Keynsham Voice April 2023

over ban on

RESIDENTS say they were not consulted about new double yellow lines near Keynsham’s recycling centre.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has introduced the parking restrictions as the town’s new recycling hub takes shape.

They include double yellow lines along a section of Pixash Lane which some people living nearby on the busy A4 Bath Road have been using for parking.

One of them, Louise (who asked us not to use her surname), accused B&NES Council of being underhand.

She says she only learned about the proposed restrictions through a local councillor, who also told her the deadline for objections had passed.

When she emailed B&NES Council asking why residents had not been informed, she was told the council had notified residents by putting notices on lampposts

n Turn to Page 2

INSIDE

Route revealed

Details have been revealed of plans to improve the route between Keynsham and Bitton for walking and cycling.

PAGE 4

Crossing the river

The main construction phase of a bridge from the A431 at Bitton to Saltford Water Recycling Centre has got under way.

PAGE 9

Getting you there

As bus cuts loom, Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride is still going strong after 20 years.

PAGE 24

Planting for future

Volunteers have planted more than 80 trees and shrubs in Saltford to encourage wildlife back to the riverside.

PAGE 25

Big thank-you

People who have helped to make Saltford such a special place to live and visit have been honoured at a ceremony.

PAGE 36

Pupils at Chandag infant and junior schools in Keynsham adopted a colourful look to raise money for a heart charity - see Page 7

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May deadline

Residents see red at

n From Page 1

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Louise said: “So the council place the proposal in a newspaper that is not local to us. This is lack of transparency.

“Yet the council have been able to send us residents plenty of letters through the post for numerous applications for erections of buildings within the new recycling centre - but not about the parking. This has been completely underhand by the council.”

She added: “I walk along Pixash Lane daily, and over the past two years any notice that has been tied to the lampposts has not been one of any traffic proposals. How can the council get away with this?”

The council’s email to Louise said: “It is evident that vehicles parking on both sides of Pixash Lane and on the pavement in front of the care home is currently causing access and safety issues.”

It added: “Resident parking is not part of the scope of the scheme.”

But Louise questioned why resident parking had not been factored in and was also critical of the inclusion of a short cycle path in the scheme.

“It just doesn’t make sense, and if we had the opportunity to hold a meeting with the council, then together we could have all come up with sensible solutions for Pixash Lane without causing this amount of concern for residents.”

Hal McFie, a B&NES ward

What the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) entails:

n No left turns from World’s End Lane into Pixash Lane.

n No right turns from Pixash Lane into the A4 Bath Road.

n 20mph speed limit on a stretch of World’s End Lane from the junction with Pixash Lane to just beyond the entrance to the new Keynsham Recycling Hub. The rest of the road to have a 30mph speed limit.

councillor for Keynsham East, who has been trying to arrange a meeting between concerned residents and the council, said he was “very disappointed” that the parking restrictions had been introduced before talks could take place.

In an email to the council, Councillor McFie said: “None of the residents report seeing a notice pinned to the posts nearby.”

He added: “It appears that you are just forging ahead without proper engagement to deal with a group that has suffered from having two large building projects within 70 metres of their homes and has not been properly consulted.

“And in doing this you have ignored the request for a single yellow line which it is blindingly obvious is a more desirable and reasonable option than double yellows.

“The main consequence of this will be that residents, and visitors to residents, will park on the A4, holding up the traffic which is 20 times busier than that going down Pixash Lane.

double yellow lines near recycling centre

Parking restrictions affect the areas in red

“I repeat my request for a residents’ meeting and for a single yellow line instead of the double yellows.”

Louise, who agrees that single yellows would be a better solution, said residents on the Bath Road now face the prospect of paying for dropped kerbs so they can park at the front of their homes. But she said a neighbour has told her that previous applications for dropped kerbs nearby have been rejected by B&NES Council on safety grounds

She said: “I am not only upset by the lack of communication by B&NES but that now the only place we have to park is being taking away from us.”

The parking ban follows a long period of disruption for residents that began with the building of the nearby

Meryton Place care home.

Louise said: “Over the past two years, parking has been atrocious - work vans, lorries parked up along both sides of Pixash Lane, most days on the double yellow lines that are either side of the private lane us residents use to gain access to the back of our houses.”

Louise has also written to local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg asking for his help. He replied that he has made representations to B&NES Council on her behalf and will contact her again once he has received a response.

A B&NES Council spokesperson said: “We’ve offered to meet residents once the works on World’s End Lane have been completed and we’ve had reasonable time to monitor traffic safety. The double yellow lines were put in under a TRO

(Traffic Regulation Order) to provide road safety and were consulted on as part of the planning process. Any change to the TRO would be subject to a review, monitoring and due

consideration to safety.”

l The council asks residents with enquiries connected to Keynsham Recycling Hub to email krhub@bathnes.gov.uk.

l Recycling hub progress: Page 6

World’s End Lane

Pixash Lane

Recycling centre

Double yellow lines on Pixash Lane near the junction with the Bath Road

Path plan offers better route for cyclists

DETAILS have been revealed of plans to improve the route between Keynsham and Bitton for walking, wheeling and cycling.

The proposals by South Gloucestershire District Council include new off-road sections that are four metres wide, as well as new toucan crossings, creating a better link to the Bath-to-Bristol railway path at Bitton station.

The council is currently considering the public’s feedback from an online survey that closed on March 23.

It says it wants to improve the existing sub-standard shared-use path along the A4175 Keynsham Road and to segregate the route from motor traffic.

