Keynsham Voice January 2023

THE number of people falling in Keynsham High Street’s cycle lane has ‘dramatically reduced’ since it was painted red, councillors have been told –but councillors say falls are still happening.

A high number of people tripped and fell on the cycle lane when it opened in the spring.

One person who tripped on the day it opened said: “There is some kind of optical illusion. There is a pale-coloured kerb and a pale-coloured line that look exactly the same.”

The cycle lane was painted red in August after 46 reports of people falling in the cycle lane.

Bath and North East Somerset Council’s housing and regeneration director, Simon Martin, told councillors at a meeting last month: “We had a number of unfortunate accidents and incidents post-scheme opening. The number of those has dramatically reduced, despite some of the social media claims that are going on.

“Actually when we evidence the actual reports of accidents and relate those through into insurance claims, the numbers have dramatically n Turn to Page 2

Keeping warm

A fund that has already helped many community projects is now supporting Warm Spaces in Keynsham and beyond.

PAGE 4

Parking protest

A driver is refusing to pay a fine for using a Keynsham car park where several home carers have also fallen foul of the rules.

PAGE 5

Aid for Ukraine

A Keynsham councillor is raising money to send generators to the city of Kherson in Ukraine.

PAGE 7

Land safeguarded

Two plots of land have been secured for community use by Keynsham Town Council.

PAGE 13

Street’s new look

Work to improve Temple Street in Keynsham with new paving, planting, cycle parking and better disabled parking is due to begin in the New Year.

PAGE 17

Phoebe Thorne was among the fastest runners in the Saltford Santa Dash n Pages 14 & 15

‘Fewer people’ fall in High Street cycle lane

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Local information

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Keynsham Town Council 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham 0117 986 8683 www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk Keynsham Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 848 7919

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

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Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

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n From Page 1 reduced and we have only experienced one or two since making the cycle lane red.”

But Keynsham East councillor Hal McFie disputed this. He said: “I think people are still falling. It may be that they are not damaging themselves as much as they did but they are still falling and the method of recording has not been well coordinated.”

This was reiterated by councillor Sally Davis, who said: “I had a letter from a resident – and I don’t represent the Keynsham area – about someone who fell at the beginning of November. She ended up being taken to A&E at RUH for resulting injuries to her face.”

Ms Davis said that the individual had reported the fall through Council Connect but had not heard anything back. Mr Martin said that however people reported issues with the cycle path to the council, they were keeping track of all reported

incidents in the same place.

The day after this meeting, another report of a fall was submitted. A person who suffers with arthritis and fibromyalgia had also mistaken the kerb for a painted line.

They said: “As I stepped over the kerb, I was expecting a flat surface which wasn’t there. I rolled my left ankle, fell, and landed on my right knee, wrist, and shoulder in the road, stopping traffic. Thankfully several people kindly helped me up.

“I was in severe pain and knew I would be in trouble when the swelling and bruising set in. Unfortunately, due to my conditions, recovery will be slow. It is also going to stop me driving to take and collect my specialneeds boy from school.”

Councillors and officers are due to meet in January to review the number of accidents and whether more work is needed.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Joanne honoured with Queen’s Nurse title

JOANNE Meacham, of Keynsham, has been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

The title is not for past service but indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, chief executive of the QNI, said: “On behalf of the QNI, I would like to congratulate Joanne and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse.

“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high-quality health care across the country. The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers.

“We look forward to working with Joanne and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”

Joanne received her award at the Friends Meeting House in Euston, London.

She said: “I am delighted to receive the Queen’s Nurse title. It was humbling

to meet like-minded colleagues striving to lead, develop and deliver the best possible community nursing services to our populations.”

Joanne qualified as a registered nurse in 1987, having trained at Bristol Royal Infirmary, and has worked in a variety of community nursing roles since 1993.

Since October this year, she has been deputy chief operating officer at Wiltshire Health & Care, leading the operational delivery of adult community health services for the county.

Before that, she spent several years in lead nurse roles in Bath & North East Somerset community health services based at Keynsham Health Centre and St Martin’s Hospital in Bath, most recently as the head of community and specialist nursing.

The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to registered nurses with more than five years’ experience working in the community.

Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute is a registered charity founded in 1887. It works with nurses and decision-makers to ensure that good-quality nursing is available to everyone, when they need it.

Horace Batchelor play returns

A ONE-man play about a legendary radio figure who made Keynsham famous (that’s right, K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M) returns to the stage later this month.

An Evening with Horace Batchelor – written by Kevin Cattell and starring Roland Oliver – will be performed at The Space above Keynsham Library at 7.30pm on Friday January 20.

For those of a certain age, the name Horace Batchelor conjures up memories of listening to Radio Luxembourg

as he advertised his Infra-Draw Method for ‘investing’ in the football pools. First performed at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol in 2013, the show is part of KTCRfm’s third birthday celebrations.

The event is free, thanks to cultural heritage funding from Historic England, but tickets will be in high demand and must be booked in advance. For more information, go to www. hikeynsham.co.uk and click ‘what’s on’.

Fund supports Warm Spaces

A FUND that has already helped many community projects is now supporting Warm Spaces in Keynsham and beyond.

The Community Contribution Fund run by Bath & North East Somerset Council received £25,000 in support from residents in 2021 which was shared between 15 community projects to reduce inequalities in the district.

For 2022, more than £4,500 has been donated to date and is being used to provide £250 grants to community-run Warm Spaces registered with the council.

So far, 14 grants have been approved and will support the Warm Spaces with costs such as energy, wi-fi provision, food and drink and providing activities.

The Keynsham beneficiaries are Keynsham Elim Church (Toasties), St Dunstan’s Church, St John’s Church and Keynsham Methodist Church.

The council is highlighting that there are still many more registered Warm Spaces needing this support. Applications to the Community Contribution Fund for Warm Spaces grants have closed temporarily but will reopen if further funds are generated.

Residents who may be looking to make a charity donation this Christmas are asked to consider the Community Contribution Fund.

Donations can be made at https://beta.bathnes. gov.uk/donate-community-contribution-fund.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, said: “We appreciate that with the increasing costs of living, it will be impossible for many people to spare any money to help others. However, we know that some residents will be looking for a good cause to donate to this Christmas – perhaps instead of sending cards – and so we would be grateful if you would consider the Community Contribution Fund. Every penny will go directly towards helping people in your local community to keep warm this winter.”

The council set up a network of Warm Spaces earlier this year. There are now 50 registered Warm Spaces which can be found at https://livewell. bathnes.gov.uk/warm-places-list

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

Mondays: One Community Trust Building, The Park, 10am-2pm; Victoria Methodist Church, Charlton Road, 10am-12pm; St John’s Parish Hall, 1 The Park, 2pm4pm; Saltford Hall, 10am1pm; Saltford Community Church, 1pm-3pm.

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

Wednesdays: St Dunstan’s Parish Hall, Bristol Road, 10.30am-12.30pm; Victoria Methodist Church, 10am12pm; Saltford Sports Club, Wedmore Road, 1pm-4pm.

Thursdays: Victoria Methodist Church, 10am12pm.

Fridays: Queens Road Methodist Church, 8.45am10.45am; Elim Pentecostal Church, Balmoral Road, 11am-2pm.

Saturdays: Saltford Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Another driver protests over parking fines

A DRIVER is refusing to pay a fine for using a Keynsham car park where several home carers have also fallen foul of the rules.

As reported in the Voice last month, four home carers were issued with £100 penalty notices after visiting an elderly resident at St Anne’s Court.

Now Chris Davis has been notified of a fine after using the car park that serves St Ann’s Court and is run by UK Car Park Management (CPM).

His mother-in-law used to live in one of the bungalows at St Ann’s Court. When she died in 2018, Mr Davis’s brother-in-law took over the tenancy.

Mr Davis said: “I have tried to contact CPM, who have took over the parking management, to try and get a permit, and after spending 15-20 minutes on the phone I gave up.

“On October 21, my brother-in-law asked me to sit in his property to wait for the council to do a safety check. I then got a

letter asking me to pay for a parking fine.”

Mr Davis said he went online to appeal against the penalty and had not heard back by December 6, which is when he contacted the Voice

He said: “I’ve got a letter from Dept Recovery Plus asking for £170 to be paid today. And I’m refusing to pay it.”

The car park was made permit-only to stop it being used by people from nearby streets.

Jennie McLoughlin, one of four carers who have been fined for using the car park, told the Voice last month that 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. She now has to park on the main road.

Curo responded that it could discuss permits with carers on an individual basis. The Voice also contacted UK Car Park Management for comment about the home carers’ situation but did not receive a reply.

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Singers set date for workshop

IF you enjoy singing and want to hone your close-harmony singing skills, then Saturday January 28 is a date to put in your diary.

