Keynsham Voice October 2022

Festival ready to inspire

‘Devastating blow’

Higher parking charges in Keynsham will deal a “devastating blow” to High Street businesses, say Conservative councillors.

PAGE 3

Airport meeting

Campaigners against the expansion of Bristol Airport are to hold a public meeting in Keynsham later this month.

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Bridge demolition

A planning application has been made to demolish a footbridge in Keynsham Park, paving the way for a replacement bridge.

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Oratorio success

Pupils and staff from ten schools got the school year off to a spectacular start by performing their own oratorio.

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School honoured

A Keynsham primary school has been honoured for its support of children’s rights.

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Local information

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Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

A member of the

n NEWS

Teenagers arrested as armed police swoop

ARMED police were called after two teenagers were reportedly seen with a gun outside a shop in Keynsham.

Officers arrived at the Co-op store in Queens Road on Tuesday September 20.

Avon and Somerset police said: “Shortly after 6.20pm, a member of the public called us after seeing two teenagers with a gun in Keynsham.

“Armed officers responded and stopped the teenagers – aged 14 and 15 – outside a shop on Queens Road.

“They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm before being released under investigation. An imitation firearm has been recovered.

“Neighbourhood officers are conducting reassurance patrols in the area and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Tory switches to Lib Dems

A BATH and North East Somerset councillor has left the Conservative Party and joined the Liberal Democrats.

Paul May, of Publow with Whitchurch, was accepted into the Lib Dem group at a meeting in Keynsham.

Councillor May said: “I entered politics in order to best represent my residents, and I have come to the realisation I can do that most successfully in B&NES as a Lib Dem.”

He has represented Publow with Whitchurch ward for seven years and has opposed Conservative plans to build an extra 2,500 houses in the village.

l

Councillor May is pictured with Kevin Guy, B&NES Council leader.

Darts players support good causes

KEYNSHAM and District Darts Association is to donate £2,000 to local charities and activity groups.

Members used a Facebook poll to nominate four good causes. The ones they chose were Great Western Air Ambulance, Butterflies Autism Group, 1st Keynsham Scout Group and Keynsham Food Bank. Each organisation will receive £500. A cheque presentation is due to take place on October 28.

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Parking fees rise ‘a devastating blow’

PLANS to increase car parking charges in Keynsham have come under fire from Conservative councillors, who say they will deal a “devastating blow” to High Street businesses.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is proposing to raise charges this autumn by as much as 50%.

The plans would see a two-hour stay at Ashton Way, Ashton Way East and the Civic Centre go up from 40p to 60p. Keynsham’s long-stay car parks would also see rises, which include a 10-hour stay increasing from £2.10 to £3.

An online public consultation closed to comments last month.

Keynsham’s Conservative councillors are opposed to the plans, which the Liberal Democrats, who run the council, say are aimed at changing the way people travel as part of tackling climate change.

Conservatives say that increasing car parking charges will make it less attractive for people to visit the town centre.

They also say the higher charges will contribute little to tackling the climate emergency because cycling options are limited and cuts are being made to public transport.

Councillor Brian Simmons, B&NES

Conservative councillor Brian Simmons at the Ashton Way car park in Keynsham

Conservative councillor for Keynsham North, said: “Of course we need to take action to tackle the climate emergency. But increasing car parking charges in Keynsham will contribute nothing to that goal.

“It will serve only to inflict a devastating blow to High Street businesses that are already struggling to survive.”

The decision to increase off-street parking charges throughout B&NES was agreed by

Giuseppe to judge eco contest

GREAT British Bake Off star Giuseppe Dell’Anno is to judge a competition as part of Keynsham Eco Festival.

The Saltford-based celebrity, who won the Channel 4 contest in 2021, will judge a cake competition on the theme of ‘Our Wonderful World’. The aim is to encourage people to think about how the food we eat can affect our planet.

The challenge is to bake a cake that is kind to the planet using ingredients that are either Local Organic Animal friendly or Fairtrade (LOAF). Registration forms and more information is available by emailing anikagardiner@ keynshamparish.org.uk. The closing date is October 7. l For more details of the eco festival, which runs from October 12 to 16, turn to Page 32.

Saltford Hall Cher - 07824 336925

Weds 7.00pm

Keynsham Baptist Church Kelly - 07795 951137

Thurs Morning 7.30am, 9.00am & 10.30am

Thurs Evening 5.30pm & 7.00pm

slimmingworld.co.uk

the council in February as part of its budgetsetting.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, said: “Changes to permit and car parking charges are aimed at shifting the way we get around and encouraging walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, which in turn eases congestion, improves air quality and helps with our Journey to Net Zero ambitions.

“The proposed price increases are relatively small, and only the second time we have raised parking and permit prices in the last 12 years, with the most recent being in August 2018.”

Councillor Andy Wait, B&NES Lib Dem councillor for Keynsham East, told the Voice: “Whilst supporting Manda Rigby’s principle of encouraging alternate modes of transport for the public to use the High Street, I do think that the rise to 60p from 40p in the short-stay car parks is too much.

“I would support a rise to 50p, which I consider reasonable and, being a single coin, would be easier to use.

“Statistics from B&NES indicate that the short-stay car parks are, once again, very popular so the argument that this would damage the High Street financially is marginal at best.”

Habitat boost attracts butterflies to river

A WILDFLOWER meadow and seasonal wetland being created at a farm in Woollard is already attracting a range of butterflies and other insects.

Habitat improvements on the farm started last year and are part of the wider River Chew Reconnected project led by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART).

Like many rivers in the UK, the River Chew is in a poor ecological health due to many factors such as pollution, manmade river modifications, and unnatural riverside vegetation. The River Chew Reconnected project aims to improve the health of the river through habitat creation and community engagement.

Two new seasonal wetlands are being created, one at Woollard and one at Pensford. Carefully designed pools have been dug out and are now waiting for enough rain to fill them up. The native wildflowers sown around the pools are now establishing, with butterflies

and other insects already finding their way to this rich new habitat.

Butterflies seen at the site include the Gatekeeper, the Small Copper, and fritillaries as well as dragonflies including the Common Darter.

This autumn, BART volunteers will be planting a range of native wetland plants and in winter, wet-loving native trees, which will further increase biodiversity at these new wildlife havens.

Amy Wade, BART’s River Chew Community Engagement Officer, said: “It’s wonderful to

Small Copper butterfly at Woollard

Photo: Sarah Carpenter Common Darter dragonfly at Woollard

Photo: Chris Carpenter

see these brand-new riverside habitats establishing themselves already, supporting beautiful butterflies and lots more. We can’t wait to see what other species will be sighted in the coming years.”

Besides increasing biodiversity, the wetland sites also aim to: help reduce flood risk by storing water in the landscape, improve water quality by plants filtering out pollutants and sediment, store carbon by increasing trees and other vegetation, and improve the beauty of the sites for people

to enjoy. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with planting trees and wetland plants at the sites can contact Amy at amy@bristolavonriverstrust. org.

The River Chew Reconnected project is funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its arm’s-length bodies. It is being delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

Wellsway Craft Fair

Wellsway Craft Fair Sunday 13th November 2022

Sunday 13th November 2022

12 noon – 4pm

12 noon 4pm

• Over 80 indoor stalls with a great selection of crafts, local produce, plants, art and more.

• Over 80 indoor stalls with a great selection of crafts, local produce, plants, art and more.

• Outdoor hot food vans including fish and chips, Greek food, pizza, tea/coffee, cakes, burgers – covered eating area.

• Outdoor hot food vans including fish and chips, Greek food, pizza, tea/coffee, cakes, burgers covered eating area.

Why not visit after the Remembrance services for a spot of lunch and some early Christmas shopping?

Why not visit after the Remembrance services for a spot of lunch and some early Christmas shopping?

Entry : Adults £1, Secondary school children 50p, Younger children free

Entry : Adults £1, Secondary school children 50p, Younger children free Wellsway School, Chandag Road, BS31 1PH www.wellswaypta.co.uk

Wellsway School, Chandag Road, BS31 1PH www.wellswaypta.co.uk

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the expansion of Bristol Airport are to hold a public meeting in Keynsham later this month.

Organisers will give an update and issue a call to action at the event on Wednesday October 19. The meeting at Keynsham Baptist Church in the High Street starts at 7.30pm.

Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) will be at Bristol High Court on November 8 and 9 to challenge the government’s decision to allow the airport’s expansion to go ahead.

A panel of campaigners, including a lawyer involved in the case, will be at the Keynsham meeting.

They will discuss details of the arguments, how to lobby local and national politicians, and how to get involved in a vigil planned outside the court.

Rich Prior, of Keynsham Extinction Rebellion, said: “Keynsham XR reiterate that Bristol Airport is big enough.

“As local residents, we do

not want increased nighttime flights, more cars on our unsuitable roads or further encroachment on our green spaces, with the impact on our local wildlife. However, we also acknowledge the disproportionate damage that the emissions from flying has globally on our climate and ecology.

“We are seeing now the horrendous flooding in Pakistan, drought and famine in Africa, heatwaves in Spain, and

hurricanes in the Caribbean. These are just a few examples now of the increasingly catastrophic trajectory we heading towards.

“We have to reduce the damage now, and one important step we must make is to fly less.”

BAAN states: “Our position is that the airport expansion at Bristol Airport (and others that are planned across the UK) is not legally compliant with the Climate Change Act, the Paris Agreement and the government’s

commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, and must be stopped.

“Planning permission was refused by North Somerset Council in February 2020 – a decision ratified in March 2020. Bristol Airport appealed this decision and central government planners overturned it - a decision described as ‘trashing local democracy and ignoring climate impact’.”

Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, said of the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling earlier this year: “The decision is excellent news for our region’s economy, allowing us to create thousands of new jobs in the years ahead and provide more choice for our customers, supporting inbound tourism, and reducing the millions of road journeys made to London airports each year.

“We will now push ahead with our multi-million-pound plans for net-zero operations by 2030 and look forward to working with stakeholders and the community to deliver sustainable growth.”

Campaigners from Bristol Airport Action Network

The day we said farewell to our Queen

Photographer Simon Galloway, from Hanham, was in a prime spot outside Westminster Abbey for the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He tells Voice readers about the historic day

THE crowds outside Buckingham Palace were unbelievable – it was mind-blowing really. People were 20-30 deep on the Mall. I had a privileged position right outside Westminster Abbey on the day, with about 35 press photographers and film crews from around the world on a three-tier stand.

GMTV were filming just above me.

I arrived very early, having checked things out the day before, and after the security checks I began watching the VIPs arrive. The first person I saw was Jacob Rees-Mogg.

I had to have eyes everywhere, as some people were going in through a side entrance. I had a 400ml lens and was ready when President Biden arrived at the front in The Beast. It ramped up from there. Camilla, the Queen Consort, was first, then it was like a Who’s Who of the Royals with the children and grandchildren. It was very quiet until we heard the bagpipes and drums in the distance, which told us the procession was approaching. It was a surreal sensation but I was busy taking pictures and it was only after the coffin went past that it dawned on me what I had just seen and I felt a bit emotional.

After the service, the procession came towards us again as it left the abbey. I had to pinch myself at being part of this big event in history. The king and coffin were only 10ft away and it was then I got my best shot of King Charles with all the family behind him.

After that, we watched the heads of state get on to the buses – it was like the world’s poshest taxi rank!

