Keynshamvoice January 2013 by Emma Cooper

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Keynsham & Saltford January, 2013 Issue 10

N New year new you

www.keynshamvoice.co.uk

Pampering to personal training in our four-page guide inside

Cooking with The Brassmill, P34 | New year shopping on the High Street, P35

Inside

Memories help mark start of a new era for school P8

Dame for a laugh: appeal helps panto group fill all-important role P5

Controversial coffee shop gets go-ahead Chain wins bid to open in High Street P3

Have your say on green-belt homes P3 Show to help fund upgrade for hall P4 Firm reveals its next move in drilling bid P6 Town car park is closed until autumn P7

Plus... Letters... p13 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On.. p30 Puzzles... p32 Business of

the month.. p37 Property... p38 Sport... p42 Classifieds p45

January, 2013

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News Air views on green-belt homes

Costa branch gets go-ahead A Costa coffee shop will be coming to Keynsham's High Street after a proposal to open a branch in the town got the go-ahead last month. The proposal by South West Coffee was approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council, and will see the former Clintons Cards shop reopened as a coffee outlet. A total of 93 letters were received by the council objecting to the plans, with many stating they felt Keynsham was already well served by cafes and coffee shops and some raising concern at the loss of retail space. There were two letters in support of the application. Local cafe owners also spoke out in Keynshamvoice about their concerns at the plans when they were revealed. Linda Gregg, of Cafe Creme,

said at the time: “We need shops to bring back youngsters, high street shops." The decision to approve the plan was made under delegated powers, with officers citing the benefit of bringing an empty building back into use, helping to increase footfall in the area. Their report also said: “In addition to the footfall considerations, it is also recognised that the proposed use would achieve economic benefits for the area through the provision of employment opportunities.” South West Coffee, which runs Costa coffee shops in Portishead, Henleaze, Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road in Bristol, has been recruiting for positions at the new branch. No one at South West Coffee was available for comment.

Residents will be able to voice their views on plans to build nearly 100 homes on the green belt at Saltford. The parish council is holding a public meeting on Saturday, January 5, at 5pm to discuss the proposals by developer Crest Nicholson. The 99 new homes would be built to the south of village on agricultural land on Manor Road, opposite the entrance to Saltford Primary School. The village's Bath and North East Somerset councillors, Francine Haeberling and Mathew Blankley, have already voiced their concern at the plans. Councillor Blankley (Cons, Saltford) said: “This proposal, if accepted, will set a very worrying precedent for subsequent planning applications on the green belt between Bristol and Bath.

“I hope that many residents will attend the parish council’s public meeting on January 5.” Councillor Haeberling (Cons, Saltford), added: “All but a very small number of residents that have spoken to us over the last few weeks have expressed their great concern at these proposals. "The Conservative group and I treasure the value of our green belt immensely; it is there for a reason and that is to protect towns and villages like Saltford from being swallowed up by the two cities either side of us.” Find out more about the application at www.bathnes.gov. uk using the reference number 12/05315/OUT. Comments can be made online or by emailing development_control@bathnes.gov.uk, quoting the reference number.

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January, 2013

News

Keynshamvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

Joni Mann Editor

0117 908 2121/ 07715 770448 emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

07887 561567 news@keynshamvoice.co.uk

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Keynshamvoice

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Keynshamvoice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

February deadline Our February edition will be going to print on February 4. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by January 31. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Local information Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Keynsham Town Council 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham 0117 986 8683 www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk Keynsham Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 848 7919 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General inquiries: 101

Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Keynsham Youth Theatre 0117 9864128

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE: Keynshamvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Keynshamvoice is distributed each month to Keynsham residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points (Co-op, coffee shops, etc). Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk. This month 10,000 copies will be distributed around Keynsham, Saltford, Burnett, Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando and Queen Charlton.

Show to help hall upgrade Keynsham's Fear Hall is hosting a fundraising spring performance in aid of the raft of improvements planned for the venue. Many of the groups that use the hall for their activities will be taking to the stage during the show, including Cloud 9 Jive group, Keyford Dancing School, Keynsham Adult Tappers, The Decade Dolls and more. Organisers are urging any other groups that would like to be represented to get in touch to be included in the line-up for the performance, which will be held on March 2 at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm, subject to ticket sales. The Fear Hall was built in 1935 and is used by many community groups besides those performing at the show, including the Keynsham Photographic

Society and a number of sports clubs. The venue has received Section 106 money from the Tesco development and plans to put the cash towards upgrading the building. The project will include enlarging the small front lounge by knocking down the wall between the lounge and kitchen and removing the chimney breast. It will be renamed the Jubilee Lounge and will be able to host larger meetings. The improvements will also include a utility and storage room on the first floor and changing rooms, as well as creating more room in the first-floor studio. Tickets for the March 2 show will be available from Patricia Veale or Ian Gambrell at the Fear Hall or by emailing bookings@ fearhallkeynsham.org.

Vacancy as councillor steps down Keynsham Town Council is advertising a vacancy after Andrew Hickling resigned from his role as councillor. The role will be filled by cooption unless 10 electors call for

an election before January 23, with any election taking place before March 28. For full details on the vacancy, see the council notice on Page 34.

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January, 2013

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News

Group discovers new dame A panto group in desperate need of a dame has found someone who fits the bill, thanks to their appeal in Keynshamvoice. In October, Fry Club Pantomime group issued the call for someone to step into the shoes of long-serving director and panto dame Ian Gambrell, who had stepped down. And their plea was more than answered, as dozens arrived to audition for a part in this year's production of Dick Whittington. The role of dame will now be filled by 17-year-old Rhys Williams, with eight members of the 30-strong cast discovered after they responded to the story in Keynshamvoice. Director Louise Smee said: “After the article we had loads of people come to the auditions, more than we could have imagined. We were spoilt for choice. “We found a really good dame, Rhys Williams, who is only

From left, Will Fear as Mr Tumble, Rhys Williams as the Dame, who both joined the cast after reading the panto group’s appeal in Keynshamvoice, and Nicholas Selman as Mr Rough 17 but is the most amazing actor. We have filled the comic roles

and they are brilliant, and have had us in fits of laughter.”

Louise said rehearsals at the Fry Club had taken a break over Christmas but had resumed on December 30, with the cast having learned their lines and the songs already. The scenery was also almost complete, with no detail overlooked by the team, down to rats on benches and the backdrop for underwater scenes. Louise said: “The countdown to the Broadlands show has begun. The show will be really fun and we are hoping lots of people will support it. “It is so much fun to direct. I'm used to being in it and I'm quite jealous that I'm not in it this year.” Dick Whittington And His Cat will be staged at Broadlands School from Wednesday, January 30, to Sunday, February 3. See the advert on page 30 for more details and a form to book your tickets.

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Explore options for neutering One of the many decisions pet owners face is whether or not to have their pet neutered. This is called spaying in females or castration in males. Female cats (queens) only come into season when the days are long (spring-autumn). We get many phone calls from worried clients that their cat is writhing in agony, when actually she is “calling” and trying to attract a mate. Female dogs (bitches) come into season every six months. During this time, it is usually not possible to take your bitch for a walk as all the other dogs will harass both you and her. This can be quite a frightening experience. It also means you have a very bored dog, desperate to go for a walk! The most obvious reason to have your pet neutered is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but there are several other good reasons, too, both behavioural and health-related. Neutering can be of help in reducing inappropriate behaviour, such as scent marking in male dogs and spraying urine in tomcats. It also reduces the risk of straying in search of a mate; this is the most common time we see pets hit by cars. Aggression is also reduced, both towards people and other animals of the same species. Un-neutered male cats are highly territorial and will fight with other cats. The cats involved can incur nasty bite wounds. There is a high risk of them becoming infected with FIV (cat AIDS) during fights. A major benefit of castration is that it removes the risk of testicular cancer and

reduces the incidence of prostate cancer later on in life. In females it removes the risk of ovarian or uterine cancers and reduces the risk of mammary cancer. It also removes the risk of developing a potentially fatal infection of the womb called a pyometra. Neutered rabbits tend to be calmer, less prone to aggressive (especially the females) or destructive behaviour. Although seasons can be controlled by other means, neutering provides excellent long-term control. Traditional neutering is a routine operation where the ovaries or testicles are removed. However, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that, for bitches in particular, it is major abdominal surgery. For this reason, in addition to traditional spaying, Highcroft offers spays by keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). This is a safer, less invasive method of surgery that will give your pet smaller wounds, less post-operative pain and a much faster recovery. Highcroft was one of the first practices in the country to offer laparoscopic bitch spays and we are so experienced we now teach other vets how to do it! Contact the surgery on 0117 986 7700.