Organisers are looking for women to take part in a full-day a-cappella workshop at The Space In Keynsham. It will culminate in a free mini performance for friends, family and the public.

The workshop, Sing-Appella, is being hosted by Black Sheep Harmony, a barbershop/a-cappella singing group that holds regular rehearsals in Cadbury Heath. It recently participated in the Big Bristol Barbershop Bonanza, when

more than 170 took to the stage. Barbershop enjoys a huge following in Bristol. The city hosts seven groups, including the national gold-medal-winning, mixed barbershop chorus The Bristol Mix, which draws its members from the other six.

The Black Sheep’s aim is to teach women the essential techniques of good a-cappella singing to performance standard, with laughter, fun and cakes along the way. This workshop will give singers a chance to try something different, improve their skills and

see what goes on behind the scenes of this choir of all ages.

The cost is £10 per person and pre-booking is essential. Tickets can be bought online at www. blacksheepharmony.com/singappella or by phoning Noey on 07899 088180.

Appeal to send generators to Ukraine

A KEYNSHAM councillor is raising money to send generators to Ukraine.

Lisa O’Brien, who represents Keynsham South on Bath and North East Somerset Council, is aiming to crowdfund £10,000 to help people in the city of Kherson.

She and her family, who consider themselves comfortably off, decided not to buy each other Christmas presents this year and instead use the money to buy generators.

She said: “I took my son out for a pub lunch. Two dinners and a couple of drinks came to £55 and I thought, well, three of those would buy a generator.”

Ms O’Brien now wants to send 20 generators at £400 each to Ukraine. There is a truck

ready for the generators, which a local contact who has made several trips to the country will drive to Ukraine, where they will work with local organisations the People’s Trust and Angels of War Foundation. The first shipment of generators was due to arrive by the end of December.

Although it is a private project outside her work as a councillor, Ms O’Brien sent an email round to other councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council

asking if they would donate. By the next day, four councillors had responded.

She wrote to councillors: “Those poor people, so recently liberated from Putin’s aggressors, are still being bombarded and often have no light, heat or something to cook on.”

Occupying Russian forces pulled out of Kherson earlier in November but the city, and the rest of Ukraine, are still dealing with significant power outages as Russia strikes the country.

The generators will provide energy for community hubs to provide heating, hot drinks, phone charging and lights.

As the Voice went to press, about £7,300 had been donated to the fundraiser.

Ms O’Brien said: “The congregation of St Francis Church in Keynsham have been especially generous. Also, I have been contacted by people in London, Kingston and various parts of the South West all wanting to help these brave Ukrainians.

“We aim to send a second shipment out in January, when the temperatures there can plummet as low as minus 20 degrees.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so on Ms O’Brien’s fundraising page. Go to www. justgiving.com and search for ‘Lisa O’Brien’ – then scroll down to the page under the ‘crowdfunder’ heading.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Councillor Lisa O’Brien has been contacted by many people wanting to support the appeal

Hospice shop staff celebrate award

THE St Peter’s Hospice shop has been judged overall winner in the Keynsham High Street shop window display competition.

It also won the charity shop category in the contest, organised by the town council. It was awarded a shield which will be displayed for a year.

A council spokesperson said: “Congratulations to all those who took partthe shops and businesses around town look absolutely lovely.”

Runners-up in the charity category were Oxfam and Golden-Oldies. In the business category, Bob The Dog shop and grooming was winner, and runners-up were Scrumptious Sweets and Crumbs of Keynsham.

St Peter’s Hospice shop manager Lynn White said: “Winning the overall prize for the best Christmas window display on the High Street means so much to us as a charity.

“We don’t have a budget for our window displays, so we rely on the public’s kind donations of clothes, toys and gifts, and the help of our wonderful volunteers, whose inspiration and time is invaluable in creating such fabulous displays.”

The shield won by staff now takes pride of place in the window of the St Peter’s Hospice shop in Keynsham High Street

Withies Green homes ruling slammed

THE Secretary of State’s decision not to call in plans to build 213 homes at Withies Green in Keynsham has been attacked by Saltford Environment Group.

Bath & North East Somerset Council granted developer Mactaggart & Mickel outline planning consent for the development next to the A4 Bath Road last year.

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

The direction was made to enable the Secretary of State to consider whether he should decide that the application should be referred to him for determination.

As reported in last month’s Voice, B&NES Council has since been notified that the Secretary of State decided against calling in the scheme, paving the way for the 25-acre scheme to go ahead.

In response to the announcement, Saltford Environment Group (SEG) stated: “Local residents sent in 600 objections to the planning application and the ward councillors for the two areas directly affected, Keynsham and Saltford, voted against the application on the B&NES Planning Committee. Yet B&NES councillors representing areas

unaffected by this decision voted to permit the development. That appalling decision by B&NES Council to permit the development seriously undermines local democracy on planning matters.

“This will severely disappoint many residents in Keynsham and Saltford. Losing this land to development will be a very regrettable loss of local green space and wildlife habitat, whilst those who actually travel within or through Keynsham at peak times know that the local roads cannot take any more traffic and more prolonged gridlocks will result.

“Discussions and consultations on the identification and allocation of sites for future development for the next B&NES Local Plan covering 2022-2042 are due to commence in summer 2023. The prospect of B&NES Council surrendering yet more green fields in the Green Belt to development will be a matter of great concern to local communities.

“PM Rishi Sunak’s statement in October that he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the green belt and adopting a really rigorous “brownfield first” policy” does not give the reassurance we need that housing targets set by Government will not be interpreted by local authorities and developers as a licence to develop green-belt land.

“Whilst we can all agree that yet more new housing is still needed, it has to be built in the right place using sustainable development principles.”

The decision not to call in the scheme was 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 last year. He resumed the role in October as part of the new Prime Minister’s Cabinet.

Delight for families as

KEYNSHAM Winter Festival kicked off the festive season with a community event for all the family.

It started in the Memorial Park with the planting of the Living Community Christmas Tree, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Canopy, a nationwide initiative to honour the Platinum Jubilee.

The festival procession then left the park through the Memorial Gates, went up Bath Hill and then along the High Street to the main stage opposite St John’s Church.

As is tradition, the procession was led by Chuffy the Train and Father Christmas, with the Air Cadets 93 Squadron and the winners of the festival’s colouring competition also in attendance.

As the procession moved along the High Street, colouring contest overall winner Luc Tennant, from St John’s Church of England Primary School, lit the Christmas lights.

Councillor Dave Biddleston, chair of the town council’s events, arts, tourism and heritage committee, said: “I’m very pleased to have had the chance to work with a wonderful team of officers and volunteer councillors to put on our winter festival.

“It’s fantastic to have been

able to create a large event again this year after our much smaller affairs due to Covid.

“A big thank-you to all of our community volunteers for helping to make the event a success. See a Womble, thank a Womble.”

Traditional market stalls were positioned along Market Walk, the Fear Hall and the Key Centre.

Street entertainers including stilt walkers and roller skaters, local resident George Lidell playing the xylophone, and elves with their ‘goodometer’ were featured along the High Street and entertained the large crowd.

There was lots of singing and dancing by local groups on the main stage, as well as at The Space above the library. A final highlight was the Rock Choir, who wrapped up the festivities with their beautiful singing.

The winter festival committee would like to thank traders for their sponsorship donations and support in kind towards making this year’s event a success.

Special thanks go to Truespeed for sponsoring the tree outside St John’s for all to enjoy.

For more information or to get involved next year, please contact Katherine Sears (deputy town clerk) on 0117 9868683 or email deputytownclerk@ keynsham-tc.gov.uk

Colouring competition winners enjoying the festival - Luc Tennant (second from right), the overall winner, lit the Christmas lights in the High Street Photos: Keynsham Town Council

The new living Christmas tree taking pride of place in the Memorial Park

winter festival lights up the town

These photos of the festival are courtesy of Mike May

Older readers will remember Sheppard’s Boat House at Saltford, where the Riverside Inn now stands. The corrugated iron shed, originally red, was built by Joseph

Withey and opened in 1906. At the time, rowing was a popular recreation there, with the Saltford Regatta having started in 1894. There were many rowing clubs

and no doubt boat hire was a successful business. Withey’s company was bought by Sheppard’s in 1927. The photograph was perhaps taken about 1910.

Land’s future secured for community

TWO plots of land have been secured for community use by Keynsham Town Council.

The council sealed the transfer documents for the spaces at The Paddock and Fox and Hounds Lane at its meeting last month.

The Paddock is a small piece of land behind St John’s Church. It once belonged to 3 and 4 Park Road and was bought by the Ministry of Transport in the 1960s for the Keynsham bypass project but was never used.

The plot remained under the care of Wansdyke District Council and then Bath and North East Somerset Council, and has been maintained as a small garden area planted with trees.

