And just like that, another year is over! Welcome to our winter edition and the last issue for 2022, full of all the festive activities you need to add to your diaries, as well as the latest news of what is going on in the town.
If you’d like to feature in our Spring edition, make sure to get in touch with the Town Council before 10th January 2023 - we look forward to hearing from you. All that’s left to say is that we hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year and we’ll see you in 2023!
Keynsham News is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, BA3 4LN Tel 01761 410141.
ensure the
the publisher
contained in
its
omissions
to any
any other cause. Ignyte or Keynsham Town Council does not officially endorse any advertising material
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
within this
reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.
Welcome to our Winter Edition. To me, Winter is a time for families and friends coming together to enjoy the festive period and see in the New Year.
We’re seeing a busy time in Keynsham Town Council, especially with the appointment of new Town Council staff.
The senior Town Council staff and Councillors have been busy appointing some excellent new members of staff to serve the town, with the appointment of an enthusiastic Youth Worker Team headed by Abigail Gray, Youth Development Officer, who is supported by Ibolya Kramer, Louise Pearce, Daniel Morgan and Daniel Gaywood. Their new timetable at TimeOut is now well under way, with the centre open three nights a week, together with other special activities as well. I attended one of their launch events, the attendance and attitude of the young people, together with the activities, were both impressive.
The town is in need of more youth work and so I wish them well in this new venture. Also appointed recently is Kate Ward as our Business and Community Engagement Officer. We now have a full team to support our growing and enthusiastic community.
Congratulations to Ros Durrant who coordinated a successful Eco Festival, involving many groups and individuals supporting the community to a greater understanding of the best ways of producing high quality food which sustains healthy eco systems. The Festival ran from 12th to 16th October.
Hopefully, you survived Halloween and Firework Night. Thoughts then turn to Remembrance Sunday which this year is on November 13th. I’m pleased that the centre of town is free from disruption and the usual marching route is once again available. The Church Service at St John’s starts at 9.00am, members of the congregation will then march along the High
Street. There is a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths at 11.00 am at the Memorial Gates. I am always proud of our town’s respect for this event as thousands of people get involved in such an important Anniversary.
Finally, something more cheerful with the annual Keynsham Winter Festival, Father Christmas, Chuffy the Train and other Christmas delights will be leading the procession for the switching on of the Christmas Lights.
The Festival lasts from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday 25th November. I shall be there to welcome you all and to congratulate the prize winners of the children’s colouring competition and the best decorated shop window. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Andy Wait, Chair of Keynsham Town Council andy.wait@keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Ahuge thank you is sent to all the members of Keynsham In Bloom, volunteers and the many community groups that supported Keynsham in its entry in the South West In Bloom competition 2022.
We are very pleased to announce that for the eighth year in a row the town has achieved GOLD in this competition.
This is a massive achievement as the judging criteria is marked over several areas as follows: 40% for horticulture, 30% for environment and 30% for community.
If you would like to get involved with Keynsham in Bloom, we are always looking for volunteers to help with our many projects, including Keynsham Railway Station, the Pocket Park, the Cemetery and the floral planting on the High Street and at other shopping areas in the town.
To become a volunteer, phone 0117 9868683 or email keynshaminbloom@ icloud.com
Keynsham Town Council
Several grant funded projects that together will make big improvements to Temple Street in Keynsham, are taking another step forward. The works aim to make the area more inviting and attract footfall for local businesses.
Two large-scale artworks have been installed in Temple Street and Riverside Square (see photo) to celebrate Temple Street and Keynsham Town Centre. No 2. River Terrace is currently undergoing a full, grant-funded, refurbishment and will be brought into use as a community arts and local business space from February 2023.
B&NES Council images of new artworks installed in Temple Street and in Riverside Square, by Bath Carnival team (Hannah, Jacob and Stu).
New planters, cycle parking and seating will be installed on the Riverside development side of the street. In the new year, following the appointment of contractors, work will begin to install new high-quality paving on the opposite side of the street. This is part of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme, a heritage-led renewal programme, that aims to continue to make Keynsham High Street a more vibrant place. Keynsham HS HAZ is a partnership project led by B&NES Council’s Renewal Team, funded by Historic England with match funding from B&NES Council and Keynsham Town Council. More information can be found online at HiKeynsham.co.uk
Keynsham’s
funded by the Department
Digital, Culture, Media
the Ministry of
Sport’s
Local Government’s Future
and the National Lottery
We’re pleased to share that work is progressing
that
build the potential of Temple Street and continue to make Keynsham Town Centre more
for residents, businesses, tourists and investors. There is a rich heritage in Keynsham that we are encouraging more people to engage with and enjoy.