By about 5pm I was back home in Hanham with my family and starting to catch up with the whole thing on TV – so surreal!

• Simon has been a press photographer for more than 20 years. He has photographed the Royals many times and travels the world taking pictures at Formula 1 and Formula E motor racing events. You can see more of his photos on Instagram at @simon_galloway

The first glimpse of the funeral procession, above

King Charles, the Princess Royal, and Princes William and Harry

Two of Simon's favourite shots, above and above right, Right, President Trudeau of Canada and his wife Sophie

LOCAL people have paid tribute to the Queen following her death at the age of 96.

They laid flowers and cards at Keynsham Park and wrote messages in a book of condolence at The Space, above Keynsham Library.

The vast majority of shops in the High Street were closed as the Queen’s funeral took place on Monday September 19, which was designated a bank holiday.

Meanwhile, families took advantage of the fine weather to visit the park, where tributes to the Queen had been placed in a designated area.

Shaun Stephenson-McGall, chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of the council, and the people of Bath and North East Somerset, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.

“We are truly saddened to learn of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who visited our area on a number of occasions and was much admired by the people of Bath and North East Somerset.”

and gratitude

Local councillors also paid tribute. Alastair Singleton and Duncan Hounsell, who represent Saltford ward on B&NES Council, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“For seventy years Queen Elizabeth has been an inspiration to us all - a steadfast, forthright and admirable exemplar of the values this country has stood for through the ages.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said:

“This is an immensely sad day. Her Majesty the Queen has been a constant presence during all of our lives and during so many periods of immense change, not just in the West of England and the UK but across the globe.

“She has been an exemplar who always put service first. It is

almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us. As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies and those of residents of the West of England, to the King, the Queen Consort and everyone who loved this most remarkable woman.”

“Her service to our nation, the Commonwealth and the international community as a whole has been immense, and we are all the poorer for her passing. We join the huge outpouring of emotion from the people in our villages and countryside who share both grief and the gratitude we all owe her. Our thoughts and prayers are now with her family at this time of loss.”

n NEWS Help us keep paths open

DONATIONS are being sought to keep footpaths between Saltford and Keynsham open.

Saltford Community Association (SCA) needs to raise £3,000 by the end of this month to keep over 4.5 kilometres of permissive paths open for another year.

A permissive path is not a public right of way - it is a path clearly signed that a landowner allows the public to use. This may be for walkers, riders, cyclists, or any combination.

In its appeal, SCA says: “We know very many of you continue to enjoy your daily walks with and without dogs or a horse ride, taking advantage of the lovely countryside around us, including these wonderful permissive paths to the south and west of Saltford/ east of Keynsham.”

Anyone wishing to donate can pick up a donation envelope from Saltford Hall or go to www. saltfordhall.co.uk and click on the ‘Permissive Paths’ link.

n TRIBUTE FROM OUR MP

Iwas immensely privileged to attend the state funeral for the late Queen as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; a job I only hold because I am the MP for North East Somerset.

Thank you for allowing me this great honour. I am deeply conscious and grateful that I was only present at this extraordinary and most moving of events in our nation’s history because of you.

The funeral service was attended by over 2,000 people. Apparently, the Queen herself had chosen her favourite hymns, which were sung with gusto as her life was celebrated and her death mourned in Westminster Abbey, on the streets of London and Windsor and in four billion homes worldwide.

At the request of His Majesty, the wreath on her coffin contained various flowers and foliage including myrtle, which was cut from a plant grown from myrtle in the Queen’s wedding bouquet; a touching detail to honour her union with Prince Philip.

Jacob Rees-Mogg writes for Keynsham Voice

The military parade as Her Majesty travelled from Westminster Abbey to Hyde Park and then on to Windsor surrounded by vast crowds was remarkable. The symbols of sovereignty, the imperial state crown, the orb and sceptre on the coffin all reminders of temporal transience and constitutional continuity. In both respects, it was a most befitting, reverent farewell.

As the Queen once said: “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love ... and then we return home.”

Finally, she returned home to Windsor Castle, her passage watched by her beloved corgis and fell pony, Emma, who famously brought her so much joy.

Here her mortal remains will rest in the hope of the resurrection while her soul by the mercy of God ascends to heavenly glory. “Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.”

Next step in plan to replace park bridge

THE next stage in providing a new footbridge over the weir in Keynsham Park is under way, with a planning application having been made for the existing bridge’s demolition.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has made the application with the aim of work starting on site this autumn.

A further planning application will be made to replace the bridge with a new superstructure, which is hoped to be completed in spring 2023 to re-establish a route for pedestrians across the river.

The existing bridge has been closed to the public since October 2019, when a visual inspection found it was unsafe for public use, due to deterioration of timber beams.

Subsequent investigations in 2020 found that the bridge was beyond repair and that the most cost-efficient solution was to install a new bridge. The council set aside £750,000 for the project in its budget for 2022/23.

Councillor Mark Roper,

cabinet assistant for neighbourhood services, said: “I am pleased that work should soon be starting on demolishing the unsafe bridge in advance of its replacement being installed next spring, subject to the necessary planning approvals.

“We know that the diversion route for pedestrians while the bridge has been closed has been frustrating, and we thank residents for their patience while we worked to find the best solution.

“Keynsham Park is a much-

loved and well-used asset to the community and we are fortunate to have two play parks set amongst beautiful landscaping.

“The new bridge will once again provide a link between the green spaces and make travelling on foot through the park more convenient for everyone.”

The play park nearest to the bridge will be closed during the works to ensure safety of the public during demolition. The council will notify residents of the dates work is to be carried out in advance.

One person who lodged a comment on the planning application criticised the length of time it has taken to replace the bridge.

They said: “This bridge was first taken out of use in October 2019. Since then the residents of Keynsham and visitors to the park have had repeated assurances that investigations and plans were under way to originally repair the bridge and later to rebuild it.

“Three years is a ridiculous amount of time for this matter to be unresolved and we still have no clear time frame in which BANES aims to complete the work. Council tax payers deserve better.”

Another said: “The closure of the original bridge has limited people’s use of the park - especially wheelchair users and parents with prams/pushchairs… and if one wishes to do a circular walk of the whole park then one is forced to cross the busy main road. A new bridge needs to be installed as soon as possible.”

Ken Plant, a reader at St Mary’s Church, Saltford

Questions

can often be more useful than answers, so I’m going to raise a few questions.

We’re told that the universe has no limits. A simple way of imagining this is to picture ourselves falling endlessly. On and on. For ever. This is a very scary thought! Anything we can’t control or imagine is always scary.

However, here’s a comforting question. What if that limitless universe exists within its creator?

A question like that raises lots of other questions, such as:

Why do we call the universe a creation?

Do we need to believe in a creator?

How can anything contain something which is limitless?

The questions can just go on an on, but they are useful. They make us think.

Other ideas about where the universe came from need just as much ‘belief in the impossible’ and raise their own string of questions, such as:

How can nothing spontaneously become something? Where would the energy come from for, say, a ‘big bang’?

We all answer these questions swayed by our upbringing and what we believe and such-like.

Our differences depend on our use and understanding of that little three-letter-word, ‘God’. The statement that ‘I don’t believe that God exists’ is very helpful here. Material things only ‘exist’ because they’ve been created. If God isn’t part of the universe, but is its creator, then God isn’t material and so doesn’t ‘exist’ (in that material sense).

All religions view God as spirit. It’s not possible to compare spirit with material things. God is different from material things and so can’t be compared with them, but that doesn’t stop us from trying.

We try to describe God by comparison with things we are familiar with things that are part of the universe. We create images and ideas in our heads, and different people have different

ideas. They even end up arguing about what God is like!

Yet, how can we describe, or pin down, or contain a spirit? Impossible!

Here’s a final question.

What if we view this spirit we call God as the energy that caused nothing to ‘explode’ into something and holds that something in existence?

That’s not using ‘God’ as an explanation for things we can’t understand, but it’s saying that God permeates creation, holding it in existence … and that includes you and me.

This would explain why religions exist, exploring the significance of this relationship. The Christian faith (for all the strange and inappropriate ideas that some of its followers promote) has this at its heart.

God became one of us, part of creation, in Jesus. In Jesus we can begin to see what God is like in ways we can begin to understand. God is ultimately like Jesus, personal ... and loves everything ‘he’ has made.

OPENING

OCTOBER

October, 202210 keynshamvoice To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715770448 Email Emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk NEW HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOP Handmade products by local artists & crafters, soft furnishings, gifts, homeware and regular craft workshops Flourish Foodhall & Kitchen, Glenavon Farm, Bath Road, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3TJ www.flourishatglenavon.co.uk 14TH We try to describe God by comparison with things we are familiar with things that are part of the universe.

Young musicians make a river of sound

PUPILS and staff from ten schools got the school year off to a spectacular start by performing their own oratorio.

The musical piece was composed for the Futura Learning Partnership - which includes schools in Keynsham, Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire - by Phil Dixon.

He began last year by visiting Year 10 music classes at Wellsway, Sir Bernard Lovell and Bedminster Down schools, to come up with initial compositional ideas. He then went away and arranged the melodies and chord progressions into the Futura Oratorio.

The piece, entitled Avona, was based on the myth of how the river Avon got its name.

The performance at Bath Forum, conducted by Phil Dixon, involved more than 400 children aged seven to 18, who formed two primary choirs, a senior choir and an orchestra.

They were supported by 40 staff members. The schools involved were Wellsway, SBL, BDS, IKB Academy, Chandag Junior, the Meadows, Saltford C of E, St John’s C of E, Cheddar Grove and Wansdyke.

The event was organised by Futura Learning Partnership’s director of music, Ingrid McLean.

She said: “It was a fabulous occasion. We nearly filled the

venue and received a standing ovation at the end. For many of the students it was the first time they had sung with an orchestra, so it was a wonderful experience in a special setting.

“It is important to us to make sure our students have the opportunity for quality music making; working collaboratively enables us to achieve this. Already staff and students have been suggesting doing more

activities like this ... watch this space!”

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, said: “After more than two years of restrictions, it was fantastic for children and staff from our schools to be able to come together and perform this unique and brilliant oratorio. I was so proud of them all. It was a night that will live long in the memory.”

More than 400 children from schools in Keynsham, Saltford and beyond received a standing ovation after performing at Bath Forum

Activists let

This is a postcard, dated 1924. The photo was taken from the Wellsway and has the group of cottages at the end of Steel Mills lane in the foreground, with the Albert Mill behind and the workhouse on the other side of the valley.

It clearly shows the extent of the quarry, below the workhouse, which provided limestone for building and for converting to lime in the kilns behind Albert Mill.

damage charges. Deflated tyres can be damaged simply by the weight of the vehicle on the more fragile tyre walls.

Lockable dust caps for tyres exist and can be bought cheaply.

It was sent to Miss Rosie (Mary Rose) Tyler, who lived in Vancouver, and

the sender, Elsie, put a cross on the Keynsham Workhouse to show where it was. Rosie was born in Keynsham in 1892 to Frederick and Mary, who lived in 101, Albert Road. The family emigrated to Canada in 1903.

Reproduced by kind permission of Paul Benn

Hospice supporter wins £1,000 lottery prize

WHEN Carole Jordan discovered she’d scooped £1,000 in the St Peter’s Hospice lottery, she was thrilled at the unexpected news.

