Keynsham Voice June 2023

Fears for 400 jobs at vet group’s town base

ABOUT 400 jobs reportedly face the axe at the Keynsham headquarters of a veterinary services company.

IVC Evidensia currently employs about 1,100 operational staff at the Chocolate Factory building in the town’s Chocolate Quarter at Somerdale.

It is understood that a significant number of those roles may be outsourced to India over the next 12 months.

But the company, which runs 2,600 vet clinics and out-of-town centre across 20 countries, insists that Keynsham will remain its global centre.

A spokesperson told the Voice: “IVC Evidensia is committed to delivering outstanding care to animals and outstanding service to our customers.

“We continually review our backoffice services to ensure they are supporting the business in the most effective and efficient way.

“We’re considering outsourcing finance services to a specialist business, to help improve support levels and enable our veterinary teams to better focus on animal care and customer service.

“Following this proposed change, the Chocolate Factory in Keynsham

n Turn to Page 2

Crowds flocked to Keynsham’s Picnic in the Park to celebrate the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Turn to Pages 10, 11 and 32 for more of the local celebrations. Photo: Mike May

INSIDE

Mum’s struggle

A mother’s struggle to set up a nursery has highlighted the difficulty of solving Keynsham’s childcare shortage.

PAGE 3

War memories

A Voice reader has shared memories of his grandfather, who served in the Home Guard during the Second World War.

PAGE 4

Pals’ campaign

A junior doctor who has cancer has teamed up with a friend to raise money for research.

PAGE 5

More trains

Keynsham train passengers are benefiting from more frequent services, thanks to a £7 million investment.

PAGE 9

Woodlands’ future

Residents are being invited to have their say on potential improvements at Manor Road Community Woodland.

PAGE 21

Fears for 400 jobs at vet group’s town base

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n From Page 1

will continue to serve as IVC Evidensia’s global centre for multiple corporate functions.”

News of the expected job losses was described as a blow to the local community by Dave Biddleston, newly elected Bath and North East Somerset councillor for Keynsham South.

He said: “We are grateful for the employment opportunities that IVC Evidensia continue to provide.

“I live on Chandos Road, the old entrance to Fry factory, and the buildings and their use are important to the residents that are my neighbours.

“Many of them were employed by Fry, Cadbury and then Kraft. When the factory closed, many councillors worked hard to ensure that good-quality local jobs were brought to the Somerdale site and that its use would not simply be for residential housing.

“I’m not certain what percentage of the staff at risk of redundancy are from Keynsham itself, but the loss is keenly felt by the community.

“It is my hope that IVC will evaluate the need to outsource against the professional competency of those already doing a fantastic job and making for a very profitable company.

“Locally this can mean that in addition to the loss of well-paid employment, it can encourage instability in our local economy too. Fewer workers mean less money spent in local shops.

IVC Evidensia currently employs about 1,100 operational staff at the Chocolate Factory building

“Much evidence over the last 10 years or so suggests that outsourcing can lead to increases in customer dissatisfaction due to cultural differences and misunderstandings, let alone the potential for ‘cheaper wages’ coming at the expense of working in areas with poorer workers’ rights.

“Job losses at this time will have an impact on our local economy getting back to full strength after recent difficult years for the UK and I urge them to reconsider their position whilst remaining grateful for the time and investment they put into Keynsham.”

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715770448 Email Emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

Mum tells of struggle to set up nursery

A MOTHER’S frustrated attempts to set up a nursery in Keynsham have highlighted the difficulty of solving the town’s childcare shortage.

The Voice reported last month that a letter signed by more than 140 parents had been sent to local MP Jacob ReesMogg asking him to help remedy the “appalling lack of childcare”.

Bath and North East Somerset Council had previously stated that no providers had come forward to take over the space vacated by the Leaping Lambs nursery in Keynsham.

But a mother has told the Voice she has tried to take over the premises without success.

Beatrice – who asked us not to use her surname because of the sensitive nature of her job –has also written to Mr ReesMogg outlining her situation.

She said her two-year-old attended Leaping Lambs in Keynsham, until it suddenly closed in August last year, and now attends a nursery in Bath.

Her eight-month-old was registered with nurseries at birth but they cannot accommodate him until summer 2025.

“As with many other parents in similar situations, I have had to reconsider my work patterns and question whether my return to work after my maternity leave is practical due to the lack of childcare.”

Beatrice then considered creating her own solution.

“I contacted brokers I knew in the market about the possibility of buying the recently closed nursery to keep it open. However I was advised that the owners

had been clear they were not selling.

“My next plan was to open a nursery myself. Armed with a business course I enrolled in on opening a nursery, years of children’s social care experience and a business plan, I embarked on the journey.”

Beatrice said she asked about two former nursery premises, as well as making “countless phone calls” to estate agents and organisations with space for hire, but met with no success.

She has also considering renting or buying a residential property, but issues around costs and planning permission meant she did not consider this viable.

Beatrice said she hoped B&NES Council could work to encourage those with suitable premises to rent them out.

“Being able to provide a day nursery in Keynsham would close the gap in childcare provision, create a nurturing learning space for our children, whilst also supporting parents who wish to work. In addition, running a day nursery would provide local employment.”

As reported last month, the letter to Jacob Rees-Mogg that was signed by more than 140 parents was drawn up by

mother-of-three Helen Philpott, who believes the government and local authorities should do more to help nurseries provide extra places, or provide those places themselves.

B&NES Council told the Voice it was working with local providers and agencies to encourage people to take vacant jobs in the childcare sector, as well as helping prospective childminders to access new Government grants.

But regarding the question of providing childcare itself, a council spokesperson said legislation demanded that “the market” must be able to find a solution first and that “a council can only be a provider as a last resort.”

One of the people Beatrice approached for help was Alan Hale, a B&NES councillor for Keynsham, who told her that finding nursery premises would be a “challenging task” as places such as church halls already

rented out their space for at least part of every weekday.

The Voice asked Councillor Hale if he thought councils and the Government should do more.

He said: “At the moment, if the provision of childcare is controlled by legislation, then there would need to be a change in that legislation at government level. At our local council level, some 80p in the pound that comes into the council is already spent on the vulnerable, the young and the old, leaving just 20p in every pound to deal with every other service.

“If council-provided childcare were introduced, the additional funding would have to be found from somewhere, and the two likely sources would be from car parking charges and council tax.”

The Voice approached Mr Rees-Mogg for comment for last month’s issue but has not received a reply.

l Trust to provide more pre-school places: Page 13

The Voice front page last month

Memories of air raid warden Jack

A LOCAL history article in the Voice has prompted a reader to share memories of his grandfather, “a wonderful character” who served in the Home Guard during the Second World War.

Malcolm Trainer was delighted to recognise his grandfather in a photo illustrating the article about Keynsham’s Drill Hall in our April issue.

The article, by Richard Dyson of Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society, included a photo of No 2 Company, 7th Battalion of the Somerset Home Guard, outside the Drill Hall during the Second World War.

Mr Trainer spotted his grandfather, Jack Fear, sitting with a trophy at his feet.

“I was just browsing through and thought, crikey, that’s Grandad,” he said.

Mr Trainer, who is president of Keynsham Town Football Club, described Jack as a “great character” who was well known

in Keynsham. Jack fought in France during the First World War and was an ARP (AIR Raid Precautions) warden during the second conflict.

An ARP warden’s role included enforcing the “blackout”, which required all premises to use heavy curtains or shutters to stop light escaping at night that could help enemy bombers find their targets.

Mr Trainer said his grandfather used to march in Remembrance Day parades and lived well into his 90s.

Jack used to work as a driver for Thomas’s, a company that made chemicals at the end of Temple Street and was part of the Albert Mill operation, and he would often make the journey from Keynsham to Yeovil - “and you can imagine what the state of

the roads was like back then.”

The local history article described how the Drill Hall became the headquarters of the local Home Guard during the war.

Weapons training was in the land that is now the park, and practising with grenades consisted of pulling out the pin, throwing them over the wall and diving for shelter.

Care in your own h

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Jack Fear pictured with fellow members of the Home Guard outside the Drill Hall in Keynsham

Dan and Leo team up to fight cancer

A JUNIOR doctor who has cancer has teamed up with a friend to raise money for research into the disease.

Dan Money, from Keynsham, and Leo Nolan, from Saltford, both aged 24, became friends while at Wellsway School.

Dan was diagnosed with bowel cancer late last year and has been undergoing treatment in Birmingham, where he has been working as an foundation 2 (F2) junior doctor.

He has chosen to raise money for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) because of the importance of up-to-date research in helping increase treatment options.

Now Leo and two university friends have completed a 950-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of Dan’s fundraising goals.

In 12 days of cycling, and fuelled largely by malt loaf, they climbed the equivalent of 40 Empire State buildings, had three punctures, two injured knees and one rider knocked off by an inquisitive lamb.

Dan and his mum met the team in the Midlands to offer encouragement - and some good food.

Dan and Leo would like to thank everyone from the local community who has already supported their appeal, which has so far raised more than £20,000 including Gift Aid.

Anyone wishing to donate can go to their fundraising pages. Leo’s page can be found at https://fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/lejog. Dan’s page is at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/danielsgiving-page-2711605

Dan Money, inset right, is raising money for Cancer Research UK

Below, Leo Nolan, right, and two friends who accompanied him on the epic cycle ride

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 5th October, between 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Open Morning and Evenings at Wellsway School

Year 5 - Tuesday 4th July - Tours from 9.15am - 10.45am

Year 6 - Thursday 21st September - Tours from 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Year 6 - Tuesday 26th September - Tours from 9.15am - 10.45am

We are delighted to confirm our two open morning dates; we are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2024. Visitors always comment on the purposeful, caring and happy ethos of the school, so what better way for you to find out about our vision and values then to come and experience them for yourselves? For those parents/carers who are unable to attend, there will be an additional Year 6 Open Evening in September. The morning will provide an opportunity to see the school in action; to visit curriculum areas and discuss the Wellsway School experience with students and staff. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am. Our staff and students are the biggest advocate to our school and I am sure when you visit, you will see why we believe Wellsway School is a unique community.

We are delighted to invite key stage 4 students to our Sixth form open evening. On the evening students will be able to see the enhanced range of subjects and enrichment opportunities on offer at Wellsway School and learn how we work as a collaborative Sixth Form ‘Futura Sixth’to be a truly comprehensive sixth form. Students will have the opportunity to speak with staff; attend a presentation from school leaders; speak with sixth form students and discover more about our wide range of courses and experience that support students throughout Post-16 and to their next step. This will be followed up by our Open Morning for external applicants, on Wednesday 18th October 2023, between 9.05am - 10.45am.

Workers prepare for bridge arrival

A NEW footbridge that will reinstate an important link in the pedestrian route around Keynsham Memorial Park is due to be lifted into place this month.

Preparatory works have begun ahead of installation of the replacement footbridge over the weir.

The new bridge deck has been made offsite of a polymer that is resistant to damp river environments and is a more sustainable form of construction with lower maintenance requirements. It is scheduled to be installed in mid-June.

The previous bridge was demolished

earlier this year after closing to the public in 2019 due to the deterioration of its timber beams rendering it unsafe.

