ALDI has submitted plans to build a store on a site between the A4 Bath Road and World’s End Lane in Keynsham.
The discount retailer has earmarked the former Brincliffe Nursery for the scheme, to the west of the Esso garage. When Aldi initially revealed its proposals last December, some people expressed concern on social media about extra traffic being generated on the A4, where recent developments in the area had
n Turn to Page 3
Vandals have ripped up plants and destroyed signs at the Pocket Park in Keynsham. PAGE 4 Road reopens
The stretch of Charlton Road leading out of Keynsham has reopened to traffic after repairs finished ahead of schedule.
5
Wellsway School student Mayeesha Mohammad has won a county-wide creative writing competition.
image of the planned Aldi store in Keynsham
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n NEWS
Antisocial behaviour concerns raised with police commissioner
THE new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has been informed of concerns about antisocial behaviour, violent crime and the “appalling” level of police cover in Keynsham.
Councillor Alan Hale was responding to a letter of introduction from Clare Moody, who was Labour’s successful candidate in the recent Police and Crime Commissioner election.
Cllr Hale, who represents Keynsham South on Bath & North East Somerset Council, said in his reply to Ms Moody: “May I take this opportunity to raise my concerns, which I believe are shared with my other colleagues in Keynsham, regarding the history of antisocial behaviour in the town.”
He highlighted crime figures for the town that showed incidents of antisocial behaviour rose from 25 in February to 35 in March, while violent crime figure rose from 57 to 66.
“For a township of circa 20,000 people and growing, I find these figures alarming.”
Cllr Hale, a former police officer, previously raised his concerns at a public meeting in January attended by Ms Moody’s predecessor, Mark Shelford, and two local police officers.
He received applause from other residents when he said: “There seems to be a total lack of visible policing in the town.”
New PCC Clare Moody
In his letter to Ms Moody, Cllr Hale said: “The only police numbers that we have in the town for preventative policing amounts to one inspector, one sergeant (I think the fourth in the last two years) two constables and four PCSOs with their very limited powers. This level of cover is absolutely appalling.
“It should be said that those same officers, as I understand it, are responsible for Saltford and the Chew Valley as well.”
He also raised concerns about the “distinct lack of roads policing” in the police force’s area.
“In 2023, 13 people died in criminal incidents. However, during that same year, 62 people were killed on Avon and Somerset roads.
“Having been a police officer for 31 years, I think that I can safely say that a return to a higher level of roads police would save lives, the main priority of the police being the protection of life.
“It would also mean that there would be a greater presence on our road system of marked and unmarked patrol cars, the same road system used by the criminals.
“I would be interested in your views.”
Cllr Hales said his correspondence had been acknowledged, but he was still awaiting a substantive reply as the Voice went to press.
l Letters: Page 28
Aldi submits plan for town supermarket
created new housing, a large new recycling centre and a new nursing home.
But Aldi says it has revised its proposals so that the main access to and from the site will be via World’s End Lane, which was upgraded as part of Keynsham Recycling Centre’s expansion.
Entry from the Bath Road would be by left turn only, with no exit allowed onto the busy main road.
Aldi says a failed application for commercial development to the east of the site is of particular relevance to its plans.
B&NES Council refused that application for two reasons, firstly because it was not accompanied by a masterplan and secondly because the main access was proposed from the Bath Road rather than World’s End Lane, contrary to Local Plan policy.
The Planning Inspectorate subsequently dismissed an appeal and supported these reasons for refusal.
Aldi said: “It is important to note that the inspector did not object to a proposed access to Bath Road, only to the fact that access was not also provided via World’s End Lane.”
The store said it therefore does not view a proposal with accesses onto both roads as contrary to policy. It adds that its store plans are supported by a masterplan for the site and the wider area.
As part of Aldi’s public consultation, a newsletter about the proposals was delivered to more than 3,000 local residents and businesses last December.
A virtual exhibition website was viewed by 1,500 individuals, and a public in-person exhibition event was held at the Keynsham Masonic Hall.
A total of 310 online feedback forms and five posted feedback were received.
Aldi said that 63.6% (197) of responses were supportive in principle of the proposals for the new store, while 29.5% (91) objected. A further 6.8% (21) were not sure.
The company said that concerns expressed were mainly about highways and access issues, with the public consultation version of the scheme showing access to and from the A4.
nine parent-and-child spaces and six disabled spaces. There would also be 10 cycle spaces.
Other Aldi stores are open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
A statement submitted along with the planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council says: “As Aldi stores are located in residential areas,
Aldi is committed to being a responsible neighbour and seeks to ensure the amenity of residents is maintained.”
The company says its new stores usually employ between 40 and 50 staff.
The planning reference is 24/02029/FUL. The deadline for comments is July 18, with a council decision on the plans targeted for September.
Care in your own home
No need for an expensive care home
“Following the public consultation, and in response to feedback from the local community, ward member and planners, the project team have revised the access arrangements so that cars cannot exit the site onto the A4.”
The proposals also include parking for 120 cars, including
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The proposed access to the new Aldi store from the A4 Bath Road, left, and by World’s End Lane, right. The latter would be the main access, while entry from the Bath Road would by left turn only, with no exit
Mogg Watch kicks off its election campaign
A GROUP of local residents colloquially known as Mogg Watch kicked off their general election campaign at Keynsham Farmers Market.
They have been critical of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s record on environmental and social justice issues and are urging people to vote tactically to remove him as local MP.
Mogg Watch - or MP Watch North East Somerset and Hanham, as the group is officially called - is a part of a national movement formed to share information on conservation and the impacts of climate change on the natural world.
Members aim to hold those MPs they refer to as ‘climate delaying’ or ‘climate change deniers’ to account for their actions.
l Turn to Pages 8 and 9 to see what all the general election candidates standing in North East Somerset and Hanham have to say as they pitch for your vote.
‘Deep sadness’ as Pocket Park vandalised
VANDALS have struck at the Pocket Park in Keynsham.
The damage at the peaceful green space, next to Avon Road and near the Memorial Park, was reported to the town council by a member of the public. The police have also been notified.
Plants were ripped out of all the planters and troughs and strewn around about the park. Signs giving information about the park were smashed up.
A similar incident happened three years ago, when signs were broken and plants damaged.
Some of the damage was initially tidied up by Dawn Drury, secretary of Keynsham in Bloom, who said: “This vandalism has deeply saddened the family of Denise James, former Chair of In Bloom, to who this park is dedicated.”
But she added: “In Bloom will not be deterred by this
mindless act of vandalism but will be continuing to improve our Pocket Park ready for judging in the South West In Bloom competition on Friday 19th July.”
Keynsham in Bloom
volunteers, who regularly tend the park, have also been working to repair the damage.
New signs will be bought in due course.
Dawn thanked those who
have joined the Keynsham in Bloom Facebook group since it posted about the vandalism, prompting residents to offer donated plants.
l Keynsham in Bloom: Page 29
Left and above, some of the damage caused by the vandals.
Right, a view of the Pocket Park before the attack
US basketball scholarship for Brooke
TEENAGER Brooke Thomas is not returning to Wellsway School in Keynsham after her GCSEs –she’s off to the US on a basketball scholarship.
Brooke, 16, from Saltford, will attend the Academy of Central Florida in Orlando.
“I am so lucky to have this opportunity,” she said. “I am obviously nervous, but I am very excited as well.”
Brooke will live at a team house at the international sports academy but has a support network of family and friends nearby to visit at weekends and holidays.
It was on a visit to the States when she was about eight years old that Brooke went to an Orlando Magics game and fell in love with the sport.
Narrow lanes leading to Compton Dando became gridlocked as drivers ignored diversion signs set up during the closure of Charlton Road
She joined Bristol Flyers just as the club was starting its girls’ programme and progressed through its teams. She trains with the Flyers twice a week and works with their coaches, as well as practising at the Wellsway School hoops.
Brooke has managed to continue with basketball while studying for her exams thanks to the support of her parents, Mark and Rebecca, and friends, as well as the club and the school.
She hopes her success will inspire younger girls to pursue their sporting dreams and work hard to develop their skills.
Her mum Rebecca said: “We are so proud of Brooke and glad that her talent has been recognised. We will miss her but we know she will make the most of this amazing chance.”
Charlton Road reopens after major repairs
A MAIN route out of Keynsham has reopened to traffic after major reconstruction and resurfacing.
The 24-hour-a-day closure ended on June 21, two weeks ahead of schedule.
Bath & North East Somerset Council revealed on its Facebook page: “Highway reconstruction and resurfacing works in Charlton Road are now complete. The road has been reopened.”
The closure had been causing chaos as drivers coming from Whitchurch ignored the route advised by diversion signs and tried to cut through the village of Compton Dando instead.
A Compton Dando resident told the Voice that traffic approaching Woollard had then headed down Slate Lane and Peppershells Lane – a twisting, single-lane route with few passing places – and had caused gridlock.
One of the vehicles that got into difficulties trying to drive through the village was a scaffolding lorry.
Alison ter Harr said: “We shouldn’t be having this through a very quiet rural village. It’s totally out of order.”
She said that residents had been struggling to travel to or from work, with some
A scaffolding lorry trying to negotiate a narrow lane in Compton Dando
abandoning their cars and walking the rest of the way home. Parents trying to drop their children off by car for school buses stopping in the village had also been unable to do so.
B&NES Council said it apologised for the disruption caused by the work.
A spokesperson said diversion routes had been clearly signed and that motorists were encouraged to follow them to minimise pressure on other routes.
They said the council monitored all road closures and had noted that subsequent days of the works saw significantly less traffic using adjacent lanes.
PEOPLE living near a huge pile of unknown contaminants believed to include asbestos are calling for action, amid fears children will be “at risk” if they gain access to the site.
After the failure of a scheme to establish an anaerobic digester plant just outside Queen Charlton village, near Keynsham, outbuildings lie half-submerged in water and a quarry is filled with so much material that it now looms six metres above the surrounding ground.
The site - which is bigger than Queen Charlton itself - has been abandoned by the company that owns it, and now nobody is keeping it secure.
Rob Duff, of Protect Our Keynsham Environment, a group of residents calling for the site to be made safe, said: “I have been a town planner since 1983 and this is the worst site in the green belt I have ever come across.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Dan Norris, and Edmund Cannonwho are all vying to be elected the area’s MP on July 4 for the Conservative, Labour, and Green parties respectively - were among about 30 people who held a protest outside the gates to the site, calling on Bath and North East Somerset Council to act.
Mr Duff told the protest: “We don’t know what was tipped over there in the big hill. We don’t know what contaminants are there, other than we know asbestos was tipped, and woodchip. Other than that, it was uncontrolled.”
A statement from the group added: “There is strong evidence in court documents and planning documents which refer to asbestos being deposited or found on the site. We won’t know for sure until B&NES Council does an inspection.”
Mr Duff said: “We are a kilometre from Keynsham, we are only yards from houses. If children are to come and play on here, they are at risk.
“So the residents here would
Plea for action on dumping ground
Rob Duff of Protect Our Keynsham Environment
Above, the protest at the site near Queen Charlton
like to know what’s on there. They would like the council to take action and investigate the site under Environmental Protection Act powers and, if possible, involve the Environment Agency - and either tell residents ‘it’s safe, we’ve cleaned it up, everything’s gone’ or make it secure.”
Signs on the gates read ‘Danger: Deep water’ and ‘Caution: Guard dogs on patrol’, but nobody is guarding the site.
Campaigners say the company that owned the site has dissolved, meaning ownership has reverted to the Crown.
Mr Duff said: “The council could have acted on this site over the last eight years and haven’t done so. And therefore it’s now a problem.
“The Crown will not act. They will not take responsibility of the site because they don’t have to take responsibility of the site. The land has literally fallen on them because the owners have gone away.
“The only way this site is going to be made safe is if Bath
and North East Somerset act. And here, on behalf of the residents, I am asking Bath and North East Somerset to act.”
A spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset Council said: “We have taken planning enforcement action by issuing an Enforcement Notice requiring the removal of the unauthorised anaerobic digester facility on the site. This notice remains in effect on the land and would bind any subsequent owner of the land.