022 has been a busy year for the members of Keynsham Mencap, clubs opening back up to full capacity after Covid-19 was just one of the highlights.
“We saw the effects of isolation during the height of the pandemic, this only drove us to make sure we delivered our services as soon as it was safe to do so. An active social life helps to reduce loneliness and improve mental and physical health for our members,” said Laura Jefferies, Operations Manager.
Mindful of the inactivity of the community during the peak of lockdown, members of the adult groups were encouraged to take part in an initiative called ‘Round the World Challenge’
introducing extra fitness and physical activities. The more hours taking part, the further round the world participants went, with prizes and incentives along the way. A really engaging project that allowed members to sample new activities and an opportunity to join up with other community groups, this project has continued and is still very much part of the regular club programme. Due to the popularity of this event, Keynsham Mencap wanted to introduce more sporting activities to the junior groups, and so their first inclusive sports day for children with learning disabilities was held in August at Wellsway School.
It was a huge success. Over 50 children and their families tried new activities and took part in a
variety of sports and games including archery, wheelchair basketball, rugby, golf, football, dancing and a game of dodgeball. Activities were provided by Nova Sports & Coaching, In2sport, Bath Rugby Foundation and Flamingo Chicks.
Local business PBTA, Perpetual Business and Tax Advisors, made the day happen as they sponsored the event and continue to support Keynsham Mencap with their Charity of the Year status.
“Seeing how popular this event was we will be doing it again, but bigger and better next year,” said Operations Manager, Laura Jefferies.
Keynsham Mencap’s Music Man Project has also grown from strength to strength as new members have joined the singing and music tuition group that meets every Saturday morning. The group are now getting ready to once again return to
the stage and perform to the community, as on Saturday 17th December, Keynsham will see their popular Christmas concert fundraiser, keep an eye out on socials for details of the venue.
Keynsham has a vibrant and social community with many groups and projects available, the services delivered by Keynsham Mencap ensures those opportunities are more accessible to members of the public with a learning disability.
This is an incredible social club for all ages that provides inclusive opportunities for a community that are living with challenges in all aspects of their lives.
If you would like to know more about Keynsham Mencap or could provide a couple of hours of your time to volunteer and get involved, please email laura@keynshammencap.org.uk
Council’s
the
running after school
in
passionate about Youth Work and Young People getting the quality services they want.
been shut
some time, however, since the launch of
has been a buzzing place,
the most of the space,
are attending the Winter Festival on 25th
6-9pm, pop down to the Club at 16 Bath Hill to decorate cupcakes and meet the Team.
graduated in Youth Work in 2010.
then,
have worked in various settings
young people including Youth Clubs and completed my MA at Sussex University in 2016.
really excited to develop the Service
Young People. Outside of work
the Team
enjoy walks, live music and yoga.
I have been working with children and young people across a range of settings including nursery and primary school over the past three years and it was always my dream to do so.
I am now a children’s yoga and meditation instructor from age 2 up to 17.
I hold a level 2 certificate of understanding autism and proud to be a member of the 1st Keynsham Scouts.
Outside of work I enjoy being in nature, yoga, music and board games.
Having benefitted from similar initiatives myself in the past, I am passionate about working with young adults to help them feel empowered and discover their strengths and abilities. With the centre having only recently opened, I am really excited to engage with the local youth community and promote the amazing facilities we have to offer.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and going for long walks with my dog. My hobbies include gardening, crafting and cooking.
I have worked with young people at two youth centres first in Ross on Wye and now in Keynsham. While at Keynsham I have completed the level 2 and 3 Youth Worker course which has helped me build my skills and knowledge as a Youth Worker.
I am passionate about giving young people of all backgrounds the best chance to succeed and reach their full potential. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and 7 month old baby and also riding my mountain bike in the woods.
Over the past 4 years
I have worked in a number of educational environments, including specialist SEMH/SEN schools, alongside my career as a professional rugby coach, currently at Bath Rugby. This exposure have given me a breadth of experience working with children and young adults; driven to make a positive influence. Working within high performance sporting environments has enabled me to enhance interpersonal skills, such as emotional intelligence; attributes I continue to utilise within youth work.