The replacement bridge is expected to open to the public in July, dependent on favourable weather conditions for the works to progress as planned.

The children’s play park at Bath Hill and the entrance at Avon Mill Lane will remain closed during the works.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It is exciting that we are getting closer to the new bridge arriving on site.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Many happy returns (and singles)

AS your Metro Mayor, there are three things that are constantly on my mind.

The first is the cost-of-living crisis, which is frightening to many of the one million people I proudly represent.

The second is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting things are far worse than feared.

The third is, how do we encourage people to voluntarily change their behaviour on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges of the modern world?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I’m introducing as your regional mayor.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future to reduce congestion, pollution and delays.

This innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in the West of England, as well as the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses - begins for lo-

cals with a July birthday and runs 12 months until every resident has had the chance to benefit from their free Birthday Month Bus Pass.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this birthday month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve literally got nothing to lose.

If you are a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday? I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, we come to like (even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back!

This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. I hope this birthday bonanza is a boon to you too. A free month to help during the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing attractions and beauty of our fantastic region. You could be better off by one twelfth of the bus costs you shell

“It’s going to make a real difference to people to be able to cross the river again and get back to using this part of the pedestrian route around the park. Thank you for your patience while the project is completed.”

Other improvements planned for Keynsham Memorial Park include addressing the flooding under Echo Bridge during 2023.

The council is also currently exploring provision of an indoor or covered café space, improved natural landscape and better play facilities for all ages, after a public survey carried out in 2022 identified these as areas for improvement.

out annually. It’s super easy to claim your free Birthday Month Bus Pass – simply go to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. We’ll send you your pass in the post, and you’re away!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first. It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns - and singles!

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Above, the old park bridge that has been demolished. Right, workers getting the site ready for the new bridge

School is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

SALTFORD Church of England

Primary School has been judged by Ofsted to be Outstanding in all areas of its provision.

Inspectors said pupils and staff were rightly proud of their inclusive school, where all children are encouraged to be the best versions of themselves.

They said headteacher Dawn Sage and her team pursued excellence at all times and had constructed a curriculum that was exceptional.

“Staff share this continuous drive for improvement across all aspects of the school. Together, they are aspirational for what pupils can achieve,” Ofsted said.

A team of three inspectors visited the 438-pupil school for two days in early spring.

They were hugely impressed with the children at Saltford, describing them as welcoming, extremely well-behaved, eager to participate in all aspects of school life and passionate about their learning.

“The school’s vision, ‘Caring for our Community,’ informs the development of pupils’ characters. They are kind and look for ways to help others,” the report noted.

“Pupils are highly motivated. They try hard in lessons and show resilience when faced with a setback. When attempting work that they find challenging, pupils persist until they are successful. Pupils strive to meet the high expectations set by staff.”

Other areas the inspectors highlighted included the welcoming library and the strong culture of reading, the wealth of opportunities for children to take on leadership roles, the

many clubs and activities and the extensive choice of outdoor play activities.

“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the education and care their children receive at the school,” Ofsted said.

The school was rated Outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development,

leadership and management and early-years provision.

The inspectors praised the high-quality training for staff, tailored to support the school’s priorities. This meant that children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, were able to flourish. Staff

morale was said to be high, with leaders, including governors, placing importance on wellbeing.

The support provided by Futura Learning Partnership, the multi-academy trust of which Saltford School is part, was also highlighted.

Ofsted said: “The trust’s support has been instrumental in developing the expertise of staff. The trust, combined with an effective local governing body, share the vision of leaders. They support and challenge in equal measure. As a result, the pupils at this school receive outstanding provision.”

Mrs Sage said the inspection outcome was thanks to the efforts of the whole school community, including children, staff, parents, wider families, the local community and the trust.

“We are so proud of our school, where children are challenged in their learning and are nurtured to develop personally and academically.

“Saltford C of E Primary is a place where children value their strong friendships and feel safe and happy in school. We all strive every day to make sure the school is a place where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “We are delighted that the consistently excellent education and care provided at Saltford CofE Primary School has been recognised by Ofsted. This wonderful report is a tribute to the hard work of everyone connected with the school –congratulations to all.”

l Art contest winners: Page 20

ARE you looking for an opportunity to connect with your local community, build your skills and boost your happiness?

Then why not consider volunteering with Wansdyke Scouts, which includes an area from Keynsham in the north, Midsomer Norton in the south, Chew Stoke in the west and Peasedown the east?

With nine Scout groups based around the district supporting 1,000 young people, we are sure to have a role for you. We’d love to give you the chance to try out different things, meet the team, and see what support is on offer before you decide whether to be involved.

Volunteering with Scouts is good for boosting your wellbeing, developing CV-friendly skills, making friends and building memories. Whether you want to support young people or if you’re more comfortable planning an adventure

THE sun came out once again for Compton Dando’s annual bluebell walk.

It was led by Richard Davis, who was joined by villagers, parishioners and members of Compton Dando art group and table tennis club.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “The weather was kind and the bluebells stunning.

“On returning back to the village, we enjoyed tea and homemade cakes in St Mary’s Church prepared by church members. All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon.”

from the sidelines, we’ve got space for you. Among the roles we are currently recruiting for is the opportunity to join a new team that is being put in place to lead Wansdyke Scouts, and to help to make a real difference by leading and directing how Scouting operates locally.

The skills you will use, such as leadership, can enhance your CV and be a great way to show prospective employers you have additional skills. You would have access to a mentor, one-to-one support and a nationally recognised training scheme.

While previous experience of Scouting would be an advantage, if you know nothing about Scouts that’s no problem, as we can teach you everything you need to know, and our awardwinning training scheme can lead to a certified qualification.

For more details on this role, please visit our

website at wansdykescouts.org.uk and search for ‘District Commissioner (Lead Volunteer) Team’. You can also find other volunteering opportunities on the site.

We all want young people to have the chance to dream big, give it a go, and build skills for life. We help young people step up, speak up and find their place in the world. We build skills for life. But it’s not just the young people who benefit from Scouts because volunteering at Scouts is a two-way street – good for young people, and good for you too.

So come along tell us what you’re interested in, and we’ll help you find something that matches your skills (and the time you have available).

We’ll give you the support and training you need to shine as well as the chance to have fun, meet new people and learn skills for life.

£7m boost means more frequent trains

KEYNSHAM train passengers are benefiting from more frequent services to and from Bristol Temple Meads, thanks to a £7 million-plus investment from Metro Mayor Dan Norris’s West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Since May 22, more trains have been running from Temple Meads to Westbury and Gloucester, benefiting those in Keynsham, Yate and other West of England communities.

Trains between Bristol and Gloucester now run every 30 minutes - departing from Temple Meads and calling at Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Parkway, Yate and then on to Gloucester.

Meanwhile, people living between Bristol and Westbury, get three trains an hour running for most of the day. Departing from Temple Meads, the trains call at Keynsham, Oldfield Park, Bath Spa, Freshford (hourly) and then on to stops between Avoncliff and Westbury.

The Gloucester services also

extend to Worcester once an hour and the Bristol to Westbury services include more trains to Salisbury and then on to Southampton - improving West of England connections with neighbouring regions.

The new services are being delivered in partnership with Great Western Railway and Network Rail.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Improving public transport is so, so important to help people get from A to B in the West of England, and to better connect our amazing region. And it’s vitally important if we’re going to meet our ambitious West of England net-zero-by-2030 target.”

Tom Pierpoint, GWR’s

business development portfolio director, said: “It’s great news that we’re able to double services between Bristol and Gloucester to every 30 minutes, with hourly services continuing to Worcester, and increase services between Bristol, Bath Spa and Westbury as part of the next stage of the MetroWest programme.”

Daniel Round, industry programme director for the West of England at Network Rail, added: “We’ve been working really closely with the West of England Combined Authority, the Department for Transport, GWR and others to roll out these MetroWest service improvements.

“These services would not be able to be delivered without major infrastructure investment that has taken place in the last few years, including Bristol area re-signalling, the Bristol East Junction upgrade, and redoubling the tracks between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris at Keynsham train station

COMPTON Dando Art Group celebrated the coronation with a social morning at which members enjoyed a red, white and blue cake made by Iris Davis.

Group member Jean Harnaman is pictured at the display table she decorated with flags and crowns, as well as two flower arrangements she made.

St John’s Church tower lit up with the Union Flag

royal success

CROWDS flocked to Keynsham’s Picnic in the Park to celebrate the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The event in the Memorial Park, organised by the town council, was blessed with sunshine.

Highlights included children’s races, familyfriendly performers and bandstand performances compered by KTCRFM.

Meanwhile, the tower of St John’s Church in Keynsham was lit up with an image the Union Flag in honour of the coronation.

During the weekend, a quarter peal was rung and a civic community service was attended by almost 200 people.

The church also hosted a mini flower festival, and a ‘Big Help Out’ took place in the churchyard, along with displays, stalls and games.

The church’s weekend celebrations ended with prosecco and homemade coronation cake.

Church warden Lesley Organ said: “Unbelievable numbers of people came. It was not about fundraising at all, but a community event to share and engage.”

l Three Kings and a lot of cake: Page 32

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Stand with us against knife crime

IN May I attended the first ever Avon and Somerset Police Outstanding Policing Awards, a remarkable opportunity to honour the outstanding achievements of the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

May also marked the start of Operation Sceptre, a national targeted initiative to reduce knife-related violence, increase public safety and engage communities in the fight against knife crime.

Proactively tackling knife crime is central to my police and crime plan, and I would encourage people to safely discard any weapons or knives they may carry in the ‘weapons surrender bins’ installed by Avon and Somerset Police.

The bins are in areas where we know they are needed, and offer people a safe and anonymous way of getting rid of a weapon. If you know someone who carries a weapon, please encourage them to surrender it. You can find your nearest bin in the crime prevention advice section of the police website.

Avon and Somerset Police and partners already carry out a large range of activities to raise awareness of and combat knife crime, and the Violence Reduction Units’ work is at the heart of this, delivering talks to young people in schools, running Blunt Truth workshops in partnership with the NHS and hosting pop-up information stands.

While we have seen a reduction in street-based knife crime across Avon and Somerset, more still needs to be done to ensure people feel safe in their communities. Let’s raise awareness, educate, and stand against knife crime.

As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ national fraud lead, I also welcome the publication of the government’s long-awaited strategy, setting out how it plans to tackle fraud and bring more offenders to justice.

This strategy, and the accompanying Economic Crime Plan, is an important step forward. I fully support the Government’s three-pillar approach to stop, block, pursue, and

to educate the public.

I have been able to have a direct impact on two important areas within the strategy, which will ensure there is national central coordination of prevention and awareness messaging, and ensure banks are delaying and doing extra due diligence checks on large BACS payments out of accounts that could be fraudulent.

However, the strategy does not recognise some fundamental challenges, including the highly complex landscape of investigating fraud, which needs to be fully supported.

I am calling for more to be done to recognise this crime’s significant impact and harm on victims. Fraud can leave lasting mental and physical trauma, with some victims taking their own lives.

