The long wait is over for GCSE and A-Level students in Keynsham. Pictured here as GCSE results were announced at Wellsway School are Benji Reynolds, Ollie Hall-Haines, Thomas Eve, Mr Notton and Jack Bowen.
l See Pages 10 to 13 for our results coverage
THE number of new homes to be built in the Keynsham and Saltford areas in the coming years may rise significantly under government reforms.
Labour has announced what it calls “radical” changes to how many new homes it thinks each local authority should be required to find land for. Under previous rules, the housing target for Bath & North
East Somerset was 717 new homes a year – a total of 14,340 over the 20-year period of its Local Plan (2022-2042).
But Labour’s new target for the district is more than double that figure at 1,466 a year – a total of 29,320 new homes.
The effect on the Bath Local Plan - which is still being drafted - is unclear, but the implications for areas like Keynsham and
call
Saltford could be enormous.
Councillor Duncan Hounsell – who is among those who have pledged to fight to protect Saltford’s green belt from the threat of new homes being built – told the Voice: “It was already challenging for B&NES planners to find strategic sites for housing under the previous system.
“The proposed doubling of
n Turn to Page 2
An appeal has been made to save The Ship Inn at Keynsham amid concerns for the state of the historic pub.
PAGE 3
Two stretches of road in Keynsham town centre may have their speed limits lowered from 30mph to 20mph.
PAGE 5
A Keynsham man has raised thousands of pounds for a war veterans’ charity by walking all the way to Normandy.
PAGE 9
A grieving pensioner is distraught after being fined £100 for stopping her car at Bristol Airport – for just 56 seconds.
PAGES 20 & 21
Four new lifesaving bleed kits have been installed at locations in Keynsham.
PAGE 25
Emma Cooper
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n From Page 2
the housing target for B&NES by the new Labour government makes this task even more challenging.”
The revelation of new targets for local authorities follows an announcement in the House of Commons by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on July 30 over changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which underpins the planning system, subject to eight weeks of consultation.
The reforms change the method used to calculate how many homes should be built in each area across the country, with more houses added to existing targets depending on how much higher property prices are than earnings.
Some existing protected green-belt land deemed to be low quality, such as disused petrol stations and car parks, will also be redesignated “grey belt” where development would be made much easier to approve.
B&NES councillors have yet to debate the impact of the government’s ambitions, with the council so far issuing a statement to ‘stakeholders’.
It says: “As you are aware, Bath and North East Somerset Council are in the process of preparing a Local Plan to meet the needs of the district up to 2042.
“The government has now published reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework for consultation, including revised standard method housing figures, which, if adopted, may have a significant impact on the Local Plan.
“The council are carefully considering the impact of the draft reforms on the current Local Plan programme and will provide a further update in due course.”
But the proposed reforms have already prompted fierce opposition in neighbouring South Gloucestershire, which faces a 30 per cent rise in the number of new homes.
Opposition Conservative councillors have branded the plans as an “attack” on the district’s countryside and promised to fight them.
The reforms have also been blasted by planning campaign group TRAPP’D (Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development) as a “potential disaster”.
In its newsletter, it said the reforms were a “big boost for speculative applications” and could force South Gloucestershire to take other area’s shortfalls, including the massive increase being imposed on B&NES.
Under Local Plan proposals before the government’s announcement, potential sites identified for new homes included north Keynsham (1,500 homes), Hicks Gates (850), south-east Keynsham (350), west Keynsham (100-300), east of Avon Mill Lane (160) and central Keynsham (40-100).
They also include South Saltford (800 homes) and west Saltford (500 homes). What the effect on these figures will eventually be remains to be seen. Voice reporter and Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Services
Smashed windows at The Ship Inn on Temple Street, which has been shut since May 2023
AN APPEAL has been made to save The Ship Inn at Keynsham amid concerns for the state of the historic premises.
The pub on Temple Street has been empty since it suddenly closed in May 2023.
The owners – the Wellington Pub Company based in London – are currently advertising the lease through Bristol letting agents Fleurets.
Now local resident Jean Burnett is hoping interested people can come together to try to safeguard the pub’s future.
She said: “I have been very concerned for some time about the state of the old Ship Inn on Temple Street.
“This Grade 11 listed pub is decaying by the week, and nobody seems to be doing anything about it. The windows have been smashed by local yobs.”
She added: “Many local historic pubs have been taken over by the community successfully, and this might be a way forward for The Ship. The town could be the community landlord, using volunteers to run the place.”
As the Voice went to press, Jean was planning to post about the issue on Facebook, through the Keynsham Community Group, to try to drum up support for her idea.
The stone-built, two-storey property
is believed to date from 1636. It has two pétanque pitches in its garden, with owner’s accommodation on its upper floor.
The real-ale pub had previously won praise from CAMRA for having an interior of special national historic interest.
It reopened in August 2021 with new lessees after a lengthy closure because of the Covid pandemic. The Ship Inn still has a Facebook page, with 850 followers, but the last post was in February 2023.
The Voice approached Wellington Pub Wompany and Fleurets for comment about the state of the Ship and its future, but so far we have received no reply.
OWNERS of zombie-style knives or machetes are being asked to hand them in before possessing them becomes a criminal offence.
They can be surrendered at Keynsham police station and others in the Bristol and Bath areas before the law takes effect at midnight on September 24.
The items are being added to the list of prohibited weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, along with a ban on their manufacture, importation, sale and supply.
To help the public comply with this change, the Home Office has launched a surrender-and-compensation scheme running from August 26 to September 23.
During this period, people can surrender any zombie-style knife or machete to the police and claim compensation. After September 24, possessing these items could lead to criminal prosecution.
Zombie-style knives and machetes are defined as weapons with blades over eight inches (20cm) in length that normally have a serrated cutting edge.
Before you surrender a knife or machete, wrap it in something, such as a towel, and carry it in a bag to prevent injury.
They can be handed in at Keynsham Police Centre, Ashmead Trading Estate, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX, from Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm, and 2.15pm. to 6pm.
A CREAM tea afternoon held last month by the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, Keynsham Branch, raised £585.64 for the 2024 Poppy Appeal.
The organisers would like to thank those who came along, as well as the following: Tesco, Keynsham, and Rodda’s Cream, Cornwall, for supplying produce for the event; Waitrose, Keynsham, for gluten-free scones; the RBL Club, Keynsham, for the use of the rooms; and Bakers Corner of St George, Bristol, who made the most delicious scones. RBLWS Keynsham Branch charity no. 219279
RNLI volunteer Sidney Rendell has been presented with certificate of thanks by the Council of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
The ceremony took place at a collection for the RNLI at Tesco in Keynsham.
Sidney has been a member of RNLI Keynsham branch since the 1980s, having joined the RNLI as a shoreline member when the Lifeboat Museum was in Bristol.
The certificate of thanks was in recognition of Sidney’s dedication and longstanding support of the RNLI.
It states: “Sidney is always the first to volunteer for street and Tesco collections, giving many hours of his time to raise money for the RNLI. He is well known in the area and this has proven to be a great asset to the branch’s collections. His valued contributions help the RNLI to save lives at sea.”
The branch, formed in 1967, has been collecting at Tesco since 2017 and, said its
chairman Julian Hannam: “Sid has always helped. Usually Tesco permits us to hold two collections a year. The amount collected by the Keynsham branch during Tesco collections since 2017 is about £6,935.”
Asked how he felt when presented with this award, Sidney said: “Flabbergasted! It was a complete surprise and I didn’t expect that to happen at all.”
Sid joined the Royal Navy when he was 17 years old and served for nine years. He was bosun on The Matthew for four years and also worked with the tall ships.
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TWO stretches of road in Keynsham town centre may have their speed limits lowered from 30mph to 20mph.
The proposals affect Bristol Road from the High Street/ Station Road roundabout westwards for 225 metres, and Station Road from the roundabout to the Keynsham boundary sign east of the entrance to the train station.
Bath & North East Somerset Council says it has secured funding to introduce the 20mph limit, which it says would be suitable because of the nature of the roads, and pedestrian and cycling activity in the area.
Station Road has three pedestrian crossings. Two are signal-controlled, one outside the train station, which is well used by commuters, and another at the entrance to the Somerdale Estate.
There is also a zebra crossing next to St John’s Church, which is well used by school children, so the council says reducing the limit to 20mph would help to maintain safety on these crossings.
Traffic speed surveys were carried out on Bristol Road and Station Road in June. They showed that the average speed in both directions on Bristol Road was between 24mph and 25mph,
and the average speed on Station Road was between 20mph and 22mph. The council believes these figures suggest that new 20mph signs would have a positive impact in achieving compliance.
The proposals have been backed by local ward councillors Alex Beaumont and George Leach.
But Cllr Alan Hale said he did not support a 20mph limit for Bristol Road as he felt it would not be adhered to and that police traffic enforcement was “abysmal”. Regarding Station Road, he said he was not overly concerned as vehicle speed was constrained most of the time by the volume of traffic.
Cllr David Biddleston felt it
A FORMER Keynsham vicar, the Reverend Christopher Penn, has died at the age of 90.
He was team vicar at St Francis Church, Keynsham, from 1976 to 1982, during which time the new vicarage was built next to the church with Christopher’s input on the design.
Christopher was married to Shirley - who died on January 2, 2021 - and they had one daughter, Rosemary.
After leaving Keynsham, the family moved to Chilcompton, where Christopher was vicar and rural dean of Midsomer Norton Deanery. He was a vicar for 26 years before retiring to his final home in Keynsham.
He died peacefully in his sleep after a short illness and is much missed by his daughter and her husband, Steve, his grandchildren, and all the family. l Pictured, Christopher on a visit
was more important to extend the 20mph limit down the hill and past Avon Mill Lane, with a crossing installed to serve the car park opposite the lane that is used by rail commuters and people visiting local pubs and the park.
He said: “I often see people running across that road and dodging traffic at that point.”
“Across the proposed length, cars are prevented from
driving too fast by traffic lights, crossings, jams and junctions. You cannot travel 10 yards before having to slow again. The proposed 20mph is already achieved then without the additional expenditure.
“Please focus your funding and attention at the dangerous crossings and speed from the bridge to Avon Mill Lane and provide a pedestrian crossing at that point.”
Keynsham Town Council made no comment on the proposals.
The deadline for comments is September 5. They can be sent by email to TROs@BATHNES. GOV.UK or by post to Traffic Management Team, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Lewis House, Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JG.
Submissions should quote the title of the scheme - (Bristol Road, Keynsham) (Station Road, Keynsham) (20 mph speed limit) 202 - with the reference TRO 24-011.
FRIDAY 20th September – 6.00 pm. Meet at St John’s Church for a short walk around the town centre, detailing places of historic interest. Led by Richard Dyson.
SATURDAY 21st – 10.00 am. Meet in the Memorial Park by the Wooden Bridge in the Bath Hill East car park behind the Leisure Centre for an 8-mile circular walk to Saltford, Kelston and back. There will be a refreshment stop. Led by Dawn Drury.
SATURDAY 21st – 1.00 pm. Meet in the Memorial Park as above for a 2-mile circular walk along the river to Chewton Keynsham and back. Led by Milla Kenny
SUNDAY 22nd – 10.00 am. Meet in the Memorial Park as above for a 5-mile circular walk around Hanham, including a refreshment stop. Led by Dave Vince.