Passionate about making a difference, whilst supporting and growing our connections with youth groups. In my spare time, I enjoy adventure and sports, anywhere outdoors with good food and company.
the
invested in
gazebos.
of very local stall holders have been with the market from the beginning, local farmer Lesley Bowes, from Chewton Farm, who sells her own beef, pork and lamb and Keynsham Country Markets who specialise in baked goods and preserves. Meanwhile the most recent addition to the market are Cam Valley Growers a small market garden using organic methods to grow vegetables. Somerset Farmers’ Market are the not-for-profit organisation behind the event and Keynsham is part of a network of 8 monthly market venues. The original and continued aim is to support and reverse the decline of small family farms and boasts a membership of nearly 100 farmers, growers, beekeepers, cider makers, brewers, bakers, and foragers who work on the land or with local
ingredients.
By creating events where food producers can sell directly to the public their business model becomes more sustainable and Keynsham benefits from a lively regular event and the chance to connect with local food producers.
We are very proud of what we have managed to achieve in Keynsham with the continued support of Keynsham Town Council and the calibre of award-winning local food we have available each month.
To keep up-to-date with Market news visit www. somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk and sign up for a Keynsham newsletter.
Since the first arrival of Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine back in April, volunteers have been hard at work preparing to get a second lorry ready to leave. This included lots of people and organisations from Keynsham, giving their time, as well as their aid.
A pop up boutique was also started in the charity’s Brislington hub. The boutique was able to support Ukrainian guests in the Bristol area, by providing them with clothing, shoes and bags as well as toiletries, all free of charge.
After a minibus was generously donated by Croft’s End church in St George, work took place on a complete overhaul and make it fit for service. Pending the paperwork, the minibus should be able to leave early November and the charity is hoping to fill it with first aid, portable mobility aids and other urgent needs before driving it over. Two of the Trustees, Steve and Gaynor Lewis, will be leaving with the minibus, to meet the charity’s contact Pastor Dmitry in Suceava, Romania. The bus will be used to transport patients out of heavily bombed areas, as well as move round elderly displaced persons.
On the 6th of October, this lorry reached its destination, after just a 3 day journey driven through Europe by Luke Hippisley of ‘Tudor Services’, documented through the Facebook page of ‘Tudor Services.’
Going forwards, the charity are reviewing how they can continue to support ‘those who call Ukraine their home’ and updates will continue to be found on their social media pages, and their website - https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/
Join us at the ASP Poetry Circle, on the third Monday of each month from 10.00am to 11.00am.
We meet the Libourne Lounge at Keynsham Library. Bring two or three poems to share; your own or other poets.
On the 1st of October, volunteers from Hope for Ukraine, loaded up a second 40ft-11 tonne lorry full of Humanitarian Aid, which included food, toiletries, tools, sleeping bags and much more.
Contact Dee: wetwo@gentlyblown.co.uk or see our website for the theme this month: www.asppoetrycircle.wordpress.com/
in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 6th December 6.30pm
the
Finance
• Wednesday 7th December 4pm – Events, Arts, Tourism & Heritage Committee in the Town Council Office
• Monday 12th December 7.30pm – Planning
in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 13th December 7.30pm – Town Council in The Space
• Monday 9th January 7.30pm – Planning and Development Committee in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 10th January 6.30pm – Finance and Policy Committee in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 17th January 7.30pm – Town Council in The Space
• Tuesday 24th January 6pm – Environment & Sustainability Committee in the Baptist Church
• Monday 6th February 7.30pm – Planning and Development Committee in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 8th February 4pm – Events, Arts, Tourism & Heritage Committee in the Town Council Office
• Tuesday 14th February 6.30pm – Finance and Policy Committee in the Baptist Church
• Tuesday 21st February 7.30pm – Town Council in The Space
• Wednesday 1st March 7.30pm – Grants Committee in the Town Council Office
Butterflies-Haven has been supporting Children/Young people and their families affected by Autism since 2007 from our base in St Francis Church, Keynsham.
In the Summer Holidays, with support from Keynsham Town Council, we organised a day out at Avon Valley Farm for our young members and their families. It was very well supported and everyone had a really enjoyable day.