From Keynsham, the proposed route starts from the station overflow car park.

It heads north alongside the A4175’s existing shared path, past a new toucan crossing opposite Port Avon Marina, then reaches a new off-road section on the western side that eventually rejoins the shared path.

Then a second toucan crossing gives access to another off-road section, on the eastern side, that takes people, via The Park, to a toucan crossing on the A431 Bath Road near Bitton station. This means people can avoid using the roundabout between the Keynsham Road and the Bath Road.

The scheme has been welcome by

Care in your own home

Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council.

He said: “I am part of the Bristol East Fringe Cycling and Walking Group. We have for the last 18 months kept the current substandard path clear of vegetation and litter to encourage cyclists to use it.

“The new proposals will dramatically improve the quality of this path, making it safer and wider in several places.

“It also has a safety crossing point leading

away from the Willsbridge roundabout joining the Bitton Road close to the Bristol/Bath railway path - a considerable improvement on the existing route.”

South Gloucestershire District Council says plans are at an early stage and funding needs to be secured from the West of England Combined Authority.

It says that, subject to public support, more detailed plans will follow, with further opportunities for residents to comment.

Care in your own h

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

No need for an expensive care home

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Many people want to stay in their own home as

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Emma’s abseil to thank hospital

A KEYNSHAM student will hit the heights to thank the hospital that became her “second home”.

Emma Falconer, aged 19, will abseil down the side of Southmead Hospital, where she had two major spinal surgeries.

She said: “After receiving treatment from Bristol Children’s Hospital for many years, I was transferred to Southmead when I was 16, and for a long time it was basically my second home.

“I am very grateful for the amazing care I received, and would love to give back to the people who looked after me in the toughest times of my life, especially now that, against the odds, I’m very fit and healthy and nothing can hold me back!”

Emma underwent her initial spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis in 2019, which involved straightening the curve in her spine with two titanium rods and 15 screws.

Then, after taking her A-levels at Wellsway School, she began to pursue her dream of a career in musical theatre.

She took part in a British Youth Music Theatre project over the summer of 2021 before starting her foundation year at PPA (Performance Preparation Academy), a drama school in Guildford.

But Emma suffered a serious setback when she became extremely ill with a severe spine infection that spreads to her lungs, resulting in another major operation.

She missed three months of her studies but, following her recovery, managed to complete the course and graduate.

Emma said: “It was a very happy day, especially knowing I had my place on the degree course at PPA, which I am enjoying so very much

“It’s quite intense, with our days being 8am to 5.15pm every day, but I absolutely love it.”

Emma will join other abseilers raising money for Southmead Hospital when she takes the plunge on May 7.

She said: “I’ve signed up by myself, with my friends and family coming to support and watch it

from down below. I have set my target to £500, but if I could beat that, it would be incredible.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Emma can use this link - https:// southmeadhospitalcharity.enthuse. com/pf/emma-falconer - or visit her Facebook page (Emma Falconer) where the link is public.

After drama school, Emma’s aim is to get signed with an agency.

“My big dream would be to perform in the West End. I would also love to do touring productions around the UK or work on cruise ships.”

Emma Falconer had surgery to straighten her spine

New recycling hub moves a step closer

WORK is almost finished on the first phase of the Keynsham Recycling Hub, which will see the new reuse and recycling centre open later in the spring.

The new recycling centre will offer improved facilities for residents, more recycling bays and the option to recycle additional materials, including mattresses and hard plastics, together with separation of other items such as upholstered furniture for appropriate treatment.

Plans are being developed for a reuse shop, due to open later in the year, to provide second-hand items for sale and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Once the new centre is open, the current site in Pixash Lane will close to be developed as part of phase two of Keynsham Recycling Hub.

The current recycling centre in Pixash Lane will be open as usual over Easter, and the opening hours can be found on the Bath & North East Somerset Council website https://beta.

bathnes.gov.uk/keynshamrecycling-centre

Public access to the new reuse and recycling centre will be via World’s End Lane, which has been widened to a two-way road with a dedicated cycle path and footpath. Visitors will be advised to use the signposted route via Broadmead Lane roundabout and Ashmead Road.

All council operational vehicles will use a separate site entrance in Pixash Lane. There will be parking restrictions along

Making progress – (left to right)

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council; Gerard McNamee, project manager, Farrans; Glenn Gilmore, regional director, Farrans; and Clare Taylor, contract manager at Farrans

Pixash Lane, World’s End Lane and a stretch of Ashmead Road to ease traffic flows, and the council says separate entrances will improve operating efficiency and safety of the hub.

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of the council, said: “The contractor, Farrans, has been carefully scheduling works during construction to reduce the level of disruption to residents and motorists, and everyone is working hard to complete phase one of the construction project.

“The new reuse and recycling centre will help to meet the need for household waste and recycling and kerbside collections well into the future and help us meet our climate and ecological goals.”

Phase two of the construction is due to be completed over the winter. This includes extensive buildings and yard areas to consolidate collections, disposal, and recycling processing operations and to accommodate highway winter services.

It will also provide a central depot for refuse and recycling collection vehicles alongside a fleet workshop and a public MoT centre. The offices, staff welfare and education facilities will also be fitted out.

The new site will feature green measures including solar panels on the roofs of the buildings to generate power for the hub, rainwater collection to be reused for vehicle washing and plant watering, and buildings constructed using energy efficient materials.

We’re stepping out in red for Heart Heroes

CHILDREN and staff at Chandag infant and junior schools in Keynsham adopted a colourful look to raise money for a heart charity.