“We are also considering taking further planning enforcement action in relation to the unauthorised waste deposited on the land.”
The electoral candidates for North East Somerset and Hanham who attended the protest were unanimous that action should be taken.
Mr Norris said: “B&NES Council do need to act. We know there has been a huge amount of material - three times the height of me, six metres - has been spread across this general area.”
He called for the site to be inspected to find out what had been dumped, adding: “We need to know, and we need to discover what is going on, and then we need to act if it is appropriate. And I believe it probably is.”
Sir Jacob praised the “remarkable” campaigners. He said: “The Environment Agency, at one point, was pretty good and was taking an active interest. That seems to have tailed off. But
the council is singularly failing to enforce the planning restrictions here and has done, I’m afraid, for a long time.”
Mr Cannon added that it was a “classic example” of the danger of relaxing planning laws.
He said: “There’s a lot of people saying that the planning restriction makes it very difficult for developers, and I think this shows that planning regulations are, in fact, very weak when it comes to protecting the environment.
Liberal Democrat candidate Dine Romero was not at the protest, but Mr Cannon said he felt she should have been, adding: “She was the leader of the council during the time this should have been dealt with.”
Ms Romero, who was leader of the council between 2019 and 2021, said after the protest: “Planning enforcement officers have done everything possible within planning enforcement laws. I expect the council and I, if elected, to work with all agencies to return the land to its original safe state.”
The plan for an anaerobic digester facility was submitted by Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL), but the scheme was refused by B&NES Council planning committee in March 2022. The developer appealed but later decided to withdraw its challenge.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Flooded outbuildings at the site
Smart new kit for the under-13s
KEYNSHAM Town FC’s under-13s team has a new kit, thanks to the sponsorship of housing association and housebuilder Curo.
The team celebrated their final fixture of the season proudly displaying their new outfit.
Under-13s coach Paul Collings thanked Bath-based Curo for the sponsorship, saying: “The lads look incredibly smart.”
Curo is planning two new sports pitches at its proposed Withies Green homes site south of the A4 Bath Road - one pitch for Two Rivers Primary School and the other for community use.
The scheme for more than 200
new homes has outline planning permission, and Curo’s detailed plans await a decision from Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Lisa Howells, Curo’s sales
director, said: “Partnering with Keynsham Town FC to support the under-13s team has been incredibly rewarding for us.
“We hope that by providing
new sports pitches, we will be able to bring even more fun and opportunities to the Keynsham community.”
l Keynsham Town latest: Page 42
Day to celebrate the emergency services
A DAY of events will be held in Keynsham this month to celebrate the dedication and bravery of emergency service workers.
It will also raise money for a St John Ambulance vehicle to help its volunteers to continue their life-saving efforts.
Keynsham Emergency Services Day will be held at St Francis Church on Saturday July 20. It will feature a range of activities to educate and entertain attendees of all ages.
Highlights include ambulance tours, CPR workshops, and the chance to meet local police officers. Avon and Somerset Police, the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, St John Ambulance, and Freewheelers EVS are some of the confirmed participants.
The event will also showcase local talents and businesses, with stalls devoted to photography, homemade crafts and jewellery.
Local causes such as the Bristol Bleed Kit Campaign and Suicide Prevention UK will
also be represented. As well as raising money for St Francis Church, the day of events will also boost St John Ambulance’s efforts to acquire a Community Support Unit Vehicle serving Bristol and Avon.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson said: “These units, equipped with essential tools
and adaptable for all terrains, will enhance our capacity to provide rapid, safe responses at public events and emergencies.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of our community’s health and safety, attending over 120 events last year alone, many of which were supported free of charge.”
A recent testament to their efforts came from Richard Walker, executive chair of Iceland. He called them “the true heroes of the day,” after two Keynsham-based volunteers - Becky James and Matthew Cleave, both aged 17 - helped save his life when he collapsed with heatstroke during the London Marathon.
Entry to Keynsham Emergency Services Day, which runs from 12pm to 5pm, is free.
One of the organisers said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the emergency services and to come together as a community.”
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St John Ambulance hopes to buy a Community Support Unit like this one
n ELECTION: H anham and North East Somerset n ELECTION NEWS
New battlefield for a political rematch
VOTERS in North East Somerset and Hanham are heading to the polls on July 4 to elect their new MP.
The new constituency sees much of the western half of the North East Somerset constituency – including Keynsham and Saltford – join parts of South Gloucestershire across the River Avon, including Hanham, Longwell Green and Bitton.
But though the battlefield is new, it is set to be the site of a rematch of an old political battle.
If voting in person at the polling station, you will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID to the polling station staff. The full list of accepted forms of ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website. Please note that the B&NES Discovery Card is not an accepted form of ID at polling stations.
In 2010 Jacob Rees-Mogg unseated Labour’s Dan Norris to become the Conservative MP for North East Somerset. Now 14 years later, the pair are standing against each other once again.
But it’s a crowded fight. Also in the mix are candidates from the Monster Raving Loony Party, Green Party, an Independent, Reform UK, and the Liberal Democrats.
Here are the candidates in their own words:
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Nothing works in Britain. Every organisation has ‘decolonised’, committed to ‘trans inclusivity’, and is (not) working from home. Brexit? That’s not even a thing.
What’s happened? Here’s some background. In the 1990s, universities in America subjected professors and students to bans against speech that might offend newly-identified ‘victim’ groups. When the madness got to Britain, every university had a diversity bureaucracy to bully students and fire professors breaking the new rules. Law was the first degree course to include it (remember this when you contemplate PM Starmer).
New courses were created to indoctrinate students into believing that the British, their empire, and Americans were racist scum. By the 2000s it had spread to nearly all university courses, even physics!
The safety-obsessed children of this sorry history now run Britain. The Conservatives, Labour and, most rabidly, the Liberal Democrats have all promoted this madness. American psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes how media hysteria and campus dogmas are the emotional battery that charges this safetyist culture - now led by the most ‘educated’ (and indebted) part of the population. Want to know why no one cried “stop” when the Conservatives shut down the country leaving us at the brink of fiscal ruin? Look no further.
It is my mission to help end the madness, restore sanity to the public finances, and lead our institutions back from the brink and, in particular, back from their passive-aggressive opposition to Brexit.
There is a reason why my opponents in North East Somerset and Hanham are not going to solve the problem in this country. They created it and their political survival depends upon its continuation.
As the Official Monster Raving Loony Candidate for North East Somerset and Hanham, this is a constituency I’m passionate about. I believe I could make real change.
I bring a dash of eccentricity and a dollop of humour to the serious business in the new constituency of North East Somerset and Hanham. I’ve lived in BANES for 24 years and I’m ready to shake up the STATUS QUO (not the band) with some truly innovative policies.
First and foremost, I pledge to put an end to the tyranny of the traditional workday. No more dreary lunch breaks spent munching on soggy sandwiches at your desk! Instead, I'll fight for the establishment of a statutory brunch hour, from 11am to 12pm, where work and play will harmoniously converge.
During this sacred hour, all places of work will pause to serve up delectable brunch delights, or allow employees to indulge in an hour of compassionate mindfulness (for those on a diet). Because, let’s face it, kindness is the most important ingredient in any political recipe!
You can say what you like about this, but I believe mental health is important. It needs radical change and I’m the person to use it. There is still stigma around it and this needs to change. I believe I’m the person to do it.
Remember, a vote for Barmy Brunch is a vote for a brighter, brunchier future! Let's flip the script on politics and bring a smile to every constituency. Together, we can make brunch great again! Vote to give the constituency a Portillo moment and put an end to Moggy politics!
I’m standing to be your MP to turn the page on 14 years of unacceptable chaos and decline.
North East Somerset and Hanham has been hit hard. Little is working properly - think record high hospital waiting lists; the shortage of NHS dentists; local shoplifting at epidemic levels; and a cost-of-living crisis with most of those depending on food banks being people in work.
The knife incident in Keynsham reminds us of the shockingly high levels of violence - including against women and children. That’s not to mention sewage polluting rivers, farmers undermined by poorly negotiated trade deals, and too few mental health services.
If I have the honour to become your MP, I’ll help tackle the costof-living crisis, get the NHS back on its feet, and take back our streets. I'll protect our green spaces, tackle the climate crisis and create more green jobs. As a former child protection officer, I’ll always prioritise the safety and education of our young people. I’ll be working hard to protect animals and ban fox hunting once and for all.
My top priority is to be a strong voice for you, your family, and our communities - as I did before as your MP for 13 years. And to listen carefully and bring back integrity.
I’ve also been doing this as your West of England Mayor, and I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved - together. Whether it’s securing record sums of investment for our region, rolling out my antishoplifting grants to help local shopkeepers, reducing bus fares, and starting to plant the biggest new wood in the West near Pensford.
The choice here in this election is very simple - Labour or Conservative. This is a highly marginal seat, which has swung between both for 30 years. Every vote counts. Let’s turn the page, and get Britain’s future back.
Paul McDonnell (Reform UK)
Barmy Brunch (Monster Raving Loony)
Dan Norris (Labour)
n
n ELECTION: H anham and North East Somerset
I moved to Keynsham in 1997 to work at the university and have never wanted to leave this area. I love the beautiful countryside and the amazing pieces of industrial heritage. And there are some excellent dance floors in Bath, which matters as my wife and I are ballroom dancers (even if not as good as Strictly).
I am an economist and have provided advice to Labour and Coalition government departments. I have the skills to evaluate policies that are made in Westminster but whose effects are felt here in Somerset and Gloucestershire. If elected, I would relish the chance to get involved in the detail of policy to provide better health care, better social care and better housing.
Finding the money to repair public services will not be easy. The Green Party has an original and credible plan to tax the super wealthy so that our society becomes better and fairer. Obviously, billionaires are saying that it won’t work (they would, wouldn’t they?) but the evidence I have seen makes me confident that this is the best way to sort out the terrible mess that we are in.
We know that the Labour Party will win this election. If you vote for me, you will get someone who will hold Labour to account and be a committed local MP. Please vote Green, to bring new and exciting ideas to our political system and make a difference for us and for our children. Real hope, real change.
I stand, in this election, to take water supply back into public ownership. Legally companies involved in water supply have to look after shareholder interests, in other words, provide maximised profits. So we the customers lose.
They cannot repair the water infrastructure and provide profits so costs to supply will rise. Southern Water wants a 91% increase by 2030.
Bolivia has managed to change back to a public ownership of water, so can we. Humanity must survive the ecological crisis. We are showing the world a truly awful model of water supply and must change back. In some places, people living next to water utility production facilities go without. Shareholders know they are onto a good thing because everything living needs water. VOTE FOR CLEAN WATER.
Our rivers are full of crap, industrial effluent and agricultural chemicals. How can there be competition, that idiotic conservative policies said would better run utilities, if we cannot choose whom we buy from? Privately owned water is madness. In the Bond film Quantum of Solace, the Spectre villain is trying to do exactly what privatisation has done, get a monopoly on water.
(Nick has three engineering degrees; served in the Royal Navy Reserve on fishery protection and 5 weeks in the Falklands; worked his holidays on conservation projects; worked for a long period with the Samaritans, Oxfam, the RUH and Save the Children; has now retired from engineering and works for Children’s Hospice South West, STC and Mind. He continues to write on safety critical issues including environmental issues for scientific publications.)
I am not the best person in the world but I have the best intent. I have no interest in more money than my pensions so cannot be corrupted. I will put half my MP salary back into the community.
The past few years have been difficult for this country but we have now turned a corner, with inflation back down to normal levels. The future is looking brighter.
The economy has grown by 0.6 per cent this quarter, the joint fastest growth in the G7. Brexit Britain has leapt above France, Japan, and the Netherlands to become the world’s fourth biggest exporter.
It would be a great mistake to change course now and risk harming our route back to prosperity. Keir Starmer has admitted that Labour would ‘raise specific taxes’ and his plans to de-carbonise the energy grid by 2030 would cost £116 billion, leading to much higher energy bills.
