The Week in East Bristol & North East Somerset

FREE Issue no 445 20th October 2016 Read by over 30,000 people every week

In this week’s issue ...... Use or lose new bus service . . page 6 Transport forum warning over new 19a route

Sir Bernard Lovell honoured . . pages 12 & 13 Special day in for radio astronomer

Safety concerns over Keynsham crossing . page 15 Bath Hill courtesy crossing is confusing, say residents 2 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 'Clowns' terrify youngsters at youth club The current craze of people dressing and behaving in an anti- social and threatening way has come to the Hanham and Keynsham area. Last Wednesday night police were called to Hanham Youth Club after two 'clowns' frightened the young people enjoying themselves there. Sandy Hore-Ruthven, chief executive of Creative Youth Network, which runs the club, said it had been Year 7 night at the club and there were lots of young people inside at the time. “Two people, we don't know who, turned up with the intention of valuable police resources are also being used, potentially frightening the young people which they duly did. We called the impacting on our capacity to respond to other more serious police.” incidents.” It is understood the clowns did not enter the club itself but Anyone with information can report it to via frightened the youngsters by appearing at the windows. www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us/tell-us-something Mr Hore-Ruthven added: “We take this seriously. The people behind this may think it is fun but it is not funny for a lot of young people.” The so-called 'killer clown' craze began in America. There have also been reports on social media in recent days of 'clowns' hanging around in Keynsham, and claims that some have had BB guns (air guns that shoot pellets). Other people dressed as clowns have been spotted in . Mr Hore-Ruthven said the clowns in Hanham were not brandishing weapons as far as youth club leaders were aware. Police say they have received several reports of people dressed as clowns and behaving in an anti-social and threatening manner following a number of similar incidents across the country. Inspector Julie Knight, of the Local Policing Directorate, said: “We don't want to stop people enjoying themselves but we'd like to ask people to consider how their behaviour will affect others. “These incidents can potentially be very distressing and frightening for those involved and we are taking all reports made to us seriously. “Anyone involved in intimidating or threatening behaviour may well end up committing an offence, being arrested and having a criminal record and we'd urge them to think carefully about the consequences of their actions. “We're aware of a number of social media groups raising concerns about this type of behaviour and we'd ask people to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to report anything they are worried about to us. “We'd also like to remind people that in dealing with these issues

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 3 EXCLUSIVE New venue for 'Huge disruption' coming when Structural maintenance work on the viaduct at Bromley Parkinson's group Heath will mean the complete closure of that section of the Dr Sophia Hulbert came to the September social morning of Avon Ring Road, bringing huge disruption for both the Bath & District branch of Parkinson's UK and highlighted motorists and local residents. the beneficial effects of music and dance on balance, The 52-week project is set to start in April but South posture, gait, flexibility, sociability and quality of life. Gloucestershire Council has yet to reveal how long the A4174 Social meetings are not just for people with Parkinson's and ring road at Bromley Heath will need to be closed to two-way their carers, but for anyone with an interest in helping in any traffic. one of the ways needed. This week it said it would be publicising details as soon as the The branch has a new venue at the Talbot Inn in Bath Road, plans are finalised. Keynsham, for social coffee mornings. There will be a A £15.5m grant from the Government's Challenge Fund is being meeting on Tuesday 25th October from 10am to noon and used for maintenance and improvement work on the ring road then on the last Tuesday of each month. between the A38 at and the A4 at Hicks Gate. This Contact Hazel Mitchell on 0117 3360476 to find out more. includes work on the carriageway, footpaths, cycleways and street lighting, as well as structural maintenance for the viaduct at Bromley Heath, Avon Valley Bridge and Filton subway. There are already huge traffic problems connected with the The Week in MetroBus works which were highlighted at 's Public Transport Forum last Monday. Bristol city councillor Lesley Alexander, who represents Frome Vale, told the meeting that there was “chaos” in her ward because of the Stoke Lane roadworks and some people were losing their jobs as a result of being so late to work, while children were not getting to school on time.