They wore red for a Sunday walk around Kelston Roundhill as well as at school the next day, raising £817 for Heart Heroes.

They were inspired by pupil Leo Nicholls, who had openheart surgery as a newborn baby and started at the school last September.

A school spokesperson said: “We were asked by Leo’s family to raise awareness of heart conditions in children and we have certainly achieved this! More families from our schools have approached the Heart Heroes charity for their own

children and connected with Leo’s family.”

Leo, aged five, has been warmly welcomed by caring children and staff at the infant school, who have read a book called Leo’s Heart - written by Leo’s mum Aimee Roberts – in class to help understand his health conditions.

Aimee said: “Leo’s teacher read his book out to the entire infant school. Then his teacher asked if he was feeling brave, and he said yes - so got up and showed the entire school his scar.”

Leo was rewarded with a school certificate for his courage.

Aimee added: “It’s honestly amazing just knowing for sure that we picked the right school.”

Pupils wearing red at school to raise money for Heart Heroes

Chandag school staff and families who walked around Kelston Roundhill in aid of the Heart Heroes charity

Pupil Leo Nicholls with Mr Brooks, a teacher at Chandag Junior School. Above, Leo with a bravery certificate he received for showing his heart surgery scar to classmates

New minibus service set to hit the road

A NEW minibus service operating throughout the West of England region is due to hit the road this month.

Keynsham is one of the areas covered by the scheme, which allows passengers to book a West Link minibus via phone, app or a website, to take them from more remote areas to major transport routes.

The services will run 30 bright green minibuses as part of a £3-million new scheme known as ‘demand responsive transport’.

The new services are the largest of its kind in the country, having only been run before on a much smaller scale.

Dan Norris, the West of England metro mayor, admitted there would be teething problems as the new services are rolled out over the summer months.

Mr Norris said: “Stop-to-stop tailormade travel is new for everyone. I am really pleased to see the first West Link bus, which is going into service from April and rolling out thereafter. I hope West Links become a familiar and welcome sight across our region. We will be adding more and more until we reach our first milestone of 30 full-time minibuses planned for later in the year. project. And it’s new to us all, so it certainly won’t be plain sailing. Undoubtedly things

will go wrong, but we’re ready to learn as we go along. But I’m determined we get on and try something different, because the old solutions to our transport problems are not up to the challenges of the modern world post-pandemic.”

West Link minibuses will include comfortable seats with headrests, wheelchair access, spaces for prams or buggies, and spaces for folding bikes. Eventually, the app and booking phone service will be able to advise passengers about major public transport route timetables.

The services will cover parts of North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset, which are currently poorly

Many of these places will also soon see traditional subsidised bus routes scrapped, as councils decided not to increase the transport levy for these routes in line with inflation.

Two companies will operate the minibuses, Via and WeDRT. Passengers will be able to book a seat on a minibus 24 hours in advance, choosing their pick-up and dropoff points. They will be able to pay through the app, or by card over the phone, or in cash with the driver.

Single fares will cost £2 for adults and £1 for children, for any length of journey. Concessionary and older person’s bus passes will be accepted.

The services will run from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm in the ‘northern zone’ and ‘southern zone’. And in a ‘future zone’ - which also launches in April - services will run from 5.30am to 9.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. But it’s unclear where the zones actually are, and fares might change in future.

Information about how to download the app or book a journey was not available by the time we went to press. For the latest details, visit https://travelwest.info/ westlink/

Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Come take a sip among the flowers at new coffee bar

7:30AM 2:30PM

SAT 8AM-3PM

SIPS at No.33 is a new coffee bar located within the floral home of the established Wild about Flowers on Keynsham High Street.

The botanical space was created by Ivy to compliment the existing floral interiors with a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can sit at the additional breakfast bar with a window view.

Headed up by top baristas Darren and Kori, with us you can sip on the finest quality coffee selected from local suppliers

Roundhill Roastery, loose tea blends from Keynsham’s R-Tea and luxury hot chocolate from Bath’s Harth Chocolate.

With impressive latte art skills and a wealth of knowledge from the hospitality industry, this exciting duo are so pleased to be in Keynsham and getting to know our much-loved community.

Open six days a week, we look forward to welcoming you into our new shared space to come take a sip with us!

NEW COFFEE BAR

Find us in the floral home of wild about flowers at 33 High Street Keynsham

Using local & independent suppliers to serve the finest sips in coffee, loose tea, hot chocolate & soft drinks

Ivy, owner of Wild About Flowers, and Darren, who runs Sips

Bridge over the river set to take shape

THE main construction phase of a bridge over the River Avon, from the A431 at Bitton to Saltford Water Recycling Centre, has got under way.

Wessex Water’s scheme involves building a 400-metre access road and a single-span bridge for use by its vehicles and walkers.

The water company has carried preliminary environmental preparations over the past few months and expects to complete the main phase by February next year.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on the A431 last month and are due to stay in place for nine months to allow workers to complete the project safely.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said the lights will be generally green to traffic on the A431 and controlled for road crossings between site compounds and for traffic leaving the site. They will be in use between Monday and Friday from 7am to 5.30pm.

The spokesperson said: “Working closely with Saltford Parish Council and local representatives, we are continuing to update local residents as and when parking restrictions are required on the

High Street and Mead Lane to allow for increased traffic to and from the water recycling centre.

“We have written to residents and businesses on both sides of the river to inform them about the next phase of this important project and continue to work with local communities to minimise any impact caused by this work.’’

