THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset FREE Issue 530 20th June 2018 Read by over 40,000 people each week Alert after three distraction burglaries reported in one afternoon Police have issued an alert June). 69-year-old woman while garden. and appealed for The first happened at about she was distracted by The caller was described as information after three 2.45pm in Wadham Grove, someone who asked to a white man in his 40s, distraction burglaries last . Cash and check pipework and kept clean shaven and of average Wednesday afternoon (13th jewellery were taken from a her talking in the back height and build. He had

light brown cropped hair and wore a light-coloured, short-sleeved shirt, trousers and a high-vis vest. Then officers were called to Lulworth Crescent in Downend at about 4.30pm to a report of someone who called on the home of a man and woman in their 80s, claiming to be there to check the boiler. Continued on page 3 2 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Alert after three Doorstep distraction crime burglaries reported prevention in one afternoon advice Continued from page 1 white man of medium build • Remember, if you’re not sure, don’t The couple later found that with dark hair and a strong open the door cash and jewellery had been Northern accent, wearing a taken from the house. dark jacket, a high-vis vest • If you are suspicious of a caller tell the The caller was said to be a and a yellow lanyard. police straight away - ring 999 if you man in his early 20s, slim, Officers have attended each feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise about 5ft 9in and with a non- address, offered home local accent. He wore a dark security advice and carried call 101 blue top and a yellow lanyard. out house-to-house inquiries. • Keep your cash in the bank, not at home And at about 3pm in Court Neighbourhood Watch • Keep windows and doors secured if Road, , a members have had a man claiming to be carrying circulation about the you’re not in the room out a survey for the “gas incidents. 5218129934 (Wadham • If you see someone calling door-to-door, board” (which doesn't exist Anyone who has any Grove), 5218130122 but only on frail or elderly neighbours, anymore) called on the home information which could help (Frampton Cotterell) and of an 87-year-old man. He police enquiries is asked to 5218129926 (Downend). call 999 straight away later found that his home had get in touch through Alternatively ring the • Join Neighbourhood Watch been searched, but nothing is www.avonandsomerset.polic independent charity • Nominate a neighbour to help you deal believed to have been stolen. e.uk/contact, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 The caller was described as a 101, quoting reference 111. with unexpected callers

Also in this week’s issue Saltford convenience store to close . . . page 5

Anger at traffic through conservation village . . . page 9

Kingswood pharmacist shortlisted for award . . . page 21

Fishponds man jailed for arson . . . page 23

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 3 Fishponds Keynsham Appeal for witnesses Safety checks at civic centre after fatal crash Safety checks were carried out at Keynsham Civic Centre on Friday and Monday after a window cover strip came Police have appealing for witnesses after old Ronnie Corbett, suffered a head injury loose from one of the a man died several days after being after coming off his vehicle and was taken to surrounds last Wed- involved in a collision with a car in Southmead Hospital. He died five days later nesday. Fishponds. on Sunday 10th June. Engineers from Bath & The incident involved a white Citroen Both vehicles were travelling in the North East Somerset Dispatch van and a mobility scooter and direction of Hockeys Lane when the Council sealed off happened on New Station Way, near collision occurred. walkways and used Fishponds Library, at 1.15pm on Tuesday If you can help, call the Collision elevating platform 5th June. Investigation Unit on the 101, providing the machinery to inspect the The rider of the mobility scooter, 71-year- call handler with the reference CI/108/18. cover strips on other windows as a precaution. The centre, which includes council offices, one stop shop, library, restaurants and shops opened in 2014, replacing the 1960s buildings that had been on the site. THE WEEK IN

Barrs Court, , Brislington, , Compton Dando, Author’s talk Writer and historian Chris Skidmore, who is also the MP Corston, Downend, Emersons for Kingswood. is visiting Unity Methodist Green, Fishponds, , Church in West Street this Friday (22nd June) to talk about Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, his book Richard III; Brother, Protector, King. , , Marksbury, North Common, Oldland The meeting starts at 6pm and tickets are £5 which Common, , Saltford, includes light refreshments. Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, They are available in advance from the church on the door. , 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 20th June 2018 McColl’s to close its Saltford shop The McColl’s store on of Post Offices in the UK, Bath Road in Saltford is with around 600 in-store to close for good in counters/branches. August. The company did not In a statement a McColl’s respond to our query about Retail Group spokesperson whether any other stores in told The Week In: “Having our area would be closing. explored all options, At the end of last year Post regretfully we have taken Office Ltd had been the difficult decision to consulting the Saltford cease trading at the community on the proposed McColl’s store on Bath relocation of the village Road in Saltford. The Post Office from Saltford store’s last day of trading Flowers on Bath Road to will be 5th August 2018. McColl’s. The move would “We are saddened to no have seen improved longer be operating the facilities and longer store and our priority has opening hours but the been to support all affected consultation was abruptly colleagues.” halted when the proposed McColl's has more than new operator decided not to company did not give a Christmas but following branch in Saltford Library 1,600 managed conven- progress the application. reason for the decision. months of discussion, on Bath Road. It is expected ience stores and newsagents At the time we asked The Post Office branch volunteers recently received to be open later this and it is the largest operator McColl’s why, but the closed just before approval to reopen a local summer.