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

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

4 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 ring road closes completely at Bromley Heath Cllr Pat Hockey told the Forum that the Bromley Heath roadworks would bring “huge disruption” and it was important that people knew what was coming and what to do. The meeting heard that council officers are in discussion with bus operators about alternative routes. This week a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson told us: "Improvements to our road network are planned up until March 2018 across South Gloucestershire as part The ring road at Bromley Heath of the Challenge Fund. This includes resurfacing further sections of the A4174 ring road, which will weekend and night time closures where possible to reduce the involve further closures, and improvements to the A403 in impact on businesses and commuters whilst we carry out these Avonmouth. essential maintenance works. "An Item has been added to the agenda of the next Public “We are currently working on a programme of improvements for Transport Forum meeting in January to discuss the Challenge the Bromley Heath area, and will publicise details of this work Fund programme and provide updates on other major as soon as the plans are finalised.” infrastructure work in South Gloucestershire. “Over the last year we have carried out around 50,000m2 (an • The southbound carriageway of the A4174 is currently closed area covering almost seven football pitches) of resurfacing on overnight for maintenance from the Kingsfield Roundabout at the A4174 ring road with little disruption to commuter and Longwell Green to Avon Valley Bridge until the end of the business traffic. As with the previous work, we will utilise October. The road is fully open during the day and at weekends.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 5 'Use or lose bus services' People are being warned that they must “use or lose” bus service changes being brought in next month in the wake of public pressure. Last month bus company First' axed the 17a Southmead to Keynsham route and switched the route of the 37 Bristol to Bath service so instead of going through Bitton, and Kelston it turns off at Willsbridge and goes via Keynsham. There was an outcry about the changes and as a result First worked with South Gloucestershire Council to put on a short- term stop-gap - the 19b - to provide an hourly off-peak service from North Common to Keynsham and the Chandag Estate. From 14th November there will be a change to the 19 service ( to Bath via Bitton) so that one bus an hour will operate from Cadbury Heath via Oldland Common and Kenilworth Drive to Keynsham and then on to Bath via the A4 through Saltford and Newton St Loe. Numbered the 19a, it will be supported by South Glos Council. In turn this will allow the 37 to revert to its route along the A431 into Bath. At last Monday's meeting of the South Glos Public Transport Annual Candles of Forum, the council's transport operations manager Roy Steele Remembrance service said the “brutal message” to the public was that they must “use it or lose it” as there is funding for 18 months only and it could This year's Annual Candles of Remembrance Service will be held at Keynsham Methodist Church in High Street, on Saturday 12th not be subsidised beyond then. November, starting at 3pm. “It has to bear fruit very quickly,” he said. This is an opportunity to remember babies and children who have Letters, page 10 died, whatever the age, circumstances and whether the loss was recent or sometime ago. The service includes poems, music, prayers, songs, and a roll call of the children's names. After the service refreshments are served in the hall. Everyone is welcome.

Kingswood Arrest made in connection with robbery A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident in which a blind man was robbed in Kingswood in the early hours of Wednesday 14th September.

6 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 South Glos Have your say in second consultation on libraries As phase two of the libraries consultation gets under way, Save Hanham Library members were this week due to launch a “new and stronger campaign” against reduced staffing and the proposed introduction of a self-service system. The new plans from South Gloucestershire Council include a savings target reduced from £650,000 to £500,000, which means that staffed hours at libraries across the district would not be slashed by as much as previously anticipated. but less than the current 40 hours. And 'open access' technology that would mean extended She said: “There is an option for a request to parish councils to opening hours when no staff are on duty, potentially from fund extra staffed hours if the public want this and SHL will be 8.30am to 7.30pm, seven days a week (for all library users over pursuing this option further as we feel that there are no times in 16), is also being proposed. the week where Hanham Library isn't well used. There are no Investment in this Open Plus technology would cost up to events or activities which aren't highly valued. We don't want to £400,000 in one-off funding not available to spend annually on make this choice, we want to keep our library fully staffed and running costs. open at its current levels. And if there is a way this can be The council is proposing that libraries are divided into 'tiers' achieved, we will put pressure on our local councillors and MP based on their usage levels, arranged into geographic 'clusters' to ensure we get the service we need and value so highly.” to enable staffed hours to be coordinated at a local level and Hanham campaigners are also challenging the risk assessment given a staffed opening hours pattern which reflects local use. process for Open Plus as well as the openness and People are being asked to put forward which days and times transparency of the initial consultation as they believe open access should have been clearly explained to the public in the initial consultation document. They say it was barely mentioned at all, yet now it is the preferred and proposed way forward. Campaigners also believe the council is justifying future cuts in the small print of the proposals. The library service Q&A document mentions: “The hours may change depending on the outcome of the consultation. We will continue to review them in the future to reflect changing needs and demands within South Gloucestershire.” they want their libraries staffed. The consultation process will run until 2nd January. Full details Over the course of the year there has been widespread are available at www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges and opposition from library users across South Glos to the prospect consultation documents are available in all council libraries and of cuts, with the campaign in Hanham being one of the most One Stop Shops. There will be two public meetings to discuss high profile. Abi Unwin, from the Save Hanham Library (SHL) the proposals - at Library on Tuesday 1 November at 7pm team, said the proposal for Hanham is that staffed hours would and Kingswood Library on Thursday 7th November at 7pm. be 26 per week - more than the originally proposed 18 per week Letters, page 10