We cut small-boat crossings by 36 per cent last year but we must go further – flights are ready to take off to deport illegal migrants who have no right to be here. In contrast, Labour’s open door policy would see 250,000 more migrants come to the UK a year.
The Labour record in Wales shows what life would be like under a socialist government, with waiting times for NHS treatment 40% longer than in England, and collapsing rankings in education.
A typical failure was changing 30mph speed limits to 20mph, only to reverse the decision after record levels of opposition.
Every vote will count in this election. That is why I am asking for your support - please vote for me to ensure a secure future and strong defence for the country.
I am delighted to be the Liberal Democrat candidate standing in North East Somerset and Hanham. This is a new constituency so the only comprehensive election data covering the whole of the new area is from the last local elections, where 12 Liberal Democrat councillors were elected, 9 Conservatives, 4 Labour and 1 from the Green Party. This suggests that the Liberal Democrats have a great opportunity to win, as we are building on recent success.
As a party we are campaigning for a Fair Deal for people across the country, and are focusing on the NHS crisis, the cost of living crisis and environmental concerns such as water companies dumping sewage in our rivers and sea.
I hope that voters across North East Somerset and Hanham will see that I offer a real alternative to the two main parties battling it out for this constituency, and will vote for me for positive change!
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
Nicholas Hales (Independent)
Dine Romero (Liberal Democrat)
Edmund Cannon (Green)
KEYNSHAM mum Lisa Coles has raised more than £2,500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by taking part in a tandem skydive.
The charity is close to Lisa’s heart, as her daughter Siobhan, aged 25, has the disease and is an ambassador for the trust.
Siobhan dubbed her mum “Superwoman” for taking part in the daredevil stunt.
She said: “My mum literally jumped out of a plane for me and all of those who live with the cruel disease that is cystic fibrosis. I am so beyond proud of her!
“I would also to say a big thank-you to everyone who has generously donated to my mum’s skydive for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust UK. Mum, I love you so much!”
Lisa said she didn’t feel as nervous as she thought she would when she took off from Salisbury Sky Dive Centre before jumping out of a plane at 13,500 feet.
She said: “I felt incredibly calm, which was unnerving in
itself. I didn’t enjoy the freefall much. It may sound stupid, but I was going a lot faster than I expected and the force of the wind was so strong.
“Once the parachute was opened, it was a lot more gentle.
“It was slightly concerning when Sam, my partner in crime, said he would speak to me once he sorted out a few things following the chute opening.
“My mind did race, thinking
was the chute open properly or were the ropes tangled, but all ok. The landing was perfect and just like sitting down amongst the daisies. It was amazing, exhilarating and beyond what I imagined. I wish I could do it again, to enjoy it a bit more now I know what to expect.”
She said of the amount raised: “When we set this up I truly was concerned that we would struggle to raise the £500 minimum required. I am truly humbled by everybody’s incredible donations and I cannot thank everyone enough.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust relies solely on donations.
Lisa said: “We are desperate for the trust to find and research the next medical breakthrough that could help change and save Siobhan’s life, as unfortunately she is currently in the small 10% minority of cystic fibrosis individuals without eligibility to life-saving treatments that could change hers and others lives with cystic fibrosis for the better.”
Lisa Coles and proud daughter Siobhan after the jump
Lisa Coles ready for take-off and, above, making her descent
n SALTFORD SCOUTS
MANY of the Cubs, Scouts and adult volunteers from Saltford Scout Group took part in the Wanjam Fiesta at Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury, which attracted about 700 attendees from groups in the Wansdyke district.
The event was an amazing opportunity for our young people to experience scouting outside of their own group, giving them a bigger picture of the Scout movement in this country.
Activities included archery, abseiling, climbing, assault course, sumo wrestling, go-karts, campfire, circus skills, shooting, tomahawks and escape rooms, plus another 50 or so available.
They all tried new activities and gained some personal challenges and skills for life along the way - many of which would have earned them some of their activity and challenge
badges, nights away, and a specific event badge designed by a Cub from one of the other groups in the district.
All the adult volunteers gave up their weekend to join in but had a fantastic time, too, trying out activities and watching the Cubs and Scouts have amazing experiences.
We also attended Saltford School’s fair as part of the village festival week, showcasing what we do at Saltford Scout Group and running some soft archery sessions so the young
people could have a go. We had a display of photographs showing the activities we do and posters advertising our vacancies for adult volunteers.
Should you want to join us, we would love to have you on our team. Commitment can be as big or small as you like. We are looking for section leaders, press/social media representatives and a subs secretary.
Email saltfordscoutgroup@gmail.com or call Tina on 07720 353701.
01225 426822 Frome branch: 01373 463888
REPRESENTATIVES of Keynsham Walking Football visited Children’s Hospice SW to present them with a cheque for £1,425.
This brings the total raised by the club for the hospice in recent years to £5,000.
The hospice (www.chsw.org.uk) is a refuge for children with life-limiting illnesses and a respite for their parents or carers.
It caters for up to eight poorly children at a time, and their families, for short stays so they can enjoy the tranquil settings of the Charlton Park site, where they can play, have fun and experience things that most us just take for
granted. It costs millions of pounds each year to run the hospice and the charity is grateful for any donation.
In the first photograph, left to right, are Frank Norman, Richard Iles, Heidi Roberts (of the hospice) and Mike Slucutt.
The football club have also presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Lily Foundation (www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk), a charity fighting mitochondrial disease.
Every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop serious mitochondrial disease. This disease, or ‘mito’, is a rare genetic disorder that
duohairdressing
Monica Banaduc (centre), deputy manager of Kingfisher Lodge, with staff from Bluebird Care Bristol, based in Keynsham
can affect people in different ways. Symptoms can start at any age and can involve any organ in the body.
There is currently no cure for mitochondrial disease, and in some cases, it can be life-limiting. However, treatments to manage symptoms are available and there is research taking place globally to find a cure.
Sarah Moore, corporate fundraiser for the charity, received the cheque. She is pictured, centre, flanked by Mike Slucutt (left) and Bob Baber (right).
Photos courtesy of Pete Ricketts
RESIDENTS and staff at Kingfisher Lodge care home in Saltford have celebrated National Carers’ Week.
The theme of this year’s annual event was ‘putting carers on the map’, to raise awareness in an election year of the contribution carers make to society. To thank carers in the wider community, Kingfisher Lodge staff visited local domiciliary care companies to surprise them with a gift.
Deputy manager Monica Banaduc presented the providers with goodies that included cakes baked by the home’s head chef, Karen.
General manager Claudia Costinean said: “It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Carers Week and thank our fantastic carers not only in the home, but our local community, too.”
To keep its residents active, the care home provides a daily choice of physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to their individual interests and abilities. Kingfisher Lodge, which is run by Barchester Healthcare, provides nursing, residential, dementia and respite care.
COMPTON Dando’s Blooms and Beyond open gardens event was a huge success, raising £3,400 for Compton Dando Community Association and the local church of St Mary’s.
One of the organisers, Sarah Wilson, said: “Visitors enjoyed exploring the 14 gardens which were open. They were all shapes and sizes, ranging from interesting borders for pollinators, wildlife meadows, wildlife ponds, formal gardens, cottage gardens and a flower farm.
“Locals had been baking for a couple of days, and the tea and cakes offered in the village hall were extremely popular.
“A huge thank-you goes to everyone in Compton Dando who volunteered to help, baked cakes, opened gardens - and most important of all, thanks to those visitors who took the time to come and visit our gardens.”
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Visitors to the Blooms and Beyond open gardens event in Compton Dando
Green project creates a buzz
THE 1st Keynsham Cotswold pack, together with other group members, were delighted to kick off a green project as part of their badge work.
‘Anything Green’ will take place in the months to come and is being supported by a grant from Keynsham Town Council.
They were also delighted that Stonebarn landscapes, the RHS garden designer this year at Chelsea Flower Show, have helped with the supply of compost and plants.
Amy, the leader in charge, has told us: “The
idea started when we found out about World Bee Day, which takes place in May. A local beekeeper from Bristol Beekeepers came to talk to the Cubs about why bees are so important to us, and how special they are. We found out all about the waggle dance, which is how bees communicate with each other, and that they contribute to a third of the food we eat!
“We also learnt that air pollution is changing the way flowers smell and making it harder for bees and other pollinators to find the flowers
OPEN MORNINGS AND EVENING
COME AND VISIT US
Opening Morning - Tuesday 2nd July - Tours from 9.15am-10.20am
We are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2025. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am
Open Evening - Thursday 19th September
Headteacher’s introduction starts at 6pm
The Headteacher’s introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm to ensure all our visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique community. Families will then be able to freely explore our facilities and will be guided throughout by our wonderful young people. A variety of activities will take place throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects of life at Wellsway School.
they need, so we decided to create a beefriendly garden around the Scout Hut.
“We’ve also got plans to put more beefriendly flowers in the Ashton Way car park planters, which we hope will help more pollinators to find the nectar they need.”
Let’s not forget badges - that’s what Scouts are famous for. Community Impact and Gardener will get to be worn. We hope to bring you more news as the number of Scouts increases and the project grows, like our plants.
Mayeesha scoops top writing award Unearthing
A 12-YEAR-OLD student from Wellsway School in Keynsham has won a county-wide creative writing competition.
Mayeesha Mohammad beat off competition from hundreds of young writers aged nine to 18 in the Somerset Anne Frank Awards.
The contest involved a piece of writing based on the Anne Frank quotation: “We can’t control our destiny, but we can control who we become”. It was judged by the author Wafa Tarnowska.
Mayeesha’s piece was the overall prose winner and was said to reflect “maturity not often seen in a young person”.
Three other members of Wellsway’s Rising Stars group were also successful: Daisy Gilmour, second in the Key Stage 3 section, Hannah Macmillan, third in KS3, and Ariana Layton all received ‘highly commended’ certificates and copies of The Diary of A Young Girl – Anne Frank.
The girls and their families attended an awards ceremony at Wells Cathedral for the 110 finalists from across the county and were rewarded with a celebration breakfast with headteacher Rob Pearsall.
VOLUNTEERS have been hard at work keeping the remains of Keynsham Abbey in good shape.
Some members of the Keynsham Abbey Working Group have been improving the walls within the abbey gardens after attending a dry stone wall course.
And the site, in the north-west corner of the Memorial Park, has been brightened by a display of flowers, including lungwort, California poppy, lamium (yellow archangel), antirrhinums and valerian.
Meanwhile, working group member Andy Williams, who has been researching the abbey’s history, has come across two 16th century documents that provide a fascinating view of Keynsham (spelt Cainsham at the time) through the eyes of two important authors.
The first was John Leland, who was appointed by King Henry VIII to conduct a review of the libraries and religious houses of England between1533 and 1536. The second was William Camden, who documented the antiquity and topography of Britain in 1577.
According to Leland, before Keynsham Abbey was built, there was a priory. This would support the theory that the warrior Bishop Heahmund, who was killed fighting the Vikings alongside King Aethelred in 871, was buried there.
Leland said the priory was repaired and built upon by William Earl of Gloucester for his son Robert, and it later became Keynsham Abbey. This may suggest that the priory was built
of stone and not the wooden construction of many Anglo-Saxon buildings.
The author William Camden refers to the herbs and flowers that existed at the time, which is of particular interest to the volunteers who have planted the abbey’s borders with plants that existed in the 12th century.
His references include the herb “Percepier”, which has been tentatively identified by a group member as alchemilla mollis, a common cottage plant whose leaves catch blobs of dew on its hairy leaves. It was prized by alchemists for its purity of water.
The Keynsham Abbey received the Monk Trophy in the Royal Horticultural Society’s South West in Bloom awards last year. The trophy is awarded for the “best use of native plants”.
Visitors and volunteers are welcome when group working parties attend the site every other Saturday from 2pm, weather permitting. Forthcoming dates are July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31, September 28 and October 12.
There will also be open days on September 7 and 14 from 2pm, when there will be guided talks.