The Fox and Hounds Lane green space was historically part of the orchard garden of the previous Fox and Hounds pub and was subsequently maintained as a nature reserve by a community association of local residents.

The land fell into disrepair for nearly 50 years but now supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including a rare plant species.

Council chairman Andy Wait said: “I’m very pleased that the Keynsham Town Council have secured these two plots of land, which will be available for the community for years to come.”

Work is required to ensure the Fox and Hounds Lane green space is safe for the

The green space at Fox and Hounds Lane has been safeguarded for community use

community, as well as the plants that grow there. As part of this work, Bath and North East Somerset Council recently restored the stone wall that surrounds the space and assessed the trees to ensure their safety. Work to maintain the grounds by the Fox and Hounds Lane Action Group is ongoing.

The Paddock will need support from

a local community group, or collection of groups, to put the land to good use. Several organisations have previously presented ideas for the site’s future development to the town council. Any organisation interested in proposing a project for The Paddock should contact town clerk Dawn Drury - 0117 9868683 or townclerk@keynsham-tc.gov.uk

Festive runners don their

They’re off! The mini dash (above) gets under way. The fastest in their categories were (below left from top) Phoebe Thorne, Amy Nicholls, Harry Williams and (right) Ewan Sparey

SALTFORD Santa Dash made a welcome return, with a sea of red Santas starting the festive season in style.

Participants of all ages braved the cold on Sunday December 4 to get involved. Following the one-mile mini run for under 12s, others put on their Santa suits and took to the streets of Saltford and Keynsham for a five-mile run.

First man was Harry Williams and first woman was Amy Nicholls, who last year was first female home in the 12 to 16 age group. First male 12 to 16 was Ewan Sparey and first female 12 to 16 was Phoebe Thorne.

This annual event has always brought the community together

and put smiles on many faces (both young and old) and this year was no different.

It has also helped some worthwhile causes over the years. At the time of writing, organisers were still doing the finances for this year, but all proceeds will be split between Off The Record BANES and Time is Precious, two charities that support young people in the local area.

The organisers are grateful to everyone who made the event possible - sponsors, volunteers, participants, and the residents of Saltford and beyond for coming out in the cold to cheer on the runners. There will be news of the Saltford Santa Dash 2023 later in the year.

Blink and you miss it, as another year rolls by and the Christmas and New Year season is upon us again.

We recently attended Keynsham Winter Festival, a popular and well-organised event run by the town council.

We saw thousands of people descend on the High Street and surrounding roads to enjoy the event, shops and market stalls.

We met and spoke to lots of people and, all in all, this was an enjoyable event helped by good weather, and we hope to see even more people there next year.

n I’m going to continue with our security reminders for your homes and the presents that might be given and received this Christmas.

Please ensure that, if you are lucky enough to receive gifts, that you have adequate security for them. Also, be aware of sharing images of expensive items on social media, because if your security settings are not current then anyone could access

these images and use them to determine the location of items in attempt to steal them.

n We would like to wish two of our PCSOs who are moving on to pastures new all the best for their future careers - Lee Hicks is leaving in January to go on the PCDA scheme and join Avon and Somerset as a police officer, and Katie White is moving on to a new role outside the police service.

n As the new year comes in, we aim to get out and about more to interact with the community and see how we can serve it more effectively. I know everyone has their opinion as to how this could

at next year’s festival

happen, and we are keen to listen. We have been running drop-in beat surgeries and I am keen to tag these onto local events, such as coffee mornings.

If you run community gatherings and would like us to come along, please contact us via the community pages of the Avon and Somerset Police website.

n We are starting to get issues with poor parking in and around Keynsham, due to short-sightedness and laziness. Pavements are for people and roads are for cars; it doesn’t matter if you’re delivering or just parking.

We all soon forget the standards from our driving tests, but these should be the minimum standards to maintain.

If you feel you need to park on the pavement or mount a kerb, then it might be best to park somewhere else. Just because a section of road does not have parking restrictions (double yellow lines etc) this does not mean it is suitable to park on.

Parking on normal road restrictions can incur a fine, but parking on the controlled area of a pedestrian crossing (zigzag lines) is an endorsable offence that can incur a fine and add points on your licence.

By being a bit more thoughtful, we can ease the whole of the traffic flow around Keynsham.

n In Queen Charlton, Bath and North East Somerset Council is trialling a road restriction to prevent the use of Queen Charlton Lane as a cut-through.

It involves a full closure of this road with no access, so if that was a route you used, please avoid it by staying on Charlton Road.

This is one of a number of parking restrictions being trialled across BANES in the hope of improving traffic flow and protecting villages.

We at the Neighbourhood Policing Team hope you have a fantastic Christmas and great new year.

Concert is a success

KEYNSHAM Concerts held a successful piano concert given by pianist and composer Dominic Irving at the Fear Hall in Keynsham on December 3.

The programme included popular classical pieces as well as Dominic’s own compositions, played on a Yamaha grand piano supplied by Mickleburgh’s of Bristol.

The concert was well attended and attracted positive comments that included “great to see such a diverse range of people there enjoying the concert”, “nice to see so many young people”, “I’d never been to a piano concert before – enjoyed it” and “lovely, varied programme.”

Temple Street revamp to take shape

WORK to improve Temple Street in Keynsham with new paving, planting, cycle parking and better disabled parking is due to begin in the New Year.

Following a consultation led by Bath & North East Somerset Council, public feedback has informed changes to the original design which now retain more car parking spaces while also providing more greening and cycle parking.

From the week beginning January 9, the site will begin to be set up and materials delivered. New pavements made of natural stone will start to be laid on the west side of the street, as well as upgraded lighting and drainage, increasing the pavement width and improved disabled parking bays to meet modern standards.

New planters and parklets will also be installed to increase greenery on the Riverside development side of the street, along with new seating and cycle parking as part of the scheme.

The changes to car parking consist of two large bays being altered on the east side of the street to introduce additional seating and greening. These are being installed on a trial basis before the council decides whether to seek further funding to make the changes permanent.

In addition, on the west side of the street about 8.4m of parking will be altered to extend the size of disabled car parking bays, making them compliant with modern standards, and for preparation works to be carried out for a new pedestrian crossing to be installed as part of a future phase.

Works are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to residents and businesses and will be carried out by the council’s highways contractor Volker.

Works are dependent on weather

Concept design of one of the parklets planned for Temple Street

conditions but are expected to be completed in May 2023.

The Temple Street Improvement Project is part of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme (HS HAZ), a heritage-led renewal programme that aims to continue to make Keynsham High Street a more vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors. The project is funded by Historic England with match funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council and Keynsham Town Council.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and growth, said: “I’m pleased that we will shortly be beginning this important scheme to improve the whole environment of Temple Street for everyone who visits, works at or lives in the area. We are grateful to the many people who took the time to respond to our consultation last year. We have listened to the feedback and acted on it to change the final

design, which means keeping more car parking spaces and providing more greenery. We apologise for any disruption during the works.”

To support local businesses in Keynsham, in early 2023 a new Keynsham town centre business directory will be launched alongside a marketing campaign to promote the town centre. This project is also supported by the High Street Heritage Action Zone Partnership made up of Keynsham Town Council, B&NES Council and Historic England.

Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “The steering group for the Temple Street improvements have listened very carefully to all who have taken part in the consultation around this work. It is an impossible task to satisfy all requirements.

“We have had many serious discussions and are confident that we are close as we can be to the best compromise. I believe that most people will enjoy the extra facilities and freedoms the new space will offer and look forward to seeing the plan reach fruition.”

Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England, said: “We’re delighted that the improvements to Temple Street will be starting in January, delivering positive changes we know local people are keen to see.

“Well done to all involved in reaching this major milestone in the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone.”

For more information on the project, visit https://www.hikeynsham.co.uk/event/ temple-street-public-realm-improvementproject/ n Letters: Page 18

Old fire station is an eyesore

REGARDING the Temple Street Improvements, I see that the works are due to be completed by May 2023 - this is fantastic news.

I would also like to find out what is happening about the current longstanding fire station eyesore and the proposed plan to change into a hotel with restaurant/bar underneath.

Although the Temple Street improvements are great, the fire station will continue to be something that will reduce the positive impact. It would be great if the council could provide an update.

Paul Blankley, Keynsham resident Editor’s note: Plans to build a boutique hotel, with flats, shops and restaurant, on the site were submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council by Phoenix Group (SW) in October 2019. The application was withdrawn in January 2020.

When asked about the future of the site, B&NES Council told the Voice it was not aware of any update. We also approached Phoenix Group (SW) for information but had received no response by the time we went to press.

Why tree lost its leaves

RECENTLY I met whilst walking in Keynsham Memorial Park a lady dog walker.

She mentioned that the gingko biloba (maidenhair) tree had suddenly lost its leaves and the bark at the bottom of the trunk was a different colour. She asked me if I knew why this was so.