Wessex Water says the scheme will improve access to the water recycling centre ahead of its planned expansion to meet future demand.

To reach the site, HGVs currently have to negotiate pinch points and height restrictions on Saltford High Street and Mead Lane, a route that is also prone to flooding.

The plans, which were supported by Saltford parish councillors, were approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council at the end of 2021.

Supporters says the scheme will even out traffic load between the A4 and A431, helping to reduce congestion on the A4 Bath Road.

Many Saltford residents backed the scheme, but it was opposed by people living on the other side of the river.

KEYNSHAM AND SALTFORD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Drill Hall played vital role in war and peace

APROMINENT and familiar building on Bath Hill in the centre of Keynsham, the Drill Hall has recently undergone a change of use to become a large and well-appointed cycle shop.

This is just the latest chapter in the story of what was originally termed the “Public Hall”, the name that can just be made out in the panel at the top of the south gable.

It was in July 1878 that a meeting was held to discuss provision of a public hall for the town. A report in the Bristol Mercury details disagreement among the promoters over exactly what uses should be permitted, but this was resolved and it was decided to proceed with construction on land on Bath Hill acquired from a Mr Cox. The cost of the building was forecast to be about £800.

Funded by public subscription, work progressed quickly, with completion in September 1879. The formal opening took place with a grand ceremony in October. For the occasion, it was lit by electricity and was one of the first buildings in the town to feature this modern technology. At this time there was no mains electricity, so a traction engine was hired to drive a dynamo.

The ”Drill Hall” name, firmly embedded in popular usage, came about because one of the original uses was to provide accommodation for training for the 7th Somerset Volunteer Rifle Corps. This unit changed name over the next ten years and in 1894 they purchased the hall: perhaps the founding community organisation could not make it financially viable.

Notwithstanding the military ownership, the initial intention that the venue would provide a forum for concerts, plays and meetings was realised and the various performing arts societies in the town adopted it as their home.

Among these, by the end of the century, were a choral society and an orchestra. Some concerts were ambitious affairs: for an 1899 sacred concert held in the Drill Hall the stage was widened, draped with art muslin in various colours, and decorated with trailing ivy, plants, ferns and flowers.

The amateur operatic society, which flourished in the early 1900s, staged its shows there, performing The Mikado in the midst of

Right, the Drill Hall, about 1960

Below, No 2 Company, 7th Battalion of the Somerset Home Guard outside the Drill Hall during the Second World War

the war in 1916, with two performances in Keynsham and one for soldiers, in Bath.

Reviews were enthusiastic, but one reporter commented on the temperature: “Oh! the Keynsham Drill Hall. We sat with overcoats, mufflers and were even forced to the gross breach of courtesy and etiquette - we wore our hats all through the performance.”

Familiar old Keynsham names were prominent in the cast list: the Thomas family, the Jollymans, Gerrish, Shellabear, Fairclough, Gibbons, Wiggins, Hickling, Chappell, Bowden and Snook.

Military usage continued and on 5th September 1914 a recruitment meeting was held to persuade the young men of the town to enlist to fight in the First World War. After peace returned, social events flourished, while flower shows and auctions also took place.

In the 1920s and 1930s, tea dances were held

in the hall as well as evening dances. One lady recalled having to be home by 9pm: “My mother often came up the High Street with a cane if we were ten minutes late.”

During the Second World War, the Drill Hall became the headquarters of the local Home Guard. Weapons training was in the land that is now the park, and practising with grenades consisted of pulling out the pin, throwing them over the wall and diving for shelter. For a time it was also used to billet troops from one of the Welsh regiments.

In 1950 it was used as an overspill classroom for the school next door, which could not accommodate all its pupils.

The Drill Hall later became the base for the Keynsham Air Training Corps but when they moved out, the military connection ended and the building was used as a gym until 2022.

Richard Dyson

MP under fire again over sewage in rivers

CAMPAIGNERS have again accused local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg of failing to act to protect rivers from sewage pollution.

They cited a report in last month’s Voice about sewage waste being washed up on the banks of the River Avon in Saltford during January’s heavy flooding.

Mr Rees-Mogg was one of the MPs who voted down an amendment

to stop private water companies such as Wessex Water from dumping raw sewage into the UK’s rivers and coastline in 2021.

Rich Prior, of Keynsham, said:

“I’m shocked that our own MP is not doing more to protect our local rivers. Can he not see for his own eyes how bad a problem this is?

“He should have come down here to see the disgusting sewage waste

left high and dry on local river banks after the recent floods.”

Another Keynsham resident, Julia Thomas, said: “He has voted against action on climate change, has called for “every last drop of gas and oil to be extracted from the North Sea” and has declared himself in favour of fracking.”

She added: “Is this what we want from our local MP?”

Jacob Rees-Mogg

‘Exciting future’ for schools

TWO groups of schools have joined forces in a move to secure enhanced education provision for thousands of children in the West.

Futura Learning Partnership and Clevedon Learning Trust formally merged on March 1, creating a multi-academy trust of 28 schools.

The expanded trust covers an area from Bath to Bridgwater. It includes six secondary, 21 primary and one special school, serving nearly 12,000 children and employing about 1,500 staff.

The amalgamation was approved by the Department for Education, which recognised that the two trusts had made a strong case for coming together to ensure financial stability and increased capacity to improve schools.

The two trusts chose to gather under the Futura Learning Partnership banner, as it was felt important that the name did not link to any individual school. Futura originated in Keynsham, centred on Wellsway School, while Clevedon Learning Trust

Fancy a flight from ‘airport’?

