Camerton, this Friday 15th The journey has been far raise funds towards the go.” June. Interval refreshments are included in the from easy. Adam has been considerable costs of the Anyone who would like to admission charge and proceeds are going to the St attending auditions all over course. help Adam in any small way Peter’s Church Fabric Fund. the UK over the past four He said: “I have been can do so by visiting For more details call Ann on 01761 472155 or Liz on years, spending hundreds of astounded by the generosity www.gofundme.com/drama 01761 435580. hours rehearsing and of complete strangers, as schooladam

18 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 South Glos Share your stories of inspirational women over the past century Have you been inspired by Inspiring Women: the over the age of 30 the right finding artefacts, letters or your mother, aunt, legacy of the First World to vote. But it was not until newspapers. We hope to grandmother, a great- War in South Glouces- the Equal Franchise Act of learn more about the roles grandmother, someone tershire. It aims to reach out 1928 that women over 21 women play in the you are friends with or a to communities, families were able to vote and development of our work colleague? and organisations to share women finally achieved the distinctive local industries If they’ve got a powerful their precious slice of social same voting rights as men. such as farming, connection to South history over the past The project has been made aeronautical and engineer- Gloucestershire, then the century. possible through a £9,600 ing jobs. council wants to hear from It will help demonstrate grant from the Heritage “We also want to document you for a project that aims to how the events of 1918 have Lottery Fund (HLF). the contributions women uncover stories never told changed women’s lives Cllr Rachael Hunt, Chair of make to community, before which will help to forever as this was the year South Gloucestershire business, culture, science, Rachael Hunt highlight inspirational that not only marked the end Council, said: “We are sport, education and women over the past 100 of the war but also saw the working with various local politics. But we don’t have inspirational women they years. Representation of the heritage organisations to long to receive the have known or know and The new National Lottery People Act introduced, research and uncover nominations to help prepare nominate them today.” funded project is called which allowed some women hidden stories as well as an exhibition for September. To contribute your story So if you can help us by complete the nomination Kingswood contributing to this legacy, I form on the council’s strongly urge you to start a website by Tuesday 3rd July School’s play day highlights conversation with your – search under the museums charity’s support friends and relatives about and heritage section. Despite grey skies and rain showers, Beacon Rise Primary School went ahead with a full day of outdoor play to support a worthy charity that helps one of its pupils. Reece Gamblin, a pupil in Reception, has Williams Syndrome. Very few people are aware of this genetic condition, which is present at birth and affects about one in 10,000 people worldwide. It is characterised The Gamblin family by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental and staff enjoyed a giant water slide, delays and learning challenges. wheelie bin racing, giant bubbles, pillow The school community wanted to raise fights, den building and spaghetti play, as awareness of not only the condition but the well as a range of sporting activities. Williams Syndrome Foundation, a charity Hollie Helps, a teaching assistant who which provides invaluable support to both supports Reece at school, said: ‘Play Day Reece and his family. 2018 was such a fantastic opportunity to Throughout the day, more than 650 children raise awareness of Williams Syndrome. Everyone had lots of fun - blowing bubbles and splashing in the paddling pools. We are all truly grateful for the special school day.” So far this academic year, the school has raised more than £13,500 for charitable causes as well as donating more than 600 Advent calendars to the local foodbank at Christmas and more than 500 pairs of shoes to Unicef and Clarks' Shoe Share scheme.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 19 ADVERTISING FEATURE Keep your garden secure and pet friendly