I did not but sent an email to Westonbirt Arboretum, and in their reply they said: “Generally, trees will drop their leaves gradually over a few weeks, but if they drop them over a short period of time there’s normally a weather event that causes it. Heavy wind, heavy rain, a sudden cold snap.

“As for bark, bark varies in colour across a tree and lots of things affect it - whether it sees much sunlight, how old the tree is, animal damage, and weather

conditions. Lichen/algae/moss can grow on bark which affects the colour and is more obvious in winter.”

I hope the lady dog walker reads Keynsham Voice.

Andrew Harrison

Crazy Climb adventure

Saltford cubs have been busy with lots of fun activities and competitions. Forty cubs from Tigers and Wolves packs went to Redpoint climbing centre in Bristol last month, where they had an amazing time using the all-weather, action-packed Crazy Climb area.

They learned to safely use the auto-belay system (a device that feeds out the rope) and complete climbing challenges in over 20 different climbs. There were even some new members invested into the pack while climbing!

Also in December, Saltford cubs took part in the Wansdyke district archery competition, with 24 cubs from 12 different packs taking part in a closely fought event.

Sam from Wolves pack and Christopher from Tigers took second and third places respectively and, due to their combined scores, Wolves pack gained the highest overall pack score - congratulations to all involved.

Saltford scouts have also been busy with the New Forest weekend away, outdoor games, hiking, card games and a visit to a wildlife park.

Scarlett says: “It was really fun. It was great spending time with the other scouts.”

They also had a talk from one of their

leaders, Paul, on his role as a paramedic. They learned how to give CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the recovery position, and how to treat a bleeding wound.

With Christmas fast approaching, there was due to be a joint session between Thursday and Friday scout troops running wild in the woods searching for reindeer!

If you want an exciting challenge and can make a difference to young people’s lives, why don’t you volunteer with the scouts?

Contact saltfordscoutgroup@gmail.com

Claire Fallon

Council reserves rise despite tough times

BATH and North East Somerset Council’s reserves have increased by more than £10 million over the past council term, despite Covid and financial pressures, a top councillor has said.

The council now has about £54m in its reserves, the funds it holds to ensure it can withstand financial shocks, a scrutiny meeting was told.

Richard Samuel, the council’s cabinet member for resources, told councillors: “If I have had any approach over the last few years, it has been to rebuild the level of reserves to a good level. They had fallen by £10m over the previous term. They have now risen by that – by over £10m.

“So we are in a stronger position. We are certainly in a stronger position than many councils. But I would absolutely not be prepared to go down the road that says let’s spend some of those reserves to soften the pressures we’ve got next year.”

Winston Duguid, a fellow Liberal Democrat councillor, said: “So just to clarify that during this administration, you have actually built the reserves from that which you inherited? In the time of Covid and crisis and everything?”

Mr Samuel answered: “Yes, they have gone up.”

The growth was funded by putting money left over from underspends into the reserves. The increase has been in “earmarked” reserves, funds held for particular areas of spending, with general reserves remaining at about the same level.

Mr Samuel said he felt reserves should only be spent when there was an unavoidable issue or when they could be invested to bring costs down.

The current Liberal Democrat administration was elected in 2019.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Sign reveals abbey’s past

A NEW sign describing the history of Keynsham Abbey has been put up in the town’s Memorial Park.

It has been unveiled by the Keynsham Abbey Working Group – part of Bristol History & Archaeology Society – and the project has been supported and funded by the Your Park charity and Keynsham Town Council. Volunteers from the working group maintain the gardens and remains of the abbey, which are located in the park.

The sign provides a brief overview of the abbey’s history and shows what the abbey would have looked like. It also mentions two historical figures who were buried at the site.

IF you are reading this before Boxing Day, here is an urgent date for your diary: the Bristol Morris Men will perform the traditional Keynsham Mummers Play on 26th December at 11am outside St John’s Church, 11.30am at Keynsham Library and 12 noon at the New Inn, Bath Hill.

This year is a special anniversary; it is 200 years since the words of the play were written down.

On 27th December 1822, Joseph Hunter, a Unitarian minister from Bath, watched a performance of the Keynsham Mummers Play.

He transcribed the script from one of the actors, James Cantle, a member of a well-established local family. Hunter was an antiquarian and wrote many books; his record of the script eventually found its way to the British Museum.

The play was not unique. Mummers plays were an integral part of a rural Christmas, performed by teenage boys and young men over many centuries, and most popular around 1800. The scripts were handed down by word of mouth, with the first written record dating from 1738.

By the First World War the tradition was declining, but revivals began in the 1930s, and today there are over 300 groups across Britain. The main theme of the plays, which vary in detail, is the fight between good and evil (St George versus the Turkish Knight), linked with the death and rebirth of the seasons.

Hunter noted that unlike actors in the north of England, the Keynsham Mummers called themselves “Christmas Boys”. They also performed in nearby villages, including Brislington, where

William Chown, who died in 1973, recorded that they visited Church Hill Cottages in the 1890s.

He wrote: “The first one entered with ‘In comes I, Old Father Christmas, welcome or welcome not, us hopes Old Father Christmas will never be forgot.’ He then introduced King George, with his golden crown and wooden sword, wounded in a fight with Slasher the villain; the Doctor and his assistant with a dirty rag, stained with beetroot juice, to bind the wounds; and three other youths in various disguises.

“They all had coloured rags tied to their clothes and danced about the room in their hobnailed boots to the tune of a fiddle. It was all great fun.”

Little has changed except that hobnail boots and beetroot

juice are no longer used! Other characters include Little John and Moll, a shepherdess.

It’s not known when the original Keynsham Christmas Boys last performed but the play was first revived in December 1971 with actors who were pupils of Patchway High School, directed by maths teacher and folk dancer Alan Davies.

A few years later, librarian Michael Bird alerted local historian Bunty Dunford to the existence of the script in the British Museum. She purchased a copy and determined to find a way of reviving the performance.

In 1977 she was contacted by the Bristol Morris Men, who were performing it at a University of Bristol folk-dance, and they agreed to perform it in the town that

Christmas. They have repeated it on Boxing Day ever since (except for the 2020 lockdown).

Remarkably, several members of the group have performed every year since 1977, including Antony Gay as the Doctor and Nigel Cooke as Slasher, the Turkish Knight.

Andy Brewer has played King George since 1981 and says: “We do stick to the script but there is also room for the occasional ad lib or topical comment, especially when we get to the pub. We treat the play with respect but realise it has to be entertaining.”

This play is living history and well worth watching.

l This piece is based on an article by Jonathan Rowe plus information from Bunty Dunford. Photographs courtesy of Anthony Gay.

Richard Dyson

The Keynsham Mummers Play in 2018 at The New Inn

Photo by Chelsey Cliff

Singers end great year on a high note

GOLDS awards in the Scout section and carol singing by our Beaver Scouts in the community brought us to a successful end of 2022.

The Beavers performed the carols they had learnt for people at Somerdale residential home. They produced a fantastic performance and, as you can see from our photo, dressed for the occasion and clearly enjoyed themselves.

We presented a record 13 gold awards in 2022 to members of our Scout section, with seven from one troop. The gold is the highest award possible across the 6 to 14 age sections and can only be achieved through determination, application and teamworking over a considerable time.

Huge congratulations to the 13 Scouts - a massive achievement as they now move on to Explorers and seek the coveted King’s Scout award.

The new year is already promising so much. Our Explorer unit will be off on an international expedition to Switzerland, our Scouts are already filling up places for a summer camp week in Wales, Beavers and Cubs have new adventures in planning, and we hope to see the completion of a new undercover activity area at our Chelwood campsite.

These activities are only possible thanks to the support of the people of Keynsham. Our clay shoots (next one March 25-26) and auction (scheduled for September 30) have provided valuable funding, so thanks to all who have supported them in a year where costs are rising.

Our waiting lists for places in all sections show the demand for Scouting in Keynsham. We seek adults to help us deliver the activities and also those interested in seeking funding for a major expansion plan over the next few years. To find out more, email scouts@1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk

We look forward to a cracking 2023 of more adventures and and living up to our tag #Skillsfor Life.

Activists deliver ‘gifts’ to banks

CLIMATE activists from Bath and Keynsham delivered Christmas “gifts” to bank staff as part of their campaign against investments in fossil fuels.

Extinction Rebellion members went to the Nationwide branch in Union Street, Bath, to congratulate staff for their example of sustainable good practice, presenting them with mince pieces and a letter of appreciation.

They then visited Barclays and HSBC, where staff were given a potato. They also received a message of encouragement to persuade their banks to move away from fossil-fuel funding.

Activist Morwenna White-Thomson, from Keynsham, said: “People understand that the climate crisis is now critical and we’re passing key tipping points.