January, 2013

News

New move on drilling plan The company behind a bid to carry out test-drilling at Hicks Gate has withdrawn the application – but now intends to submit a bid for full shale gas production at the site. UK Methane Limited had applied to drill one borehole to explore the viability of producing gas from the coalbed at the site before applying for full permission to begin work. The bid had attracted hundreds of objections from members of the public, as well as concerns raised by Keynsham Town Council. However, company director Gerwyn Llewellyn Williams has written to Bath and North East Somerset Council to withdraw the application and notify the authority of the firm's intention of making a new application in the new year.

He said: “The level of information that is being requested is far higher than that for any other previous planning application that we have been involved with in other parts of the country; we feel, therefore, for the extra amount of work that is involved, that we will apply for a full production permission.” He added: “Central government has carried out enough work to prove that shale gas production is safe and has recently lifted the moratorium on fracking.”

Jemma Young BVSc MRCVS cert (ExAP)

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January, 2013

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News

Car park shut until autumn The Civic Centre car park will be closing from January 14 until September, Bath and North East Somerset Council has announced. The authority says the closure will allow the developers, who began demolishing the town centre buildings in November, to refurbish and extend the car park as part of the regeneration plans. A council spokesperson said shutting the car park at this stage would allow the middle and lower levels to reopen before autumn, while the higher level remains closed for the duration of the project. The free green bays have been moved to the Ashton Way car park and increased in number from 17 to 31. After an appeal from traders, the bays have been moved to the Temple Street end

of the Ashton Way site, closest to the existing shops and library. The council is also proposing an increase in the maximum amount of time people can park at Ashton Way from two hours to four hours. A traffic regulation order will be issued to allow the public to have their say on the proposal. A B&NES spokesperson said the council “would like to thank residents, shoppers, and local businesses for their patience while this important phase of work takes place”. More information about the £34 million town centre regeneration, which includes new shops, offices and a library, can be found at www.bathnes.gov. uk/keynshamregen.  Temple Street: Streets ahead for choice and expertise – see Page 18

The green parking bays have been moved to Ashton Way, at the end closest to Temple Street and the now closed Civic Centre car park

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January, 2013

News Plan to improve loos after cuts Some public toilets in the Keynsham area have been earmarked for improvement as B&NES Council reveals plans to cut the number of facilities it manages. The toilets at Keynsham’s Memorial Park and at The Shallows at Saltford are among the facilities the authority plans to improve from April 2014. But the toilets at Ashton Way car park are on the list of conveniences that could be sold or transferred to a residents’ group or parish council. New facilities for the town will be provided as part of the regeneration, however, from autumn 2014. Councillor David Dixon, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “By reducing the number of public toilets that Bath & North East Somerset Council maintains, we can invest some of the money raised from selling the remainder into improving standards, hygiene, and cleanliness for the people who use them.”

Celebrating 77 years

The display celebrates the school’s history as it becomes an academy

With nearly 80 years of history, Broadlands School has seen many changes in its time since it was founded in 1935 as Keynsham County Senior School. Now the school has once again reached a milestone, with its transformation into an academy last month and new head teacher, Dean Anderson, taking up his post on January 1. To celebrate, the school has put together a display looking back over the decades at Broadlands, which is on show at The Coventry Building Society, in the High Street. From sporting achievements, to stage shows, to school during wartime, the opening of the sixth form centre and the battle to save the school from closure in 2010, the exhibition will stir many memories for the thousands of people who have attended the school over the years. Some former pupils have provided personal recollections,

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News

at Broadlands including school reports from the 1930s and memories of the arrival of London evacuees at Broadlands during the war. A spokesperson said: “To commemorate this event we have looked through our archives from the opening of Broadlands in July 1935 and put together a display showing photographs, pictures and events over the last 77 years. Many of the Keynsham community will be pictured as we know from lots of our current students that their parents, grandparents and even great grandparents attended Broadlands and still reside in and around Keynsham. “Broadlands is still going strong due to the massive opposition to its closure by the local community and we hope we are able to commemorate the centenary of Broadlands in 2035!” The display will be at The Coventry Building Society until January 7.

Mummers keep up festive tradition The Keynsham Mummers persuaded residents to leave the comfort of their homes and get some fresh air on Boxing Day with their annual performance. With their usual venue under several piles of rubble outside the town hall, the group moved the traditional play to the front of St John's Church, before moving to

the library and The New Inn. Characters such as Father Christmas and King George performed the tale, a tradition revived in the 1970s by Bristol Morris Men but which dates back centuries. The group ended the performance with a festive rendition of The Holly and The Ivy.

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January, 2013

Youth and education

Councillor Appleyard tries his luck at a game organised by Year 5 pupils Che, Molly and Elsie

Chairman pays visit to school fair Santa wasn’t the only special guest at St Keyna Primary School’s Christmas fair on December 14. Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Councillor Rob Appleyard, also joined youngsters and their families at the event organised by the Friends of St Keyna (FOSK).

Mr Appleyard praised the parents who gave up their time to organise the event as well as the youngsters who took charge of running many of the games and activities on the day. He was also given a tour of the school before the fair opened, and said he was impressed by the “happy and responsive” pupils.

Pupils help primary earn health award A report by pupils on the success of a campaign to get more children cycling has helped a Keynsham primary school earn a Healthy Schools Certificate. The accolade, from NHS B&NES and Bath and North East Somerset Council, was presented to St Keyna Primary School for its work to promote healthy lifestyles among its youngsters. The school achieved the award by reviewing all of its health-related initiatives and setting new targets, and is a step towards the Director of Public Health Award. Paul Scott, acting director of Public Health for Bath and North East Somerset, who chairs the awarding body, said: “I would like to congratulate St Keyna Primary School for all the work they have put into achieving their Healthy Schools Certificate as part of the Director of Public Health Award. “Their commitment to health

and wellbeing is obvious and we were particularly impressed by the way in which children have been involved in increasing the numbers walking and cycling to school. The staff also works hard to make the school a safe and nurturing place for all of the pupils to be.” Mr Scott presented the award to the school at a special assembly last month, which was also attended by Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet member for early years, children and youth. She said: “Everyone at St Keyna Primary School has done so well in winning their Healthy Schools Certificate, and we hope the positive examples they continue to set will inspire others to consider how they may improve too.” The next step for the school is to earn the Healthy Outcomes Certificate, by showing how it has improved the health and wellbeing of its pupils.

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January, 2013

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Youth and education Nursery’s festive fun raises £2,000 Keynsham families helped a local nursery raise £2,000 to support the Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal. Snapdragons, which opened a branch at Ellsbridge House, Bath Road, in September, welcomed youngsters from across the area to its fourth annual Winter Wonderland in Weston, Bath. There they met Father Christmas in his grotto while families browsed stalls and enjoyed festive treats. Local firms also donated prizes for the event to help raise funds. Forever Friends fundraiser Zoe Tainton collected the cheque for £2,000 and said: “Snapdragons have been loyal supporters of the Forever Friends Appeal, helping us over the past 12 years. They went through great efforts to organise such a fabulous event and we really appreciate their help. “On behalf of everyone here at the Forever Friends Appeal, we would like to give a huge thanks to the staff, parents and

Rosemary Collard, Samuel and Zoe Tainton, with Big Ted even the smallest babies at all the Snapdragons nurseries for their very generous gift of £2,000 towards the new Cancer Centre at the RUH.” Owner of Snapdragons Rosemary Collard said: “Snapdragons cares for hundreds of local children, many of whom along with their parents and the nursery staff, have personal experience of the RUH, especially the maternity and neonatal care. “It’s great for us to be able to give something back to the hospital in recognition of the fantastic care they provide.”

A new year, a new look The start of the new year always sees new year resolutions made, and for the Complete Control studio 2013 is the year of a brand new look for us. Our illustration team have been busy creating new Complete Control characters and environments for us to use for a new website launching in February, and for us to use across online games and apps. “It was a really fun end of the year spending some design time on a new look for the agency,” said Glynn Hayward, creative director of Complete Control. The new year also sees the development team learning new gaming technologies such as HTML5, which is proving very popular in online games, and we are already under way

creating a new game designed for mobile and tablets, in which these new characters play key roles. Our mobile game, due to be launched in April, is based on the West Country tradition of cheese rolling and sees our lead game character “The Cheese” having to roll all around the world trying to escape from the chasers in a fun and quirky fast-paced game. If you would like to be part of helping us test the game this year then please do get in touch and we will be give you more information. Contact glynn@ completecontrol.co.uk Happy new year from all at the Complete Control studio.