Having a pet is a responsibility garden as secure as possible with and part of that is keeping them Colourfence. With heights of up to safe. Your garden should be a 8ft, they will fit the perfect fence small paradise for your pet, a to secure your pet, large or small. space where they can relax, play Colourfence is made from Colour and explore, but is it safe Bonded Galvanised Steel and can enough? withstand gusts of wind up to Five dogs are stolen in Britain 130mph, so your fence is going every day but only one is nowhere! It lasts for 25 years so recovered and returned to their you can be rest assured that your rightful owners which is heart- pet won’t be escaping through a breaking. You can keep your broken fence panel or jumping

over fences that simply aren’t tall materials for them to sniff and enough to keep them in. explore: this keeps their senses Other ways to keep your garden heightened, even when they get a pet friendly include: bit older. • Planting non-toxic plants: some • Incorporating a small personal plants which are harmless to your spot for them to enjoy: giving pet and a great addition to any them their own space means they garden are Gerber Daisy, Orchid, will feel more comfortable. Pincushion Flower, Rose, • Water features: they can stay Sunflower, Thea Japonica, African cool and hydrated when the sun Violet, Zinnia, Petunia, Lavender does decide to come out and even and Marigold. on the cloudier days, they’ll still • Having an array of different love to drink the cooler rain water!

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20 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Hanham Kingswood School keeps its Good Ofsted Free Happiness rating, despite poor results Course Christ Church CofE Primary School in and assessment, particularly in writing, as the school is a strength. We were A free ‘Happiness Course’ Hanham has kept its Good Ofsted well as some marked differences in the overwhelmed by the positive comments starts at The Park Centre in rating despite concerns over its results. attainment of disadvantaged pupils which and responses from our parents and Kingswood next week. A short inspection – the first visit by remain “critical areas” to address before children and thank them for their It is an opportunity to learn Ofsted in four years, found that leaders the next inspection. continued support. techniques and ideas which have been too slow dealing with the The report also highlights the strong “We will continue to work hard to address strengthen mental “significant decline” in pupils’ writing culture of safeguarding at the school, that the areas for development over the coming wellbeing and create a outcomes. In 2017 pupils’ Key Stage 2 pupils are happy, enjoy their learning and months and I have huge confidence in the more hopeful outlook. progress scores were significantly below feel safe, and that the overwhelming team at Christ Church to ensure we remain The course runs for four the national average and in the lowest 10% majority of parents (97%) would a fantastic school.” weeks on Tuesdays, nationally. recommend the school to others. And the joint chairs of governors Rebecca starting on 19th June from The school has blamed turbulence in This week headteacher Ian Hutton said: Amesbury and Nikki Stephens said: “The 1.30pm to 2.30pm. staffing, significant governance changes “We are pleased the report acknowledges governing body are pleased that the efforts You can attend as many or and building works for leaders being that we had already identified the main of the school, particularly over the past six as few of the classes as you like. Complimentary drinks distracted. However, the inspector Stewart areas for development and that it months, were recognised by the report and will be provided after the Gale says they are now working recognises the fantastic work of the delighted with the support, engagement classes. effectively to start tackling identified deputy, SENCO (special educational and feedback from staff, pupils and To find out more look on issues, and there have been changes and needs co-ordinator) and English lead in parents. We believe the report was a sound Southern Brooks’ website improvements to how the school’s addressing these areas. reflection of the school and our or contact Georgina Green governors are working. “However, we fully acknowledge that in reinvigorated leadership and governing on 01454 868570 or email He says that much of this is too recent some of these areas, improvement has not body will continue focus on ensuring that georginagreen@southernbr though for effects to be seen, so there are been rapid enough. We are very pleased the improvements necessary are swift and ooks.org.uk still inconsistencies in teaching, learning that the inspector felt that safeguarding in sustained.”

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 21 ADVERTISING FEATURE The café where customers become friends Esther’s Café is an independent, family-run track bridge in North Street. business situated in a light, airy setting, on the Esther and many of her family actually attended SBL, first floor of SBL Sports in Oldland Common. growing up in the local area, and now spend much Esther’s has been running locally for three years and time at the café renewing old acquaintances, as have has built a loyal customer base who largely followed many of their customers. Pete, Esther’s business them to their new premises. partner, is also a local resident and can frequently be Such is the relationship between the café and seen performing as part of the Bristol music scene. customers that a team voluntarily formed to help The café is open six days a week and has rigorously them move to their new venue, one donating a large maintained its original ethos throughout in only using removal lorry for the day. It is this unique relationship as far as possible quality local produce and home between staff and customers which largely sets cooking or baking virtually all of the menu items. This was acknowledged by the fact that in a Bristol Esther’s apart from many other cafes. Post survey, Esther’s was listed as “one of the top The café is accessible by lift, and adjacent to many breakfast venues for under a fiver” in Bristol, despite leisure facilities at SBL, which are available for hire, the fact that the quality of the food is never comprised as well as a huge free car park for users next to the just to cut costs. building - and it’s also only 50 metres from the cycle Due to demand, Esther’s has also continued to provide a full buffet service for any occasion, either delivered, or on site in the many rooms available at SBL for hire. All in all, Esther’s has built itself a solid, well-earned reputation for good food in a friendly environment, and the hope is that although not in a high street location, the venue can become ‘more visible’ at SBL and continue to expand the community feel which seems to follow Esther’s around.