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 5 6 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Cathedral to host work of East Bristol knitters Knitted displays of Bible stories that were on display in churches in the East Bristol area last autumn will come together for a special display at Bristol Cathedral in August. Last October the culmination of almost a year of knitting was celebrated when four churches hosted the creative displays, called Bible Yarns. St Anne’s Church at and St Barnabas at Warmley Keynsham had knitted displays depicting the Parables and Miracles, while St James at Mangotsfield told the story of Jesus’ birth, and St Mary’s at Bitton had a display showing the Town council votes Crucifixion and Resurrection. The project was organised by Mary Webb, from St Anne’s Church, who says there is the chance to see the scenes down community again, massed together, at the Cathedral from 1st to 20th toilet proposal August. There will also be some new knitted characters. Keynsham Town Council voted down a At last week’s town council meeting, one proposal from Liberal Democrat member of the public who had registered to councillors to oversee a community toilet address the council on the issue had to wait scheme, claiming it was closed for new 90 minutes for their opportunity, only to be projects for the next six months. barred from doing so before the decision As we reported in Issue 528, councillors Hal was taken to reject the motion. MacFie and David Brassington tabled a Following the council meeting, Hal MacFie motion at last week’s meeting, calling on the said: “It is disappointing that the town council to adopt a scheme similar to one in council was not willing to go ahead with this Frome. simple, low-cost, low-risk proposal that Retail and commercial businesses on the would benefit Keynsham residents directly. High Street could signal their willingness I will now take the proposal to the for members of the public to use their toilet Keynsham Business Forum where I hope for facilities without making a purchase by a less bureaucratic reception. displaying a sticker and addresses of “I will be pressing Keynsham Town Council participating outlets published on the to publish details of its claimed crowded council website. programme.”

Keynsham No butts – protect our wildlife Keynsham Wombles were this week distributing specially made ashtrays to cafes and pubs in the town with outside spaces, carrying a message asking everyone to protect wildlife by disposing of their cigarette butts responsibly. They have been made for the Wombles by Banwell Pottery in a project sponsored by the town council. you feel able to help pick up litter in a small The Wombles are volunteers who work to area near your home or work in Keynsham, reduce the amount of litter on the streets. If email [email protected]

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 7 Siston Anger at volume of traffic Residents in Siston have Lane, particularly in the met with local MP Chris morning and evening rush Skidmore and the leader hours. of South The 620 bus service run by Council to discuss the Stagecoach, is officially volume and speed of diverting via Siston Lane traffic using the lane during the closure though, through their village. but it doesn’t stop there. Locals say things have got And although Siston Lane is worse on Siston Lane since unclassified and has a 7.5 Road, which links tonne weight restriction, Wick and Pucklechurch, that does not stop big lorries closed last month for major using it, say locals. Concerned Siston residents drainage works. The project The village is a designated is expected to take up to conservation area and A few years ago, after much and council leader Toby horseback for safety reasons nine months to complete. Siston Lane is narrow and petitioning, a 40mph speed Savage for immediate relief although her friend Chloe Although the official twisting with sharp bends. limit, was introduced on in Siston Lane from the rat Hayward, pictured, does diversion route on the Documents on South Glos Siston Lane but local run which is ruining the still ride out in the lane. council’s website is via the Council’s website relating resident Zillah Savage says daily lives of residents who And Sami Ball, who lives in A420 and ring road, B4465 to the conservation area it is still “catastrophically try and use the lane on foot, the village, has a young son and Road, state the importance of dangerous”. cycle, horseback, etc.” but feels it is too unsafe to many vehicles are taking a restricting traffic volume She told us this week: “We Mrs Savage says the lane is walk him in his pram to short cut through Siston and speed through the area. asked Chris Skidmore MP currently off limit for her on Puddleducks nursery even

8 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 using conservation village though it is just up the road. along Siston Lane, whilst an subject to a 40mph speed A official signed diversion limit introduced in January Council spokesperson told route is in operation for 2014. Since that time, mean The Week In: “Residents general traffic via the average speeds surveyed at have raised concerns about B4465, Westerleigh Road, various points along the the speed and volume of the A4174 and the A420. route have been found to be traffic using Siston Lane Despite this, there have 35mph or less. A 7.5 tonne since Abson Road was been reports from local weight limit (except for closed in May for important residents of additional access and loading), is also drainage works, which will traffic using Siston Lane, in operation. Permanent be ongoing for several which runs roughly parallel signs warning of the months. with Abson Road. possible presence of “We had previously agreed “Siston Lane typically vulnerable road users have with the bus operator to carries around 3,000 been in place at either end of divert the 620 bus service vehicles per day and is the route for several years. There have been no are programmed to be includes work starting in recorded injury accidents on carried out in the next few Bitton on 2nd July which Siston Lane since weeks, and the results will will involve road closures November 2013. be compared with all of the starting in August, and work “Our engineers have visited existing data we hold.” on the A431 at . site several times to monitor The council says further The other projects are the the route, and as a result road closures will be A420 High Street at Wick, additional temporary necessary in the future as it Beckspool Road in warning signs were erected continues work on several , the B4058 High earlier this month. In drainage improvement Street in Winterbourne, the addition, the temporary projects as part of the B4058 Bagstone; Church priority signs which were £3.65m it and Bristol City Road, Chapel Road & Camp initially placed either side of Council have received from Road in Oldbury on Severn; St Anne’s Bridge have been the Government’s Oldbury Lane in Thornbury removed. Further traffic Challenge Fund. As we and Scotland Lane between speed and volume surveys reported last week, that Stockwood and Brislington.