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 7 8 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 would no longer have to divert along Nurses' reunion a success Ashton Way. The system would be safer Dear Becky & Stephen, Letters and work better if traffic from the Tesco Thank you for including the information car park could only leave via Charlton about our Winford Orthopaedic Hospital How we can get a proper Road and could only enter the car park reunion in The Week In. You may be one-way system from Bristol Road. pleased to know the day was a noisy Dear Editor, Suggested One-Way Systems success with about 50 nurses attending. Thank you once again. I was surprised to read in your article in for Keynsham Town Centre last week's issue that the one-way traffic Mrs P McVeigh trial would in effect only have one-way Yate traffic on Keynsham High Street and that this would not apply to buses, taxis or bikes. The reason given was the cost of providing new bus stops to replace those Write to us in Ashton Way and the High Street. It sounds very like the system introduced The Week In is independent of any at Bristol city centre a few years ago political or commercial interest. We aim which resulted in at least one pedestrian to produce a balanced and accurate view fatality. of local news and welcome comments I would like to suggest a simple solution; use the car parking area on the High from our readers. Street for bus stops. This would have the Normally, we will publish letters in full but advantage of removing the current road reserve the right to shorten or clarify the While it would be nice to have a obstruction that occurs when buses stop contents or to refuse publication. Please at the current stops. Eventually some pedestrianised High Street, the try to keep letters under 300 words and expenditure would be needed to create additional traffic generated by the supply your full name and address for bus shelters and raised kerbs, but that hundreds of new homes being built would be unnecessary for a short trial. around Keynsham makes this reasons of authentication. Only the We could then have a proper gyratory impractical. name and district where you live will be Finally, I am puzzled by the cost of the system with all traffic flowing in the Bath reproduced. Anonymity is possible planned trial. All it would seem to need direction along the High Street and in the under certain circumstances. Bristol direction along Ashton Way. is a large number of traffic cones, a few Buses travelling from Bath to Bristol temporary traffic signs and a few people Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, would have to do a complete circuit to around to sort out problems when it e-mail and should arrive at our offices no drop off and collect passengers from the starts. Surely this cannot cost £200,000. later than 5.30pm on the Monday of each High Street. Buses from Bristol to Bath Keynsham resident week. E-mail to:[email protected]

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The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 9 seem to want to listen to me - will they hour should be used?'. If I understand listen to this reader's letter? Or like I did that correctly, this 'additional' hour is not Letters for the 17a, do I create a new petition? an extra library hour but refers to staff's Scott Salter unpaid lunch break. More bus depair Oldland Common councillor Paul Michael Armstrong, Longwell Green Dear Editor, Hughes tells us his he is putting Some good and bad news. From pressure on First to get the 19a routed Fears of further cuts to Monday 14th November, First will be through West Street and North Street – library service launching the new 19a service. It's the Ed. Dear Stephen, service that will operate between Cribbs What's the latest proposal for Hanham Causeway and Bath via Keynsham, and Relic of the past? Library? Later openings/earlier will operate Monday to Saturday up until Dear Sir, closing times, closed all day Friday and around 8pm (timetable is on the While visiting Keynsham Library I saw Saturday afternoon! Open access to travelinesw.com website under the fascinating display cabinet featuring swipe into an unstaffed building. 'Timetable lookup'). the 2016 burial of a time capsule. If problems occur and a security guard is However, the 19a isn't timetabled to use On examining carefully the list of needed, the money comes out of the Oldland Common. The route of the 19a contents, I can't help thinking that the staffed hours budget. Already South is set to be the same as the 19 from organisers have omitted something. Gloucestershire Council are justifying Cribbs Causeway until The Grange Something which in years to come will future cuts in the small print of this School. After this, the 19a will travel evoke immense nostalgia for what we proposal. along Mill Lane, then Cloverlea Road in have previously enjoyed and are now Save Hanham Library say no to Open North Common. It will then use Oldland losing: the bus timetable! Plus? Say you don't accept cuts to a Common High Street, and Willsbridge John Norfolk well-used and necessary service. (Kenilworth Drive) before Keynsham and Whitchurch Village Don't let this open access be the start of onwards to Bath. further cuts. Once again, Oldland is being left out. Abi Unwin There are NO bus stops along Oldland Extra time? Save Hanham Library Common High Street. Why isn't the 19a Dear Stephen, going to be using the same route from When I was in Cadbury Heath Library Coffee morning thanks North Common to Keynsham as the the other day, I came across a very small Dear Sir, 17a? There are four stops along North card stating there is a consultation on We would like to say a very big thank Street and West Street in Oldland. The the future of library services. you to all who attended, contributed and new 19a will be missing out on all four I discovered in South Gloucestershire help make our Macmillan coffee morning stops! First cancelled the 17a as it wasn't Council's website that there is currently such a great success. “viable” - well how is it “viable” to operate now a second consultation on the result A total of £377.17 was raised which a service along a road where there are of the first consultation. It is called passed our last year's total. Again a very no stops? 'Changes to Library Services Phase 2 - big thank you to all. The 42 also uses North Street and West the second phase of consultation on Pat Britton Street. The 19a needs to too! The route changes to the Library Service'. Stirling Way Coffee Morning Club might take two minutes longer, but will Option 2 is 'As per Option 1 but with a Keynsham be serving Oldland Common - as we one-hour break in staffed hours over were promised, and will take in four lunchtime'. Then asks 'If Option 2 was stops in each direction! First Bus don't used, how do you feel the additional

