Keynsham Voice December 2022

Council nursing home care rated ‘inadequate’

A COUNCIL-run nursing home in Keynsham has been rated as inadequate by inspectors.

The report on Charlton House Community Resource Centre was prompted by safeguarding concerns. Bath and North East Somerset Council has apologised and says it has already taken action on the Care Quality Commission’s findings.

The centre in Hawthorns Lane supports people living with dementia, older and younger people, and those living with a physical disability. At the time of the inspection, 29 people were using the service. The report findings include the following:

Staff used mobile phones to record people covertly and mock a person with dementia. But the provider allowed staff to continue bringing their mobile phones into work, while on duty, for about two months after they were aware of the recordings. This meant the risk remained.

One person’s records stated they were left with their window “wide open” with just a sheet for warmth. Their temperature was recorded as 35°C, which put them at increased and avoidable risk of hypothermia.

The provider failed to ensure people had access emergency medical support without delay. When one person told staff they had experienced a stroke, staff recorded that the person had arm weakness and did not seek emergency medical assistance until about seven hours later. On arrival to hospital, it was confirmed the person had n Turn to Page 2

Warm welcome

Places in Keynsham are offering a warm welcome to residents struggling with rising energy costs this winter.

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Parking penalty

Several home carers have received parking fines after visiting an elderly resident in Keynsham.

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Blow to objectors

The Secretary of State has decided not to call in plans to build 213 homes on the proposed Withies Green development in Keynsham.

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Main road closure

The Wellsway road in Keynsham is set to close for 12 weeks next year to allow a sewer to be built.

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Homes go-ahead

Councillors have granted permission for 70 homes to be built on a field beside a Keynsham nature reserve.

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Pablo Wall, who has autism, has raised money to help other children after discovering his passion for swimming - full story on Page 3

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January deadline

News

n NEWS Care rated ‘inadequate’

n From Page 1 experienced a stroke.

People’s sensor alarms were inexplicably turned off and their doors closed. On one day, a person experienced two unwitnessed falls.

Bath and North East Somerset Council apologised for the failings in its care.

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The provider could not be assured people at risk of malnutrition and dehydration were receiving support to improve their intake. For one person, no food or fluid records were completed for two consecutive days. One staff member said: “We’re so reliant on agency staff, and they’re not proactive at filling in the paperwork.”

A communal bathroom was used to store staff belongings, increasing the risk of crosscontamination.

The provider failed to ensure there were enough suitably qualified staff to meet people’s needs and failed to ensure agency staff had moving and handling training required for their roles.

People told the inspectors that permanent staff were kind to them but there were times when they could not access the support they needed.

Comments included “Staff are good but not enough” and “If I press the buzzer before lunch, it can be 15 mins to go to the loo.”

Comments from relatives included “Staff are lovely but disorganised” and “On certain days [it] seems two people [staff] on the whole floor.”

The inspectors’ overall rating of ‘inadequate’ means the service will be kept under review. If improvements are not made, enforcement action will be taken.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services and council house building, said: “Our purpose is to improve people’s lives, which makes reading this report very distressing. No amount of explanation can get away from the fact that we have let people down and I want to apologise to the residents and their families who will find this report very difficult to read.

“I want to reassure residents and their families that an action plan to improve the care provided at Charlton House is in place, which the Care Quality Commission has approved.

“We took immediate action following the inspection and this will continue. We have written to families and met with them and we will continue to keep everyone updated.

“We are all aware of the crisis facing the care sector. It is a fact that staffing in adult social care is at breaking-point. However, the safety of our residents has to be our priority and we agree with the CQC that some aspects of the care residents received was unacceptable.”

The council has: l Made immediate staffing changes to improve the quality of care.

l Reported concerns about the actions of agency staff to the relevant regulatory body.

l Closed the home to new admissions and reduced bedspaces so staff can focus on delivering the best possible care to permanent residents.

in charity

A CARING boy with autism has raised money for a good cause after discovering his passion for swimming.

Pablo Wall, aged seven, from Keynsham, swims with the Julie Gazzard Swimming Academy.

He completed a number of tasks set by Julie during the October Splash charity challenge and has so far raised over £500 towards hydrotherapy lessons at Children’s Hospice South West.

His mum Helen said: “We are beyond proud at how much Pablo has raised. He was only hoping to raise £30 and as parents we had no expectations really - we just thought it would be the family donating.

“But the support Pablo has received has been overwhelming for him - in a good way. This has only made Pablo want to do more charity work.”

Among those who have been supporting Pablo is British swimmer Brodie Williams –who won gold at this year’s Commonwealth games – and Brodie’s dad Darren.

Pablo was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and showed no interest in sport. But that changed when he started attending Three Ways, a specialist school in Bath.

Helen said: “The school introduced Pablo to their own hydrotherapy pool and Pablo enjoyed the warm water on his feet - he communicated to us it was like a hot bath. Then someone recommended Julie Gazzard, as she specialises in teaching SEN [special educational needs] children how to swim.

“Swimming has made Pablo

more confident, improved his communication and it’s something he feels every child should be allowed to experience.”

Pablo has one-to-one lessons with Julie. He started off swimming at Warmley but, with his increasing confidence, has moved on to a bigger pool at the Gables in Wraxhall.

Helen said: “A year ago we struggled to even get Pablo in swimming pool with Julie, as the pool was a lot bigger than what he was used too, but fast forward a year and Julie now has Pablo jumping off a diving board.

“Pablo would swim every day if he could. Swimming with Julie has allowed his personality to really blossom. Pablo has adopted Julie (Auntie Ju) as a member of our family.”

All of Pablo’s family – mum Helen, dad Ryan and older brothers Louis and Eddie - can

swim, as his parents believe it’s a life skill that every child should have. Pablo also gets huge support from Grandad Chris Brown and Nanny Barbara Brown.

Helen said: “As parents, we

never knew if Pablo would ever be able to talk, feed himself or even make friends.

“All the things parents take for granted we see as huge milestones. Then at the age of five, Pablo started talking.

“He is so caring and kind to others. He has a smile that lights up a room.”

Pablo’s determination to reach his fundraising target led to some creative thinking.

Helen said: “Pablo did discuss robbing a bank and swimming up through the toilet with Julie at one point to ensure they secured the £30 – Julie was not keen on swimming through the sewers to achieve this robbery.

“We will support Pablo in whatever he wishes to do (apart from a life of crime) and currently that is to be an amazing swimmer.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Pablo’s fundraising effort can visit www.justgiving.com and searching for ‘Pablo Wall taking part in October Splash’.

Pablo Wall with his swimmer teacher Julie Gazzard

Please come in to keep warm

PLACES in Keynsham are offering a warm welcome to residents struggling with rising energy costs this winter.

Keynsham Library and a non-profit cafe at Keynsham Elim Church are included on a list of registered warm spaces available across Bath and North East Somerset.

Toasties café opened at the church in Balmoral Road on November 4 and will be open to the community from 11am to 2pm every Friday.

Meanwhile, Keynsham and other B&NES libraries are offering a warm space where visitors can access free wi-fi, browse books and download e-magazines and e-audiobooks.

Libraries can also provide information on how to save energy at home and signpost people to partner services offering advice and information on money matters, benefits, jobs, wellbeing services and food support.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for children and

young people, and communities, said: “We welcome anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills this winter to visit our libraries, keep warm and use the wonderful facilities.

“Across Bath and North East Somerset, there are currently 17 warm spaces opening their doors to people struggling with their heating bills this winter, and we hope more will come forward as

the temperature drops.”

Other Keynsham places on the B&NES register of warm spaces include The Crown Inn, St Dunstan’s Parish Centre and Keynsham Methodist Church.

For a full list of warm spaces available across this district this winter, visit B&NES Council’s Livewell website at https:// livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/warmplaces-list

A ‘Warm Keynsham’ list of spaces is also being compiled. Some are existing activities, while others have started specifically to provide help this winter. Light refreshments are available, along with some table activities. Listings include:

Mondays: One Community Trust Building, The Park, 10am2pm; Victoria Methodist Church, Carlton Road, 10am-12pm; St John’s Parish Hall, 1 The Park, 2pm-4pm.

Tuesdays: Community at 67, Queens Road, 2pm-4pm.

Wednesdays: St Dunstan’s Parish Hall, Bristol Road, 10.30am-12.30pm; Victoria Methodist Church, 10am-12pm; Saltford Sports Club, Wedmore Road, Saltford, 12pm-3pm.

Thursdays: Victoria Methodist Church, 10am-12pm.

Fridays: Queens Road Methodist Church, 8.45am10.45am; Elim Pentecostal Church, Balmoral Road, 11am2pm.

Mondays-Fridays: The Crown Inn, Bristol Road (free hot drinks for all OAPS), 2pm and 4pm.

Keynsham Library is one of the local warm spaces

SEVERAL home carers have received parking fines after visiting an elderly resident in Keynsham.

They were issued with the £100 penalties by UK Car Park Management after driving to St Anne’s Court.

Jennie McLoughlin, who works for Caring Comes 1st, is one of four carers who have been fined for using the car park, which was recently made permitonly.

She visits an elderly woman at a Curo bungalow that is two to three minutes’ walk from the car park, so collecting the permit each time would take valuable minutes away from each 30-minute visit.

Jennie said: “Pictures were taken by a resident whilst the permit was not in the car and sent to the parking company, who then issued the fine.”

She appealed to UK Car Park Management, stating that she is a carer, but the appeal was turned down. Courtney Wilson, a colleague who also appealed, also had her fine upheld. The £100 penalty is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Parking penalties for home carers

Jennie said: “We do not have any carer parking so now have to park on the main road, which means a further walk to our service user.

“The bungalows are managed by Curo, so the majority of them are elderly residents, so permit parking seems very unfair. Our service user has one permit and around 10 different carers, so it needs to be collected every time.”

She added: “As carers, all we would like going forward is to be able to park without being fined, as the extra time we use walking to her house is time that we should be spending with her.”

One resident of the Curo bungalows said UK Car Park Management took over the car park to stop it being used by people from nearby streets, and the signs the company erected proved to be a good deterrent.

He said: “We residents are always able to find a parking space and so are a majority of our visitors. But I’m disappointed that no allowance has been provided for the care workers which a few of the residents are completely dependent on.”

When asked to comment on the situation, Curo responded: ““Following a consultation, UK

Do

Car Park Management started managing the car park at St Anne’s Court, Keynsham, with the support of residents. As spaces are limited, a permit system is in place to restrict multiple people parking.

“Curo can discuss permits with carers on an individual basis. We encourage all customers to let us know their individual circumstance so that we can find a solution to suit them.”

The Voice contacted UK Car Park Management for comment but had received no reply by the time we went to press.

Next steps in street’s transformation

SEVERAL grant-funded schemes that together will transform Temple Street in Keynsham are taking another step forward.

Two large-scale artworks created by Bath Carnival have been installed in Temple Street and Riverside Square to celebrate Temple Street and Keynsham town centre.

No 2. River Terrace, opposite the entrance to Keynsham Leisure Centre, is currently undergoing a full refurbishment and will be brought into use as a community arts and local business space from February 2023.

Over the next six months, new planters, cycle parking and seating will be installed on the Riverside development side of the street.

In January, work will begin to install new paving on the opposite side of the street.

The Temple Street Improvement Project is part of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme (HS HAZ), which aims to make the High Street a more vibrant area and attract footfall for local businesses.

Keynsham HS HAZ is a partnership

project led by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Renewal Team, funded by Historic England, with match funding from the council and Keynsham Town Council.

The council will also create a new online Keynsham Business Directory and launch a ‘shop local’ campaign in partnership with Keynsham Town Council to promote the local area and support local businesses.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and growth, said: “It’s great news that work is progressing on this important project that will help build the potential of Temple Street and continue to make Keynsham town centre more attractive for residents, businesses, tourists and investors. There is a rich heritage in Keynsham that we hope to encourage more people to engage with and enjoy.”

Keynsham’s Local Cultural Programme continues with a High Street Discovery Trail launched in October half term, an ongoing artist-led community quilting project about

parenting in Keynsham, and a celebration of the town’s radio heritage in January.