THIS WALK SUPPORTS THE BBC CHILDREN IN NEED COUNTRYFILE RAMBLE - ALL DONATIONS IN AN ENVELOPE AT THE START OF THE WALK PLEASE ALL WALKS ARE FREE AND SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND DOGS UNDER CONTROL EVERYBODY WELCOME
SUITABLE FOOTWEAR ESSENTIAL – IT COULD BE MUDDY!! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT DAVE wrwkeynsham@outlook.com or telephone 07866440968
It’s time to get your
KEYNSHAM Walkers are Welcome will offer people the chance to join four free walks during their ninth annual Mini Walking Festival later this month.
The festival, which runs from September 20 to September 22, will culminate in a walk in support of the BBC Children in Need Countryfile Ramble on the Sunday.
Walkers will meet at 10am in the Memorial Park by the wooden bridge in the Bath Hill East car park for for a 5-mile circular walk around Hanham.
This is always a well-supported event and in the past it has raised several thousands of pounds for this worthy cause.
Please bring any donations with you in an envelope to hand to the organisers at the start of the walk.
Details of the other walks in the festival can be found in the advert on this page.
All the walks are suitable for children and dogs under control. Suitable footwear is essential as conditions could be muddy. l Keynsham Walkers are Welcome’s regular monthly article can be found on Page 27.
BIKER have warned they are set to be hit with “disproportionate” parking charges that will see them pay more to park than most cars.
Bath and North East Somerset Council introduced emissions-based parking - where drivers pay extra to park depending on their vehicle’s emissions - at car parks in Bath in 2023.
Now it wants to make £195,000 by rolling out emissions-based parking charges to more locations, including Keynsham and Saltford, raisinge prices at Bath car parks, and making people pay to park motorbikes and scooters for the first time.
The emissions-based charges are intended to ensure “the polluter pays” but bikers have warned they will end up paying more than drivers of more polluting cars.
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) say that “commuter” motorbikes with smaller engine sizes could pay as much as luxury cars.
Colin Brown, director of campaigns and political engagement at the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), said: “The introduction of any parking charges is always going to be controversial.
“But when you look at how it’s being implemented for Bath and North East Somerset, it appears to be disproportionate to another level.”
A Yamaha Diversion (600cc) and Triumph Speedmaster 865 (865cc) which MAG members rode to Keynsham for a meeting about proposed parking charges
With emissions-based parking, payand-display machines look up a vehicle’s emissions from the DVLA and charge based on how much carbon is emitted or, if this information is not available, the capacity of the engine.
Mr Brown said that for nine out of 10 bikes on the road, the DVLA does not have any emissions data, meaning most bikes would be charged based on their engine size.
Under the council’s plans, bikes and scooters follow a separate banding system than cars, meaning bikes with smaller
Examples of Snap and Stroll members’ work
A LOCAL photography group is holding its first exhibition next month.
Keynsham Snap and Stroll members will display their favourite pictures at Bath Artist Studio, The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Bath BA1 3AJ.
The show, called ‘Eclectic Images’, runs from Saturday September 7 to Friday September 13 and is open from 11am to 4pm.
Snap and Stroll describes itself as a small, inclusive group of like-minded people of all ages and
engines would pay the same amount as cars with larger engines.
A motorbike with an engine capacity over 600cc would be charged the maximum amount, the same as the largest most polluting cars with engines over 2951cc, which Mr Brown called “frankly ridiculous”.
He said: “Motorcycles will get charged more despite the fact that they are less polluting than cars.”
He added: “You have got a situation where somebody riding a 150cc moped is going to get charged the same as someone driving a one-and-a-half litre car. There is no comparison there in terms of the CO2 emissions.”
One argument used by the council was that some motorbikes were now so large they took up a whole parking bay. MAG also dismissed the claim as “manifestly not true.”
In July, Mr Brown and Geoff Mills, MAG’s western region transport policy officer, met council officers about the plans at the council offices in Keynsham.
The charges would kick in from October. A public consultation on the council’s parking plans — which also proposes the end of free parking at car parks in Midsomer Norton and Radstock — closed on August 8.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
abilities who meet weekly, usually in Keynsham but sometimes in other interesting places.
Members share photographic tips while wandering around, which they find is a great way to switch off, relax and make new friends while looking more carefully at the world around them.
Entry to the exhibition is free. For more information about it, or the group in general, contact Adrian Wyatt by calling 07976 362615 or emailing ade.wyatt@ gmail.com
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A KEYNSHAM man has raised thousands of pounds for a war veterans’ charity by walking to Normandy.
Dave Westall covered 215 miles in aid of the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
After setting off from the Bristol Horfield Army Reserve Centre on May 30, he arrived at the British Normandy Memorial on June 5, the day before the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
He has also raised more than £2,700 by holding a charity auction at the Old Manor House in Keynsham, boosting the total he raised for the trust to more than £13,000.
The Old Manor House supported Dave’s fundraising over the year, and auction items were donated by local companies Reflections, Braggs, Chew Valley Distillery and Sisu’amour, among others.
Dave thanked his supporters, saying: “Your help has allowed the good work of the trust to continue and allow the veterans the valuable chance to return to the beaches.”
As well as supporting the Normandy
veterans, the trust built and maintains the Normandy Memorial near the village of Versur-Mer.
The memorial pays tribute to those who took part in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, which paved the way the Allied victory in the Second World War.
l Pictured above, Dave stopping off at HMS Victory in Portsmouth during his epic walk.
THE traditional sweet shop in Keynsham High Street has changed hands.
Scrumptious Sweets closed its doors for the last time on August 17. The shop has since reopened under new management and a new name - Sweets, Treats & Mantiques.
The premises are now run by Keynsham resident Anna Sheppard and her partner Ade May, who is moving his business, Viaduct Mantiques, from Coalpit Heath to the Keynsham shop.
Anna said: “We will remain open from 10am-4pm as far as possible during the renovation phase, but please remember we will be closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.”
To finish the refurbishment, the shop will be shut from September 8 to 13 before the relaunch on September 14, the plan being to open seven days a week from then on.
Pam Garrie ran Scrumptious Sweets for five years, building up a loyal following, but decided not to renew the lease in October as it was such a “huge
Anna Sheppard with the keys to the High Street shop
commitment”. But she was determined to find someone who could take over and continue selling sweets from the premises.
She said: “We had a huge amount of interest, which was fantastic, but out of all of them I felt the Anna and Ade would be the perfect fit and best for the community and the High Street.”
* Mancave Items
* Home Bar Trinkets & Memorabilia
* Automobilia
* Vintage & Retro Man Gifts
* Collectibles
* Traditional sweets sold by weight
* Retro Classics
* A growing range of Sugar Free confectionery
* Retro soft drinks
* Wedding/Baby Shower/Party Favours
Sweets, Treats & Mantiques
23 High Street, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1DP Tel: 0117 986 4444
E: sweetstreatsmantiques@gmail.com W: www.sweetstreatsmantiques.co.uk (not live yet)
Celebrating standout results at Broadlands Academy are (from left)
Ruby Garrett, Poppy Priest, Yog Nungra and Jun Fan
STUDENTS from Broadlands Academy in Keynsham are celebrating their “fantastic” GCSE results.
Broadlands, which is part of the AET group of schools, said the results are particularly impressive, as this is only the second year that normal grading has returned since the pandemic.
Standout results include:
l Yog Nungra achieved a full set of Grade 9s in all of exams including English Language, English Literature, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Geography and Business Studies. Yog will be going to Oldfield Sixth Form to study A Levels.
l Jun Fan achieved Grade 9 in Chemistry, Grade 8s in Biology, Business Studies, English Literature, Further Maths, Geography, Maths, Physics, and Statistics, and Grade 7 in English Language. Jun will be going to Oldfield Sixth Form to study A Levels.
l Poppy Priest achieved a Grade 9 in English Language, Food and Nutrition, Distinction* in Child Development, Grade 9-8 in Combined Science, Grade 8 in Business Studies, and Geography, Grade 7 in English Literature, and Grade 6 in Maths. Poppy will be going to St Brendan’s Sixth Form College to study A Levels.
l Jamie Tovey achieved Grade 8s in English
Literature and English Language, and Grade 7s in Chemistry, History, and Maths. Jamie will be going to St Brendan’s to study A Levels.
l Ruby Garrett achieved Grade 7s in English Literature, History and Spanish. Ruby will be going to St Brendan’s to study A Levels.
Interim principal Helen Simmons said: “I am delighted for our Year 11 students – they have worked so hard and fully deserve the fantastic grades that they have achieved.
“A special thank-you also to our phenomenal team of teachers, support staff and leaders, who have supported each and every student to achieve their fullest potential.”
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TRIBUTES have been paid to hard work and resilience of students at Wellsway School and IKB Academy in Keynsham who have received their GCSE results.
Wellsway School
Wellsway headteacher Rob Pearsall said: “We are very proud of our students, who have worked so hard to achieve these results.
“When I met this year group in September 2021, they were in Year 9, emerging from an extraordinary year in bubbles; a time when they were told they could not do so many things. I challenged them to be the best they could be, and they have risen to that challenge repeatedly.”
There were some outstanding outcomes for individual students. These include:
l Gabriella (nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8)
l Kierra (eight Grade 9s, two Grade 8s)
l Aalia (seven Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7)
l Ameli (five Grade 9s and five Grade 8s)
l Katie (six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7)
l Tilly (six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7)
l Chloe (four Grade 9s and six Grade 8s)
l Violet (two Grade 9s, six Grade 8s and two Grade 7s)
l Sophie (two Grade 9s, six Grade 8s and one Grade 7 and one Grade 6)
l Isabel (four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7 and two Grade 6s)
l Charlotte (three Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and one Grade 6)
l Maisie (six Grade 8s and four Grade 7s)
l Freyja (two Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and two Grade 6s)
l Saif (two Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and two Grade 6s)
l Joseph (two Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, 5 Grade 7s and one Grade 6)
l Emily (one Grade 9, four Grade 8s, four Grade 7s and one Grade 6)
l Helena (two Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, 5 Grade 7s and one Grade 6)
l Rhys (one Grade 9, four Grade 8s, four Grade 7s and one Grade 5)
The school said these results deserved a real accolade, given the increased rigour and challenge of all the new examination specifications for this year group after the challenges they faced due to their learning being affected by Covid.
There were further excellent individual
Students gather at Wellsway to receive their GCSE results
successes, including A J, Aalia, Anna, Saskia, Bruno, Isla, Summer, Joseph, Max, Violet, Lucy, Oliver and Sofia, who all made outstanding progress.
For more information about Post-16 provision, please contact Amy Chapman, assistant headteacher, at sixthform@ wellswayschool.com
IKB Academy
Pete Headeach, head of school, said: “At IKB, we are incredibly proud of our students and the determination, resilience and hard work they have demonstrated. They fully deserve the results that they have achieved.”
The school said it was proud of all its students who had made outstanding progress through year 10 and 11, many having overcome significant challenges.
Special mention was made of the following: Jess – Four grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, Ben – one grade 9, one grade 8, two grade 7s, Harvey – five grade 7s, three grade 6s, Emily – one grade 8, four grade 7s, Level 2 Distinction, Oliver – four grade 7s and a level 2 Distinction and Liam – one grade 8 and five grade 7s.
STUDENTS at Wellsway School and IKB Academy have been praised for their “fantastic achievements” in A-Level and vocational qualifications.
Amy Chapman, director of sixth form at Wellsway and IKB, said: “I am extremely proud of all our students.
“So many have worked exceptionally hard and clearly been rewarded for their ability to adapt and maintain a sustained focus on their learning.
“The past two years of their education has come with significant challenges, and I’m pleased that so many now have the qualifications and skills they need to go on to the next stage of their life. It has been an honour to be able to support each of you on your journey.”
Headteacher Rob Pearsall said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 13 students and all of their achievements throughout their time in sixth form.