Carole’s terminally ill father was cared for by the Hospice at Home service in 2018.

Carole said: “When Dad was near the end, the Hospice provided night care for him and supported the doctor to get his drugs right.”

“It meant that we could go upstairs to bed while they cared for him. These lovely angels used to come and take over from us and we’d go to sleep. If we weren’t woken up in the night we knew he’d made it through to another day.

“After Dad passed both my nieces and my nephew ran the half marathon and my husband presented a cheque to the Hospice on behalf of the Masons. I went to the lottery to raise money as the Hospice was a lifeline for my Dad and it’s important to keep it going.”

If you’d like to support your local hospice join Your Local Lottery and have a chance at winning up to £1,000 every Friday! You’ll also automatically be entered into two Superdraws a year with over £17,000 worth of additional prizes to be won.

Tickets cost just £1 each. The next big Superdraw takes place on 16 December. Find out more or signup at stpetershospice.org/lottery

IN the early hours of Wednesday 7th September, Bristol Tyre

Photos of the activists by Simon Holliday

Carole Jordan with her Dad Colin Nutt

School uniforms for Ukraine

SURPLUS Keynsham school uniforms have been sent to children in Ukraine.

Specialist clothing supplier Harvem, based on Bath Hill, donated stock that was left over after Chandag Junior School decided to re-brand its uniforms next year.

Hundreds of pounds worth of items, consisting of sweatshirts and polo shirts, were included in a batch of goods that have

been sent over to the war-torn country.

Clinton Hiscox, managing director of Harvem, said: “Rather than go to landfill, we supported a Bristol Aid to Ukraine appeal that took another van full of mixed supplies at the beginning of September - and on their return brought home 12 Ukrainian refugees, one cat and 18 suitcases.”

WALKERS ARE WELCOME

Best foot forward for Children in Need

ATOTAL of 36 walkers turned up on a Sunday lunchtime for Keynsham Walkers are Welcome’s annual fundraising event to support the BBC Children in Need Countryside Ramble.

Starting from the Memorial Park gates, the group headed along the River Avon to Hanham, where we made a refreshment stop at the Old Lock and Weir. We were made very welcome here and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine.

We then carried on to Hanham Court and Woods before returning to Keynsham in happy mood. The event raised £320 for the BBC appeal.

The five-mile walk on September 25 was the culmination of the Keynsham group’s annual mini walking festival.

The forecast for the three-day festival was perfect, and so it was when 65 people turned out for the Friday evening history walk.

This was in association with the Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society. We do have to thank their chairman, Richard Dyson, who provided the script.

We met at St John‘s Church, which was appropriate as it is the oldest building in Keynsham still in use. After the walk leader, Dave Johnson, had done the introductions and read the risk assessment, it was time to start the talk on the church. With such numbers, it was just as well he had a booming voice, albeit with a Hampshire accent!

After a brief resume about the church, the walk moved to the station and abbey. It is such a shame that most of the buildings in the town with any history have been demolished.

The walk continued on to the Colour Mill by the bandstand, underneath the rebuilt Bath bridge, where the devastation caused by the 1968 floods was explained.

The next stop was at Bricktown in the park beneath the New Inn, the oldest pub in town, with its smithy and vet surgery next door.

Steel Mills, Dapps Hill Bridge, formerly called

Crox Bottom, and Temple Street followed. The walk finished in the High Street exactly an hour and a half after the start, just as the light was beginning to fade

A vote of thanks was proposed by Richard, and everyone went home happy and, hopefully, slightly more knowledgable.

The first walk on the Saturday was the longest circular walk of the festival, to Chewton Keynsham, Burnett and Compton Dando, and back along the River Avon to Keynsham. Again, we could not have wished for better weather.

Starting from the Memorial Park gates, 26 walkers turned up in glorious sunshine. It was

Dawn Drury’s turn to lead the walk this time. Taking over 18,000 steps, we took in the delights of the countryside, including spotting herons, buzzards and a few herd of cows. There were a few newcomers on this walk, who enjoyed it immensely along with some of our regulars.

The second, shorter walk on the Saturday saw a slightly smaller crowd of 17 taking a gentle amble either side of the River Chew to Chewton Keynham.

Walk leader Dave Johnson was on hand to give a running commentary of points of interest, which seemed to keep the group amused. We were back in Keynsham within 90 minutes.

Some happy walkers at the rest stop on the BBC Children in Need Countryfile Ramble

Some of the 26 walkers at the start of the mini festival’s second walk, to Burnett and Compton Dando

Above, Francis Hopkins crocheting a blanket, plus Pauline Parnell and Jenny Comber making cards at a previous craft day

Right, Marie Coombs and Noreen Busby knitting socks and needle pointing

Left, Harriette Dottridge making star baubles

Photos: Ros Anstey

Crafting together again

A CRAFT workshop is held in Compton Dando Village Hall several times a year, inviting crafters from around the area, including Keynsham and Saltford, to spend a day working on their craft and sharing it with others.

These workshops were started by Harriette Dottridge to support people who might feel isolated, or newcomers to the area.

The first craft day for the autumn and winter takes place on Tuesday October 25, from 10am until 4pm, at Compton Dando village hall. A home-made lunch is provided, with food allergies catered for.

To find out more, email Harriette at hdottridge@hotmail.com or ring her on 01761 490445.

Aspart of the local policing team, we are very aware of issues raised about public safety on the High Street and about street furniture.

The health and safety issues lie with the council, but we have had reports that the metal barriers to which people have been locking their bikes have been pulled from the ground where there are bolted.

The metal barriers that edge the cycle lane are not designed to be used for securing bikes. There are circular barriers for this purpose, opposite Sainsburys and outside Gregorys estate agents, along with others that are cemented into the ground.

A member of the public had his bike (pictured here) stolen from one of the aforementioned metal barriers on the evening of September 18. If you saw or heard anything, or know where the bike is, call us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111: the reference number is 5222226328.

n A few anti-social issues have been reported all over Keynsham,

from cars speeding up Charlton Road to youths causing problems in and around the High Street and other shopping areas, as well as the growing homeless community.

As the Local Neighbourhood Team, we also monitor social media community pages to see what is happening.

Regarding vehicles on Charlton Road, we are looking to target these locations with suitable speed detection equipment and our Automatic Number Plate Recognition equipped vehicle.

As for the anti-social behaviour, we are looking at using our policing powers to stop this. We normally look to deal with

offenders with out-of-court disposals, using the support of our Violence Reduction Officers. But we will consider charging offenders and putting them before the courts for more serious offences. This is always the last resort, as we want to change behaviours and not criminalise youths.

As for the homeless community, we have had several reports, but with a lack of criminal offences, this is not a matter for the police. But we have safeguarding concerns for anyone choosing to live this way, so social services have been made aware and accommodation arranged.

The highest profile incident

discussed around Keynsham recently has been the report of youths being spotted with firearms in the Queens Road area. Although the investigation is ongoing, I can report the suspects were arrested and an imitation firearm recovered. n Lastly, I had the honour of being selected to support the Metropolitan Police with Operation London Bridge, for the security of the Queen’s funeral, from when she lay in state to the funeral itself.

As a police officer, this is probably one of the most important operations I have been involved in. Making sure that the millions of people who came to London were kept safe, without a major incident, was a credit to the planning of the event and the behaviour of the visitors.

Our team were tasked with security outside Westminster Hall, and I met thousands of people over the week I was there. I was pleased by the positive feedback we received from those people, which made this experience all the more memorable.

We had a really crate time at our camp!

Last month I briefly touched on our scouts’ camping trip. It was such a great week that I would like to tell you more about their experiences.

Thirty scouts had an amazing week at Tedbury scout campsite near Mells in Somerset. They all cooked their own food, followed by an a la carte meal cooked for their leaders with a Christmas theme. Leaders and young people dressed in Christmas outfits enjoyed a delicious feast.

Seven scouts took part in an expedition challenge by cycling 63km over two days and camping at another site overnight with another scout troop. According to Milly, one of the highlights was the whole group buying Peppa Pig pyjamas to camp out in from Lidl.

They would have planned their route and included risk assessments, breaks and where to stay as part of earning the Expedition Challenge badge; for some this would have completed the requirements to earn their Gold Award, the highest award available to scouts.

The scouts also took part in a survival night by sleeping outside under a canvas shelter and cooking on open fires. This included gutting fish and cooking them, making a casserole in foil, sausages, and chocolate bananas. A medical challenge session was also provided to see how they would cope with emergency situations.

Pippa said she was nervous about caving but kept calm and

carried on anyway, although it was not something she would do again in a hurry, whilst Peter and Sam thought it was brilliant fun and couldn’t wait to do it again. They all, however, enjoyed the zip wire, crate stacking, archery and climbing.

During the week organised by Tristan (one of the leaders) as an exercise to earn his Nights Away Permit, the scouts competed for

three overall awards - Camping Standards, Golden Ladle and Best Patrol. According to the scouts I spoke with, they thought he did a very good job and hoped he was successful in earning his permit.

For some it was the longest time they had been away from their parents. They came home smelly and exhausted but proud they had challenged themselves out of their comfort zone.

n Our new Group Scout leader has been introduced to parents and leaders. He outlined a new structure that has a number of roles that need filling to make it even more successful and enable some sections to remain open.

Leaders have a great opportunity to have as much fun as the scouts, plus there are smaller jobs open for those will less time. Please let us know your skillset, and we’ll see where you can help us most in a role that is comfortable to you too.

For information on joining us or volunteering, please contact saltfordscoutgroup@gmail.com

Tina Curtis

Cycling, sleeping under canvas and crate stacking were part of the fun

Caving was more of a challenge for some than others at the camp

n LETTERS

I’m staying away from High Street

I am a disabled pensioner. The first time I tried to use the new-look High Street I was lucky not to have fallen over when I attempted to cross the road.

Rumour has it that It has since been made safer. It’s just as - if not more - dangerous now.

I have slight vision impairments and find it difficult to see where the levels change with the combination of white lines and kerb stones. I’m sure I’m not alone.

I’ve spoken to other people about how difficult I find it to use the High Street. They all feel the same. The only way to make it safe for pedestrians is to have a raised pavement and the road and cycle lane to be at the same level - a tried-and-tested design that we are all used to.

I no longer venture into the High Street for fear of falling. People that I have spoken to are of the same opinion and now go to Bath or Bristol to safely do their shopping.

The people responsible for designing and the councillors who agreed for these plans to go ahead should be made to pay compensation out of their own pockets for loss of earnings to the High Street traders who have all suffered considerable financial loses over the last two or three years.

BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

Kerb-side weeds

B&NES Council no longer uses weed-killer routinely to eliminate kerb-side weeds. The weed-killer is said to be carcinogenic and to have a devastating effect on pollinators such as bees. No other method is as effective.

Some residents welcome letting nature take its course. Others view the kerb-side weeds as shabby. If safe to do so, kerb-side weeds can be removed with a hoe. Thank you to those residents who have cleared gutter weeds where they live.

All gardeners know the importance of pollinators. Within B&NES there are lots of dedicated volunteers helping to keep their local areas Clean and Green through activities such as litter picking and re-wilding. We’d like to thank everyone for their time and effort.

B&NES Council has provided each of the No Place for Litter hubs with hoes, brushes, and shovels to help community volunteers carry out weed removal in their local area. Please see the B&NES web-site for contact details if you would like to borrow them.