Finally, I am pleased to say that the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund grant has opened for applications.

This grant, set up by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Somerset

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation, aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities.

Community groups previously awarded this grant have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.

I implore local organisations to apply for this worthwhile funding, to reduce anti-social behaviour and make our communities safe.

Children’s races and music to celebrate the royal day Picnic in the Park photos: Mike May

n KEYNSHAM WALKERS ARE WELCOME

Hilly challenge is well worth the effort

WITH the summer walking season upon us, we are now organising two walks each month, one short and the other longer, so we have two walks to report on

For the first, on Sunday April 30, we met at the Fox & Hounds car park to catch the Dial-a-Ride minibus to Hinton, with some of the walkers meeting us there. So 20 set off across the fairly flat fields towards Dyrham.

Although there had been rain the previous days, this section of the walk was fairly mud-free. This changed as we approached Dyrham - the original route became waterlogged and we had to take to the country lanes to find our way back to Hinton.

This section of the route, called Cock Lane, was very hilly, and several stops had to be made, not only to admire the views but also to catch our breath. We arrived back at The Bull to recover with a welcome drink before catching the minibus back to Keynsham.

The second walk, a week later, was a very different affair. Again we

caught the minibus, this time to Compton Dando, where we again teamed up with walkers who had made their own way there. This walk was taken from a forthcoming book detailing the local brass industry, which includes five walks and one cycle route where people can see first hand

the extent of the industry in the region. We chose the five-mile circular route from Compton Dando to Woollard and on to Publow, coming back along the other side of the River Chew.

Because of the previous day‘s rain, care had to be exercised along the early section as the route was

very muddy, but it was worth it for the display of flora and fauna. Although there were some muddy sections along the rest of the route, the going was a lot easier.

A diversion was made to Publow to see the pool and the church grounds, which include Acker Bilk’s grave.

Heading back through Woollard for a second time, we made the steady climb up to Catsley Wood, which offered lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

We then dropped steeply down through Park Copse, where we were treated to a spectacular display of bluebells and wild garlic.

The Compton Inn was a welcome sight, and we waited there for the minibus back to Keynsham. Everyone said it was one of the most picturesque walks we have done.

Our next walk is on Sunday June 11, starting at the Memorial Park gates at 10am, when we shall make a shorter jaunt to Manor Road Woodlands and back. Anyone can join us and it is free.

Taking a break in the very hilly Cock Lane

n

The legacy of John Nelson Fear

ONE of Keynsham’s longestablished venues for social events and performance groups is the Fear Hall, near the north end of the High Street. The formal name of the building is the JN Fear Institute, but the origin of the name and the building is not widely known.

John Nelson Fear was born on 2 August 1839, the son of Samuel Fear and his wife Sarah. At the time of his marriage in 1862 he was a plumber like his father and also worked as a glazier. Clearly a man of ambition and determination, John Fear worked his way up in society and became secretary of the Keynsham Gas Company, whose premises were at the bottom of Dapps Hill in Keynsham, and also clerk to Keynsham Parish Council.

He was a typical Victorian gentlemen, being described by Charles Abbot, one of his executors, as a man of strong character, outspoken and exceedingly tenacious. Mr Abbott said that, with his voluntary duties and his public work, John Fear had touched all spheres of village activity. He was a keen cricketer and, to use this as a metaphor, was described as neither spectacular nor brilliant but a man of integrity and a plodder. When batting, he was a ‘stone-wailer’; he never hit a boundary and his score mounted by ones and twos. He was rarely bowled but generally caught.

His religious convictions were strong and John Fear was a member of the Victoria Methodist Church, where he was the leader of a Bible class for young men. However, later in life he had a disagreement with the Church over their decision to introduce electric lighting. As a result, in his will, after

providing for his wife during her lifetime, he left most of his estate not to the church but to set up an institute bearing his name.

His will described the purpose precisely, with a building to be constructed and equipped to be used in perpetuity for reading, entertainment, meeting, and recreation rooms and club for the use of the residents in the Parish of Keynsham and otherwise for the benefit and enjoyment of the inhabitants.

At the time of his death in 1917 he was the owner of two houses, numbers 30 and 32 High Street, Keynsham. His widow died in 1922, and the value of the remaining estate then amounted to £6,000.

The will had appointed five trustees and by December 1925 they had established the institute as a charity. The funds were not enough to build the hall as required, so the trustees were faced with the dilemma of building something lesser or investing the

is today

money to obtaining more capital. They decided on the latter course, leading many in Keynsham to think that the institute was a dream that would never come true. But they were wrong.

Prudent investing saw the capital grow to £9,500 and the trustees then commissioned a young architect, Ivor Day, to prepare plans for the building. Building commenced in 1935, and the opening ceremony, performed by Captain Norman of the Bristol YMCA, was held on 7 April 1937, when it was reported that the hall was filled and many reluctantly had to be refused admission.

The story of the institute since completion is perhaps one for another article, but the charity continues to be run by five successor trustees and remains an independent establishment; the various rooms provide a valuable asset used by many groups and individuals in the town.

Richard Dyson

FUTURA Learning Partnership has confirmed it intends to increase pre-school provision in Keynsham to meet local needs.

The trust already runs the 3-2-4 playgroup on the Chandag schools campus and plans to extend this early-years education and childcare offer.

It is expected the expansion will double the number of places available for three and four-yearolds at the campus.

Families will be able to select part-time provision of 15 hours a week or full-time of 30 hours. Pre-school and after-school childcare will also be available.

The trust says it is working with Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Department for Education on proposals for high quality, teacher-led provision and hopes to announce start dates and more information, including admissions criteria, later in the summer.

The decision to expand follows a survey carried out by Futura Learning Partnership which established a high level of demand from families for early-years provision following the closure of some other local provision.

The trust says it is committed to offering seamless education for children aged two to 19, and already has a pre-school working closely with Chandag Infant School and wraparound childcare on the site, so the increase in provision was considered to be the right action to take to serve the community.

John Nelson Fear in a portrait by Walter Gilliard Courtesy of Donald Ogg The Fear Institute as it

Court rules out airport campaigners’ appeal

CAMPAIGNERS have lost their battle to stop Bristol Airport from expanding.

The High Court had previously ruled that the plans could go ahead after a long legal battle, but Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) appealed against the decision.

Now the Court of Appeal has decided that the appeal has “no real prospect of success”.

The airport, which plans to increase capacity from 10 to 12 million passengers a year and improve its facilities, has welcomed the outcome.

It said: “The decision is excellent news for our region’s economy, allowing us to create thousands of new jobs in the years ahead and open up new direct links, and support inbound tourism.

“We will now take forward our multi-million-pound plans for net zero operations by 2030.”

Bristol Airport Action Network said of the decision: “This now gives Bristol Airport the opportunity to go ahead with its expansion plans, thus ignoring the views of local communities and democratic institutions.

“Let it be known that we are not going away. We know Bristol Airport has insane plans for further expansion to cater for up to 20 million passengers a year.

“We will be vigilant for their next planning application with a view to be ready to resist their ambitions to expand further.”

Keynsham campaigners are among those who had opposed the airport’s plans, holding a protest march through the town and public meetings.

Rich Prior, of Keynsham Extinction Rebellion, previously described the High Court’s decision to allow the plans as “catastrophic news for the planet.”

THIS photograph is taken from the Russell Leitch collection of colour slides. It shows the Zion Primitive Methodist Chapel, also known as ‘Billy Wiltshire’s Chapel’, built at the junction of Temple Street and Albert Road in 1861, with all the work being done by members of the congregation.

The last service was held on the 15th May 1958, after which the congregation moved to the new Methodist church on Queen’s Road. The Elim Pentecostal church then used the building for a few years before moving to their Balmoral Road site; the Zion Chapel was demolished on 1st October 1966.

Masons give £3,000 to autism charity

KEYNSHAM charity Butterflies Haven, which supports families of children with autism, has received a £3,000 donation from local Masons.

Alison Smith, the charity’s manager, is pictured with Brian Hook, charity steward, Paul Giblin, worshipful master, and Derek Francis, treasurer, from the Masons’ Abbey Lodge in Bath Road, Keynsham.

Alison said: “With the wonderful support from this donation, we can provide the children and their families with opportunities for days out during the summer holidays and for activities during sessions.

“The children are going to have a lovely summer as we are planning day trips for all the families that come to us.”

Some of the money will also go towards musical equipment.

Butterflies Haven runs sessions on Mondays for those aged 12-18, 7pm to 8.30pm. Sessions for those aged three to 11 are held on Fridays, 5.45pm-6.45pm and 7pm-8pm. For more information, email info@butterflieshaven.com or visit Butterflies-haven.com l

Ordeal of another High Street casualty

I’M writing on behalf of Enid Norton, aged 84, who took a heavy fall on May 16 opposite Coffee One on the Keynsham High Street.

It was about 11am and Enid cut her forehead, nose and hands –there was quite a lot of blood.

Fortunately, a paramedic and a nurse were very quickly there to help Enid, who was really distressed.

I got wet wipes from another lady while the ambulance was called. As she lay waiting for the ambulance, I promises I would write to you about her fall – she was crying at this stage.

This is the fourth accident my husband Mike and I have witnessed. This situation must change. We feel someone will die.

The council must sort out this terrible situation before it’s too late.

Mandy and Mike Smith

Editor’s note: Bath and North East Somerset Council has previously stated the High Street redesign meets national safety standards but that it has commissioned a further road safety review.

Solution to the ‘optical illusion’

WITH reference to the cycle lane on Keynsham High Street, I feel the problem is an optical illusion

caused by the white line and the secondary kerb, which should have not been installed.

A main drop kerb is all that is required, with a single line to designate the cycle lane.

My other concerns are that there are a lot more trip hazards in the High Street caused by loose paving and broken slabs, notably alongside Iceland and the wine bar.

R Earle

Where were the flags for our king?

REALLY disappointed to travel past the infamous worst cycle lane in the UK today (Friday May 5) to find not a single flag flying for the crowning of our new King and Queen.

I find it really sad that the 40th monarchy, of King Charles the Third, won’t have much pageantry on show in Keynsham High Street.

A big thumbs-up for all the shops that have made the effort to brighten up their window displays. At least there was the Picnic in the Park to look forward to.

Mooncat Grenadier

An honour to serve for another term

THANK you to all involved in the recent local elections. It is an honour to have been elected to serve as councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council for all

the villages of Saltford ward.

We look forward to working with the four parish councils in our ward area.

The role of a ward councillor is to help residents access B&NES services, contribute to the development of policy both at ward level and across the local authority, and use the position to help champion our local ward area.

Some of our ward area belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall Estate and there are strong links between villages and the Royal family. We share their joy, celebrations, and hopes for the future on the coronation of King Charles III.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell (Lib Dem, Saltford ward)

Cllr Alison Streatfeild-James (Lib Dem, Saltford ward)

Find the cash for better play park

I READ recently that the top play park in Keynsham Memorial Park was under consultation for improvements. At last!

I am now Nana taking our grandchild to use the same, very tired, very boring play equipment. It is beyond me why this consultation has taken so long, when there is the space, amenities and enough service users to warrant a park on a par with Bath’s Royal Victoria Park.