We are always looking for new and interesting experiences for young people that attend Butterflies-Haven. In August, working with All Aboard Watersports in Bristol, we took a group of our members canoeing in Bristol Harbour. The young people found the chance of trying something different, exciting and enjoyable. These holiday sessions are in addition to our regular weekly sessions. During the winter we will continue to offer safe, inclusive and affordable sessions to our families.
During the year our numbers have steadily increased, therefore from the end of October we will be running two sessions on a Friday evening. This will give us the opportunity to offer our services to more young people.
We continue to extend our range of support to parent and carers, in conjunction with Bristol Autism Support. Our second coffee morning was very well attended. These are held in Keynsham and open to anyone, just drop in. Check our website or Facebook page to find the next date.
For more information, please visit our web page www.butterflies-haven.com, call Alison on 07510 075737, or email butterfliesnetwork@hotmail.com
Our team of volunteers continue to offer a very warm welcome to new members.
As part of the response to the cost-of-living crisis many Churches, Faith Groups, Councils and Community Organisations are providing WARM SPACES this Winter as places of warmth and welcome for anyone who is concerned about heating their own homes during the day.
In Keynsham, the Town Council is partnering with local churches and community organisations to promote local warm spaces. These are locations where community buildings are open to anyone during the winter months providing a WARM heated space where hot drinks are available.
FREE to enter, where refreshments are available free of charge; WELCOMING where volunteers are available to provide friendship and support and are SAFE places to gather.
More publicity will follow in the months ahead and be put on the Town Council’s website about where such places can be found and what advice is available at such locations, about how to reduce energy costs and to manage household bills. Some of these places will showcase what is already available in our local community and some will provide space for activities as well as Wi-Fi for out of office working.
The Bereavement Support Keynsham drop in sessions continue to be a well used service since it began in March and clearly demonstrates a need within the community.
Thanks to Keynsham Town Council’s funding grant, the group have started an additional evening session each month and that too has been of worth.
Organiser Alan Hale told us: “We welcome anyone suffering bereavement whether it is recent or indeed a number of years ago if it is still causing suffering. Our sessions are free and tea, coffee and biscuits are freely offered. We are a safe place where emotions can be expressed, where
volunteers are available to talk to or our guests can talk with others who are bereaved or just sit peacefully and listen.”
The Group hold a session on the first Wednesday of the month between 5.30pm and 7pm and on the fourth Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Both sessions are held in the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham and are open to anyone wishing to attend. Residency in Keynsham is not necessary.
Whilst it is a drop in session and so no booking is needed, enquiries of the group can be done via bereavementkeynsham@gmail.com or 07776493221.
There are people in your community who need support to live life to the full. Could you become a Shared Lives Carer? Bath & North East Somerset’s Shared Lives Scheme wants to hear from you!
• Be self-employed, set your own days and times of work
• Use your home to support a person who has needs
• Offer full-time living, respite stays or day support – the choice is yours
• Support people to remain in their local community and access that community
• Carer households can be a single person, a couple or a family
• Excellent rates paid, plus tax breaks available for carers
• Full training provided, plus support and monitoring
• You can be a Shared Lives carer alongside other commitments – talk to us about the possibilities
Email – bathnes.sharedlives@hcrgcaregroup.com
By the time you read this you may be able to listen to KTCRfm on digital radio (DAB) –and if not, it won’t be long to wait!
The transmission point for the new Bristol DAB multiplex was installed at KTCRfm’s transmission site in early October and was ready to go soon after, subject to being passed by Ofcom. Watch the local press for details of the public switchon! Being digital is an addition to KTCRfm’s broadcasting capability and the FM and internet will remain unchanged – its just another way to hear your local radio station. What it does mean is that coverage is improved and extended in the East Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas.
Further expansion southwards will come with subsequent developments in local area multiplexes.
With lockdowns now, hopefully, a thing of the past KTCRfm is planning to celebrate its birthday publicly for the first time since commencing broadcasting nearly three years ago. Celebrations are targeted for the end of January – the anniversary of the FM switch-on in 2020.
Meanwhile features over the last couple of months have included the Backtrack programmes with the music and life stories of local personalities at the centre of our communities, including Keynsham’s new Deputy Town Clerk, Katherine Sears, Bath’s man of music Grenville Jones and KTC Councillor Andy McGuiness. The Station also featured full coverage and promotion of the Keynsham Community Eco Festival in October, and the radio serial We Can Make telling the story of a self build eco housing project in South Bristol.