Some of them have been forced to stop trading and lose their businesses as a result of this.

There is also the wasted tax payers’ money that has been squandered by our inefficient councillors. Who should be made to repay the money that they wasted on this project?

Disappointed and disgusted resident of Keynsham (name and address supplied)

If you would like to become a local hub for community weed removal equipment, please email cleanandgreen@bathnes.gov.uk.

Blocked gullies can be reported to B&NES using the FixMyStreet system at any time.

Cllr Duncan Hounsell Cllr Alastair Singleton (B&NES Councillors – Saltford ward)

Cllr Hal MacFie and Cllr Andy Wait (B&NES Councillors – Keynsham East ward)

SALE: Thursday 13th October

Queen Elizabeth II - a life well lived

THE passing of anyone in their 90s, even in this new golden age of medicine, can hardly be considered a surprise.

But it was nevertheless shocking to hear those words out loud. The Queen is dead; long live the King.

She was a month older than Marilyn Monroe, three years older than Martin Luther King and 14 years older than John Lennon. She was older than Lego, air conditioning and the creation of the greatest pop group the world has ever known.

It felt like the Queen was always there; a fixture in the nation, as certain as the sun rising and setting each day.

Even as the world changed around her, as those figures from an unreachable past I’ve just mentioned succumbed to that one certainty in life, she remained.

But she changed with the times too. Even the most diehard republicans would have to admire her for her almost Beatle and Bowie-like ability to adapt and reinvent - to move, and excel, in a changing world.

While her longevity was impressive, her sense of duty was extraordinary - a life of im peccable service and conduct, carried out with

dignity and decorum.

Like during the first covid lockdown, when she gave a stirring tutorial in leadership for all politicians. Sporting her usual pearls and gazing steadily at the camera, she gave hope and calm where there was neither when she said those immortal words, echoing Battle of Britain and World War Two spirit: “We will meet again.”

The Queen’s sense of duty was perhaps illus trated best by her conduct during the securing of the Northern Ireland peace process.

This most terrible of conflicts had cost many thousands of lives on both sides - including a member of the Queen’s own family.

To see her shake hands with the head of the IRA, as peace was finally secured, was a momen tous event - showing why peace is so hard to obtain, and the character and personal sacrifices needed to make it happen.

So the grief for so many West of Englanders - for so many of you reading this column - is real and palpable, deep and heartfelt.

Many are in mourning, not just for a genu inely remarkable monarch but for a constant in all our lives - a reassuring and calming presence for so many, at home and across the globe.

The country the Queen came to symbolise

by the lottery of birth is bigger than any one individual or institution. As one era ends, so another begins.

We face so many challenges, both as a na tion, and in our brilliant West of England.

Let us all then remember and live by the values which the Queen cherished, and which made her reign so special: duty, fidelity, and service to others.

If we not only remember these values, but also do our best to live by them, the Queen’s influence will live on well beyond her passing, to make us an even better nation and region.

BEFORE AFTER

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

KEYNSHAM has lost or destroyed some of its finest historic monuments. One of these was the remains of the Roman villa at Durley Hill. How did this happen?

In 1875, the graveyard of St John’s in Keynsham was full. The vicar, the Reverend Gray, provoked indignation among the townsfolk when he proposed that a burial take place at Arnos Vale instead of in his churchyard. This led the parish vestry to petition the Home Office to prohibit further burials in the graveyard. After the appropriate order was made, the vestry decided that a new burial ground be provided, and a burial board was set up to deliver this.

Finding a suitable plot of land took some time and it was not until February 1877 that the vestry resolved to purchase 2.5 acres on Durley Hill at £350 per acre. The burial board was authorised to borrow £2,000 for providing the Keynsham Cemetery along with a chapel or chapels.

Work on the foundations of the mortuary chapel began a few months later and straight away the builders encountered the remains of a building.

At 4ft 6ins deep, they found a pavement of white tesserae (i.e. mosaic stones). A deeper pit to test the suitability of the ground for interments hit a pavement of flat stones. There is evidence that these remains were identified as ancient, or even Roman, at the time, but work continued.

Burials began at once in the lower (eastern) half of the cemetery. They continued for over 40 years until most of two magnificent corridors, with their adjacent rooms containing fine tessellated floors, had been destroyed.

In June 1921, Dom Ethelbert Horne of Downside Abbey, a respected Somerset historian and archaeologist, heard by accident of the difficulty the grave diggers were having. They complained of the hard work “bumping through” old floors and of walls that had to be

pulled out. He visited the cemetery and watched the sexton, who was making a grave, destroy the ends of a flight of steps that was in his way. What could be done?

Fortuitously, the building of the Fry factory provided the solution. Soon after work on this started in 1921, two Roman stone coffins were discovered. One was lined with lead, indicating the burial of an important person.

The coffins were on view for some time and aroused great local interest. This probably influenced Keynsham Parish Council to allow excavations in the cemetery.

Then, the remains of a small Roman villa were uncovered at Somerdale. Clearly there

would be advantages in combining excavation of this site with the larger operation at the cemetery. The directors of Fry’s gave enthusiastic support to this arrangement, which ensured the success of the whole project.

An excavation committee was set up to raise funds and manage the work. Joint directors were Dr A Bulleid and Dom E Horne: Bulleid was the surveyor, while Horne was photographer and fund-raiser.

Archaeological excavations were spread over three years from September 1922; the findings were documented in a high-quality report by Bulleid and Horne, and the best of the mosaics were lifted and preserved – they can now be seen in Keynsham Library.

Archaeologists recognise that Durley Hill was an exceptionally large and fine Roman villa, although some now think it had another, more communal, purpose. So, there is scope for more work in the future.

We know there are more remains to discover because when Bristol Road was realigned in the 1840s, the new road was raised on an embankment over part of the villa site. Substantial ruins, possibly of some of the principal rooms, remain beneath this, hopefully to be excavated one day.

Richard Dyson

These Roman steps were exposed to view for many years Right, Europa and the Bull – the finest of the mosaics

The chapel building as it

today

Quiz, music and film at the hall

THE annual Saltford Big Quiz will take place at Saltford Hall on Friday October 7, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available for teams of four, five or six people, at a cost of £8 per person, to include a hot meat or veggie supper.

A licensed bar will be available and tickets are obtainable from www.tickettailor.com/events/scaevents or Saltford library hub.

Also coming up at Saltford Hall are the Jane Lilley Singers, who will be appearing on Saturday October 15, starting at 7.30pm. The singers are one of the most respected choirs in the country and have been performing for almost 50 years. They cover a wide range of musical genres.

Tickets cost £10, to include nibbles, and can be bought online via www.tickettailor.com/events/scaevents or from Saltford library hub.

On Friday, October 28, Saltford Community Cinema screens Elvis at the hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets at £6 can be bought in advance via www. tickettailor.com/events/scaevents or on the door.

‘Good’ rating for extra care

EXTRA care housing services have been rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in their first inspection since being taken over by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The services were inspected by the independent regulator in June and received a ‘Good’ rating in all five assessment areas. Services delivered were said to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services and council house building, said: “Our staff work extremely hard to maintain high standards and deliver the right care at the right time to those who use the service.”

The five extra care services are based at Hawthorn Court in Keynsham; Avondown House, The Orchard and St John’s Court in Bath; and Greenacres Court in Midsomer Norton.

The services were taken over by B&NES Council in October 2020 and are delivered in partnership with registered housing landlords Guinness, LiveWest and Curo.

Care and support are provided to older people with some care needs, including people living with dementia and those with learning difficulties. People are supported to live as independently as possible in their own rented, self-contained flats.

At the time of the inspection, 139 people

were using the service. CQC inspectors highlighted the caring nature of staff, who they said treated people with dignity and respect. Comments from service users included: “Friendliest, most professional, very caring and conscientious staff.”

The inspectors’ report said people were protected from the risk of avoidable harm, and that care was designed to be responsive to individuals’ needs through personalised care plans.

The service was also praised for helping people to maintain their independence, supported by staff working in their best interests while upholding their right to privacy.

Councillor Born added: “This inspection report shows just what rewarding places Avondown House and the other extra care schemes are to work at.

“We have lots of opportunities available in a wide variety of roles right across adult social care. You can find out how you can make a real difference to people’s lives by visiting our ‘Proud to Care’ website - jobsandcareers. bathnes.gov.uk/proudtocare.”

The report made two recommendations to review training provision and to make amendments to care and support plans, to ensure staff have access to consistently detailed guidance.

What a difference a couple of weeks make to our weather. In last month’s edition l was worried about the heatwave and now we have the much-needed rain.

The flowerbeds are still incredibly dry so let’s hope we have plenty of rain overnight and keep the sun in the daytime. Perhaps it’s expecting too much of Mother Nature to comply to my wishes but we can only hope.

The advertising for KIB volunteers is bearing fruit and on August 26 two new people were trained up to work on the station (see photo).

As well as the volunteer training, a photo shoot was organised to introduce the family of our previous chairman Dee James to the train planter in her honour. This was filled with a variety of plants by our volunteers and will be an ongoing ‘thank you’ for all of Dee’s excellent work in our town.

It’s time to cut the wildflower meadow at Keynsham Cemetery and this will be organised shortly.

The Pocket Park has been weeded and will not be touched until October 8 to allow the rain to soak into the soil so it is workable for planting. Work at the station will also slow down until the soil is acceptable for winter/spring planting.

I will be taking cuttings and seeds from sun-loving plants and hopefully our public spaces will fare better next summer, should another heatwave strike us.

Salvias love the heat and La Luna is one of my favourites and it is usually covered with bees. I thought you would like to see mine. It is in a gravel bed and never watered (see photo).

l am away on holiday in Majorca for 10 days so l will enjoy plenty of sun-loving plants, swimming, reading, food and drink. Wonderful.

Keep safe and keep gardening.

Mary Woodman

Helping make Keynsham station look bright are, from left, Heather of South West Community Rail Partnership; Sally, KIB volunteer; Emmanuel of GWR; and Alan, KIB volunteer Left, La Luna in Mary Woodman’s gravel bed

School strikes gold for children’s rights

A KEYNSHAM school has been honoured for its support of children’s rights.

Somerdale Educate Together Primary School has been granted the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.

Somerdale is the first school in the Bath and North East Somerset district to achieve the award, UNICEF’s highest accolade, which is granted to schools that have fully embedded children’s rights in their policies, practice and ethos.

The school went through a rigorous assessment which looked at the school’s rights respecting work and the impact made through embedding children’s rights into school life.

Assessors’ reports stated: “A strong school ethos and identity that prioritises equality, individuality and a child rights approach through the Learning Together curriculum. The school lives its values day to day and communicates them to the wider school community.”

“Equality and inclusion are embedded into the school’s ethos: ‘No child an outsider’. Children understand what discrimination is and feel that they can “stand up and speak up” if someone is being discriminated against.”

Somerdale Educate Together believes achieving Rights Respecting status is a crucial part of its key educational principle –to be child centred and equitable. This means educating and empowering children to be aware of their rights and to grow into confident, articulate and socially responsible citizens.

Miriam Fredrickson-Barnaby,

director of education at Educate Together Academy Trust (ETAT), said: “This award is the result of a huge amount of hard work and tremendous commitment to putting the Rights of the Child at the heart of all we do.

“The children clearly showed this to the assessors and were confident and articulate - we are very proud of them.”