Keynsham’s Local Cultural Programme is part of Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme. Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “I would like to thank the project manager and everybody else who has contributed to this stage of the town centre improvements, in Temple Street. I look forward to seeing the result of their work.”

As previously reported in the Voice, some traders and residents have raised concerns about the scheme, saying it will disrupt trade, that too much seating is proposed, and objecting to the loss of parking spaces.

More information about the latest project updates and events can be found at HiKeynsham.co.uk. Anyone with questions or comments about Keynsham HSHAZ can email KeynshamHSHAZ@Bathnes.gov.uk or write to the Keynsham HS HAZ Project Team at Keynsham Town Council Office.

Planters and seating are envisaged for Temple Street

Show of support after school staff abused

THE principal of Broadlands Academy in Keynsham has welcomed the supportive response she has received from families following reports of staff being abused by some parents.

Louise Hamilton said the behaviour that teachers and support staff were being subjected to was unacceptable.

In a letter to parents at the start of the recent half-term break, she said: “Those of you with children in Years 8-10 may recall that I had to send a letter out in March, outlining my concerns about the treatment of Broadlands staff by a minority of parents and carers.

“Unfortunately, incidences of abusive, rude and disrespectful language and behaviour towards our staff have again increased, causing upset and distress to staff affected.

“I am therefore writing to reiterate that this is not an acceptable way to treat our staff, who do their best for our students day in, day out.”

After outlining examples of

the treatment some staff had endured, Miss Hamilton said on the school’s website that she had been encouraged by the response she had received.

She said: “Thank you to the many families who reached out in support after receiving this letter – your words of encouragement are very much appreciated!

“As I said in the letter, we don’t always get things right but are very open to respectful challenges and feedback.

“Schools are busy and fast-paced environments, and our staff do a wonderful job

of juggling lots of competing priorities and events while providing high-quality educational and pastoral experiences for students.”

In her half-term letter, Miss Hamilton said: “No staff member should go to work with the expectation that they will be either verbally or physically abused.

“Following recent incidents, I would like to reiterate that any parent/carer who exhibits abusive behaviour towards staff will be asked to meet to discuss this formally, and expectations of appropriate communication

will be made clear. On the rare occasions that this meeting does not resolve the issue, the parent/ carer will have their licence to visit the school site removed, and will receive a formal letter to this effect.”

Miss Hamilton said abusive behaviour towards staff can be defined as, but is not limited to:

l Making threats, shouting or speaking aggressively, or using offensive language such as swear-words and insults.

l Physical intimidation; spreading rumours about staff; turning up at school with no appointment and aggressively demanding to see a member of staff immediately.

l Sending confrontational emails during evenings and weekends, and threatening to involve police, lawyers and/or the press if a reply is not immediate.

l Encouraging young people to be rude and disrespectful to staff.

l Blaming staff and the school for issues that arise via social media or social encounters outside of the school day.

Louise Hamilton, principal of Broadlands Academy

Blow to Withies Green homes objectors

THE Secretary of State has decided not to call in plans to build 213 homes on the proposed Withies Green development in Keynsham.

Bath & North East Somerset Council gave developer Mactaggart & Mickel outline planning consent for the 25-acre scheme off the Bath Road earlier this year.

But following concerns raised by objectors, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) intervened, directing B&NES Council not to grant permission “without specific authorisation.”

The direction was made to enable the Secretary of State to consider whether he should decide under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 that the application should be referred to him for determination.

DLUHC said that the direction “should not be read as any indication of the Secretary of State’s attitude towards the

application scheme.”

B&NES Council has now been notified that the Secretary of State has decided against calling in the scheme.

A letter from DHLUC dated November 22 stated: “The Secretary of State has carefully considered this case against call-in policy, as set out in the Written Ministerial Statement by Nick Boles on 26 October 2012.

“The policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively.

“The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.

“In deciding whether to call in this application, the Secretary of State has considered his policy on calling in planning applications. This policy gives examples of the types of

issues which may lead him to conclude, in his opinion, that the application should be called in.

“The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”

DHLUC’s intervention came after Keynsham Town Council, Saltford Parish Council and Saltford Environment Group – which all objected to the planning application – contacted local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

At their request, he made representations to the Secretary of State, asking that the planning decision be called in.

The Secretary of State’s intervention to B&NES Council was made under Article 31 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

DHLUC’s recent letter concludes: “The Article 31 Direction issued pursuant to the Secretary of State’s letter of 4

July 2022 is hereby withdrawn.”

The decision has been made by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Local Government and Building Safety, Lee Rowley, on behalf of the Secretary of State, and signed on his behalf.

Michael Gove was Secretary of State from September 2021 to July 6 this year. He resumed the role in October as part of the new Prime Minister’s Cabinet.

The Voice asked Bath & North East Somerset Council what happens next following the Secretary of State’s ruling, but we had not received a reply by the time we went to press.

The council received more than 600 objections to the Withies Green proposal.

The development includes a new playing field for the Two Rivers C of E Primary School being built at the neighbouring Hygge Park development, as well as allotments, a community orchard, football pitch and open space, including a wetland park.

Metro Mayor’s question time

METRO Mayor Dan Norris faced some searching questions when he attended the 100th meeting of Keynsham’s youth council.

He was invited to Keynsham Civic Centre to learn more about the work of the Keynsham Now Council as part of UK Parliament Week.

Mr Norris was asked what he described as “tough but fair” questions on what the West of England Combined Authority is doing to address challenges on the buses; the cost-of-living crisis; votes at 16 - and maybe a maximum voting age, too; mental health; and the work the mayor is doing to tackle the number one issue for Keynsham youngstersthe climate crisis.

The visit was arranged to mark UK Parliament Week, an education scheme to increase young people’s understanding of politics.

Mr Norris is encouraging all West of England schools and youth groups to take part.

He said: “I really enjoyed my opportunity to answer questions from young people from across Keynsham about what it means to be their Metro Mayor.

“We talked about how many people describe problems rather than coming up with solutions - but that doesn’t help residents!

“The youth council gave me a good grilling and came up with some great ideas. We had a long discussion on the need for more bus drivers.

“It just goes to show how vital it is that we get more of our young people get involved in our democracy because when they do, they shine.”

Man charged in county lines drug probe

A KEYNSHAM man has been charged with supplying drugs in connection with a county lines investigation.

The charge follows a police operation in the Snow Hill area of Bath on Tuesday November 15.

Avon and Somerset Police is working with other law enforcement agencies and partner organisations across the South West as part of Operation Scorpion, which aims to disrupt and dismantle drug supply networks.

Officers arrested eight people during the Bath operation, including two teenagers, and seized numerous weapons, cash and drugs.

Aaron Gardiner, 20, of Harlech Close, Keynsham, has been charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine. He was also charged

with one count of possessing criminal property. Gardiner admitted all four counts at a hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on November 17, and he was remanded in custody until sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on December 15.

A second man, aged 22, also appeared at the same court, charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine, one count of possessing an offensive weapon, and two counts relating to modern slavery offences. He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court on December 16.

Two other men, a woman and two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. The adults were released under investigation,

Saltford warm space

while the teenagers were released on bail. The eighth person, a man, was arrested on suspicion of trafficking a child.

The operation was jointly run by the force’s Operation Remedy County Lines team, the Bath Neighbourhood Policing Team and Operation Scorpion.

DI Angela Burtonwood said: “This is part of a county line investigation led by the dedicated team and in partnership with our neighbourhood and Op Scorpion partners.

“Warrants were obtained following information received from members of the public, which are vital in operations like this.

“County lines exploit both young and vulnerable people in the community. The seizures made during these warrants have significant impact and help keep the public safe.”

£1.4m for improvements

KEYNSHAM has benefited by almost £1.4 million of infrastructure improvements over the past year funded by local development.

The money, raised through S106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges imposed on developers, has been spent on projects ranging from cycle schemes and bus services to youth services and school expansions.

The Bath & North East Somerset Council area as a whole

received £5 million.The council spent £1.74m of CIL funding on Strategic projects during 2021/22, including £550,000 on Keynsham Recycling Centre.

Receipts from S106 agreements totalled almost £3.1m in 2021/22.

Not all the funding was spent as some projects span financial years.

However, £2.4m was allocated, including £835,000 on Two Rivers School in Keynsham and £10,000 on the town’s Memorial Park.

We gathered to remember them

In Keynsham, the parade marched from Ashton Way to St John’s Church for a service. Then crowds thronged the High Street and Bath Hill to watch it proceed to the Memorial Park gates for a service.

The two-minute silence began at 11am, in memory of those who gave their lives, and the silence ended with the Kohima Epitaph: ‘When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

After the reveille, wreaths were laid, followed by the National Anthem. The parade then returned to Ashton Way, and people approached the gates to view the wreaths and the plaques that bear the names of those who died in the two world wars.

As one onlooker said, it was particularly

The parade passing through Keynsham High Street, left, and Temple Street, above. Right, wreaths laid at the Memorial Park gates. Below crowds lining Bath Hill before the two-minute silence

poignant to see a surname repeated from such a small community, indicating that men from the same family had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Marchers in the parade included members of the Royal British Legion, Odd Fellows; St John’s Church choir; RAMC 243 Wessex Field Hospital, REME 105, AC Force, ATC, South West Ambulance, St John’s Ambulance, fire service, Scouts and Guides.

In Saltford, many residents gathered by the village war memorial to pay their respects.

Saltford Scouts organised the parade, with support from Saltford District Guides.

St Mary’s Church held a remembrance service as well as a commemoration at the war memorial, where Chris Warren, chair of Saltford Parish Council, laid a wreath on behalf of residents.

l Saltford Scouts’ tribute: Page 20

CROWDS lined the streets in warm sunshine as they attended local Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

KEYNSHAM MEMORIES

Taken by local photographer Russell Leitch exactly 60 years ago, this image says a lot about how things have changed.

It shows the morning bus queue outside the Lamb & Lark on Keynsham High Street on 28th December 1962. Of course the hotel is long gone and Poundland stands

in its place. The winter of 1962/63 was a very severe one and the winter fashions are different from today’s, with overcoats the rule and most heads covered by hats or scarves.

Perhaps the bus was late, but even so it’s likely that commuting into Bristol by bus

was more common than it is today.

Of most interest is the date: this was a Friday three days after Christmas, so the bank holidays had passed and office staff were back at work – New Year’s Day was not a bank holiday, so the long Christmas closedown had not been invented.

with Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society

Traffic ban for a safer neighbourhood

NEW through-traffic restrictions in Queen Charlton Lane, between Keynsham and Whitchurch, are part of a scheme to improve residential neighbourhoods.

It is one of three trial schemes being launched under Bath & North East Somerset Council’s community-led Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.

The aim is to reduce the dominance of vehicles without restricting vehicle access to homes and businesses, and to create a better environment for walking, cycling, and playing outside.

In Queen Charlton Lane, a traffic-free area is being created by installing two sets of droppable bollards and temporary wooden planters. These allow pedestrians, cyclists, people with pushchairs, and those driving mobility scooters to pass through, but not unauthorised vehicles.

One set located is just after Furthermead Farm, as you drive from the A37/Whitchurch

Advance warning signs will tell motorists they will not be able to use Queen Charlton Lane as a through route. It is anticipated that motorists driving between Whitchurch and Keynsham will instead use Woollard Lane and Charlton Road (avoiding Queen Charlton). Residents of Queen Charlton travelling west can use Highwall Lane and Woollard Lane.

village. The other comes after Dapwell Lane as you drive from Queen Charlton. The emergency services and landowners/farmers will be able to drop the bollards

to gain access. In front of both sets of bollards there is space for vehicles to turn. It is anticipated that motorists will instead use Woollard Lane and Highwall

Lane. Full details are also available at www.bathnes.gov. uk/queencharltonlaneetro

Similar schemes are being introduced in Church Street, Bath, and Southlands in Weston, and will last at least six months.

Work to install the changes to the road layout was due to start during the week beginning November 28, with all work scheduled to be completed by Friday December 2.

The trials are the first in a series of schemes under the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme that have been brought forward by ward councillors on behalf of residents who have voiced concerns about through-traffic and anti-social driving.

The Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs) give people the chance to experience the through-traffic restriction in practice and submit their feedback before a final decision is made about whether to make them permanent.

A YOUTH football club in Saltford will look the part this season with their first football kit, thanks to a sponsorship donation from local business Davies & Way.

The junior section has not had an under-

7s team for a few years, so the new intake of players is integral to the club’s development.

Under-7s coach David McClay said: “It is fantastic that Davies & Way have invested this money in grass-roots football to enable our

young players to represent the club with their first kit.

“For all the children, this is the first football team that they have played for, and their new strip has really bought them together.”

Wellsway road set to close for 12 weeks

THE Wellsway road in Keynsham is set to close for 12 weeks next year to allow a new sewer to be built.

Wessex Water says it will work on the scheme over the school summer holidays to reduce the impact. And Bath and North East Somerset Council says it will do what it can to minimise traffic disruption.

Meanwhile, residents of the Chandag Estate have voiced fears about their neighbourhood being used as a diversion or rat run during the closure.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “To protect the environment and help alleviate flooding problems, we are installing a new sewer along a short stretch of the B3116. It’s part of a half-million-pound investment scheme for the area.

“At the request of Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council’s highways team, this 12-week scheme is now being planned for next summer, based around the school summer holidays, ensuring it can be

completed safely and reducing impact on the local community as much as possible.

“We are currently finalising arrangements to proceed with the authority and will be continuing our process of speaking to residents, businesses, schools and the town council about the scheme in order to understand and address local concerns.’’

Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Wessex Water has notified us of their intended works, which are at an early stage of planning. The dates are provisional but we will share more information with residents when available. We work with any third party carrying out roadworks to minimise local traffic disruption.”

It is understand that the work, near the cricket ground, was originally proposed to start next February but that B&NES felt the summer would be a safer and less impactful time.

At their meeting last month, members of

KEYNSHAM and Saltford Probus Club was honoured when a representative of King Charles attended its October lunch meeting.

Neil Dowdney is a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and spoke about the duties of the Somerset Lieutenancy.

Saltford Parish Council expressed concerns about traffic levels on roads between Saltford and Keynsham, and agreed to ask B&NES Council for more information about proposed diversion routes and signage.

Councillor Andy Wait, who represents Keynsham East on B&NES Council, told the Voice he was aware of residents’ concerns about the potential impact.

He said: “The work on Wellsway is urgent as, after heavy rain, sewage is occasionally released on to Wellsway, when the drainage system is overwhelmed. There is a particular resident who is badly affected.

“Wessex Water has worked with B&NES officers to find the best time to do the work and agreed that the summer holiday period is best.

“Traffic avoiding the road works and using the Chandag Estate as a rat run is a major concern for some residents. B&NES officers are aware of the problem and are working on ways to mitigate the problem.”

He highlighted the voluntary nature of the organisation, their royal duties, and their aim of promoting a spirit of co-operation between business, social and benevolent organisations in the county.

Pictured are club president Chris Primrose and Neil Dowdney.

Luka thrilled with wheelchair gift

A KEYNSHAM boy with disabilities has a new electric wheelchair, thanks to a charity café.

Luka Cerabona, from Keynsham, is the 11th person to be helped by the Barton Hill RFC Charity Cafe, which raised £4,900 for his wheelchair.

He received it on a visit to the café, where it was handed over by specialist firm Taylor Made Wheelchairs – and Luka was only too happy to give supporters a demonstration in the car park.

Luka’s mum Kim Cerabona thanked the fundraisers, saying: “We are extremely grateful to you all - and just look how happy Luka is, all made possible from your kindness.

“The joy in his face just melts my heart. This has given us great hope for the future and one step closer to independence for Luka.”

The cafe, based in Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, has raised more than £46,000 since opening in 2020, spending most of the money on equipment for local families of children with disabilities and also regularly donating to mental health charity Mind.

The cafe provides a friendly place for people to meet, with cheap food and drink, and bargain donated goods, every Monday and Wednesday from noon until 3pm. It is staffed and managed entirely by volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Denis Demmery, said: “It’s fantastic to see the happiness and difference our cafe makes to someone.”

Chandag schools merge next year

CHANDAG Infant and Junior Schools in Keynsham will merge to form an all-through primary school next year.

The Department for Education has approved the change, which will happen on September 1, 2023. Parents, staff, governors and children will be consulted about the name and uniform for the new school, and a headteacher is expected to be appointed by January.

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “We have received strong support from our school community for this merger, which we firmly believe is in everyone’s best long-term interests.

“It will create a stronger school, providing continuity of education that will better support children’s development and progress, alongside wider opportunities for staff.

“The schools already share a site, along with the 3-2-4 playgroup, meaning we can offer continuous provision for children aged from three to 11. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop our new primary school.”

A Futura Learning Partnership School

At this time of year, with the nights drawing in, we usually see a rise in acquisitive crime, such as burglaries committed under cover of darkness.

During police patrols, it can be obvious which houses appear unoccupied. So our normal crime prevention advice applies - put lights on timers to make it look like someone is home.

We also recommend checking all exterior lights to make sure they are fully functioning. If you have CCTV, please check that any cameras are working and pointing in the right directions to catch would-be offenders.

Check that side gates, outbuildings and sheds are locked. You’d be amazed who we find out and about at night and the sorts of items they will steal. And bear in mind that under most Christmas trees are lots of gifts, so ensure these are not visible from windows.

The whole force area is still suffering with the thefts of motorbikes and mopeds. If you

have one, keep it locked. If you can use a garage, please do so, but still add additional locks, as most garage doors are not that secure.

We are lucky in this area to have many Neighbourhood Watch schemes that are effective at sharing information about local crime incidents and trends.

These are also a great investigative tool for us when incidents occur, so if you are not a member and want to be, please make contact via the Avon and Somerset Police website. n I had the pleasure to attend the Salford Parish Council meeting at Salford Hall where I could meet residents and councillors,

the burglars away

speak about local issues, and field questions. As part of the local neighbourhood police team, my colleagues and I are happy to attend these events to discuss the local perception of crime and how we would be best placed to challenge it.

n At this time of year we often discuss the joy of Christmas parties. We love to support these but just want people to take a few key pieces of advice.

Taxis are especially busy at this time, so we suggest you pre-book your journeys there and back so you are not left stranded. Uber etc will be running, but with higher demand comes higher prices.

Don’t leave your drinks unattended. Reports of drinks being spiked are rare, but it can happen, so we ask friends to keep an eye on each other. We hope you have a great and safe time.

n Operation Tonic - our drink/drug driving campaign for this festive period – is under way, having started early because of the World Cup. If someone has committed a

moving traffic offence, or we have a suspicion due to the manner of driving, smell of alcohol etc, then that empowers us under the Road Traffic Act to request a roadside breath test.

We also can do this if we suspect a driver has been taking drugs. We use drugs wipes that indicate if a driver has cannabis or cocaine in their system.

If a driver fails a breath/drug test, or does not provide a breath sample when asked, they will be arrested so we can take samples at a police station. We can also arrest people if we deem them unfit to drive through drink or drugs or they are unable to provide a sample.

I hope you all have a great, fun-filled festive period, but please remember that alcohol stays in your system for several hours and that everyone’s tolerances and recovery periods are different.

You can still be over the legal limit the next day, so don’t just plan your night out but plan your recovery period as well.

Crafters back together again

ANOTHER enjoyable day was spent by those attending the latest craft workshop in Compton Dando, the first after a break of several months for the summer.

Harriette Dottridge, who set up the club several years ago and who runs the sessions, said: “It was lovely to see so many of our usual crafters again, and to see all the amazing and interesting things people make.

“Elaine was making decorated felted ‘stones’ this time but also brought her wonderful felted mermaid picture, which we love. Jenny brought her delicious butternut soup again, and her kumihimo braiding kit and samples of jewellery she’d made.

“The group from Keynsham were all doing different things and met up with old friends here, all of which created a lovely atmosphere.

“Carolyn and Trina brought their painting, and several of us had fun doing wood-block printing on cotton and even printing tea towels for Christmas presents.”

A profit of £45 was made towards rent of the hall.

Harriette said: “We were sorry that a few people were unable to come but hope that they will make it to one of the other dates: Thursday January 5 or Saturday February 4.”

Minsmere Road homes bid approved

COUNCILLORS have granted planning permission for 70 homes to be built on a field beside a Keynsham nature reserve “through gritted teeth”.

These are the words from one councillor, after the developer made improvements to the Minsmere Road scheme’s impact on biodiversity and transport.

The plans had attracted 265 objections and only two supporting comments. It was originally sent back to developer Taylor Wimpey by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee over concerns about biodiversity.

However, revised plans addressing these concerns have now been submitted and councillor Duncan Hounsell warned the planning committee that they could face an expensive appeal if they rejected them without “rock solid” reasons.

He said: “Planning is not decided by the number of objections or the number of people in support. It has to be judged on planning policy and emerging planning policy.”

The houses will be built on a field between Minsmere Road and the Manor Road Community Woodland nature reserve.

A total of 30% of the houses will be affordable housing and, following revisions made by Taylor Wimpey’s consultants, the site will also feature insect hotels and 40 bat

boxes, as well as information boards about ecology in the Manor Road nature reserve.

Developments in Bath and North East Somerset must show that they will lead to an overall increase in biodiversity before they can receive planning permission.

The developers had originally proposed fulfilling this requirement by investing in biodiversity in another nearby location which, although permitted under the rules, did not satisfy councillors.

Despite the additional biodiversity measures on site, most of the development’s biodiversity gain will take place on this separate site.

The planning committee voted to approve the plans, although some councillors voiced their reluctance.

Westfield councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson said: “I am going to vote for it through gritted teeth because I am not entirely convinced about the biodiversity net gain and the way that’s going to be accomplished.”

Hal McFie, councillor for Keynsham East, voted against the plans as he was unconvinced about the amount of green space on the site and felt that the biodiversity gain should be on the site of the main development.

He said: “When you make a development, we actually don’t want the diversity to go

down. We want the diversity that you’ve got, that you are living among, to be almost the same as it was before. Now that quite clearly isn’t going to be true here.”

He added: “I must say that I do not feel happy with the current intensity of building and I believe that we will all in time look at these [biodiversity net gain] indexes with a bit of knowledge and we will use them to try and reduce overdevelopment.”

Midsomer Norton councillor Shaun Hughes agreed, adding that developers often saw the need for biodiversity net gain as an afterthought.

He said: “The problem with moving it down the road is that it benefits neither the existing residents at this location nor the future residents.”

The developers will also invest £2.3 million in the local area, including £130,000 on improvements to the Manor Road nature reserve and a £1.5 million investment into public transport and liveable neighbourhoods.

Council officers believe that these transport measures will reduce road usage by more than it would be increased by the additional traffic from the housing development.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Working on their projects are (left to right) Cath Shappard, Fay Wight, Lynn Jewell, Asa White, Kim Spear, Barbara Baxter and Clare Hudson Photos: Ros Anstey

Carolyn Brown, left, painting birds, and Pauline Parnell creating a collage picture Marge Godfrey, left, and Marie Coombs making embroidered greeting cards

Sleeping out in the woods

THIS month we are delighted to provide a report put together by some of our Scouts:

The 1st Keynsham Avon Troop Scouts took a group of our more experienced Scouts on a patrol leadership training weekend at Centenary Wood Scout Campsite just outside Bath.

The site has one tap, a composting toilet, and trees! We hiked 12km from Scout HQ in Keynsham carrying all equipment.

We set up hammocks and tarps in the woods, cooked burgers on an open fire and then sat round a campfire discussing leadership and survival skills and trying out bivvys/survival bags. Most Scouts started the night out in their hammocks but moved into their tents at around 3am (things were rustling in the undergrowth!) but two Scouts slept out in their hammock shelters for the whole night.

On the Sunday morning, after bacon butties and packing down the camp, we spent a couple of hours doing conservation work at the campsite, cutting back a hedge that had grown around and through a pile of pallets. We managed to extract the pallets after lots of hacking and this will allow easier access for the next-door neighbour’s tractor.