“They ask what they can do apart from the usual things like recycling and reducing waste. Well, switching banks is one of the most effective actions you can take. Let your bank know you won’t support their greedy refusal to move away from fossil fuels.”

Maddy Adams, of Bath, said: “We’ve been protesting against banks like Barclays and HSBC for years but we thought for once it

would be good to focus on the good guys like the Nationwide for stopping all fossil-fuel funding and investing our money ethically and sustainably. So we’re here to celebrate and thank them for doing the right thing.”

Safer journeys on resurfaced roads

ABOUT 16.5 kilometres of highway has been resurfaced across Bath and North East Somerset this year.

The council, which looks after 1,102km of highway, completed its road resurfacing programme on time and under budget, despite rising material costs. It says that an area equivalent to 16 football pitches has been brought back to a high standard.

Working in partnership with its contractor VolkerHighways, the council has completed 26 road resurfacing schemes, including the A4 through Saltford and Wellsway in Keynsham.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “We’re glad we could deliver on all the planned schemes and hope residents in those areas where work’s been completed are now benefiting from safer, smoother and quieter roads.”

To report a problem with the council’s roads, pavements or parks visit: https:// fix.bathnes.gov.uk/

Maddy Adams preparing to thank staff at Nationwide Photo: James Bellinger

Observe and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us

January and starting a new year can be a time for resolutions which generally get forgotten by February. But evidence suggests that small changes in our habits are the ones that will most likely be kept.

There are many little steps we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint and to give nature a bit more space. For inspiration, check out the Avon Wildlife Trust website, which has lots of guides with information and ideas for small projects, from building a bug hotel to creating a simple log pilewww.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ wildlife/wildlife-how-guides

Although nature is in a perilous state, with even some of our familiar birds and insects suffering serious declines, you do not have to go far to see nature - it is all around us if we care to look.

A good starting point would be to take your time when going out for the exercise that you have resolved to do in 2023. Listen, observe and appreciate the beauty that is all around.

You do not need to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds to be able to enjoy watching them; it does not matter to the bird if you cannot identify its song or exact species, so just delight in watching them. For instance, magpies are not universally popular birds, but take time to watch their habits and listen to the different sounds and you develop a certain fondness for their antics.

Although most plants lie dormant at this time of year, hellebores, witch hazel, mahonia and early snowdrops are usually flowering in January and are all a source of food for the buff-tailed bumblebee (bombus terestris) and the early bumblebee (bombus pratorum) which can be active even if there is snow on the ground.

Bees are notoriously difficult to identify as the males and females can look quite different and some have workers and some not, but if a thoughtful gardener has provided plants which give them food, then they too do not mind if they are just called bumblebees.

If you want to develop your knowledge of plants then you could take part in the annual Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) Plant Hunt, which

runs from December 31 to January 3.

Last year, local plant spotters found a range of flowers with wonderfully evocative names: shepherd’s-purse, sticky mouseear, smooth hawk’s-beard. Mexican, Guernsey and Bilbao fleabanes, pellitory-of-the-wall and butcher’sbroom to name a few. Any one of these would be a good excuse to have a little pause in your exercise regime or to add a bit of interest to your walk. More information at www.bsbi.org.

Also this month is the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, running from Friday January 27 to Sunday January 29. This is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and takes just an hour of your time to count the birds visiting your garden or local park.

You may be surprised at what you find, but even if you just see the odd house sparrow or robin, we encourage you to take part. So sign up today on the RSPB website for more information.

For further details on our group or talks, visit our website www.keynshamawt.org, email keynshamawt@gmail.com or phone Kathy 07850 508702. Happy New Year to all!

Julia Shahin

Watch that malevolent magpie look!

Photo: Martin Farrell January snowdropsa lifeline for bumblebees

Photo: Kathy Farrell

Our next talk, Seabirds of the Outer Hebrides, takes place on Friday January 13 at 7.30pm in Keynsham Baptist Church Hall.

Bird enthusiast Bob Medland will present an overview of the Shiant Isles which, with their resident seabirds, provide one of the most spectacular settings in the UK.

Bob has been visiting the

islands as part of the Shiant Auk Ringing Group for 15 years. The islands are relatively unknown and little visited but are home to one of the UK’s most significant seabird colonies with over 75,000 pairs, half of which are puffins.

Entrance is £3 for Avon Wildlife Trust members and £4 for non-members. No booking required.

Cheers to the festive joys of

Keynsham In Bloom Volunteers enjoyed a warming drink to celebrate our efforts at the little park in Avon Road after another busy gardening season fighting weeds and planting even more bulbs and perennials.

We do hope this little gem will attract the people of Keynsham to visit and enjoy their coffee and sandwiches while breathing in the scent and colour of the flowerbed.

Planting, weeding and mulching plus laying a path in one flowerbed at Keynsham Station is now complete, together with filling the containers and troughs with spring bulbs, primroses and pansies. I for one cannot wait to see the efforts of our volunteers materialise next springtime.

The High Street tubs are looking rather sorry for themselves. Because of the length of warm weather this year, we have left the summer planting in situ. Now this very cold blast from the north has made it impossible to work on the frozen soil, but as soon as we have a little warmth, work will progress again.

The winter festival stall held at the Fear Hall was a great success and once again our

volunteers did a wonderful job selling plants and many Christmas items to fill stockings and hang from the tree.

The next date for your diaries is the Saturday March 25 at the Scout Hall. This will be Keynsham Spring Show, and more details will follow soon.

Keynsham In Bloom wish all their readers, volunteers and donors a very happy Christmas and safe 2023.

Please be very careful in these freezing temperatures and, when possible, continue to garden.

Mary Woodman

Recycling and learning go hand in hand

APPRENTICESHIP opportunities, skills training and community support are being provided by the contractor working on the new Keynsham Recycling Hub as part of a deal with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Gardening, litter picking and work with local schools are among the activities that staff from Farrans have undertaken as part of a ‘social value delivery plan’.

Farrans developed the plan with the council, setting out how they will work with partners in Keynsham and the wider B&NES area during construction of the recycling hub to provide employment and training opportunities, support the local economy and engage with educational and community initiatives.

To date, staff have worked alongside the council’s business and skills team, Achieve in Bath and Bath College to promote job and apprentice opportunities available on site. This has seen several residents take up roles alongside three apprentices, who will gain experience and develop their skills working on site.

n

The Farrans staff are also working closely with local schools and colleges to help raise awareness about careers in construction, and waste and recycling, the variety of job roles available, and to help young people develop their employability and interview skills.

Farrans is delivering its bespoke STEPS to Employment programme for pupils aged 14plus, which has included workshops at IKB Academy in Keynsham and Oldfield School in Bath. Future events include interview and communications skills workshops at IKB Academy and CV writing workshops at Oldfield School.

NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

My simple New Year’s resolutions

IT’S that time of year.

Waistlines expanded. Bank balances reduced. Christmas trimmings coming down. And people are looking to the future and setting their New Year’s resolutions.

So, what are mine? Well, they’re simple, really - taking Angel, my cocker spaniel, for more walks - even when it’s chilly - and putting our brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map, and ensuring our region thrives.

Hmm, that politician pledge sounds a bit vague, you may say! How are you going to measure that? My response is simple: look at all the progress we’ve made already.

I am proud of everything we’ve achieved - together - in 2022: reducing bus fares; launching the region’s first-ever Good Employment Charter - now supporting over 6,500 workers and counting; supporting buzzing bees through brand-new grants; investing £12 million in the new Bottle Yard Studios, now open for business; unblocking the Temple Quarter scheme to refresh Temple Meads and the surrounding area; investing in green hydrogen at the

Bristol and Bath Science Park; winning record levels of cash from government, like the £105 million I secured to begin to improve our buses and start the long road to deliver a public transport network our region can be really proud of.

For me, the New Year also is a chance to reflect on the year ahead politically, like ensuring government understands and learns from the pressures facing working people, with taxes, inflation and energy bills all going up and up.

With local people hungry to see decisions made in their areas, I’ll continue to call for London-style devolution, to ensure I have the powers to make our region even better.

But fundamentally, New Year is a time for hope. And in the West of England, we have much to be hopeful about.

Every day as your Metro Mayor, I’m inspired by the people I meet. The ambition and confidence of our young people; the brilliance of our businesses; the potential of our amazing towns and villages, and our two truly great cities.

Pupils at Saltford Primary School heard about the Keynsham Recycling Hub construction project during their assembly, and further engagement activity is planned with the school in the New Year.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “This is the first time we have worked with a contractor in this way and the social value plan is helping to build on our investment in the Keynsham Recycling Hub. It is creating local jobs while helping to raise the profile of construction and recycling and waste services as a career path for a new generation of school leavers.”

But this is also a time of year when we resolve to do better.

So my promise this year to you is to continue to be the strong champion for our region, from backing our world-class creative industries to our amazing local shops - by the way, for those of you looking for a resolution, I urge you all to please ‘Love Local’, as there are so many brilliant places to explore in our great region.