THE list of enticing items up for bidding at an auction of promises at Saltford Hall has been continuing to grow.

So far they include a 20-minute flight from what is described as ‘Saltford’s international airport.’

Organisers say: “Yes, believe it or not, Saltford does have a runway and this is a repeat of the star item from 12 years ago. So anyone who has a special birthday coming up may like to treat themselves and come along and bid for this.”

Local schools that belong to the Futura Learning Partnership

Above right, chief executive Andrea Arlidge

grew out of Clevedon School.

Chief executive Andrea Arlidge said: “Every school in our family of schools is of equal value. It is an absolute pleasure to welcome everyone from CLT into our trust.

Mendip Hills

“They have given us their strapline - Children, Choice and Collaboration – which perfectly sums up our shared values and ethos.”

Malcolm Broad, chairman

of the new Futura board, which includes trustees from both the former trusts, added: “This is a landmark day. Our merger has created a strong trust and we look forward to an exciting future.”

The new trust’s schools include Wellsway, IKB Academy, Chandag infant and junior schools, St John’s and Two Rivers in Keynsham, as well as Saltford primary.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Other promises include restaurant meals, bottles of drink, rounds of golf, hampers, paddleboard tuition, ballroom dancing lessons and two handmade rocking horses.

The event at Saltford Hall on Friday April 21 starts at 7.30pm.

To attend, you must have a free ticket, obtainable via www.tickettailor.com/events/ scaevents or at Saltford Community Post Office/Library. The ticket includes a free glass of wine, cheese and biscuits.

You’re not the only victim if you buy a fake

AS the national lead PCC for Economic and Cybercrime, I’m always supportive when I see a national campaign highlighting the impact that fraud can have on communities and how we can work together to stop this criminal activity.

Glastonbury

This is why I was delighted to see that the charity Crimestoppers has launched a year-long national campaign to raise awareness about the personal dangers and harms that consumers face when they knowingly or unknowingly buy fake goods.

Causing a £9 billion annual loss to the UK economy, counterfeit goods fraud can be defined as the sale of fake items as authentic goods from established brands.

The criminals behind this crime intend to deceive and exploit consumers into buying fake products, thinking they’ve bagged themselves a bargain. It’s worth stressing that those individuals who deliberately buy a fake product

Wells

Wells Cathedral

are also committing a crime and contributing to the problem.

Glastonbury Tor

There’s always a victim when you buy a fake product: fake goods cause 80,500 UK job losses every year and the crime has links to organised crime groups who are complicit in human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and prostitution.

While criminals are becoming more skilful at finding new ways of ripping people off, there are a few signs to look out for to protect yourself when you’re looking for a good deal.

These include: the price being too good to be true; dodgy websites and an unusual place of sale; spelling and grammatical errors on websites and product packaging; differences in product or packaging; and missing information like the batch number.

I’m urging local people to report any information they have in relation to counterfeit fraud using Crimestoppers’ anonymous

reporting service, which can be found online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Dog theft is a wide concern for pet owners in our force area.

Last month, to mark National Dog Theft Awareness Day, my team spoke to Avon & Somerset Police’s Animal Welfare Legislation Officer, PC Natalie Cosgrove.

She told us that the force recorded 16 cases of dog theft in 2021 and only five in 2022. While a reduction and, I’m sure reassuring to many, that is still five cases too many.

If you are a dog owner, there are specific security precautions you can take to make dog theft harder, including camera doorbells, keeping doors locked and sensor lighting outside your house.

I would also like to remind those who have a dog to not leave it unattended in your car, your garden, or tied up outside shops.

Remember, microchipping is not only a legal requirement,

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

it means your dog will be much easier to track down if it is stolen.

I also urge dog owners to consider DNA tracking to help identify their dog if it is stolen then recovered by the police. More information on DNA tracking can be found on the ‘DNA Protected’ website.

If your dog has been stolen, you should immediately contact the police and report the crime as theft.

River Avon

KEYNSHAM WALKERS ARE WELCOME

Past the mill, up the hill and back across the fields

WE deviated from the norm for our March walk. We assembled at the Memorial Park gates as usual, but this time we caught the bus to Saltford for the start of the walk. Some joined us at the start point, which was at the shops on the main road.

The organisers were very pleased with the turnout of 35 as we headed down Beech Road in good walking weather. A slight detour had to be taken early on to avoid the treacherous

steps leading from the cycle path to the banks of the River Avon. As expected, it was muddy in places, as we headed past Kelston Mill with its cottages, climbing up the long hill to Kelston Cheese Shop.

We then headed back across the fields to our refreshment stop on the edge of Saltford. Most of the group stayed here at the Bird in Hand, where we made very welcome, with some heading back home on the early bus. All agreed

it was a very social and enjoyable walk.

Our next walk will be on Sunday April 16 at 10am, starting at the Memorial Park gates for a seven-mile circular walk to Burnett Bluebell Woods. All are welcome, including dogs under control. A refreshment stop will be included.

Look out for summer programme of walks, which will be available on the Keynsham Walkers are Welcome website at the beginning of April.

n KEYNSHAM ORCHESTRA

Thrilling treat for music lovers at St John’s

THE air resounded with music at St John’s Parish Church as Keynsham Orchestra performed an exciting programme to a record-breaking large audience.

The concert on March 18 featured well-known and loved classics like Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 2.

There was music from film and stage with Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and Klaus Badelt’s Pirates of the Caribbean.