For more information about Keynsham Abbey Working Group, visit www.keynshamabbey.com
Volunteer Tom reconstructing the abbey’s south transit wall
Successful Wellsway School students, from left, Hannah Macmillan, Daisy Gilmour, Ariana Layton and winner Mayeesha Mohammad
KEYNSHAM AND SALTFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Bob the blacksmith was a true craftsman
At the bottom of the Wellsway in Keynsham stands the New Inn which, despite its name, is one of the oldest in the town.
Along the side of the car park runs the former skittle alley. Originally this was a stable block, presumably built when overnight guests travelled by horse or horsedrawn carriage.
At some date this became redundant and, from 1913, part of the building was used as the town’s mortuary for a few years.
It also housed the smithy which, in 1919, was being run by William Trott. He rented the building and adjacent yard from the landlord of the inn.
When William died, his son Bob took over the business. Many local people still remember Bob Trott with affection.
He was a well-liked and jovial man and was always happy to have an audience whilst he was working; children used to stand in awe of him as he worked the bellows under his arm whilst heating the iron bars to the correct temperature.
Short in stature, with a large paunch behind the leather apron he always wore, he was a real craftsman.
As a farrier, he shod horses of many different breeds, including the local cart-horses.
The owners would bring their horses to the smithy, which had a distinctive smell of burnt hoof whilst he was shoeing them.
In his other role as a blacksmith, Mr Trott was skilled at creating ornamental wrought iron work for gates and fences to suit the buyer’s
requirements; he also made and fitted the steel rims for cart wheels.
After a serious heart operation, he had to give up the strenuous work so closed the business in 1966, and the town lost the presence of one its best-known personalities.
By this time, changing times meant that business was declining so closure would probably have happened anyway.
Robert Jellico Trott was born in 1915 to William and Edith, nee Williams, who came from Keynsham. His middle name was after the surname of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, whilst his twin brother was named Edward Kitchener.
Bob and his wife Ellen were married in 1940 and lived in Chew Cottages near the bottom of Dapps Hill. After he closed the smithy, he took on a light job at Fry’s but lived only another two years before he died on 5th April 1968, at the early age of 52.
Local History Walk
On Sunday July 21, I will be leading a short local history walk. Leaving at 2.30pm from outside St John’s Parish Church, we will walk to Keynsham Station then down to the River Avon to discover the remains of the terminus of the Avon & Gloucestershire Railway, better known as the Dramway, and back. Total distance is two miles and it should take about 1.5 hours. Boots will be required if the ground is wet. There is no charge and no advance booking required.
Richard Dyson
Keeping tradition alive - Bob Trott is still remembered with affection
KEYNSHAM WALKERS ARE WELCOME
What a perfect day for a pleasant outing
AS we set off from Keynsham, the weather was just perfect - not too hot, not too cold and not a spot of rain in sight.
We started the walk by following the footpath along the River Avon from the Lock Keeper. It was lovely to see Sydenham Meadow grassland being left to grow long, leaving the numerous grasses and wildlife plants to provide pollen for our bees whilst providing a beautiful sea of colour for our walkers to enjoy.
Crossing the old stone bridge over Siston Brook, we continued our walk following the River Avon on our left and the bank of beautiful trees which was full of birds’ song, entertaining us until we reached the Chequers at Hanham.
Here we had a short break and photo stop (see right). Now rested, we took a slow-paced, steep walk up Ferry Road. Reaching the top, we turned right and took a leisurely stroll through the Hanham Court Estate, where they were busy welcoming visitors to this year’s Hanham Court Garden Party.
At another upward track, we left behind the small, quaint, 14th century, gothic St George’s Church, set in the grounds of Hanham Court Estate. The upward track was well worth it, as we were met with far-reaching views across both Willsbridge and Keynsham, taking in also the familiar tourist site of Kelston Hill, close to the Cotswold Way.
Here, we walked downhill through a field of very inquisitive cows that decided to follow our walking party. We then retraced our steps back along the footpath that skirts Sydenham Meadow and back to Keynsham, where our walk concluded.
Thanks go to Dave Vince, our walk leader, and our 13 walkers for making this such a pleasant outing.
For the next outing, a layer of cloud greeted the walkers as we met at our new meeting point in the park behind the leisure centre.
A total of 16 people set off on a four-mile walk, which took us through Dapps Hill and on through the Meadows housing estate to the forest.
Walking around the forest, we came out at the top of Charlton Road before crossing into the fields opposite Lays Farm. This route led us down eventually to the ford in Stockwood Vale. The fields were overgrown in places, but in other fields it was nice to see the fresh hay bales reminiscent of summer.
Entering the fields again, we passed through the stables into Stockwood Vale and onto our finishing point.
Our next walk is on July 14 to High Littleton Woods.
Walkers take a break at the Chequers Inn, Hanham. Below, trekking through fields on the second walk of June in cloudier weather
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Shaun Triggle (Protel Operations Director), Tia Rowe (Rainbow Digital Marketing), Bryony Ferguson (Protel Admin Manager), Ryan Ireland (Group Owner & Director) and Harvey Reed (Rainbow Head Of Sales)
n BACK TO NATURE
SO many plants were introduced to this country by keen plant collectors back in the day, and so many were discovered – too late – to be invasive.
Rhododendron (R. ponticum), from the Iberian Peninsula, was introduced in 1763 as an ornamental shrub for large gardens, and with its glossy evergreen leaves and pretty funnel-shaped purple blooms, it proved very popular.
Then in the 19th century its uses were expanded so it was imported in very large numbers from the Caucasus for game bird cover in parkland that happened to have acidic soil. This proved to be a great mistake, as the stems root wherever they touch the ground, and also the shrub spreads easily by seed. Oh dear.
Even worse, it has been used as a rootstock for other “safe” rhododendrons, and if the graft dies then the base plant takes over and, because it has good-looking flowers, is not often destroyed.
Other problems are that the honey produced from its pollen is poisonous to humans, so is known as “mad honey”. It even hosts the fungus that causes Sudden Oak Death... need I go on?
It is not surprising that it is illegal to plant this Rhododendron in the wild, or to allow it to spread from your property. It smothers native flora, denying them both light and root space, and native insects and mammals cannot access the plants they depend on. Oh dear again!
Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) was introduced in 1856 from Japan, and is also now widely naturalised. It was originally classified as an ornamental garden plant, and was sought after for its bamboo-like canes, which grow up to 2.1 metres
Left, a Carder Bee feeding on Himalayan Balsam flower - note the developing seed pod which will explode when ripe Righjt, the invasive Rhododendron - pretty but it has a dark side!
Photos: Kathy Farrell
Beware of these damaging invaders
in a year. The leaves are prettily heart-shaped, and the flower tassels are creamy-white. What’s not to love?
It is an herbaceous perennial, reappearing every spring from its extensive system of underground rhizomes (fleshy storage organs) so is not easy to control.
Fortunately it does not set seed in Britain, so most dispersal is by human activity wherever the rhizome pieces (even as small as 1cm) are dug up, e.g. on building sites, and dumped onto adjoining land, along water courses and waste ground. The rules for disposing of any part of the plant are very complicated, so hopefully you have none in your garden.
Finally we have a very pretty
invasive plant growing along the banks of the River Chew (yes, even in the Memorial Gardens!) called Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).
This was brought over from (you’ve guessed it!) the Himalayas in 1839, and flowers from June/ July to October. It is an annual with pretty flowers and is popular with bees. Apparently the resulting honey is delicious, unlike Rhododendron honey.
When it was first introduced, it was promoted as having the virtue of “splendid invasiveness”, and could be bought cheaply as seeds. However, within just a decade it had escaped from gardens (due to its explosive seed capsules) and begun to spread along river banks,
out-competing native plants every summer (and leaving the banks bare, exposed to winter floods). It has glands below the leaf stems which exude a sweet-smelling nectar, hence its Latin name.
Now - how do you destroy the plants to enable native species to return? Chemical weedkillers used to have a temporary effect, and depended on good timing. They are not recommended now as they are not considered environmentally friendly.
Manual destruction before the plants flower is now the favoured option, because if you wait until the plant flowers then seeds can easily be transferred to new sites on your shoe soles. The moral of this story is – buyer beware!
For more details on Avon Wildlife Trust Keynsham Group, visit our website www.keynshamawt.org, email keynshamawt@gmail.com or phone Kathy on 07850 508702. Liz Wintle
n KEYNSHAM AND SALTFORD DEMENTIA ACTION ALLIANCE
KEYNSHAM and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance, who run the fortnightly Music for the Mind sessions at St Dunstan’s Church Hall, are so grateful for the amount of support received from the community this past year.
Not only has the charity been awarded a grant from Keynsham Town Council and a donation from Waitrose, this year it has been chosen as the charity of the year by the Keynsham Good Afternoon Choir, Keynsham Town Walking Football Club (jointly with MIND) and CAMEO.
The Alliance also had a donation from Meryton Place care home and another from Rachel, the daughter of one of their residents, who organised a 24-hour marathon with her neighbours.
We were also delighted to welcome representatives from the Quartet Foundation, and John Cullum of the Cullum Family Grassroots Fund, following their generous financial support.
John is the father of jazz musician Jamie Cullum.
support
All this wonderful support has enabled the charity to continue the fun and free sessions on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month and also to hold a boccia session every fifth Thursday – about four times a year. In addition to this, a few outings to local attractions have been enjoyed by members who chose where they would like to visit.
Anyone with a dementia diagnosis, and accompanied by a carer, is welcome to come to Music for the Mind.
As part of this year’s Keynsham Music Festival, Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance will lead a free singing session at the Memory Café at 2pm on Friday July 5, at the Crystal Clear Top Stage in the Memorial Park. Do come along to enjoy a friendly time together.
The visitors chatted to our volunteers and dementia friends, and joined in some of the singing.
They expressed their appreciation of what we were doing and could see that everyone was enjoying it.
The Alliance are also looking for more volunteers at their Thursday sessions, to be welcomers, serve refreshments etc. For more information, please email ksdaa22@gmail.com
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Lindy Platt, seated, who runs the Music for the Mind sessions, pictured with, from left, June Brassington, of the Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance, Mike and Merrial Knight, of the Quartet Foundation, John Cullum, of the Cullum Family Grassroots Fund, and Angela Emms, of the Quartet Foundation
n KEYNSHAM AND DISTRICT MENCAP SOCIETY
Chuffy the land train, a balloon modeller and stalls were among the attractiions at the summer fun day at the Riverside, Saltford
Grand day out as fun event raises £1,000
MEMBERS, families and the local community made the most of the weather and beautiful setting at Keynsham and District Mencap Society’s summer fun day.
Held at the Riverside Inn in Salford on a wonderfully sunny day, it was a huge success.
Chuffy the land train delighted families who attended, as did the professional balloon modeller balloonterence and the face-painter May Who Facepainting.
There was a bouncy castle from Bristol Fun for Hire, the ever-popular teddy tombola, and music from DJ Barry.
Clare Anderson, fundraiser for K&DMS, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to Holly and her team at the Riverside Saltford for another wonderfully hosted event, and to all the local businesses who generously donated vouchers, tombola and raffle prizes.”
The fun day raised about £1,000 towards the running costs of the charity, which provides social opportunities and fun for people with a learning disability for three counties in nine weekly clubs in Keynsham and Bath.
Keynsham and District Mencap Society cannot run these activities without help from
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its wonderful volunteers. Demand for services is growing and more help is needed to support members and run events.
Laura Jefferies, operations manager, said: “You don’t need to have any experience, just a willingness to learn and get stuck in. Guaranteed smiles, laughter and all the warm fuzzies you can handle. Volunteering with Keynsham Mencap is honestly the best thing you’ll ever do.”
If you could give a couple of hours to get involved, please email laura@keynshammencap. org.uk or visit https://www.keynshammencap.org. uk/volunteer/ for more details.
KEYNSHAM MEMORIES
This tranquil scene was photographed on the upstream side of Albert Mill in 1960. At this time, the mill was still in operation – the last logwood mill in Britain – but only on a limited scale. By this date most of the work at the site was the production of chemicals used in the dyeing industry.
with Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society
ON THE BEAT
Warm welcome as Paul joins team
THIS month sees more movements on the team, with PC Sarah Birth, one of Keynsham’s beat managers, moving over to support the team in Bath.