So, whether it’s doing Dry January or throwing yourself full-throttle into (finally) taking up that hobby, I wish you and your friends and family the happiest of Januaries as we enter into 2023. Good luck!

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Pupils at a Saltford Primary School assembly learn about the recycling hub project

Group slams MP over sewage in rivers

A NEW campaign group called Mogg Watch has installed a blue plaque outside MP Jacob Rees-Mogg’s surgery to highlight his “support” for raw sewage being dumped in British waterways.

The plaque, which reads ‘Jacob ReesMogg voted to dump raw sewage into local rivers 20.10.21’, was installed on the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton with a sticky backing chosen to prevent damage to the

building. A performer from the group known as ‘the Big Heads’ was in attendance, dressed as Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Mr Rees-Mogg was one of the MPs who voted down an amendment to stop private water companies from dumping raw sewage into the UK’s rivers and coastline in 2021.

Vicki Youdan, of Keynsham, spokesperson for Mogg Watch, said: “Rees-Mogg voting for sewage dumping is part of a much larger

record of failing voters on nature and climate change issues. In North East Somerset we care about our own health and the health of our communities, nature and children’s futures. We deserve an MP who will protect what we love, not pollute it.”

Mogg Watch is the North East Somerset branch of the national group MP Watch, which says it wants to encourage MPs towards urgent action on the climate crisis.

Campaigners outside the surgery of MP Jacob Rees-Mogg

Jolly holly gathering in the snow

DESPITE the early morning snow, 25 walkers and helpers turned up at Keynsham Memorial Parks gates on Sunday December 11 for the annual wreath walk, all armed with secateurs and collecting bags.

Dawn Drury, our secretary, was in charge of this short walk around the fields local to Keynsham to collect fauna to be taken back to the Scout Hall.

Only about an hour was required to collect enough holly, ivy, thistles and other greenery to make a wreath. Everyone was enjoying cavorting in the snow, before they headed back to where Dawn was on hand to give advice.

The helpers had been busy preparing the mince pies and mulled wine, which was well received by the participants. Everyone went home pleased with their creations. Our thanks must also go to Terry Dove, who was on hand to open up for us at the Scout Hall and to help us with organising the tables.

We look forward to our next walk on Sunday January 15, when we shall be meeting again at the Memorial Park gates for a three-mile circular walk to Bitton, stopping at the station for refreshments.

A Keynsham Walkers are Welcome wish everyone who took part in this year‘s walks a healthy New Year.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Is someone you know a money mule?

I HOPE you all had a very merry Christmas and have a happy New Year. The start of a new year brings sales, and it’s important to remember that fraudsters are unlikely to have made New Year’s resolutions to stop scamming.

It is imperative that we remain vigilant and cautious of fraudulent activity. Fraud causes severe harm to both victims’ finances and mental health, with 74% of fraud victims reporting being emotionally affected.

Please don’t let this happen to you, regularly change your passwords using a capital letter, three random words and number.

I also want to touch on another type of scam I have become aware of, known as money muling. The act of money muling is when a person transfers stolen money on behalf of others, usually through their bank account. Criminals contact people and offer them cash to receive money into their bank account and transfer it into another account.

The money that money mules transfer is usually stolen or profits of crime, and is often used to fund further crimes like drug dealing, sexual exploitation, fraud and human trafficking.

Young people are vulnerable to being targeted as money mules due to pressures on social media and the appeal of ‘quick cash’ opportunities.

Around six in every ten mules are under the age of 30, with many young people unaware of the consequences of being recruited, which include bank accounts being closed, problems applying for credit and even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Signs of someone being used as a money mule include possession of luxury or designer goods that they cannot account for, opening new bank accounts or using crypto exchanges with money they cannot explain the origin of. When challenged, they might say they are letting someone else use their account to move

money.

If you know a young person who has been approached to be a money mule, urge them to break off all contact and not receive or move any money.

Please then contact the police or Crimestoppers as, by reporting such crimes, we can help social media companies protect their own users.

The more people we make aware of such awful schemes, the more people we can stop falling victim and becoming complicit in organised crime.

Before Christmas, I launched my annual council tax policing precept survey, asking if you agree or disagree with my proposal to increase the council tax by £10 a year for the average band D household to support local policing.

The survey runs until January 30, so there is still time for you to have your say. You can complete the survey via my website at avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

n NEWS Phone box to be replaced

THE red phone box that used to be in Norman Road, Saltford, is due to be replaced in the spring.

It stood near the junction of the A4 Bath Road for over five decades and was adopted by the parish council in 2019 after being decommissioned by BT. It was destroyed when it was struck by a vehicle in February last year.

The council agreed to buy a replacement after a settlement from its insurance company.

It has been bought from the only BT-approved reseller of K6 red phone boxes.

Local company Mobius has offered to pay for the installation, while Flourish at Glenavon Farm will transform the phone box into an all-year flower display, providing free planters and maintaining them for five years.

SPC, which expressed its thanks to both businesses, is in talks with a local company about fitting a defibrillator on the outside of the phone box, similar to its project with the Bird in Hand pub in 2021.

Commissioner Mark Shelford

I know that times are tough for a lot of households and an increase in bills next year is a big ask from everyone.

Rising costs of living and inflation are impacting us all, including the cost of running the police service.

However, in order to deliver on the priorities and the issues you told me were important to you, I need to ask you for this additional funding.

With Police and Crime

Adult Fiction

One Shot

Lee Child

Lee Child and the Jack Reacher stories are hugely popular.

This version is taken from the library’s audio book

section and is read by the American actor Jeff Harding.

In a USA city, five people are shot dead and the sniper, James Barr, leaves a trail of evidence. It appears an open-and-shut case for the police, but when Barr is arrested, all he asks is “Get Jack Reacher for me”. And so enters the loner Jack Reacher, an ex-military investigator. The investigation is complex, and Jack teams up with a young defence lawyer dealing with a potential corrupt district attorney’s office. They will both need their cunning and ruthlessness to solve this case.

All of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher stories are fast-paced and actionpacked. This will keep you gripped.

Hare House

Sally Hinchcliffe

A chilly read to curl up with in the cold month of January. This book was recommended to me by one of my colleagues in the library and I am glad they did, as it is a very evocative read.

In the first days of autumn, a woman arrives in a remote area of south-west Scotland, having

escaped from her life in London. She moves into a cottage on the estate of Hare House, where she begins to enjoy the beautiful countryside and meets her landlord Grant and his flighty sister Cass.

But soon there are strange noises in the cottage and odd conversations with her distrustful neighbour.

She begins to suspect all might not be what it seems at Hare House - and what do the cabinets that hold stuffed hares actually mean?

Cass’s behaviour deteriorates and a fierce snowstorm hits the area, cutting off the estate.

There are whispers of witchcraft and tales of young men going mad. I loved the descriptions of the countryside with its forests and streams. A haunting tale with a subtle twist at the end.

Adult Non-Fiction Walking for Fitness

Nina

Barough

This is a great read to try to improve your fitness for the New Year through simple walking. The initial chapters focus on

getting started, with advice on the right shoes and posture. There are some easy exercises and stretches to warm up and cool down.

The final section is a simple training programme, starting with a 1.6km walk every other day and building slowly to the ultimate goal of being able to walk 6.4km.

Children’s Fiction

What a Hoot

“What do you get from a welleducated oyster? Pearls of wisdom.”

“What goes ‘quick, quick’? A duck with hiccups.”

Just a few examples from What a Hoot: over 150 hilarious animal jokes – a quick, easy read that you can share with friends and family. Also, have a look in the non-fiction of Keynsham Library for more joke books, or even books on children’s poems, for a quick read.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

JK

Rowling

Start the New Year with the aim of reading all eight books in this amazing series about the boy wizard Harry Potter.

Harry is just an ordinary boy, living at No. 4 Privet Drive, when strange letters start to arrive. They are written in green ink, on old-fashioned parchment, with a purple seal, and appear to be from a place called Hogwarts.

Then on Harry’s 11th birthday, a giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts into his life with some astonishing news - Harry is a wizard and has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

And so beings an incredible journey. Join Harry, Hermione and Ron on their adventures at Hogwarts and beyond.

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

But then I thought ... sometimes there is nothing more frightening than a completely blank page. Where on earth do we start? We need some guidelines – a framework – a jumping-off point.

What do we want to change spiritually, emotionally and physically? And what do we want to do to change the lives of others? Where do we want to be by the end of 2023?

And then I though …. actually we don’t ever start with a blank page, do we? It’s like the old joke about asking people for directions, where they say “well, I wouldn’t start from here.

We don’t start with a pristine white page, we start with the world as it is; with us as we are.