Lesser-known works were Granados’ Intermezzo and Turina’s Danzas Fantasticas. The concert ended with Arturo Marquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo, which is characterised by memorable tunes and an exciting build-up to a joyful, rhythmic ending.

Conductor Phil Draisey said: “I was particularly happy with Turina’s Fantastic Dances, which were very challenging and completely unknown to both the audience and orchestra.

“The middle movement was very effective and my favourite moment of the evening. I was also really pleased with Pirates and the Conga, which were brilliant additions to the programme.

“When you compliment these with Carmen and Rossini, this presents a very accessible and varied concert for the listener. There was great clarity and dynamic contrast throughout, and we made a huge and very exciting sound.”

Keynsham Orchestra’s next concert is at St John’s Church on June 10, featuring Grieg’s Piano Concerto, Borrodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia and Grieg’s Symphonic Dances.

Keynsham Orchestra at St John’s Church - the players will be back performing at the church in June

Watch your speed and look out for thieves

EW speed limit changes have gone live on the Wellsway in Keynsham. I’m sure people have noticed a few slight issues where the signage is wrong - this has been reported and should be remedied quickly.

Local residents have called for these changes for a number of years, and I hope they help to deal with speeding issues that occur on this road. If you are not aware of the changes, the 20mph speed limit has been extended further up the Wellsway, as has the 30mph limit. Please familiarise yourself with this as this location is monitored by the Safety Camera Partnership.

n We have had more reports of catalytic converter thefts, with vehicles targeted in public car parks. Offenders generally arrive in another car and park very close to the attacked vehicle. They jack the vehicle up and use a battery powered angle grinder to remove the exhaust section that includes the catalytic converter. This can be done in a couple of minutes.

with PC James Evans

If you see anyone acting in a manner that suggests they are involved in this sort of thefts, I would ask you to gain as much information as you can, such as vehicle registrations, descriptions of offenders and, if possible, photographs of them, as long as you do not put yourselves at risk. The cost of replacing the damaged exhaust system can be astronomical, so we would love to catch the offenders.

n Spring is definitely on the horizon, and the change in weather will hopefully get a few more people out and about. If you see any of us from the Neighbourhood

Team, please come and chat.

We get most of our local intelligence from talking to people who share snippets of information that are really helpful to us. Our aim is to keep working hard to maintain Keynsham as a great place to live and work, and to do that we need your support.

If you need to report anything, you can do this anonymously via Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111. Your details won’t be shared with us but any information you provide can help.

n We have been reacting to complaints of poor parking in and around Keynsham, including vehicles on Durley Hill, near the rugby and football clubs, that have been blocking the cycle lane. We

have also had complaints about vehicles parking around Manor Road and Medway Drive.

We try to prevent the issues occurring so we don’t have to issue fixed-penalty notices, so we are looking at both venues and working with the council’s traffic management team to seek solutions.

Warm welcome in Public Living Room

A CAMERADOS Public Living Room is opening in Keynsham in a space provided by Community at 67 in Queens Road.

It will be somewhere people can pop in for a cuppa and a chat, and to get some light relief from daily life. It will launch on Tuesday April 11 and will be open from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Public Living Rooms have been springing up in communities across the UK. Set up by local people who are part of the Camerados movement, they are open to everyone, offering a space where people can relax, connect with others and be themselves.

Organisers say those who come to a Public Living Room get a warm welcome, a cup of tea and a feeling of community - what they’ll never get is judgement or anyone trying to fix them.

The organiser of the Community at 67 Public Living Room, Clare Hudson, said: “Times have been tough for people in Keynsham with the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“I hope that the Public Living Room in Community at 67 will be a place where anyone can take a break from their daily worries, have a chat and feel a sense of connection. Sometimes that’s all we need to help us to keep going.”

The first Public Living Room was set up in Sheffield in 2016 and now they can be found across the UK in public spaces such as disused shops and as pop-ups in town centres, as well as in hospitals, universities, libraries, community centres and cafes. They have also sprung up outside the UK in Baltimore, Auckland in New Zealand and

in Freetown in Sierra Leone.

Camerados believe that genuine social change comes from communities themselves and that it’s by pulling together that people can heal division and help each other through difficult times.

For more information about Camerados, visit www.camerados.org

Speaker, Siobhan Lamb from WaterSpace Connected will speak about B&NES Ecological Emergency Action Plan and the WaterSpace Connected project, including a footbridge over the river Avon in Somerdale.

For a copy of the agenda, email admin@keynsham-tc gov uk collect from the Town Council office (15-17 Temple Street) or call 0117 9868683

Tree treat for youngsters at library event

TREE specialist Joe Robson will read his children’s picture book at a free event at Keynsham Library in June.

Joe has used his expertise to write Ghillie Wakes Up, a story which shares the secrets of willows and how they grow.

“I wanted to write a compelling, relatable story which teaches children about trees,” says Joe, who is senior aboriculturalist with housing association and house-builder Curo.

“Ghillie is a giant redwood tree and, like us, he identifies problems but isn’t sure how to solve them.

“He’s concerned for his friend, Willow, who’s fallen in a winter storm. He thinks something terrible has happened, but it turns out that willows have a few tricks up their sleeves.”

“In the end, Willow and Ghillie’s problems are solved simply because he and his friends are part of the natural world and have evolved and adapted to

the challenges which are thrown at them.

“By following the story, the reader learns, along with Ghillie, about all the amazing things that trees can do!”