22 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Warmley Spitfire flypast for signal box’s centenary celebrations An RAF Spitfire roared over organised by the voluntary Warmley The Spitfire delighted the crowds Warmley on Sunday as part of the Signal Box and Community Garden celebrations to commemorate the Group, which looks after the Grade II 100th anniversary of the signal listed box on behalf of South box. Gloucestershire Council. The box is The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path was piloted by Squadron Leader and was last used in 1968 when there Andy Millikin. was a freight railway. The day, which was attended by It fell into disrepair but has been hundreds of people, was blessed with cared for since 2008 by the glorious weather. There were events volunteers and was restored and in Warmley Forest Park while reopened in style in 2013. Graham Darby, the last signalman to On Sunday a vintage bus service work at the box, was in the box to linked the event with others taking talk to visitors. It was decked out in place at Avon Valley Railway at flags and flowers for the occasion. Bitton and Grimsbury Farm in The community fun day was Kingswood.

Graham Darby at the signal box

An old image of Warmley Station

Ian Adams & Maureen Jackson dressed up in period costume Vintage transport linked local venues

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 23 Major refurbishment of Saltford Hall now complete Over the last 12 months builder Clive Shipley for replaced the main ceiling Saltford Community masterminding this project. and lighting, which again Association (SCA) have Once the dust had settled on will result in hugely spent over £110,000 this project they turned their improved thermal insulation updating and enhancing attention to the complete and a better appearance. the wonderful facilities on refurbishment of the This work was undertaken offer at Saltford Hall. This Wansdyke building. This by another local tradesman, has mainly been funded by started off with the Mark Jones, and electrician huge amounts of replacement of all windows Nigel Daggers. The SCA are fundraising over the last with energy-efficient UPVC particularly grateful to few years, plus grants units supplied and fitted by Saltford Parish Council and from various bodies Saltford resident Simon to B&NES Community mentioned below and Pritchett. Then they moved Empowerment Fund and interest-free loans pro- on to the much-needed Ward Councillor Initiative vided by local residents. complete refurbishment of for the funding which made The work started a year ago the toilet facilities and the this possible. with the complete fitting of new flooring in the Visitors may have noticed refurbishment of the entrance foyer. The toilet that the main roof of entrance foyer at a cost of refurbishment was again Saltford Hall looks over £40,000, in time for the undertaken by a local firm, different. This is due to the start of the 2017 Saltford AC Martin, and the flooring installation of a large solar loans from a number of possible without a great Festival. They were very by Paul Wilshere. panel array which is capable local residents which met group of volunteers putting grateful to local resident and Finally they completely of producing up to 30 kW of the balance of the on a huge variety of peak power. installation cost of around fundraising events over the With funds depleted the £30,000. At present, the last few years and the SCA couldn’t afford to solar panels are generating community coming along undertake the whole scheme around 4MWh of energy per and supporting them. When so they are very grateful for month. further funds become a financial contribution In addition to those available the SCA have from the Carbon Trust and mentioned above, none of exciting plans for further for unsecured interest-free this would have been improvements.