“This comes after an unprecedented educational journey and challenging examinations; they have shown resilience and perseverance in the face of many challenges.
“Nothing should distract us from the celebration of this point in their lives; our priority has been to do everything we can
to support our students and to help them achieve their aspirations.”
The following students were highlighted for achieving outstanding results:
l Laurie - 4 A*s in Computing, Further Maths, Maths and Physics.
l Sandilya - 1 A* and 3s in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Extended Project.
l Isobel - 3 As in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.
l Nathan - 3 A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics.
l Adam - 3 A*s and an A in French, Maths, Extended Project, and History.
l Henry - 3 A*s in Business, Geography and Psychology.
l Josie - 1 A* and 2As in English Literature, History and Psychology.
l Mike - 1 A* and 2As in Business, Biology, Computing and Core Maths.
l Zoe - 1 A* in Biology, 1 A in Chemistry and a B in Maths.
l Harriett - 2 As in Maths and Biology and a B in Chemistry.
l Tom - a Distinction* in Engineering and 2 Bs in Maths and Physics.
Students who made significant progress over the two years included Josh, Edison, Honey, Roan, Aram, Flo and Che.
Almost all students achieved grades that have enabled them to progress to the next stage, in education, training or employment.
Many students gained university places to study a diverse range of subjects, such as Medicine at University of East Anglia and the University of Plymouth; Computer Science at the University of Cambridge; Mathematics at University of Warwick; Law at the University of York; Business and Management at the University of Exeter; English Literature at
Newcastle University; Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham; and Business and Finance at Oxford Brookes University.
Several students have also gained apprenticeships and employment. George and Harry have apprenticeships at Wessex Water, Roan is applying to the RAF, Emily is working for an accountancy firm before volunteering abroad, and Austin and Joe have engineering apprenticeships in the RAF and Navy.
A SALTFORD resident has been nominated for an award honouring women who work in the financial advice sector.
Sam Gratton is an associate director and chartered financial planner at Ellis Davies Financial Planning, based in Bristol.
For the third year running, she has reached the finals of the Women in Financial Advice Awards - in the Financial Adviser of the Year South West and Wales category.
Sam, who has worked in financial services for 14 years, said: “I’m delighted, as these awards celebrate the achievements of women working within the financial advice community and also the wider financial services arena, in a sector where they continue to be under-represented. Only 16% of financial planners are female.
“I have a passion for increasing diversity and inclusion within our industry, and as a mother I work hard to maintain a work-life balance and to be available to my son Henry.”
Sam also volunteers as a committee member of the Saltford Business Network.
The awards take place in London on November 6.
Letters for publication can be sent to news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or by post to Letters, Keynshamvoice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.
I was surprised to hear that Bath & North East Somerset Council planning had initially refused permission for Keynsham Dental Practice’s new signs at their High Street premises, as they considered them “too modern and did not respect the character of the High Street, which is in a Conservation Area.”
I wonder how this equates with the lurid signage of the adjacent Keynsham Mini Market and also the one further along the High Street.
I contacted Planning early in the year but they said that they are too busy to look at the case! I have since made further protests but have been ignored.
I’ve lost count of the people who speak to me about these shop signs, which are so out of character with what is supposed to be a historic market town.
Hazel Powe
Editor’s note: The dental practice’s plans for a replacement shop front and new signs were initially
opposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s conservation team on the grounds that they were “inappropriate and harmful to the designated conservation area and setting of the listed buildings immediately opposite the site.”
Keynsham Town Council also objected for similar reasons.
The plans were revised to reflect a number of changes. The shop front will now be grey-painted timber instead of white-coated aluminium.
The canopy will now be retractable, and all illumination has been removed.
replaced with a more traditional hanging sign. The revised plans were approved by B&NES Council planning officers.
As reported in last month’s Voice, existing signs at the Mini Market are the subject of an enforcement case by the council, which said they were “harmful to the character and appearance of the high street.”
page, August issue]. I would love to see an improvement in public transport, which encourages motorists to leave their cars at home, but a few buses per hour using the proposed bus lane will not achieve that.
Nor will it improve emissions, which will increase due to stationary traffic.
Normally, if I wasn’t happy with a decision made by the local council or, in this case, the WECA, led by Dan Norris, I would complain to my MP, Dan Norris.
The projection box sign has been
I was dismayed to hear that despite Keynsham residents’ clear rejection, the plan for the bus lane on the Keynsham bypass is still progressing [Voice front
2nd July - Tours
VISIT US
Morning - Tuesday 2nd July - Tours 9.15am-10.20am
Opening Morning - Tuesday 2nd July - Tours from 9.15am-10.20am
families who are interested September 2025. will finish at 10.45am, the last
Tuesday 2nd July - Tours
tours to students and families who are interested School in September 2025. that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last 10.20am
Opening Morning - Tuesday 2nd July - Tours from 9.15am-10.20am
We are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2025. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am
students and families who are interested September 2025. morning will finish at 10.45am, the last
Headteacher’s introduction starts at 6pm
19th September starts at 6pm be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm opportunity to hear about our unique to freely explore our facilities and wonderful young people. A variety of the evening — showcasing all aspects
- Thursday 19th September introduction starts at 6pm introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique Families will then be able to freely explore our facilities and throughout by our wonderful young people. A variety of place throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects School.
Open Evening - Thursday 19th September
Can you see my problem?
Armando Di-Finizio, Keynsham
Headteacher’s introduction starts at 6pm
We are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2025. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am
Thursday 19th September introduction starts at 6pm introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm have the opportunity to hear about our unique then be able to freely explore our facilities and by our wonderful young people. A variety of throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects
Open Evening - Thursday 19th September
Headteacher’s introduction starts at 6pm
The Headteacher’s introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm to ensure all our visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique community. Families will then be able to freely explore our facilities and will be guided throughout by our wonderful young people. A variety of activities will take place throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects of life at Wellsway School.
The headteacher’s introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm to ensure all our visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique community. Families will then be avle to freely explore our facilities and will be guided throughout by our wonderful young people. A variet of activities will take place throughout the evening - showcasing all aspects of life at Wellsway School. Developing
The Headteacher’s introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm to ensure all our visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique community. Families will then be able to freely explore our facilities and will be guided throughout by our wonderful young people. A variety of activities will take place throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects of life at Wellsway School.
NEXT month sees the 10th anniversary of the opening of Keynsham Library in the new civic centre. But what is the history of the town’s public library?
It appears to have been in 1934 that the provision of a free library in Keynsham was first seriously considered. The Somerset county librarian offered to provide books but was not in a position to fund a site.
About this time, the decision to build the Fear Hall was made and the trustees were willing to consider using part of the building for this purpose. Discussions took place but led nowhere, so the idea lapsed.
In 1941, it was revived when the county library service was approached by a group of ladies living in Keynsham to see whether a public library could be established for the benefit of local people and, as part of the war effort, the service personnel stationed in the area.
By this time, Keynsham Urban District Council (UDC) had been set up and had taken a lease on the
Council meetings were held there but it was not fully utilised, so the two councils came to an agreement and the town’s first library was officially opened on 24th July 1941 by Mr R.N. Green Armytage, of Bath.
The new facility proved popular and a report in the Somerset Guardian at the end of August described its operation in detail.
Consisting of one large upstairs room, the library was supervised by one librarian, a Mrs Hartley,
The old library building on Bath Hill, also showing the former court house, which was demolished in1977
Opening times were Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 7.30pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. In the first place, the stock was 2,000 volumes of biography, travel, reference and fiction, but it did not include a section for children or young people.
Some 800 regular borrowers were recorded, and they took out a total of nearly 100 books a day. The librarian was optimistic that numbers would increase greatly when darker nights forced people
to spend more time “by their firesides” in that pre-television era.
Long before the war had ended, local authorities were putting a lot of effort into planning post-war development and in March 1943 the UDC adopted a development plan that included, as well as 1,000 houses, a civic centre with library and town hall.
The realities of post-war politics and government funding meant that it was 1965 before the town hall complex became a reality and the library was able to move into a modern building designed for the purpose.
In the meantime, June 1944 saw the council purchase the old library building from the trustees of the Liberal Club for the sum of £1,250.
Provision for younger readers took a step forward when, in January 1946, two local residents offered to donate £300 for the purchase of children’s books in memory of their late parents. Later in the year, a part-time assistant was appointed to run the children’s section, which was in the downstairs room.
Usage of the library continued to grow and in 1958 the opening days were increased from three to five. As the town’s population expanded, so did library patronage and, in its modern premises, books issued are said to have reached a peak of 396,000 in 1979.
As we know, the 1960s buildings fell victim to redevelopment by Bath & North East Somerset Council and were demolished after 2011, with the library moving into temporary accommodation for three years until October 2014. (This article includes research by society archivist Sue Tatford) Richard Dyson
Find your remarkable
Wednesday 25th September 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Principal talks at 5.30pm and 6.30pm followed by tours of the school
Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd October - 9.00am to 10.00am (by appointment only)
To request a place on an open morning tour, please contact the Academy on 01179 864791
SCOUTS in Keynsham are looking ahead to their annual auction and book sale, which this year is on Saturday October 5.
All the items are donated by the community. It’s your chance to clear out a loft, garage, or cupboards to help us to raise substantial funds for the Scout group, while also giving local people a chance to buy items at great prices. You could say we are recycling. Visit https:// www.1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk/ scout-auction to donate or learn more.
So how is the money raised used? All the equipment and opportunities you may have read about in the last 12 months in Keynsham Voice are thanks to these funds.
In July and August, our young people have been camping, climbing, caving, canoeing, cooking and rafting, and all the core equipment provided comes from the auction funds.
Doors open for the big event at 9am at the Scout HQ in Ashton Way, Keynsham.
n A group of Keynsham Explorer Scouts and their keen leaders took part in a volunteer working day with the National Trust at their Kipscombe farm property in the heart of Exmoor whilst away on their annual Summer Expo last month.
The Explorers were introduced to livestock including longhorn cattle, friendly pigs and even some buffalo, which have been tasked with creating wallowing wetland areas.
Tasks across the day included clearing weeds surrounding newly planted native species of trees, and in the afternoon activities involved loading up buckets and spreading fresh manure to provide mulching around the saplings to encourage growth.
All the Explorers showed great enthusiasm and determination
to complete the tasks, and their attitudes were complimented by Tyler at the National Trust.
Other activities at the Summer Expo included surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing and hiking.
The day was hosted by the National Trust’s Tyler, a former Explorer Scout himself, who described the important ecological work the trust is undertaking at the site, using a number of techniques to improve biodiversity and habitat.
n Keynsham Explorer Scouts provide a range of activities and opportunities for young people aged 14 to 18. We are seeking more adults to join our team.
If you are interested in getting involved as a young person or as a supporting adult volunteer, please contact dan. sawyer@1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk
AS summer draws to a close and autumn approaches, the verdant beauty of our countryside is starting to fade.
Many wild flowers and grasses are running to seed. But among the steadily declining end-ofseason vegetation, there is a golden harvest to be found, much appreciated by our wildlife.
The fruits of our hedgerows are there for the taking by both mammals and birds, some squirrelling away nuts for leaner times in the winter, others taking advantage of the abundant seeds.
Berries, such as blackberry, elderberry and rowan, are also top of the menu, and now at their best, ripening in the early autumn sun. Birds like robins, thrushes, blackbirds, and finches feast on the juicy fruits, which provide essential nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and energy-rich sugar, helping birds prepare for migration and to survive the colder months.