To secure radio coverage and publicity for any aspect of local life, whether business, charity or social, email ktcrfm@gmail.com.
he KTN service is free to people who are unable to read newsprint.
local news and our magazine section
a wide choice of topics from historic places, local personalities to recipes and information on changes in national benefits and entitlements.
year we celebrate an incredible 40 years of the service, started by our Listener Liaison Officer and Founder, Mary Burnard, in 1983.
Since its inception, several thousand blind or partially sighted people have enjoyed listening to KTN’s weekly recordings or attending the Christmas Carol Services and tea parties arranged for our volunteers, listeners and their helpers.
last three months alone.
If you are able to spread the word about our service to your friends and family we would very much appreciate it.
We know that many people find out about us through our website and we also have leaflets and posters available, if you would like one or more for your local church, community centre, shop or other location, just let us know. We welcome new listeners to our free service.
If you or someone you know is unable to read newsprint, we would be delighted to supply them with the KTN service. If they do not have the means to play memory sticks, we can supply an easy-to-use box to play them on. Contact: 0117 299 3021. Website: www.ktn.org
r e a m i n t o r e a l i t y T h e h e l p a n d s u p p o r t o n b u s i n e s s , e m p l o y i n g s t a f f , f i n a n c e s e t c w a s p i v o t a l i n m y b u s i n e s s b e c o m i n g a s u c c e s s ' ' Ruth Lane, Forget Me Not Dementia Services
' ' C o o l V e n t u r e s s h o w e d m e h o w t o d e v e l o p a m a r k e t i n g p l a n a n d l o n g e r t e r m s t r a t e g y f o r t h e b u s i n e s s T h e y h a v e a t e a m o f a s s o c i a t e b u s i n e s s c o a c h e s w h o e a c h h a v e d i f f e r e n t s k i l l s e t s , s o t h e r e ’ s h e a p s o f e x p e r i e n c e t h e r e t h a t y o u c a n t a p i n t o ' ' Nathan Fuller, Challenge Outdoors
KeynshamNow is Keynsham’s Youth Council
welcomes any young person aged 11 to 20 who is interested in speaking up for the young people of the town. All decisions are taken by majority vote. What we talk about and do is up to the members of KeynshamNow.
October 15th we had a stall at the Eco Festival where we discussed the most damaging food imports for global warming. We chose 22 foods and drinks and asked people to guess the top five polluters. We then showed them the answers which were generally not what people thought and led to lively discussions. There was also a paperless quiz using a QR code.
On November 2nd, our 100th meeting, we had Dan Norris, the WECA mayor for a Q&A, topics discussed were around the reducing bus service. Some of the Questions asked were:- Why are buses free for old people but not for young people in full time education? Why are the cycle path’s surfaces so badly worn? And why is the waiting list for a driving test so long? Other topics included active travel, school transport and the long waiting lists for young people’s mental health appointments.
On December 1st, we are going to Bath to ask questions of Kevin Guy, the leader of B&NES. We are travelling by bus for Ellsbridge House at 4.00pm. Any young person is welcome to join us.
Our December meeting is in The Space at 5.30pm on December 7th. Again, any young person is welcome to join us. There is food!
We continue to have a busy programme of events at Community at 67. We have something for all ages at our centre in Queens Road including maths and code clubs for children and craft, mums and IT groups for adults along with courses on mental wellbeing and Spanish. For details, follow us on Facebook or look at our new web page www.community-67.org . If you have an idea to start a group let us know and we can discuss how we can support you to get going.
We want to help people cope with winter and we would like to offer a warm place for people to have a coffee, meet other people, do a jigsaw, read or use one of the computers. For this to happen, we need some volunteers to give people a warm welcome, if you feel you could volunteer once a week for few hours, please contact us. We are also thinking about offering a specific session for people who work at home and want somewhere warm to work which isn’t too noisy – we have good WiFi , printing and coffee making facilities. We could also host hybrid meetings for groups at a reasonable charge. If you are able to volunteer, would like to use the centre to work or for a meeting please email enquiries@community-67.org.
In October we had a great morning with Isobel Tarr who is creating a community quilt to
celebrate parenting, as you can see there was plenty of laughter. If you are a mum, why not drop into our café on Thursday morning?