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January, 2013

Youth and education Call for play park improvements A parish councillor has backed calls for improvements to make a Saltford play area more toddler friendly. Some of the equipment at Manor Road Play Area, near Anson Close, is not accessible for younger children, it is claimed. The issue has been raised by grandmother Lynne Davies, pictured, with Councillor Duncan Hounsell, who has put the matter on the agenda at this month’s parish council meeting. Lynne Davies said: “There are a number of problems that could be improved without spending a lot of money. The climbing frame/slide is not accessible by my grandson and once he is lifted on there is no bridge for him to move from one end of the apparatus to the other. This makes it all rather boring for him and hard work for me! Among other problems are slides that are not slippery, picture rollers that do not budge, and a tunnel that is caked with mud.”

Mr Hounsell added: “The play area is not stimulating and poorly designed for toddlers. A major problem is that toddlers have to be lifted onto the apparatus. It is difficult or impossible for some grandparents and pregnant mums to manage this and it does not encourage independent play.” The concerns have also been raised with Bath and North East Somerset Council, which is responsible for the play area.

Silver Award winners Josh, Harvey and Sam with fellow Cubs

Silver awards add sparkle to celebration Cub Scouts from both 1st Saltford packs had plenty to celebrate at their Christmas party when three youngsters received the Chief Scouts’ Silver Award. District Commissioner Janet Turner presented the honour, the highest available to Cub Scouts, to ten-year-olds Josh, Harvey and Sam. The youngsters had to complete six challenges, gaining

new skills and taking part in new activities. As part of their work towards the award, Josh talked to the other Cubs about cricket, Harvey took part in outdoor activities, including hiking, and Sam went camping. A fourth award was also handed out on the night, with Henry from Tigers Pack taking the prize for best Christmas hat.

Your news We want to know about your news. If you have a story for Keynsham Voice, email news@keynshamvoice.co.uk, call Joni on 07887 561567 or Emma on 07715 770448.

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January, 2013

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News

Letters try to purchase locally, Campaign for should especially at this time of year. I certainly have. free parking Julie Stiddard, Keynsham resident Why should we Puzzled by move fund this luxury? on parking bays I have just read yet another letter in your newspaper regarding “free” car parking in Keynsham. I have over the years tried to stop myself writing but have now given up the struggle. Councillor Kate Simmons makes several points and I would just like to put my slant on the matter. 1. Why “free” parking? More people do not own cars than those who do. Why should they have to contribute to this luxury for motorists? 2. Perhaps Kate was too young to remember “free” parking in Keynsham so she will be unaware of a car park filled with cars left for the day by workers avoiding the high parking charges in Bristol and Bath. In this regard is she aware that shoppers are finding it difficult to park to shop in Tesco because of the “free” parking. Why in this day and age people find it difficult to find 40p is beyond me. 3. Car parks have to be maintained, i.e lighting, cleaning and general security. What other services will lose out by the free parking scheme? Kate only instances £300,000 but it will cost a whole lot more to put any such scheme into action. 4. I do feel for the traders but free parking is not the answer. All Keynsham people so concerned,

The announcement by B&NES that it is now moving the “green bays” to the other end of Ashton Way car park, increasing the number to 30, and extending the maximum stay at Ashton Way to four hours is more than a little puzzling. I say puzzling because this is not a million miles away from the proposal which the council had so flatly refused to even consider for months on end. Throughout the past year Conservative councillors have argued that free two-hour parking should be created at Ashton Way car park, part-funded by making the remainder of the car park charged longstay. At a Full Council meeting in the summer we urged that this was done at least on a trial basis during the new town centre construction. The ruling Lib Dems “considered” this idea for a while, then said no, they would not do it. Yet now we are getting several 30-minute free spaces alongside an increase in the maximum stay at Ashton Way to four hours. The question is, now that B&NES has done a partial Uturn, why not go the whole hog and implement the Conservative

proposal to create more free twohour parking? Is it simply that accepting the Conservative proposal would hurt the Lib Dems’ pride? If so, they should drop this intransigence and do the right thing for Keynsham residents, businesses and shoppers and deliver the free parking which so many other parts of B&NES benefit from. Cllr Kate Simmons, Cons, Keynsham South

Poppy Appeal raises £15,000 Thank you for your support On behalf of the 2012 Poppy Appeal, I would like to thank the following: 1. All the volunteer collectors in our area who do a magificent job regardless of weather. 2. Keynsham High Street shops and supermarkets for donating

raffle prizes for the Poppy Appeal Cabaret launch in October and having collecting tins. 3. The schools in the area for their collections. 4. The women’s section for their cream tea event and support. 5. The RBL club for their support. At present we have raised just over £15,000, which I believe is a great sum considering the times we are in. Once again, many, many thanks to all. Pearl Hardingham, Poppy Appeal Organiser – Keynsham (TGD11)

Your views Send letters to Keynsham Voice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR. Alternatively, email news@ keynsham voice.co.uk, find us on Facebook or Twitter @keynshamvoice or go to our website www.keynsham voice.co.uk

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January, 2013

News On the Beat with Inspector Tim Stuckes The demolition work has started at the old Swan Glenn building at Ashmead Industrial Estate, as development starts for the new police custody and investigation centre, due to open early in 2014. We will watch progress on this with interest. There has been some excellent pro-active work recently by our officers at Keynsham. Two incidents of particular note are a robbery at McColls on Chandag Road in November where due to a very fast response by my staff, a suspect with a knife was apprehended on Manor Road within minutes. Jonathan Morse, 43, of Lyndhurst Road, Keynsham, pleaded guilty to robbery at Bristol Crown Court last month and

“This was a real team effort with our officers and staff working with local shops to tackle these thieves” was sentenced to a three-year jail term. Also, following a series of diesel thefts at May Gurney on Ashmead Road - several attacks a week were being reported - our officers kept night-time observations and a man from Bristol was caught red-handed. He has made admissions regarding other offences. Police in Keynsham also arrested eight people for shoplifting during a week-long operation in the run-up to Christmas. Officers in plain clothes and

in uniform patrolled shops, supermarkets and car parks in the High Street area, using CCTV and the automatic number plate recognition system, ANPR, to identify offenders. PC Lisa Hawtin, who organised the operation, said: “Keynsham is often considered an easy target by criminals from neighbouring districts. “We took action in an attempt to prevent and detect shoplifting, and I’m very pleased with the results - eight people arrested and a clear message sent out that we will

not tolerate people travelling here to commit crimes.” This was a real team effort with our officers and staff working with local shops to tackle these thieves. Some of those arrested were wanted by police for other offences and we also managed to recover stolen property and drugs. Finally I am pleased to report that Halloween, Bonfire Night and the Victorian Evening all passed off without serious incident. There was one arrest at the Rugby Club event on November 5 for an offence under the Public Order Act, and traffic concerns there will be addressed well in advance next year. With all best wishes for the new year!

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January, 2013

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Review

News

Gig reveals gift of local performer Gavin Osborn: The Talbot, December 14

Provide music for monthly market Local musicians are being given the opportunity to become buskers at the town’s monthly farmers’ market in 2013. The event returns on Saturday, January 12, fresh from the success of its festive-themed December market, where Keynsham Brass Band provided the Christmas tunes as shoppers stocked up on seasonal goodies. Organisers say the music and entertainment has proved popular with customers, but the cost means it is unlikely they could

fund performances at events throughout the year. Now they are calling on local musicians and singers to step forward to take a place on the “stage area” at Ashton Way as buskers or to raise funds for a charity. Any performers who are interested can get in touch with organisers on 01373 814646. For news from the market and information on stallholders, visit the website www.somerset farmersmarkets.co.uk.

One of Gavin Osborn’s songs is about that modern syndrome of looking at the browser on your home PC and not knowing what to browse for. So what do you do? Browse for yourself, says Gavin in the song! If Gavin ever actually did this he would, of course, find a mass of material, almost all of it critically acclaiming his talents and his associations with leading lights in both the music and comedy world. In The Talbot Gavin entertained with what must have been one of his longest and most intimate shows and his self-effacing wit and social commentary created an almost folk club-like reverence from the attentive crowd that kept many more people than usual in the pub until late. Not that Gavin can rightly be called a folk singer – he inhabits an area somewhere between Billy Bragg and The Streets, and is completely contemporary. His

great song about the supermarket check-out girl, who can’t imagine that the love note dropped on her till by the shy young man, who queues to see her everyday, is actually for her, captures something about the pathos of a celebrity-ridden culture like no other writer. Among the pointed humour there is a political sharpness in the moving bitterness of the song about the BNP adopting English folk music for its own purposes. And then the song written just the day before about a town council who banned Christmas – complete with a rap, the performance of which would defy most people’s memory and ability to get the words out. Hiring a celebrity to turn the lights off no less! With his guitar, and, on this occasion, the wonderfully understated keyboard of John Hare, another Saltford resident, Gavin Osborn is without doubt the most gifted writer and commentator to perform in Keynsham. Richard Davison

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Diners urged to check ratings From fast food to fine dining, residents can now check online for food hygiene ratings for local eateries. Bath and North East Somerset Council has helped compile a list based on inspections carried out by the authority. As well as local eateries and food outlets, diners can search for hygiene ratings awarded to restaurants across the country at www.food.gov.uk/ratings. The scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency with councils, gives food outlets ratings from zero to five. Councillor David Dixon (LibDem, Oldfield), Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We’re pleased to report that of the 1,502 food outlets currently listed on the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme, 68 per cent have received the top mark of five from Bath & North East Somerset Council, showing that their standards are very good indeed.”