Birds also play a role in seed dispersal, as they consume the berries and spread the seeds through their droppings, aiding in the propagation of the trees and shrubs.
These berries are a food source for foxes, squirrels and other mammals as well, who enjoy them for their high energy. And certain insects, like beetles and wasps, are attracted to very ripe berries, feeding on the juice or pulp.
However, it’s not just the berries in
Check out supermarket car parks for colourful rowan berries, left Elderberries, right, are great for making cordial or wine - but leave some for the birds
All photos: Kathy Farrell
hedgerows that are useful. The understory habitat provided by the plants is also important for small mammals and invertebrates. The thick leaf litter beneath the bushes creates a microhabitat rich in organic matter, which supports a diverse community from insects and spiders to fungi.
This, in turn, attracts predators like birds and small mammals, contributing to a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem. Earlier in the year these bushes and trees provide nectar for insects, and many small birds use them to build their nests in a safe environment.
The blackberry is not a berry in the botanical sense, as it is termed as an aggregate fruit, composed of small “drupelets”. Folklore tells us that blackberries should not be picked after Old Michaelmas Day (October 11) as the devil has made them unfit to eat by stepping and spitting on them. There is some truth in this, as autumn’s damper weather can cause the fruit to become infected with moulds.
Rowan trees, or mountain ash, produce striking clusters of bright red berries, adding a bright splash of colour to the landscape. In times past the colour red was considered to be the best colour for fighting evil, and so the rowan’s shiny berries have been associated with magic and witches, and the trees were once widely planted by houses as protection.
Bizarrely, look out for these trees in supermarket car parks where, during extreme winters, colourful waxwings move south from Scandinavia to take advantage of the nutritious berries.
Elder trees are widely known for their clusters of small, dark purple to black berries, a great source of vitamin C, and used to make both elderflower and elderberry cordials and wines. But beware: the raw or unripe fruit or its extracts may contain a cyanogenic glycoside that is potentially toxic!
While all three of these plants are generally widespread and not considered threatened, they face challenges, particularly from habitat destruction and climate change. And anything that diminishes biodiversity and weaken ecosystems makes it more challenging for wildlife to adapt in this changing world.
So when you are picking blackberries for your crumble or elderberries to make cordial, please leave some for the wildlife. It needs it more than you!
Information on Avon Wildlife Trust Keynsham Group’s new autumn program of talks is now available. For more details of these or our group, visit our website at www.keynshamawt.org, email keynshamawt@gmail.com or phone Kathy on 07850 508702.
Kathy Farrell
Councillors Duncan Hounsell and Alison StreatfeildJames in Manor Road lane
Photo: Phil Harding
A SECTION of a Saltford lane is set to be closed to through traffic to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The proposed closure affects a short stretch of Manor Road from the junction with Longwood Lane to the junction with Montague Road.
A total of £20,000 was set aside in this year’s Bath & North East Somerset Council budget for the scheme. Access to the lane will only remain for pedestrians, cyclists, horses, and, on occasion, maintenance vehicles. The scheme will be reinforced with bollards and signs.
Once the necessary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process is completed and the proposed closure is confirmed, it will be implemented by spring 2025 but is likely to be earlier.
The scheme has been welcomed by Saltford ward councillor Duncan Hounsell, who said: “There are no pavements and this short lane is used as a rat-run for vehicles of all sizes.
“This is a pretty country lane and, being on the flat, this closure will give the opportunity for a more pleasant and safer place to walk, cycle, or ride a horse.”
A GRIEVING pensioner is distraught after being fined £100 for stopping her car at Bristol Airport – for just 56 seconds.
Lorna Howarth, aged 79, of Compton Dando, drove to the airport to pick up a friend from the coach park but became confused about where to go.
She stopped to ask for help and was advised to use a shortstay car park, which she did, paying a £6 fee.
But she was astonished and dismayed to subsequently receive a penalty notice for “having stopped for an unreasonable time on an access road” – even though that time was verified by the parking operators as being just 56 seconds.
Lorna and her husband Clive – who lost their son to cancer in April – argued against the fine, imposed by Vehicle Control Services Ltd, which runs the car park.
Their final appeal went to an independent adjudicator, but it was rejected.
A sign at Bristol Airport stating it costs a minimum of £16 to enter the coach park
Clive said: “Appeals to the parking company by letter were not answered and by email were rejected on the grounds that Lorna had stopped the car and got out of the car. End of story. They were not interested that she was asking for help and had indeed paid to park.”
In their appeal submission, Clive stated that Lorna had driven to the airport to collect a friend from the Plymouth Megabus, and followed signs to the coach park.
Lorna had assumed there would be a pick-up point but she was confronted by a barrier and a sign stating there was a £16
charge to enter the coach park. She then turned into the car park entrance but saw that this was even more expensive.
“Confronted with notices of £16 and £60 for parking, she panicked and was about to reverse when she saw a white camera van. She got out to ask for help.
“The van driver was surly and unhelpful. He told her to go to a short-term car park. She found a short-term car park and paid the £6 fee.”
One of the grounds for dismissing their appeal was that there were signs clearly displaying a phone number for drivers with problems or queries.
But Clive said: “Please tell us how anyone can read this number from a moving vehicle. Even if my wife could have read the number, how could she have called it without stopping the car?”
Clive explained how Lorna’s visit to the airport came about.
He said: “Our son James died after a 10-year fight against cancer. We were both devastated.
“A friend of Lorna’s who now lives in Plymouth and knew James said she’d come to help out and see us. It was this friend who Lorna was collecting from the coach from Plymouth.”
The couple later went on a holiday they had booked long
before James’s death.
“When we arrived back from holiday, we couldn’t believe our eyes to see the letter fining us £100. How callous, how unfair.”
Their son, a school principal in Essex, was 50 when he died. He left a widow and three children.
Clive said: “Lorna is very depressed by our son’s death and this threat is making things so much worse.
“I am angry and have spent ages writing letters and appeals. We even took the car back to the airport to try and reconstruct what had happened and look for signs.
“This unfairness, this lack of compassion is something we can both do without whilst coming to terms with our son’s death.”
The couple say they don’t intend to pay the fine and are taking legal advice.
The Voice approached Vehicle Control Services for comment but did not receive a reply before we went to press.
with Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society
This month’s photograph shows one of Keynsham’s many lost public houses: the Fox and Hounds.
Believed to have been built in the early 19th century, this survived until it was bought from Courage by the local authority to enable the new alignment of Avon Mill Lane in connection with the construction of
the bypass. It was demolished in 1964 but the name survives in the car park and the adjacent Fox and Hounds Lane, which used to be narrower and even steeper than it is today.
The picture show a prize bull being paraded and we think it was taken about 1906.
A SALTFORD councillor has been given a key role in monitoring the actions of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Alison Streatfeild-James (pictured), who represents Saltford ward on Bath & North East Somerset Council, has been appointed chair of WECA’s overview and scrutiny committee.
Since being established in 2017, WECA has obtained funding from central government for projects involving buses, trains, transport corridors, supporting business and skills development, and supporting work to address climate change and protecting and enhancing the environment.
Cllr Streatfeild-James said: “Some of the decisions are controversial, such as WESTlink buses and the birthday bus initiative. It is important that there is a rigorous scrutiny committee to ask searching questions and to challenge WECA and the Metro Mayor to explain what WECA is doing, why, and how it is beneficial to the residents in the WECA region.”
THE bits that the public doesn’t see! The start of August saw misinformation spark disorder nationally following the fatal stabbings in Southport.
This had a massive influence on the day-to-day running of all of the constabularies in the country.
All our officers were tasked with working 12-hour shifts to try to fill the void created by the national response to the disorder and to support other forces with mutual aid.
This meant that when we suffered our disorder in Bristol, we were able to deploy officers from several South West constabularies. This was necessary to prevent the large-scale disruption and damage seen across the country.
We then policed a number of protests and counter-protests that followed.
This meant that officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team assisted with back-filling the response and specialist teams that have been needed to deal with these issues.
with PC James Evans
Due to the prompt response, and the efficiency of the court process, this has seen the quick and firm sentencing for offenders.
Avon and Somerset Police have named the operation looking to identify and deal with offenders as Op Brera. If you have any information you think would be relevant, please contact us via Crime Stoppers, through their website or on 0800 555 111.
Despite these distractions, the Police Community Support Officers have been working tirelessly to make sure you get the level of service needed to deal with all the issues that have arisen around
Keynsham over the last month. n Schools will be open again in September, which will cause additional congestion in surrounding roads.
We would like to remind you not to drive children to the school gates unless you have a genuine need. Parking a short distance away and allowing students to walk to school helps to reduce the chance of an accident.
It’s also worth doing a practice walk to and from any new schools so that, should there be an issue, the students know an alternative route.
Our Violence Reduction Unit will be going into schools to talk to students and make them aware of the behaviour expected of them during their educational journey.
We have attended a number of events and meetings over the last month, and I have been pleasantly surprised at the feedback received for the team and the support we have been able to give. We look forward to continuing this in the coming months.
A KEYNSHAM man has been charged by detectives investigating the violent disorder in Bristol on Saturday August 3. Kieran Leach, aged 21, was charged with violent disorder and assault, and appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on August 21. He is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Monday September 9.
He is the 18th person to be charged following the disorder.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after the golf course at Saltford Golf Club was damaged.
Large chunks of the green on the fifth hole were cut some time between Saturday August 10 and the following day.
Anyone with information about this incident, especially CCTV images, is asked to call the police on 101, giving reference number 5224211557 and asking that the call is tagged as Neighbourhood Watch.
Bath & West Community Energy are supporting homes, schools and communities to cut fuel bills and reduce their environmental impact
Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) are a local, not-for-profit community enterprise focused on tackling climate change and alleviating fuel poverty. BWCE are leading a number of initiatives to support householder energy efficiency and renewable energy development, working in partnership with local organisations.
BWCE are lead partner on Green Open Homes B&NES, which is helping residents to make homes more comfortable and reduce fuel bills by enabling them to visit homes that have already made improvements and talk to energy efficiency experts. Following successful events in Bath and the Chew Valley, more Green Open Homes are lined up for the autumn.
l Saturday September 14: Pensford, Belluton and Norton Malreward, including eco-friendly gardens.
l Saturday September 21: Peasedown St John, in association with Peasedown Environment Group.
l Saturday & Sunday October 12 & 13: Bath. Eighteen open homes confirmed so far.
l Saturday October 19: Radstock, in association with Radstock Town Council.
BWCE’s highly successful rooftop solar programme has installed solar panels on 30 local buildings, the majority of them schools.
Installation is done for free, with the building owner receiving cheaper electricity than previously to help them significantly reduce fuel bills and their environmental impact. There is a growing pipeline of rooftop solar projects, including several schools in Keynsham in partnership with Keynsham Community Energy. Suggestions for more roofs are welcome.
Our biggest solar rooftop system to date is Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common, with headteacher Robin Bassford saying: “We
jumped at the chance to work with them because being in the public sector we don’t have a lot of money to spend on ambitious projects like this.
“It’s great that they provided the investment to pay for the panels, and then with their expertise and project management we were able to turn that plan into reality with minimal disruption on the day-to-day running of the school.”
Because BWCE is a Community Benefit Society, we donate surplus income from our renewable generating projects to an independent community fund which has provided grants to 101 community projects since 2015, including to Community at 67, Keynsham Community Energy, B&NES Carers Centre, Saltford Community Association, and More Trees for B&NES.
Whilst we need to install solar on as many rooftops as possible, we also need to develop community-scale solar and wind projects to meet our national and local climate change and energy security targets.