Finally, in September we thanked all the brilliant volunteers that make Community at 67 such a vibrant and welcoming centre. All the people who run our activities are volunteers and give up their time so willingly for the benefit of the community. As well as the volunteers, you see when you use the centre, there are also volunteers who make sure all the building is safe, manage our finances and as trustees, ensure we develop as a charity serving local people. So, a great big THANK YOU to our volunteer team.
Sunday 20th Nov, 10am: Meeting at the Fox & Hounds car park to catch the Dial-a-Ride minibus for a walk around Timsbury – 6 miles, includes a refreshment stop. Alternatively you can meet us at Timsbury.
Sunday 11th Dec, 10am: Annual Festive wreath making walk. Meeting at the Memorial Park Gates for a short walk around the fields of Keynsham picking flora for a wreath, after which there will be a wreath making demonstration, with mulled wine and mince pies.
Sunday 15th Jan 23. 10am: Meeting at the Memorial Park Gates. A short walk to Bitton Station via the cycle path, stopping for refreshments, returning alongside the River Avon – 3 miles.
Sunday 19th Feb, 10am: Meet at the Fox & Hounds car park to catch the Dial-a-Ride minibus to Crews Hole and walk back along the River Avon to Keynsham - 5 miles and includes a refreshment stop Alternatively you can get someone to take you to Crews Hole, and walk back with us.
Sunday 12th March, 10am: Catching the bus to Saltford start time dependant on bus time table, for a circular walk to the Kelston cheese shop, with a refreshment stop near the end of the walk – 5 miles. Alternatively you can meet us at Saltford.
Contact Dave 07866440968 or wrwkeynsham@outlook.com or visit our website, Keynsham Walkers are Welcome
If you don’t know how you are going to afford to feed yourself or your family, please don’t wait until the cupboard is bare. Just ask. You don’t have to explain anything to us.
We don’t ask for any ID, and if you are worried about going through the Council, there are other ways to get a voucher. We’re here to help anyone locally in food crisis.
The first step? Here. www.keynsham.foodbank.org. uk/get-help/how-to-get-help/
Our website contains lots of links to places where you can get further help and advice, and our volunteers will also be able to talk with you about this. We also have toiletries, household cleaning items, sanitary items, nappies, some petfood (usually), and other things. Just ask, and we will see what donations we have and do our best to help you.
If you want to support our work, we kindly ask that you please consider donating money instead of food at this time. We always have bills to payrent for the warehouse and van, and council tax. Thank you for your generous ongoing support, we couldn’t do what we do without you!
Keynsham Foodbank 60-12-11 26725592
Gift aid form (make a big difference to all charities, only takes a moment, and we can claim for any historical donations you have made too) here: www.keynsham.foodbank.org.uk/gift-aid-form/
At the time of going to press, we have a number of volunteer roles on our website, www.keynsham.foodbank.org.uk/news/ Trustee with Safeguarding experience. Lesley has been on our Board of Trustees since this charity was founded, but needs to step back in summer 2023 as she will have kindly served her “maximum term”. As part of our succession planning, we’re seeking someone to join the trustee team with safeguarding experience. You don’t need to have been a trustee before – there is no special “qualification”, we will provide training. If you have a passion for helping others in food crisis, we are very interested in talking with you!
Project Manager. Our current volunteer project manager has done a sterling job in the role over the last 14+ months, and is now moving on to new adventures. We’re seeking a new volunteer to manage the operational aspects of the project – could it be you?
Comms & PR: We’re looking for someone who can help our team and support the work of the Keynsham Foodbank charity with comms, press, social media and our (WordPress) website. Perhaps you work in comms, and want to extend your experience, or enhance your skills? We’d love to talk with you.
Please get in touch if you would like to know more about these volunteer roles!
info@keynham.foodbank.org.uk
Swan Transport’s brilliant team of volunteer drivers are so busy that we need new people to come and join us and help those who have no support of their own to make journeys across B&NES.
If you have use of a car and want to stay healthy and boost your well being, why not consider becoming a volunteer driver with Swan? Whether you’re young or older, we would love to hear from you and whatever time you can give will be valued. We pay mileage expenses based on the Inland Revenue rates. Training and support is provided.
Swan Transport has been operating since January 2001. The scheme assists residents in Bath & North East Somerset, who are older and disabled people on low income (with savings under £16,000). It enables people to participate in social, recreational and community opportunities and helps people remain independent. So far this year, our drivers have provided over 2000 journeys and we have seen a rise in people needing help with transport in Keynsham and the surrounding area. Please ring us on 01761 439548 or email office@ swan-transport.