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January, 2013

Getting creative for

The success of Keynsham’s first Christmas tree festival could mean the event will return, say organisers. Trees decorated by 48 local organisations, schools and groups lined St John’s Church over the weekend of December 7-9. From stars and angels to shuttlecocks and ammonites, each group got creative when dressing their tree. The aim of the event was to raise money for a permanent dais

Pictures include trees by Compassionate Friends, Avon Wildlife Trust, St Keyna Primary, Keynsham Badminton Club, Keynsham Fairtrade Group and Keynsham and District Twinning Association

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first festival at the church, bringing in an impressive £2,700 toward the fund. Spokesperson Jane Stockall said: “The festival exceeded all our expectations for community participation, quality of entries and fundraising. Everyone who visited St John’s over the weekend was extremely complimentary, the whole church looked wonderful. The organising committee will be meeting in the new year to review the recent festival and discuss future ones.”

Talk of the Town with Councillor Gill Hellier, chairman of Keynsham Town Council All the hustle and bustle of Christmas is now over and we look forward to a peaceful new year. The Christmas tree festival in St John’s Church symbolised a wonderful display of community togetherness and we thank the organisers for having the energy and foresight to organise it. We hope it becomes as much a part of Christmas in Keynsham as is the Victorian Evening. It is good news that B&NES Council has listened to the concerns of the traders in regard to parking during the difficult period of the re-

generation of the town centre. An extra 14 30-minute bays, the relocation to the Rock Road end of Ashton Way car park and the traffic regulation order to extend the two-hour parking to four hours is a step in the right direction. Twohour free parking would be an even bigger one! I am sure the wonderful Keynsham community spirit will see us through any difficulties that the town centre regeneration will cause over the next two years. It is the first step to a very bright and sustainable future for our town.

“The first step to a very bright and sustainable future for our town”

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January, 2013

Advertising feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Temple Street

Streets ahead for choice and The traders of Temple Street are inviting shoppers to rediscover what their outlets have to offer in the new year. Whether residents are looking for a place to shop, a place to play, a new look for the new year or somewhere to eat and drink, the shopping street has it covered. From home improvements and furniture to children's clothes, school supplies, the perfect-fitting lingerie or new haircut, the businesses offer a wide range of services with the personal touch as well as a wealth of experience. Sam Taylor-Hardingham, owner of Veritas Soft Play in Temple Street, said: "The Temple Street traders are specialists in what they do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everybody has been in their industry for a long time with years of experience and can offer people help and advice in so many different areas. From plumbing to fittings at Perfect Fit, you can find expert advice on your doorstep." And once shoppers have made their purchases, there is still

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Advertising feature – Temple Street

expert advice plenty to keep them in the area, with eateries like Pomegranate Cafe catering to a range of tastes, or Veritas Soft Play providing a welcome stop for families with youngsters to entertain after visiting the stores. Sam said: “There is so much going on in Temple Street. There is such a big range of items, which makes it ideal for shopping for gifts or special occasions, you can take the children out after shopping, the library is just behind our shops and there is entertainment at the Snooker Centre, and we have even seen champions come out of there.” As well as offering regular live music and quiz nights and a new menu for the new year, Temple Street pub The Ship provides a meeting place for many community groups, including the Keynsham Knit and Natter group, the Butterflies-Haven Dads’ Group and the local branch of the Huntington’s Disease Association. Temple Street is also the location for the first project by Keynsham Town Team, which is aiming to brighten up the centre to

welcome more visitors. Two new benches and planters have been installed outside Truly Bespoke, Simply Carpets and Perfect Fit, with the shop owners teaming up to make the improvements. 2012 has seen big changes for the town centre, with the demolition of the Civic Centre in full swing, soon to be replaced by the £34 million development that will include new shops, offices and library. While the work has seen the closure of the Civic Centre car park and its free 30-minute green parking bays, 31 green bays have now been added to the Ashton Way car park at the Temple Street end, following talks with traders. Sam said: "We want people to know Temple Street is still very accessible and it is still very affordable to park, with free shortstay parking in the street and in the new green bays. “The redevelopment will be a real benefit to the town when it's complete. Most of the demolition has been done and soon we will be able to see it all taking shape.”

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January, 2013

News in brief Homes to get a winter check-up Elderly residents are among those who can book a free home check-up to ensure their property will be warm this winter. West of England Care & Repair, in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, is offering the free checks to elderly residents, disabled people of any age and vulnerable people. Craig Wilson, West of England Care & Repair’s chief executive, said: “As well as giving you advice on essential home maintenance we are also giving out free packs to people in need which include a hot water bottle, snuggle blanket, socks and gloves, and an insulated cup.” He added: “The free warm home check-up includes advice on loft insulation, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, central heating systems and draft proofing among other things.” Residents can also find out

more about keeping warm at home from the Council Home Energy Team on 0800 082 2234.

Group striding into new year Older residents can take the first

step towards a healthy new year by joining a walking group. The Age UK Keynsham Walking Group meets every Wednesday morning for a walk locally, with the group occasionally taking the bus. The members enjoy a stroll of around two miles followed by a visit to a cafe or pub for refreshments and socialising. To find out about joining or volunteering for Age UK and helping to run the walking groups, contact Paula Smith on 01225 484510 at Age UK.

Your news

If you have news for Keynsham Voice, email news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk, call Joni on 07887 561567 or Emma on 07715 770448.

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Routes to new connections A charity that helps isolated Keynsham residents make new connections with their community is appealing for volunteers to become supporters or befrienders. Here, volunteer coordinator Kerri Mann tells us about The Care Forum's New Routes Project. The New Routes Project operates just in Keynsham and has been running since 2009. Typically the project has worked with people (aged 16 or over) who feel depressed or socially isolated, are bereaved or are new to the area. They may also be people who have too few hobbies or interests, may have decreased self-confidence or low mood. Anyone can be referred to New Routes by their GP and the aim is to increase their patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wellbeing

Debbie Howitt, New Routes coordinator, left, and Kerri Mann, volunteer coordinator and to create a better connected community in Keynsham. Following a referral by a GP, New Routes workers assess their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; support needs to discover practical and social ways to improve their overall wellbeing by finding them volunteer work, education or training opportunities, as well as opportunities to explore hobbies and interests. They may also provide links to religious or faith groups, or phys-

ical health and fitness classes. New Routes has worked with over 200 people from Keynsham and receives referrals from GPs based at Temple House, St Augustineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Westview surgeries. In 2011, New Routes was awarded a grant from the Department of Health to set up a team of volunteers to provide community support and befriending. The volunteers are trained and then matched by the workers

to a New Routes client. Volunteer supporters help clients to take their first steps into local activities and volunteer befrienders offer ongoing friendship. Training is provided, travel expenses are paid and ongoing support is available. Some people who were initially referred to the project have later become volunteers for New Routes themselves. As well as making a huge difference to how New Routes clients feel about their lives, volunteers also get to develop their own skills, meet new people and increase their own self confidence. To find out about how to become a volunteer supporter or befriender in Keynsham, contact Kerri Mann on 0117 965 4444 or at kerrimann@thecareforum. org.uk

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Advertising feature – New Year New You

Standing up to back pain Sore feet and lower back pain could be a hangover from the party season suffered by many women after spending hours standing and dancing in high heels. Now a new study by doctors in Poland and the USA has shown that wearing heels can affect your posture over time, where placing weight on the balls of your feet can have a chain effect on the pelvis and low back muscles. Chiropractor Kenneth Fohlmann, of Hands-On Health Treatments, said: “Every year hundreds of female patients come to our clinics suffering with low back pain, usually in the approach to Christmas, probably because of working longer hours, shopping or going to parties wearing high-heeled shoes.” The clinical team of chiro-

practors and physiotherapists at Hands-On Health Treatments offers the following advice to help with the effects of wearing heels:  Stretch your feet out by rotating your ankles in circles, and massaging the balls of your feet before putting on your shoes  Stretch the calf muscles by raising your toes off the ground and balancing on your heels ten times for each leg  Stretch the low back by moving your hips forward and back and round in circles before going out in heels  Take a break, and kick off your heels every hour or so and repeat the stretches. For further advice or to make an appointment in one of HandsOn Health Treatments’ five clinics, including Temple Court, Keynsham, call 0117 986 6578.

