LOCAL HISTORY IN PRINT

Do you remember the old shops at the top of Bath Hill? Or the sights and smells of the livestock market by The Talbot?

Published last autumn, this book, produced by the Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society will be of interest to many of the town’s residents, both those who grew up here and those who have arrived more recently.

Titled Keynsham & Saltford 1945 – 2020, it has been researched and written by the Local History Society over the last few years. The volume has 176 pages, in full colour, with over 200 illustrations, and tells the story of the area since the end of the war.

The content is in two parts, with the first recording events over the period, ranging from the important to the unusual. Starting with the VE Day celebrations in 1945, it runs up to just before lockdown last March and includes many activities not recorded anywhere else. Longer sections tell the story of Somerdale, the 1968 flood and Keynsham Hospital.

The second part looks first at personalities with a local connection, some well-known, others not. There are chapters on particular themes such as Keynsham High Street, schools and churches. Many local sports clubs are also featured.

The book was edited by Society chairman Richard Dyson, who said: “We have taken a slightly different approach to describing our recent history and it has proved successful. Many local people have contributed through sharing their memories, lending pictures or writing sections and we are very grateful to them all.”

As well as appealing to local residents, the book makes an ideal gift for those who have moved away and is available at £15.00 per copy direct from the Society.

Details are on their website at www.keysalthist.org.uk, by emailing books@keysalthist.org.uk or telephone 0117 9864453.

Richard Dyson, Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society