Schools participating in the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, leading to higher attendance, less bullying, and improved academic standards.

Libraries: Parents have their say

PARENTS and carers of children aged up to 11 are invited to have their say on what they want from library and information services in Bath and North East Somerset.

B&NES Council is asking for feedback on what is important for families when visiting a library, when they might visit and whether libraries have helped their children’s reading abilities. The survey also seeks to understand why families may not use libraries.

The council ran a similar survey for adults in March.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for children and young people, and communities, said: “We want to ensure that our services best support children’s learning and enjoyment of books, so even if you haven’t used our libraries before and you have children aged up to 11, take part and tell us why.”

The online survey can be found by visiting https://beta.bathnes. gov.uk and searching for ‘libraries parents and carers survey’. It runs until October 10.

Are you looking for a

Pupils at Somerdale Educate Together Primary School celebrate receiving the UNICEF Gold Award

Helpers give charity’s garden a makeover

VOLUNTEERS from Keynsham have spruced up a garden used by a charity for older people.

The Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) welcomed helpers from St Francis Church as they spent a day refurbishing and replanting the RICE Centre’s garden.

Since 2015, RICE has been supporting St Francis church member Les Herbert, from Keynsham, who has dementia.

A team of more than 15 people took part in the garden makeover, including Anika Gardiner, vicar of St Francis.

The church was also helped by members of the RICE team, including CEO Melissa Hillier, trustee Sarah James and nurse Marianne Roots.

The aim was to make the overgrown garden a more spacious and attractive for patients, families and staff.

During the day, an old path was found that had been covered with ivy. The volunteers also dug the borders and planted a mixture of colourful plants and bulbs to encourage flowering

at different times of the year, as well as re-painting garden furniture.

Based at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, RICE is an internationally recognised research institute, treatment centre and memory clinic.

Anika Gardiner, vicar of St Francis Church, said “We have heard a lot about the RICE Centre from Margaret and Les Herbert, who have been supported, and the valuable

work they do in researching and improving the lives of people with dementia.

“As a church, we wanted to do something practical to help the centre that would involve our congregation.”

Melissa Hillier, chief executive officer for RICE, said: “We rely on the support of volunteers to keep our centre going, so we are grateful to the members of St Francis Church for donating their time.”

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Queen’s passing is a huge personal loss to many

OUR great nation was shaken to its very core following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

I recognise that, of course, there are varying views on the monarchy but no one can deny the Queen’s positive contribution through her support to a vast number of charities, shining a light on the hard work of numerous organisations who make a difference to people’s lives.

Her Majesty the Queen has lived by her oath to spend every day of her life in service to her people. As an inspirational leader, she has been a great example to us all and nobody could have done more to serve this country and the Commonwealth.

I know many of our communities felt a huge personal

loss when the sad news of her death was announced on September 8.

For most, she is all we have ever known and, after speaking to colleagues, officers and residents, I think most people were surprised at the intensity of their grief.

The week between the announcement of the Queen’s passing and her funeral was a very sombre and solemn time and, over those ten days, I was determined to visit as many police stations as possible. So many of our police officers’ working life is born out of duty to the Crown and I know that they felt this loss acutely.

I have sworn allegiance to the Queen twice: firstly when I was Scout at the age of 11 and then,

as a young soldier of 19, I swore allegiance to the Queen and her family, to protect this country. Similarly, our police officers also swear an oath to the Queen and her death has had a huge impact on them.

I want to take a moment to thank and recognise the police officers, police staff and PCSOs across Avon and Somerset and the country for their work to help facilitate the numerous memorial events, proclamation ceremonies and the funeral of the Queen itself; their work and support has kept the public safe while they paid their respects.

I deeply share the sorrow that our united nation continues to feel at the passing of our Commander in Chief.

In many of our lifetimes, we

Margret Herbert, from Keynsham, said: “I was really touched and delighted that the members of our church have so generously transformed the RICE Centre’s garden in recognition of the wonderful support the centre has given to my husband, Les, who has dementia.

“Les has served the church for many years and in many different roles, including leading prayers, reading lessons, as a server at communion services and as a lay leader.”

“Les and I first became involved with the RICE Centre in 2015 following his referral by our GP and have returned many times over the years for memory assessments and for Les to take part in a research study.

“We have always found their staff to be very helpful and caring. They feel like members of our family and we are happy to support their much-needed research.”

To find out more about RICE, visit www.rice.org.uk or email info@rice.org.uk

will never see a monarch reign for the length Queen Elizabeth II did, and to do so with grace, generosity and selflessness is astonishing.

Things will never be the same again but, having known King Charles III for over 30 years, I know he too will be a respected and dedicated monarch.

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

Sunday teas at village church are a success

ONCE again the opening of Compton Dando’s village church for afternoon teas during the summer has been a success.

This year they raised £2,342 for church funds, well up on last year’s figure of £1,510.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “A big thank-you to all who volunteered to serve teas, make cakes and wash up and, of course, to the people who came to enjoy our teas every week.

“A big thank-you also to Compton Dando art group, who donated cards to sell from their original paintings, which helped to boost our funds.

“A special thank-you also goes to the villagers of Compton Dando, who never fail to support us every week.

“We will all miss the cakes and chat on Sunday afternoons, but we shall look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Among recent customers were members of

New bus fares aim to pull in passengers

CHEAPER single and return bus fares have come into force across the Bristol area.

First West of England has reduced the fares as a result of government funding secured by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council.

Adult single fares in the Bristol Zone have been cut to £2 from £2.20.

The bus company says that with the lower single fares and more than nine in 10 single bus trips being made on single tickets, its 3-Stop Hop ticket is no longer available.

For those making return journeys, the operator’s 2-Trip ticket has fallen to £3.50 from £4.30. With the cheaper 2-Trip fare matching the current Night ticket fare, that ticket has been discontinued.

First West of England’s Bristol Zone Day and season ticket fares increased from September 25, but the operator says they still offer the best value for those travelling more frequently.

The Bristol Zone adult Day ticket has risen from £5.30 to £6, but data shows that more than 55% of adults using this ticket make one or two bus trips, so they could save by switching to

the 2-Trip ticket. The remaining customers take on average more than four buses in a day, with the new £6 Day ticket costing £1.38 per trip.

For those travelling between Bristol, Bath and other surrounding towns and villages, single fares have fallen by up to 43% as a result of government funding secured by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council as part of the Government’s Bus Back Better scheme.

West of England Zone single fares are being capped at £3.70, compared to previous fares which for adults ranged from £4.50 to £6.50 for longer journeys.

The price of 2-Trip

tickets in the West of England Zone has also been reduced, as have day tickets for travel outside Bristol, with the First West of England Zone Day ticket and the Avon Rider multioperator day ticket dropping from £7.50 to £7.

Children aged 5-15 also benefit, with a flat £1 fare for all child single journeys across the region, a saving of up to £2.30 compared to First West of England current fares.

The discount of up to 30% for students and those aged between 16 and 21 has been reduced to up to 25%.

First West of England says changing travel patterns have seen these customers travelling at or above pre-pandemic levels,

while adult customers are travelling less. It says the lower discount will achieve a more sustainable balance between the fares paid by adults and these groups, ensuring young customers and students still receive discounts comparable to those in other parts of the country, while enabling fare reductions elsewhere.

The new, cheaper single and 2-Trip fares are available on the First Bus app, through speedy contactless payment on the bus using First West of England’s Tap On, Tap Off technology, or when buying a ticket from the driver.

Speaking about the package of reductions, West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “It’s time to get on board for new fares. I’m delighted to be able to introduce this package to immediately help people facing a crippling cost-ofliving crisis.

“So my big message to local people is: please take advantage of this and take your children out for just £1. The more journeys you make, the more you will be helping us build the local bus system we both need and deserve. It’s also so very vital if we are going to meet our superambitious local 2030 net-zero targets”.

Woodspring Ramblers, pictured, who were out for a walk and just happened to see that the church was serving teas.

Jenny said: “Fifteen of them came in and enjoyed our tea and cakes. They were a friendly bunch.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris hopes parents and carers will take advantage of the new £1 child bus fare

n BACK TO NATURE

Epic journey of a mysterious creature

Thelengthening evenings of October can offer time for a brief respite and reflection, between the busy days of summer - taken up with outdoor chores tending the garden and veg plot, or enjoying a holiday - and preparations for the festive season.

Adverts and brochures may tempt us to plan adventures abroad for next year, which we gladly do for fun.

Migratory animals, however, are drawn to make long, arduous journeys for the survival of their species. In October, European eels (Anguilla anguilla) embark on their journey of a lifetime to the spawning grounds where the adults die.

It was 1920 before the Danish researcher Johannes Schmidt suggested that eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea but the event has never been witnessed, so even now this stage of their lifecycle is a mystery.

The Sargasso Sea is a huge area in the North Atlantic surrounded by four currents; the North Atlantic, Canaries, North Atlantic Equatorial and Gulf Stream, creating a vortex which pulls in nutrients.

HAVE you noted in your diary our first talk of the season?

On Friday October 14 at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church Hall in Keynsham, Michael Pitts will present Conflict in the Pacific - The Aftermath

Michael’s presentations are always very well received, so everyone will be especially welcome on our first face-toface meeting for some time, particularly if you have not been to our talks before or for a while.

We will also be at Keynsham Eco Festival on October 15 in Market Walk in Keynsham, so please do come along for a chat.

On Friday November 11, we will welcome the director of Somerset Wildlands, Alasdair Cameron, to give a talk entitled Decentralised Rewilding in South

There is generally a mild climate with calm clear water and plenty of shelter in the prolific sargassum seaweed which gives the area its name.

Baby eels - at this stage larvae (leptocephali) - are found there and it is known that they float on the clockwise currents which eventually bring them back to European coastlines.

They metamorphose in glass eels and then into the darker elvers, before finally maturing into eels which are a snake-like fish with a slimy skin. They live in rivers, streams, ponds and ditches and can even wriggle a short way on land.

Eels are known to be in many rivers in the South West, but consider the feat of a tiny elver that is aiming to get to the ancestral home of the Bristol River Frome.

It has braved the powerful tides in the River Severn, swam into the River Avon and somehow found the pipe opposite Asda in Bedminsterwhere the river has been directed via a one-way door to stop the tide pushing silt into the underground waterways of Bristol.

It has negotiated this maze, as well as the culvert under the M32, and is then faced with several weirs.

Thankfully the Environment Agency has done some work to help these creatures reach their destination and put “eels tiles” on one of the weirs to help them wriggle through the last bit of their journey.

Hopefully, the work that the Environment Agency has done in the Bristol River Frome, as well as in other rivers, will help bring the eel back to abundance.

It is a creature that desperately needs help as it is thought that stocks have declined by a staggering 98% in the last 40 years.

It is vitally important to help this creature not only for its own sake but because it is an essential food source for wildlife, including other fish, cormorants, herons and otters.

Within living memory, eels were a staple diet for millions of people in northern Europe.

If stocks recover, eels could again provide sustainable jobs and regenerate communities.

Julia Shahin

The entrance fee for meetings is £3 for members of Avon Wildlife Trust and £4 for non-members. Further details can be found at our website www.keynshamawt. org, on Twitter @keynshamavonwt or Facebook @KeynshamAvonWT

One last note - if you are planning to build a bonfire for any autumn festivities, please ensure that no hedgehogs or other creatures have taken up residence before you light it.