SUNDAY Sudoku CHEMISTS Sunday 24th 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 20th June 2018 9 LETTERS Goodbye Keynsham! hit the nail on the head in this regard, it comes to defending bus services, that ‘merry go round’ starting and Dear Sir though curiously in effect agreeing, bus operators are there for the benefit terminating at the church to connect Living as I do on the edge of Bath, I without realising it, with Curtis’ call for of people like him. residents to the fast services seems had shopped for many years in more public funding to support buses The article in your publication which sensible - like the late night 349. Keynsham. A lovely little town with serving Keynsham. seemed to upset him was perfectly This would provide the residents of independent shops, butchers, Attached to these moves seems to be an clear. 3% of passengers travel to the Keynsham good access to regular bus greengrocers, bakers, newsagents, a idea that reversion to a two-way High airport from Keynsham while the other services that currently bypass regular farmers’ market and cheap Street will solve the trading position of 97% have to suffer longer journeys, not Keynsham, such as the X39 or parking. Loads better for me than Bath. some of the shops on the High Street. only by going through Keynsham, but rumoured services to soon bypass I encouraged others to shop there too Which ones are they that two-way also its one-way system. By contrast, Keynsham, such as the Air Decker for all the above reasons, but now that’s traffic will help? Is it not a simple fact there is a healthy supply of local service. over. Keynsham has become a memory. that ‘High Street’ shopping provision customers benefitting from the A4 and I think the council should at least The one-way system was bad enough – throughout the UK is radically using their concessionary travel cards. support a feasibility study, they pass clogging up Avon Mill Lane and changing? The company receives 92p for each of close by. Seems like a good opportunity causing queues on Bath Hill, but now The idea that this change can be these passengers from the council – less and one we’re missing. the A4 is backed up to Saltford and the stopped in Keynsham’s High Street by than 10% of what a tourist pays to catch Richard Hopkins, Keynsham A4175 (Keynsham Road from having Curtis’ buses blundering both the bus from Bath to the airport. Willsbridge) is at a standstill for traffic up and down it seems not only Mr Farthing and all the other extraordinarily naïve but fails to engage concessionary fare customers can moan Thanks everyone! and looks to continue to be with three Dear Becky with strategic joined-up thinking for the as much as they like but they would be (it is REALLY to be three?) sets of On behalf of the Siston & Warmley long-term development of the Heart of foolish to dismiss the economics as an traffic lights in 100 yards. Community Garden Group, I would Keynsham as a social and cultural hub idle threat. If they want a decent bus So sorry Keynsham, I’ll be shopping in like to publicly thank everyone who serving the whole of its existing and its service between Bristol and Bath, I Moorland Road in Bath from now on. I helped make the recent signal box upcoming new residents. suggest they address their concerns to hope the locals use the independent celebration such a success - the Perhaps the Lib Dems mean that, their local B&NES councillors – the shops sufficiently to keep them volunteers who gave up their time in subject to some sort of referendum, same people responsible for the one- trading... after all, no one else can get the months leading up to the event and they would support the full way problem in the first place. there. on the day; the businesses who donated pedestrianisation of the High Street? D James Mrs L Owen prizes or offered up car parking; the Terry Edwards stallholders who seemed to have a Keynsham resident A naïve view Link to the bypass fantastic day and gave generously; and Dear Stephen Dear Sir to all the members of the public who I am not sure what exactly the Lib Dem Concerns need to be OK, so a potential solution to the bus came out to support the local Party political proposal (Issue 529) for raised with council issues we face in Keynsham. The community event. the High Street actually involves, other Dear Sir bypass runs pretty close to the High The weather and the Spitfire fly-past than it seems to envisage reversion to a I was bemused by the letter from Street as the crow flies - surely the were the icing on the cake. two-way traffic flow in the High Street Stephen Farthing about the A4 Airport solution is to put a bus stop accessed All money raised will go towards the in keeping with Martin Curtis’ assertion bus in which he berates its MD for not via the park or steps from Station Road Signal Box and upkeep and (Issue 528) that the A4 bus will be cut heeding an earlier letter in your pages bridge on the bypass? preservation for future generations. unless it can blunder both up and down from the same author. Conscious that we need to provide safe Ian Adams the High Street. He seems to think that apart from being access for disabled/elderly /pushchairs Siston & Warmley Community Mr Farthing (Issue 529) seems to have the self-confessed caped crusader when but a bus stop that is serviced by a Garden Group