We are now joined by PC Paul Sheppard, a beat manager from Radstock. Paul brings a wealth of experience from his 20 years of policing and has previously worked in Keynsham at the old response station we used to have on Bath Hill. We are pleased to welcome him to the team, and I’m sure you’ll see him out on the beat soon.
n This month I supported Trading Standards and HMRC, who conducted checks at two of our local shops. These led to the seizure of about £20,000 worth of tobacco, vapes and cash, and the owners are now being investigated for possible offences that relate to this.
We often work with other agencies, and this is an example of great partnership achieving a positive result.
with PC James Evans
n Not to speak too early, but summer appears to making an appearance, and with the Euros on there is plenty to go out and enjoy. In relation to the football, we are running Operation Huddle, which is designed to combat the anti-social behaviour that can sometimes follow the sport, so it is likely you will see a few more of our police carriers around our towns and villages.
This is just one example of events that draw officers away from their day-to-day duties, and during this period of summer demand, officers from
Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be supporting our response colleagues in dealing with the usual demand.
n I attended the Saltford Festival, meeting lots of the local business stakeholders and residents. The festival was a week of events, most of which were based around Saltford Hall, with the intention of giving local people something different to experience.
Along with colleagues from the fire brigade, we spoke to people giving crime and fire safety advice, and I brought along a riot van for people to have a look around.
In all, it was a well-received visit, and we look forward to supporting similar events in the future. So if you have an event you would like us to attend, please contact us through the neighbourhood pages of the Avon and Somerset Police website. If we are available, we will be happy to come along.
n NEWS Vehicle hit as rock thrown
TWO males threw a rock at a vehicle as it drove under a footbridge over the Keynsham Bypass, damaging the roof.
The incident happened at about 10.20pm on Friday May 24. The crime reference is 5224134169.
A home in Gaston Avenue, Keynsham, was burgled between 2.30pm and 10.40pm on Saturday June 1.
The offender entered through the unlocked patio doors and made an untidy search of the property, including the loft. Watches and jewellery were stolen. The crime reference is 5224141061.
If you have any information about these incidents, especially CCTV images, please call the police on 101, giving the reference number, and ask that the call is tagged as NHW. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Picnic in the Park
On Saturday 22nd June, Keynsham Town Council hosted the Picnic in the Park event in Memorial Park.
It was the official kick-off to the warmer summer months and the community came out to have some fun in the sun.
The Bandstand was filled with the sounds of amazing local bands and there was some fabulous entertainment for young and old alike, with a stilt walker, bubbleologist, free face painters, juggling and yoga workshops.
The youngest members of the community got to test their fitness with Children’s Races, which were extremely
popular. The Police and Fire Service delighted the children by allowing them to sit in their vehicles, and local artist Fi Smith helped create a community painting featuring the Bandstand and surrounding wildflowers. It was a fabulous day out!
Many thanks go to all our volunteers who helped make the event happen, including Keynsham Wombles, Keynsham Coffee Run and Keynsham In Bloom, as well as many others.
We greatly appreciate your support to help Keynsham Town Council put on this community event.
n NEWS FROM KEYNSHAM TOWN COUNCIL
is a sunshine success
Half of Keynsham businesses that responded to the survey said changes to the layout of the High Street have had a negative impact on footfall
Heritage Open Days set to return
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. It’s all about encouraging people to visit interesting historic buildings, cultural venues and natural spaces that they might not have visited before.
For ten days in September, shops, squares, churches, cemeteries, private homes, civic buildings, parks and performance venues open their doors
to the public. Keynsham will once again be participating in this free event and invite all residents to come and explore their town.
The festival runs 6-16 September 2024. Some events take place every day – others will be just a day, or a few hours. Keep your eye on the Keynsham Town Council Facebook and Instagram pages for more details in the run-up to the event.
Council Grants for the Community
Keynsham Town Council Grants Committee met in June to award grant funding to local Charity Organisations and Community Groups.
For more than 16 years, Keynsham Town Council’s Grant Award Scheme has supported new events, projects,
activities, and items in the town that demonstrate a benefit to the Keynsham area and/or residents. We look forward to hosting the Grant recipients at the Grants Presentation Evening on Thursday 11th July.
l See the table on the right for details of where the money went.
Key Voices Community Choir, above, were among the Bandstand acts
n NEWS
Come join our Songs of Praise
KEYNSHAM Methodist Church is holding a Community Celebration Songs of Praise on Sunday July 14 at its Queens Road centre.
This event will celebrate all the community and church activities that take place at the Queen’s Road centre as well as the Victoria centre on the High Street. It will look back on groups’ activities, highlights from the year, and plans for the future.
Everyone is welcome to join in what promises to be a varied and relaxed morning. It will start with tea or coffee and biscuits from 10.30am, with a chance to chat with other groups based at the church.
At 11.15am, the celebration will move into the church for Songs of Praise, which will feature the most popular songs and hymns of the community.
A buffet lunch will then be served in the hall at around 12.15pm.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Caroline Sadd, Parish Outreach Worker
South Bristol Mission Area, including St Dunstan, Keynsham
‘
When we are in the midst of the storms of life or gripped by fear, it can be easy to forget who is in the boat with us.
I LOVE summer, and one of the great things about this time of year is that we get to spend lots of time outdoors (British weather permitting) and I try to get outside as much as I can when the sun is out.
For me, however, the sun does bring one major drawback, that will often see me running around in a panic, waving my arms around in the air at random moments.
Can you guess what my summer problem might be? I think if you share my fear, you will guess straight away, but for the unbothered amongst you, it’s wasps.
I’m absolutely terrified of them, and every year I react the same. I’m often told my panic reaction will make things worse and that I should just stay still and they will go away.
Sitting here, wasp-free (I hope) as I write this, that seems like very sensible advice, and my reaction seems over the top and completely irrational. One sight of a wasp, however, and calm and rational goes out the window, and fear takes over. Fear can be a powerful and overriding emotion when it takes holdit can be hard to see past it, to find calm again.
One of my favourite Gospel passages is when we hear of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35- 41). In this passage we witness the disciples’ fear as a storm takes hold while they are in the middle of a lake.
Jesus is with them, and he stops and calms the storm. Jesus’ rebuke to the disciples of “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” is particularly pointed after His demonstration of His command of the elements. Jesus was with them in the boat, so the disciples had no reason to be afraid, did they? Shouldn’t their faith be stronger?!
For the disciples then and us now, when we are in the midst of the storms of life or gripped by fear, it can be easy to forget who is in the boat with us.
Fear can blind us to the fact that Jesus is right there with us in the middle of the storm, and often our fear and worry can be too great for us to calm ourselves. In those moments we need to remember to turn to Jesus, to trust in him and in faith ask for his help and calming presence. I shall endeavour to prayerfully remember this myself in the summer days ahead.
CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham
Pensions and the planet
THERE was good and bad news in June about the world’s pathway to clean energy.
On the positive side, global investment in clean energy technologies (e.g. renewables, electric vehicles, heat pumps, efficiency improvements) and infrastructure (e.g. grid improvements, nuclear power) is set to hit $2 trillion in 2024, twice the amount going into fossil fuels. These are essential to reaching net zero by 2050.
But the world’s consumption of fossil fuels pushed emissions to their highest ever level in 2023. Despite a record rise in the use of renewable energy last year, globally we’re on course to burn even more fossil fuels this year.
In advanced economies, fossil fuel demand is peaking, but economies in the global south seeking economic development are still reliant on fossil fuels.
In Europe, fossil fuels fell in 2023 to below 70% of primary energy use for the first time since the Industrial Revolution. In India, fossil fuel consumption climbed by 8% last year. For the first time ever, in
2023 India burned more coal than Europe and the US combined.
These geographical disparities are driven by money. There are huge investment shortfalls in renewable energy and clean technology in emerging and developing countries (outside China). This matters because our shift to net zero needs to be a just transition. Climate change doesn’t respect borders, so it’s imperative that the world’s developed nations share those technologies with the global south.
This is a problem of global finance flows, and you and I might think there’s nothing we can do to make a difference. But those of us lucky enough to have pension funds and other investments can do something. There’s a great charity called ShareAction that campaigns for responsible investment. Their website has some brilliant resources, from explaining more about the issue to tips on how to make your pension fund work for people and planet as well as its shareholders. I’d encourage you to check it out.
Liz Barling
Passenger slams ‘shocking’ bus service
A SALTFORD resident who uses the Air Decker bus to travel to Keynsham says passengers are being let down by the service.
Margaret Grindrod says she has had several bad experiences, with buses arriving late, not turning up at all, and on one occasion failing to stop to pick her up.
“It really is shocking. People are losing dental appointments, hospital appointments – it’s just not on,” she said.
She recently planned to catch the Air Decker to Keynsham to meet up with a friend for a coach trip, but the bus did not arrive.
Margaret lost the £25 she paid for the coach and her friend had to go on her own. When she rang Bath Bus Company, which runs the service, she was told the bus had broken down.
On another occasion, in February, her journey from Keynsham back to Saltford took 3.5 hours after the bus failed to turn up outside St John’s Church in the town.
Margaret relies on the hourly Air Decker, which travels between Bath and Bristol Airport, as it is the only service that regularly runs between Saltford and Keynsham. She makes the trip about twice a week.
The 39 and X39 service run by First Bus stops in Saltford but then uses the A4 bypass towards Bristol.
“I often wait 40 to 50 minutes. The service is not frequent enough. Why can’t they divert one 39 bus an hour from the bypass through Keynsham?”
Margaret says that when she complains to Bath Bus Company, they blame traffic for the Air Decker being late, but she says the 39 seem more punctual.
She catches the Air Decker from the Bath Road in Saltford near the junction with Norman Road. The bus stop’s seating faces way from the road, so one rainy day Margaret did not see the bus approaching, and it did not stop.
She said a young woman who also uses the bus told her she faced losing her job because of the service’s poor punctuality.
A spokesperson for Bath Bus Company,
which is based in Burnett, said: “A new timetable was implemented on 7th April 2024, with an additional early-morning journey to the airport to assist Bristol Airport staff members, and revised timings on some journeys to account for an increase in traffic and boarding passengers.
“However, we recognise that there have been severe delays to the service in recent weeks. In addition to heavy traffic during peak times, these delays have been exasperated by roadworks and diversions along multiple sections of the route.
“As a result of customer feedback and concerns, we have undertaken a full review of our current timetable, which has highlighted that we need to extend running times and adjust mid-route timing points.
“These amendments are in the process of being finalised and sent to WECA (West of England Combined Authority) for implementation in September 2024 - the earliest we are able to action this, in line with the BSIP (Bus Service Improvement Plan) regulations.”
l What do you think about the suggestion of diverting the 39 service through Keynsham once an hour? Please let us know through our Letters page. See the contact details on Page 34.
An Air Decker bus approaching the stop on the Bath Road near the junction with Norman Road
PEN TO PAPER Shifting Sand NEWS
I remember my very first bucket and spade, they were plastic, bright red and attractively made, they were kept in a cupboard for most of the year, but for two weeks each summer, they’d both reappear. Every day on the beach, I reached into my heart, every flip of my bucket, perfecting my art, I built turrets and tunnels and castles of sand with my very first bucket and spade in my hand. I made racing cars, spaceships and crocodiles too, I was sure I could dig all the way to Peru, and from sunrise to sunset I happily played with my very first bucket and very first spade. Now it’s been fifty years since those halcyon days, and I’ve probably changed in uncountable ways and yet, I can recall feeling sad and dismayed when I bade my goodbyes to my bucket and spade. So, I’m left to wonder what fate has bestowed on those items from nearly a lifetime ago –perhaps they just broke without hope of repair, or perhaps they just disappeared into thin air. Whatever the journey that destiny planned for the bucket and spade I once held in my hand, just as sure as the plastic will never degrade I may still get to play with my bucket and spade.