In fact, with the volume of

easy, cheap, and close parking in Keynsham, along with the park’s very near proximity to the High Street, I would argue it could become more popular than Royal Victoria play park. In turn, the High Street’s shops, coffee shops and food outlets would all benefit greatly.

So, Keynsham/B&NES councils, can some money be found for this venture? Or is it all going on temporary traffic lights?

Martha Crang

Children suffer as the system fails

THERE are children not even having the chance of a nursery place before they start school. This must be a very unfair situation to both the children and the parents.

This also applies to the lack of support for those children with autism - constantly fobbed off with the excuses of simply not enough staff.

I understand that the nurseries are privately funded. One small child whose mother works in a hospital and supported those with Covid can’t get help. The child is nearly four years old.

Not enough school helpers for autistic children - they do deserve to go to school and nursery if possible.

Children are constantly bearing the brunt of failures in the system.

Helen M Dudden, Saltford

Photo: Pete Ricketts

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Our new technology can detect retinal disease

NORVILLE Opticians now offers revolutionary technology for retinal disease detection to patients in Keynsham.

The optomap introduces a new standard of care as part of a comprehensive eye exam. It creates a 200-degree digital image of the retina which is much wider than a traditional 45-degree image.

“I am extremely pleased to offer this technology to my patients,” said Rachel Moore, lead optometrist at Norvilles.

“Most patients feel they should only be examined when they need a change in prescription. In reality, one of the most important parts of the examination is determining the health of the retina.

“The optomap provides us with a permanent digital image which I can manipulate and magnify to have the most comprehensive view of the back of the eye in order to better and more effectively discover abnormalities that may be present.”

The image, captured in less than half a second, is performed quickly and easily, which enables practitioners to spend more time diagnosing and educating rather than gathering information.

Early detection of retinal abnormality may lead to earlier and safer treatments and in many cases prevent vision loss.

An optomap should be performed annually regardless of symptoms, thereby allowing doctors to observe subtle changes occurring as their patients age.

Since its inception, millions of optomap images have been taken worldwide, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of serious eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular degeneration, and other pathologies like melanomas.

For more information, please visit www.optos.com, or to schedule an optomap examination, please phone Norville Keynsham on 01179865066.

NEWS

Take a seat in Temple Street

Parklets like this are due to be placed on the east side of Temple Street as part of the area’s revamp

NEW planters, parklets and cycle parking were due to be installed in Keynsham’s Temple Street this month.

They are being placed on the side of the street where the town council offices are located. This will conclude the public realm works for the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone.

The scheme has also involved laying a new pavement on the opposite side of the street, which finished ahead of schedule.

Parking was reintroduced and temporary traffic lights removed at the end of April so the street could be fully reopened.

A recent update from the project team stated that a few “small tasks” remained, such re-oiling the recycled benches outside Simply Carpets and the completion of a road safety audit. The team thanked residents, business and landowners for their patience and support during the construction programme.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Slimmer Sally sheds 15 stone

A FORMER Keynsham midwife who once tipped the scales at more than 26 stone has made a new life for herself after losing an astonishing 15-and-a-half stone.

Sally Offer, 56, spent years caring for others while her own health took a back seat and eventually left her career when she found that the physical side of delivering babies had become incredible demanding.

Realising she needed to put herself first, Sally joined Slimming World after hearing how many expectant mums had managed their weight during pregnancy due to the healthy, flexible plan.

Sally quickly learned how to change her eating habits and soon found she had more energy than ever.

“Before joining Slimming World, I would snack mindlessly through the day. Now I have three healthy and filling meals which keep me satisfied.

“I cook all of my meals from scratch and enjoy lots more fruit and veg. My favourite meal is a

tasty chicken chow mein – it tastes just as good as a takeaway.

“I have so much more energy now, which is needed with five grandchildren!

“These days I’m busy with swimming, long dog walks and Pilates classes. I started small with all of them and found over time I could do more and more. It’s a running joke that I’m busier now than before I retired!”

Sally, who now weighs a svelte 10 stone 8lb, initially tried to lose weight alone but soon realised she needed support to make lifelong changes.

“I knew some friends had found success with Slimming World and some of my patients had also followed the plan to manage their weight during pregnancy.”

“I plucked up the courage to join my local group – and I’m so glad I did. Everyone there was so welcoming and friendly.”

Sally credits her group in Keynsham for giving her the support she needed to learn about herself and her eating habits.

“Everything I learned about my trigger foods (those foods that I found very difficult not to overeat) and potential pitfalls really helped me to understand myself as a slimmer.

“Two weeks after I reached my target weight, I went on holiday to Portugal with my girlfriends. Imagine my surprise when for the first time in years, I didn’t need a seatbelt extender on the aeroplane!”

Sally recently reached the finals of Slimming World’s Greatest Loser competition, which celebrates the success of members who have achieved life-changing weight losses.

Sally’s consultant, Kelly Watts, who runs groups in Keynsham, said: “We could not be prouder of Sally. She is also the kindest person who wants everyone else to succeed too.

“Her caring nature will never be lost, and we’re so lucky to have her with us in group each week.”

For more information about joining, call Kelly on 07795 951137.

Transformed: Sally Offer, right, celebrates with Kelly Watts, her consultant at Slimming World Below, Sally used to ‘snack mindlessly through the day’

Jubilant Lib Dems keep control of B&NES

THE Liberal Democrats have won a second term running Bath and North East Somerset Council, taking over two thirds of the seats, while the Tories were almost wiped out.

Winning a consecutive term running the council — which has tended to flip between the Conservatives and Lib Dems — was the ambition of council leader Kevin Guy, who said before the election: “Democracy delivers short term vision-ism, and you can’t make fundamental changes to people’s lives unless you are given the opportunity to have two, three terms.”

In Keynsham East, Andy Wait and Hal MacFie retained their seats for the Lib Dems.

Alex Beaumont and George Leach were elected for the Lib Dems in Keynsham North, where Conservative councillor Brian Simmons lost his seat and fellow Tory member Vic Clarke did not stand.

In Keynsham South, Tory Alan Hale was re-elected and Labour’s Dave Biddleston won

the seat that previous Tory councillor Lisa O’Brien was not defending.

The Lib Dems kept their Saltford seats, where Duncan Hounsell was re-elected and newcomer Alison Streatfeild-James replaced Alastair Singleton, who had stepped down.

In all, 41 seats out of the 59 on B&NES Council went to the Lib Dems, up from 36. The Conservatives went from 10 seats to three. In a final blow for the Tories, the leader of their group on the council, Vic Pritchard, lost his seat in Chew Valley ward.

With five councillors, Labour are now the official opposition. The makeup of the council is: Lib Dems 41, Labour 5, Independents 5, Conservatives 3, Greens 3.

The election for the two seats in Paulton ward was postponed following the death of Green candidate Tim Morgan. It will now be held on June 22.

Keynsham Town Council held elections to fill five seats in each of its three wards.

Keynsham Town Council Councillors

In Keynsham East, the winners were Andy Wait, Hal MacFie, Clive Fricker, Caitlin Brennan and Caroline Leonard (all Lib Dem).

Elected in Keynsham North were Alex Beaumont, David Brassington, Souzan Alenshasy and Martin Woodward (all Lib Dem) and Edmund Cannon (Green).

The winners in Keynsham South were Dave Biddleston, Martin Burton and Chris Davis (all Labour), and Alan Greenfield and Andy Halliday (both Lib Dem).

Hal MacFie replaces Andy Wait as council chair, while Clive Fricker remains vice-chair. Saltford Parish Council’s election was uncontested. The candidates, who all stood as Independents, were Julie Austwick, Dudley Bartlett, Jon Godfrey, David Halton, Emma Hughes, Gary Graveling, Phil Harding, Andy Rice, Paul Smith and Sally Turner. The council still has one more seat to fill.

B&NES election coverage by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

ViceChair

B&NES Lib Dems Alison StreatfeildJames and Duncan Hounsell in Saltford on election day

Carnival art to promote summer fair

TALENTED pupils used their artistic skills to help promote Saltford Primary School’s forthcoming summer fair, its biggest fundraising event of the year.

Entrants in the school’s annual drawing competition were tasked with capturing the fun, vibrant spirit of the fair, as well incorporating its Fiesta de Carnival theme.

The children wowed the judges, who chose Souad, aged 11, from Oak class as overall winner,

alongside runners-up Huxley, 5, of Bumble Bee Class, Lola, 7, of Palm Class, and Alfie, 8, of Sycamore class.

Souad’s winning entry will be used to promote the fair, which takes place on Saturday July 1 from 2pm to 5.30pm.

Rajinder Boucher, PTA committee member and competition organiser, was thoroughly impressed with the huge number of entries received.

She said: “It is so heartening to see the children across the various key stages engaging with the competition and showcasing such fantastic talent.”

A prize bundle of arts and crafts was given to each winner, and the PTA is grateful to Paula Croydon, Tesco Brislington’s community champion, for the donation. The school now looks forward to welcoming visitors to the fair, which is sponsored by local business Clarkson’s.

Road closure looms for sewer scheme

SEWERAGE works are due to start next month on the B3116 Wellsway in Keynsham that will involve closing the road to traffic for up to 12 weeks.

The road will be shut from outside the entrance to the Rockhill Estate to its junction with the Bath Road, outside the New Inn.

Work is scheduled to start on July 24, with traffic being diverted via the A39 and A4.

A traffic order from Bath and North East Somerset Council states the road will only be restricted when traffic signs are in place and may not be affected for the whole duration.

The scheme by Wessex Water involves installing a new gravity relief sewer along a 170-metre stretch of the road near Keynsham Cricket Club, connecting two separate systems in a bid to reduce incidents of

The new sewer being laid on the Wellsway road in Keynsham will help alleviate flooding problems

sewer flooding in nearby streets and homes.

The company says the £500,000 work is being timed to ensure most of it coincides with the school summer holidays,

keeping disruption to local people to a minimum.

Project manager Alex Aulds: “We have met with councils in both Keynsham and Saltford to better understand the impact this road closure will have and ensure the appropriate measures are in place to direct traffic on to the diversion route.

“We are also writing to residents, schools and businesses locally to make them aware of the project and working closely with Keynsham Cricket Club, near to the site of the project, to reduce the impact as much as possible.’’

Wessex Water is also starting another project in the town at the start of next month.

A two-year programme of improvements will begin at the water recycling centre off Broadmead Lane, where £16.5 million is being spent to expand

the site and allow further infrastructure to be installed.

The company says extra equipment will ensure the centre can continue to treat more sewage and then safely return it to the environment, as well as ensuring the treatment of waste water will continue to be carried out to the highest standards.

Project manager Kelvin Brick said: “The refurbishment will also further protect the environment by increasing the site’s capacity to store diluted storm water from combined sewer pipes carrying both rainwater and foul sewage following intense rainfall.

“This will help to reduce instances of storm overflows releasing such untreated water back into the environment automatically.”

The project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.