Wellfield Laser and Beauty owner Sal Wadhwani with a client

Satisfied clients spread the word A Keynsham-based salon aims to offer treatments that leave clients feeling “like a million dollars” without the city centre price tag. Wellfield Laser and Beauty offers laser hair removal, red thread vein removal, treatment for rosacea, active acne and rejuvenating laser facials, with clients’ recommendations helping its reputation grow. The salon

uses the Lynton Laser Lumina system, supported by award-winning company Lynton Lasers. Free consultations are available to anyone considering laser treatment. Contact Wellfield Laser and Beauty on 0117 986 8085, visit www.wellfieldlaser. co.uk or go to Facebook to see special offers, searching for Wellfield Laser.

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January, 2013

Advertising feature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Year New You ď Ž Zumba Gold classes have been running in Saltford since September. Due to increasing popularity, these have moved to Saltford Hall at noon on Tuesdays. Zumba Gold is a low-impact version of Zumba Fitness. In a Zumba Fitness class you can expect to do a series of lively, easy-to-follow dance routines to mostly zesty Latin music. Before you know it you will have done a

brilliant workout and feel great. The Zumba Gold format modifies the moves so that they are safe and suitable for active adults of any age. I am absolutely passionate about the idea that we can keep fit, healthy and mentally sharp as we get older by engaging in physical activities. I run several classes in the surrounding area. Visit gabriellestanley. zumba.com for details. Instructor Gabrielle Stanley

New centre opens doors The all new Wellsway School Sports Centre will open its doors to the public this month, providing the local community with state-of-the-art gym facilities, a six badminton court sports hall, and an impressive exercise studio. Operated by Sport Wellsway, we appreciate that your participation in a healthy lifestyle is important to you, and it is our aim to excite and encourage you towards achieving whatever sporting, fitness or wellness goal you aspire to. Come and take a look for yourself, a member of our team looks forward to meeting you. Mark Collins, Sports & Fitness Centre Manager

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January, 2013

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New Year New You

Help to tackle those problem areas Based in Keynsham, I offer a great alternative to city-based beauty salons at BodyLove, with competitive prices and very flexible appointment times including evenings or weekends as well as free parking. The fat reduction treatment allows you to target specific problem areas that are difficult to remove by diet and exercise alone and is suitable for both men and women.

It is very safe, totally pain free and with no down time. Each target area involves a 15-minute treatment. Consultations are free and a health questionnaire will ensure suitability. I also offer the free use of a vibration plate with each session to assist weight loss. A range of beauty treatments will soon be added so keep in touch at www.ultraslimbodylove.co.uk or call for more details. Alison Millen

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January, 2013

Advertising feature – New Year New You

Shaping up for year ahead Many of us will be planning to get in shape this new year - but working out how to reach our goals, and sticking to them, can be the most difficult part. That's where personal trainer Craig Weeks, from CW Fitness Solutions, comes in. Clients get a free consultation where they

discuss their targets – whether it's losing weight, toning up or preparing for a sporting competition – and get a health check, including weight, blood pressure and heart rate, and a fitness test. The consultation also includes full body composition test to determine hydration levels, body

fat content, muscle content, BMI and BMR readings. Then clients are booked in for a series of hour-long gym sessions for tailored training and regular weigh-ins - but that's only part of it, says Craig. He said: "I will talk to clients about their lifestyle, what types of foods to eat and what to avoid. “I help clients understand

how they can help themselves lose weight by making changes." Craig is also a Herbalife independent distributor and will introduce certain clients to the weight loss programme to help them achieve their goals. To find out more, contact Craig Weeks on 07917 731401, email craig@cwfitnesssolutions. co.uk or visit the website www. cwfitnesssolutions.co.uk.

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News

Community gets say on school expansion Parents are among those who are being asked for their views on plans to double the number of pupil places at Castle Primary School. Bath and North East Somerset Council is proposing to increase capacity from 210 to 420 over a number of years, with reception places rising from 30 to 60 by September 2015. The authority is now consulting with individuals and organisations that may be affected by the plan. With pupils numbers in the town already rising due to increased birth rates and families moving to the area, the authority is aiming to meet more demand in the area expected to be created by the K2 develop-

ment near the school. Funding from developer Taylor Wimpey has been secured to enable the expansion, along with extra land. Bath and North East Somerset Council has also approved plans an £800,000 investment in the school for the project.

The consultation will run from January 7 until February 3. There will also be a public dropin session on Thursday, January 17, from 2.30-5pm, in Castle Primary School’s lunch hall where there will be more information. Comments on the proposal can be emailed to schools_organisation@bathnes.gov.uk. Alternatively, write to Schools Capital Organisation Team, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1LA. Responses to the plans should also include your name, postcode, the school's name and your relationship to the school.

Rail campaigners meet city mayor Members of the Saltford Station Campaign met Bristol's new mayor George Ferguson as the West of England Joint Transport Executive discussed the future of transport in the region. Mr Ferguson told the campaigners: “I am a great supporter of the Greater Bristol Metro Rail Project. A reopened Saltford Station can be part of that.” Campaigner Chris Warren said: “A Greater Bristol Rail Metro network, along the lines of the London Overground system, needs stations. Reopening Saltford Station is firmly part of the Metro plans. “It was great to hear about the progress being made." Bath and North East Somerset Council is currently funding a £100,000 study by consultants into the viability of reopening the station.

In the Garden with our Homegrown Gardener We have almost reached the end of Decenber and I have at last finished raking and piling leaves for composting. As I worked along the edges of the borders I realised how much colour was left in the garden. The most striking were the stems of the cornus alba, dogwood and the cotinus coggygria, the Chilean Smoke Bush. The stems of the Cornus were taking on the distinctive coral red and the Cotinus leaves were a cranberry colour. These prompted me to look elsewhere and I found the gold and yellow of euonymous, lime green foliage of the young conifers, gold and green of elaeagnus pungens, dark leaves of the holly, background for the salmon pink of rose shoots. This set me off on a wander around the garden to find the brown seedheads of hydrangea “Annabelle”, a few dark pink heads of seedum, red berries on the cotoneaster and the pale leaves of buddleia davidii. What

A man at eighteen pence an hour. To some it is a silly jest About the latest garden pest To some a haven where they find Forgetfulness and peace of mind.

a remarkable reward for a moderate amount of work! When my wife and I were first married we bought a house with a small garden. We planted roses at the side, and grass at the back. Very new to gardening we bought a second-hand hand mower. A lovely machine, it cut our grass in about 10 minutes. Vegetables and plants did their best but usually died. We realised there was more to gardening than we thought. Then we moved to our present property, which is about 10

times bigger with the accompanying amount of work! What Is A Garden? To one it is a piece of ground For which some gravel must be found, To some, those seeds that must be sown To some a lawn that must be grown To some a ton of Cheddar rocks; To some it means a window box; To some who dare not pick a flower

There have been several articles in the gardening press itemising all the tools that are most useful. I have been thinking about my tool kit for the garden. Obvious ones are hand shears, secateurs, pruning saw, mower. I also have a pair of 27" loppers, a 10ft-long arm pruner, spades and forks. Also I had a wire-tined grass rake but that joined my old mower at the amenity centre. Now I can look for a new one as big as I can get. So I shall be off soon, with all my Christmas vouchers, to scour all the garden centres and find the best offer. I hope you all enjoyed Christmas and the new year.

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January, 2013

Down on the farm with the Upton Cheyney Chilli Company 2012 was a cruel year for the handful of chilli farmers in the UK. There are not many of us, although we all suffered from the same terrible overcast and wet weather that affected so many other types of farming. As if the lack of any sunshine was not bad enough, the early frosts and prolonged freezing evenings in early December resulted in most of the remaining pods on the plants being frost damaged before we could harvest them. In 2011 we were still picking pods into late December, so it is with great joy that we put 2012 behind us and look forward to a warm, sunny and bustling 2013! This will be our fifth season growing chillies. In our first year we germinated in a conservatory, relying on the central heating to protect the seedlings. As we have grown, we now use

a number of heated propagators and mats from GreenHouse Sensations to kick-start our pods. Using Jiffy pellets we start by germinating the hotter types such as habanero and naga. We germinate the hotter

pods first as they take the longest to reach maturity. A general rule of thumb for a habanero is that full pod maturity will be reached 140 days after potting on. Potting on usually takes place in April/May, meaning maturity should be achieved

by the time of the chilli festival in September. This does, however, assume the sun shines! We go through four waves of propagation, which, assuming our germination rate is 75 per cent or more, will provide us with approximately 2,000 seedlings. This is enough to fill the three commercial tunnels and part of the show tunnel. It will also provide plants for sale. In Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog we should have our first seedlings popping up, and the nerves will be starting to kick in as the frosty nights always have the potential to damage our little ones! We will reveal how we keep them safe then!