Vyv Nugent
Keynsham Creative Writers welcome new members – call George Liddell on 0117 914 8654
POETRY CORNER
Summer Highs
July has arrived, the sun’s high in the sky. Nights are much warmer, more days are dry. A time to let go when work’s at an end, A chance for a holiday, postcards to send. Playing and sunbathing, swimming and fun, Then more energetic go out for a run. Taking a break, sit and snooze by the pool Preferring the heat than a day that’s too cool. But beware of the dangers - a sun that’s too hot And wind is deceiving, it can burn a lot. Make sure you’re protected, wear suncream each day Then enjoy all the sunshine when it’s sent your way. Appreciate nature - get out of town. Feel more relaxed with the pace slowing down. And thank God for the summer, it’s such a delight, For without Him no sunshine, without Him no light. Sylvia Kirby
SNIPPETS
Scenes from Keynsham life Friday.
Left or right exit? Other way. Uniform grey. Very grey. Buildings. Roads. Barrier down the middle. U-turn impossible. Is this the way? Ringroad just terrifying on a bike… flashing lights, horns, aggression. Four winds in session.
Another roundabout. Is this the exit? Big van on left… wrecks it. Heading for the M4. Confidence through the floor. Patchway; Mall,
Dip dip hooray for our new pond!
PUPILS at Somerdale Educate Together Primary School and Pre-School in Keynsham have celebrated the opening of their Coronation Pond with an outdoor classroom day.
The event, which marked the completion of a year-long outdoor play and learning project, was attended by guests including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Thomas Rees-Mogg, representing the King.
The whole school came together for a day of fun outdoor learning activities, including fire-lighting, den-building, creating eco-planters and pond-dipping. Through fundraising by the PTA, a donation from BUPA, and time and expertise from Avon River and Canal Trust, the pond was created to commemorate the coronation of King Charles’s coronation.
Deputy headteacher Sam O’Regan said: “The addition of this fantastic pond creates a real legacy and will improve both the biodiversity on our site and learning opportunities for all our children for many years to come.
“As part of the ethical curriculum we offer, we develop within children a
eighteen exits, spreading tarmac. I need Corexits.
All I want is that little road named after a planet. Fast food restaurants. Supermarkets. Cinema (what vue – who designed this labyrinth?) Industrial world makes me shiver.
Return to Keynsham. Ah, civilisation.
Here come green trees, one street at a time, and the river.
Isaac Glynn
knowledge, understanding and respect for the natural environment, and this new resource will help children to recognise the importance of active citizenship as key in protecting the environment for present and future life on the planet.”
As part of a year-long joint project with the Learning Through Landscapes charity, outdoor play and learning opportunities have been developed with the addition of boulders and a climbing wall, as well as training for all staff on how to maximise outdoor learning opportunities.
Children at Somerdale - the first and only accredited UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School in the Bath and North East Somerset district - had a big role in shaping the project.
Evie, a Year 6 pupil and Rights Respecting Ambassador, said: “We respect everyone’s rights to play outdoors at Somerdale. Outdoor Classroom Day was really good, even though it was a bit soggy outside! It was great to get everyone involved in everything.”
Due to the success of Outdoor Classroom Day, the school will hold this event annually, with parents invited to join in at the end of the school day.
Tom, a Year 2 pupil and winner of the Coronation Pond logo competition, formally opens the pond alongside the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Thomas Rees-Mogg
n KEYNSHAM IN BLOOM
Rose bush adds sparkle to Memorial Park crown
THIS month’s article is being written in a garden from sunny Majorca. The scent of the climbing jasmine and colour of the bougainvillea is so overwhelming that it’s difficult to concentrate on updating our readers about what’s happening in our Keynsham in Bloom gardening projects, but here we go.
First, a big thank-you to Kim from Tesco, who organised a donation of six bush roses.
One has been put in the centre of the Memorial Park crown display and the other five will be planted in the Triangle flowerbed in the autumn, together with a lovely campanula donated by Gloria, who has been so supportive of Keynsham in Bloom.
Our railway station containers are looking lovely with summer bedding.
The new wild flower border below the mural is starting to grow and will encourage pollinating insects to come calling, as do the
two lush flowerbeds at the station entrance.
Five containers have been filled with geraniums to be placed at the road entrances to Keynsham with the help of Avon Pension volunteers, who are giving their time to support Keynsham in Bloom this year. The containers at Queens Road, Holmoak and Chandag Road shops are looking healthy and well-tended. The alpine planting has been a success.
Our volunteers are a great group of people who give their time and expertise, and without them our projects would suffer and Keynsham would be the poorer.
If you would like to be involved and can spare a little time, please contact me at catherinemarywoodman@gmail. com or Keynsham Town Council in Temple Street, who will pass on your contact details to me.
Well it’s breakfast time for me. Keep well and keep gardening.
Mary
Woodman
Volunteer Lin takes a break by the crown in the Memorial Park
The future is in your Vote
Get the NHS back on its feet Turn on Great British energy Tackle the cost of living crisis
Carol Vordeman says: ‘I’ve done the maths: if you don’t want a Conservative in North East Somerset and Hanham, the tactical vote is for Labour and Dan Norris.’
Dan Norris
Andrea honoured for devotion to teaching
ANDREA Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, has been honoured with a Silver Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Andre will retire this summer after a 41-year career working with pupils across the 2-19 age range.
She said: “My greatest memories are of the amazing things pupils can do when they are inspired and encouraged. A key role for
schools is to give children opportunities and experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Andrea is the founding chief executive of Futura, whose schools include Wellsway, IKB Academy, St John’s, Two Rivers and Chandag primary in Keynsham, as well as Saltford School. She is a former head of Wellsway and was the founding chief executive of Wellsway Multi Academy Trust.
She is one of 102 teachers, lecturers, leaders, support staff and institutions named as silver winners in this year’s awards. They will now be in the running for the Gold Award, which will be announced at a ceremony later in the year.
Andrea was presented with her award by Futura’s chairman Malcolm Broad on National Thank a Teacher Day, an event that celebrates the education community and all those who work in it.
Plans for indoor go-kart track unveiled
AN INDOOR electric go-karting centre could be set up in a vacant unit behind the Waitrose store in Keynsham.
The premises at Unit 1 in Unity Road were previously used by haulage company IJ McGill Transport for warehousing and distribution. They have been vacant for over 19 months.
Now Go Karting for Fun Limited, which operates under the name of TeamSport, is seeking planning permission to change the use of the building.
TeamSport runs 35 indoor karting tracks nationwide, including one in Bristol. It says 97% of its centre are located within industrial areas similar to the Keynsham site.
It is proposed that the centre would be open from 8am to 11pm every day and would create about 40 jobs.
The applicant anticipates that weekday morning sessions would be for private or corporate use, while weekend sessions would be for small groups of family or friends.
Vehicle access would remain from the through road from Broadmead Lane.
There would be 47 car parking
spaces, including two disabled bays, and one motorcycle space. An existing covered area for 10 bicycles would remain.
The detached building was occupied as a single unit by IJ McGill before being split in two following the granting of planning permission in 2019.
The other half is occupied by builders merchant CRS Building Supplies.
The applicant’s planning statement says: “The site has been vacant since October 2022. The property has been refurbished, and despite these upgrade works, there has been no serious interest in the site from industrial or warehouse users. Neither has there been interest from builders merchants.”
The applicant says that noise assessments indicate that the centre could operate without adverse effect on the nearest residential properties in Unity Road, about 35 metres west of the site.
Bath and North East Somerset Council will rule on the planning application, reference 24/02198/FUL. The deadline for comments is July 18.
Fun
this vacant building in Unity Road into an indoor track
Go Karting for
wants to turn
n WHAT'S ON
Monday July 8
n Messy Church at Keynsham Methodist Church, Queens Road, BS31 2NN, 3.30pm-5.30pm, with our usual mix of craft activities, Bible story, songs, food and fun. The theme for this month is The Olympics. Please book your place (to help us with catering) with the church office on 0117 914 9408 or bookings@ keynshammethodistchurch.co.uk.
Sunday July 21
n Local history walk led by Richard Dyson. Meet 2.30pm outside St John’s Parish Church. To Keynsham Station then down to the River Avon to discover the remains of the terminus of the Avon & Gloucestershire Railway, better known as the Dramway, and back. Total distance 2 miles, duration about 1.5 hours. Boots needed if the ground is wet. No charge and no advance booking required.
n Tai Chi Shibashi 11am-12 noon. Gentle flowing movements for physical health and emotional wellbeing. Easy to learn and a joy to do. All ages and abilities. Saltford Hall BS31 1DS. Contact Ruth on ruth.hartley6@icloud.com or 07912 077458.
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, 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings.
n Keynsham Brass Band, Broadlands School, St Francis Road, Keynsham, 7.30pm to 9.30pm term time. Trombonists particularly needed for traditional brass band. Friendly, relaxed group who play at summer fetes in Keynsham Memorial Park and a few concerts. Please call Sarah Medley on 0117 4625626 or email sarah.medley1@btinternet.com, or see the Facebook page or webpage (Keynsham Brass Band).
n Keynsham Bridge Club can now welcome new experienced players to our Monday evening sessions. Contact Pat 01275 835583 or Diane 0117 9861267.
Send details of your events and activities in the following format:
Mondays/Thursdays
n Yoga For Men
Monday 7-8pm, mixed ability, St John’s Church of England School, BS31 2NB Thursday 7.30-8.30pm, mixed ability, Two Rivers School, Hygge Park, BS31 1GE Free 1st class, £8 thereafter. Loyalty card. Drop in and pay on the night. Cash or contactless. See www.yogadad.co.uk for further details.
Email us at: news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or call us on 0117 908 2121/ 07715 770448
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, with occasional performances and social events. We are a friendly non-auditioned choir, all are welcome. First session free to newcomers.
n CPK Badminton Club is a friendly but competitive club playing at Keynsham Leisure Centre, Mondays 7.30-9.30pm. Match night Fridays. Ideal for existing and potential league players, or those looking to improve their badminton. Email info@cpkbadminton.club
Mondays to Fridays
n Beginners Pilates & Beginners Yoga for over 50s. Tuesdays 9.30 and 10.30
Keynsham High Street. Friendly Pilates classes focusing on strengthening and improving core strength. Hatha Yoga, help improve balance, flexibility and reduce stress. Other classes
n The Victoria Centre of the Methodist Church in Keynsham High Street is open from 10am to 12pm for coffee, biscuits and a chat. A great place to meet people, so pop in - you will be most welcome.
Mondays/Fridays
n Butterflies Haven, charity for families of children with autism, sessions Mondays 7pm-8pm for ages 11-18 and Fridays 5.45pm6.45pm or 7pm-8pm for ages 4-11, at St Francis Church, Warwick Road, Keynsham, BS31 2PW. A safe place for children to be themselves, supported by volunteers. Sessions must be booked in advance. For more information, email info@butterflies-haven.com.
Mondays/Fridays/Sundays
n Indoor rowing exercise classes, Mon 7pm, Fri 5pm and Sun 10.15am, Saltford Rowing Centre, Bath Road, BS31 3JS. Go Row Indoor caters for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Classes last 45 minutes using rowing machines. First class is free, then £5 (or £18pm). Email gorowindoor@ avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk to book. More details at http:// avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk/.
Tuesdays
n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, 7.30pm-10pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, every Tuesday. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 0117 9868540, or just turn up. Everyone welcome.
n Keynsham Girls’ Brigade for girls aged 4 to 15 meet during term time from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Key Centre, Charlton Road, Keynsham. Contact Linda on lindachrisp@hotmail.com
n St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Fear Hall, Keynsham, from 10am to 12pm on the second Tuesday of each month.
Leisure Centre. Ring Clive 0117 9866793 or just turn up.
Wednesdays
n Keynsham’s popular Good Afternoon Community Choir from 2pm-4pm at Keynsham Methodist Church / Victoria Centre. NO auditions and NO charge to attend your first ‘meet us’ rehearsal. Everyone welcome www.goodafternoonchoir.org
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. Call/text ‘Ukulele’ Ben on 07910 668258.
Wednesdays/Thursdays
n Walking Tennis coached sessions at Saltford Tennis Club. Wednesday 10am for 45 minutes for the active and Thursday 10.45am for People with Parkinson’s. Cost £5 per session. Racquets and balls provided and stay on for a cuppa and chat afterwards. if you are interested do come along to a session.