10 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 LETTERS The last straw policy. They advised me that I could so close to our homes. polarised than at any time in living Dear Sir only use the highway if I use the access I would hope that other such memory. Even ten years on, the fallout I read with interest about the new provided for pedestrian use. developments are not being ‘rushed’ from the 2008 financial crash lingers; footpath to deter lorry drivers from This leaves me with no alternative but though planning to the detriment of the bailing out the banks at huge expense to hitting the new wall opposite to use public transport or a taxi to visit well-being of the local community. the rest of society has left too little in Keynsham Station (Letters, Issue 529) my doctor, shopping or visit my bank. Stephen Johnson the pot to provide decent public and how difficult it was for ladies with Robert C Davis Tower Road North resident services or even to maintain our high heels to walk across the area now crumbling infrastructure. in place. Residents were not Could you be a A fundamentally unfair taxation system It seems madness has got into the heads Rainbow leader? has most hurt those least able to look consulted after themselves, while allowing the of the planners working for the council. Dear Editor Hello all at The Week In better off to continue to accumulate First, they mess up the roads through I wish to draw readers’ attention to an I'm hoping you can help me out. We wealth. The poor get poorer and the the town centre, now they have article in the 6th June’s edition of The currently have a Rainbow unit (that's rich get richer. Levels of debt across continued their crackpot ideas around Week In regarding Chancerygate the five to seven-year-olds) that are in society are dangerously high. the new junction to the railway station development company being given need of a new leader. Their current House prices are unsustainably high, and the new housing estate. Remove planning permission by South leader has been running the group for a and the younger generation in the existing footpath by installing Gloucestershire Council for 14 number of years but due to health particular see diminishing chances of deterring paving to stop lorries from industrial units in Tower Road North, issues is needing to take a step back. getting a foot on the housing ladder hitting the wall. Warmley. Without her, or someone in her place, until much later than their parents Those who manage the crackpots who The article reported that the council’s we are going to have to close the unit. could. Student loans, sparse pension thought up this scheme should put economic development team had stated We currently have hundreds of girls on provision and an increasingly themselves in the same position as that: “Although there are residential our waiting lists to join Keynsham; as fragmented economy with too many those less fortunate than themselves. properties on the other side of Tower the town grows, so do our waiting lists poorly paid and insecure jobs make For many years there has only been one Road North (opposite the site) these are (!!) and with only three units open at things worse. As the recent Resolution footpath along this stretch of road and a reasonable distance from the the moment, we are loathe to close one Foundation report highlighted, now they put the possible damage to proposed site and no objection has been and add more to our waiting lists. intergenerational fairness has the retaining wall above the safety of received from the residents.” This is where I hope you can help. I'm collapsed. And to cap it all, the Brexit those who need a safe passage to and I am one of those residents and have looking for a way to let the local vote and ensuing debate has proved from Keynsham town. I would not received no communication from South community of Keynsham (and further deeply divisive and polarising. normally complain but this is the last Gloucestershire Council regarding the afield) know we need help, and what As Liberal Democrats, we believe straw. scheme. I have spoken to neighbours opportunities there are as a Girlguiding passionately in a fair society with As an elderly disabled gentleman who who also confirm they have not been leader. My email address for people to decent prospects and opportunities for is unable to walk very far, I need my contacted by the council. contact me is keynsham all. We are committed to building buggy to get around. Now to take my The only reason I know of the proposal [email protected] bridges between communities and to life in my hands to do what I have done for the 14 units is work related. I am a Kim Pounsberry helping those most in need. We want for many years. Being restricted in local businessman and was contacted Communications volunteer for fair taxation and a return to the caring, using this public right of way, I asked by Chancerygate asking me if I was Keynsham District tolerant society we used to be. the insurance company who insure me interested in leasing one of their units. I Duncan Hounsell, Saltford and my buggy if I am insured to take am disappointed that neither myself nor Divided, we fail Alastair Singleton, Chewton my buggy on the public highway, as it my neighbours were consulted by the Dear Editor Keynsham is restricted to pavement use on my council on such a major development Our society is more divided and more

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 11 Mangotsfield ‘Help us make next year’s festival even better’ The Mangotsfield Festival dance. committee are striving to Committee have thanked Chris Amos from the return it to being. everyone who came along to organising committee said: “However, the committee support the annual event on “The weather was more than know there is always room Saturday 9th June - and are kind to us and the feedback for improvement. We are asking for feedback so that we had at the gate on the way grateful to those acts who they can make next year’s out was generally very stepped in at the last minute even better. positive - lots of smiling faces to cover gaps in our arena As well as the procession, and comments of ‘It was programme through last much-loved regular such as good’ and ‘It felt more like a minute ‘hitches’ of various entertainer Del Boy, circus family event’ which is what sorts. skills, the dog show and it's supposed to be and the “We’d love to hear what you performances from local primary schools, there were some new additions, think, both good and bad, so interested in helping to including model hot air please get in touch by email arrange next year’s festival, balloons, a display about to yourviews@mangotsfield email committee@mangots Mangotsfield’s history and a festival.co.uk” fieldfestival.co.uk demonstration by the Bristol The festival is organised and And the festival awards branch of the Taoist Tai Chi run by a small, dedicated grants to local voluntary Society of Great Britain. team of volunteers who organisations to support their The event drew to a close would welcome additional work in the community. with tribute bands The Two helpers, either to get involved Anyone is welcome to apply Beatles and Nuttyness in the organisation and – visit https://www.mangots (Madness) who got many planning throughout the year fieldfestival.co.uk/communit people up on their feet to or on the day itself. If you are y-award/ Crossword Saltford ACROSS DOWN Litter 1. Capital of 2. Actor's part (4) pick Belgium (8) 3. Cosily (6) Saltford Wombles’ next 6. Finest (4) 4. Self-conceit (6) monthly litter pick is this 8. Pair (3) 5. Male deer (4) Sunday (24th June) from 9. Eye disease (8) 6. Spanish dance (6) 2.30pm to 4.30pm, 10. Portion of bread (4) 7. Large prawns (6) meeting at The Bird In 12. Cut drastically (5) 11. Experiment (5) Hand car park. 14. Symbolic 12. Diving apparatus (5) The focus for the litter diagram (5) 13. Mayhem (5) pick will be the riverside 17. Slightly 14. Wildebeest (3) paths and The Shallows. indecent (4) 15. Assumed name (5) If you have litter pickers 18. Flowering tree (8) 16. Harbour (5) and gloves you are asked 20. Insulating to bring them, but if not material (8) 19. Burnt remains (3) they can be provided. 24. Behalf (4) 21. Safe (6) Bags have been 25. Lead (5) 22. Bodyguard (6) provided by B&NES 23. Irony (6) 26. Enclosures (5) Council. 29. Unarmed combat 24. Choose (6) If you would like to take sport (4) 27. Developing insect (4) part, know more about 30. Cosmos (8) 28. Soviet Union (init.) (4) joining or how to adopt 31. Knock (3) your street, email Jo at 32. Dexterous (4) saltfordwombles@gmail 33. Opening (8) .com