BWCE projects are generally smaller in scale
than commercial projects, with the added benefit that, as an organisation set up by local people with a commitment to the local area, we hold them for and on behalf of the community.
One example is Fairy Hill Solar Farm in Compton Dando, which is currently at planning application stage. With the support of Zero Carbon Compton, consultation has been carried out in the local community since 2020. The project has received solid support (70% in a 2021 consultation) and resident feedback on design and setting has been incorporated prior to the planning application.
If the project goes ahead, it will generate renewable energy equivalent to the annual use of 580 average homes and reduce emissions by 508 tonnes of CO2 per year (equivalent to 1,180 people’s average annual emissions from driving).
Whilst providing enough clean power for the whole of the parish area, the project does not involve any loss of agricultural land as it can still be used for grazing. The site will also see significant biodiversity improvements, providing a rich habitat for bees and other pollinators, and two thirds of the field will be opened up to provide new permissive access and community amenities suggested by local residents.
A community benefit pot of £5,000 per year will be available for local community projects (significantly more per acre than purely commercial schemes) and local people will be able to invest in the project and become voting members of BWCE, receiving an annual interest payment (currently 5%).
Currently BWCE are looking for new members to raise community investment to install more rooftop solar projects. If you are interested, please get in touch.
l More information on Bath & West Community Energy at www.bwce.coop
l More information on Green Open Homes at https://greenopenhomesbanes.org
l More information on Fairy Hill Solar Farm at www.bwce.coop/fairy-hill-solar-farm
FOUR new bleed kits have been installed at locations in Keynsham.
The kits allow the public access to lifesaving equipment should a person suffer a catastrophic bleed.
They have been installed by the Avon & Somerset Bleed Kit Partnership, a joint initiative by Avon & Somerset Police, HeartSafe UK and NHS England South West to provide emergency bleed kits in public spaces across local communities.
The new Keynsham kits are located at :
l Smart Computers UK, High Street - donated by the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner.
l Hair & Beauty Boutique, High Street - donated by Blue Light Partnership.
l Cocoa Hair Design, Station Road - also donated by Blue Light Partnership.
l Community at 67, Queens Road - donated by Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Councillor Alan Hale and the new bleed kit that has been installed next to the defibrillator at Community at 67 in Queens Road Right, the new bleed kit outside Cocoa Hair Design in Station Road
The latter was paid for by Councillor Alan Hale’s use of the councillor empowerment fund.
The kit has been installed at the community centre next to the defibrillator he funded from the same empowerment fund eight years ago.
Enjoying different crafts at a previous craft day are (left to right) Di Farmer, Marje Godfrey and Ruth Hayman Photo: Ros Anstey
IT’S time to start thinking about booking for Compton Dando’s popular craft workshops, which will be held again monthly from October 2024 until February 2025. Besides enjoying the company of like-minded people, everyone can try crafts such as quilting, spinning, felting, crocheting, knitting, painting and making cards, as well as enjoying a tasty lunch of homemade soup and bread.
Organiser Harriette Dottridge said: “You don’t need to be restricted to these activities, just bring your own.”
Cllr Hale, independent district councillor for Keynsham South, said: “In providing both pieces of equipment over the years, my hope is that neither will ever be needed.
“It is sad that in this age of knife crime such a bleed kit is necessary, though.”
Cllr Hale has also committed £350 from the fund towards a defibrillator to be mounted outside The Charlton pub in Longmeadow Road, and £150 each to Butterflies Haven and Keynsham Mencap.
Any money raised goes towards the next craft day, with the residue being given to the local community trust, which organises events in the village and also supports the local church.
The craft days will be held on Saturday October 26, Tuesday November 19, Saturday January 11, and Tuesday February 11, all taking place from 10am until 4pm in Compton Dando Village Hall. Lunch will be provided.
To book a place, or to find out more, contact Harriette on 07791 832592 or email her at hdottridge@ hotmail.com
POLICE are appealing for witnesses, footage and information after a family woke to find burglars in their home in Keynsham.
At about 1.30am on Tuesday August 6, the suspects forced open a key safe to get into the house on Octavius Road.
One of the occupants was woken by the noise. They shouted that they were calling the police, and the suspects made off in a dark-coloured vehicle, apparently before they could take anything.
If you saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which could help, call the police on 101 and give the reference 5224205152 . Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ give-information
TChris Williams Location Pastor One Church Keynsham
More and more people are looking for the answers to life’s biggest questions and challenges. More and more people want to get unstuck.
he first time my mum grounded me I was 7 years old and had found myself very, very, stuck. It was a warm spring day in the Easter holidays and in an attempt to gain valuable ‘street cred’ with the older boys in my neighbourhood, we climbed on top of the garages on our road.
Five minutes after climbing up, the older boys realised there really wasn’t much to do once on top of the garages and had decided to climb down. That left me. Up on the garage. All by myself.
Now climbing up had been relatively easy. I’d received a leg up and a hand up to help me on my way. The way down was trickier, namely because those who had been so ready to help me up were down and long gone.
In a time before smartphones, GPS tracking and WhatsApp messages calling for help, I was well and truly stuck. And I think this paints a picture of the world we find ourselves in.
The world we live in, and the people that live alongside us, often find themselves stuck. Stuck in pain, sickness and illness. Stuck in unhelpful thinking patterns. Stuck without hope, or peace, or joy. Stuck
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in a mundane, 9-5 routine, with the only excitement being an annual holiday to Butlins or maybe even the Mediterranean if you can find yourself a good deal! Some are aware of their stuck state. Many are not. Some are at fault for their stuck state. Many are not. You yourself have probably found yourself stuck before too.
Jesus in the midst of a church service, 2,000 years ago, said these words:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).
I recently read that Christianity 2,000 years later is growing faster than the population and will be around three billion by 2050. More and more people are looking for the answers to life’s biggest questions and challenges. More and more people want to get unstuck. If you have questions about faith, meaning and life, let me encourage you to explore them, be curious and open minded.
You might be surprised by what you discover.
Transition Keynsham
BY the time you read this, most of Keynsham’s families will be in the final stages of getting their children and young people ready for the first day back at school.
Some people will get secondhand blazers, skirts and trousers from older siblings, friends or neighbours. Others might source them on Facebook groups. But most uniform will be bought new.
New school uniform is estimated to cost around £350 per year. Not cheap, when many families are still facing a cost-ofliving crisis. And yet, we throw away 1,000,000 tonnes of textile waste each year in the UK, with more than a third of that ending up in landfill. Every UK student creates 7kg of school uniform waste, much of it still useable.
Textile waste is a huge contributor to the climate and emergency crises. The industry is a significant carbon emitter because of its energy intensive production and its waste generation. In landfill, textiles decompose and release methane. And the more new clothes we buy, the more resources we use and methane we emit.
There is another way. Up and
down the country, communities are setting up uniform exchanges, including my friend in Brighton. Since 2017 her initiative, Smarter Uniforms, has been working with 11 primary and secondary schools in the city, collecting and grading thousands of high-quality uniform items and selling them to families for a fraction of the price of new.
Alongside this, the team runs a free school uniform programme, holding pop-ups at community events where anyone can access good-quality uniforms for free. They’ve also set up a network of uniform rails across the city in community organisations, which are always well stocked. Since 2017 Smarter Uniforms has prevented over three tonnes of textile waste and rehomed over 15,000 items. They’ve also saved families more than £130k on uniform purchases.
If anyone reading this is inspired to do something similar in Keynsham, contact me via the Voice and I can put you in touch with my friend. She’s got a wealth of experience and she’s always keen to support other communities to set up uniform exchanges.
Liz Barling
A GROUP of 24 people met in Chew Magna village for a walk through the Chew Valley on Sunday August 11.
This was the first time the walking group had done this route, so in preparation, Derek and Vanessa tested the walk twice.
The walk started in Chew Magna. Going up the high street, we crossed the road and walked between two cottages, which felt as though we were entering somebody’s garden.
The steep lane took us down into the Chew Valley and to the River Chew. Following the picturesque river over two bridges, we came across an extremely large Canadian redwood tree.
Still following the river, we went across several fields before entering a tree-lined copse, which was lovely and cool as the temperature was beginning to rise.
Up a private road and across two more fields, we came out opposite Chew Valley lake, where we stopped for a welcome break to admire the scenery.
Suitably refreshed, we walked beside the lakes - where we stopped to have a group photograph - through to the far car park. We then crossed the main road to join a public footpath across the fields.
Passing a number of houses, we walked down Knowle Hill, where we started the hardest
part of the walk, a very steep 250-metre climb through bracken. The effort was well worth it, though, as we made it to the viewing point with far-reaching views over the Chew Valley lake.
Leaving the viewing point behind, we started our decent, passed a large field of maize, and went along a gravel track towards Deny Lane.
We once again entered fields, following a public footpath, where we eventually came to a main road opposite Chew Magna Cricket Club. A walk beside the ground brought us to the churchyard, where our outing finished.
This new walk for the club was enjoyed by all and will certainly be put in the diary for next year.
Scenes from Keynsham life
The Dancing Masters; Bullfighters; A-Haunting We Will Go; Brats; Sons of the Desert; Way Out West… my favourite Laurel-and-Hardy films, but a sound in the distance switched my thinking to Swiss Miss: What was that noise – not a clock? Click, click, click…
(My mind sang the refrain, ‘… Hear the cricket!’)
A white horse and wicker cart came at a leisurely pace past the gate, just glimpsable through the leaves; a young man in T-shirt and jeans at the reins. He wheeled sedately around the turning into the next road. One minute he was there, the next he was gone:
‘… singing merrily, all day long…’
Isaac
Glynn
As the months pass swiftly by Each brings a different pleasure.
And now September shows its face
We’ll welcome much to treasure.
Harvest time is drawing near Crops to be safely stored.
Gathering pumpkins, apple pickingSo much to do outdoors.
Enjoying the end of summer time
With still much warmth and sun.
Savouring each and every hour
When busy days are done.
So let’s show our gratitude this month As on the road we go.
Ever upwards, giving thanks to God, who loves us so.
Sylvia
Kirby
COMMUNITY at 67 has a range of activities starting this month, designed to bring our community together, provide support, and offer fun and educational opportunities for all ages.
The community centre, in Queens Road, Keynsham, is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can find something that interests them. Activities include:
Code club for children, Monday 4.30pm5.30pm: For children who want to learn the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way. A great opportunity for young minds to develop their problem-solving skills and creativity through technology.
The Living Room, Tuesday 12.30pm-4.30pm: A warm and inviting space where anyone can come along to chat, make new friends, and enjoy a free lunch. A great place to relax, share stories, and connect with others in the community.
Scrabble group, Tuesday 1.30pm-3.30pm: If you enjoy a game of Scrabble, why not come long to our new Scrabble group?
Craft group, Wednesday 10am-12pm: If you love being creative, this group is perfect for you! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, join others in exploring various crafts. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and express your creativity.
Dorothy House Coffee Connection, Thursday 10am-12pm: We host sessions run by Dorothy House, for people directly or indirectly affected
Literary refinement is something I don’t understand
I just like to put pen to paper and see what comes from my hand
Hard work and planning and details, for these things I just don’t have time I like to have fun and experiment with style and meter and rhyme
My poetry may seem to be corny and maybe I break a few rules
But guidelines that stifle invention are only rigid old fools
You may think my words are plain worthless and I don’t always do as I’m taught
But the pleasure I get when I write them is something that just can’t be bought
My pockets are not filled with money, but I’ve never found that a curse I’m happily doomed to keep living a life filled with an image in verse.