It was a good experience for them to be able to give something back to the campsite they had enjoyed, said Matt Bromwich (camp leader) as you can tell from their comments below:

“I enjoyed the hammock-making and rescuing the pallets from the bush.” - Patrick

“I have been on lots of Cub and Scout camps but this was really special as I was able to learn how to put up a hammock and then I got to sleep in it overnight. We used a tarpaulin over us to make sure we didn’t get wet.” - Jonny

“The camp was a great experience, and I learnt a lot about leadership and the basics of safety. Staying out in a hammock all night was very comfy and relaxing.” - Esme

l Our adult base for making things happen for young people has grown but we still have room for more. If you would like to volunteer, email . You never know - you could end up sleeping in a hammock!

Young people

THE Remembrance Sunday parade in Saltford was attended in large numbers by Saltford Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

The service at St Mary’s Church was filled with young people, including Saltford Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, and relayed by tannoy to families and friends waiting in the church yard. Thankfully, it was an unseasonably warm and sunny day.

They then marched to the war memorial, where wreaths were laid and a bugler played Last Post, while the two-minute silence was well respected. Tea and cake was then kindly provided by the Guides at the Scout Hut.

The District Challenge night was attended by more than 100 Scouts from all eight Scout groups in the Wansdyke district. This was held in Camerton and hosted by High Littleton.

Outdoors in the dark, with just their wits to guide them, the Scouts split into groups with other troops and had a brilliant time working through such challenges as

building a stretcher, transporting a casualty and navigating a ‘minefield’.

It was a fun and demanding team-building event and a great time was had by all. Their final

tribute to the fallen

challenge was eating welldeserved sausage and chips! Coming up for the Scouts is a New Forest weekender. There will be lots of indoor and outdoor activities, with a trip to a wildlife

park, movie nights and card games. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are run by amazing volunteers who need your support. If you are interested in helping, please email saltfordscoutgroup@gmail.com

Remembrance Sunday parade in Saltford

On a recent walk through Keynsham Memorial Park, I was asked what the Colour Mill was. Located where the bandstand now is, this industrial site has a history that deserves to be better known.

Water mills were once the primary source of power in the west of England. One of the Keynsham mills recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086 was Downe Mill and, like the others, it was a corn or grist mill, grinding flour to make bread.

Construction of Keynsham Abbey saw it become part of the abbey’s support system, and it remained so until the Dissolution in 1539. Then known as Abbey Mill, it continued corn milling with new owners but, like many others, it was eventually converted to other uses.

In 1705 the recently formed Bristol Brass Company, led by Abraham Darby (later of iron industry fame), took a lease on the mill and it became the first brass mill in the area, operating as a battery mill – where sheets of brass were “battered” by high-speed hammers to shape them into hollow-ware vessels of comparatively thin metal.

Other nearby mills were acquired later, including the large Avon Mill, but Abbey Mill, by then known as Chew Mill, continued to make brassware until the 1870s, when it was sold.

Materials for emery and glass papers were made various owners, but before the end of the 19th century it was being used for crushing ochre to make the bases for coloured paints.

There are no internal photographs of the Colour Mill, but we have drawn on a first-hand description of the mill and working conditions in

the 1930s by Albert Exon, whose father Jack was the last foreman at the site.

Power came from two water wheels; plant included pairs of kilns, cylinders and vats for washing the deep-red ochre powder, which stained everything it came into contact with.

Originally, local sources had provided the ochre but later the raw material came from the Persian Gulf to Avonmouth and thence to Keynsham station, with the last leg by horse and cart.

At the Colour Mill it was washed and ground for a couple of hours in a large cylinder containing 50 cast-iron balls. It was then poured into vats and left to settle for a few days before being pumped into a large kiln to dry.

Next came the roller press, a large iron saucer with two vertical grindstones that revolved around the pan to grind the powder. When the water wheels could not be used, a back-up steam engine drove the machinery via a system of belts. The finished powder was put into barrels lined with thick brown paper for dispatch by road or train if destined beyond Bristol. Much of the production went to paint makers in Bristol, but a lot was sent to linoleum factories in Scotland.

After a partnership with Mr CH Hickling, the mill was then owned by Mr Eric Evens, who lived in Clifton and cycled to Keynsham every day. He spent the minimum on the factory, which was cold and damp, and working conditions for up to 20 men were rough.

Lighting was just two hurricane lamps and there was nothing in the way of protective clothing. The work was very dirty; employees had to bring their own work clothes, putting them on before the 7am start. With a break for breakfast and an hour for lunch, the day ran to 5pm.

This was bath-time; the men provided their own soap, while water from the river was heated in old oil drums. Mr Evens supplied the coal for the fire but nothing else. The one employee benefit was a day’s holiday with a trip to London or the seaside by train or coach.

The Colour Mill operated until the early 1940s. Its final work was manufacturing the base colours used in camouflage materials during the Second World War. After closure, it was derelict for some years before being demolished by the council.

Richard Dyson

n KEYNSHAM IN BLOOM

What would we do without our volunteers?

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for all their hard work.

The projects undertaken could never have progressed so well without their dedication to Keynsham In Bloom, an example of which is the small group pictured here working at the station – from left to right, Mary, Debbie, Mary, Lin, Alan and Kath.

The weather prevented our volunteers from finishing work on the station flowerbeds, but when it’s drier we will continue to pot up the troughs and complete our final jobs.

Work at the Pocket Park is also closing down for the winter and very little needs to be carried out until next year.

On Sunday November 13, Remembrance Day, we held a stall at Wellsway School’s craft fair to raise funds for KIB and were very pleased with the result - more plants to keep our town looking pretty next summer.

Our stall at the Winter Festival was due to be held in the Fear Hall on Friday November 25 and we will be writing about this in next month’s Voice.

Once again, a big thank-you to all the kind gardeners in Keynsham who gave so many plants to KIB to replace the ones damaged in the heatwave this year.

Also, thank-you to the people who

supported us by shopping at the Co-op and raising funds for KIB - we are very grateful to you all. Keep well, safe and when possible, keep gardening.

Mary Woodman

Two Rivers pupils move into new home

STAFF and children at Two Rivers primary have moved into their new ‘eco school’ buildings on the Hygge Park development in east Keynsham.

The school has nearly 60 children in reception and years 1 and 2 and will grow year by year, becoming open to all age groups from September 2026 with space for up to 420 pupils.

The new Two Rivers Church of England Primary School has been developed to strict environmental standards set by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has contributed nearly £1 million, mostly from contributions it has received from housing developers, for alterations to the design to help create a building that has low impact on the environment and high energy efficiency.

Two Rivers School produces its own energy from photovoltaic panels on the roof.

Other features include:

l A very airtight form of construction

l High levels of insulation with no thermal bridging

l Triple-glazed windows and doors with insulated frames

l A mechanical ventilation system incorporating heat recovery systems

l Two electric air source heat pumps

l Low-energy building services and equipment

l All electric services (no gas supply to the building)

Headteacher Claire Graham said the children and staff were delighted with their new surroundings.

“We are very lucky to have such a wonderful environment where children feel safe, supported and inspired to become inquisitive learners. We look forward to more opportunities to show it off to our community following our first successful open days.”

Councillor Dine Romero, B&NES cabinet

member for children and young people, communities and culture, said: “The new school will serve the local community for decades to come, so it’s essential we get the design right and ensure we minimise its impact on the environment. This investment will not only save energy but significantly reduce running costs.”

Futura Learning Partnership chief operating officer Tim Howes said: “The decision to build in high levels of energy efficiency is proving wise in the short term, given the massive rise in fuel bills. The use of renewable power sources is also an important investment in our young people and our planet. Buildings of such exceptional quality will help our pupils learn and appreciate the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.”

l To find out more about Two Rivers School, which has places available in reception and years 1 and 2, email enquiries@ tworiversschool.org.uk or phone 0117 916 1027.

Children spread hope for better future at eco festival

WHILE the eyes of the world have been on Egypt during the COP27 summit, pupils at a group of local schools have been focusing on the environment closer to home.

Children from schools in the Futura Learning Partnership met for an eco festival, looking at issues including climate education, river protection, energy use and food security.

The event took place at Futura’s newest school, Two Rivers C of E primary, which has just opened on the Hygge Park estate in east Keynsham.

The pupils listened to a talk from the Avon Rivers Trust before exploring the school’s grounds and the river that runs through them, and then developing an action plan.

The event was the first of what will be an annual event and saw the start of development of a Futura Eco Council, at which students can discuss sustainability and environmental issues and share details of actions they are taking in their schools.

Children aged six to 18 from Bridge Farm, Chandag Infants, Chandag Juniors, IKB, Saltford, SBL, St John’s, The Meadows, Two Rivers, Wansdyke and Wellsway took part in the eco festival. The next step will be to involve the trust’s other primaries and secondaries and special schools.

Organiser Katie Pilkington, assistant headteacher at Two Rivers, said the event had been a great success.

“It was lovely to welcome children from other schools in our trust to our wonderful new building and to see them working together and showing their passion for creating a better future.

“Two Rivers has been built to very high standards with excellent energy efficiency and a low impact on the environment. We are very lucky to have such a school and were proud to show off its amazing features,” she said.

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “Two Rivers provides fantastic opportunities for children in our trust to learn about sustainability. “The Futura Eco Council is an excellent development, bringing our young people together so they can take meaningful action on the green issues that are so important to them and to all of us.”

Winter bounty of buds and berries

As we start the festive month of December with thoughts of Christmas ahead, we may be thinking of collecting holly and mistletoe for our decorations - but there are many other berries and buds to look for this month.

If you thought that nature went to sleep in the winter, think again. There are so many plants that wake up once the weather begins to turn, for example hazel (corylus avellana) in Keynsham Memorial Park, with its drooping male catkins formed in the autumn ready for flowering the following February. It prefers moist soils so tends to be found near the River Chew.

Near the park cafe is an Atlantic (also called atlas or Algerian) cedar (cedrus atlantica) whose flowers are formed in the autumn. The resinous cones take two or three years to ripen so there are usually some on the tree all year round.

The tree’s shape is irregular so it looks a bit unruly. Its relative, the cedar of Lebanon (cedrus libani) is found just below the park gates, and has barrel-shaped cones flattened at the top. I think that they look like woody versions of wasp nests. The branches are spread out to give a layered appearance, so it looks much neater than the Atlantic cedar.

An excellent winter-flowering shrub is viburnum, several species of which (farreri, fragrans and tinus) perform this function; the fruits follow on in late winter to early spring, so reversing the usual

sequence of spring flowers and autumn fruits.

A tree which holds on to last year’s bean-like pods until the following spring is catalpa bignonioides – the Indian bean tree; it is neither from India nor are the fruits actually beans, but it is stuck with that name.

Here’s something definitely Christmassy - remember the carol The Holly and the Ivy. Common ivy is definitely a friend of wildlife at this time of year, as it flowers in autumn so providing nectar for late-flying bees, flies and other insects, followed on by black winter berries that are beloved by hungry birds. So please leave some ivy in

Look out for rowan trees bearing berries in supermarket car parks, a good place to spot waxwings

Photo: Martin Farrell

Yew berries, poisonous to us and to birds, but the birds have the knowledge on how to eat them

Photo: Liz Wintle

your garden for your own insects and birds to enjoy.

You may be lucky to find a yew tree (taxus baccata) which hasn’t been stripped of its berries; birds know that the seeds are poisonous so spit them out, eating just the juicy pulp. How clever of them!

The snowberry (symphoricarpos albus var laevigatus) keeps its white berries well into winter as they are left alone by the birds, which are probably waiting for them to ripen into a good red colour. Unfortunately they await the colour change in vain.

Last but not in any way least, I include the mountain ash or rowan (sorbus aucuparia). These have red berries which may remain

on the tree until winter (unless taken earlier by blackbirds and redwings). If we are lucky enough to get an influx of waxwings from Scandinavia (signed are looking promising this year), look out for these spectacular birds which love the berries.

So please explore your local patch, and see how many of these winter wonders you can spot!

For further details on our group, please visit our website www.keynshamawt.org.uk, email keynshamawt@gmail.com or phone Kathy on 0785 508702.

Liz Wintle

looking

Keynsham Group Avon Wildlife Trust’s Christmas meeting is on December 9 at 7.30pm in the Baptist church hall in the High Street.