10 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 The people of Corston would also be Keynsham. victims of increased traffic. Experience See http://tinyurl.com/hb7rp4x and Letters shows that when a major road is built, http://tinyurl.com/zmr47ve houses are built near them and an Should you not be supporting truly Knitters needed increase in traffic. You only have to look affordable homes and long-term Dear Editor, at the ring road to see evidence of this. employment prospects for those As the nights are drawing, in we are Reg Williams has talked about losing hundreds of desperate people? asking our knitting customers who come Green Belt if a car park was built Dave Laming into store to knit some baby blankets and alongside a possible Saltford Station Chairman of the River Regeneration hats for the special care baby unit at reopening, but far more Green Belt Trust Southmead Hospital and, as the would be lost to a bypass. Member of the Strategic River Group temperatures are starting to drop, hats Some weeks ago, we asked B&NES of B&NES Council and scarves for the homeless in Bristol. Council if any air monitoring is done on Please bring them to me on the last the housing estates alongside the Cycle lane obstruction Wednesday of each month and I will Keynsham bypass, but as yet we have Dear Sir, forward on to the relevant charities. not received a reply. I was cycling past Keynsham Rugby Tracy Cannard We know that a Saltford bypass is only a Club at about half past ten on Sunday PR Ambassador proposal, but in our experience, these morning, only to find that the cycle lane Sainsbury's, Emersons Green things do tend to come to fruition. had been blocked with two traffic cones. Irene Pearce & Maurice Hanson Bypass would only Playing politics increase traffic Dear Stephen, Dear Editor, Last week Andy Halliday, the Lib Dem Having lived with the perpetual noise prospective candidate in the forthcoming and pollution from the Keynsham bypass by-election for Keynsham East Town for so many years, we feel compelled to Council, heavily criticised the current add weight to Andy Halliday's comments B&NES administration for putting (Issue 444) regarding a possible Saltford forward a Joint Spatial Plan, proposing bypass which has been signed off by affordable homes, job creation, and B&NES Council. leisure facilities on the Broadmead If a bypass was built in Saltford we would Peninsula, whilst also addressing the not only lose valuable Green Belt, but looming problems of climate change, possibly some of our community forest. traffic pollution, flood alleviation, drought The remaining land would be built on water storage and environmental and the people living alongside the safeguards for future generations. When I returned 40 minutes later to take bypass would have to put up with the Hang on Andy, aren't you merely making the attached photo, the cones were still constant noise and pollution from the a political point? there. There was no one in the Rugby road, same as the residents both sides Back in 2013, the then Lib Dem leader of Club car park or nearby to ask about of the Keynsham bypass. People living the council, Paul Crossley, his Cabinet this. near the Broadmead roundabout would and Keynsham Town Council, were fully Is this illegal? With so few cycle lanes in not only have the A4, but a bypass supportive of these visionary proposals Keynsham, it is unacceptable to block behind which would not be a bundle of for the creation of hundreds of innovative the few that there are. fun. homes and jobs in North East Edmund

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 11 Oldland Common Special weekend to celebrate the life An exhibition about the life and achievements of Sir was in business with a brother as hairdresser/barber and cycle Bernard Lovell will be staged next month when a blue repair shop. plaque to commemorate the great scientist is unveiled at The plaque, which has been commissioned by Bitton Parish his childhood home in Oldland Common. Council, will be unveiled at the house on Saturday 12th The pioneering astronomer and physicist, who died four years November. Six local schools are involved in producing work for ago, aged 98, was born and brought up in a cottage on the the exhibition which will be held at St Anne's Church Hall on the corner of West Street and Court Road, where his father Gilbert Saturday and Sunday. It will then go on display at The Sir

ACROSS Crossword 1 The capital of Macedonia (6) 4 Arms or legs apart (6) 123 45 6 7 9 The capital of Israel (3,4) 10 Follow (5) 8 11 Part of a bicycle (5) 12 Shown to dismiss a player from the game (3,4) 9 10 13 To provide authority for a document or cheque (11) 18 Slim (7) 20 A defense in law (5) 22 Eject (5) 11 12 23 Invalidate (7) 24 Larva of a fly found in dacaying matter (6) 25 Not go to bed (4,2)