John Howlett
Keynsham Creative Writers welcome new members – call George Liddell on 0117 914 8654
by cancer or a life-limiting disease. These sessions offer a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, receive guidance, and find comfort in the company of others facing similar challenges.
Mums and babies group (0-6 months): New mums, this one’s for you! A friendly and supportive space where you can connect with other new mums, share your experiences and get support from other mums. In addition to our scheduled activities, Community at 67 offers the opportunity for new groups to meet in our versatile and accessible space. Whether you’re looking to start a new club, hold meetings, or run workshops, our venue can cater to a variety of needs. We encourage anyone with an idea for a new group or activity to get in touch and explore how we can support your vision.
For details, see our website www.community-67. org or email us at enquiries@community-67.org.
PEOPLE are being asked to mark their calendars for Saltford Santa Dash on Sunday December 1.
The dash is a celebration of community spirit, festive fun, and a chance to support two local children’s charities: Keynsham Mencap and Sporting Family Change. It offers three routes, so there’s something for everyone:
l Mini run (1 mile): Perfect for the children, on the sports field.
l 5K run: Ideal for those wanting more of a challenge, with a route around Saltford on pavements.
l 5-mile route: For the more serious runners.
Not only will participants get to don their best Santa suit, there is also a green option where they can dress in their own festive attire. Participants can register now at https://www. saltfordsantadash.com to secure their spot.
ONCE again
Keynsham in Bloom are asking the good people of our town for help.
Wildflowers at Keynsham Station and the flowers in Dee’s train
We have a merry band of volunteers but can always do with more. If you can spare a little time in the growing season to weed, dead-head, water and plant, we would love to hear from you. Please contact me via email at catherinemarywoodman@ gmail.com or by calling 07977 868034, or drop into Keynsham Town Council in Temple Street and leave your details.
Attacking the geraniums in the Pocket Park continues. We will be planting drought-tolerate plants like shrub verbena, alpines and herbs that will be kinder to other plants in the flower bed and enjoyed by insect life.
Keynsham Station is looking lovely and, after being judged, we are hoping for another gold award. Excellent work carried out by KIB volunteers.
The containers at Community at 67 in Queens Road have been planted with extra alpines and grit. These should give a lovely
display next year and reduce the workload of the local volunteers but continue to give pleasure.
The alpines and succulents at Holmoak and Chandag shops are once again looking good with very little work needed.
The Crown in the Memorial Park, pictured above, continues to look beautiful and bring much enjoyment to all.
The Triangle flowerbed opposite Poundland is our latest project and we are progressing well. The bindweed is still fighting back and we continue to dig out the roots but it’s certainly a thug. The roses donated by Tesco have taken
very well, as have the other plants given by local people. Extra compost is being spread and we will be planting more bulbs in the autumn time for a colourful spring 2025.
Our containers either side of St John’s Church gate are looking lush and the cascade planted by the Girls’ Brigade outside of the Methodist church is quite a statement.
The hanging baskets and troughs on the bridge over the river are beautiful and will keep their colour well into the autumn time.
Well, it’s time for me to work on my own garden. Keep safe and keep gardening.
Mary Woodman
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A KEYNSHAM grandfather has published his first children’s book – a musical adventure that young readers can also sing along to.
Frostily Dostily Day was written and composed by Kip Ringham when he drew on memories of raising his family.
The retired construction project manager explained: “When my daughters were very young, I would say, ‘It’s a frostily dostily day’ whenever it was frosty outside. Now my daughters are all grown up, married, and have children of their own –my delightful grandchildren.
Kip Ringham with his grandson Arthur
“Towards the end of 2023, I was spending time with a couple of my grandchildren on a frosty day. I mentioned my old phrase to them, saying, ‘It’s Sunday and it’s a frostily dostily day.’ Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head.”
He came up with phrases for the other days of the week to complete the book then shared the result with several publishers, who gave it an enthusiastic response.
But Kip ultimately decided to self-publish
his tale after taking advice from writer and publisher Paul Wennersberg-Løvholen.
Kip said: “Paul’s enthusiasm was incredibly encouraging. Without his support, I believe I would still be sitting on my nursery rhyme idea.”
Frostily Dostily Day is also available as a song, accessed by a QR code inside the book.
Kip performed it with the added voice of his grandson Arthur, aged five.
He said: “I am not a singer, but I think I sing Frostily Dostily Day quite well. But Arthur is the star.”
The book, llustrated by Catherine Graham, can be bought from Amazon.
PLANS to fit solar panels on a school roof have won the backing of Keynsham Town Council.
Its planning and development committee resolved to support the installation of the panels at Wellsway School’s Lansdown Building in Chandag Road.
The scheme has also been backed by the charity Transition Bath, which said it welcomed efforts to reduce the school’s carbon emissions and running costs.
Another supporter commented by saying: “Hope this sets a great precedent for all schools in the area.”
Bath & West Community Energy (BCWE) has submitted a ‘prior approval’ request for the scheme to Bath & North East Somerset Council, which will make a decision in due course.
BCWE estimates that the site would use 86.5% of the solar electricity generated, with the rest being exported to the National Grid.
The installation would be fully funded by BWCE from investment in its community share offer, so there would be no capital outlay for the school. Any surplus income would go in BCWE’s community benefit fund, which gives grants to local green, decarbonisation and fuel poverty projects.
BOOKING NOW!
BOOKING NOW!
SATURDAY Morning
SATURDAY Morning
SWIMMING LESSONS from 9th November 2 024
NOW! SATURDAY Morning SWIMMING LESSONS from 9th November 2 024
NOW! SWIMMING LESSONS from September 2024
SWIMMING LESSONS from 9th November 2 024
We are opening for Saturday morning classes at the pool at Saltford School after the October half-term
We are opening for Saturday morning classes at the pool at Saltford School after the October half-term
We are opening for Saturday morning classes at the pool at Saltford School after the October half-term
We will be running after school lessons in Saltford from September on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 – 6:30pm.
If you are interested in booking lessons please contact Kathy, Gordon or Jasper Lye
Additional days/times will be added in October
If you are interested in booking lessons please contact Kathy, Gordon or Jasper Lye
If you are interested in booking lessons please contact Kathy, Gordon or Jasper Lye
e-mail your details to: barracudaswimming.bath@gmail.com
If you are interested in booking lessons please contact Kathy, Gordon or Jasper Lye
e-mail your details to: barracudaswimming.bath@gmail.com
e-mail your details to: barracudaswimming.bath@gmail.com
barracudaswimming.bath@gmail.com barracudaswimming.bath@gmail.com
https://barracudaswimming.co.uk/
https://barracudaswimming.co.uk/
https://barracudaswimming.co.uk/ www.barracudaswimming.co.uk
Sunday September 8
n Keynsham Methodist Church welcomes back a previous minister, Rev. Phillip Simpkins, to lead our morning worship at Queens Road.
Saturday September 14
n Pensford, Belluton and Norton Malreward Green Open Homes and Gardens, 10am-5pm. Join us for a day of exploring energy-efficient homes and biodiverse gardens. Visit our ‘Ask the Expert’ event at the Memorial Hall, Pensford, to get tips and information, and be in with the chance to win a Home Energy Efficiency Plan worth £420!* (*Ts and Cs apply)
Monday September 16
n Messy Church at Keynsham Methodist Church, Queens Road, BS31 2NN, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, with our usual mix of craft activities, Bible Story, songs, food and fun. The theme for this month is The Sower. Please book your place (to help us with catering) with the church office on 0117 9149408 or bookings@ keynshammethodistchurch.co.uk. Looking forward to seeing you.
Tuesday September 17
n Chew Valley Choral Society taster session. Open to singers with or without experience of choral singing. Bishop Sutton Village Hall, BS39 5XQ, 7.30pm. Free. Details: https://www.chewvalleychoral.org. uk/taster-session
Sunday September 22
n Flea market, Saltford Hall, 10am1pm. Stalls selling household goods, crafts, as-new clothes, toys, games, books. Community Cafe will sell its popular bacon butties. For more information, or if you would like to have a stall, call Angela 07889 564 944.
Sunday September 22
n Harvest festival worship at Keynsham Methodist Church, Queens Road, with gifts for Turnaround Bristol and the Southdown Partnership.
Mondays
n Saltford Whist Club, Saltford Hall. Monday afternoons 1.30pm-4pm. Contact Malcolm 01225 872555.
n The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Keynsham Branch meets on the first Monday of each month upstairs at the RBL Club, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA, 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings.
Send details of your events and activities in the following format:
Mondays/Thursdays
n Yoga For Men
Monday 7-8pm, mixed ability, St John’s Church of England School, BS31 2NB Thursday 7.30-8.30pm, mixed ability, Two Rivers School, Hygge Park, BS31 1GE Free 1st class, £8 thereafter. Loyalty card.
Drop in and pay on the night. Cash or contactless. See www.yogadad.co.uk for further details.
Email us at: news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or call us on 0117 908 2121/ 07715 770448
n Tai Chi Shibashi 11am-12 noon. Gentle flowing movements for physical health and emotional wellbeing. Easy to learn and a joy to do. All ages and abilities. Saltford Hall BS31 1DS. Contact Ruth on ruth.hartley6@icloud.com or 07912 077458.
n Keynsham Brass Band, Broadlands School, St Francis Road, Keynsham, 7.30pm to 9.30pm term time. Trombonists particularly needed for traditional brass band. Friendly, relaxed group who play at summer fetes in Keynsham Memorial Park and a few concerts. Please call Sarah Medley on 0117 4625626 or email sarah.medley1@btinternet.com, or see the Facebook page or webpage (Keynsham Brass Band).
n Keynsham Bridge Club can now welcome new experienced players to our Monday evening sessions. Contact Pat 01275 835583 or Diane 0117 9861267.
n Key Voices Community Choir meets Mondays at 7.30pm at St. Dunstan’s Church Hall, BS31 2BQ (or third Monday of month at Royal British Legion). We sing a wide range of music, with occasional performances and social events. We are a friendly non-auditioned choir, all are welcome. First session free to newcomers.
n CPK Badminton Club is a friendly but competitive club playing at Keynsham Leisure Centre, Mondays 7.30-9.30pm. Match night Fridays. Ideal for existing and potential league players, or those looking to improve their badminton. Email info@cpkbadminton.club
Mondays/Weds/Thursdays
n The Victoria Centre of the Methodist Church in Keynsham High Street is open from 10am to 12pm for coffee, biscuits and a chat. A great place to meet people, so pop in - you will be most welcome.
Mondays/Fridays
n Butterflies Haven, charity for families of children with autism, sessions Mondays 7pm-8pm for ages 11-18 and Fridays 5.45pm6.45pm or 7pm-8pm for ages 4-11, at St Francis Church, Warwick Road, Keynsham, BS31 2PW. A safe place for children to be themselves, supported by volunteers. Sessions must be booked in advance. For more information, email info@butterflies-haven.com.
Mondays/Fridays/Sundays
n Indoor rowing exercise classes, Mon 7pm, Fri 5pm and Sun 10.15am, Saltford Rowing Centre, Bath Road, BS31 3JS. Go Row Indoor caters for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Classes last 45 minutes using rowing machines. First class is free, then £5 (or £18pm). Email gorowindoor@ avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk to book. More details at http:// avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk/ Tuesdays
n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, 7.30pm-10pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, every Tuesday. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 0117 9868540, or just turn up. Everyone welcome.
n Keynsham Girls’ Brigade for girls aged 4 to 15 meet during term time from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Key Centre, Charlton Road, Keynsham. Contact Linda on lindachrisp@hotmail.com
n St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Fear Hall, Keynsham, from 10am to 12pm on the second Tuesday of each month.