Tributes as teacher Joan dies aged 86

JOAN Ellison, who notched up half a century at Wellsway School, has died at the age of 86.

Joan was the last of the five original teachers who were at Wellsway when it opened in 1956, unusually with a secondary modern and a grammar on the same site.

Joan Laramy, as she was then, taught PE and games for eight years until she left to have her family. She returned on supply in 1973 to what had become the comprehensive school and later rejoined the staff team, becoming head of special needs provision.

Joan retired in 2001 but continued supply teaching until after her 50th anniversary.

She regularly took part in the popular annual maths weekends in the Forest of Dean in the 1980s and 1990s and was involved with foreign exchanges and overseas trips.

She was a key participant in the Wellsway School 60th celebrations in 2016.

Joan lived in Keynsham throughout her married life. Her husband Fred, a retired primary headteacher, served for some years

as a governor at Wellsway. Their daughter Katrina and son David both attended the school.

Former colleague Richard May, now head of IT services for Futura Learning Partnership, said: “Joan cared deeply about all the children who passed through her care.

“While unashamedly ‘old school’ in her insistence on politeness, manners and standards in general, she moved with the times and was, without doubt, one of the most respected and liked members of staff throughout her time at Wellsway.”

Tina Tabor, who recently retired after more than 40 years at the school, added: “Joan was a lovely lady and totally dedicated to the young people she worked with.”

Andrea Arlidge, a former head of Wellsway School and chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “Joan was a wonderful teacher who made a difference to the lives of thousands of young people in the Keynsham area.”

Joan’s funeral was held at St John’s Church, Keynsham, on November 15.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

The Beautiful Game shows its ugly side

THE World Cup is upon us.

For fans, it’s usually a time of nervous anticipation. I’d like to be having chats about the formation Southgate will play. Have the team been practising their penalties?! Could we follow the success of the women’s team, and this be the year England finally goes all the way?

This time however, sadly like many other West of England sports fans, I find myself with very different questions on my lips.

How can we celebrate the beautiful game in a state that abuses its own peo ple? Why has Qatar been awarded a global platform to promote itself? What is the world doing in the face of Qatar censor ing and jailing journalists and cosying up to Putin? How can we best call out the terrible human rights abuses, blatant hom ophobia and lack of women’s rights?

There wasn’t a single death in the work to build the London Olympics, which should be a huge mark of pride for our great country. It was the safest Olympic

build in history. In contrast, the current tournament has broken bodies, killed doz ens and maimed and crushed the hopes of abused foreign workers.

And let’s not pretend the Qataris won the hosting rights through merit alone. FIFA’s decision-Making, 12 years ago, was surrounded by rumblings of corruption and bribery. It’s been controversial from the off, because money talked louder than football.

So, what should we do? Of course, I always want my teams - Bristol City and England - to win.

As Harry Kane leads his men out, I hope we can use the power of football to inspire.

We know the World Cup can motivate young people to go out and exercise. We know great cup runs can bring our nation together. The excitement of Euro 96 or reaching the 2020 final last year. It’s also a great chance to back our hospitality sector at local pubs.

But we must also use this tournament

to keep human rights issues firmly in the public eye and to campaign for stronger workers’ rights.

These high-profile international sport ing events come with great kudos and attention for any host country. But it’s the people’s game - so they should come first.

Let’s hope in future the football author ities never place us in this position again where we love our football but are deeply troubled by the circumstances of the tournament.

Joan at a maths weekend in the mid-1980s, right, and below at netball in 1959-60

Metro Mayor Dan Norris write for the Voice

Accommodation for homeless ‘drying up’

HOMELESS households are “stuck in temporary accommodation” due to a shortage of permanent housing, Bath and North East Somerset Council has been warned.

The number of homeless households living in temporary accommodation in the district has increased from 30 to 50 since before the pandemic.

The council’s head of housing, Graham Sabourn, told councillors: “We have a duty not to place families in bed and breakfasts for more than six weeks at a time. We have not done that for 10 years. We are about to do it this week.”

The number of households in temporary accommodation is a figure which varies week by week but which usually remained at about 30 until 2019/20. This rose to 60 during the pandemic as rough sleepers were accommodated during lockdown.

n LETTERS

Although the number has reduced since, it has remained regularly above 50. As of Friday October 21, the council was housing 53 households in temporary accommodation.

Mr Sabourn said this was partly due to more complex cases taking longer to solve, but he also warned: “The supply of accommodation is drying up.”

He added that finding private rented homes for homeless households in Bath was a “non-starter” and the only such homes available were in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. He said: “Some of those people in temporary accommodation are effectively stuck in temporary accommodation pending the availability of permanent accommodation of three and four-bed houses.”

In addition to being one of the most sought-after property types, housing association Curo is currently regenerating

some houses of this size, meaning more units are unavailable than normal. There has also been a reduction in social tenants handing their keys back since Covid, as people are preferring to stay where they are.

Mr Sabourn said: “There is no shortage of under-occupied social housing properties out there. The issue for us is how do we encourage those occupiers to leave a property and take up something that is more suitable for their current needs.”

“Trying to encourage those people to move to a flat or an apartment somewhere different is a challenge, but it’s not a challenge we should shirk away from.”

One step the council is taking is building its own housing. Seven flats are almost ready and the council has plans for a further 190.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Letters for publication can be sent to news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or by post to Letters, Keynshamvoice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

How building the bypass took its toll on Roman villa

THANK you for the historical look at Keynsham Villa (‘How our Roman villa was destroyed’, Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society column, October issue).

A far more recent destruction of Durley Villa occurred when Keynsham bypass was built in 1962-64; it bulldozed through an entire side of the villa (by not much more than a metre, I understand). The same operation also cut a swathe through ancient ruins of Keynsham Abbey behind St John’s Church, again by a matter of a metre or so. It seems wanton now.

The Roman villa at Trajectus is thought to be the second largest in Britain after the one at Chichester (Noviomagus reginorum). That suggests it was a place of importance, being at the confluence of two rivers.

It is hard to imagine that lots of the materials and craftsmen used to build the Roman baths at Bath (Aquae sulis) did not pass through

Keynsham, having landed by boat at the port of Sea Mills (Abona).

I have seen the Bulleid and Horne excavation report from the 1920s. I have also seen photographs of Roman mosaics being smashed up by workers whilst extending the cemetery, as it was not known at that time what they were.

As far as the site as a whole goes, it seems to me that only the cemetery end and part of what was Fry’s have been formally excavated.

There must be nearly half a mile between those two points, meaning the largest bit of ground hosting the villa has never been properly evaluated.

The most fascinating thing to me about Trajectus (now Keynsham) is that it appears on no known Roman map, the most likely explanation being that it probably existed on a map but is lost. Trajectus is, however, recorded on what is now referred to as the Antonine

Let’s honour tomb of Sir Jasper

THE discovery of Richard III’s grave has given Leicester a considerable amount of publicity.

It seems a shame then that Keynsham does not get similar recognition for having the grave of Sir Jasper Tudor, the uncle of Henry VII, and the man responsible for bringing together the army that defeated Richard III. Although the location of Jasper’s tomb was discovered in 1875, it has not been fully investigated as it is in a private garden.

With the increasing interest in the Tudors and especially with the recent film The Lost King, it must surely be time for this tomb to be opened again to discover whether Jasper’s skeleton is inside and to celebrate the fact that Keynsham was once important enough to provide the resting place for a member of the Royal family.

Paul Benn

l Photo of stained-glass window at Cardiff CastleWolfgang Sauber via Wikipedia

Itinerary, a contemporary list of stopping places along Roman roads across the empire.

Tantalisingly, Trajectus appears about two thirds along the way from Abona towards Aquae sulis. For me there is no mistaking that it is Keynsham.

I feel sad that Trajectus appears to have become lost in significance in Romano-British history. As it has a direct link to the sea, the Romans would have discovered it early on after the successful invasion in AD 43.

If you accept that the Roman Empire declined and finally fell somewhere between 300-400 AD, it means Trajectus was a significant Roman settlement for over 300 years, a similar length of time as the period between George Frideric Handel and John Wesley visiting Keynsham in the mid-1750s and the Keynsham you know today.

Lionel Hutt, Keynsham

Easing loneliness of Christmas

ARE you, or someone you know, going to be alone on Christmas Day?

Christmas time usually conjures up joyful images of family and friends celebrating. For some people, however, it can be a dreaded, sad and lonely time.

Local charity the Marmalade Trust doesn’t want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don’t want to, so we invite them to join us for a free lunch on the big day. Members are those who feel particularly lonely and isolated this year, for example, a person of an older age who may have no family or friends around. To self-refer, or make a referral for someone else

(with their consent), please go to www.marmaladetrust.org/referrals or call 07566 244788

We hold our lunches in pubs/ restaurants throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Each member also receives a connection doorstep visit in November and a Christmas gift.

We’re still looking for more volunteers too. If you can spare a few hours around lunchtime on Christmas day, please get in touch. For all details, visit our website, email christmas@marmaladetrust. org or call 07566 244788.

Helen Ker-Bridges, volunteer coordinator, Team Marmalade

Bonnie Garmus

This book has been on many top ten lists recently and definitely lives up to the hype – I found it a delightful read, and the cover is fab! I must admit that the heroine, Elizabeth Zott, can be a bit Marmite at times, but I was rooting for her throughout.

During the 60s, Elizabeth is a scientist at the Hastings Research Institute – a very male-dominated environment. Then eminent chemist Calvin Evans arrives. Love can conquer all, and he and Elizabeth start a relationship.

But a few years later, Elizabeth’s life has changed dramatically. As a single mother, she finds that her daughter’s lunches prove very popular – for Elizabeth, food is a very scientific project.

She is then spotted by a TV producer and becomes a reluctant star of a beloved American cooking show. Her scientific approach and no-nonsense advice is a huge hit, making women think differently. A great read.

A Christmas Deliverance

Anne Perry

This is the latest book in the successful series of Christmas stories that Anne Perry writes set in Victorian London. This

story features Dr Crowe, a doctor working in a seedy area along the banks of the Thames.

He and his apprentice Scuff are always busy. Then one day Dr Crowe sees Eliza Hollister - an acquaintance he cares for deeply - being bullied by a troublesome fiance, and he resolves to find out why she may be contemplating marrying him.

As he investigates, Scuff is left to run the surgery, so as Christmas approaches, Dr Crowe is drawn into a murky world of blackmail and deception. To those who read Anne Perry’s Victorian novels regularly, a familiar face returns. Together, can they solve the mystery before Christmas Day?

Adult Non-Fiction

DIY with Jay

Jay Blades MBE

Jay Blades is the presenter of the BBC show The Repair Shop, but he is also an experienced furniture reupholsterer and general building expert.

Here is a book to help you spruce up your home or inspire a new project to see you into the New Year. Jay explains that DIY can appear intimidating but with some simple explanations, results can be achieved.

This well laid-out book has a section on basic tools, then covers basic techniques, such as sanding and stripping wallpaper. Then it moves on to individual rooms in

with Judith Thomas from Keynsham Library

your house, such as the kitchen, with simple tips on putting up shelves.

The advice is written in Jay’s signature style - very friendly with the odd joke - and the layout is great. I particular like the section on how to refresh your outdoor spaces with snazzy furniture, and colour on the walls to give the illusion of more space.

Children’s Fiction Sproutzilla vs Christmas

Tom Jamieson & Mike Byrne

He’s mean and green and about to ruin Christmas. Jack refuses to eat Brussel sprouts – he hates them and can think of nothing worse, until his parents bring home Sproutzilla. He grows and grows and becomes the meanest vegetable going.

He stomps around smashing everything in his path and there is even the threat that he could eat Father Christmas. Jack has to come to the rescue. I will not spoil the story, but it is a great and rather smelly adventure!

The Queen’s Present

Steve Antony

It is Christmas Eve and the Queen faces a dilemma - she still has not found the perfect present for the little princes and princess. Luckily she has very good connections, and none other than Father

Christmas is on hand to help her. Off they fly, all around the world in the search for the prefect present!