West of England. Alasdair is an environmental campaigner with many years’ experience working on international wildlife trade, beaver reintroduction, climate change, conservation, investigations, energy and much else besides.

His journey into practical

rewilding began when he bought a few small fields in the Somerset Levels with the intention of ‘rewilding’ them – at least as much as is possible in a tiny area.

This showed him the value that even small patches of land could have if left for nature, and inspired him to do more.

Ideally, leave a pile of logs, twigs and leaves in a quiet corner of your garden for bugs and small mammals to shelter overwinter.

For further ideas to help bugs survive winter, visit this handy page on the Wildlife Trusts Website - https://www. wildlifetrusts.org/actions/howmake-log-shelter

The currents of the Sargasso Sea bring eels back to the coasts of Europe

Rewilding: Glastonbury Tor in the background of Godney Marsh on the Somerset Levels Photo: Alasdair Cameron

Artist’s loving tribute

The work in progress, above, and the finished effect, left. Inset, Helen Frampton

A SPRAY paint artist has created a loving tribute to his late aunt at the house where she lived in Stockwood Vale.

Owain Nicholls spent four days working on the design in memory of Helen Frampton, who died of bowel cancer in July. Her husband Paul is delighted with the finished work, which covers two walls of his bedroom.

He said: “This is an amazing piece of art from a phenomenal artist - such a

tribute to a fantastic lady.

“The design is based on a rendition of the grass Setaria Viridis, as a homage to Helen and her artistic style.”

Owain, who is based in Tottenham, works around the South West.

Paul said: “Unlike Bristol’s Banksy, Owain’s work is detailed and realistic, and he does not work incognito.”

Owain’s work can be seen on Instagram @humblecherub.

to Helen

Community centre seeks more trustees

COMMUNITY at 67 is seeking more trustees for the charity in Queens Road, Keynsham.

Martin Burton, chair of trustees, said: “It is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a difference. We are slowly emerging from Covid and so need to rebuild our community.”

Trustee Ron Sheppard said: “As a trustee, I was able to make the running of the charity much easier by using IT to improve communications, marketing and advertising. I really enjoy working with a great group of volunteers to deliver such a popular community centre.”

The charity is especially looking for someone who can liaise with contractors and help to develop its business plan.

For more details, visit www. community-67.org or email enquiries@community-67.com

Owain Nicholls took four days to transform the bedroom of his late aunt Helen at the home she shared with her husband Paul in Stockwood Vale

PEN TO PAPER

Starry, Starry Night

Deep is this starry, starry night

In cloudless skies serene

As babbling, bubbling waters reflect A balloon-blue moon’s sheen

Awake and watchful, all alone

In the cool night air, so bright I gaze the golden glitter high Stars light up this velvet night

Darkness has fallen, tranquil and hushed So perfect, this dead, silent world

Suddenly, dramatically a shooting star That bursts then fades, its tail curled

In the magical hue of the twilight hour

Submerged in this temporal refuge of night Dazzling scenes on a celestial canvas

Shining light in the dark of images in flight Dancing in the footlight of the moon Stars leap across the sky’s expanse

First as a glimmer and then a glow

In a swirling, frenzied, fiery dance

As I lie on the grass and look at the sky Just gaze at the stars that never cease All shimmering, radiant and bright

This place of infinite stillness and peace

John Howlett

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

POETRY CORNER

Make Time

We’ve all become much busier Since covid lost its power. Now we can appreciate life And treasure every hour.

We must stop rushing, slow the pace Each month is hurrying on. The days they fly, and weeks pass by, This year will soon be gone.

Make time to list priorities, ALL work is not the way. Spare time to rest, to meditate And savour every hour.

Sylvia Kirby

n CHURCHES TOGETHER IN KEYNSHAM AND SALTFORD

Eco festival ready to inspire

COME and join us at the Keynsham Eco Festival, running from October 12 to 16.

The festival’s main purpose is to raise awareness of the climate crisis and help local people of all ages identify ways they can contribute and bring about the changes needed for future generations to be able to survive and thrive.

The festival on Saturday October 15 is our main event in and around Keynsham High Street from 10am to 3pm.

In the Market Place and the Space, there will be stalls for environmental community groups, organisations and businesses highlighting their work, and selling and demonstrating an exciting range of eco goods and services.

Giuseppe Dell’Anno (Great British Bake Off winner 2021) will judge the eco cake competition in The Space during the afternoon. In two High Street churches (Keynsham Methodist and Baptist) there will also be a repair café, as well as a range of spiritual prayer stations, talks, films and exhibitions.

With the growing cost of living, rising inflation and the energy crisis, a key focus this year will on issues around food. On Friday October 14 at The Space at 7.30pm, a panel of experts will speak on Food Security, Resilience and Affordability with a Q & A and refreshments (tickets £5).

Keynsham Eco Festival is facilitated by Churches Together in Keynsham and Saltford and funded by Keynsham Town Council.

It is also part of Keynsham’s Local Cultural Programme, a strand of Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme.

It is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Streets Fund, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more at hikeynsham.co.uk

There will also be a series of free workshops and events at Temple Street Canteen, including Eating the Rainbow (fun with vegan food for underfives); More Taste Less Waste (a cooking demo with five costed recipes that save time, money and energy); Growing in Small Spaces; and Active Hope (a workshop exploring psychological resources to build resilience), as well as two Foraging for Beginners walks (led by Heavenly Hedgerows, tickets £10).

On Sunday October 16 there will be a special eco service at Keynsham Methodist Church.

Free programmes are available from Temple Street Canteen and tickets will be available on Eventbrite (KEF).

For more information, please contact Ros or Vicki at environment.ctks@gmail.com

Join us at menopause awareness day

WELLSWAY Sports Centre in Keynsham and SBL Sports Centre in Oldland Common are hosting events as part of Menopause Awareness Month.

The menopause awareness and wellbeing days will be held on Sunday October 16 at Wellsway and Sunday October 23 at SBL. Both run from 9am to 4pm.

Hazel Hayden of the Bristol Menopause Clinic is guest speaker and will hold a twohour presentation and Q & A session in the afternoon.

Tickets can be booked for the talk only or for the whole day, with advice on nutrition, fitness

including the use of light weights, and a calming yoga class.

Michaela Zizkova of ZIZA Fitness will offer tips to introduce into your lifestyle and routine.

Angela Rose Holistics will be on hand to offer relaxation techniques and answer questions on how holistic treatments may be able to help.

The day is designed to be informal, lighthearted, and a space to relax. Those who want to come to the day but don’t want to take part in some of the classes are welcome to do so.

To book for either event, use this link: https://linktr.ee/futuracommercialservices

Millfest weaves its magic

AFTER several years of reduced events during the pandemic, the crowds flocked to Willsbridge Mill’s end-of-summer festival.

Millfest 22 included five live bands to entertain people. Among them was Crimson Fury, made up of a group of 12-year-old boys who live locally.

Visitors also enjoyed craft stalls run by local artists and small businesses, glitter face paint and refreshments including a gin trailer.

Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh director Tom Baker said: “After months of preparation, the stage was built, bands were ready and the sun was shining.

“It was a lot of hard work and late nights putting all this together, but I was thrilled to be able to entertain our community with Millfest 22.

“A huge thank-you goes out to our

volunteers, sponsors, stall holders, bands, café staff and my fellow directors, all of whom made the day perfect.”

Sponsorship from Keith’s Plumbing & Heating supported the event, and local dog walker Jason Bradshaw supplied and built the stage.

Plans are already under way for next year’s Millfest, which will take place on Saturday August 26.

KFC bid at car park rejected

A DRIVE-THROUGH KFC will not be opening in Longwell Green any time soon – after the council turned down its planning application.

More than 100 residents objected to the proposal to open a 24-hour fast-food drivethrough in the corner of Asda Longwell Green car park.

In particular, Oldland Parish Council and governors at nearby Barrs Court Primary School raised concerns.

However, fears over child safeguarding, anti-social behaviour and litter were not the reason that South Gloucestershire council turned down the planning application.

Instead, the council has said more information is needed from the applicants to prove they have considered sites in or on the edge of the city centre. They also need proof of how the new fast-food outlet would improve Hanham and Kingswood town centres.

In a statement, South Gloucestershire council said: “Insufficient information and analysis has been provided to demonstrate that no centre or edge-of-centre sites are available to accommodate the proposed development and that alternative formats have been adequately considered.

“Additionally, no evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the proposal would improve the viability and vitality of Hanham and Kingswood town centres.”

KFC had already backed down on plans to open around the clock, offering to restrict opening hours to 10am to 11pm.

KFC has six months to appeal the council’s decision.

Diversity stars delight dancers

YOUNG dancers in Hanham were treated to a day learning dance routines by Britain’s Got Talent dance troop Diversity.

3D Dance owner Louise Hopton entered a competition for pupils at her dance school to visit Diversity’s new studio in London.

But building work ran over so the trip had to be cancelled twice, disappointing the children who were due to visit.

Louise said: “The day before I got a phone call saying would it be possible for Diversity to come to us instead. Hanham community centre was really good letting us come in at the last minute. They had a show going on and they put away all the chairs and scenery for the day so that we could run the event.

“It was an amazing day. Diversity taught everyone a routine to Get Busy by Sean Paul, then at the end of the day we invited the parents back to give them a little show.

“We also did a Q and A session and the children asked some really good questions. The whole Diversity group was there, including Ashley Banjo and Perri Kiely. They posed for lots of selfies and were a really friendly, lovely group.”

This workshop was attended

Outdoor learning boost for pupils

CHILDREN at Longwell Green Primary School are making use of a new outdoor learning area.

The youngest pupils are benefiting from a sand pit, rockery and wooden play equipment.

Deputy head Sarah Darling said: “We had planned to rebuild the Early Years Foundation Stage space last summer, but Covid, increasing costs

and the need to raise further funds meant we needed to wait a while. We wanted to design a bespoke, creative environment where our reception children can be inspired to take their learning outdoors.”

The school worked with Matt Williams at Hanham-based firm The Garden Saint to design and build the new area.

by 50 of the older pupils at 3D Dance, who had been the ones scheduled to fill a coach to London, but Louise is hoping Diversity will run a similar event for younger pupils in the future.

For details on 3D’s dance classes, Louise can be contacted on 07754 039059.

Diversity teaching a routine at 3D Dance. Below, Diversity with 3D dancers at Hanham

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham

Energy efficiency is the way to bring down bills

As we head towards winter, Keynsham residents – like thousands across the country – will start to feel the pain of higher energy costs.

While the energy price cap is welcome, bills remain considerably higher than last year, and people will still struggle to pay.

I find it incredible that the government has not imposed a windfall tax on the oil and gas industry to pay for the cap. Instead, generations will be saddled with debt. Equally incredible is that the government ignores the most effective way of reducing fuel bills – energy efficiency.

The UK’s homes are among the least energy efficient in Europe. More than four-fifths of our homes are heated by gas boilers (much higher than most countries). Unless the government reduces household demand for gas, another huge rescue package is on the cards.

A nationwide energy efficiency programme could bring bills down within a year. Germany has proven it can work, with grants, lowinterest loans, tax rebates and free advice all resulting in high take-up of energy efficiency measures.

Germany’s homes are now three times as energy efficient as ours.

n NEWS

Instead, the government talks of extracting every drop of oil and gas from our reserves, including fracking.