It’s not simple. We would perhaps prefer to start from somewhere else. But it is what it is. We are at the beginning of a new year, with new opportunities no doubt, but we are still who we were in 2022.

I have never been particularly good at new year’s resolutions. Whether it is going to the

gym, reading more books or others, I get to week two or so in January and am struggling. So no more new year’s resolutions in the vicarage.

But what I’d like to try and live by is a bible verse that is found in John’s Gospel: ‘I have come to give you life, life in abundance.’

If you want to call it that, you’d could say I’d like this to be my life motto. Living life fully. Not worrying about what others may say, whether I’m good enough at something or whether something just seems silly.

We all know this last year has been tough on many people, and I am not sure how you are feeling about this new year, with all the uncertainty and worries.

What I do hope though is that we find the courage to be ourselves and if at all possible to live life in all its fullness. That doesn’t have to mean big things, it could be small things – a frosty walk along the river, a hot chocolate with friends, something that gives us life.

Hoping for life-giving 2023.

Anika Gardiner

Team Vicar St Francis Church & Keynsham Parish

Sometimes there is nothing more frightening than a completely blank page. Where on earth do we start? We need some guidelines – a framework ...

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham

A year of things to cheer offers hope for planet

Eco-anxiety can lead to feelings of powerlessness and apathy, which is the last thing we need in the face of the climate and nature emergencies. This month’s column offers an antidote – a whistle-stop tour of positive environmental and climate news in 2022.

Anti-poaching rangers in South African game parks took delivery of solar-powered off-road motorbikes In January

In February China unveiled the world’s first vertical forest city, which absorbs around 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, and emits about 10 tonnes of oxygen.

A report in March found that solar and wind power can limit global warming to 1.5C if the 10year average growth rate of 20 per cent can be maintained to 2030.

A French man who won the €200m EuroMillions jackpot in April has used the money to set up an environmental foundation to protect forests and boost biodiversity.

In a world first, doctors at Solihull Hospital in the West Midlands carried out a completely carbon neutral bowel cancer surgery in May. (The NHS accounts for 6% of the UK’s carbon footprint!)

In June Finland, on track to

be the first European country to reach net zero, announced plans to become carbon negative by 2040.

Dolphin poo, rich in nitrogen, could be the key to saving the world’s coral reefs, according to a report in July by the Zoological Society London.

In August France became the first European country to ban adverts for fossil fuels under a new climate law.

In a world first, in September Denmark became the first country to offer ‘loss and damage’ compensation for those in the most climate vulnerable regions of the world.

Four hundred years after they were hunted to extinction, beavers in England became a protected species in October

Research published in November revealed that egg whites can remove microplastics from seawater with 99 per cent efficiency.

In December France announced it will ban short-haul domestic flights between cities linked by a train journey of less than 2.5hrs. The ban was proposed by a Citizen’s Assembly tasked with finding ways to reduce France’s CO2 emissions.

Happy new year!

Liz Barling

Robin Hood adventure on stage

THE classic adventure tale of Robin Hood will be Saltford Panto Club’s next production.

The show will be staged at Saltford Hall from January 20 to 22, at 7.15pm (Friday and Saturday) and 2.15pm (Saturday and Sunday). Tickets can be bought online via www.tickettailor.com/events/ scaevents or at Saltford Post Office and library.

JOLL

LUCY

Passed away peacefully in the Royal United Hospital, Bath on Friday 9th December, aged 92 years.

Beloved wife of Edward, and much loved mother of Susan and Alexander.

Lucy was an active member of the community, involved in charitable activities for many local organisations, including the Friends of Keynsham Hospital, for many years.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Lucy’s life will be held at St James’ Church, Upper South Wraxall, BA15 2SB on Friday 13th January at 2pm.

n WHAT'S ON

Thursday January 5

n ‘Power through the Perimenopause and Beyond’, an event about nutrition and well-being to set you up for the perimenopause and beyond. Tickets £12 include presentation, Q&A, info pack and refreshments. Charlton Cinema Room, The Chocolate Quarter, Keynsham, BS31, 7.30-9.30 pm. To book, email jasmine@ jasminenutritionlifestyle.co.uk or call / message 07772746713.

Friday January 13

n ‘Seabirds of the Outer Hebrides’, A talk by Bob Medland for Avon Wildlife Trust Keynsham Group at Keynsham Baptist Church Hall, 7.30pm. £3 for AWT members and £4 for non-members.

Saturday January 28

n Full-day singing workshop ‘Sing-Appella’ with Black Sheep Harmony in The Space, Keynsham. Cost £10, booking essential. Visit www.blacksheepharmony.com/ sing-appella or phone Noey 07899 088180.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n Key Voices Community Choir meets Mondays at 7.30pm at St. Dunstan’s Church Hall, BS31 2BQ (or third Monday of month at Royal British Legion). We sing a wide range of music, often in four-part harmony, with occasional performances and social events. We are a friendly non-auditioned choir, and all are welcome. First session free to newcomers.

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. We are a friendly group of ladies of mixed ages who welcome new members.

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 The Ship Inn Petanque Club meets every Tuesday morning (weather permitting) 10.30am12.30pm at the Ship Inn, Temple Street, Keynsham. Join us for an informal game or two of this increasingly popular sport which is suitable for all ages. You can borrow boules from the pub bar. Ring the club secretary on 01179407924 for more information.

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 Beginners Pilates for Backs for older adults

Tuesdays 9.30am. Do you find that after sitting down for most of the day that your back feels stiff and achy? Do you feel you should make an effort to move or do some type of exercise but never get around to it? Join Sandhya for this class at the Fear Hall, 30 High St, Keynsham, BS31 1DQ. To book, call Sandhya on 07565 976 129 or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

n NEW Seated Pilates class Tuesdays at 11-11.45 am Saltford Hall - Avon Room, Wedmore Road, Saltford. This class is aimed at anyone who would benefit from an adapted pilates class with a qualified physiotherapist. This includes anyone with a longterm health condition (e.g MS or Parkinson’s), loss of confidence or those wanting to get fitter but have difficulty attending a floorbased session. Please book your place by contacting Kate 07518 522292 www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

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.

n Beginners Meditation in Keynsham Wednesdays 10.50am. Do you feel foggy headed? Busy thoughts? Worrying too much? Have you considered trying meditation but think you can’t quieten your mind? If this is you, try this class to help you feel calm and peaceful. The Sanctuary at St Monica’s, Trajectus Way, Keynsham, BS31 2GL. Other classes available in pilates, yoga and monthly retreats. To book, call Sandhya on 07565 976 129 or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

Thursdays

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 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

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

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 Complete Beginners’ Yoga for the Inflexible Thursdays 7pm, Baptist Church, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS (opposite Boots). Do you feel too stiff to do yoga? Nervous about joining a class? If you have been meaning to try yoga, now is your chance. Georgie and Sandhya have created these private, 1-2-1 classes. Gift vouchers available. Classes also offered in pilates, meditation and retreats. To book, call Sandhya on 07565 976 129 or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

Thursdays

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 with us beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.

n Physio-led Mat Pilates Classes

Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate)

Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)

St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

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

Fridays

n Physio-led Mat Pilates

Classes

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

Saturdays

n Keynsham Repair Café, second Saturday of the month, 10am-12 noon. Volunteers will try to fix your broken household things, for free. Clean it, find the bits, bag it and wear a mask.

Keynsham Baptist Church, High Street, BS31 1DS.

Winning in style!

THE team at a dog grooming salon in Keynsham are celebrating after winning an award.

Bob The Dog was named Bristol’s best pet grooming business at the Englands Business Awards ceremony, held at the Bristol Hotel.

Owners Lily Walker and Kate Hornby took over the salon and shop in the High Street in September 2019.

Lily said: “We are so excited to win the award. We

couldn’t believe we had even been nominated, let alone win, so it was a very proud moment for us all. We took over the business just before Covid, so to be able to win an award just three years later, with all the challenges Covid brought, means a lot.”

Bob The Dog was also succesfulin the Keynsham High Street window display competition, coming top in the business category.

Professor chosen as Green candidate

EDMUND Cannon, who lives in Keynsham, will be the Green candidate for the North East Somerset constituency at the next general election.

Mr Cannon was chosen by a ballot of all members of the Bath and NE Somerset Green Party.

He said: “Having joined the Green Party only a few years ago, I have been impressed by its commitment not just to saving the environment but doing so in a socially just and democratic manner.”

Mr Cannon is a professor of economics at the University of Bristol and a visiting professor at the University of Verona in Italy. A specialist in annuity

and insurance markets, he has advised the UK government on pension policy. He has lived in Keynsham for 25 years.

Mr Cannon said: “I have always been interested in how government regulation can improve the working of financial markets and have spent much of my professional life researching how the regulation-market combination can deliver security and prosperity for people in old age.