13 14 15 DOWN 1 Form of exercise (3-3) 16 17 2 Lubricated (5) 3 Atheletics equipment (7) 18 19 20 21 5 Massage (5) 6 Small breed of horse (7) 7 Exaggerate (6) 8 Domineering (11) 22 23 14 Gap between buildings or a wall (7) 15 Small onion (7) 16 High regard (6) 17 Arrange a mess (4,2) 24 25 19 The same (5) 21 Coldly (5)

12 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 and times of Sir Bernard Lovell Bernard Lovell Academy. Sir Bernard Lovell, who was knighted in 1961, founded the Jodrell Bank space telescope in Cheshire and last Tuesday members of the education team at the observatory spent the day at the SBL Academy in Oldland, working with pupils from five primary schools in the morning and then pupils from the secondary school in the afternoon. Cherry Garden Primary School pupils are exploring early years and formal education while youngsters at The Meadows are studying his time at Bristol University and his early work. The development of his work during the Second World War is Redfield Edge Primary School's topic while St Anne's pupils are

Judy Spence holds the sign that hung outside her father's home in West Street

finding out about Jodrell Bank. His international research and space exploration is being investigated by The Sir Bernard Lovell Academy and his later life and interests is the topic for St Barnabas' Primary School. Representatives of Bitton Parish Council attended last Tuesday's event, as did one of Sir Bernard's daughters, daughter Judy Spence, who lives near Bath. At the afternoon session, pictured, enthusiastic students quizzed the team from Jodrell Bank about the big bang, black holes, A young Bernard Lovell with his parents wormholes, quasars and the universe in general.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 13 Willsbridge Could you help the Police pursuit Poppy Appeal? The Royal British Legion is looking for dedicated and Police arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of dangerous enthusiastic people in the area to join its army of volunteers for driving last Monday afternoon at about 4.15pm. this year's Poppy Appeal. He had failed to stop for officers earlier. His vehicle was Volunteers can become halted by police in Willsbridge and hit a garden fence on a Poppy Appeal Bath Road. Organiser (PAO), or a The teenager was later released on police bail, pending collector. A PAO will further inquiries. work with a community fundraiser to ensure there are enough collectors in the area, organise a collecting rota, order and arrange distribution of poppies and other materials, brief collectors and collect, count and deposit the money raised during the appeal. Meanwhile Poppy Appeal collectors are the face of the Legion during the Poppy Appeal and help provide as many opportunities as possible for people to wear a poppy. Collectors need to be aged over 16 to collect in the street (unless collecting as part of a group). To volunteer, contact Sue Potepa on 0776 879 4939 or email [email protected]

14 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Keynsham Concerns that courtesy crossing is unsafe There are calls for an urgent review of the courtesy crossing at the top of Bath Hill after a number of near misses. Safety concerns surrounding the cobbled crossing just below the mini-roundabout are a current topic of debate on the Keynsham Streetlife website. Sarah Fox said she worried about the many people who seem to think it is a proper crossing:” I've even had to jam my brakes on when coming back down off the roundabout, and nearly had a van rear end me on one occasion, to avoid pedestrians embarking on the crossing. If I don't stop, I've noticed people courtesy crossing at that point. looking cross because they seem to think I should have Sarah Fox, who is a member of Keynsham Action Network, said stopped. she would raise the matter at the next steering meeting at the “I think people regard the cobbled area as a proper crossing beginning of November. because there is the bollarded area in the middle, plus lowered pavements which assumedly are for wheelchair users. The Other areas for concern alternative is to trek down the hill (not easy in a wheelchair) to Mr Harris has also pointed out other places he feels needed the pelican crossing by the park entrance and back up the hill, serious consideration for pedestrian safety in Keynsham which obviously is not what most people want to do. including across Avon Mill Lane at its junction with Bath Hill, “I worry that one day someone is going to get knocked down or across Bath Hill East, on the Wellsway, where people cross to there will be a car shunt (worst case scenario, a combination of go down to Dapps Hill, at Danes Lane (Tesco approach), and both). I wonder if we shouldn't have it made into a proper the Talbot pub to the tyre business on Bath Road. crossing, but how would that affect traffic coming off the mini roundabout?” Pat Harris said it was quite safe and easy for drivers coming up the hill at a slow speed to allow people to cross from the Sainsbury's side onto the central 'reservation', putting the oncoming driver (and their followers) in an often unsafe and awkward position at quite a perilous point. He said: “I think a proper crossing at that point would still cause problems. Keynsham seems to have a habit of having crossings too close to corners and roundabouts which just cause back-up, safety and traffic flow issues throughout the town.” He feels a possible solution would be to move the pelican crossing further up the Bath Hill and maybe replace it with a zebra, and to have safety railings at the more dangerous points. He added: “Sadly, our forthcoming traffic review will not be considering the option of a fuller pedestrianisation of our main shopping area, which in my view is a great shame.” He has emailed the road safety department at Bath & North East Somerset Council, asking that officers urgently review the