12 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 13 Charity set up in memory of Joel passes £85k mark More than £85,000 has down dale. year.” been raised so far in “Some of the Keynsham You can donate to at memory of little Joel under 10s football team https://uk.virginmoneygivin Prince from Longwell were part of our group and g.com/Team/MuddyTeamJ Green who lost his battle their parents, and they have OEL against a very rare cancer. been collecting sponsorship Joel was diagnosed with an The most recent fundraising too. So, a big thank you to aggressive atypical event to raise money for them. teratoid/rhabdoid tumour on research and clinical trials “Our fundraising target was his spine in July 2014 when into spinal atypical set at £500 but was soon he was two years and two teratoid/rhabdoid tumours raised to £1,000 and I am so months old. He underwent Team JOEL & Mini Team JOEL was held earlier this month pleased we have already nine sessions of in Bath. gone beyond this target chemotherapy, one every recovered and finally came deteriorated rapidly and an Joel’s mum Mel Abrahams without having collected all two weeks, and six weeks of home following a clear MRI scan revealed two said: “We had an excellent the donations yet. We are radiotherapy under general result from an MRI scan. more tumours. He passed time at the Mud Kids event probably looking closer to anaesthetic Monday to The family had a wonderful away at home on 25th in and were absolutely filthy £2,000. Friday. Christmas together and Joel January 2015. by the end. “This is the largest Team On the eighth cycle of was doing well and had There is another fundraising “The day was a complete JOEL since the start of the chemotherapy he developed started to crawl again, as event for the Starlight Fund success with 24 kids aged Joel Prince Starlight Fund in a serious lung condition and well as standing and taking on the August Bank Holiday two to 14 and 14 adults on February 2015 and we have spent nearly two weeks in a few steps. at ‘Swinefest’, a weekend of Mini Team JOEL and Team raised just over £85,000. I intensive care. He slowly Then in the mid-January he music and family fun as JOEL doing a 3km muddy would love to have reached well a hog roast and beer obstacle course up and £100,000 by the end of the festival at The Swan pub at Swineford. Mel has some great prizes lined up for a national raffle being drawn at Swinefest but says she is still in search of “that extra special prize”. If any company can donate something really great, her email address is abrahamsmelanie@hotmail. Mel with Joel com

Keynsham Cheese tour and tasting Members of Keynsham WI visited the award-winning Bath Soft Cheese Company at Kelston last Thursday. Cheesemaking has been taking place at Park Farm for three generations and Graham Padfield, the owner, was happy to explain all the processes to members. After a tour, members were able to sample all the cheeses and then enjoy lunch and a drink.

14 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 15 16 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 17 18 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Kingswood Have your say on fun day The Friends of Kingswood entry event as “awesome” music and performances, Bjorn to Rock. whether events like this Park, who organised the and have thanked everyone multi sports, stalls and The Friends rely on funding build a stronger community, family fun day on 10th June, who came along. stands. Topping the bill to be able to put on events if people think more events have described the free There were activities, live were the Abba tribute band on this scale and say their are needed and what their backers want to know how it favourite thing about the went. The event had day was. There is also the financial support from the chance to leave comments. Big Lottery Fund and the Have your say at Asda Foundation. https://www.surveymonkey. A survey asks people co.uk/r/6LYTGHP

ADVERTISING FEATURE 54a Hair & Beauty in Hanham - an award-winning salon 54a Hair & Beauty on Hanham High Street is the recipient of two 5-star awards. Not only does it have a 5* rating in the independent Good Salon Guide, it also has a 5* award for customer satisfaction from Phorest, an independent salon online booking system. The Phorest Client Experience Award is based on reviews that clients post after they leave the salon and purely reflects the experiences clients have had in the salon. 54a Hair & Beauty is owned by Sharon Ball and opened two years ago in the former Aphrodite salon. Staff and Moroccanoil, and is an official stockist of management have completely changed, GHD hair straighteners. and the salon has undergone a stylish Client care and satisfaction is at the heart refurbishment. The salon is managed by of the business, which is going from Freya who heads up a team of two full- strength to strength. The team give a time hairdressers, an apprentice and two friendly welcome to clients of all ages and beauty therapists, with another hair stylist offer a special 10% discount to NHS staff due to start soon. Clients can take on every visit. New clients can take advantage of two hours’ free parking very advantage of a 20% discount off their first close by. hair appointment - see advert for details. The salon uses only top quality products, Look out for more special offers on the including Redken, Wella, Olaplex and salon website.