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Keynsham Crafts Profile: Sarah Knight, illustration/graphic design After attending Wellsway, I studied illustration at university, which is where I learned to screen print and cemented my love for drawing. When I graduated in 2006 I started working full-time as a graphic designer but carried on illustrating on the side, having published illustrations for The Guardian and Jamie Oliver’s magazine. I started selling handprinted cards to local stockists such as the Here gallery in Stokes Croft and then set up Stormy Knight in 2010 as the number of designs I had grew. I like to add a dose of British humour to all of my designs and hope that they offer something a bit different to the greeting card market – and everything is printed on my signature recycled manilla card stock! I now sell over 30 card designs as well as notepads, prints, gift wrap and tea towels (the newest addition to Stormy

Knight!) and stock a number of different independent retailers across the country. I’m launching 12 new card designs in January 2013 and will be developing many more as the year goes on! Visit www.stormyknight.co.uk.  Are you a local artist or craftsperson? Tell us about your talent and feature in our monthly Keynsham Crafts slot.

New job skills at free sessions Those hoping to improve their job prospects can find help on their doorstep in 2013. People aged over 24 can attend weekly sessions at Community@67, at 67 Queen's Road, where they will learn about transferable skills, interview skills and job search techniques. The Learning for Work project has also offered people help with updating or creating CVs, job applications, setting up email accounts and also arranging work placements. People can refer themselves or come through an agency such as Jobcentre Plus, getting oneto-one support or joining a small group. The first session of 2013 will be held on January 10 and then every Thursday, from 12.153.15pm. Call tutors Lucy or Elissa on 07879 966515 for more information.

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January, 2013

What’s On January January 5 & 20 Free wildlife group walk at Elm Farm. This is a good time of year to see over-wintering farmland birds on our fields with crops grown specifically for wild birds. For full details please visit www. elm-farm.com. Booking is essential.

January 11 Avon Wildlife Trust, Keynsham Local Group. “Bird-watching and Conservation in France” with speaker Ken Hall, 7.30pm at the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS. Adults £2.50, children £1. There will be refreshments and a bring and buy book stall.

January 21 Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society. Illustrated talk by Peter Davey on “Around Bristol by Tram”. At The Key Centre, Victoria Methodist Church, Charlton Road, Keynsham, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, £2.50.

January 27 Wells Cathedral School big band, 1.30-3.45pm (doors open 1pm) at Conygre Hall, Timsbury (BA2 0JG). In aid of the Cedars Hall Project. £10 for reserved tickets and on the door if available. Dance in a cafe-style setting with bar, hot/cold food. Details from Kate on 01761 471245 or at www.mendipmusic.com

What’s on in Keynsham on a regular basis Passionate about local libraries, communities and history? Why not join the Friends of Saltford Library? The group organises author visits, coffee mornings, poetry evenings, writing workshops and visits to nearby places of historical interest. Call 01225 394041 or email june_wentland@bathnes.gov.uk.

Monday ChoirJam, Keynsham’s fun pop

Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club, society or community group in the Keynsham area? Send details to emma@ keynshamvoice.co.uk or call us on 07715 770448 and we will make sure thousands of people in and around Keynsham know about it. choir, meets on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 7.30-9pm, and Wednesdays, from 11.30am1pm, during term-time at Wellsway School, Keynsham. We sing everything from the Temptations to Take That and perform with a live band. Adults of all ages are welcome to join, there’s no audition and no experience necessary – just enthusiasm and a love of singing! To book a taster session, call Emma Hutchinson on 07793 983040 or visit www.choirjam. co.uk. The Women's Section of the Royal British Legion Keynsham would be delighted to welcome new members. They meet upstairs at the RBL Club on the

first Monday of each month at 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings – why not come along and meet new friends? Key Voices, Keynsham's friendly community singing group, is looking for new members. Monday between 7.15pm and 9.30pm during term-times at Castle School in Newlands Road. Cost £4 per session, £3 concessions. Contact Roy on 0117 949 8587 for more details. Keynsham Writing Group meets in the library on second and fourth Monday of the month, from 2.30-4pm. We are a small, friendly group and welcome new members of all abilities. For

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What’s On further information telephone Pat 0117 9864722. Learn to play short mat bowls with a really friendly mixed group at Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham, on Mondays, 1.30-4pm, and/or Fridays, 7.30-9.30pm until mid-May. Everyone welcome, newcomers free. Ring Clive on 0117 986 6793 or just turn up.

Tuesday Wellsway Ladies’ Badminton Club, 7.30-9.30pm, at Keynsham Leisure Centre. For more information, contact Jenny on 0117 986 8331. KOPS is Keynsham Older People’s Social group. This friendly group of local, older people meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Community@67 (the old post office), Queens Road, Keynsham, at 2pm. The group is free to join but members usually bring along a small item for the raffle table. New members welcome, call Paula on 01225 484510 or Phyllis on 0117 986 8623.

News Residents’ Fellowship Association, based at the Hawthorn Meeting Room in Carpenters Lane, from 2pm-4pm. We enjoy different activities, eg. luncheon, quiz, games including darts and a committee meeting. On a Thursday afternoon, we do crafts and also have a community garden. Contact Jim Lingard on 0117 986 1551. St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild. A friendly outgoing group of various ages who meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham, from 9.45-11.45am. With interesting speakers and coffee/tea and biscuits. We have many sub--groups, including theatre and local interest trips, an art group, book club, Scrabble, cards, walkers, singers, bowls and more!.

Wednesday Keynsham Photographic Society, Fear Hall, meet at 7.30pm to enjoy all aspects of photography. Visiting speakers; competitions; sessions to share and discuss

own photographs with opportunities to view the best amateur work from the South West. Visit our website at www.keynsham photographicsociety.co.uk and come along to share.

Friday If you're interested in crafts and meeting like-minded adults, head to the Labbott Community Room in Keynsham between 11am and 1pm every Friday. Join a very friendly mixed group who meet up every Friday to play badminton during adult recreation, from 10am to noon at Keynsham Leisure Centre. Everyone welcome regardless of ability. Just turn up or ring Clive on 0117 986 6793. Avon Wildlife Trust, Keynsham Local Group. Winter talks held on the second Friday of each month until April, at 7.30pm at the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham BS31 1DS. Adults £2.50, children £1. There will be refreshments, and a bring and buy book stall

Dates for diary at village library Saltford library already has a series of events planned well into 2013, including a talk on cycling the globe and a chance for residents of all ages to share stories. The programme begins with a DVD of an interview with Saltford resident Michael Rehifisch on the Holocaust on February 1. This is followed a week later, on February 8, with a talk by Astrid Domingo Molyneux whose book Cycling Full Circle tells of her two-year journey around the world by bike. Booking, for £2, is essential on 01225 874259. On March 1, residents will be invited to record their memories for others to hear, while on March 19 and 21, Saltford Intergenerational Group will bring all ages together for a story evening. Reading Groups will also be meeting on Mondays, at 2pm (call Debbie Jackson on 01225 335013) and Wednesdays, at 2pm (call Cynthia Wilson on 01225 874259).

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January, 2013

News ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wedding show marks 20 years Wedding World, Bristol's largest wedding exhibition, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year at the Bristol Marriott Hotel in Broadmead on Sunday, January 27. There are over 100 stands offering a vast selection of wedding services for the bride, groom and families. Two choreographed fashion shows take place during the day featuring bridal gowns, men's formal hire, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride outfits. Organisers describe the event as a “one-stop wedding shop” with everything needed for that special day. All visitors receive a complimentary drink and free wedding magazines. The exhibition is open from 10.30am-4.30pm, and full information can be found at www. weddingworld.biz.

Thought for the month with Reverend Richard Hall, St Mary’s, Saltford As we enter a new year, what are you hoping for? The only hope that is guaranteed to be fulfilled is our hope in God. He is the God of hope. When children were invited to ask the vicar about creation, one boy asked: “When God created the world, did he know that men were going to make rockets and bombs and things?” The answer is that he took the risk. He is a God of hope. God has a theology, it may not be written down in the bible but it is there all the same. One way or another, God affirms: “I believe in men and

women, dwellers in time and space, caretakers of the earth and its environment. I believe in creation, mind and matter, body and spirit. I believe in freedom.” Look again at the Garden of Eden. When things went wrong, God could have scrapped the whole thing and started again. But he didn’t, he believed in us. God found Noah and his family and gave them a DIY ark kit. Afterwards he told them, while there is a rainbow in the sky you will know the God of hope is still in business. The God of hope then

became the man of hope, in Jesus, who gave all hope to all people. For us today, our Christian hope is no fanciful optimism, but God does expect something of us. He is putting us in charge. So, we have responsibilities at home and at work, our concern for our neighbour next door and in the Third World, our campaigning for world peace and so on. This is because he believes in us. So, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing in 2013.