Keynsham Topic group meeting The next meeting of Keynsham Neighbourhood Development's Business, Employment & Economic Growth topic group will be held on Monday 31st October at 7.30pm in the Town Council office, 15 - 17 Temple Street.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 15 Situations Vacant

16 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 St George Bagpipes to herald the launch of new play area The Friends of Troopers Hill, the volunteers who help care for the nature reserve, have chosen an unusual way to celebrate the new play area on Troopers Hill Field this weekend. The celebration event will start at 11.30am on Saturday (22nd October) at the top of Troopers Hill with the sound of the bagpipes and drums of the Avon Glen Pipes and Drums drifting out across the heather-covered slopes. The band will lead a brief procession, on level ground, to and around the outskirts of Troopers Hill Field, ending at the new play area for a few welcoming words after which the young Edith enjoying her 2nd birthday on the memory children of the lead volunteers of the two-year project will pull swing with her mum Beth ribbons to officially open the playground. The play area, imaginatively design by Wicksteed Playgrounds, at the celebration. She will bring bubbles, chalks and skipping is very much in keeping with the green space where it has been ropes to add to the fun and will be ready to talk to parents built. An activity trail for five to 11-year-olds provides fun and interesting in setting up Playing Out schemes. healthy play activities within less than 10 minutes' walking Playing Out has recently been awarded a grant to increase the distance from two local primary schools. number of Playing Out schemes in the St George There is also a new a fenced play area for under-fives and a Neighbourhood Partnership area. Tarmac path leading to it. This play area features a memory Wicksteed Playgrounds' area sales manager Lynne Egginton swing which allows an adult and a child to swing together facing will also be at Saturday's celebration and will have 50 goodie each other, a wooden train complete with tracks, a slide set bags to hand out. within clambering logs, a springer seesaw that can be used by up to four children, 'talking flowers' that children can use to speak to each other, more swings, low benches set in the centre, and grass areas with mounds for active play or picnicking. Landfill Communities Fund trusts Veolia and SUEZ have funded the majority of the £80,000+ project. The activity trail and under-fives play area make it easy for local children to play close to their homes, without needing to access transport. The Friends hope that children coming to the play area will also discover all the opportunities for natural play offered by the 20-acre Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve which is directly accessed via Troopers Hill Field. Playing Out, the organisation that helps parents to start play sessions in their streets, will be represented by Jo Chesterman

Saltford Antiques fair Saltford Antiques & Collectors Fair celebrates its first year anniversary with the next event at Saltford Hall on Sunday 30th October from 10am to 3pm. Organiser Mark Thomas will be donating all entrance monies taken at the October fair to the Eve Appeal cancer charity. The café at the hall will be open providing refreshments during the fair.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 17 Sale of designer handbags raises over £18k for Jessie May Kingswood-based charity Jessie May has received more than £18,000 after designer handbag brand Mulberry supported the cause with an exclusive sample sale event in London. The pop-up handbag sale saw thousands of people flock to South Molton Lane to bag a bargain and Jessie May volunteers were on hand to man the cloak room and collect donations over the five-day event. Jessie May's head of fundraising, Julian Withers, said: “It is absolutely wonderful that Mulberry have chosen to support us and have allowed us to receive donations from their event. Keynsham “The incredible amount raised will fund one of our Jessie May nurses for six months, providing medical care, support and First World War exhibition advice to families of terminally ill children within their own Keynsham Library will play host to a fascinating exhibition homes. marking the centenary of the First World War. “Mulberry has supported us as a charity for around a year now Bath & North East Somerset Council has put together the and we are so grateful. Generous corporate support like this is exhibition to tell the story of the conflict, shedding light on the vital for us to continue our work.” history of the local area on the battlefield and on the home It costs around £1m a year to provide care and the charity is front. almost entirely dependent on public support fundraisers. The free exhibition is open on the first floor of Keynsham Jessie May has also started working in partnership with Naomi Library & One Stop Shop during usual library opening hours, House providing care in the home to 30 terminally ill children in from Tuesday 25th October to Saturday 19th November. Wiltshire. It includes photographs, letters and newspaper cuttings. For more information, visit www.jessiemay.org.uk

18 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 19 Panto stars visit college St Brendan's Sixth Form College welcomed some famous faces to their Brislington campus last week as the cast and crew of this year's Bristol Hippodrome's pantomime made use of the facilities. Skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are starring in Cinderella and were at the college to complete promotional work. Over 75 students are studying a range of Performing Arts courses at the college and a small group on the Diploma and Extended Diploma course have successfully auditioned to be part of the Cinderella cast and look forward to rehearsing and performing alongside the stars over the coming months. The panto begins on Saturday 10th December.