Mangotsfield Village improvements continue Four new benches have been placed at the Alec Large Memorial Park in Mangotsfield. They have been funded from a building developers scheme known as Section 106 money. Already new flower beds have been planted and in the near future the bushes around the cross will be removed to give a more open view of the war memorial and the name plates. There are also plans to turn the Dames School site, which is situated directly opposite the Red Lion pub, into a local history park with noticeboards, cutting back some of the trees and branches, and removing unsightly bushes.

24 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Keynsham Surprise party to thank pillar of the community

Keynsham Action of flowers. huge energy, interest and us all with her ‘Kan-do’ committed to the good of Network, joined by friends KAN member Dr Sarah Fox enthusiasm in a broad range attitude.” the community and the from other community said: “We were delighted to of worthwhile local causes. KAN Alistair Singleton welfare of every single groups, held a get-together be joined by former “She is a founding member added: “Sheila is tirelessly individual within it.” last Tuesday to celebrate members Ron and Pat of Keynsham Action the many years of Payne, as well as Barbara Network, hosting our Kingswood community work done by Thomson, who runs steering group meetings, Sheila Crocombe. Somerdale Souls, and Clare where she not only takes our Church holding Having lured her to the Hudson from Community at minutes, but also plies us Temple Street Canteen for a 67. with beverages and nibbles. flower festival ‘meeting’, Sheila was taken “Sheila has been a key “Sheila also continues to be There will be a flower festival at Potters Wood Methodist completely by surprise with figure in the voluntary active in Transition Church in Pows Road on the weekend of Saturday 30th June a framed copy of a piece sector in and around Keynsham's food group as and Sunday 1st July. The theme of the festival is Musicals. It that KAN members put on Keynsham for decades. A well as with Community at will be open from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and from their online charity platform former school governor and 67, where she set up and 2pm to 4pm on the Sunday. Refreshments will be served. to nominate Sheila for leader of the PTA, she was a runs a voluntary maths On the Saturday Kingswood Community Choir will be thanks as part of National founder member of tuition group for local singing between 2pm and 2.45pm and other musicians will be Volunteers Week. They also Keynsham Community children and devised a performing at intervals during the day. presented her with a bunch Association and has shown Maths Trail around the town centre which the children all really enjoy. Keynsham Keynsham Action Network is all about connecting the various Van break-in Around 1.30pm last Thursday (7th June) someone forced a voluntary organisations door to break into a van parked in The Chocolate Quarter. within the town and Sheila Power tools and two bags containing phones and wallets were is instrumental in that stolen. If you have any information contact the police on 101 endeavour because of all the or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. people she has been involved with in the community over the years, Sheila Crocombe and she is an inspiration to Mobile speed camera locations Here are the locations in our area where you can expect to see police mobile speed cameras this week (starting 11th June).

Bath & North East Somerset: In Keynsham on Park Road, Charlton Road, Wellsway and Coronation Avenue; on Manor Road in Saltford; on the A431 Kelston Road; on the A37 at Pensford Hill; on the A39 at Corston; on Timsbury Road at Farmborough.

Bristol: In Brislington on the A4174 Callington Road, and West Town Lane; in St George on Nags Head Hill, Furber Road and the A420 Bell Hill Road/Two Mile Hill Road; in Stockwood on Hollway Road and Sturminster Road; also on Whitchurch Lane.