Puzzles Sudoku

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Competition

News

IT firm supports animal charity A local computer and laptop repair firm has chosen HorseWorld as its charity of the year. Computer engineers Antony Swenson and John Savage said they wanted to establish a charity link that was close to their hearts. Mr Savage said: “I have had a long association with horses as my sister used to ride and compete. “I’m now lucky enough to enjoy many horse riding events which my daughter does and she is now studying equine management at college. So, I am delighted to be associated with HorseWorld and help support the vital rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work the charity does.” As well as helping out with charitable events, both Antony and John will be making donations to HorseWorld, based in Whitchurch, as a percentage of sales.

Drivers asked to spare few hours Budding young journalists rose to the challenge on our Victorian Evening stall to create a Keynshamvoice front page to win a £20 voucher to spend at The Entertainer toy shop. Nathan Cundy, six, is our winner with his front page inspired by the recent

Drivers who can spare a couple of hours on a Sunday to help older people get out and about to socialise are urgently needed. Contact the Elderly is hoping to set up a team of volunteers in Keynsham to drive elderly people to a volunteer host’s house once a month on a Sunday afternoon, for tea, cake and companionship. The charity wants four drivers and is also hoping to find six hosts in the Keynsham area. To find out more, contact Joanna Mead, Keynsham group co-ordinator, on 07825 153203/ 0117 986 2824, email joanna mead010@btinternet.com or see www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk.

flooding in Keynsham, above, while Belle Taylor, five, is our runner-up with her front page depicting all the fun of the Victorian Evening, right. Each will receive a £20 voucher, courtesy of The Entertainer. Well done to you both!

Scout troop get their skates on 1st Keynsham (Frome Troop) Scouts’ Christmas party got off to a very slippery start with a skating session at New Winter Wonderland at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol. In total, 24 Scouts and leaders enjoyed a fun session on the ice, followed by a Christmas meal at a local diner.

Photo: Karen Ryan

Call puts village back on the map Two councillors have put Saltford back on the map – after finding the village had been missed off the official tourist map for Somerset. Duncan Hounsell and Chris Warren got in touch with the leaflet’s producer, Take One Media, which has now included the village on its 2013 map.

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Keynsham Kitchen

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January, 2013

Lamb shank pie with The Brassmill, Avon Mill Lane, Keynsham, BS31 2UG Tel: 0117 986 7280 Ingredients 1 lamb shank slow cooked until tender, bone trimmed of fat and gristle (French trimmed) 100 grms of beef stock gravy 130 grms root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, swede, sweet potato and red onions) 25 grms spinach 100 grms of short crust pastry (just enough to overlap the pie dish) Method Mix the filling ingredients and top with the pastry. Brush with egg yolk wash and top it with rosemary. Cook the pie in a conventional oven at 220 degrees/gas mark 7 until golden brown and piping hot.

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Keynsham Shopping

Over-indulged over Christmas? Studio Fit has facilities to get you back in shape

Keynsham Leisure Centre offers a range of sports and membership packages

Conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscular pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and headaches can be treated with acupuncture at Hands-On Health Treatments in Temple Court

After a hectic time entertaining and partying, take some time out to relax. Book a back massage at CW Beauty Solutions based in Platinum Fitness Treat yourself to some pampering at California Nails

New year, new you. Ring in the new year with a new hair style at Reflections hair salon

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January, 2013

Library news Adult Fiction – reviewed and highly recommended by Kerri  The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price, Purveyor of Superior Funerals by Wendy Jones A charming book set in the 1920s, full of the oldfashioned values of respect for elders and courtesy to all. Wilfred Price prides rides himself on his good conduct, particularly within his role as funeral director in the small Welsh village of Narberth, Pembrokeshire. Since taking up an apprenticeship with the late, great Mr Ogmore Auden, he has not only gained the skills of coffin making and funeral arranging, but has also perfected the art of knowing what, how and when to say the right thing. Living with his widowed father, the local grave digger at St Andrew’s churchyard, the pair co-exist comfortably. Wilfred guiltily thinks about

Books of the month with staff from Keynsham Library

love and the fairer sex. One day, in a moment of summer madness, Wilfred proposes to Grace Reece, the doctor’s daughter. Straight away, he realises his mistake, but finds himself swept along with the wedding plans. Villagers are thrilled that a wedding is in the offing and soon there is no turning back for Wilfred, especially when Grace’s pregnancy becomes clear to her irate father. Everyone assumes that it is Wilfred’s child, but is it really? Just when Wilfred accepts his fate, he finds himself drawn into a love triangle. From a neighbouring village, the daughter of a deceased gentleman comes serenely into his life. She is everything he dreamt

about in those days before his life became so complicated. As you read the book, you experience so many emotions on behalf of poor Wilfred. Will he ever find true happiness? Adult Fiction  Heartstone by CJ Sansom Heartstone is the fifth novel in Sansom’s Shardlake series. Matthew Shardlake receives his next case from a servant of Queen Catherine Parr and is soon travelling to Portsmouth to investigate wrongs committed against his young ward, Hugh Curteys. As Portsmouth prepares for war, Shardlake and his assistant Barak find themselves embroiled in the case of Ellen Fettiplace, who is locked up in the Bedlam. Another satisfyingly weighty tome, with its trademark maps to guide us through the action, Heartstone has been hailed as Sansom’s best Shardlake novel so far.

Junior Fiction  Pyramid of Secrets by Jim Eldridge (My Story series) It is 2517 BC and 12-year-old Nebka lives in Egypt, work-ing the fields for his miserable Uncle Minkaf. He misses his father, who died when Nebka was just six. The Nile floods and Nebka and his uncle are forced to leave their fields to build the pyramid of Khafre for the Pharaoh. Here, Nebka meets a prisoner who claims to be the rightful heir to the throne.Other books in the series deal with topics such as the Vikings, the Romans and the Plague.  And to any of you struggling with those new year’s resolutions, the library has a Health and Wellbeing section, including books on dieting, stress management, assertiveness and various health issues.  Reviews by Sarah Wookey

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Keynsham business of the month

We meet Marieann Hirota, owner of Pussy’s Galore & More Luxury Cattery Tell us about your business. Pussy’s Galore & More is a family-run luxury cattery and small pet hotel established in 2008. It is a recently purposebuilt cattery constructed to the highest standards of comfort (as defined by the Feline Advisory Bureau), set in acres of peaceful countryside. At Pussy’s Galore & More we cater for all breeds, shapes and sizes of cats and we also have the capacity to house other small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs etc). Young, old and timid cats are welcome. We offer grooming services and are happy to administer medication on explicit request.

We provide secure, modern facilities to pet owners to ensure they can enjoy their holidays with confidence, knowing that their much-loved pets are very well cared for. We are the most recently built, modern cattery in the area and we have no hidden charges or bank holiday surcharges and we are flexible with our arrival and departure times. We look forward to seeing some new visitors. If your cat has not been a guest with us before, come along and view our facilities. Take a look at our website, where online booking is available.

What service do you provide to the people of Keynsham? The custom-built cattery includes:  Individual custom-built units with heated penthouses, furnished with cosy baskets lined with Vetbed.

Contact: Call 0117 986 0485 and please leave a message if there is no answer, we are probably cuddling a cat! Mobile: 07880 791333. Alternatively, visit us online at www.pussys-galoreandmore. co.uk.

 Individual covered run accessible by a cat flap so your cat can go in or out as desired.  Full-height clear perspex sneeze barriers between units.

 Scratching posts.  Specialist diets are catered for.  Medication given (on request).  Grooming service available (on request).

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January, 2013

Keynsham property of the month This is a first-floor apartment within a prestigious waterside development with excellent communal facilities, which is ideal for a professional couple or retirement. Albert Mill is a development of apartments and town houses formed from the conversion of a historic mill set on the banks of the River Chew in Keynsham. The communal facilities include gardens on the banks of the River Chew, a small island with a patio area, a gymnasium and a large mill room with flagstone floor housing historic milling equipment and a conservatory. This property offers two bedrooms, one with built-in mirrored wardrobes, a stylish, contemporary bathroom, a lounge/diner and a kitchen with roll-edge work surface, a range of wall and floor units, integrated gas hob with electric oven beneath, space and plumbing for a washing machine and space for a fridge freezer. To fully appreciate what this property has on offer an internal viewing is advised.