20 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Communities Secretary Fishponds Lighting up discusses devolution deal the park for Secretary of State for Communities and faced by the region, such as transport and Local Government Sajid Javid visited the housing challenges. Christmas The Friends of Fishponds West of England last Thursday as part of Mr Javid knows the area well as he grew up in Park, a group of residents ongoing discussions with the region's Downend. He was also in the headlines raising funds to improve leaders on the devolution deal. recently for overturning a decision to ban the park for everyone, A round table also took place with the fracking by Lancashire County Council. Our including new play Secretary of State and local business picture shows from left, Mayor of Bristol equipment for children, representatives from the West of England Marvin Rees, the Chair of the West of England want to light up the park Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board to LEP Stephen Robertson, Sajid Javid, South for Christmas. discuss in detail the opportunities the Glos councillor Colin Hunt and the leader of So far £750 has been devolution deal offers and the current issues B&NES Council Tim Warren. Jess Brooks during her visit raised but they need some financial support to get the lights installed from 2nd December to 2nd January. A campaign to raise more money has been started by Frome Vale ward councillor Nicola Bowden- Jones on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Search for Christmas Lights 4 FISHPONDS Park.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 21 Longwell Green Tea party raises over £2,000 for breast centre A mother and daughter from Longwell Green have raised more than £2,000 for the breast unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Carol Mears was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of this year. It was picked up on a routine mammogram that she wasn't going to go to but daughter Louise George insisted and took her. Carol says the treatment and care she received at the hospital was “absolutely amazing”. With her 65th birthday approaching, she and Louise decided to hold a charity event to raise money for the unit as a thank you. It took the form of an afternoon tea with friends and family at the Golf Club, with 100 items in a raffle and an auction of 35 lots donated by various businesses which Louise approached. The lots included bed and breakfast at the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe which Carol's sons Ben and Dan both bid for Autos in Warmley, while Jackie Kirby donated two hours' ironing (Ben's winning bid was £240), and a food hamper donated by service and Elle Morgan offered a Sunday morning dog walk. Huw Lewis, manager of Bill's Restaurant in Bath. The auction raised £2,122 and Carol and Louise say they There were also golf days from Tracy Park, the Kendleshire and enjoyed it so much they are keen to raise more funds for the Thornbury Golf Centre, and an MoT donated by Rob at RS unit.

22 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Kingswood Kingswood New group takes singers Success for Orchard down memory lane Workshop students A new community singing group has started in Kingswood. Woodturning students at Orchard Workshop have been The Silver Singers started when a few people found it was easy working on a training programme designed by the Association and fun to get together and sing the songs of their youth. of Woodturners of Great Britain and supported by the They are meeting once a month at Bourne Family Project, Worshipful Company of Turners. Waters Road, in the former Castaways soft-play building. Mary Ashton RPT (Registered Professional Turner) and The thought behind the group is that by singing popular songs Orchard Workshop tutor has provided the training for the of the '50s, '60s and 70s, it can help them recall special times accredited course, with 13 students taking part and recently and memories. All the words of the songs are available and the completing their work. members sing to the original sound tracks. Nicholas Somers, Master of the Worshipful Company of They are not a choir and would like anyone who wants just to Turners, recently travelled down from London to present sing for enjoyment and fun to join them. certificates to those who had completed their training. There is also the chance to relax and socialise over tea and He was very impressed by the work and said some pieces were biscuits. There are no restrictions and all ages are welcome. worthy of being entered into the Worshipful Company of The event is free and run by volunteers. Turners' competitions. The session starts at 2pm on the first Wednesday of every After the certificates were presented, Mr Somers was given a month. To find out more call John on 0117 9855559. tour of Orchard Workshop by co-ordinator Janet Parsons MBE.

Kingswood Poppy Launch Kingswood and Hanham Royal British Legion will be holding its annual Poppy Launch at the Kings Chase precinct on Saturday 29th October between 10am and 4pm.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 23 Bitton Author's talk and book signing Last year Bel Mooney's book talk in St Mary's Church Hall and comes to some interesting conclusions. in Bitton was a sell-out event. Bel will be reading from the book, explaining why she wrote it, Now the popular writer, broadcaster and Daily Mail columnist and answering questions. The book will be on sale, with a will be interrupting a programme of events at literary festivals up selection of earlier titles too, and Bel will be happy to sign and down the country for another event in her home village to copies. talk about her new The event takes place at St Mary's Church Hall at 7.30pm on book called Thursday 10th November. 'Goodbye Pet & See Tickets are £6 which includes a glass of wine. They are You in Heaven'. available from Ann Willis on 0117 4310270 (email Subtitled 'A Memoir [email protected]) and Judith Butson on 0117 9324986 of Animals, Love (email [email protected]). and Loss', the book talks about the pain Kingswood of facing up to the death of a beloved pet, about whether Halloween party animals have moral feelings and about in the park what we can learn The Friends of Kingswood Park are organising a Halloween from them. It looks party in the park on Friday 28th October from 5pm to 7pm. at the question of Diane Thomas, chair of the Friends, said: “We are inviting whether animals visitors to dress up and bring something scary, and a torch. We have a soul, through will be serving refreshments and organising fun and games for all to enjoy.” other cultures too,