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 Chew Valley Choral Society rehearses in Bishop Sutton Village Hall, BS39 5XQ, 7.30pm- 9.30pm, from September to May. We are a friendly non-auditioned mixedvoice choir of singers from across the Chew Valley and beyond. We sing classical choral music from the Renaissance to the 21st century with performances (often in St Johns, Keynsham) in November/ December and April/May.Details: https://www.chewvalleychoral. org.uk
Wednesdays
n Keynsham’s popular Good Afternoon Community Choir from 2pm-4pm at Keynsham Methodist Church / Victoria Centre. NO auditions and NO charge to attend your first ‘meet us’ rehearsal. Everyone welcome www.goodafternoonchoir.org
n Oldland Ukulele Club is a mixedability group who meet every Wednesday at 1.30pm at Oldland Common United Reformed Church (the blue church), High Street, Oldland Common, BS30 9QN. All abilities welcomed to this friendly club. Places are £4 each. Call/text ‘Ukulele’ Ben on 07910 668258.
Wednesdays/Thursdays
n Walking Tennis coached sessions at Saltford Tennis Club. Wednesday 10am for 45 minutes for the active and Thursday 10.45am for People with Parkinson’s. Cost £5 per session. Racquets and balls provided and stay on for a cuppa and chat afterwards. if you are interested do come along to a session.
Thursdays
n Midweek worship at the Keynsham Methodist Church coffee morning (Victoria Centre, BS31 2JA). Join us for a relaxed short service at 11am. Take a short break from your hectic day and enjoy the informal atmosphere.
n ASP Poetry Circle, free entry, every third Thursday of each month, 11am-12pm, Keynsham Library, upstairs balcony, diagonally across from table in corner, by the window. Bring two or three poems, own or another poet’s, to share. https:// asppoetrycircle.wordpress.com/
n Keynsham & Saltford Dementia Action Alliance runs Music for the Mind sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Keynsham, 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 10.30am-12.15pm. Singing and gentle exercises from 11am. No charge. www.keynshamdaa. co.uk, ksdaa22@gmail.com or 07392442966.
n Longwell Green Orchestra meet each Thursday at Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.40pm. We have players of all abilities. Email Contact@ longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk or 07972 844073 beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.
n Mat Pilates Classes
Taught by Physiotherapist Kate
Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate)
Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)
St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. 6 week block of classes £54. You are welcome to do a trial class first £10. 1:1 sessions also available at my studio in Saltford.
Book online or by contacting Kate - 07454 047536, www.corerehab-physio.co.uk
Fridays
n NEW Pilates Class
Fridays 10.30am
St Francis Church Hall, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. Mixed ability level, beginners welcome.
6 week block of classes £54. Trial class £10. Book online or by contacting Kate 07454 047536 www.corerehab-physio.co.uk.
n Café Plus at Keynsham Methodist Church (Queens Road, BS31 2NN) during term time. Come and share breakfast, chat and a place to chill and relax, from 8.45 am. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Saturdays
n Volunteers at Keynsham Repair Cafe – a free monthly repair event, with a café, at Keynsham Baptist
Church on the High Street – help to fix your everyday household things like toasters and lamps, sew a button onto a jacket, glue a handle back onto a mug, as well as more unusual items. Every second Saturday (same as Keynsham Farmers Market), 10am–12pm. Website keynshamrepaircafe. wixsite.com/home.
n Keynsham Sequence Dance Club Monthly Dance, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Fear Hall, Keynsham, third Saturday of the month. Contact Brian and Jo, Keynsham Sequence Dance Club, on 01179868540 or just turn up. Refreshments (coffee/tea and biscuits), £5 each.
n Keynsham Kings Flag American Football. Do you fancy trying out a new sport? Do you love the NFL? Flag American football is taking the UK by storm as a fastpaced, non-contact version of American football. Training: Sundays 10.30am-1pm, Manor Road Playing Fields. Mixed sport - anyone 16 yearsplus welcome. No previous experience needed. Contact us for more info on the Keynsham Kings Facebook or Instagram pages.
TRIO Paradis - Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge (violin) and Linda Stocks (cello) - play a café concert at St John’s Church Hall, Keynsham, on the last Friday of each month at 1pm (café from 12.15pm).
Concerts last about 45 mins and attendance is by paywhat-you-feel donation. More information is available at www. trioparadis.com and Facebook @trioparadisbath.
Upcoming concerts (all 1pm) are as follows:
l Friday September 27: Vive La France!
l Friday October 25: Money, Money, Money…
l Friday November 29:
A December Evening
Trio Paradis play 10 donation-funded monthly series across Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, and Wiltshire, around 120 concerts a year.
A SALTFORD community volunteer group has received a £1,000 boost.
Saltford4Nature’s aims include enhancing public green verges with attractive, pollinatorfriendly planting.
The newly formed group has now received a £1,000 grant from the ward councillor empowerment fund from Bath & North East Somerset ward councillor Duncan Hounsell.
The grant is to enable the group to buy the tools and safety items it needs for the future.
Saltford4Nature liaises with B&NES Council and supports local residents who want to start a planting scheme on a public space where they live.
The group has already piloted planting projects at Saltford
Sports Club and by Saltford House in the High Street. The latest project will be at a verge in Claverton Road.
Cllr Hounsell said: “I am delighted to be able to give this grant to Saltford4Nature.
“The volunteers are bringing the community together, taking action to improve our ecology and at the same time making Saltford an even more beautiful place to live and visit.”
Further information about the group and its activities can be found on the Saltford Environment Group (SEG) website.
l Pictured above, a finished plant bed created by the Saltford4Nature group in front of Saltford House in Saltford High Street.
BITTON church fete and dog show will be held on Saturday September 7.
The fete is part of year-round activities to maintain the historic Grade I listed St Mary’s Church.
Everyone is welcome to attend the traditional community event, which takes place from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on the Glebe Field, in the church, and in the garden of Church Farm.
The Companions of the Longbow will again be demonstrating their archery skills and people will be able to have a go.
There will be a classic car display and stalls including books, bric-a-brac, toys and nearly-new clothing.
The dog show will be run by Highcroft Veterinary Centre at Longwell Green.
Music will provided by Oldland Brass, the Jazzbeanz and St Mary’s Minstrels.
There will be a licensed bar and a range of refreshments on the main field and in the church, as well as cream teas in the garden of Church Farm.
For children there will also be face painting and Professor Hudd’s Punch & Judy show.
Among the traditional games will be an egg-throwing contest at the end of the afternoon.
The WI is running a Bitton Baker of the Year competition and there is also a photography competition. Details are available on the church website at https:// www.stmarysbitton.org.uk/ Entry, which includes a programme, costs £2 for adults (children free). Parking is available on the Glebe Field.
1st Saltford Scouts from Thursday and Friday troops and Argus Explorer Unit had a joint camp this year, together but with different programmes.
They had a scorcher of a week (hottest week this year) at Brownjohn’s Copse Campsite in Dorset under canvas, where they learned camp skills and first aid. Other activities included a visit to Monkey World, a trip to the beach, an assault course, a quiz, fencing, cooking on open fires, and a-la-carte meal cooked for the leaders.
The older Scouts and Explorers took part in separate expedition challenges as part of activities for their gold and platinum awards.
They planned their hike route, food to take,
and which equipment they would need. The Scouts and Explorers then hiked their route in groups, camped overnight in hike tents at a different site, and cooked their dinner. The next day they hiked back to Brownjohn’s Copse and joined the rest of the Scouts.
Highlights for Scouts included fencing and building an assault course for themselves and leaders.
The Explorers took part in different activities. They were dropped off a few miles from site
then navigated and hiked their way back to camp. They also enjoyed a visit to Tyneham beach, Splashdown and Bovington Tank Museum. One night they camped outside in hammocks, which provided a refreshing respite from the intense heat.
We would love to welcome new volunteers to help provide our young people and themselves with opportunities to have fun, and learn skills for life. If this type of volunteering appeals to you, call Tina Curtis 07720 353701.
Adult Fiction
Rowan Beaird
In the glamorous world of the divorce capital Reno in 1951, we meet Lois Saunders. She appears to be the typical 1950s housewife, with picture-perfect house and husband. But Lois is desperate to leave this suffocating, loveless marriage, so she heads to Reno, Nevada, for a “quickie” divorce.
hoped other children would enjoy it as much as she did.
haunted castles to entertain his pupils.
She stays at Golden Yarrow, a respectable divorce “ranch”. Here she meets women from different backgrounds and must stay there for six weeks - of fun, friendship and casinos.
Lois meets Greer, a beguiling sophisticate whose influence will change her life. Then the story turns into an absorbing thriller as Lois is unsure how much she can trust her new friend, and everything begins to unravel.
A real page turner with excellent depictions of 1950s America and women’s roles.
Barbara Erskine
Barbara Erskine is an incredibly popular author, and I love her “time-slip” stories. This one is about two women whose histories blur into each other
across the centuries. First we meet Cartimandu (a real-life Celtic queen mentioned in Roman writings of the time) and learn about her early life in the Brigantes tribe. Then the story switches to present day and Dr Viv Lloyd Rees. She is an academic who finds herself plagued by visions of the Celtic queen while writing a book about her – which intensify when she finds an ancient brooch that may carry a curse.
Viv wonders whether she is losing her mind or genuinely seeing the true story of Cartimandu, dealing with love, loss, and the invasion of Britain by the Romans. The story moves between the two time-frames very easily, with Celtic Britain described in atmospheric detail and the present day carrying a real feeling of danger to Viv and her friends. Thoroughly enjoyable. Children’s Fiction
Jacqueline Wilson
This book was recommended to us by one of younger readers, who said it was one her favourites and
Gemma and Alice are best friends – they do everything together and it never matters that Gemma loves football while Alice prefers drawing, or that Gemma is talkative while Alice is quieter. They share a lot, from flopping on the sofa to pizza. But suddenly Alice announced she is moving away. Gemma is very upset – will Alice forget her and find a new best friend? Perhaps Alice’s Grandad could come to the rescue. Read on in this delightful, touching story.
Then one stormy evening, a letter blows onto his doormat, summoning him to a meeting.
Suddenly, Frans is on a real-life mission, one in which he will encounter magicians, secret passages, conspiracies, hidden treasure and a sealed parchment which predicts the future. He will learn the secret of the Seven Ways.
He will find seven allies and he will make a fearsome enemy. The adventure has begun...
Storytime: Thursday at 10.30am is Storytime at Keynsham Library – term time only and for children up to 4 years. Come along with a cushion and listen to some fantastic new stories.
Tonke Dragt Deep in the woods, a young boy is kept prisoner by his uncle. He cannot meet other children or have any friends. He holds the key to a secret.
Meanwhile, in a quiet village, Frans the schoolteacher invents stories of perilous deeds, shipwrecks, desert islands and
There’s always so much going on in all our libraries, and it’s all free, so drop in and see what’s on offer. For families with children, sing along at Baby Bounce and Rhyme, or get comfy whilst listening to stories at our everpopular Storytime.
For adults, we’ve got book clubs, writing classes, and much more throughout the year.
Joining the library costs nothing, so pop in or visit www. librarieswest.org.uk to also access thousands of ebooks, emagazines, audiobooks, and a wealth of other resources.
Our ‘virtual library’ has lots going on, including the latest library news, competitions, book reviews and all our digital offers.
Search ‘Bath and North East Somerset Libraries’ on social media or visit bathneslibraries. wordpress.com
WORK to tackle chewing gum littering in Keynsham will be stepped up following a successful grant application.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has been awarded £8,500 from the Chewing Gum Task Force, administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, to help tackle the issue of chewing gum on the streets.