Thursdays
n ASP Poetry Circle, free entry, every third Thursday of each month, 11am-12pm, Keynsham Library, upstairs balcony, diagonally across from table in corner, by the window. Bring two or three poems, own or another poet’s, to share. https:// asppoetrycircle.wordpress.com/
n Midweek worship at the Keynsham Methodist Church coffee morning (Victoria Centre, BS31 2JA). Join us for a relaxed short service at 11am. Take a short break from your hectic day and enjoy the informal atmosphere. All welcome.
n Keynsham & Saltford Dementia Action Alliance runs Music for the Mind sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Keynsham, 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 10.30am-12.15pm. Singing and gentle exercises from 11am. No charge. www.keynshamdaa. co.uk, ksdaa22@gmail.com or 07392442966. We would love
n Badminton - friendly, beginners and improvers, mixed, adult (18 - 80!) group play every Tuesday 10am-12 noon at Keynsham
n WHAT'S ON
n Longwell Green Orchestra meet each Thursday at Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.40pm. We have players of all abilities. Email Contact@ longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk or 07972 844073 beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.
n Mat Pilates Classes
Taught by Physiotherapist Kate Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate) Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)
St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. 6 week block of classes £54. You are welcome to do a trial class first £10. 1:1 sessions also available at my studio in Saltford.
Book online or by contacting Kate - 07454 047536, www.corerehab-physio.co.uk
Fridays
n NEW Pilates Class
Fridays 10.30am St Francis Church Hall, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. Mixed ability level, beginners welcome.
6 week block of classes £54. Trial class £10. Book online or by contacting Kate 07454 047536 www.corerehab-physio.co.uk.
n Cafe Plus at Keynsham Methodist Church (Queens Road, BS31 2NN) during term time. Come and share breakfast, chat and a place to chill and relax, from 8.45am.
Saturdays
n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club Monthly Dance, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, third Saturday of the month. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 01179868540 or just turn up. Refreshments (coffee/tea and biscuits), £5 each.
n Volunteers at Keynsham Repair Cafe – a free monthly repair event, with a café, at Keynsham Baptist Church on the High Street – help to fix your everyday household things like toasters and lamps, sew a button onto a jacket, glue a handle back onto a mug, as well as more unusual items. Every second Saturday (same as Keynsham Farmers Market), 10am–12pm. Website keynshamrepaircafe. wixsite.com/home.
Sundays
n Keynsham Kings Flag American Football. Do you fancy trying out a new sport? Do you love the NFL? Flag American football is taking the UK by storm as a fastpaced, non-contact version of American football. Training: Sundays 10.30am-1pm, Manor Road Playing Fields. Mixed sport - anyone 16 yearsplus welcome. No previous experience needed. Contact us for more info on the Keynsham Kings Facebook or Instagram pages.
Food bank’s gratitude for donations
TRUSTEES of Keynsham food bank have thanked members of the public for their ongoing generosity in making donations.
The statement of gratitude comes as the Trussell Trust released figures showing its network of food banks delivered 3.1 million emergency food parcels across the UK over the previous 12 months. This is the highest number on record.
Rising costs over the last year have led to an increase in referrals to the three food bank sites in Keynsham and Saltford, alongside a small drop-off in donations as donors face many of the same cost pressures.
A partnership between the Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice has allowed residents visiting the food bank site at St Francis Church, Keynsham, to receive specialist advice on issues such as debt consolidation and accessing financial support.
James Coldwell, a food bank trustee, said: “We’re very grateful for the donations residents across Keynsham and Saltford have made, even throughout the cost-of-living crisis.
“As trustees, we welcome the Trussell Trust’s renewed focus on reducing – and ultimately, eliminating – the need for food bank use.
GWAAC charity shop opens
“Reform to our social security system, better employment support, and investment in social housing will all be needed. But in the short term, the food bank continues to act as a lifeline for many people in our community.” Each air ambulance call-out costs £2,000
THE Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has new shop in Keynsham. It was due to open on June 25 at the Bath Hill unit previously occupied by Young Lives v Cancer.
The shop will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, selling secondhand clothing, homeware, accessories, books and more.
To celebrate the shop’s opening, GWAAC is offering a promotion where shoppers receive the cheapest item for free when they buy four or more products.
The charity provides critical care and air ambulance services for 2.1 million people across
B&NES, Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire. In 2023, 101 people in B&NEs needed GWAAC’s help, making up 5% of GWAAC’s total missions.
Each call-out costs around £2,000, and the charity needs to raise over £4 million a year to remain operational. It receives no day-to-day funding from the Government or National Lottery.
Anyone with good-quality items to donate can leave them with someone at the Keynsham shop during the day. Anyone interested in volunteering at shop can asking at the shop or email keynshamshop@gwaac.
Support offers a bespoke home in Cadbury Heath for people not living with a dementia.
Heath Reablement & Support Cadbury Heath BS30 8AA lhreablementenquiries@brunelcare.org.uk 0117 450 0340 Contact us... or pop in!
keynshamvoice
n LETTERS
Letters for publication can be sent to news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or by post to Letters, Keynshamvoice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX.
The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.
Editor’s note: The following letter has been sent to the leader of B&NES Council and its cabinet member for transport; the West of England Combined Authority (WECA); Conservative general election candidate Jacob Rees-Mogg; and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Copied in were other Keynsham BANES councillors and media outlets including Keynsham Voice . It was written while Charlton Road was closed for repairs, but it has since reopened.
Action needed on Charlton Road
I have long held the opinion that Charlton Road, Keynsham, is de facto the missing link to the Avon Ring Road carrying traffic from the A4174 at Hicks Gate through to the Wells Road, Whitchurch.
For those paying attention over the last few weeks, my belief is supported by the current state of traffic on Charlton Road whilst it is closed for resurfacing south of the town. Conversely, I believe that Callington Road has been exceedingly busy and the Stockwood Hill rat run has been chaotic.
In normal circumstances, Charlton Road carries thousands of vehicles daily, many in excess of the speed limit and too many HGVs who blatantly ignore the weight restrict on the road.
Currently it is only carrying local traffic but once opened again it will be back to its normal excessive level of traffic.
The road is the route to Bristol Airport from the South Gloucestershire area adjoining the town, and also the return route. It provides a commuter route from a variety of locations in both directions.
I believe that the HGVs breaching the weight restriction, in doing so, are avoiding some 20 sets of traffic lights if they had taken the correct route via Wells Road, Callington Road, Bath Road.
Charlton Road needs to be treated as a major road and needs to have highways engineering carried out on it to dissuade HGVs from taking the route, as clearly the legal weight restriction is being blatantly ignored and the Roads Policing pay no attention to it, despite corresponding with them on a number of occasions.
It needs physical measures such as significant chicanes put in place to reduce speed and additional mini roundabouts added to ease
Threatened and abused: Why I would not feel safe to shop in the High Street again
I am 78 years old and my wife is 77. We have lived in and around Keynsham all our lives. We have always supported the High Street, but not any more.
I was shopping in Poundland with my wife, who has been very ill and very unsteady on her feet.
A boy on his scooter riding round the store came very close to my wife. I asked him to be careful as my wife was not well. He told me to **** off and told me ‘you cannot touch me’.
His two friends joined him and started to abuse us we left the store and walked on up to Boots. They followed us, still
the entry to the main carriageway from a number of side roads.
Charlton Road divides Keynsham South and Keynsham North, district electoral wards, and is also a route to school to four schools, all within a quarter of a mile of the weight of traffic. It is a road that has had three new developments inflicted upon it over the last ten years and now there is the threat of further housing crippling an already not fit for purpose highway.
The road closure has brought the problems of the road into sharp focus. There needs to be action to make the road fit for purpose.
The WECA mayor is paying great interest in the A4 corridor with ideas such as using one of two lanes on the Keynsham bypass as a bus lane, adding more congestion to the A4.
I do not believe that Charlton Road has the luxury of a road number but nonetheless it carries significant levels of commuter and business traffic throughout the day.
I would urge all concerned to give due consideration to putting in place measures to make the road
saying nasty things and that we could not touch them.
Another boy, much older, joined them and threatened us. We were very frightened. A young lady came along and got them to leave us alone.
I would not feel safe to shop in the High Street again, which is very sad. I feel our lives are closing in on us.
There is no one to take on the problem of the youths in the High Street, no police, everyone has closed their eyes to it. The problem will only get worse with the school holidays coming up.
A Keynsham resident
safer and remove HGV through traffic from it.
I make no apology for the broad brush approach of addressing a number of recipients, as I am unsure whether the WECA mayor is responsible or B&NES administration, or whether indeed national government can play a part.
I would urge all concerned to come and see the level of usage currently on the closed road and then revisit the road once it is fully open again. It is a stark indication of the need for some action.
I trust that the Police and Crime Commissioner will also pay attention to my concerns and have roads police show its presence once the road is open.
Cllr Alan Hale, Keynsham South Ward, Advocate for Road Safety
Vote for change
In our constituency of North East Somerset and Hanham, Labour has around an 75% chance of winning according to the website Electoral Calculus, which studies people’s voting intentions in great detail.
If you care about people or the
environment, you won’t be voting Conservative. They have achieved nothing of value in their 14 years in office so there’s no point giving them another five.
If you want positive government, don’t waste your vote on the Reform Party. Farage thinks he is the new political messiah. He isn’t. He is a right-wing populist like Trump with nothing to offer except xenophobia and disruption. And he’ll push the Conservatives further right when he takes them over. We’ll all be tired of the sound of his voice within a month. Sadly, he won’t be.
If you vote Green, LibDem or Independent you will be registering a valid protest but with no impact on the overall result. For the best chance of changing the government, you’ll need to vote Labour.
Paul Sims
Two salaries unjustified
In our constituency of North East I see that Dan Norris says that if he wins the election he will also continue with his £87,000 a year Metro Mayor’s job until 2025. If this is true, how can he do two important jobs at the same time and also draw two salaries? He cannot justify this, as surely he should only draw 50% salary for each job and save the tax payer a fortune.
A further point - if the Metro Mayor is a job justifying a very high salary, how can it be done part time? The tax paying public will probably not get the answer they deserve.
David Whalley, Keynsham Concert
cheer
All praise to Keynsham Town Council for again organising a series of free concerts at the bandstand in Keynsham park. These are held on most Saturdays and Sundays from the beginning of May until the end of September. Programme details can be found on the council website. I use my mobility scooter to get to these concerts and thoroughly enjoy listening to the varied music in the pleasant surroundings of the park with the river running by.
Morris Powe
Editor’s note: The letters printed here reflect the range of views we receive from our readers. Letters are not selected on party political grounds. If you feel your viewpoint is not being reflected, please submit to our Letters page using the contact details at the top of this page.
Adult Fiction Knots and Crosses
Ian Rankin
Following BBC drama Rebus, discover where the story of the grizzly Scottish detective began. This is the first Rebus book and, with his usual gritty style, Ian Rankin describes a dark Edinburgh where two young girls have been murdered and then a third goes missing.
Rebus is tasked to look at old case files to see if there is a link - in the days before computers - but then the knots and matchstick crosses start being sent to him.
Rebus has to solve the puzzle before another girl is murdered. This is a great introduction to the other brilliant Rebus novels.
Adult Non-Fiction
Black Sheep
A story of rural racism, identity and hope Sabrina Pace-Humphreys reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library assistant Sabrina is a mixed-race girl growing up in a Cotswolds town in the 1980s. As the only black girl in her school, she is bullied every day by the other children.
She thinks she is tough, that she can build herself a shell to protect her from her tormentors. But sometimes they say something so piercing that it brings her to tears. In adulthood, Sabrina is successful
in her job, happily married, with fantastic children she loves. But then she falls in alcoholism. You see her going down, but then she comes back up stronger than ever after she finds her solace in running.
Today she is one of the most inspirational women in the UK running community and co-founder of the charity Black Trail Runner. I felt she really found the activity that helps to manage her emotions and trauma, and make her a better person.