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 19 South Glos B&NES Petition urges council to rethink taxi policy Plea for An e-petition is calling on believe that they have be unable to manage a cars than prospective volunteers South Gloucestershire voted this through with heavy wheelchair, thus wheelchair customers Age UK B&NES is looking Council to rethink its total disregard for the forcing them out of work. requesting a WAV; this for volunteers who enjoy decision that all hackney drivers, the passengers and “These forced changes decision will be working with older people. The charity provides services carriages need to be the market in South Glos. will lead to much higher discriminatory against to older people across the area wheelchair accessible The market for wheelchair fares in South Glos. How them. and relies heavily on the vehicles. access in South Glos is many hackneys actually “In South Glos, the goodwill of local people through volunteering and The online petition has limited and the percentage add the extras for cases, number of hackney donations. been created by Sharon of cars that are WAV animals, numbers of carriages is already far There are more than 200 Shaw, from -based PJ already far exceeds the passengers, etc.? Many lower than the number of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Cabs Ltd who says that percentage of reliant reduce the metered fare to private hire vehicles. With As well as opportunities in from April 2019, the wheelchair users.” the nearest 0.50 or £. This this new rule penalising Bath, Chew Valley and council has voted through It continues: “As a would all need to change. hackney drivers, the Midsomer Norton, helpers are urgently needed to join the day changes to taxi policy collective, we believe this “Disabilities come in percentage will drop much centre team in Keynsham on against the advice and change to policy is many guises, not just further and in an already Tuesdays or Fridays. wishes of the majority of discriminatory for so many wheelchair-reliant rural county, hailing a cab Contact volunteer deve- lopment co-ordinator Chris the district’s hackney reasons, not least for customers. Far more from the rank or roadside Hart on 01225 466135 or drivers. disabled drivers, who in elderly and infirm will become a thing of the emavolunteering@ageukbanes The petition says: “We many circumstances will customers request saloon past.” .co.uk to find out more.

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20 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Pharmacist shortlisted for national award A Kingswood pharmacy the surgery. Sadik paramedics on Doug’s Sadik Al-Hassan manager who went above immediately recognised condition and the medicines and beyond by helping a Doug and as there was no he takes, and even arranged heart attack patient has doctor available to assist, he a copy of the patient’s been shortlisted for a took charge of the situation. medical notes and national award. He asked Doug a number of medications for the hospital Sadik Al-Hassan, manager critical questions to staff. at the Well pharmacy at determine the cause of his Doug was extremely Lodgeside Surgery, was at illness and was able to grateful to Sadik, and the the surgery desk one day deduce he was having a surgery reception team when a regular patient heart attack. Sadik called an wrote the Well branch a called Doug, who had ambulance and waited with thank you note to praise recently lost his wife and Doug, who was in Sadik for his help in a time mother, and who has considerable pain, of need. significant mental and comforting him and Sadik is now in line for an physical health problems, reassuring him, until it Above and Beyond Award arrived. arrived. in the Chemist + Druggist Doug had collapsed outside Doug refused a wheelchair Awards 2018. The winner July. councillor, representing his front door and his so Sadik carried him to the will be announced at a As well as being a pharmacy Lyde Green on Emersons neighbour had driven him to ambulance. He then briefed ceremony in London on 4th manager, Sadik is a Green Town Council.

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 21 22 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Fishponds man jailed for arson A Fishponds man has been Detective Carl Spicer jailed for an arson attack explained: “Once the double- on a flat in Staple Hill while glazed window smashed, the occupants were asleep Smith threw a bottle inside. containing more petrol into Alan Smith, 55 of Briar Way, the flat. Fortunately it did not was convicted of arson ignite but petrol was strewn reckless as to endanger life across the bedroom. and at Bristol Crown Court “Smith only stopped last Wednesday he was jailed throwing petrol into the flat for five years and 10 months. once his own hand caught on The court heard how at about fire and he left a burnt glove 4am on 7th December last at the location as he ran away.” Smith left a number of other Fire damage at the block of flats petrol bombs at the location which he did not throw. bomb was located at the rear the preparation for this flat and those in surrounding Fortunately both occupants of the address. attack. He attended the flats. It was only luck that the were able to escape and no Det Spicer said: “Despite the location at a time when fire did not take hold. one was injury during the ongoing feud between Smith people would have been “Smith showed a complete incident. and the occupant of the flat, sleeping and took with him a lack of self-control and his Smith later left the Bristol there was no justification for large number a petrol bombs. actions could have resulted area and avoided police this deliberate act of undue “There was enough in devastating effects. attempts to locate him. recklessness. combustible material within “I hope that this sentence Alan Smith During a search of his home “A considerable amount of the flat that it could’ve easily shows the public that it is address, a further petrol time and planning went into resulted in fatal never acceptable to take the year, Smith drove to Nelson consequences for those in the law into your own hands.” House Flats in Staple Hill with a number of homemade petrol bombs. He targeted a particular ground-floor flat as he had an ongoing feud with someone living there. He threw the petrol bombs at the bedroom window while the occupants slept and the window frame and inner net curtain were engulfed in flames. One of the petrol bombs