This book is beautifully illustrated as the pair tour the world and visit special places such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Himeji Castle in Japan and even the North Pole. And there is a delightful stop right at the end.

Library news

Thursday at 11am is Storytime at Keynsham Library – term time only and for children up to age four. Come along with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories.

Always remember the two super free apps, Libby and BorrowBox, which you can use to download newspapers, magazines and audio books, all with the use of your library card.

The Bath and North East Somerset’s Virtual Library offers something for everyone.

We share facts, Baby Bounce and Rhyme, competitions, storytime and crafts for children in the mornings, as well as information, support, news and recommended reads for adults in the afternoon.

Never miss a thing by following us on Facebook www.facebook. com/bathneslibraries1, Instagram www.instagram.com/bathnes_ libraries, and Twitter www.twitter. com/BathnesL

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Adult Fiction

Lessons in Chemistry

Preparing for an Advent

JB: He prefers a donkey.

PC: What kind of king rides into a city on a donkey?

JB: He’s unusual, I grant you.

Masons help pool appeal

MASONS in Keynsham have donated £10,000 to a special school’s swimming pool appeal.

PC: It’s Mr. Baptist, isn’t it?

JB: Just call me John.

PC: Take a seat, John. I like the jacket.

JB: It’s camel’s hair.

PC: Very nice. Well, let’s get straight down to details. How big is your king’s entourage?

JB: He’s coming on his own.

PC: Surely not. What about all his attendants?

JB: He’s going to choose a few when he gets here.

PC: That’s rather unorthodox. Well, no worries; I’ll ensure we’ve got some suitably vetted people available.

JB: There’s no need for that. He’s thinking of picking some guys from off the street.

PC: But he’ll end up with any

Tom, Dick or Harry.

JB: That’s the whole point.

PC: You don’t understand, John. Security is paramount. Your king could be the target of an assassination attempt.

JB: I’m sure he will be.

PC: Doesn’t that concern you?

JB: He’ll rise above it.

PC: Well, we’ll ensure the crowds are kept back behind barriers.

JB: Don’t do that. The king must be allowed to mix with ordinary people.

PC: How about we compromise with an open-topped bus, or horse-drawn carriage?

PC: What about the reception. Have you brought an invitation list?

JB: The reception is open to everyone.

PC: Surely you don’t mean that? All kinds of undesirables will come.

JB: That’s just how he likes it.

PC: I understand that your king wants his visit to climax on the hill outside the city.

JB: That’s right.

PC: Will he be making a statement?

JB: A very powerful one, I assure you.

PC: And what about a red carpet?

JB: I wouldn’t worry about that.

PC: But he’s a king; he must have a red carpet.

JB: Oh, there will be a red carpet alright.

The money from Lodge Uno Corde 5736 will help The Mendip School get closer to its target of £1.6 million to allow the pool’s construction to start next year.

The school in Prestleigh, Shepton Mallet, supports 152 young people aged four to 19 with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and autism (ASD).

It supports young people from Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and South Gloucester.

The Lodge Uno Corde and Masons local to the school have built a relationship with the school over the last year and are working to support the appeal throughout the Province of Somerset.

The new pool will enable students to swim weekly, avoiding the anxiety of using community pools, and to take part in water-based therapies.

Kevin Durrant Keynsham Baptist Church

Black clouds have silver lining

THERE is only one walk report on this month, and what a walk it was.

Ten of us met in the Fox & Hounds car park to catch the Dial-a-Ride minibus to Timsbury.

Jayne Hawkins, one of our regulars, had donated to the group a book detailing 20 walks around this village, so it was appropriate to feature one of these.

Fifteen walkers had already made their own way there, so it was a good-sized group that set off in glorious sunshine. This included several newcomers.

We headed up the concrete track through the deserted Sleight Farm to the small wind farm at the top, where there were all-round, far-reaching views, although unfortunately Clifton Suspension Bridge was lost in the mist.

After a steep descent, we headed across the fields to Farmborough. Ominous black clouds were appearing on the horizon, and by the time we got to the village, the rains started.

Undetered, we buttoned up and continued the walk across the fields. Conditions underfoot had deteriorated, and it became slippery and claggy. After about an hour the skies cleared and the smiles returned to the faces of the walkers.

We skirted Farmborough Common, joined up with Lippiat Lane and headed downhill back to Timsbury and our refreshment shop, the Seven Stars, where the newly recruited staff made us

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

very welcome. Including an unplanned detour, the walk was over six miles long and well worth the effort. Terry with the minibus picked us up from the inn and we headed home

Our next walk starts at the Memorial Park gates at 10am on Sunday December 11 and is our annual wreath walk. It’s a short walk of about a mile around the fields to the west of the town. We collect holly, mistletoe and the like, then head back to the Scout hall, where our expert will be on hand to show us the art of wreathmaking.

To add to the festive atmosphere, mulled wine and mince pies will be offered. There is a small charge. Don‘t forget to bring a large sturdy bag and secateurs. We hope to see you there.

Stay alert when Christmas shopping online

AS we start to approach the festive season, when lots of people are furiously trying to get their Christmas Shopping done online, I would like to remind you to remain vigilant and be cautious.

Be on the lookout for fake shopping sites and scams that fraudsters will use to take advantage of you.

Fraud continues to grow significantly and now represents more than a third of all estimated crime.

It doesn’t just affect victims’ finances but can also have an impact on mental health, with 74% of fraud victims reporting being emotionally impacted.

As the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) lead for economic and cybercrime, I am passionate about educating local people on how to spot the signs of fraud, to prevent you becoming a victim in the first place. There is lots of information on my website about how to protect yourself. Please do take a

look.

I also want to talk to you about some important things happening in my office over the festive season.

Firstly, we will launch our annual council tax policing precept consultation.

Your police service is funded partly by central government, which gives about 60% of the annual budget, but also partly through your local council tax bill, which covers the other 40%.

This survey asks your opinion on the amount I am going to ask you to pay in addition to your current annual council tax bill in the next financial year, which is one of the main responsibilities of a PCC.

It is very important that you let me know your views, particularly when times are extremely financially challenging for everyone.

Secondly, if you are looking for a new challenge in the New Year, we have also launched a volunteer recruitment campaign

to ask people to empower their communities and join us as independent advisors on one of the OPCC’s four scrutiny panels or other inspection schemes.

It’s an important way to provide transparency and public accountability around the monitoring and scrutiny we do of the service provided to our communities by Avon and Somerset Police.

For more information visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov. uk/get-involved/apply-to-be-avolunteer.

Lastly, if you run a community group or you work with an organisation on projects that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, I would encourage you to apply to my Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund.

Launched earlier this year, the fund is a partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Somerset Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation,

With Police and Crime

which aims to support community projects and activities across the force area that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

I know the organisations and groups of residents who have already applied and received a grant have found the extra funds really beneficial in supporting their work to prevent crime in their communities.

Please visit my website to find out more.

Commissioner Mark Shelford

PEN TO PAPER

Rudolph’s Christmas jumper!

It hangs in the back of the wardrobe And appears only one month each year It’s a jumper mum gave me for Christmas On the front, an amusingly jolly reindeer

Now I’m not a big fan of knitwear Of jumpers and cardigans and such But not wanting to offend at Christmas I pretend that I love it so much To be fair, it’s not exactly grotesque And having drunken a brandy or three When the spirit of Christmas takes hold I’ll wear the damn thing begrudgingly Yes, I suppose that it’s mildly amusing With Rudolph in festive attire Two Christmas robins on antlers perched The sentiment you have to admire I’m afraid as I start to get older Christmas has lost its appeal But wearing my reindeer jumper Might improve the way that I feel I don’t want to sound like a grumpy old Scrooge I’ll enjoy Christmas day with the rest But when my jumper goes back in the wardrobe Is when I’ll enjoy my Christmas the best John Howlett

Keynsham Creative Writers welcome new members – call George Liddell on 0117 914 8654.

KEYNSHAM

author Les Benson has published a collection of short stories and poems called Women of a Certain Age.

The book takes the reader from New Year to Christmas, mixing humour, surprise and thoughtful pieces. It is available from Amazon as a paperback or on Kindle.

Les, pictured right, is a member of Keynsham Creative Writers and has had previous work published in the Voice. He took up writing as a hobby about five years ago after moving to Keynsham from Melksham.

‘Outstanding’ health centre

KEYNSHAM Health Centre has been rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

The centre in St Clements Road is one of five in the Bath & North East Somerset district that provides community health and care services for adults by looking after their physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is run by HCRG Care Services Ltd, formerly known as Virgin Care, and works in partnership with the NHS and local authorities.

Inspectors said that services were tailored to meet the needs of individuals and were delivered in a way to ensure flexibility, choice and continuity of care.

The involvement of other organisations and the local community was integral to how services were planned and ensured they met patients’ needs.

Team leaders monitored the effectiveness of the service. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients, advised them on how to lead healthier lives and supported them to make decisions about their care.

The report said: “Staff treated patients

with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers. The patients we spoke with were happy with their care and described the service as ‘excellent’ and ‘caring’.”

Leaders actively reviewed complaints and how they were responded to, and improvements were made as a result.

The inspectors spoke to three patients at an outpatient clinic and they were extremely complimentary of their treatment. They said the nurses were “excellent” and made attending the clinic more of a social interaction than medical treatment, while still getting the “job done.”

One patient said staff had helped them “understand their illness so much and eased anxieties around it” while another said staff had “kept them informed” and offered an “excellent service.”

The health centre provides the specialist nursing services including heart failure, intravenous therapy, lymphoedema, and leg ulcers.

POETRY CORNER December

December brings much happiness for both the young and old, With much to look ahead to when days are dark and cold. There are joyful times at Christmas, with extra special treatsDressing trees, playing games and lots of family meets. Displaying decorations, making every home look bright With baubles, coloured tinsel, new wonder with each light. Singing Christmas carols, savouring yuletide fayre, Greeting friends and strangers, forgetting every care.

But with the fun and jollity we must remember thisThere’s something more important that nobody should miss. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t found beneath the tree, It’s in our hearts, it’s in our prayers, in the Nativity.

Remembering all that time ago, a Saviour came to reign, Where in a barn, a child was born, and Jesus was his name.

Sylvia Kirby

Spotlight on crime in the community

SALTFORD Council (SPC) held its annual ‘Meet Your Community Police Officer’ event at Saltford Hall, which was open to all residents.

The council welcomed PC James Evans, neighbourhood officer for the Keynsham beat team, to speak and to answer residents’ questions.

The event was again chaired by Duncan Hounsell, who represents Saltford ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council.

SPC also welcomed Alastair Singleton, B&NES Council’s representative on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel and also a B&NES councillor for Saltford ward. The meeting was attended by many residents, as well as SPC councillors.

Trevor Wilmot, Avon and Somerset Police’s Neighbourhood Watch administrator, was unable to attend but sent through a report that highlighted safety and crime prevention steps that residents could take, particularly at this

time of year when people make plans for the festive season.

The report also stated that Saltford is a low crime area, and that the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme continues to grow in the Avon and Somerset Police area.

Anyone interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme can contact Trevor Wilmot via the A&S Police website. Go to Avon and Somerset Police and search for ‘neighbourhood watch’.

Councillor Alastair Singleton shared information on the role of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel and its responsibility for scrutinising the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

PC James Evans was then asked to share the background to his 20-plus-year career in policing, including the past five years as a member of the Keynsham beat team.

He mentioned his personal

links to the area for which he is now the neighbourhood officer. He also gave an insight into the day-to-day workings of the beat team, including shift patterns, geographical areas covered, and its work with other teams in the wider police force.

Those attending were invited to raise concerns about policing matters in the Saltford area. These included parking in the old village area; catalytic converter thefts at local Park-and-Ride sites; the Keynsham police custody centre; and parking concerns on roads by Saltford Primary School during school drop-off and pick-up times.

PC Evans agreed to action points where possible, for example more PCSO visits to roads by Saltford Primary School. He added that staff numbers had increased in the beat team and reassured those present that there is always policing provision for Saltford as the Keynsham team is supported by nearby teams when required.

We owe our brilliant volunteers so much!

COMMUNITY at 67 has thanked its “brilliant” volunteers at its annual general meeting.