Joe will be reading Ghillie Wakes Up – which is aimed at children aged four to eight – at Keynsham Library on Saturday June 10 at 11am.

He will also read the book at Bath City Library on Saturday 29 April at 2pm, and Midsomer Norton Library on Saturday June 3 at 11am.

Joe says: “I’m looking forward to sharing some of the secrets of the magical world of trees. The readings will be fun and interactive and it will be great to meet some young tree specialists of the future.”

Ghillie Wakes Up by Joe Robson and Lorna Gray is out now in paperback from www.crumpsbarns.online.

For more library events, see https:// bathneslibraries.wordpress.com/

Tom can help you on road to recovery from sports injuries

TOM Riddell offers injury rehabilitation and sports massage at Redfern Osteopaths.

He works with a wide range of patients with both acute and chronic injuries to help facilitate them getting back to what they

His training is quite similar to a physio and he will use a combination of hands-on massage and exercises when treating you. No need to be referred - you can call direct for appointment.

Tom treats the whole body – for musculoskeletal issues, ligament sprains, tendon issues, and shoulder injuries, as well as elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle pain or injuries. And he treats specific conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, meniscal injuries, ACL rehab, achilles tendonitis and both

He also has a keen interest in injury prevention, creating exercise plans based on the demands of sports to help reduce the risk of injuries. He also provides sports massage treatment to help manage muscle tightness and

Tom offers appointments on Monday and Thursday afternoons at Redfern Osteopaths, 26 Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SN. There is parking on site and an accessible building. Please phone 07969 910 845 or visit our website at www. redfernosteopaths.co.uk to book an appointment with Tom.

Joe Robson, author of Ghillie Wakes Up

Groups invited to apply for town council grants

KEYNSHAM Town Council’s annual grant awards are open to applications from April 1.

For more than 16 years, the scheme has supported new events, projects, activities and items in the town that demonstrate a benefit to the Keynsham area and/or residents.

Since the awards’ inception, the town council has contributed over £366,000 in arts, environmental and general grants.

The town council welcomes applications from properly constituted clubs and societies, voluntary bodies and associations, non-profit making organisations and charitable bodies.

To qualify, applications must demonstrate a direct benefit to the Keynsham town area, or any part of it, or all or some of its residents, and that the benefit is in line with the proposed expenditure.

Community Warm Spaces to receive £250 boost

The maximum grant payable to any one organisation will be £1,100. Local groups affiliated to regional or national organisations will qualify, provided the local group is required to function substantially as an independent financial unit.

In addition to the £23,100 set aside each year for general community grants, the council is allocating a further £15,750 to support environmental projects.

The closing date for applications is May 12. They will be considered by the grants committee on June 14, with applicants being notified of its decisions the following day.

A grants presentation evening will be held on Thursday July 20 in The Space, above the library (7pm for 7.15pm start).

Application forms are available at the town council offices in Temple Street or by email from deputytownclerk@ keynsham-tc.gov.uk

SEVERAL community run Warm Places in Keynsham and Saltford have been awarded grants from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Contribution Fund.

The scheme enables residents to make voluntary donations to support local communities and reduce inequalities across Bath and North East Somerset.

This year, with Warm Spaces being established across Bath and North East Somerset, it was agreed that the fund should support them with grants of £250.

A cross-party panel of elected members assessed the applications, with grants awarded to 26 Warm Spaces throughout the district, including those run by: Community at 67, Keynsham; GLL Keynsham; Keynsham Methodist Church; Saltford Sports Club; St Dunstan’s Catholic Church, Keynsham;

St John’s Church, Keynsham; The Crown, Keynsham; and Wild About Community, Keynsham.

The council has also set up a directory of Warm Spaces on its Livewell website at https:// livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/warmplaces-list

The Community Contribution scheme has proved so successful it’s being extended for a further year.

An invitation to contribute to the fund has accompanied the council tax bills sent to residents in March. Contributions are purely voluntary.

The minimum contribution is £5, but there is no maximum and residents can donate more than once.

Every penny donated to the Community Contribution Fund supports local projects to improve people’s lives, particularly those in the most disadvantaged communities.

Don’t fly, think of your family

Bus favouritism for Bath

IT was encouraging to read about the expected improvements to Keynsham-to-Bristol bus services thanks to funding secured by Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris. The mayor’s efforts to encourage people “out of their cars and onto buses” are welcome.

What a shame the Lib Dems running B&NES council take such a different view, having chosen at their recent budget meeting to cut subsidised bus services in Keynsham and across North East Somerset.

The Lib Dem administration protected buses in Bathbut for the more rural routes across North East Somerset, they voted through swingeing cuts to services. That the cuts will arrive in May, just after the local elections, is cynical in the extreme.

I SHARE Rich Prior’s views on the catastrophic effect of the decision to permit the expansion of Bristol Airport.

Since Rich’s piece in your March issue, the Royal Society has issued a report indicating that carbon-free flying will not be arriving any time soon, if ever.

I am deeply sceptical about the airport’s claim that it is well on the way to make its terminal and other ground operations carbon neutral.

Given how much electricity is still generated from carbon, and limited methods for storing energy, I suspect that this will rely on doubtful actions such as “offsetting”.

However the lack of action from the Government, despite claiming to be

committed to tackling climate change, we can all act as individuals.

It always surprises me how many people with children or grandchildren are frequent flyers with no thought to the effect of their actions on their family in the future.

I recommend that readers look at the advice from Flight Free UK (www.flightfree. co.uk). Here there is a lot of information about the effects of flying on climate change and other pollution as well as advice on how to have enjoyable holidays here and abroad without flying.