820 Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5LQ
In 1877 the then Vicar and Churchwardens of Keynsham, finding the graveyard around the parish church incapable of either receiving any more burials or being enlarged, purchased two and a half acres of ground to make a public Cemetery and Chapel. This was situated a quarter of a mile beyond what was then the small village of Keynsham on the Bristol side and was part of the fine stretch of meadow land that borders the River Avon, known as the Hams.
Keynsham Cemetery was eventually sited in the middle of a very large Roman Villa built in the 4th Century.
During 1875/6 there was only one topic of conversation in Keynsham, the site of the Cemetery.
During this time Keynsham had a population of 2,245 people, somewhat different to the current bustling population of over 18,000, and a Burial Board was tasked with finding new land suitable for a Cemetery but after heated opposition from Keynsham residents they were overturned.
As soon as the works began on the Chapel the builders encountered the remains of a Roman House of great size.
It was a matter of regret that this Roman House (Palace) could not be preserved in situ but this was impossible in the circumstances where the ground was urgently needed for burial purposes.
Archaeologists now recognised that Keynsham Villa was not just one of your average villas but could be better described as a Palace.
The Bullied Report of 1926 adds that shortly after opening for Burials in 1877 a successful objection was raised to burials immediately around the Chapel. By 1926 it was necessary to use this area
and it was the Parish Council who encouraged the 1925/6 dig that revealed how much of the Villa remained.
The Bullied Report, although it records that remains had been destroyed, was nonetheless able to reconstruct the layout of the Villa and a number of Mosaics were recovered.
The first burial took place at the Cemetery on 21 April 1878. Our records show that since 1953 approximately 4,500 burials have taken place. Keynsham Town Council became the Burial Authority for Keynsham Cemetery in 1996 when the former Wansdyke District Council wanted to close the Cemetery.
In 1996 a new extension was added with room for approximately 400 Lawn and Kerb Grave spaces and also a Memorial Garden with memorial plots for caskets was created in 2015.
The Cemetery is very well cared for by the Council’s Grounds Maintenance Team and has become a peaceful and attractive resting place to serve the residents of Keynsham and surrounding areas.
Keynsham Town Council Cemetery Staff
At Keynsham Rotary, we are looking forward to several interesting meetings and events through Christmas into the New Year.
Starting in November, we have arranged a talk by the Regional Fraud Protect Advisor, Avon and Somerset Police, which, a week later, is to be followed by a social visit to Shepton Mallet prison. I am assured these two events have no link whatsoever!
At the end of the month we look forward to a talk from a local couple who have hosted a family from the Ukraine, and we hope to participate at the Keynsham Winter Festival with our hot chestnut stall in the High Street.
In December we have our Christmas evening dinner with the usual seasonal fare and good craic.
After Christmas we are holding a Burns Night dinner on 25th January which will be open to visitors from the community. Later, in March, we are planning a group long-weekend away in Liverpool, which is greatly anticipated by all, as there are many interesting local visits to explore.
We have recently supported the Children’s Air Ambulance, collected money for help in Ukraine and in support of our younger community members, launched our Young Artist Competition in October. We also managed to fit in a weekend in Poole where we visited the RNLI College to see their crew training facilities. These activities all require enough club members to be able to carry them out!
We are more than happy to welcome anyone who is interested to visit us and find out more about what we do.
We urgently need more like minded people to join us, as we are very keen to ensure we can continue to give community support where it is needed. Contact details can be found on our web site: keynshamrotary.org.
Adrian DoddKeyford dancing School 01761 452073
www.keyforddancingschool.co.uk info@keyforddancingschool.co.uk Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern Children from 2.5 years & adults
Dance for fun, Fitness and to meet new Friends. It’s never too late.
first 2 classes free, so give it a go
Our first evening talks of the season have now taken place. It was lovely to welcome back a very popular speaker, wildlife underwater film maker Michael Pitts, with his tales of the Far East war wrecks of WWII.
Our next talk was brought to us by Alisdair Cameron, from charity Somerset Wildlands. We learnt that The Somerset Levels were once England’s Okavango Delta and would have teemed with wildlife, but much of it has now gone. Somerset Wildlands is aiming to bring back some of that wildness and life through re-wilding, building up a series of ‘wild stepping stones’. The Levels will never be what they were, but there is a real opportunity to create a spectacular wildlife core for the future of the South-West of England and beyond.