Everyone who runs activities at the centre in Queens Road, Keynsham, gives up their time for the benefit of the community.

As well as the volunteers people might see when using the centre, there are helpers behind the scenes who make sure the building is safe, manage finances and act as trustees to ensure the centre develops as a charity serving local people.

Thanking the volunteers, Martin Burton, chair of trustees, said: “Without our volunteers, Community at 67 could not function - we owe them so much.

“Volunteering is a great way of not only supporting your local community but also of working with a great team of people.

“We are always looking for new volunteers.

“We are currently looking for anyone who has IT skills who can help either our IT group - which helps people get online or sort out IT issues – or our successful coding club, which helps children learn about coding. No knowledge of coding is needed.”

Community at 67 had a good response from volunteers who have enabled the centre to open once a week as a Welcome Place.

The Thursday café and mums groups had a fun morning with Isobel Tarr, who created a community quilt to celebrate parenting - if you are a mum, why not drop into the group’s café on Thursday morning?

It is open every Tuesday 12.30pm-4.30pm for anyone who wants to drop in. There are games, puzzles and a chance to meet other people – it’s all free of charge.

The centre’s busy programme of events in December offers something for all ages,

including maths and code clubs for children, and craft, mums and IT groups for adults. For details, follow the centre on Facebook or visit www.community-67.org. Anyone with an idea for a new group should let the centre know.

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CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham Secret Santa dilemma

Are you taking part in a Secret Santa this Christmas? I am, and I’ve been matched with someone I’ve never met.

Working out what on earth to do has surfaced difficult questions around trying to live a sustainable life and how that might be perceived by others.

I could buy a throwaway jokey gift or a consumable like a bottle of wine, but does he even drink alcohol or like jokes? If not, what a waste of raw materials and energy!

I could buy a gift voucher, so he can choose something he’d actually want, but that’s still encouraging consumption and let’s face it, it’s pretty boring.

I could buy something from a charity shop. Even if it’s not his cup of tea, it’s pre-loved and the money spent on it would go to a good cause.

I could purchase a ‘green’ gift, like package-free toiletries – but as I don’t know him, it’s likely to languish on a shelf.

I could donate to an environmental, medical or refugee

charity in his name, but I have no idea what cause he would like to support.

Or I could just refuse to take part in the rampant capitalism that is Secret Santa!

The final four options sit uncomfortably close to smug virtue-signalling, when I know that most of my colleagues will go for the first choice. But none feels right to me. I want to give a gift, but don’t want to encourage throwaway consumerism. I want take part like everyone else, but don’t want to appear like a smug hair-shirt wearer.

People trying to be ‘green’ face these dilemmas every time we decide to buy something, not just at Christmas. Frankly, it’s confusing and exhausting. In an ideal world these decisions would be made for me. The bad choices won’t be available, or too expensive because their true cost will be taken into account. Yes, I know it’s unlikely –but dreaming’s free!

Barling

Bereavement Support date change

Because of this the organisers, not wanting to let people down, are changing their December session only from the normal fourth Monday of the month, which is Boxing Day, to the third Monday, the 19th.

The session, 2pm-4pm at the Baptist Church Hall, needs no booking and is free, with tea, coffee and biscuits. The first Wednesday of the month session continues from 5.30pm to 7pm. For more information, please call 07776493221.

Liz

BEREAVEMENT Support Keynsham has experienced continuous double-figures attendance at its Monday drop-in sessions.

SALTFORD Post Office has won the award for best customer service in the South West Post Office region for the second year running. John Davies, chairman of Saltford Community Association, is pictured handing the award certificates to Saltford Post Office counter clerks Trish Hubbard and Bob Screen.

n WHAT'S ON

Saturday December 3

n Piano concert by Dominic Irving at the Fear Hall, Keynsham, at 7pm (for 7.30pm start). Phone 07973802739 / 07901613086 for details and tickets.

Friday December 9

n Keynsham Group Avon Wildlife Trust holds ‘A Christmas Celebration’ of short talks and a wildlife quiz at Keynsham Baptist Church Hall, 7.30pm. All welcome, entrance £3 trust members or £4 non-members. No booking required.

Saturday December 10

n Keynsham Repair Café returns to its usual venue of Keynsham Baptist Church, High Street, BS31 1DS, 10am to 12pm, for its usual date of the second Saturday of the month. Volunteers will try to fix your broken household things, for free. Clean it, find the bits, bag it and wear a mask.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Keynsham Branch meets on the first Monday of each month upstairs at the RBL Club, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA, at 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings.

n Saltford Whist Club, Saltford Hall, Mondays (except last two weeks in August), 1.30pm-4pm. Contact Malcolm 01225 872555 for further information.

n Keynsham Bridge Club can now welcome new experienced players to our Monday evening sessions. If you would like to come along, please call either Pat 01275 835583 or Diane 0117 9861267.

n ASP Poetry Circle meets every third Monday of the month, 10am11am, in the upstairs balcony at Keynsham Library. Bring two or three of poems to share; your own or other poets’.

Mondays/Thursdays

n Yoga For Men

Monday 7-8pm, mixed ability Keynsham Baptist Church, BS31 1DS.

Thursday 7-8pm, mixed ability Saltford Hall, Wansdyke Room, BS31 3BY.

Free first class, £8 thereafter. Book online at www.yogadad. co.uk

Tuesdays

n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, 7.30pm-10pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, every Tuesday. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 0117 9868540, or just turn up. Everyone welcome.

n Badminton - friendly, beginners and improvers, mixed, adult (18 - 80!) group play every Tuesday 10am-12 noon at Keynsham Leisure Centre. Ring Clive 0117 9866793 or just turn up.

n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, 7.30pm-10pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, every Tuesday. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 0117 9868540, or just turn up. Everyone welcome.

n St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Fear Hall, Keynsham, from 10am to 12pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

Wednesdays

n Oldland Ukulele Club is a mixedability group who meet every Wednesday at 1.30pm at Oldland Common United Reformed Church (the blue church), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9QN. All abilities welcomed to this friendly club. Places are £4 each. For further details, call/text ‘Ukulele’ Ben on 07910 668258.

Thursdays

n Keynsham & Saltford Dementia Action Alliance runs Music for the Mind sessions for people living with dementia and their carers at St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Keynsham, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 10.30am-12.15pm. Hot and cold drinks, biscuits and cakes from 10.30 are followed by singing and gentle exercises from 11am. No charge. Visit www.keynshamdaa. co.uk, email ksdaa22@gmail.com or call 07392442966.

n Longwell Green Orchestra meet each Thursday evening at Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.40pm. We have players of all abilities. Email Contact@longwellgreenorchestra. org.uk or 07972 844073. Please get in touch beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.

n Pilates Classes led by Physiotherapist Kate.

Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate) Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners) St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

Cycle ride to aid hospice

A CHARITY cycle raising money for the region’s only adult hospice returns to the streets of Bristol and South Gloucestershire on Saturday April 15.

Hundreds of cyclists are expected to take to the roads for Bristol’s biggest bike ride, the Tour de Bristol.

This challenges riders to raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice, helping to provide medical care, advice, support and comfort to patients and their families.

Cyclists of all abilities are catered for, with routes covering distances of 40k, 65k and 100k.

Participants set off from the Centre for Sport at UWE and head into the countryside of South Gloucestershire, travelling through the villages of Olveston and Littleton-upon-Severn.

The 65k route stretches further into Gloucestershire towards Berkeley and, for racers who like an endurance challenge, the 100k route passes through Wotton-under-Edge, touching the outskirts of the Cotswolds.

The entry fee helps to cover the cost of putting on the event, so the sponsorship raised and donations made will go towards supporting hospice patients and families across Bristol.

Registration is open at www. tourdebristol.co.uk

Choirs in concert

n Relax, Stretch and Tone, a beginners’ introduction to getting the body moving. You don’t need to be flexible or young to do this. You will learn how to incorporate more movement and flexibility into your body. Most people are 50-70 in this class. Yoga, Pilates and meditation classes are also available every weekday in Keynsham. No masks required. Fear Hall, 30 High Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1DQ. Booking essential: Sandhya 07565 976 129 or visit my website www.Sandhyacoyle.org

6 week block of classes £54 1:1 sessions also available at my studio in Saltford. Book online or by contacting Kate - 07518 522292 kate@corerehab-physio.co.uk www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

Fridays

n Pilates Class led by Physiotherapist Kate.

Fri 10-10.55am (mixed ability)

St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

6 week block of classes £54 Book online or by contacting Kate - 07518 522292 kate@corerehab-physio.co.uk www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

KEYNSHAM and South Gloucestershire’s Good Afternoon Choirs will team up for a Christmas celebration concert this month.

The event takes place at St John’s Church, Keynsham, on Wednesday December 14, 1pm3pm, featuring special guests from Chandag Infant School.

Admission is free, with a retiring collection for Dementia Action Alliance and Dementia UK.

Cash for paths

AN APPEAL for donations to keep footpaths between Saltford and Keynsham open to the public has hit its target.

Saltford Community Association (SCA) has raised the £3,000 needed to keep over 4.5 kilometres of permissive paths open for another year.

Town’s parking charges rise

PARKING charges in Keynsham have risen by up to 50 per cent.

Bath & North East Somerset Council introduced changes to off-street parking on November 8.

The cost of parking in Ashton Way has risen from 40p to 60p for two hours and from 90p to £1.20 for four hours.

At Ashton Way East, the charge is up from 40p to 60p for two hours, from 60p to 90p for three hours and from 90p to £1.20 for four hours.

Charges at the Civic Centre car park charges have risen from 40p to 60p for two hours from 60p to 90p for three hours.

There are similar rises at the town’s long-stay car parks – Bath Hill East, Fox and Hounds, Station Road and The Labbott South – where the cost of an eight-hour stay has jumped up from £1.60 to £2.40 and a 10-hour stay from £2.10 to £3.

Season tickets at the town’s long-stay car parks are now around double the price. They have risen from £19.80 to £39 for one month, £60.50 to £117 for three months, £115.50 to £234 for three months and from £231 to £468 for a year.

Other changes include a new seasonal parking charges at The Shallows car park in Saltford.

B&NES Council has also increased parking charges and season ticket prices in Bath and a brought in a new fee for charging electric vehicle in long-stay car parks.

There are also new charges for parking at Park & Ride car parks for those not using the service and the removal of the 10% residents’ parking saver discount in car parks.

Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES cabinet member for transport said: “These are relatively small changes and only the second time in 12 years that they have increased.

“We want to help shift the way people get around to encourage more walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, especially for shorter journeys, as part of our Journey to Net Zero ambitions. Thank you to everyone who shared their views in the public consultation.”

Officers recommended that the changes be implemented as proposed after considering the results of the online survey, which attracted 150 responses.

One Keynsham respondent commented: “Once again, B&NES are punishing the oldest, most infirm

and disadvantaged. Charges are too expensive as they are and will affect the poorest amongst us when we’re all experiencing financial difficulties.”

But the council’s consultation outcome summary stated: ““No feedback was received that identified or highlighted that these proposals could have a negative or adverse impact on an individual or group in accordance with the Equalities Act 2010.”

It added: “The council recognises the cost-ofliving crisis and is sensitive to the current pressure on families, and whilst these proposals … broadly represent a below-inflationary increase since 2010, they nevertheless come at a sensitive time.”

Overall, only 28% of respondents were supportive or partially supportive of the changes. In Keynsham, fewer than 10 per cent supported the changes and none was partially supportive.

As previously reported in the Voice, Keynsham’s Conservative councillors have criticised the increases, saying they will deal a “devastating blow” to High Street businesses.

They argue that they will make visiting the town centre less attractive while contributing little to tackling the climate emergency because cycling options are limited and cuts are being made to public transport.

The decision to increase off-street parking charges was agreed by B&NES Council in February as part of its budget-setting.

THE new seasonal charges at The Shallows in Saltford brought a mixed response in the public consultation.

Some welcomed the charge of 30p per hour for up to three hours (from April 1 to September 30), saying it would help to increase turnover.

But others thought it would be restrictive for outdoor groups.

Council officers responded that increasing the duration of parking stays from three hours would “reduce the flexibility of the car park and the number of people that could benefit from the amenities available.”