This egregious policy will saddle future generations with a destabilised climate, fuelling extreme drought, flooding, wildfire, wars and migrations.

But setting all that aside (!) going all out for fossil fuels won’t reduce energy costs. Everything we extract will be sold on the open market, so we’ll have to buy at global prices.

As for fracking, even the industry knows it’s a busted flush. In September, the founder of Cuadrilla, which drilled the UK’s first modern fracking wells in Lancashire, said he believed the government’s support for it is a “political gesture”, and he doesn’t think “there is any chance of fracking in the UK in the near term.”

He said Cuadrilla discovered that the UK’s geology was unsuited to widespread fracking, and “no sensible investors” would risk large projects here.

I was at the Keynsham hustings in 2015 when our MP voiced his support for it – just not in Somerset. I wonder what he thinks of Cuadrilla’s assessment?

Liz Barling

Warming advice for the winter

KEYNSHAM Community Energy is back this autumn and winter with more energy-saving advice and products to give away, thanks to a grant from the town council.

The community organisation is running energy-saving cafes this month where people can find out how to save on their energy bills and keep warm.

The group will be giving away free draught-proofing, energysaving lightbulbs and other

products that can cut energy bills. It will also have advice and leaflets on topics from how to insulate a loft to where people can go for help if struggling to pay their energy bills.

The group’s friendly volunteers will hosted by Temple Street Canteen (in the Temple Court area) between 9am and 12pm on Saturday October 8, and they will be at the Keynsham Eco Festival on Market Walk on Saturday October 15.

Library hub appeals for volunteers

SALTFORD Library Hub is appealing for volunteers to support its services to the community.

The hub relies on helpers to provide residents with access to a library, post office, greeting cards and stationery, as well as a friendly welcome and quick chat. Anyone interested should contact Fen (fenella.clutton@saltfordhub.org) or Mary (mary.stoate@ saltfordcommunity.org).

n WHAT'S ON

Saturday October 15

n Craft and gift fayre, Farmborough Memorial Hall, 10.30am to 4pm. Variety of crafts for sale suitable for most tastes and purses. Many people come to shop early for Christmas and our stall holders provide suitable gifts. Cake stall, with all profits going to Forever Friends at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Friday October 28

n Great British Bake Off winner Giuseppe Dell’Anno, of Saltford, will talk about his first cookbook, ‘Giuseppe’s Italian Bakes’, at Topping & Company Booksellers, York Street, Bath, BA1 1NG, on Friday October 28, 7.30pm. For more information, visit www. toppingbooks.co.uk/events/bath

Saturday November 12

n Craft fair, Keynsham Baptist Church, 10am - 4pm, Free entry, local artisans, gifts, cakes, café.

Sunday November 13

n Craft fair, 12pm-4pm, Wellsway School, Chandag Road. 90 indoor stallholders plus outdoor hot food including burgers, fish and chips, Greek food, pizza, coffee, cakes.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Keynsham Branch meets on the first Monday of each month upstairs at the RBL Club, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA, at 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings. We are a friendly group of ladies of mixed ages who welcome new members.

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

Mondays/Thursdays

n Yoga For Men. Keynsham Baptist Church (next to Grounded) 7pm start, Mondays. Saltford Hall (Wansdyke Room) 7pm start, Thursdays. Free first class for new joiners. £8 thereafter. See YogaDad. co.uk for details, including how to book, or contact helloyogadad@gmail.com.

We would love to publicise your event

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

Wednesdays

n NEWS

Young artists competition

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS

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

Thursdays

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

n Pilates Class led by Physiotherapist Kate.

Thurs 7-7.55pm (mixed ability)

Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)

St Francis Church Hall, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

6 week block of classes £54

1:1 sessions also available at my studio in Saltford.

Book online or by contacting Kate - 07518 522292 kate@corerehab-physio.co.uk www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

Fridays

n Pilates Class led by Physiotherapist Kate.

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

Fri 10-10.55am (mixed ability)

St Francis Church Hall, Warwick Rd, Keynsham.

6 week block of classes £54

Book online or by contacting Kate - 07518 522292 kate@corerehab-physio.co.uk www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

Saturdays

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

KEYNSHAM Rotary is launching a competition to acknowledge young artists for 2022.

Following its successful event in 2020, the club aims is to encourage young aspiring artists to use their imagination and creative talents.

The club says: “This is a great opportunity to try out your skills and have your efforts appraised by a professional artist.”

All those taking part will receive certificates, and group winners will be invited to a coffee morning when certificates and trophies will be presented and the young artists can meet a professional artist for questions.

The event will be split into four age groups: Years 2/3/4, Years 5/6, KS3 and KS4.

Those in Years 2 to 6 will have the theme of ‘The Natural World’, while the title for KS3 and KS4 will be ‘Our World –past, present or future’.

All the details, including rules and entry forms, will be available on the Rotary website from the start date, October 1. The contest is open until November 1. Go to www.keynshamrotary.org.

Winners will be announced and trophies award at the end of November.

Candles of remembrance

KEYNSHAM Victoria Methodist Church is to hold its annual service to remember children, of any age, who have died.

The candles of remembrance service will be held at the church in High Street, Keynsham, at 3pm on Sunday October 9.

The service will include poems, music, prayer and songs, and a roll call.

Refreshments will be served afterwards, and all are welcome.

For more information, please contact Sue Stevens at pastoralworkerkmc@gmail.com or 07562 388807

of

events and activities in the following format:

DIY store celebrates 80 years

A HARDWARE store that has sold DIY supplies to generations of Bristolians is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

A S Golding was opened on Hanham High Street in 1942 by Albert and Eileen Golding, with Eileen working in the shop until her early 80s.

Albert was a builder and the shop was initially somewhere to store building materials that were hard to come by during the Second World War. Albert built many homes around Hanham, including in Abbots Avenue, Greenore and Dundridge Lane.

Eventually they bought the shop next door, then the one next door to that, to expand into the current footprint.

Their son, Malcolm, was born above the shop and took over the business with his wife, Maria. They were followed by son Matthew, who now runs the shop with his wife, Claire.

Matthew, 48, said: “We were lucky to be open throughout Covid as an essential shop and our business carried on doing really well, because people had nowhere else to go while big places likes B&Q were shut.

“I’ve worked here since I was a kid and came here full-time once I left school.

“I love working here and talking to all the different people who come in every day.

Some of our customers have been coming regularly for years.

“I don’t think my own kids will want to take over the business because they’ve got different interests. Hopefully I’ve got a lot of years left running the shop yet before we need to make any decisions.”

The business has evolved as customer demands have changed. Shelves that were once home to rolls of lino and paraffin heaters are now taken up with pet food and decorating supplies.

Gymnastics’ new home takes shape

BUILDING work is under way on the new home for Majestic Gymnastics.

The club is moving from its current premises in Longwell Green because of redevelopment but will be rehomed on the site of the former Grange school in Warmley as part of a £10 million regeneration.

South Gloucestershire Council is refurbishing the existing sports hall on the school site, with work due to be completed next year. As well as housing Majestics, the sports hall will also include a cafe, multifunctional areas, a viewing area and additional sports hall space.

Meanwhile four gymnasts and a coach from Majestics represented Great Britain at the European TeamGym championships in Luxembourg, with three of them bringing home medals.

Katie Iles and coach Stacey Godden won first place in the senior mixed category and were named European champions.

Paige Phillips was placed third in the junior mixed category, again with coach Stacey.

Livvy Britton achieved fourth place for junior women, and Larissa Royal got sixth place in senior women.

Could you be the next incredible member of our team? Fundraiser

Could you be the next incredible member of our team?

Fundraiser

Do you enjoy talking to new people and getting involved in the local community? Would you like to run and manage local fundraising events of different sizes? And can you write compelling copy supporting business cases that would secure grants and trust funding?

Do you enjoy talking to new people and getting involved in the local community? Would you like to run and manage local fundraising events of different sizes? And can you write compelling copy supporting business cases that would secure grants and trust funding?

Well, we have a vacancy for a fundraiser to join our friendly team.

Well, we have a vacancy for a fundraiser to join our friendly team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is excited about making a difference for local people and can get the local community involved in helping too.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is excited about making a difference for local people and can get the local community involved in helping too.

You would be assisting local people with a learning disability to enjoy social opportunities and activities in Keynsham and the surrounding areas.

You would be assisting local people with a learning disability to enjoy social opportunities and activities in Keynsham and the surrounding areas.

A flexible 20 hrs a week role with some weekend and evening work £14.50 per hour based in Keynsham.

A flexible 20 hrs a week role with some weekend and evening work £14.50 per hour based in Keynsham.

If this sounds like you, you can apply online at keynshammencap.org.uk

If this sounds like you, you can apply online at keynshammencap.org.uk

For people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

Matt, Claire, Maria and Malcolm have kept up the family tradition at A S Golding

A RARE opportunity to acquire this stunning four-bedroom executivestyle detached property situated on the Wellsway in Keynsham.

Enjoying enviable views across open countryside and the valley, this ideal family home is presented to an extremely high standard throughout.

The property benefits from a modern open-plan kitchen/ family room with bi-folding doors opening onto the generously sized, well-tended rear garden, along with a garage with driveway providing ample off-street parking.

An internal inspection is highly recommended to fully appreciate this fantastic property.

Arrange your viewing with Eveleighs on 0117 904 9000

STORAGE / SELF

STORAGE

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Club’s plea to women

KEYNSHAM Walking Football is encouraging female players to take up the sport.

The club has more than 100 members from BANES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. It runs up to three sessions a week for players over 50 and has six teams in different leagues

It is open to everyone from all walks of life with a ‘turn up and play policy’ for over 65s Tuesdays and over 50s Fridays, 10am to 11am, at Keynsham Town Football Club, BS31 2BE.

The club has an active social side and has raised over £20,000 for good causes.

Whilst walking football is a mixed sport, the club currently has no female members but would like to encourage some come and try it. One of the Friday, slower sessions is ideal for newcomers and those coming back from injuries.

If you are interested, just come along to try it or find out more. Given enough interest, it may be possible to run women-only sessions in future.

For more information, email keynshamtownwf@gmail.com

Mike Slucutt

BRISTOL BASEBALL CLUB

Bats feel the heat in semi-final

BRISTOL Bats suffered a tough loss in the BBF A semifinal, going down 4-3 to Bracknell Inferno.

Needing to score two runs in the bottom of the final inning and with the base loaded, the Bats were unable to convert the chance to reach the national final.

It was a tight, high-quality game of baseball, with the Bats scoring first with two runs in the first inning.

Inferno levelled it up in the third but the Bats pulled ahead in the fifth before the Bracknell side scored a run in both the sixth and seventh innings.

The game was a pitcher’s battle, with Ty Porter and Josh Boulton both having good games from the mound for the Bats. They struck out 11 Bracknell players and gave up just three walks between them.

Shortstop Alex Brown and Boulton led the Bats offense with three hits each, with Billy Garrett, Neptali Ortega-Gutiérrez and Jamie Hartley each driving in a run.

Ortega-Gutiérrez, the Bats player manager, said: “Despite the disappointment of losing a game, we could have won. I am really proud of the whole team and the effort and commitment they have shown during this successful season. We are the 2022 SWWBL champions and we will be looking to retain that title and win the national final in 2023.”