South Gloucestershire: On the A431 Bath Road at Bitton; at Mill Lane, Cherry Garden Road and High Street in Oldland Common; in Longwell Green on Court Farm Road, California Road and on Long Beach Road; in Hanham on Abbots Road and Whittucks Road; on Parkwall Road in Cadbury Heath; on Victoria Road in North Common; on the A420 at Wick; on the A432 Badminton Road south of the A4174 Avon Ring Road and at ; on Bromley Heath Road, Downend and on Gloucester Road at Staple Hill.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 25 Whitchurch Keynsham Support for Plenty of attractions Parkinson’s lined up for village fete patients and carers Whitchurch Village Fete will be held on Bank Holiday Monday August 27th in Greensmore Field, next to the A37. The Keynsham support group of the charity Parkinson’s This year it will be opened by Peter Rabbit and Mini-on lookalikes from Special Occasion UK holds a coffee morning on the last Tuesday of the Mascots, aided by Fete Prince and Princess Seweryn Dziedzk and Brooke Pester, from St month at the Talbot Inn from 10.30am to noon. Bernadette Catholic Primary School in Whitchurch. Anyone interested in helping or meeting others who Attractions will include the annual dog show, the flower show with crafts, fruit and veg in have connections with patients with Parkinson’s is most the marquee, stalls and arena events. welcome. There will be activities and entertainment including Colourful Minds Arts & Crafts, Oldland At the last meeting, Talbot staff had prepared a delicious Brass Band, Ferretworld, Shaolin Wushu martial arts, Enchante Baton Twirlers, cake stall in aid of the Macmillan nurses and members Freewheelers Blood Bikes, the Natalie White dancers and sports for all the family. could buy individual portions or a whole cake. There will also be a dance in the marquee on the evening of Saturday 25th August with the Inn staff are prepared to provide cake at every meeting Jiggerty Barn Dance & Ceilidh Band, and a car boot sale on Sunday August 26th from 11am. either for charity funds or as part of their service. New volunteers to help over the weekend and on the Bank Holiday Monday would be On Tuesday 26th June the group will be hearing again welcomed. If you’d like to help or have a stall on the Monday email from Steve Spear, an experienced Bristol Guide, who [email protected] or phone Ashton Broad on 01275 832148. will be talking about life in Bristol after the explorations For further updates about the fete look on Facebook. of John Cabot. The support group contact is Hazel Mitchell and her number is 0117 3360476. Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