And our festive evening meeting on Friday 9th December features two talks from members, Ode to a Snail and Wildlife Photography in Kenya plus a Christmas wildlife quiz.
On Friday 13th January we welcome Bob Medland with “Seabirds of the Outer Hebrides”. Bob has been working with Shiants Auk Ringing Group since 2008 monitoring one of the UK’s most significant seabird colonies.
All are welcome at our evening talks which are held at Keynsham Baptist Church Hall at 7:30pm. Talk entry fee: £3 for Avon Wildlife Trust members/£4 for non-members.
For more information on Keynsham Group and details on our talks, visit our website www. keynshamawt.org. E-mail: keynshamawt@gmail. com or phone Kathy 07850 508702
Hours that
around
• Create a career action plan
• Explore career opportunities
• Develop employability skills
• Build confidence and motivation
Cost of living concerns? Future Bright could improve your career prospects. As a local resident, you could be entitled to free career coaching to take control of your future and make positive progress towards new opportunities and better pay to help ease the burden of living costs.
In the UK, 1 in 6 jobs pay below the real Living Wage (Living Wage Foundation, Nov 2021), and with inflation being the highest in over three decades, many of us area starting to consider our options to help improve our situation.
Future Bright can offer you a dedicated career progression coach for 3 -6 months working with you to:
The team can also direct you to other support services, including money, benefits, counselling, and self -employed business support.
To be eligible for Future Bright you need to live in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershine). Participants must be aged 18 or over, in paid work (including zero hours and self -employed) and recelving eligible benefits OR earning below the Real Living Wage (below £9.90 an hour). If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, contact the team to find out more and discover other support services which may be more suitable for you.
Visit Future Bright at West of England Combined Authority for further information and contact details for your local area: https://bit-/y/BY8CBE5
Now is the best time to get the whole family active! Keynsham Leisure Centre offer sessions which allow children to accompany their parents to get fit and healthy together.
Discover a pool session, gym workout or inflatable session you can all enjoy by visiting better.org.uk/keynsham
Better
the coming weeks, pupils of the Keyford Dancing School are being kept very busy.
On October 16th, over 100 pupils entered a medal test session in which they were performing National, Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz dances.
examiner was Miss Sessions from the British Theatre Dance Association.
Some pupils are taking part in the affiliated school
Avon Dance Academy Show at Broadlands School on 18th & 19th November.
Tap pupils, both children and adults will be taking part in the National Tapathon on November 20th in the Fear Hall.
A group of dancers will be performing at Keynsham Winter Festival in The Space on November 25th.
Looking forward to 2023 the Keyford Dancing School will be celebrating 50 years, which will include an anniversary show as well as other events and examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance and the I.S.T.D.
Places for all classes from children aged 2.5 years to adults can be reserved for 2023, including the Modern & Jazz classes being run by our new teacher Emma Ford.
or
wish
24 hours a day, 365 days a year...
Liberal Democrat East
Tel: 01179 867389
Email: andy.wait @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat North
Tel: 07761 906216
Email: Alex.beaumont @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Dave Biddleston
Labour South
Tel: 0117 9870081
Email: dave.biddleston @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat North
Tel: 0117 9867876
Email: david.brassington @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Caitlin Brennan
Liberal Democrat East
Tel: 01179 863905
07557 223637
Email: caitlin.brennan @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Charlotte Buxton
Liberal Democrat South
Tel: 07886 739906
Email: chartlotte.buxton @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Independent North
Tel: 01179 864203
07564 155944
Email: deb.cooper @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Independent East
Tel: 01179 869250
Email: clive.fricker @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat East
Tel: 07757 673492
Email: alan.greenfield @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat South
Tel: 01179 865735
Email: andy.halliday @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Labour North
Tel: 07815 163036
Email: andy.mcguinness @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Liberal Democrat East
Tel: 01179 863590
07786 436656
Email: hal.macfie @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Keynsham
Tel: 0117 9868683
Brian Simmons
Independent North
Tel: 01179 096596 07855 631844
Email: brian.simmons @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Allan Sinclair
Independent South
Tel: 01179 865658
Email: allan.sinclair @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
Labour South
Tel: 07464 798073
Email: Jonathan.wallcroft @keynsham-tc.gov.uk