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The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 23 Hanham Emersons Green Guide dogs bought Summer fair in by customers’ donations visit store the High Street Staff from Sainsbury’s at Emersons Green are pictured The first Hanham High Street Summer asked for their help to organise one in the with the two guide dogs - Toffee and Flossie - bought Fair will be held next month. summer. We love Hanham and it's fantastic with donations from customers. The not-for-profit event is being organised to give something back to the local Guide Dogs was the store’s Charity of the Year by volunteers from the Hanham Business & community." 2016/2017. The pair are doing well with their training and will soon Community Partnership. The fair will be free to attend and will take be with their new owners. Newcomers to the street Nicola and Carl at place on the High Street on Saturday 14th At present there is a voting station in the store where Eclectic Gift Shop have been working with July from 2pm to 5pm. There will be market customers can vote for the 2018/2019 Charity of the 54a Hair & Beauty, John Wood's Cycle and street food stalls, funfair rides for Year. The top three are Alzheimer’s Research UK, UK Repair Centre, Chris Skidmore MP’s office children and entertainment for the whole Sepsis Trust and Children’s Hospice South West. staff and Flawless Nails & Beauty to family. organise the free community event. There is a limited number of spaces left for Nicola said: "I was so impressed with the local traders so if you would Christmas Fair organised by the Hanham like a stall, email Carl at hanhamhigh Business & Community Partnership that I [email protected]

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24 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Big fall in the number of accidents on South Glos roads There were significantly fewer who is involved. the number of accidents on accidents on South This data is used to target spending Tenniscourt Road in Kingswood Gloucestershire’s roads in 2017 on areas where injury accidents since traffic was introduced. There than the previous year, according occur most often and on the most were five accidents in three years to the latest data available. vulnerable road users, such as before and none in three years after. The figures are obtained from police children, pedestrians, cyclists, and And since a ‘No Entry’ sign was accident reports which show the motorcycle riders. It is also used to introduced on the A420 Homeapple total casualty figure for 2017 was monitor the effectiveness of these Hill/Cann Lane junction at 447 - down 22 per cent reduction on interventions. , meaning vehicles can Tennis Court Road the 2016 figure of 571. The total Examples of recent road safety only come out of Cann Lane, not number of fatal casualties on the engineering interventions, based on turn in to it, there have been no children, cyclists and motorcycle district’s roads was eight, serious accident monitoring figures, include accidents in three years. There had riders. Each year the team provides casualties 34, and slight casualties traffic signal improvements at the been four accidents in three years road safety training sessions to 405, which takes the total figure to A4017 Bromley Heath Road/ prior to the change. thousands of people throughout 447. Cleeve Wood Road. Whereas there The council has a team actively South Gloucestershire including The council says it continually were five accidents in the three delivering a wide range of education Bikeability cycle training, monitors police reports to identify years before the changes, there were and training services to vulnerable pedestrian training, motorcycle where people are injured on South two in the three years after. road users who are most likely to be training and a driver refresher Gloucestershire’s road network, and There has also been a reduction in involved in accidents, such as course for the over 60s.

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 25 Bitton Wine tasting at Avon Valley Railway A showcase of the best of English will be presenting their range of gins and vineyards takes place tomorrow evening fruit liqueurs. Bath Soft Cheese and Pong (Thursday) at the heritage railway in Cheese will be serving their locally Bitton. produced cheeses. Roger Eynon, the event organiser, said, The three-hour tasting is from 6pm to 9pm. “English wine has become more and more Tickets cost £15 which includes tastings popular in recent years and this will be a from the suppliers as well as cheese and unique opportunity to taste a really wide crackers, etc. The station’s buffet will be selection of English still and sparkling open serving hot and cold food. wines. We’ll be welcoming vineyards from Tickets (for over 18s only) are available all over the country, including several local from www.avonvalleyrailway.org or by producers.” calling the booking office on 0117 932 In addition to more than 20 wines and 5538. bubbles, Bramley and Gage, producers of The event is in aid of the Avon Valley premium English gins (based in Thornbury), Railway Heritage Trust.

Hanham Abbots Plea for volunteer dog wardens Hanham Abbots Parish Council is asking if South Gloucestershire Council’s dog there are any residents who are willing to warden team along with a welcome become volunteer dog wardens to help pack which includes information about the tackle the problem of owners who still find role and posters to put up in the themselves unable to unwilling to clean up neighbourhood. after their pets on pavements and in open Email the parish council clerk Claire spaces. Dolman on [email protected] if Volunteers will be given training through you are interested in finding out more.

Mobile speed camera locations Here are the locations in our area where you can expect to see police mobile speed cameras this week (starting 18th June).

Bath & North East Somerset: In Keynsham on Queens Road, Charlton Park, Charlton Road, Wellsway, Chandag Road and Albert Road; in Saltford on Bath Road and Norman Road; on the A431 Kelston Road; on the A37 at Pensford Hill; on the A39 at Farmborough and Marksbury.