On the club’s second field at Somerdale in Keynsham, the Bobcats needed to win both games of their double header against reigning champions the Belles to advance to the final of the BBF women championship.

The Bobcats won the first game 12-7 behind great pitching by Laura Hirai, who struck out eight Belles, and strong hitting by Molly Bingaman and Rebecca

Cottrell, who drove in five runs between them. The second game went the way of the Belles, who ran out 13-7 winners to end the Bobcats’ quest for a trophy.

Carlson Charles, the Bobcats coach and manager, said: “The team has worked hard this season and this was reflected in some great fielding and executing three runs downs this weekend.”

All the games at Somerdale marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with two minutes’ silence, Union Flags flown at half-mast and players wearing black armbands.

Club chairman Richard Evans said: “Overall we have had a great season on and off the field, with all our teams improving their regular season records from last year. The highlight was obviously the Bats being crowned SWWBL champions in Cardiff, but we should also mention the Badgers getting through to the BBF AAA wild card game and the Bobcats coming within a whisker of the women’s national final.”

GOLF

Cheers, Dennis!

FRYS BOWLING CLUB

High drama as league season ends

THE Bristol and District Bowls League season came to a dramatic conclusion for Frys Bowling Club.

Frys entered the final game level on points with Ardagh, but sitting ahead in fourth by two shots-on-shots difference.

Begbrook Green A were the visitors, sitting in the relegation zone in ninth, needing at least three points to have a chance of survival.

DENNIS Payter has retired as captain of the Saltford Stragglers golf team after 14 years.

He was presented with a cutglass decanter and glasses.

Dennis said: “It was a great gesture by the players. The 14 years seem to have flown by.

“There have been plenty of ups and just a few downs, but I have made many friends along the way, particularly the captains and players of rival clubs. I will keep playing ... if selected.”

A bright start saw the visitors take the early lead, with rinks 2 and 3 pulling ahead. Frys had the better start on rink 1, but Begbrook held a small lead at the halfway point.

As the light faded and the green slowed, Frys pulled back on rinks 2 and 3, but rink 1 saw Begbrook edge their way back, leaving the game in the balance.

Rink 2 finished first, with Frys having got the score back to 16-16 with one end left.

Frys’ number three drew shot with his second bowl, which would stay shot, with Frys skip finding a way in to lie second shot,

seeing Frys take the two points.

Rink 3 finished next, with Frys pulling their score back to 14-14 with two shots on the penultimate end.

After Frys’ lead drew shot, the shot changed hands several times before Frys’ number three knocked his first bowl in for shot. The head didn’t change, seeing Frys take another two points.

Rink 1 held off the late charge, picking up three shots on the penultimate end, sealing the game for Frys. Begbrook then elected not to play the final end, which confirmed a 52-42 shot win for Frys, taking all 10 points.

The drama didn’t end there. With Canford and Begbrook A’s relegation confirmed, Imperial picked up four points against Keynsham A, with one rink winning by a single shot.

With Avonvale A not picking up any points against Ardagh, with one rink losing by a single shot, Avonvale A fell into division 3. The 54-42 win for Ardagh - and

with Henleaze A not scoring any points against Long Ashton in a promotion decider - left Henleaze A, Frys and Ardagh tied on 96 points.

Henleaze A finished third on shots difference. Frys and Ardagh finished with a shots difference of 32, with Frys finishing fourth, having won 10 games to Ardagh’s nine.

That brought to an end a competitive season and an improved performance from Frys. Scores: Rink 1, 19-12; Rink 2, 18-16; Rink 3, 15-14; Frys 52-42 Begbrook A (10-0).

Frys season record: Games 18; won 10; lost 8; shots for 857; shots against 825; shots diff 32; points 96.

Please contact our secretary, Christopher Day, on 01225 872959, email frysbowlsclub@gmail.com, for more information, to apply for membership, or arrange tuition. You can also visit our website at www.frysbowlingclub.wixsite.com/ frys and follow us on Twitter @ FrysBowls.

Action from the BBF A semi-final between the Bats and Bracknell Inferno

Photo: Sampson Yuen

CLUB

Bowlers celebrate double promotion

MEMBERS’ woods have now been cleaned, polished and packed away until April 2023 – excluding, of course, those members who play indoors during the winter months.

It is time to look back on the playing successes achieved on the green. In the Thursday night Bristol and District League, our men’s A team topped Division 2, notching up 114 points, four ahead of Long Ashton in second place.

In Division 4 our B team also finished top on 93 points, nine ahead of its nearest rival Severnvale B.

Both teams will therefore be promoted to a higher division next season. Also playing in Division 4 was our C team, who finished in a respectable fifth place.

There was not the same success in the Saturday Somerset League, where our A and B teams playing in the East 1 Division finished in fifth and 11th positions.

Our C team competed in East 2, finishing in ninth place. The Fridays Triples League saw our team recover from a poor start to the season, finishing fifth.

Our ladies play in two leagues – the North Somerset and Mendip

FRY’S TENNIS

Sizzling battles at finals day

OVER the summer, Fry’s Tennis ran their annual club tournament.

After seven weeks of competitive tennis, we held our finals day on Saturday September 17. It was a fantastic event with great tennis, lovely weather and an excellent turnout of members supporting on the day.

In the singles final, we were treated to a great match between men’s captain Mark Long and club coach Rich Conway.

With both men renowned for their consistency and fitness, it was never going to be a quick match, and so it proved, with a series of close games filled with extremely long rallies in the baking hot sun.

Rich edged a tight first set and went up an early break in the second as his greater control and cross-court angles caused Mark problems. However, a slightly more aggressive approach and improved

Ladies’ champion Sally Dafazio with vice president Margaret Church

- but unfortunately there was a reduction in some of the games played due to a combination of hot weather and other clubs being unable to raise a full side.

Whilst we are well served with the number of lady players that we have, other clubs are not so fortunate. Our season concluded with the Captain’s Day, when

Men’s champion Paul Harsant is congratulated by club president John Nix

captain Pam Rose treated the ladies to a cream tea and presented her committee with bouquets.

During the second weekend in September, our finals days took place when 14 men’s, ladies’ and mixed competitions finals were played covering a range of different formats.

Our ladies’ champion for 2022

was Sally Dafazio, who received her trophy from our vice president, Margaret Church, whilst our president, John Nix, presented the trophy to the men’s champion, Paul Harsant.

Our season concluded with a mass roll-up followed by a fish and chip supper.

Mike Barrow

serving from Mark proved vital as he fought back to take the second set and then see out a close final set. Mark ultimately won 4-6 6-2 6-3.

In the doubles final, Mark Simpson and Mark Lapham took on Jo Taylor and Ian Taylor (stepping in for the injured Dave Howell).

Mark and Mark had been the in-form team of the tournament, building on their good summer

league partnership to record a series of impressive wins.

They continued their good form here, with Mark Lapham’s heavy back-court top-spin combining well with Mark Simpson’s aggressive net play and tricky slice serve. They comfortably won the first set and, despite a second-set fightback from Ian and Jo, proved too strong, winning 6-1 6-3.

We look forward to running the

tournament again next year.

For anyone interested in junior membership or coaching, please contact Rich Conway at richardconway6@icloud.com or 07909988115.

For anyone interested in adult membership, please contact Tony Dicker at ard@tonydicker.co.ukanyone looking to play league/ club nights would be particularly welcome.

Above, Fry’s Tennis Club singles finalists Mark Long, left, and Rich Conway Right, doubles finalists Ian Taylor, Jo Taylor, Mark Lapham and Mark Simpson

The Ks make progress in youthful new era

The month of September saw Keynsham Town’s young first team record their first victories of the season, as they climbed off the foot of the Toolstation Western League Premier Division table.

Buckland Athletic were the first visitors to Crown Fields over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and left with all three points after a 2-1 victory.

The Ks’ defensive problems were again in evidence in the first half, as they fell two goals behind. However the second half saw a spirited fightback, but they only had a Henry Sady goal to show for their endeavours as Buckland’s defence held firm.

Bank Holiday Monday saw Wellington make the trip up the M5 to Keynsham and they were blown away before half-time with the Ks’ best display of the season so far.

Jemar Thomas scored two clinical goals inside the first 10

There’s plenty of football for both the men’s and ladies’ sections to look forward to at Crown Fields over the next few weeks:

Tue Oct 4: Men’s first team v Cadbury Heath, 7.45pm

Sat Oct 8: Men’s reserves v Clutton, 3pm

Sun Oct 9: Ladies first team v Moneyfields, 2pm

Tue Oct 11: Men’s reserves v Stockwood Wanderers (Cup), 7.45pm

Sat Oct 15: Men’s first team v Barnstaple Town, 3pm

Sat Oct 22: Men’s reserves v Mendip Broadwalk, 3pm

Tue Nov 1: Men’s reserves v Stockwood Wanderers, 7.45pm

Sat Nov 5: Men’s reserves v Watchet Town, 2pm

Sun Nov 6: Ladies first team v Southampton, 2pm

Even if you can’t make it in person, don’t forget to keep up to date with the Ks’ fortunes in next month’s Keynsham Voice

minutes, before young keeper Josey Casa-Grande (on loan from Bristol City) made an excellent penalty save in the 20th minute.

Further goals from Henry Sady and Owen Brain before the break made the half-time score 4-0, and despite creating further chances in the second half, that was the final score. This victory, and their

first clean sheet of the season, was a huge confidence boost for the youngsters and their celebrations were a joy to watch.

The Ks then achieved an arguably even better result away to top-half side Sherborne Town, who had already won 4-0 at Crown Fields earlier in the season. Some excellent defending, with regular custodian Joel Manning back between the sticks, kept the scoreline 0-0 until only 20 seconds of stoppage time remained. Then Jemar Thomas won a header just inside Sherborne’s half, ran on to his own flick, turned the centre half inside out and curled a gorgeous shot into the top corner to give the Ks another three points.

Next up was a first Western League visit for 40 years to Crown Fields for newcomers Falmouth Town, who made the long trek up from Cornwall. In an entertaining game, both keepers and defences excelled, and it took until the 67th minute for the deadlock to be broken. Henry Sady took a deep corner for Keynsham and

Will Sage’s precise looping header deceived everyone. However the visitors scored a deserved equaliser 10 minutes later and the spoils were shared.

Long-serving club secretary Jules French said: “Much reference was made to our poor first month of the season, but as I have said countless times, the “bedding-in process” for these young players was always destined to be a long and challenging one.

“We always knew it would take time for these young lads to come to terms with the physicality of men’s football at this level when they’d been so used to the academy game; but what I personally didn’t expect was them to adjust as quickly as they have done after confronting such a steep learning curve.

“Our new coach, Juan Mascunano, who has coached with Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Bristol City academies, can take credit for much of that, as can Ash Morgan for the many hours’ hard work he has put into establishing our first-team squad.”

Ks reserves have endured a difficult start to their Uhlsport Somerset County Premier Division campaign, but they finally put three points on the board with an entertaining 4-3 victory under the Crown Fields lights against local rivals Stockwood Green. This was followed up with another victory in the County League Cup with a 3-1 win at Yatton & Cleeve United.

Similarly the Ks Ladies mirrored the men with a disappointing start to the season, losing their first three League games. However they put this right with a 3-1 home win over local rivals Larkhall Athletic.

Jemar Thomas breaks into the box to score against Wellington Keeper Josey Casa-Grande saves a penalty against Wellington

DRIVEWAYS