Drawing competition winners Huxley, Souad, Alfie and Lola celebrate their success - top left, Souad’s winning design will be used to promote Saltford Primary School’s summer fair

Have your say on woodland’s future

RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on a range of possible improvements at Manor Road Community Woodland in Keynsham.

The green space to the east of the town, near Saltford, is a popular and well-used haven between the two communities and is designated as a local nature reserve on green-belt land.

Bath & North East Somerset Council manages the woodland with support from the Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland to conserve its woodland, meadow and water environments, which are home to diverse wildlife and plant species.

New housing developments in and around Keynsham are likely to increase the number of people who use the woodland, so the council plans to fund improvements to ensure the space benefits the community and protects resident wildlife for the future.

The improvement works will be funded by Section 106 payments which councils receive from developers to improve local amenities for new and existing residents.

The proposals include:

l Improvements to gates and entrances and resurfaced pathways to improve safety and increase accessibility.

l Footpath signage and boundary marking to make wayfinding easier.

l New seating to provide more places to rest and relax in the woodland.

l A small car park for visitors with mobility needs and to encourage visitors from further away.

l New natural play facilities such as wobble beams, den-building and rope swings.

l A new pond and improvements to the existing pond, with features to encourage wildlife such as log piles, bug hotels and bird and bat nesting boxes.

Residents are asked to have their say in the consultation to help determine how the Section 106 funding will be spent.

Feedback received will also help inform a new management plan for the woodland.

The consultation is already under way and runs until Friday July 14. Go to bathnes.gov.uk

and search for ‘Manor Road Community Woodland’.

The Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland say they are delighted that money has become available to spend on the woodland.

A spokesperson said: “Our group works hard to maintain this beautiful natural space but there are structural tasks that would benefit from investment.

“The paths around the woodland can get very muddy in winter and this is something we would be particularly keen to see addressed, as well as improving accessibility for wheelchair users.

“The maintenance of gates, wooden walkways and dry stone walling could be considered, and the pond area is also in need of some work. If you pay it a visit right now you will find it full of life, but over the past few years it has become quite silted up and struggles to hold onto any water over the hot summer months.

“We hope that those of you who use the woodland will share your thoughts and ideas as

The Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland at workthey have welcomed the prospect of extra funding to enhance the popular green haven

part of the consultation, and help to ensure a positive future for this special community space.”

The history of Manor Road Community Woodland includes more than 19,000 trees and shrubs having been planted on the 21-hectare site since 1993, with grant aid from the Forestry Commission.

A wildflower meadow was

planted in 2005 and a pond provides feeding and breeding sites for local wildlife.

A number of agencies and organisations have helped to finance maintenance and improvement work in the woodland in previous years, including B&NES Council, the Countryside Agency, Forest of Avon, Avon Valley Partnership, Keynsham Town Council and the Woodland Trust.

l The Friends of Manor Road Comunity Woodland welcome new members. They work in the woodland on the last Sunday of the month.

Their next sessions are on June 25 and July 30, when the volunteers will meet at 9.30am by the first gate into the Top Woods, on Manor Road coming from Keynsham (BS31 1SF).

Anyone interested can get in touch via the Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland page on Facebook.

Keynsham Parish Church,St John’s 7:30pm doors open 6:45pm

Music Man Project

with guests an d KEYNSHAM goodafter noon

Conductor Grenville JONES

Keynsham Good Afternoon Choir meet EVERY WEDNESDAY at the Keynsham Methodist Church / Victoria Centre from 2-4pm. NO AUDITIONS - come along and meet us!

www.goodafternoonchoir.org

Mencap celebrates 45 fantastic years

KEYNSHAM Mencap will celebrate its 45th birthday with an afternoon of family fun and festivities next month.

The event – at the Riverside Inn, Saltford, on Saturday July 8 – will be a chance to honour the charity’s achievements and thank its supporters.

The bar will be open and there will be a Caribbean kitchen, pizzas, live music, raffle, bouncy castle, face-painting, stalls and a play area.

This event is open to all members and their families, staff and supporters, and runs from 12pm to 4pm.

Keynsham Mencap has also been celebrating a number of other milestones.

Operations manager Laura Jefferies was treated to a surprise meal to mark her 15 years with the charity.

She said: “I have the best job in the world and can’t believe I am fortunate enough to get to do something I love every day.”

This year also marks 10 years since the arrival of treasurer Russ Pocock, who recently won one of Keynsham Town Council’s Good Citizen Awards.

And one of the charity’s clubs, the Music Man Project, celebrated its fifth anniversary by holding a concert, as well as performing on the Keynsham Memorial Park bandstand during the Picnic in the Park event to celebrate the royal coronation.

The Music Man Project would like to thank all the local musicians and groups who

donated funds recently; Jenny Rakoczi and all at City Sounds, who held a collection after a concert celebrating their 10th anniversary; John Sandford and the Stray Dogs and Viva Vocals, who donated ticket costs and held a bucket collection; and also Choir Jam, who donated part of their ticket sales.

Keynsham Mencap are also grateful for a £500 donation from the Jubilee Chapter Rose

Croix in the town. Donations like at this enable the charity to continue giving members of its nine clubs a fun and safe place for friendship.

l Learning disabilities week, which runs from June 19 to 25, will highlight the remarkable things members can do and achieve.

For example, some members from Club 25 recently went on holiday to the New Forest, where

they visited a falconry and reptile centre, a car museum and a theme park.

They also visited the beach, played adventure golf, sang karaoke and played bingo. And some even braved a zipwire from the end of Bournemouth Pier across the sea.

Volunteers week, due to run from June 1 to 7, is a chance to acknowledge the contribution volunteers make in the community.

Kath Dawson, chair of Keynsham Mencap and volunteer on the holiday, said: “If only we could bottle up the moments of joy experienced by each individual. I know the holidays enrich my life and I’m grateful to be able to be involved.”

The charity is always looking for volunteers across its nine clubs. To offer your help or find out more, email laura@ keynshammencap.org.uk.

Keynsham Mencap enjoying their group holiday to the New Forest - some intrepid members, right, braved a zipwire ride from Bournemouth Pier

Laura Jefferies, left, and Good Citzen Award winner Russ Pocock, right, have both celebrated milestones with Keynsham Mencap

The Music Man Project entertaining the coronation crowds from the Keynsham Memorial Park bandstand

Let’s make this the best music festival of all!

PLANNING for this year’s Keynsham Music Festival – which runs from Monday June 26 to Sunday July 2is now complete and we can’t wait to share what we have been working on.

Thanks to a great deal of work by all the volunteers, this might just be our biggest and best festival yet.

We are excited to be able to showcase some truly amazing events and performances to bring our community together in what, for many of us, has been a difficult period.

Our sincere thanks go to the town council, which continues to be so supportive. We also owe a huge thanks to all the local businesses that have been so generous in providing us with much-needed sponsorship.

We also continue to rely very heavily on your donations at the gate, so please be as generous as you can.

What can you look forward to this year? As always, we hope we have catered for all tastes – here are some of the many highlights.

We have teamed up with the Youth Development Team to bring a brand-new festival within a festival. The Nova Youth Arts Festival has been developed by young people for young people and will cater for 11 to 19 year olds in their own stretch-tent. It will comprise areas for performance, workshops, exhibitions, and a place just to chill out.

There will be a launch party on Friday June 30 and planned events/workshops all weekend.

Also joining us for the first time are Keynsham & Saltford Eco Festival – between 20 and 30 stalls providing information, ideas, and fun ways to look after our planet.

Mozart’s Don Giovanni (in the Park on Thursday June 29) by festival favourites Opera in a Box. A chance to see this famous opera performed in English in a Big Top – an evening not to be missed.

Comedy in the Park – A host of local comedians in the Big Top (Thursday June 29) with special guest Gavin Osborn! This event is raising money for not only the festival but also for Julian House (which provides opportunities for homeless people).

Seize the Day + Gecko – (in the Park on Friday June 30). After they have played all the major UK festivals, we are delighted to welcome the band to Keynsham as part of the Eco Festival.

Memory Café – outside of our normal opening time (Friday June 30), there will be a dedicated area for those living with dementia - together with their families and support carers. It will be a safe space to relax and meet other people in the same situation. It will be a space where memories of music and colour will play such an important role. Access by (free) ticket only.

See our website keynshammusicfestival.co.uk for details and tickets.

We also have a jam-packed weekend in the Memorial Park (see panel opposite).

There are even more week events to announce, so do keep an eye out on social media!

We are sure you can all appreciate the time and hard work that our volunteers have put in to organise such an amazing festival. Please, please be as generous as you can with your donations.

See you all in the Park!

The festival will once again be aiming high for all the family

Saturday July 1

Family Festival – celebrating all the best in local contemporary performance art, it will include entertainment the whole family can enjoy, workshops, climbing wall, circus, walkabout and street entertainers, and a community stage. Circomedia will again showcase their students’ work. This year we welcome back KLOGS who, together with the Phoenix Youth Theatre group, will be performing a wide selection of musical delights. Especially for younger children, we are delighted to welcome Super Pirates. They will also be around on Sunday too!

You may remember that last year we saw torrential rain for the Family Festival. Fingers crossed that will not happen this year but, if it does, all the activities will be under shelter!

ArtZones – dedicated areas where we encourage you to take part in the production of unique Keynsham art – artists will be on hand to help and guide you. The Youth Team will lead the building of an art installation from natural willow. There will also be a chance to try your hand at spray paint art and to see the work of our many talented local artists in the ArtSpace Gallery. ArtZones are sponsored by Flourish of Glenavon.

Wellbeing Village – bringing together more than 20 local practitioners to showcase and provide a chance to try out many ways to a healthier life –whether through mindfulness, diet, or exercise. This will be your chance to experience different forms of yoga, pilates and massage. Hear the mesmerising sounds of Tibetan singing bowls.

Folk Festival – hear some of the best performers and be prepared to leave preconceptions behind, because there will be some surprises. Enjoy an evening of high-energy music and dance.

Duck Race – not one but two! This festival tradition is back thanks to the Lions.

Grounded Garden Stage – a laidback opportunity to soak up some acoustic performances.

Bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society – we are absolutely delighted to welcome, for the first time, this renowned group of players, who will be performing The Mikado. This promises to be very special.

Sunday July 2

Four Music Stages – catering for all musical tastes, we have an amazing line-up of top performers. You are going to be well and truly spoilt for choice.

Dance Stage – a mix of all forms of dance, from traditional to current contemporary styles. Due to such a success last year, we have another professional ballet performance! A special mention for the organiser of the dance stage –congratulations to Tricia Veale, who celebrates 50 years of providing dance tuition to Keynsham!

Circomedia – aerial circus skills at their finest from up-and-coming performance artists.

ArtZones – as above.

Creative Arena – an afternoon for young people with the Super Pirates!

Duck Race – yes, that makes three!

Food Arena – we have food vendors to suit all tastes.

Bars – The Old Bank Bar near the Bandstand Stage will be renamed “Simon’s Bar” in memory of Simon Sherwell, who was such a big help in enabling us to make local bars such a big part of today’s festival.

Silver celebration and a cycling adventure

SCOUTS are famous for achieving badges. While there are many for individual subjects, the really challenging awards are those which have several different subjects and are not achieved overnight. In Beavers it is the bronze award, in Cubs it’s silver, in Scouts it’s gold.