One respondent suggested that parking charges also be applied to the five limitedwaiting bays on the road between the car park and toilets.

Officers said that although the new charges apply to offstreet parking only, charges could be proposed for these bays as part of a future review of the appropriate order if this was required.

As mentioned in last month’s Voice, there have been reports of a paddle-boarding business operating for free from B&NES land and taking up most of the car park space.

Officers said: “Businesses wishing to operate from the car park must do so with the express written permission of the council.

“No licences have been issued and therefore any businesses using a vehicle to operate from this car park may be in contravention of the offstreet parking order and their vehicle may be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).”

Fitness studio’s charity show is dazzling success

STUDIO 11 Aerial Fitness is celebrating the success of its annual charity show at Saltford Hall.

To date, the shows, organised by the studio’s team of instructors, have raised many thousands of pounds for local good causes. And this year’s show has raised £7,266.

The studio, which runs weekly classes in Queen’s Road, Keynsham, chose the One25 charity as its beneficiary.

One25 supports some of Bristol’s most marginalised women, who have often been traumatised by childhood abuse and violence. It helps them access specialist support and develop skills and independence.

Tickets for the charity show sold out with a week, with members raising sponsorship to perform on

stage. The event featured a special group performance with husbands and partners, who had braved lessons over a number of weeks to perform in the show.

This performance alonesponsored by CMC Marquees of Bristol - raised more than £800 for a four-minute routine.

Owner-instructor Lisa Henderson said: “We are incredibly proud of all our performing members and all those involved in making the show the success it was. It was such an amazing night.

“Thank you to everyone who came and supported us. It’s very appreciated by everyone at Studio 11 and all our incredible members.”

She also thanked local businesses for their donation of raffle prizes.

£625,000 OIRO

Dating back to approximately 1760 is this four-bedroom, mid-terraced property situated in the heart of Keynsham overlooking St John’s Church and close to Keynsham train station and transport links.

Tenby House oozes with character throughout, retaining many of its original features including picture rails, coving, ceiling roses and open fires in some bedrooms.

This ideal family home also benefits from a westerly facing mature rear garden, a must for the keen gardener. An internal inspection is highly recommended to appreciate this beautiful home.

Keynsham is ideally situated between Bristol and Bath, and is well serviced by good road and rail networks. Keynsham High Street offers a variety of shops, public houses and restaurants. It has an awardwinning Memorial Park, together with excellent primary and secondary schools.

STORAGE

Should you need to store items, Wild & Lye Removals are able to offer you a variety of Secure & Confidential storage facilities to suit your household or commercial storage requirements, from single boxes to entire households or office contents. Whilst your goods are in storage, they are placed in our secure and alarmed warehouse . We offer this service at great prices, Our friendly, trustworthy and professional staff will surely be able to cater to your every need.

REMOVALS

Wild and Lye comprises of a team of fully trained moving staff who are at hand to make sure that your move goes without a hitch. We have many years experience in the removal business and pride ourselves in offering a fantastic service to every client. Our professional removals team will take care of your every requirement from securely packing your goods, transporting your items to the required destination and then delicately unpacking all your valuables at your desired location.

FRY’S TENNIS CLUB

FRY’S Tennis Club have started their winter league season in a promising fashion, with two wins from two in November.

After a rain-abandoned match early in the month, our first completed match was on November 13 against South Glos Tennis. Mark Long and Kerry Grace made a perfect start with a 6-1 6-2 win in the men’s doubles. Elaine Hanham and Jo Taylor then suffered a narrow defeat in a high quality ladies’ doubles, 7-6 6-2.

In the first mixed doubles, Elaine and Kerry fought hard but succumbed to some big hitting, going down 6-3 6-1. In the second mixed doubles, Mark and Jo were at their best, dominating the net as they recorded a 6-0 6-0 win. With two wins a piece, the match went

Sizzling start to winter campaign

down to total games, which gave Fry’s the edge and an overall six points to four victory.

Our next match was on November 18, at home to Sodbury. In the men’s doubles, Mark Long and Kerry Grace continued their good form, taking a comfortable first set and edged a close second in a 6-2 7-5 win.

The ladies’ doubles was a back-and-forth match, but Sodbury ended up victorious in a 6-4 6-3 win against Jo Taylor and Elaine Hanham.

In the first mixed doubles, Mark and Jo did

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

WITH the green at Keynsham Park in winter hibernation, all activity at Keynsham Bowling Club is taking place in the clubhouse.

More than 50 members gathered for an evening of bingo plus a ploughman’s supper at the end of October. Then the clubhouse was packed on November 2 for the cheque presentation to Dorothy House Hospice, the charity chosen by the ladies’ and gents’ captains at the start of the season.

While fundraising continues throughout the season, the events which raise the most are the summer barbecue and the close-season men’s tour. Each year nearly 30 men travel to different parts of the country, and this year it was Stratford on Avon, where they played

FRYS BOWLING CLUB Winners get their reward

FRYS Bowling Club ended the 2022 season with their annual presentation dinner.

The first trophy of the night was the triples competition for Jeff Budd, Vernon Hopkins and Dave Shaw, with the runners-up being Ken Stewart, Sally Morgan and Jonathan Day.

In the pairs, a strong performance from Jeff Budd and Roger Loader saw them take the title from Bert Merrell and Eric Jones.

The novice singles, for those who had not won a singles title, went to Jeff Budd, winning his third title of the year, with the runner-up award going to Dave Shaw. In the two-wood final, a tight contest came down to the final end, with Jonathan Day taking the win, just edging

well to secure a 6-4 6-2 win, with Jo’s fantastic set of volleys in the penultimate point of the match a particular highlight.

The second mixed was a tight affair, but Kerry and Elaine were unlucky to lose 6-3 7-6. That meant for the second week in row, the tie was all square at two wins a piece and went to total games won, which Fry’s won by only three games, securing another six points to four win.

To enquire about junior membership or coaching, contact Rich Conway at richardconway6@icloud.com or 07909988115. For adult membership, contact Mark Long at mark2mark@btopenworld.com or 07899692571

- anyone looking to play league/club nights would be particularly welcome.

Celebrating a great season

against local clubs. They take along a money box in the shape of a pig which is placed at the end of rinks, with players of both teams being asked to donate. They usually return to Keynsham with about £400 in the pig.

Our picture shows Dan Varley, community and events fundraiser, receiving the cheque for £1,800 from captains Pam Rose and Carm Riccio.

Later in the month, more than 80 members gathered at Saltford Golf Club for the annual presentation lunch. At the start of the season there were entries from 46 men and 21 ladies, producing a total of 355. After much

competitive activity on the green, there were nine individual winners, eight pairs, nine triples and one team of four.

Notable achievements included one of our relatively new members, Jane Cole, winning the ladies handicap, ladies pairs, Walden’s Cup and finishing runner-up in the mixed pairs.

Sally Difazio also had success in four events, adding a win in the Tom Pells Cup to her singles championship and being a runner-up in the Australian pairs and Walden’s Cup.

Our photograph shows our winners.

Mike Barrow

out Stephen Day as runner-up. The handicap was another close game, with a late comeback from Jonathan Day seeing him take the title over Eric Jones. The championship was a more one-sided game, with Jonathan Day achieving a comfortable victory over Jeff Budd to claim back-to-back triple crowns.

The non-competition awards went to Mary Buck for ‘shot gone wrong’, Bob Heard for best newcomer and Sally Morgan for most improved player. The club member of the year award went to Dave Shaw.

The evening ended with a presentation to

Christopher Day, who has stepped down as secretary after 17 years and has served the club in a number of ways over the past 21 years.

During the winter season, Frys will hold short mat bowls sessions and the Christmas coffee morning. Winter work on the green is well under way, with further renovations planned for the clubhouse. For more information or to apply for membership, please contact our secretary, Stephen Day, on 01225 872959, email frysbowlsclub@gmail.com. You can also visit our website - www.frysbowlingclub.wixsite.com/frysand follow us on Twitter: @FrysBowls.

The Ks’ youthful new era makes progress

THE last month has seen some more consistent performances from Keynsham Town’s teenage first team, culminating in their first win for several weeks in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

After the previous week’s gutwrenching 5-4 defeat at home to Barnstaple, Corsham Town from the Hellenic League Premier Division were the Ks’ next opponents in the FA Vase first round proper.

Unfortunately the class and experience of the visitors, who lie in the top three in their division, showed on a disappointing afternoon, with Corsham running out comfortable 4-0 winners.

The following Saturday saw the return trip to Falmouth Town, who the Ks had held to a draw at Crown Fields in September. In a pulsating game in front of a bumper Cornish crowd of 365, missed chances by Keynsham saw the hosts take a 2-0 lead midway through the second half.

But a fine fightback by the Ks,

The following games for both the men’s and ladies’ sections are coming up at Crown Fields over the next few weeks:

Sat Dec 10: Men’s first team v Saltash United, 3pm

Sun Dec 11: Ladies’ first team v Exeter City, 2pm)

Sat Dec 17: Men’s first team v Helston Athletic, 3pm

Sun Dec 18: Ladies’ first team v Moneyfields, 2pm

Sat Dec 31: Men’s reserves v Worle, 12pm

led by two-goal Owen Brain, gave them a valuable point in a 2-2 draw.

A trip to Wellington was next on the agenda, which has never been a happy hunting ground for Keynsham in the past. This wet and windy Saturday was no exception, as again missed chances in the first half cost the Ks dearly when they were the better side, going in one down at the break.

Three late goals, after Wellington had made the game safe with a second, gave the hosts a flattering 5-0 scoreline.

The relatively short journey to Street came next, and this proved to be yet another frustrating

afternoon. Only the home team’s goalkeeper and the woodwork kept the scores level at half time, but two key moments in the last 15 minutes decided the Ks’ fate.

Firstly, forward Jemar Thomas fell awkwardly after being scythed down by the Street fullback, and suffered a broken collarbone. The game restarted after a 20-minute delay, but centre half Kyle Anderson then received his second yellow card, leaving the Ks to last 15 minutes with only 10 men.

They defended resolutely, but a goal two minutes from time condemned them to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat.

A break from league action and three successive away games then saw Southern League side Paulton Rovers visit Crown Fields in the Somerset Premier Cup second round.

In another fine performance against opposition from a higher level, the visitors took the lead just before half time. Riley Gifford-Hobbs then scored a superb equaliser with 10 minutes remaining, so the game had to be decided by penalty kicks. After eight perfect kicks from the first eight penalties taken, Paulton’s keeper dived low to his right to save Will Sage’s effort; Paulton’s next penalty was scored, so they won the shootout 5-4.

The Ks took that impressive

display into the following Saturday’s home game against their Cornish visitors Millbrook. Despite giving away a soft early goal, a flowing move from back to front saw the Ks’ impressive midfielder Henry Sady equalise on 10 minutes.

There was not much to choose between the two sides, with Keynsham missing several opportunities and Ks stopper Joel Manning in commanding form.

As the game entered stoppage time, the Ks poured forward in search of their first win for 11 weeks, and Crown Fields erupted in the 95th minute when Sahr Nanoh burst into the box, pulled the ball back from the byline and Henry Sady popped up to blast the ball gleefully home. This victory was just reward for the young team’s efforts over the past few weeks.

The Ks reserves are still struggling in the Uhlsport Somerset County Premier Division, with a slew of injuries disrupting any progress. However a 1-0 home win against local rivals Stockwood Wanderers, followed by a fine 2-0 away victory at Watchet Town, will hopefully provide the springboard for a recovery.

The Ks ladies have mirrored the men with a disappointing start to the season, although their disappointing league form has fortunately been overshadowed by them reaching the Vitality Women’s FA Cup second round, where they have been drawn away to divisional rivals Cardiff City.

l

The Ks are looking for a firstteam physio. The role would be match-day only, mainly Saturday afternoons but also Tuesday evenings. For more details or to apply, email jules123@live.com

Ks defender Jake Wilson keeps a Falmouth Town forward at bay

Ks midfielder Will Sage gets in a challenge at Falmouth Town Henry Sady gives the Ks the lead at home to Millbrook

Photo by Chelsey Cliff