Bristol: In Fishponds on Thicket Avenue; in Brislington on the A4174 Callington Road, Wick Road and Talbot Road; on the A37 at Hengrove and the A4174 at Hengrove Way; in St George on Nags Head Hill, Air Balloon Road and the Kingsway; in Whitchurch on Whitchurch Lane and Hazelbury Road; also on Stockwood Lane.

South Gloucestershire: On the A431 Bath Road at Bitton and Swineford; at Mill Lane in Oldland; in Court Farm Road at Longwell Green; in Hanham on Abbots Road; on the A420 at Wick and Warmley; in Kingswood on Court Road and Tenniscourt Road.

26 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Farmborough Keynsham St John’s New community shop to opens its doors Church fete After six years of planning and the purchase of shares. St John’s Church fete takes place this Saturday fundraising, Farmborough Community Local products will be lining the shelves, afternoon (23rd June) on the grass around the church Shop is finally set to open its doors for the alongside brand-name favourites and basic from 2pm to 4.30pm and there will be something for all first time on Saturday 30 June at 10am. essentials to set it apart from other the family. Manager Chris Bullock will be running it convenience stores and supermarkets. Local The children’s corner will include face painting and a bouncy castle, and there will again be the chance to alongside volunteers from the local area to producers already confirmed to supply the bring your teddy bear to ride the zip wire from the very support both Farmborough and surrounding shop include Tunley Farm Butchers, Willow top of the tower down to the ground, and for your bear communities by providing groceries and Farm Gourmet, Timmy’s Chillies, and to receive a certificate at the end of the ride. local produce, a coffee shop and takeaway Maisey’s Bakery whose bread has been Visitors will also have the chance to climb the church plus a village hub and meeting space. much missed in the village since the bakery tower to enjoy the view across the town. The new building is behind Farmborough moved out to Radstock in 2012. There will be stalls including books, unwanted gifts and Memorial Hall. More than £135,000 has Provisional opening hours will be Monday plants, and food will be served outside and teas and been raised through grants and donations, to Friday 8am to 6.30pm and 10am to 1pm cakes will be available n the parish hall. including £83,072 through the LEADER on Saturday. It is hoped to extend the There will also be music from a local jazz band, as well programme, £30,000 from the Prince’s weekday opening hours and also open on as the chance to win raffle prizes. Countryside Fund, and £10,000 from Blue Sundays in the future if more volunteers Cedar Homes. come forward. Contact Chris Bullock on And more than £28,000 has been received 01761 470 811 or email volunteer@farm Mangotsfield from local residents and businesses through boroughshop.co.uk Talk at old station As part of the local campaign to promote Mangotsfield, Cllr Michael Bell has arranged for a speaker to give a talk on the history of Mangotsfield railway station. This will be held within the old station on Monday 9th July, starting at 6.30pm. Parking is available on Rodway Common and a footpath leads down into the station area. A small charge will be made to cover the expenses of the speaker. To find out more call Cllr Bell on 0787 563 1817 or email [email protected]

The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 27 North Stoke South Glos Churchyard wall Tea, Talk and Stories If you enjoy listening to a good story, like meeting with restored and blessed friends and having a cuppa and some biscuits, then ‘Tea, Talk and Stories’ might be just the thing for you. The churchyard at North Stoke has Informal and welcoming groups meet at South been transformed by work carried Gloucestershire libraries. out to the dry stone wall by the The groups can be found at Staple Hill Library on Cotswold Voluntary Warden service. Mondays from 1:30pm to 3pm and Tuesdays from The wall at St Martin’s Church had 10.30am to noon; at Cadbury Heath Library on collapsed in many places and has Tuesdays from 10.30am to noon; at Emersons Green now been skilfully rebuilt by the Library on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm (term time volunteers. only, starting on 26th June); at Library on Last month, following a service of Tuesdays from 11.30am to 1pm; and at Kingswood Holy Communion, the wall was Library on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm. blessed by the rector the Rev Mark If you want to know more, ask at your local library. Searle. The church is open every day and on a clear day visitors can enjoy Whitchurch wonderful views right across to South Wales. Unity Singers in concert Keynsham Whitchurch United Reformed Church will be hosting an evening of entertainment by the Unity Singers on Friday Choir leader wanted (22nd June) at 7.30pm at the church on the Wells Road. There will be a variety of music and during the interval, St Francis Church in Keynsham is looking “We are seeking a person who shares our light refreshments will be available. for a new choir leader to lead and develop its enthusiasm and who is able to combine both Tickets cost £5 each and are available by phoning either enthusiastic choir. traditional hymns and modern songs in 01275 5418785 or 0777 944 3435, or you can turn up The person needs to be able to play the worship. We also see music as a and pay at the door. piano, take the weekly practice and attend means of development and outreach for our Everyone is invited to come along and help to raise the morning service. church.” money for the church organ fund. There will also be a “This is a key role within our church For details about the post visit donation to St Peter’s Hospice. community,” says the Rev Andrew Judge, www.keynshamparish.org.uk/st-francis- Plenty of parking is available behind the church. vicar at St Francis. church/ Sudoku Solutions Crossword Solution 1-Easy 2-Hard

28 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 Service Directory

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The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018 31 32 The Week in • Wednesday 20th June 2018