So we are delighted to share the news that so far in 2023 five Cubs from our Cotswold Pack have achieved their silver award - Stanley, Leo, Ellis, Joshua and Charlie. Congratulations to them all.

n What makes a Scout leader special? Someone said recently that “Scout leaders do not volunteer when they have the time, they volunteer and make the time” - an interesting thought. Could you make the time? If so, we would love to chat with you.

Our leaders prove that by being flexible they can share skills to encourage and develop our young people. Last month cycling was a feature; in one troop it was bike maintenance before a cycling adventure, in another it was exploring Bath by bike.

What will the next adventure be - cycling, hiking, kayaking, caving, painting or camping? We seek volunteers for all, no experience required, just someone who can make some time.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact scouts@1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk

n Thank you to all our readers who supported the Keynsham Explorer unit online plant sale. This

was the 31st year of the sale and it proved to be a massive success, with orders maximising what could be supplied, hence no sales on the day. The result was more than £1,500 raised for the Explorer unit. We hope lots of our customers will now have great gardens and we would encourage them to enter the Keynsham In Bloom competition this year (see Page 29).

n As we go to press, there are still some places available for our fundraising summer clay pigeon shoot on June 10 and 11 at Chelwood campsite. Visit www.1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk/ clay for details and to book your place.

Charlie, Joshua and Stanley celebrate their Chief Scout’s Silver Awards

Ready to roll - Scouts enjoying a bike outing in Bath

Getting to grips with some bike maintenance before a ride

Traditional village fete to return

COMPTON Dando’s popular village fete returns on Saturday July 1.

The event on Glebe field, opposite St Mary’s Church, runs from 2pm to 5pm and will include traditional games, a coconut shy, bric-a-brac stalls, live music, a duck race and community raffle.

Raffle prizes this year will include tickets to the Gloucestershire vs New Zealand T20 cricket match.

The church will be open for visits to the bell tower, and the village hall will offer cakes, teas and coffees.

Pictured right, Gary Pearce giving visitors tractor rides at last year’s fete

Left, Lorna Howarth being presented with two rosettes for her preserves by young William.

l Photos: Ros Anstey

POETRY CORNER Banishing the Blues PEN TO PAPER How We Danced

If you’re ever down and blue Just think, someone feels worse than you. Fill your mind with happy thoughtsWith memories which can’t be bought.

Look to the sky, gaze at a star, Letting your mind wander afar. Seek for a pathway out of your woe And beyond it you may find your dark mood will go.

Recount the beauties in our precious world, There’s much joy awaiting, as yet unfurled. And count your blessings, one by one, Until those sad old blues have gone.

Sylvia Kirby

SNIPPETS

Scenes from Keynsham life

A FRIEND of ours, a neighbour since we moved in nearly 20 years ago, recently moved away. She offered us anything in her garden she wasn’t taking with her.

‘Do you want to use these stones at your new place?’

‘What for?’

‘Stepping stones?’

‘Ah, no, no…’

… until we overturned one packed with snack-sized ammonites that had somehow survived all the predatory lizards of the Jurassic period to wind up in her garden.

She immediately declared this unofficial emblem was going with her to her new home. A treasured reminder of Keynsham.

Isaac Glynn

Save the date for festive run

Remember when we used to dance, how we’d flounce and we’d pounce and we’d prance, like moths joined in flight, we would dance through the night –now, we never get much of a chance.

Like sycamore seeds on the wind, we’d fly, and we’d spiral and spin, how we strutted and strolled, and we rocked and we rolled –now, we wouldn’t know where to begin.

Like flames on the fires of hell, we danced as if under a spell, how we grinded and grooved and meandered and moved –now, alas, we can’t move quite as well. Without worries, misgivings or fears, we would go up and down through the gears, we’d bounce and we’d bump and we’d jerk and we’d jump –now, we haven’t been jumping in years. Like a mayfly’s first day in the sun, how we twirled and we whirled and we spun, we’d swing and we’d sway and get carried away –but today, all our dancing is done. Like autumn leaves caught in a squall, how we’d twist and we’d turn and we’d fall, we’d find and explore every carpet and floor –now, I think that we’ve danced on them all. Remember when we used to dance, how we danced as if under a trance, in our endless delight, we would dance every night –now, we never get much of a chance.

Vyv Nugent

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

ORGANISERS of the Saltford Santa Dash are asking people to save the date for this year’s event on Sunday December 3.

Entrants have a choice of three distances - one mile, five kilometres or five miles.

This year’s event will raise money for local charities Butterflies Haven and Time is Precious.

Butterflies Haven supports families affected by autism, providing a safe space for children and young people with an autism spectrum condition.

Time is Precious supports children and their families in hospital and at home. It works alongside specialists to buy equipment and refurbish areas for children whose illness or disability means long hospital stays, or children who need this extra support to be cared for at home.

The Santa Dash relies on people registering as runners or volunteers, as well as local businesses and community organisations to provide sponsorships and resources so the event runs smoothly.

Anyone who can help is asked to email saltfordsantadash@gmail. com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Early years specialist service is coming to Keynsham

FROM September, the Broadlands School site in Francis Road, Keynsham, will the new home for BOP, the early years specialist service.

BOP provides early years education and therapeutic services to children with additional needs from Bath and North East Somerset. It is funded through a contract with the local authority.

Early years practitioners and family support staff work closely with parents, carers, mainstream early years settings and health professionals to provide an environment where staff work in partnership to promote good practice in inclusion.

The focus is to help children who present with delayed development access timely therapy and support to make progress.

The service is run by First Steps,

Books inspire art display

an independent charity supporting children in their early years to secure the best outcomes.

Children are usually referred to BOP by a paediatrician, health visitor or other professional, but parents can self-refer.

Children may have a diagnosed condition or be going through the diagnoses process. All children supported by BOP present with developmental delay and difficulties in acquiring skills other children take for granted.

If you want more information or wish to work or volunteer for BOP, please visit our website at https://www.firststepsbath.org.uk/ specialist-services/bath-opportunitypre-school.

For more information about First Steps, call 01225 444791.

ARTISTIC students from Wellsway School saw their work go on display at Keynsham Library.

The young people’s creations were inspired by books they had read under a scheme called Book Buzz, which has been running at the school for the last few years.

Every student in Years 7 and 8 at the school was able to choose one of 15 books thanks to funding from Wellsway’s parent-teacher association. They

were then tasked with creating a Dazzle Me artwork based on what they had read.

Winning entries from each class went through to a final round for judging by PTA members, governors, English teachers and the school’s principal, Rob Pearsall, with the best being selected for exhibition at the library.

The winners were: Year 7, Robin L, Louie C, Jack W; Year 8, Oliver F, Immy S and Luca W.

n KEYNSHAM IN BLOOM

Get creative for our birthday celebration!

KEYNSHAM In Bloom is 15 years old. To celebrate the occasion, we are encouraging residents to get creative with their gardens, vegetable plots, hanging baskets and pots designs by using recycled, waste and second-hand material items.

To include your garden in our trail map, please pop into the Keynsham Town Council offices in Temple Street to collect an entry form. Gardens should be displayed from July 2 to August 25.

Also coming up is our annual competition, where we award a certificate to every entrant – we are not expecting Chelsea standards.

Entry forms are again available from the town council office.The closing date is June 23.

There are many lovely gardens growing vegetables and flowers in Keynsham so please show your hard work to encourage other new gardeners to be involved.

Updates on our various projects are as follows:

The Pocket Park is full of flowers but we have to stay on our guard to keep the weeds under control.

The grass was left long and lush for No Mow May to encourage insects but was due to be cut at the beginning of June. We will have a picnic table and the hopscotch will be refreshed ready for families to bring their sandwiches to these peaceful surroundings.

Our train station gardens are blooming with a large selection of herbaceous plants, and the memorial train and containers

look lovely. The alpine tubs outside Holmoak shops are looking healthy and well maintained, as are the containers at Queens Road shops.

Our five High Street planters - the black square ones, two outside the old fire station and one each outside St John’s Church, Poundland and the new Mokka restaurant - are approaching their summer bedding and this job is high on the agenda of works.

KIB are always looking for volunteers so if you feel like getting involved with just the occasional hour of your time, please either pop into the town council offices or email either Dawn Drury at keynshaminbloom@icloud.com or myself at catherinemarywoodman@ gmail.com

Enjoy our lovely early summer days and keep gardening.

Mary Woodman

Mary, Lin and Alan at Keynsham Station Jenny, Anne J, Anne D and Joy at the Pocket Park

Butterflies and orchids ready to shine

THE first 20 days of June are ones to savour as the daylight hours increase until the summer solstice, which is the day with the longest period of daylight hours in the northern hemisphere.

We may think that spring has had a slow start, but our native plants and wildlife have taken advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures. Some garden birds have already raised the first brood of the season, while Mason bees have been busy laying eggs in bee houses and filling the holes with their own mix of mortar to protect them.

A few butterflies have been visible, but with the warmer days of June and the blooming of flowers they feed on, it is more likely that you will see them.

Locally, Manor Road Community Woodland is a good place to see butterflies on a warm afternoon. If you are lucky, you could see Brimstone, Holly Blue, Comma, Peacock and Speckled Wood and perhaps ponder on what it would be like to see more butterflies in our own gardens.

June is also a good month for spotting orchids, which are a delight. If you have not seen an orchid in the wild before, it is helpful if you have an experienced botanist to show what you are looking at.

Some are surprisingly common. The Common Spotted Orchid is one you are most likely to see as it

ON THE BEAT

Make a date with the Festival of Nature

Watch out for the 20th Festival of Nature, June 9 to 18, with lots of activities in Bristol and Bath, as well as a ‘BioBlitz’ at Somerdale, Keynsham, on Saturday June 10. Everyone is welcome to come along to this fascinating and educational event. Check the website for more information - https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/. Many of the festival activities are free, easy to get to, feature some well-known presenters, and some are online.

grows in a variety of habitats. It has dark shiny leaves which are spotted with purple oval markings and a delicate pink flower spike.

The Pyramid Orchid is a small orchid that has pink flower spike forms creating a pyramidal shape. It also grows in a variety of

locations and flowers in June and July, with its densely packed flower spike holding up to 100 flowers. The rarer orchids will only ever grow in very particular sites because, although they produce many thousands of tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind, they

are only able to germinate if a particular mycorrhizal fungus is present in the place where they land. It is both illegal and pointless to disturb orchids as they will not survive away from their chosen site.

Sadly, butterflies have declined by a staggering 80% since the 1980s. The reasons for this catastrophic decline are a lethal combination of habitat loss, ever more complex pesticide, herbicide and fungicide use, chemical and light pollution, and climate change. It may seem impossible for individuals to address declines in the abundance of wildlife, but there are many sources of information and advice on how you can help.

Avon Wildlife Trust’s website https://www.avonwildlifetrust. org.uk/ is most useful. Specific information on moths and butterflies can be found at the website of Butterfly Conservationhttps://butterfly-conservation.org/.