24 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Fishponds Quiz raises over 'High value' gold £1,300 for Mencap stolen in burglary More than 90 people attended Keynsham and District Mencap's annual fundraising quiz on Saturday 8th October at Saltford Hall. Police are warning owners of high value gold jewellery The quizzers included current members and families, trustees, to take extra care following a burglary in Fishponds last volunteers, staff, business supporters and new friends of the Wednesday. society. Over £1,300 was raised via the door, raffle and bar sales. Between around 11am and noon a home on Radley Road Many local businesses contributed raffle prizes. was targeted, with valuable gold jewellery, a laptop, a Nick Leonard stepped in at the last minute to be the quiz master for camera, tools and a large amount of cash taken. the evening. Neighbourhood Sergeant Anthony Westwell said: “On this If you are interested in being part of an organisation that can make occasion, the offenders have taken advantage of a first- a difference to local people with a learning disability email floor bathroom window, at the back of the house, which had [email protected] been left open while the family were out. Find out more at Keynshammencap.org.uk and on Facebook “Please ensure all of your doors and windows are shut and secure, even if they're not visible from the front. “We'd also advise owners of high value gold to invest in a suitable safe that is supplied and fitted by a company approved by the Master Locksmiths Association and not to keep large amounts of cash at home.” Anyone who noticed people acting suspiciously in the area, or with any other information about the incident, is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting ref 5216227416. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers who never ask for your name and cannot trace your call. Visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 25 Directory & What’s On

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26 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Directory & What’s On

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The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 27 Directory & What’s On

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The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 29 Directory & What’s On

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30 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 Cadbury Heath Brislington National recognition Interim banning for Rainbow Zebra order for teenager An online furniture store set up by a young Brislington Magistrates this week imposed an interim order on a entrepreneur five years ago has won a national award. Cadbury Heath teenager barring him from drinking or being Paul Randall, 31, set up Rainbow Zebra from his family home intoxicated in public, or from behaving anti-socially. and struggled to make ends meet. The police and anti-social behaviour team at South But now the firm's success has been recognised by the Online Gloucestershire Council are seeking a Criminal Behaviour Business Awards (OBA) - winning the Office Equipment, Order (CBO) against Joshua Clothier,18, from Brereton Way. Supplies and Furniture category. A CBO can deal with a wide range of anti-social behaviour Rainbow Zebra, which has a warehouse in Thornbury, was following an offender's conviction for any criminal offence. It presented with a trophy and given permission to use the OBA replaces the former powers of the courts to make orders such logo on its website. as an ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order). Paul, who is set to hit a million-pound turnover this year, said: “I'm delighted to receive this award. It's great to have On Monday Bristol magistrates heard that Mr Clothier was recognition for all our hard work over the last five years. convicted in August of criminal damage to a pub window. “It's good to show to potential customers that we have been The case was adjourned until Thursday 27th October when the awarded for being a user-friendly website. It will also help us to application for the CBO will be heard. stand out in a crowded market.” In the meantime, the defendant has been told that he can only The company was selected for having an easy-to-use website, drink in licensed premises or at home and must not engage in with a lot of product information and reviews. The company “abusive, aggressive or distressing behaviour”. prides itself on price match guarantee, free next day delivery and excellent customer service. It consistently rates highly on Trustpilot reviews. Bitton Paul had little experience of selling online but taught himself the basics of online marketing and internet best practice before Fundraising working with web developers to launch the site. He has since taken on a sales executive, Jo Nelmes, and is looking to take on more staff in 2017. In August he launched The Office Co to coffee morning cater for bigger corporations looking to buy quality furniture in bulk. Everyone is welcome to attend a Macmillan coffee morning taking place at Bitton Rec on Monday 24th October from 9.30am to 1pm. There will also be stalls selling books, crafts and jewellery. Organiser Pearl Buss has held the annual fundraiser for several years. Last year's event raised over £700. Crossword Solution

Paul Randall SKOPJE AK IMBO I I A O N U V TELAV I V ENSUE Sudoku Solutions U E E E A T R PEDAL REDCARD 1-Easy 2 -Hard S I B N O 974658312 798315642 COUNTERS I GN 516273984 463729158 E P A H T 823914765 152684793 SLENDER AL I B I 3 4 5 8 6 9 2 7 1 8 1 9 4 3 6 5 2 7 768132549 674952381 T N I I L C D 192547836 325178964 EV I CT NUL L I FY 4 5 9 7 8 1 6 2 3 5 3 6 8 4 1 2 7 9 E N T G O L U 681325497 981267435 237496158 247593816 MAGGOT STAYUP

The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016 31 32 The Week in • Thursday 20th October 2016