Dapps Hill

ÂŁ142,500

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January, 2013

Sport Olympian Siobhan pays club visit Olympian Siobhan O’Connor was welcomed back by Keynsham Swimming Club, where she began her career, for the annual club championships. Siobhan had just won bronze in the 100m Individual Medley at the European Short Course Championships and been nominated for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. The young swimmer presented the medals to the winners and finalists at the KASC event last month. KASC Gold Squad Coach Thea Bennett said: “Siobhan is a great girl and a very active member of KASC. She is a fantastic role model for all the KASC's swim-

mers, we are so proud of her.” A total of 140 KASC swimmers entered the club championships, with the youngest aged just six and the oldest 54. There were record-breaking swims from Ben Lawton in the 100m 13 years and under Breaststroke, Ethan Hall in the 25m nine years and under Fly and Zac Derrick and Sam Lawton in the 200m 11 years and under Individual Medley. The club gave a special mention to Riannon Bowen, who missed the 100m 10/11 years Individual Medley record by one tenth of a second, a record that has been standing since 1979.

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Sport

Firsts muscled out by rivals Photo: Bob Baber

Keynsham Rugby Club has had more downs than ups in this review of activities at KRFC, writes Peter Gibson. December 8 A small band of supporters followed the first XV to Burnhamon-Sea on Saturday and were very disappointed in the team’s performance. Missing several regulars they played like a team that hadn’t played for three weeks and were muscled out of it by a very strong pack from the home side. Keynsham again showed a complete inability to cope with their opposition’s catch and drive technique from short range line-outs and yielded another two this week to add to the season’s mounting total. Losing 22-3 at half time they did show some resilience in the second period to “win” that phase and the game ended with a score-line of 28-15. Keynsham’s points came from two tries from acting captain, Ben Newman, to which Ben Bolster added a conversion and a penalty. The seconds fared no better at the Crown Field when faced by Nailsea & Backwell RFC 1st XV. They were unwilling or unable to tackle, and that applied to the whole side from 15-1, and shipped three tries in the first half, all of which should have been stopped at source. The visitors were well on top in the forward battle and showed much more competitiveness, frequently counter-rucking to great effect. A brief comeback in the second half where they scored a try from Gareth Jones and a penalty by Rob Breckon was quickly snuffed out by Nailsea, who finished comfortable victors 30-8. December 15 The First XV had an appalling

A tackle from James Hurrell-Smith, with support from Lewis Bush and Ash Foster, in a match earlier in the season game against bottom-of-thetable Yatton RFC at the Crown Field. They did briefly lead 7-6 just before half time, but the visitors were far more committed. In an incoherent display, the gloom was lifted briefly with the last move of the game with a wonderful individual try from full back Sam Challenger who ran more than 60 metres, scattering defenders en route to score in the corner. Keynsham’s other points were from a try by Ben Newman and a conversion by Ben Bolster; final score Keynsham 12, Yatton 14. This performance brings the threat of league relegation into question. The seconds had a great game against table-topping Chew Valley at Chew. They performed well and bravely against welldrilled opposition. 20 points adrift early on did not bode too well, but they were resilient and fought back bravely and had equality thereafter. A final score of 28-7 to the home team was a somewhat

flattering result. Matt Fairlass was Keynsham’s points scorer with a try and a conversion; Jack Evans was Keynsham’s man of the match. The thirds prevented a senior whitewash by thumping Old Culverhasians 1st XV 33-12 at Bath. The home side had the advantage in the scrums but Keynsham’s pack was better in the line-out and breakdown areas. Keynsham slipped into top gear and ran in

five tries; Russell Tanner, James Rivers, team skipper Dan Shearn and man of the match James Preston (two) were the scorers. In a close encounter on one of the back pitches the 4ths just lost out to Oldfield 3rd XV with a score of 33-27. There were debuts from two refugees from the cricket club, Rich Wilton and Chris Gwyther, who both survived intact. Mark Goulds made the tackle of the game in a spirited all-round performance by the whole team and there were tries from the smallest No 8 in the club, Ernie Seward, with a push-over try, and also Jason Bradshaw, Nick Elliot, Chris Bradley and Pete Smithson. January home fixtures are: January 5 and 12, 2nds against Minehead and Wiveliscombe. January 19, 1sts against Matson. January 26, 2nds against Imperial. The Dennis Cockbaine Club at KRFC The winner of the first big annual draw for £1,000 was Ashton Broad, fixture secretary, exreferee and squire of Whitchurch with No 93. The other December winners were £100 Phil Tomaselli (65) and £50 Mike Green (35).

A cracker of a victory for Terry Terry Challenger defeated Danny Hawkins 3-0 in the final to take the £100 first prize in Keynsham’s Christmas Cracker open snooker event played on Sunday, December 23. Terry was in cracking form throughout the day conceding big handicap starts when scoring

wins over John Hilborne, Chandler Ridgeway, Jago Bidmead, Nicky Hawkins and in the semifinal Des Gilbert. Jamie Hawkins won the junior snooker tournament on Saturday, December 22, while Jacob Wardle won the pool event also played on the same day.

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January, 2013

Sport Photo: Liam Jacques

Good form for winter matches With the half-way point reached for our winter league season both our senior teams at Fry’s Tennis Club have had important December matches. Fry I had a tough start to the month with an away match to top-of-the-table Knowle II. Recent history between the teams suggested it would be a close match and this was to be no exception. With both teams producing their best tennis the four matches played were split two apiece. Unfortunately with the match level, thanks to their superior games difference the bonus point was awarded to Knowle who took the overall match 6-4. Despite their disappointment Fry I took their good form into their next match against Clifton, this time recording a dominant 8-2 win. The win means Fry I are in second place in division 2B although third place Kings have a game in hand. Fry II’s only match in December was against Thornbury II. With several players missing through injury, expectations were limited. However, thanks to some determined performances in tough conditions Fry's outclassed their opponents to ease to a 10-0 win. They finish the year in second place in division 4D although as with the first team the teams above and below them do have a game in hand. Overall it’s been a good first half to the season for both Fry teams and we will look forward to our next matches in the new year. If you would like more information about Fry Tennis Club, please call Ann Smith on 0117 9862845 or see our brand new website at www.frytennisclub. org.uk.

Your sport Do you belong to a sports club or team in Keynsham? We want to know about your activities, events and successes. If you want to be featured in Keynsham Voice, email news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk, or call Joni on 07887 561567 or Emma on 07715 770448.

Keynsham Park Rangers – the group of friends pose for their team picture

Friendship is key to new team’s success By Lauren Winney Already second in the Bristol Premier Sunday league, the new football team known as the Keynsham Park Rangers (KPR) is made up of a group of close friends, who are all local Keynsham boys. With 15 players aged 20 to 22, the group of lads all went to Wellsway School together, and have stayed in touched since finishing their studies at Wellsway Sixth Form. Liam Jacques, 21, studied Sports Management at Coventry University and had the idea to start up the team with his friends, and took on the role of team manager of KPR. Liam said: “People were starting to come back home from university, so I wanted to get our friends back together in a group as we were in school, and football is something we all enjoy. “I think being friends is one of the main reasons we are doing

so well, we have built on our friendship and we all work on motivating each other.” As a friendship team with no financial support Liam said: “We don’t have any sponsorship yet, so to set up the team we all had to pay in a large amount of money, so we fund the team ourselves. Our plan for the new year is to make this much cheaper.” The team also has a fun way to keep up the funds in their account, called the weekly “fines”. The players can be fined up to £3 per mistake. For example, accidentally sending a lovey dovey text to your team mate, rather than your girlfriend, would earn a fine. The team have stayed loyal to their town, with their home ground at Fry’s, and their training sessions every Tuesday at their old school’s Astroturf pitch. The team has lots of support from friends and families at their home and away matches, which are every Sunday.

Les Hubbard, 55, father of the team’s left back player Matt Hubbard, has been to every match of the season, and said: “It has been pleasing to see the team grow in confidence, and players develop as the season has gone on. Credit must go to Liam, and his astute leadership.” KPR have played 10 games in the league this season, and have won seven of the games, pushing them up to second place on the board. Benjamin Hunt, 20, plays centre midfield for KPR and said: “The team is performing very well together, considering the short amount of time we have had playing together as a team. “Everyone knows their job, and we all work very hard for each other.” For more information on Keynsham Park Rangers and sponsorship opportunities, contact team manager Liam Jacques on 07540 499761.

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Puzzle solutions

AGRICULTURAL

BUILDING SERVICES

BOOKKEEPING

CARPET CLEANING

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CARPET CLEANING

January, 2013

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TRADE SERVICES

FLAT SHARE IN KEYNSHAM

GARDENING

FUNERAL SERVICES

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CARPET FITTERS

LOGS FOR SALE

DRIVEWAYS

GARDENING

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TRADE SERVICES

TAKEAWAY

WELLBEING

TIMBER MERCHANTS

WINDOW CLEANING

TREE SURGERY

WINDOWS AND DOORS

PET SUPPLIES

PLASTERING TYRES

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