For further details on our group, visit our website at www.keynshamawt.org, email keynshamawt@gmail.com or phone Kathy on 07850 508702.

Andrew Harrison and Julia Shahin

Let’s make sure we lock out the night-time criminals

AT this time of year, we generally see a force-wide rise in reported crimes. In Keynsham, one of our notable increases is in acquisitive crime. We are seeing more reports of people hearing people creeping around through the night and into the early mornings.

There are several things we all can do, such as checking we have locked all doors and windows, not only on the ground floor but anywhere easily accessible. Sheds and outbuildings should be sufficiently protected by locks, outside lighting or even CCTV.

If you are a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, make sure your details are up to date so you are receiving the latest information they issue. And if you are not a member, it might be

with PC James Evans

worth joining one or setting one up. If you are interested in this, please visit the community pages of the Avon and Somerset police website and enquire about the steps to follow.

If you see or hear anything suspicious, please report it to us so we can use this information to build up a pattern of behaviour by

criminals, which helps us combat their activities.

The other incidents regularly reported to us are the theft and location of stolen mopeds. These appear to be taken when they have limited security measures to protect them.

Motorbikes and mopeds are easily stolen when not properly secured. If they are in a garage or outbuilding, I would suggest extra security on the building itself as well as the bike.

The use of ground anchors, heavy-duty chains and disc locks can prevent thefts or slow down offenders in the hope we can catch them. Remember that to have a £20 lock on a £5,000 bike is probably not a suitable method of security.

n As the weather improves, we look forward to using our outdoor spaces, social and community clubs, buildings, bars and pubs. We receive a number of complaints from people who live near these venues and are disturbed by rowdy revellers as they leave. Let’s be considerate towards those living close by keeping the noise down when we go home.

n I hope you have been able to catch up with the Neighbourhood Policing Team in the few events we have been able to attend, from the coronation picnic in the Memorial Park to the face-to-face events we have held ourselves in and around Keynsham. We aim to be more visible through the summer, so if you see us out and about, please come and chat.

Spotted Wood butterfly (Martin Farrell)

Common Spotted Orchid (Peter O’Connor)

CORONATION CELEBRATIONS

Three Kings and lots of cake!

THE coronation weekend’s Three Kings exhibition and teas at St Mary’s Church in Compton Dando was so successful that the event ran out of cake.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “We did raise £275 over the two days, which will go to help pay for the repair of St Mary’s Church roof.”

The Three Kings display, created Joy Webb, was full of information and

photos of the three King Charles who have ruled our country.

Joy Webb was also responsible for all the church decorations which, said Jenny, “generated a lot of interest with our tea visitors.”

The church is now open for tea and cakes every Sunday until August 27, as well as the bank holiday on August 28, from 2.30pm to 5pm.

Jenny Davis by the Three Kings display that was put together by Joy Webb

The Sands family, above, from left, Sarah and Matt, with Jessica, Chloe and Molly

Families who enjoyed tea, cakes and the church teddy bears after popping in for an hour or two photos: Ros Anstey

SALTFORD SCOUTS

Teamwork pays off for our busy Beavers and Scouts

SALTFORD Beavers played their part in celebrations for the coronation of King Charles.

As well as making crowns and flags, and playing some royal games, they received wildflower seeds from Saltford Parish Council for planting to mark the event.

The Beavers have also been building mini rafts and floating them in the Unicorn pool. l Scouts have been preparing for their summer camp by practising putting up tents.

There was a twist to the activity - each group had to have a ‘disability’, being either deaf, blind, mute or missing a limb. They then had to work together to get the tents up.

Scarlett greatly enjoyed it,

saying: “I really had to concentrate and respect how hard it must be not being able to have all your senses working.”

The Scouts have also been out with Saltford Wombles keeping the streets free of litter.

l Do you enjoy working with young people and helping them develop skills for life, even at the age of six? If so, our Monday Beavers team would love to hear from you.

Saltford Scouts cannot run without the support of volunteers. If you want a fun, challenging experience and want to work with the Monday Beavers or some of our other young people, please email saltfordscoutgroup@gmail.com

Claire Fallon

Trauma charity’s cash plea

A CHARITY that helps children and young people recover from trauma has launched a £30,000 fundraising campaign.

Trauma Recovery UK opened a specialist therapy centre in Bath in 2011 and has gone on to open other centres across the country.

The Voice reported in 2021 how a local mum took part in a sponsored skydive to thank the charity for its “wonderful, lifechanging work” in helping her daughters cope with the effects of witnessing domestic abuse.

Trauma Recovery UK is now asking people to donate or raise money by taking part in a 5K.

Operations manager

Heather Brown said: “People can run, skip, jump, sail, swim, scoot, cycle or any other way of completing 5K. This is an inclusive campaign which we hope will unite people in the joint mission of seeing lives restored.”

The £30,000 will help for such things as subsidised therapy for children and young people aged three to 25 and therapeutic support for parents/carers of those under 16.

More information about the campaign can be found on Just Giving at https://www. justgiving.com/campaign/ recoveryispossible

The charity’s website is at www.trc-uk.org

n WHAT'S ON

Saturday June 10

n Saltford Village Choir summer concert, ‘Enchanted Evening’, in Saltford Hall, Wedmore Road, 7.30pm, with bar and raffle. Tickets £10, including light refreshments, from 01225 873224 or any choir member.

Sunday June 11

n Keynsham Walkers are Welcome meet at the Memorial Park gates at 10am for a walk to Manor Road Woodlands and back. No charge and all welcome.

Saturday June 24

n Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club charity Caribbean-themed night in the grounds of Elm Park House, Chewton Keynsham. Live music by the Rainbow Steel Band, with bar and barbecue. Outdoor event – please bring your own chairs. Entrance by ticket only, £15 each, available from www. ticketsource.co.uk/rotary-club-ofchelwood-bridge or email rob@ chelwoodbridge.com.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n Tai Chi Shibashi 11am12 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 Bridge Club can now welcome new experienced players to our Monday evening sessions. Contact Pat 01275 835583 or Diane 0117 9861267.

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

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

n ASP Poetry Circle meets every third Monday of the month, 10am11am, Keynsham Library. Meet in the ‘pod’ - up the stairs and straight ahead of you as you can go. Bring two or three of poems to share; your own or other poets’.

Mondays/Thursdays

n Yoga For Men

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

Thursday 7-8pm, mixed ability Saltford Hall, Wansdyke Room, BS31 3BY. Free first class, £8 thereafter.Book online at www. yogadad.co.uk

Mondays/Tues/Weds

n Beginners Pilates for Backs Mondays 5.30pm, Tuesdays 9.30am, Wednesdays 9.30am. Do you find that after sitting down for most of the day that your back feels stiff and achy? Do you feel you should make an effort to move or do some type of exercise but never get around to it? Join Sandhya for this beginners’ Pilates for Backs, Keynsham High Street. To book, call Sandhya on 07565 976 129 or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

Mondays/Fridays

n Butterflies Haven, Keynshambased charity supporting families of children with autism, sessions Mondays 7pm-8pm for ages 1118 and Fridays 5.45pm-6.45pm 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 Badminton - friendly, beginners and improvers, mixed, adult (18 - 80!) group play every Tuesday 10am-12 noon at Keynsham Leisure Centre. Ring Clive 0117 9866793 or just turn up.

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

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 NEW Seated Pilates class Tuesdays at 11-11.40am Saltford Hall - Avon Room, Wedmore Road, Saltford. This class is aimed at anyone who would benefit from an adapted pilates class with a chartered physiotherapist. This includes anyone with a long-term health condition (e.g arthritis or Parkinson’s), loss of confidence or those wanting to get fitter but have difficulty attending a floor-based session. You are welcome to do a trial class first to see if it suits your needs. Cost is £10. Please book your place by contacting Kate 07518 522292 www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

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

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

Wednesdays

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

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.

Thursdays

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 WHAT'S ON

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.

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 - 07518 522292, www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

Thursdays/Fridays

n Complete Beginners’ Yoga for the Inflexible Thursdays 5.30pm, 7pm and 8pm. Friday 1pm. Baptist Church, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS (opposite Boots).

Tired of having a sore neck and tight shoulders? Join our friendly and non-judgmental yoga, pilates, and meditation classes in Keynsham. Our Hatha Yoga classes will help improve your balance, flexibility and reduce stress levels. Our Pilates classes focus on strengthening your whole body and improving core strength. Our classes are down-to-earth, safe and fun. Contact me for more information: Yogakeynsham@ gmail.com, 07565 976 129, or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

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. Upcoming dates: April 8 (Easter Saturday), May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9. 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.

Local talent behind film

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham

Let’s remember there are better Rs than Recycling

I’VE written in this column before about the waste hierarchy, but I was reminded of it when I read about a new report from Greenpeace on plastic pollution.

The report says that recycling plastic can make it more toxic to humans and the environment, so it’s not compatible with the circular economy. Separate research (released to coincide with UN negotiations on a global plastic treaty) found that breaking down plastics for recycling scatters microplastic pollution into the environment.

If that’s the case, should we wean ourselves off this fossil fuel product – and is it even possible? I look round my house and see plastic everywhere. Are there alternatives, and what can we do as individuals – and as society – about making the switch?

The waste hierarchy gives us a direction of travel. I like the ‘six Rs’ version: refuse to buy things you don’t need, reduce the amount of things you need, reuse things you no longer need, recycle items you can’t reuse, recover energy from food waste by using the council’s service, and rot: send the remainder to landfill.

As individuals, it would be great if we could all keep this waste hierarchy in mind. Recycling isn’t

Concert for pianist Mark

LOCAL pianist Mark Sterlini Smith is to perform with Keynsham Orchestra on June 10.

a favoured option; it’s what we should consider only if we can’t refuse, reduce or reuse. We need our big retail businesses to get on board as well. Obviously they’re not going to support us to refuse or reduce, but they can help us reuse.

When it comes to reducing plastics, we’re so lucky in Keynsham to have two shops – Savour and Conscience Foods – where we can refill food, toiletries, household cleaning liquids and even milk.

Next time I go shopping, I’ll keep the top three actions in mind, and see if that helps wean me off the bad stuff.

l If you want to tell the government to support an ambitious global plastics treaty, pop along to this website: https:// action.greenpeace.org.uk/globalplastic-treaty

Liz Barling

A FEATURE film written and directed by two local residents will be screened at Saltford Community Cinema this month. Translations at Saltford Hall on Friday June 9 will be followed by a Q&A session with director Keith Kopp and screenwriter Laurence Guy, who both live and work near the village.

Although Translations is set in Wales, about half the film was shot just outside Bath.

Entry is by ticket only, priced £6 and available via www.tickettailor.com/events/ scaevents. Doors open at 6.45pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

He will play the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor, while the orchestra will also perform Grieg Symphonic Dances and Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia. The concert at St John’s Church, Keynsham, starts at 7.30pm.

Mark, who lives with his wife in Hanham, was brought up in Keynsham and attended St John’s C of E Primary School, St Gregory’s Catholic College and then Wellsway’s sixth form.

He now teaches at KLB in Wotton-under-Edge.

Mark usually plays viola for Keynsham Orchestra, which is

a real family affair as his wife, mum and dad are also among its musicians.