The funding will be used to buy an additional gum removal machine and for targeted gum removal in Keynsham, Bath, Twerton High Street and Midsomer Norton. Following the removal, new signs will be installed encouraging people to bin their gum and the areas will be monitored.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Thoughtlessly discarded gum is unsightly and unacceptable and it’s difficult to remove. It also contributes to microplastic pollution as it slowly breaks into smaller pieces. The new signage encourages people to put their gum in the bin and
help to keep our streets clean and tidy.”
B&NES Council is one of 54 across the country that have successfully applied to the Chewing Gum Task Force.
Allison OgdenNewton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Chewing gum litter is highly visible on our high streets and is both difficult and expensive to clean up, so the support for councils provided by the Chewing Gum Task Force and the gum manufacturers is very welcome.
“However, once the gum has been cleaned up, it is vital to remind the public that when it comes to litter, whether it’s gum or anything else, there is only one place it should be – in the bin – and that is why the behaviour change element of the task force’s work is so important.”
The task force is funded by gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, with an investment of up to £10 million over five years.
CURO has won approval to demolish 15 garages in Saltford and replace them with ‘affordable’ homes.
The housing association will build four semi-detached houses at the site, on the corner of Stratton Road and Camerton View, after permission was granted by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Each house will have one car parking space and a back garden with secure cycle storage.
Access from Stratton Road will be widened and the footpath on the road will be extended along the southern boundary with Camerton Close.
Saltford Parish Council, while regretting the proposed loss of off-street parking, said the plans would be a sensible use of the site.
But it suggested there should be at least five parking spaces instead of four, and preferably seven or eight.
Three comments of objection were received, stating that the loss of the garages would increase parking problems in the area, that too many properties were planned for the site, and current renters of the garages had not been offered an alternative.
But the council’s planning team was satisfied with the proposals. It said the ending of garage tenancies was a civil matter that was not relevant to planning considerations.
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SALTFORD Rhinos’ U11s has won the Bath and District Youth Cricket League Northwest Division with an impressive unbeaten run.
This is a huge success for the club which - having not had any junior cricket at Saltford for a long time - decided in 2022 to introduce the ECB’s All Stars and Dynamos programme aimed at children aged four to 11.
The first intake of Dynamos from 2022 have since gone on to form the first junior cricket team at Saltford for many years.
The team, made up of children in school years 4-6, have grown in skill and confidence.
Playing the league pairs formation has allowed each player to develop in all areas of the game, with their fielding an outstanding feature of their success this season.
Coach Jon Williams said: “It’s been an incredible season. Managing to win every game was not something we had thought
about, but as the season went on, the improvement in their core skills has been fantastic. They have been a joy to work with and have been really supportive of each other as a team.”
As the initiative has grown year on year, this summer saw over 60 children enjoying the All Stars and Dynamos programme at Saltford, which aims to develop cricketbased skills, movement and a love of sport.
Saltford Sports Club provided the perfect backdrop to the
THERE was a carnival atmosphere at Keynsham Bowling Club after the final fixtures in the Men’s Thursday Bristol and District League, as two of our teams celebrated promotion for the 2025 season.
Our C Team competed in the fourth division, where last year they finished eighth out of nine teams, so expectations were not high. They started strongly, winning their first 10 games, then experienced a slight late-season blip.
However, a match against Page Park in mid-August not only secured promotion but also made them league champions with a game to spare. Skipper Andy Abraham did a great job of bringing together a team of existing and new members, with six new players making their debuts during the season.
On the final Thursday, our B and C teams were playing at home whilst our A team travelled to Knowle, needing one point to gain promotion.
Before the game, our side was second in the league on 100 points,
AFTER six matches in the Jewson Western League Division One, Keynsham’s young first team have won at Cheddar and secured a well-earned draw against high-flying Calne Town.
They were also unlucky to have a late equaliser ruled out against Cribbs Reserves.
The team now face four local derbies in a row. Three will be at home, starting on Saturday August 31, 3pm, against Hanham-based AEK Boco.
sessions, allowing parents to enjoy a drink in the sunshine while the children took part in fun activities.
Next year the club are looking to form the next Saltford Rhinos U11s team as the current team progress to play U13s cricket and will be looking for new players in school years 5-8.
If your child would like to join one of our teams, or if you would like to be added to the All Stars or Dynamos mailing list for next year, please contact Jon Williams by emailing j.jwilliams@hotmail.co.uk
with Knowle third with 91 points. With two sides being promoted and 10 points at stake, there was everything to play for.
The team returned to Keynsham after the game having won on two rinks, drawing 51-51 on shots and picking up six points. Promotion was assured and our photo shows the A and C team players in the clubhouse celebrating.
The A team captain, Geoff Yorath, thanked all those who had played during the season, not least those who came in to play when others were absent.
Next season our A team will play in division 1, and our C team will join our B team in division 3.
With the leagues coming to a finish, activity on the green centred on club competitions. Our ladies played one another in the 2 woods, and Jan Iles and Maggie Davies became the winners, to face each other on our finals weekend.
The men took to the green to compete in their triples competition, resulting in Ken Gaull, Geoff Yorath and Steve Palfrey waiting to do battle with Brian Pearce, Andy Abraham and Roger Palmer in the final. The annual Tom Pells Cup resulted in the team of Jan Isles, Jennie Crockford, Graham Cavill and Paul Matthews picking up the trophy.
Mike Barrow
The next is on Tuesday September 17, 7.45pm, where they will meet local rivals Bitton, and the following Tuesday night they play newly promoted Avonmouth.
Good crowds and a tense atmosphere can be expected from these derby games.
The fourth game will be away to Cadbury Heath on September 11.
The reserves, who currently lie in 7th place in the UHL Sports Somerset County League, Division One, will play two home matches at the AJN Stadium - versus Congresbury on Saturday September 7, 3pm, and Wrington Redhill the week after.
The newly-formed under-18 team start their Western Counties Floodlight Youth League programme on Tuesday September 3 against Almondsbury United and the following week versus Nailsea and Tickenham.
Keynsham Ladies first and development teams play in Tier 4 of the FA Women’s National League and the National League Reserve League.
The first team kick off their league programme at the AJN against Southampton on Sunday September 1, 2pm, and then the following Sundays versus Moneyfields and Worthing.
Their high-profile and muchanticipated local derby against newly promoted Bristol Rovers will be on Thursday September 26, 7.45 pm.
Keynsham Town Ladies’ development side will play AFC Bournemouth development at the AJN Stadium on Sunday September 22, 2pm.
The girls with Saltford Golf Club’s junior organiser, David Philips, who won an England Golf Award in 2023 for lifetime service to the junior section
AFTER two rounds on Woodhall Spa’s Bracken Course, Saltford were crowned English Junior Champion Club 2024 at the home of England Golf.
With the two best Stableford scores from three counting for each team, Rebekah Muncer, Annika Seward and Scarlett Thorp - the only allfemale team in the field - all contributed across the two-day event, as they racked up a total of 150 points, four more than their nearest rivals Leek.
A total of 32 clubs from all over England took part in the championship having previously
come through the qualifiers, with each County Union affiliated to England Golf able to nominate one club to compete.
Day one saw Rebekah rack up a magnificent 43 points with a birdie on the first, followed up by three pars, while Annika scored 36 points thanks to a birdie on the par-5 17th and two pars. Their combined total put team Saltford on 79 points and in pole position heading into the final day.
As round two got under way, Saltford held a three-point lead over the rest of the field, and despite the weather conditions worsening
overnight as the wind swirled around the Bracken Course, the team from Somerset were able to stretch their advantage further.
After her first-round points total was not included in the team’s day-one scoring, Scarlett came out strong to start the final round, racking up points on all but one hole, including a brilliant birdie on the 14th. With five pars to add to the birdie, Scarlett finished round two with 39 points – the second-best total of the day.
Saltford’s other score on day two again came from Annika, who managed a splendid 32 points to give the team an overall score of 150.
Bristol and District League:
Victoria Park made a successful trip to Fry’s, who threw away another good position. Fry’s held a lead heading into the final quarter, but with all rinks dropping 6 in quick succession, the game swung in Victoria Park’s favour, and with Fry’s unable to recover, they only took 2 points from the 51-58 defeat.
Fry’s visit to Knowle ‘A’ saw a continuation of the disappointing run of results. Poor starts on rink 1 and rink 3 set Fry’s behind. Unable to pull back the deficit, Fry’s fell to a 42-68 defeat with no points gained.
Fry’s were left in trouble following yet another pointless evening, against bottom side Ardagh. A wet night made
conditions tricky, with rink 1 struggling, conceding multiple shots on lost ends, and only managing mostly singles when they did win an end. This set the game up for Ardagh, with other two rinks tight. Both rinks came down to the final end, with Ardagh taking both rinks and a 52-37 win, leaving Fry’s in a precarious situation with one game left.
Scores:
July 25: Fry’s 51-58 Victoria Park (Bristol): Rink 1, 22-20; Rink 2, 15-21; Rink 3, 14-17 (2-8).
August 1: Fry’s 42-68 Knowle ‘A: Rink 1, 13-19; Rink 2, 13-25; Rink 3, 14-24 (0-10).
August 8: Fry’s 37-52 Ardagh: Rink 1, 12-25; Rink 2, 11-12; Rink 3, 14-15 (0-10).
Friday Triples League:
The latest game in the Triples League saw Avonvale travel to Fry’s. A good day for the home side saw two rinks record victory. Avonvale took a comfortable win on the third rink, but this was not enough to overcome the deficit as Fry’s took a 47-40 win along with 10 points.
Scores:
August 9: Fry’s 47-40 Avonvale: Rink 1, 20-8; Rink 2, 17-10; Rink 3, 11-22 (10-2).
Cups:
The annual Alsop Shield match against Keynsham took place at Fry’s, with Fry’s hoping to regain the shield Keynsham won last year. The game started well for Fry’s with 3 rinks pulling out a lead at the halfway stage. Then Keynsham fought back, with rink 2 and 3 taking a lead. This briefly gave Keynsham the overall lead, only for Fry’s to edge away again. Towards the end, Fry’s pulled way again with some big counts, with rink 3 coming to back to record a win, which saw Fry’s wrap up a 95-75 win to regain the Alsop Shield.
In the Triples League Cup, after receiving a bye through the semi-final, Fry’s could not repeat last year’s success, as Severn Vale booked their place in the final.
Scores:
July 26: Fry’s 95-75 Keynsham: Rink 1, 29-9; Rink 2, 26-16; Rink 3, 26-25; Rink 4, 14-25.
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A FUN FILLED AUCTION LIKE NO OTHER!
Do you have an item to donate?
Main auction room, book sale room, toy & games room.
Make us an offer & take away 'Bargain Marquee'
Hot food and homemade cake sale.
Viewing from 9:00am, auction starts at 10:00am.
Cash, cards and contactless accepted.
Scout
is
open 9:00 am
Deliver to Scout HQ week nights from Mon 30th Sep 6-8pm or daytime Wed 3rd Oct 2-6pm Postcode: BS31 2UF
Auction Saturday 5TH OCT 2024 clothing, footwear, bedding, beds, sofas tvs, printers, computers, gas appliances, CD & videos gym equipment
Please donate these items ornaments, china, bric-a-brac furniture, art work toys, bikes, books, games tools, garden equipment and anything else! Items we sadly can't accept
To arrange collection call: 07860 824283 or 075289 60042
www 1stkeynshamscouts org uk auction@1stkeynshamscouts org uk