July sees the start of Keynsham Library’s Summer Reading Challenge. This year, the theme is Marvelous Makers. Look out at your local library for information about the reading challenge and all the amazing activities we have planned over the summer. So to start you off on your challenge, why not try these books?
Children’s Fiction
Dirty Bertie Pirate
David Robert
Dirty Bertie is a cheeky boy whose disgusting habits include picking his nose - yuck! In this story, it is Pirate Day at school. Bertie has always wanted to be a pirate and sail his own boat - the Black Bogey - looting, plundering and
never washing. However Miss Boots, their teacher, is making them do maths, so read on to see what mischief Bertie gets up in the playground and if he finds any pirate treasure. This book also includes two more hilarious Bertie stories - Burger and Run!
How to Stop the End of the World
Tom Mitchell
to go to Mars in his homemade rocket. When the rocket returned, a small Martian crawled out to explore Earth.
Everyone realised Martians do not need to wash their hands or eat their vegetables and can get into a bit of trouble at school. Read on to see what happens to the little Martian.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This thrilling adventure starts when Col Coleridge attends a family athletics day that he is dreading. It is so boring, and then there is the start of the even longer summer holidays. His parents work most of the week, so he is left to try to fill his empty days. Then he notices weird markings outside his house and a group of strangers acting suspiciously in next door’s garden. Col investigates and, with his new friend Lucy, begins a fun adventure. There are Vikings, a mysterious curse, swords, ghosts and a race to save the world.
The Boy from Mars
Simon James
One day Stanley’s mum had to go away for work, so Stanley decided
Roald Dahl
Join Charlie Bucket and his search for a Golden Ticket that will gain him entry into Mr Willy Wonka’s enormous chocolate factory. Only five lucky winners can go through those great iron gates and marvel at Mr Wonka’s creations. Will Charlie be one of the lucky ones? If he succeeds, what sights will he see, and who exactly are the OompaLoompas? This classic tale is a great introduction to the crazy world of Roald Dahl.
Library news
Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www.librarieswest. org.uk to access thousands of e-books, e-magazines, audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources.
Our ‘Virtual Library’ has loads going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and all our digital offers. Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries.wordpress. com
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A recently built 4 bed family home located on the fringe of Keynsham and nearby countryside. This well presented “turn key” home offers, 4 beds, 3 bathrooms, study, driveway and garage.
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A beautiful individually built detached family home on a Private Road. Ideal 4/5 bed family home presented to a high standard, viewing advised early to fully appreciate what is on offer.
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A beautiful 5 bedroomed Victorian property located in the heart of Saltford. This property oozes character and charm and must be viewed internally to appreciate what it offers.
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Situated on Bath Road in the charming village of Saltford, Tennis Court House is a stunning detached property that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Built in 2012 and extended in 2015, this spacious home has been meticulously designed to the highest standards, offering a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
As you step inside, you are greeted by a grand reception hall that sets the tone for the rest of the house. The 28ft sitting room seamlessly flows into the bright and airy orangery, currently used as a studio, flooding the space with natural light.
The family kitchen/dining room is a true highlight, complete with a separate utility room and a convenient cloakroom. Additionally, there is a versatile room on the ground floor that can serve as either a reception room or a bedroom, thanks to its en-suite bathroom.
Venturing upstairs, you’ll find a light-filled galleried landing leading to the exquisite master bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom with an en-suite shower room, and two more double bedrooms complemented by
a family bathroom. Storage is plentiful throughout the property, with built-in wardrobes in all four bedrooms.
Externally, the Tennis Court House boasts a generous blockpaved driveway, a detached double garage, and a beautifully landscaped rear garden with a lush lawn and a spacious terrace perfect for outdoor gatherings.
The property’s convenient location offers easy access to local shops, amenities, and excellent bus links to both Bristol and Bath.
SALTFORD LAWN TENNIS CLUB
High five for teams
THE five teams of Saltford LTC are producing some very positive performances as they reach the halfway stage of their summer league campaign.
The ladies’ club captain knew it was going to be a tough season, with 50 per cent of last year’s first team unable to commit fully this time. But after the first match, her job got even more challenging.
As the ladies’ first team faced Lansdown LTC, the reliable pairing of Milly and Laura played in their first rubber. But in the second rubber Milly suffered a shoulder injury that put an end to her season. They won their second match 8:2.
Katie and Odette won both their rubbers. In the second rubber, they trailed the championship tiebreak 7:3 but produced some epic tennis to win 10:7.
Sally and Kerry took their partnership to another level and posted their first win of the season. At the end of May, they were up against a strong Clifton side and lost 10:0 loss, managing only to win six games. But with the guidance
of exuberant team captain Katie, they have achieved excellent 8:2 wins against Kings and Cleeve Hill and are currently third place in division 3.
The ladies’ second team had an impressive start with an 8:2 win against Sodbury. For their second match, they travelled to Redland Green. The match was even in rubbers and sets, so it was decided by the number of games won. Redland Green were the 6:4 victors, winning one more game than Saltford.
With many of their rubbers decided by championship tiebreaks, the team has suffered three defeats in a row. But they have played well and remain upbeat. They are currently joint forth in their division.
The ladies’ third team had a bright start, narrowly losing 6:4 to Downend & Frenchay. The teams won the same number of rubbers, so the result was decided by the number of sets won. The challenges posed by the availability of the higher teams has had a significant impact on this team,
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The ladies’ second teamLouise Bessell, Jane Kendrick, Katherine Wilson and Clair Pugh
The ladies’ first team of Sally Hunter, Kerry Morgan, Katie Robson and Laura Sinclair have rallied after an early setback in their campaign
SALTFORD LAWN TENNIS CLUB
as summer campaign hits halfway mark
Men’s first team players
Tom Warren, Simon Perkins, Andy May and Simon Stentthey are setting their sights on promotion after being relegated last season
and since their positive start the team have suffered three losses.
The men’s second team started their season with a slender 6:4 loss against Somer Valley, with the established pairing of Neil and Steve winning both their rubbers. Although putting in good performances in the next two matches, they were still winless. But with pairings beginning to gel and the inclusion of the talented and agile Tom G, they achieved
an exceptional 10:0 win against Downed & Frenchay. This leaves them in third place.
After being relegated last season, the men’s first team are focussed on promotion. With some talented new additions, the squad is younger, fitter and has more depth. A positive home win against Congresbury saw the experienced partnership of Simon and Andy win both their rubbers. The new pairing of Tom W and Scott, who
have re-joined the club after an absence of over a decade, put in a gritty performance by winning one rubber and losing the other in a championship tiebreak (10:7).
With Andy and Scott unavailable for the away match against Portishead, the team fielded two new skilful players, Tom G & Mike, and achieved a 6:4 win Their promotion hopes were dented when they lost to an accomplished David Lloyd team.
The following week, it was the first time in many a year that the club fielded a pair where both players were under 30.
Armed with the young pairing of Lucas and Tom W, the men travelled to Redland Green and produced a stunning 8:2 win. And in the final match of the first half of the season, they produced a stellar performance to win 10:0. This puts them in second position, keeping their goal of promotion on track.
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The men’s second team - Neil Willey, Steve Bellamy, John Sweet and Tom Griffith - bounced back with a 10:0 victory
KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB
Busy time on the green as competition hots up
DESPITE disappointing weather, the bowling green in Keynsham Park is now at its busiest.
As well as the league and friendly games being played against other clubs, Keynsham Bowling Club members are facing one another in the various internal club competitions, in addition to other full-day knock-out events being staged.
In relation to the latter, we staged the Ray Percival Cup at the start of June, when 10 ladies and 20 gents played in a series of triples leagues against each other, resulting in a winning team of Jan Isles, Dave Howell and Graham Cavill.
Later in the month, 19 men took part in the men’s two-wood competition, again on a league basis and then quarter and semi-finals.
The winners were Ken Gaull and Geoff Yorath, who will play each other on our Finals Day in September to decide who will take home the cup.
In the Men’s Friday Triples, we recently played against Begbrook in a cup match. Despite trailing throughout the game, being one shot down as we started the 18th and final end, we came good and won by two shots. Needless to say, the team was delighted!
During June, our chairman, Ian Tweedie, was delighted to visit the Tesco store in Keynsham to collect a cheque for £410, the proceeds of book sales during May.
Our principle sponsor, Meryton Care Homes, followed up last year’s donation with another one this year, which will enable us to subsidise trousers and shorts to match the shirts bought last year.
The appearance of our green surrounds is enhanced by the floral displays in troughs and hanging baskets which are nurtured by our gardening team. We have submitted an entry for the annual Keynsham in Bloom contest.
Mike Barrow
FRY’S BOWLING CLUB
KEYNSHAM TOWN FC Young team preparing for a thrilling campaign
WHATEVER England’s fate in the European Championships, we can look forward to an exciting season of local football.
Keynsham Town’s youthful first team rallied well at the end of last season with their exciting brand of football, reaching a creditable 18th place in the league, well away from any fears of relegation.
UHL Sport Somerset County League and for the first time the club is entering an under-18 team in the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League. These youth matches will be played on Tuesday evenings.
They will start the season in the newly branded Jewson Western League Division One along with new local clubs Mendip Broadwalk and Avonmouth.
Their first fixture, on Saturday July 27, is away to Shirehampton and their first home match at the AJN Stadium will be on Tuesday July 30 against Hallen, kick-off 7.45pm.
The reserves will play in the
The club would like to thank our local businesses for their sponsorship for the 2024/25 season, the main ones being: First team, IJ McGill Transport (www.ijmcgilltransport.com); reserves, Smart Computers (smartcomputersbristol.com); and under-18s, Kitco (www.kitco.biz).
The club is offering a season ticket for £100 (£60 concessions) to cover all home league matches played by the first, reserve and under-18 teams, over 40 matches in total. They are available by emailing tickets@keynshamtownfc.co.uk.
Players find their form after tricky start to
Bristol and District League: AFTER a difficult start in the Bristol and District League, Fry’s Bowling Club continued their good form in the latest set of matches.
Things didn’t start too brightly in the trip to Victoria Park as it was the home side which took a comfortable lead at the halfway point, with Fry’s struggling on rinks 1 and 3. A strong set of ends from rink 2 saw Fry’s back into the game but still having lots of work to do.
With Fry’s 6 shots back with 3 ends left, rink 3 picked up 5 on their final end, leaving Fry’s 2 behind with rink 2 to finish.
A dramatic conclusion saw Victoria Park’s skip gift Fry’s 2 shots in addition to the shot Fry’s already had, seeing Fry’s take 6 points with the single-shot win.
The next two games were more comfortable for Fry’s. The home match with Knowle saw a formality on rink 3 as they conceded only
5 singles. Rinks 1 and 2 were closer; rink 2 took a 10-shot lead, preventing any comeback. Rink 3 saw Fry’s 1 up heading into the final end. After Knowle surrounded Fry’s single shot, Knowle’s skip hit the jack to a waiting Fry’s bowl, with the insurance shot added for 10 points.
The following week against Ardagh, now playing at Canford, Fry’s took another 10 points, with the same rink dropping only singles again, helping Fry’s to a good lead. Rinks 2 and 3 battled to wins for all 10 points. Fry’s currently sit third, 13 points behind Keynsham ‘A’ in second.
Scores
May 23: Fry’s 47-46 Victoria ParkRink 1, 11-21; Rink 2, 21-9; Rink 3, 15-16 (6-4).
A close game against leaders St Anne’s Park saw Fry’s miss out by 4 shots, only picking up 2 points.
league
After a tight start at Bristol, Fry’s opened up a lead in the second half they would not relinquish, seeing out the game 57-46 and taking 10 points.
The 10th game in the Friday Triples League saw Knowle travel to Somerdale. Two rinks were close, with Knowle taking them by 1 shot and 3 shots. The home side took a 13-shot win on the third rink, which saw Fry’s take the overall win 54-45 with 8 points and sit fourth in the table on 72 points.
Scores
May 1: Fry’s 44-48 St Anne’s ParkRink 1, 17-12; Rink 2, 23-20; Rink 3, 13-20; (2-10).