“My experience of advising on these issues means that I have

a clear idea about how public administration can improve the way that our society works, not just in the pension sector but also in key areas such as transport, health and education.

“Both at national level and locally, we need to face up to the challenges caused by destruction of the environment.

“The solution is definitely not to introduce fracking to North East Somerset – any alleged benefits of a bit more fuel a decade from now would never outweigh the associated pollution and destruction that residents would have to suffer while our beautiful countryside was destroyed.”

An immaculately presented semi-detached property with three double bedrooms located within close proximity to the well-regarded Wellsway School in Keynsham and Manor Road playing fields.

This ideal family home benefits from uPVC double glazing, gas-fired central heating, a modern kitchen/ family room and a well-presented enclosed rear garden with driveway. An internal inspection is highly recommended.

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 award-winning 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.

Big freeze hampers signs of promise

Defender Billy Brock, left, has made the most firstteam starts (22) so far this season

Right, Freddie Frazer, who only turned 17 in November, has excelled so far this season

The last month didn’t see much football for Keynsham Town’s young first team, although they did manage to progress to the last 16 of the Toolstation Western League (Les Phillips) Cup.

The Ks made their first ever visit to Western League Division One side Tytherington Rocks on a chilly November evening in the Les Phillips Cup first round. They followed the moraleboosting late victory the previous Saturday over Millbrook in the league with another fine display.

Keynsham were dominant for the vast majority of the game, with Charlie McLachlan and Tom Ovigne making impressive debuts after signing on dual registration from Paulton Rovers. Goals from Owen Brain (two free kicks), Henry Sady, Will Sage and Amadou Jawo sent them to a commanding 5-1 victory, and a

second-round tie in the new year away to either Shirehampton or Almondsbury awaits.

But the Ks came back to earth with a resounding bump four days later, as highflying Shepton Mallet visited Crown Fields and thrashed the hosts 6-0.

The Ks youngsters quickly got “back on the bike” though, and after that disappointing performance, they produced an excellent display a week later as they trekked to deepest, darkest Cornwall to face Mousehole. After last season’s fiasco with this fixture, which readers will no doubt recall, it was a relief to get this game out of the way!

An early goal from top scorer Owen Brain got Keynsham off to a great start, but the hosts equalised before half-time. Two quick goals after the break put them 3-1 up, but Tyler Linton pulled one back with a few minutes remaining.

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

Club plays its part in festival

SOCIAL functions continue to be an important part of life at Keynsham Bowling Club, bringing members together on a regular basis.

At the end of November, ten teams of four took part in a fun quiz pitting their brains against a range of topics.

The winning side, comprising of Jane and Steve Coles, Paul Matthews and Andy Abrahams, were all relatively new members of the club and they aptly entitled their team The Young Ones.

Their all-round knowledge resulted in them taking home a bottle of wine each.

At the request of the town council, the clubhouse was made available on the night of the winter festival to provide dressing facilities for the street entertainers, including the two young

ladies shown in our photograph.

We recently held our annual general meeting, when the majority of positions were filled by the present incumbents. A couple of changes resulted in Lynne Pearce becoming the new ladies captain and Steve Coles the new club vice captain.

At the beginning of December, our Christmas draw took place at our coffee morning, and thanks were expressed to Mo Dickinson for arranging this as it raised over £500 for club funds.

We were then looking forward to our Christmas party - with the duo the Two of Clubs coming to entertain us - which as usual was a sell-out.

Club members wish Voice readers a peaceful New Year.

Mike Barrow

Sadly the Ks couldn’t grab an equaliser, but they deserve a lot of credit for pushing a team all the way that has only lost one league game so far this season.

Then the freezing weather took a grip, forcing the postponement of a home game against Saltash United (a rarity in itself due to Keynsham’s excellent 3G playing surface) and their away game at Clevedon Town.

Club secretary Jules French said: “Obviously it was a massive disappointment to lose two games to the freezing weather when most of our recent performances have shown great promise.

“I was with the match referee as he inspected our 3G pitch at 9 am on the Saturday we were due to host Saltash United.

“The main problem we faced was that the 10 yards of the pitch closest to the car park gets no

KEYNSHAM TOWN

from the Ks

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

Saturday December 31:

Men’s reserves v Worle, 12pm

Saturday January 7:

Men’s reserves v Fry Club, 2pm

Saturday January 14:

Men’s first team v Torpoint Athletic, 3pm

Sunday January 22:

Ladies’ first team v Portishead Town, 2pm

Saturday January 28:

Men’s reserves v Chard Town, 2pm

sunshine at this time of year, so it would have been unlikely that that part would have thawed (and remained thawed) once the game had started.

“We must also bear in mind that we are in a division that frequently requires travel of three or four hours each way, so added into the mix was the fact that there was severe weather in South Devon that day.

“It would have been unethical to expect Saltash to travel the 260-mile round trip in conditions when the Highways Agency was advising essential road travel only”.

Keynsham Town reserves maintained their improvement in the Uhlsport Somerset County Premier Division, and have also progressed to the Somerset Senior Cup quarter-finals, where they will face a tasty local derby away to Fry Club on March 4.

The Ks ladies have mirrored the men with improved results, with a crucial away victory at Maidenhead United moving them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Everyone at the club would like to wish their valued band of supporters and sponsors a happy new year. In the meantime, don’t forget to keep up to date with the Ks’ fortunes via social media and next month’s Keynsham Voice.

KEYNSHAM WALKING FOOTBALL

Charity dance is a hit

KEYNSHAM Walking Football held a charity dance in memory of two of their members, Bernie Sims and Dave Harris, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer.

Member Derek Hardwell provided the disco, and Walk Don’t Run - a band newly formed for the occasion - also entertained. The band included club members Richard Iles (drums), Steve Brown and Simon Donadel (guitar and vocals).

Oldland Village Hall provided the venue for a £50 donation to the Jessie May hospice-at-home charity. As a result of ticket sales, auction and raffle, the club donated £3,400 to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The event was organised by Richard Iles, and the club thanks IJ McGill Transport, PSP Solutions, Kitco and shops in Keynsham, including Tesco, for their donations. This brings the total raised by Keynsham Walking Football since it formed to over £30,000.

l Photo courtesy Pete Ricketts

Mike Slucutt

The Ks top scorer, Owen Brain (nine goals), leaves another defender in his wake. Below, the impressive Henry Sady in action

OVER a number of weeks, 47 members of Saltford Tennis Club took part in a series of singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, culminating in a scintillating finals weekend.

This year’s in-house tournament saw a swell in numbers, with women entrants up by 33% in the singles and 40% in the ladies doubles.

Katie Robson took on fellow first-team player Millie Allen in the ladies’ singles final. With a lot of long rallies and most games going to deuce, Millie edged Katie to take the title 6-1, 6-2 in her usual flair and style.

Katie had a quick turnaround to compete in the ladies’ doubles, alongside her partner Bronwen Havers. The pair took on Lou Bessell and Emma Askew in another high-quality match, with some fantastic play and wonderful shots drawing quite the crowd. Katie and Bronwen clinched the title 6-1, 7-6 after a comeback from Lou and Emma in the second set.

Our fabulous juniors also took part, with Thomas Perkins meeting Lucas Cole in the final. Lucas edged a tight contest, with some fantastic shots from both young players.

The future is certainly bright, judging by the standard of tennis throughout the junior tournament.

It was a family affair as Thomas’s dad, Simon,

Players celebrate success in finals

Left, ladies’ doubles winners Katie Robson and Bronwen Havers with finalists Lou Bessell and Emma Askew

Right, juniors finalists Thomas Perkins and Lucas Cole — Lucas edged a tight contest that featured some fantastic shots

played in the men’s single final on the same day. A multiple champion in years gone by, Simon played Lucas Richards in a fabulous three-set final, with many commenting it was the highest standard of tennis they had seen in a long time. Lucas prevailed with a 7-6, 1-6, 6-3 victory after coming from 5-2 down in the first set.

There was no rest for Lucas or Simon as they then took part in the men’s doubles final alongside their partners Andy Grant and John Mapley. Another high-quality three-set match saw another win for Lucas and Andy - who was also battling a cold in his maiden in-house tournament final - 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

On Sunday in the mixed doubles final, Lucas and Andy met on opposite sides of the net with their partners Sally Hunter and Claire Pugh. Sally and Lucas won in straight sets 6-0, 6-3 in another top-notch match.

Congratulations to all those who competed and especially to Lucas, who won the triple.

With the eldest competitor aged 77 and the youngest aged 10, tennis is a game for everyone, so please come along and find out more about our club - club nights take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with many other coaching sessions and casual games available. Please contact Rachael at sec.saltfordtennis@gmail.com.

Millie

Below, men’s doubles finalists Andy Grant, Lucas Richards, Simon Perkins and John Mapley

Allen edged Katie Robson to win the ladies’ singles.