This will be the first time Mark has played a concerto with an orchestra.

Tickets for the June 10 concert are available on the door priced £10, with accompanied children (under 18) free. Refreshments will be served in the interval.

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Cheers to season’s fine start

AFTER what felt like the longest and wettest winter on record, we have seen cricket return to the Frank Taylor Memorial Ground.

Keynsham Cricket Club’s junior, senior, girls’ and women’s teams have started their seasons with some fine results.

We held a successful 10th annual beer and cider festival during the royal coronation weekend and we thank our event sponsors, Smart Computers and Ridgway Family Gym @ Brislington, for their support and donations.

This family-friendly event had plenty on offer for adults and children and we look forward to seeing many of them back over the course of the summer.

Upcoming senior cricket fixtures:

Saturday June 3: 2nd XI v Downend 2nd XI

Sunday June 4: Women’s 1st v Hanham Women’s (1pm)

Saturday June 10: 1st XI v Clevedon CC

Sunday June 11: Women’s 1st v Hawkesbury Upton (10am)

Sunday June 11: 4th XI v Backwell Flax Bourton CC

Our junior training on Friday nights continues to excel, with over 150 juniors taking part and some age groups having almost enough for two squads.

The health of the juniors and transition into adult cricket continues to flourish. One of our former juniors, Oliver Bell, has successfully moved up from our

FRYS BOWLING CLUB

under-15s last year to make his 1st XI debut in our recent win against Weston-super-Mare. We look forward to seeing who takes the baton to become the next star in our 1st XI.

Senior league cricket returned on the first weekend of May, but all four teams were unfortunately unable to play due to bad weather.

We fared slightly better on the weekend of May 13 and 14, as all four sides managed to record their first results of the season.

The 1st XI returned to WEPL Premier Two with an impressive victory, largely due to new South African sensation Jake Carstens, who scored a debut ton and took 5-20.

This was backed up by a captain’s knock of 93 from Tom Bancroft as we ran out 132-run winners.

On the Sunday, the 1st XI registered another fine victory over the bridge by defeating Newport CC by 50 runs, with Jake Carstens taking the plaudits again with 82 and 4-19.

Ladies start campaign with a victory

A BUSY start to the season saw Frys Bowling Club stage its first ever ladies match, hosting Victoria Park. Frys took all three triples rinks to seal a promising start for the team. Rink 1, 19-15; rink 2, 19-12; rink 3, 19-12. Frys 58-39 Victoria Park.

Bristol and District League:

Frys began their Division 2 campaign in rainy conditions against Redland Green, who took the lead past halfway. Rinks 2 and 3 were unable to pull back the deficit. Rink 1 was a closer match, but Frys missed out on the final bowl, and Redland Green took all 10 points. Rink 1, 8-13; rink 2, 9-16; rink 3, 1419; (0-10). Frys 31-48 Redland Green.

Frys next suffered a challenging trip to Knowle ‘A’, who took a good early lead. Rinks 1 and 3 got back into the game, with rink 1 taking a small lead before Knowle closed the gap. Rink 3 missed out on the final bowl, but rink 1 saved a count on the final end to tie the rink, giving Frys their first point of season.

Rink 1: 14-14; Rink 2: 7-20; Rink 3: 13-16; (1-9). Frys 34-50 Knowle ‘A’.

The third game, against

Henleaze ‘A’, was more successful as rinks 1 and 2 dominated. A closer game on rink 3 saw Henleaze take a lead past the halfway point.

Frys hung on but just missed out on the final bowl. That miss saw Frys settle for eight points. After three games, Fry sit eighth in the nine-team division. Rink 1, 19-11; rink 2, 19-6; rink 3, 13-17 (8-2). Frys 51-34 Henleaze ‘A’.

Friday Triples League:

Frys re-entered the Friday Triples League after more than a decade out. The first game in rain against Keynsham was one to forget, with Keynsham dominating. Rink 1, 14-24; rink 2, 10-19; rink 3, 8-31 (0-12). Fry 32-74 Keynsham.

A rearranged game against Knowle saw Frys pick up their first win and 10 points. Rink 1, 22-12;

rink 2, 16-17; rink 3, 21-13 (10-2). Frys 59-42 Knowle.

Frys continued that momentum when hosting Imperial. Big wins on two rinks, as well as victory on rink 3, saw Frys take a maximum 12 points. Rink 1, 25-6; rink 2, 20-13; rink 3, 33-12 (12-0). Frys 78-31 Imperial.

The following week at Bristol’s Victoria Park, Frys picked another victory. One rink was won by 16 shots, with the honours shared on the other two, seeing Frys take 10 points. Rink 1, 24-8; rink 2, 13-15; rink 3, 16-14; (10-2). Frys 53-37 Victoria Park (Bristol).

A trip to Bristol Greenbank was a closer affair. Both clubs had a rink with a big win, while Frys took the third rink, taking another 10 points. Rink 1, 21-14; rink 2, 24-7; rink 3, 8-25; (10-2). Frys 53-46 Bristol Greenbank

A home game against Bristol rounded off a strong start to the season. Another dominant performance, with all three rinks winning, giving Frys 12 points to see them sit second in the table, five points off the lead. Rink 1, 3010; rink 2, 23-12; rink 3, 18-11 (12-0). Frys 71-33 Bristol.

Having fun at the cricket club’s beer and cider festival

The Frys ladies team got off to a winning start against Victoria Park

KEYNSHAM TOWN FC

Relegated but we’ll come back stronger

THE efforts of Keynsham Town’s fledgling first team in the first year of the club’s partnership with Total Pro Soccer have sadly gone unrewarded, as the FA saw fit to relegate them to the Toolstation Western League Division One for next season, which starts on July 29.

Despite Bitton, Ashton & Backwell United and Cadbury Heath all having withdrawn from the Premier Division of their own volition either during or after the season ended, and the FA also moving Sherborne Town laterally to the Wessex Premier League for next season, they also felt it was reasonable to relegate the Ks - even though that leaves the Western Premier with an odd number of clubs, with 19 instead of the usual 20.

Ks club secretary Jules French said: “With Bitton having resigned from the Premier Division earlier in the season, thereby filling a ”relegation” place, it was thought that at most one more team would be relegated from that division.

“When we heard as the season concluded that Ashton & Backwell United had resigned from the

Western League and Cadbury Heath had requested voluntary relegation in light of the colossal travel costs that all clubs must bear, we were confident that we would be reprieved, despite finishing in 19th place. As such this unjust decision has come as a huge shock and is a real kick in the teeth.

“We knew from day one that this season would be tough, with our young players taking their first steps into adult football. However the application showed by the players and our coaches, Ashley Morgan and Marvin Brown, has

SALTFORD LAWN TENNIS CLUB

been fantastic. I think we will all come back stronger next season and hopefully get our community club back where we belong.”

On a more positive note, Ks Reserves finished their season with an impressive run, winning their last four matches and lifting them up to ninth in the Uhlsport Somerset County League Premier Division table.

The Ks Ladies first team also maintained their status, finishing 10th in the FA Women’s Division One South West.

Off the field, the men’s section

held their annual presentation evening in Club @ 22, with the award winners as follows:

Will Sage, first team managers’ player of the year; Henry Njonjo, first team players’ player of the year; Jemar Thomas, first team golden boot winner; Aaron Childs, reserves managers’ player of the year; Ed Stowell, reserves players’ player of the year; Aaron Childs, reserves golden boot winner

Keep up to date with the Ks’ fortunes, plus any other news over the summer break, via social media and next month’s Keynsham Voice.

ON a sunny Saturday in May, Saltford LTC opened the doors of their new club house for a day of free tennis activities as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend.

The event was part of a big push to make tennis more accessible to all. It offered coaching sessions for children of different age groups, ranging from three to 16 years, free time on court and a walking tennis taster session.

The event was led by the club’s new coach, Andy Gray, assisted by dedicated volunteers who helped to make the day a great success, with a high number of visitors showing great interest in the club.

The standout moment of the

Visitors flock to open day

event was the walking tennis taster session in which a large number of members from the Face2Face Parkinson’s group took part.

The club were honoured that the session was led by Helen Abbott, one of the co-founders of walking tennis, and Rachel Harland, the new Avon Tennis Open Court Lead (disability tennis).

The club will be collaborating with these two ladies as one of the community projects it is working hard to deliver is to provide a

varied walking tennis programme.

Rachael Tonkin, club chair said she was overwhelmed by the success of the day and wanted to thank everyone who promoted it and those who attended.

“It is always enjoyable to open our doors and invite the local community to try tennis for free, see what great facilities we have here now at the club and meet our wonderful members that make the club so welcoming.”

If you were unable to attend the event and are interested in playing tennis or having coaching, you can find all the relevant information on the club website -clubspark.lta.uk/ SaltfordTennisClub

Award winners, left to right, Will Sage, Henry Njonjo, Jemar Thomas, Aaaron Childs and Ed Stowell

Helen Abbott, and Rachel Harland at Saltford LTC’s open day. Above, walking tennis and junior coaching taster sessions

BOYS, girls, parents and coaches from Frys JFC took on the epic challenge of walking from Somerdale Pavilion to

and back. Covering the total distance of 10.5 miles on Sunday May 7 was quite an achievement, with the youngest participant being just six years old. Other boys and girls were doing a mile a day throughout May, and it was all in aid of Children’s Hospice South West. The fundraising teams were hoping to hit their target of £2,500.

Kelston Roundhill

FRY’S Tennis Club have entered two teams in the Avon summer league season. The first team are competing in division 6 after promotion last year, while the second team are in division 9.

The first team started the season with a trip to a wet and windy Almondsbury on May 12. Mark Long and Kerry Grace got things off to the perfect start with a 6-3 6-2 win, but Fry’s were then pegged back as Julian Hellyer and Mark Lapham suffered a 6-2 6-1 defeat to a strong Almondsbury pair.

In their second matches. Mark and Kerry won an up-and-down match 7-5 6-1 while Julian and

Mark suffered a narrow 7-6 4-6 0-1 defeat. With Fry’s winning the highest number of sets, that meant an overall six points to four win.

Next up, the first team had a home fixture against Thornbury on May 19. This was to prove a more comfortable match, with all four Fry’s players in top form.

Mark Long and Julian Hellyer delivered a near-perfect performance, winning 6-0 6-0 and 6-0 6-1, their only disappointment in being one point away from a rare ‘quadruple bagel’!

Kerry Grace and Mark Lapham were also in good form, securing a 6-1 6-3 and 6-3 7-5 win.

That meant a 10-0 win and puts the team in a strong position for the rest of the season.

The second team only had one match in May and suffered a 10-0 defeat away to Bristol Central. Fry’s played well but could not quite find a win. Rich and Ted Conway recorded 4-6 0-6 and 1-6 4-6 results, while Dave Howell and Mark Simpson had 5-7 2-6 and 6-3 2-6 0-1 defeats. It is worth noting that young Ted Conway played very well in one of his first adult senior matches.

Anyone interested in joining Fry’s Tennis Club, please contact Tony Dicker at ard@tonydicker.co.uk.

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