26 The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 Emersons Green Research helps to support more cataract patients Research carried out by and results for patients. centre. and it is popular because the can carry out more the ophthalmology team at Dr Anthony said: “The At the hospital visit, the accompanying relative or surgeries. All that means Emersons Green NHS conventional pathway for patient has a pre-op friend only has to take time fewer people in the Bristol Treatment Centre has led cataract surgery involves a assessment, is seen by the off for one visit. It provides and Bath area having to to a one-stop cataract minimum of three doctor and surgery excellent value for money struggle on for long periods service which has boosted ophthalmic visits. The idea immediately follows. The for the NHS and means we with impaired sight.” the number of people of a one-stop approach was maximum amount of time treated for the condition. not new, but previous spent in the Emersons Cataracts are a clouding of models showed low levels Green centre is just two Events to mark the lens in the eye, causing of take-up and poor patient hours. The post-op visit is blurred vision. They can satisfaction. Our challenge then done at the patient’s 100 years of make reading and driving was to create a service that regular opticians. difficult or impossible and, provided excellent results, The surgical results were the Remembrance if untreated, can lead to maximised NHS resources same as those using the More than 1,000 beacons will be lit across the UK at 7pm blindness. and left patients happy with longer, conventional on Sunday 11th November to mark the day 100 years ago Emersons Green NHS the service they received.” method and feedback from when the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War. Treatment Centre’s The proposed model for the patients was high, with 97 As part of the nation’s Battle’s Over tribute, Siston Parish ophthalmology consultant, one–stop cataract surgery per cent giving the service a Council will be playing its part by purchasing and Dr Teresa Anthony, and consisted of an initial high satisfaction rating. permanently positioning a beacon in the car park at the colleagues carried out a telephone consultation with Dr Anthony said: “The one- high point of Siston Common, near the Carsons Road two-year study to perfect a a specialist nurse, followed stop service has many junction.The beacon will then be available at other times way to improve efficiency by a visit to the treatment benefits: it reduces anxiety of national commemoration or celebration. And at 7.05pm on 11th November, more than 1,000 cathedral and church bells will ring out in celebration of peace. Among those signed up to take part is St Mary’s Kingswood Church at Bitton. Meanwhile, as part of the centenary Remembrance celebrations, Keynsham in Bloom are Dangers of the Kingswood creating a 'Poppy Cascade' at St John's Church. So far people have knitted more than 5,000 poppies and the coalfields revealed organisers are hoping to get to 12,000. There are details on ‘Killed in a Coal Mine’ was Kingswood History Society’s June topic. The Kingswood Keynsham Town Council’s website. coalfield was a dangerous place and from the 18th to the 20th century, there are records More information on Battle’s Over – A Nation's Tribute of countless injuries and deaths either in the coal mines or in connection with them. 11th November 2018, and how to take part, can be found at www.brunopeek.co.uk Pat Lindegaard led members through the story, beginning with researching her family’s And let The Week In know if you are holding an event to early history that led her into the human history of the Kingswood coalfields and the mark the centenary. many tragedies that befell those struggling to earn enough in the hazardous conditions below ground to support their often large families due to the neglect of safety On 3rd July the topic will be the history of the Parnall factory in . Initially shop Keynsham fitters, Parnall & Sons began to manufacture aircraft in Park Row. Later the aircraft business split from the parent company to be known as George Parnall and Company. Motorbike stolen In the 1920s aircraft manufacture was centralised at Yate, close to an airfield used by A motorbike was stolen from outside Keynsham Library the Royal Flying Corps. in Market Walk sometime between 6pm on Thursday 31st Kingswood History Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the May and 11am on Friday 1st June. Park Centre. Anyone interested in joining can visit www.kingswoodhistorysociety.org The black Honda CBF 125 has the registration number or just come along to a meeting. The cost is £2.50 per visit including refreshments. WP14 RYG. If you have any information about the crime contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 Annual subscription is £20. 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 13th June 2018 27 Dementia group grateful for community support Keynsham Dementia KDAA, and they presented a KDAA are working towards Action Alliance had a very cheque to Mr & Mrs Knight making both Keynsham and busy three days recently. for £500. Saltford Dementia Friendly In delivering 'Dementia Keynsham Walking Football and have recently distributed Friend Making' sessions on Club secretary Martin Coles guidance booklets to High 30th May to all the staff of said: "As a walking football Street and Temple Street the Coventry Building club we have a great time businesses giving advice to Society in Keynsham High keeping fit and enjoying customer-facing staff in Street, they all became ourselves, but it also enables order to make it easier for Dementia Friends, together us to help charitable them serving those with with other attendees. dementia. organisations and it was Cheque presentation: from left, Keynsham Walking Football This was a day before the good that this year we were KDAA are always open to Club chairman Derek Hardwell, KDAA secretary Merrial launch of a Community able to help local charities, volunteers who might like to Knight, KDAA treasurer Mike Knight & the football club’s Charitable Partnership that one of which was the learn more about their work treasurer Steve Nicholls the Coventry has entered into Keynsham Dementia Action and on the second and fourth with KDAA. At the launch in Alliance. We recognise that Thursday of each month at St the branch there were pies dementia is a growing issue Dunstan's Church Hall from and cakes on sale, and and we were pleased to help 10.30am to 12.15pm they members of KDAA were on what is being done locally hold their Music for the hand to engage with for those living with Mind sessions, open to customers to spread the word dementia." anyone who has been Coventry Building Society staff after becoming of their work in the town. KDAA chairman Alan Hale diagnosed with dementia. Dementia Friends Then on 1st June, KDAA said: “We are most grateful Find out more by calling secretary Merrial Knight and to Keynsham Walking 0117 9837923 or email As well as collecting for (the Campaign Against treasurer Mike Knight Football Club for their very dementiafriendlykeynsham KDAA they have raised Living Miserably) and the attended a special event at kind donation. It will help us @gmail.com money for Keynsham & Children’s Hospice South Keynsham Town Football to make what we do Each year Keynsham District Dial-a-Ride and West. Keynsham Walking Club where Keynsham sustainable and at the same Walking Football Club Prostate Cancer UK. Football Club can be Walking Football Club time it will spread the word nominate charities which in This year they will be raising contacted via Martin Coles members club had raised regarding the KDAA through some way have affected their money for the children’s on 0775 454 3719 or email money for three charities, the football club members members, now over 90 hospice at home charity martincoles@blueyonder. one of which was the and their friends and family.” players strong. Jessie May Trust, CALM co.uk Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution 1-Easy 2-Hard

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