One can sign a pledge for at least one year or more. Needless to say my wife and I have committed to never flying again.

Nigel Long, Keynsham

Politics is about priorities, and by cutting bus services the Lib Dems have shown how little they care about people’s ability to get around - unless those people live in Bath, that is.

James Coldwell, Keynsham

Paddleboard solution

WITH regards to the flood waste on the river (of which there is much), I know that on many river stretches the paddle boarders and individual clubs (such as Saltford) have been doing a lot to collect rubbish in their areas.

We are able to collect rubbish that is more accessible from the river than the bank. It would be great if someone could organise all the groups and individual paddle boarders from say, Bath to Hanham, to do one big clean-up, and I am sure that even more of the plastic waste could be cleared quite quickly.

Andy Grimmer, Keynsham

Church puts the kettle on to support Fairtrade

KEYNSHAM Methodist Church

brewed up plenty of support when Metro Mayor Dan Norris dropped in to start its Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations.

The church eco team held coffee mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the fortnight, and instead of charging an admission fee, they collected donations for Fairtrade.

As well as the Fairtrade tea, coffee and baking on offer, visitors could enjoy stalls featuring Fairtrade goods and more. Meanwhile, Keynsham Girls’ Brigade produced

Fairtrade-inspired displays to help the church raise awareness of the campaign.

The idea of Fairtrade is to make sure the producers of items such as tea, coffee and chocolate are paid fairly.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Buying even a couple of Fairtrade products during locals’ weekly shop can make a big difference to the lives of those less fortunate worldwide. My thanks to the Keynsham church team on working so hard to keep Fairtrade at top of the agenda in the West”.

Firefighters clean up for charity

FIREFIGHTERS and other staff had buckets, sponges and hoses at the ready when they hosted a charity car wash at Hicks Gate fire station in Keynsham.

The event raised £3,533 to benefit two important causes - the Fire Fighters Charity and one of their own firefighters, who has been affected by an aggressive cancer.

A spokesperson said: “A huge thank-you to everyone that came along and donated. We know times are hard and we are astonished by the generosity of local people and businesses.”

Planets put on a night light show

THIS spectacular sight in the night sky over Keynsham was captured by Voice reader Ben Crang. His photo from February 26 shows Jupiter and Venus as they approached an event known as a conjunction.

According to the UK Space Agency, the two planets – the brightest in the night sky – reached their closest point on March 1 before appearing to separate again.

Ben said: “I had read that Jupiter and Venus were currently visible but was surprised to see them so clearly when I went out that night and was chuffed to be able to get such a clear picture of them.”

The next Great Conjunction, which will be between between Jupiter and Saturn, isn’t until 2040.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris with Lyn Pells, Keynsham’s Methodist Church’s Fairtrade rep

School celebration of ‘being yourself’

CHILDREN at Somerdale Educate Together

Primary School in Keynsham celebrated ‘being yourself’ during LGBT+ History Month.

The theme this year was Behind the Lens, which focused on LGBT+ people’s contribution to cinema and film.

Each class at Somerdale school found out about a different artist from the LGBT+ community before the whole school shared their learning.

Pre-school children drew portraits of David Bowie, while Year One focused on Elton John and his flamboyant glasses collection, designing and fashioning glasses of their own.

Year Two customised self-portraits to express and celebrate themselves as individuals, and Year Three used the colours of the LGBT+ flag and lyrics to create artwork about their chosen artist, Frank Ocean.

Year Four worked together to produce rainbow hearts connected as bunting, and Year Five used the research of their artist to create one piece of collaborative art.

Year Six worked in groups to write poems,

create art and perform a dance inspired by their non-binary artist, Janelle Monae.

A school spokesperson said: “The children engaged in discussions with their classmates and teachers about the difficulties people from the LGBT+ community have endured in the past and still suffer around the world today.

“At Somerdale Educate Together, everyone works hard to ensure an allinclusive primary curriculum, this time focussing on bringing LGBT+ inclusion to life for children and celebrating difference.”

Litter team ready to ride

ABOUT 20 volunteers from Compton Dando and the surrounding area got together to pick litter in the lanes around the villages.

The annual event at the end of February always attracts a lot of helpers.

Organiser Sarah Wilson said: “Luckily the weather was kind. We covered all the lanes in and out of Compton Dando, including the lane to Burnett.

“A big thank-you to Erica of Keynsham

Wombles for the loan of hi-vis jackets, gloves and picking equipment and also to the B&NE’s cleansing team, who do a fabulous job of collecting all the rubbish we collect.

“Along with the usual assortment of bottles, cans, and takeaway packaging, we also found gallons of chip fat!

“This year’s haul was a little less than in previous years and this is, in part, due to the many villagers who pick up litter all year

round on their walks. A huge thank-you goes to everyone that joined us, to those who litter pick the year round, and to Simon Kinnersley who provided the transport to get us and the litter backwards and forwards.

“All in all it was a great effort to keep our beautiful village litter-free.”

After the clean-up, some volunteers ended the morning enjoying a soup lunch prepared by one of the volunteers, Harriette Dottridge.

Volunteers line up by Simon Kinnersley’s tractor and trailer as they prepare to pick litter in the Compton Dando area Photo: Ros Anstey

Music, fun and games for a royal celebration

PEOPLE are invited to join in a picnic in Keynsham Memorial Park to celebrate the coronation of King Charles.

The park bandstand will host an afternoon of live music from local bands and choirs during the event, which runs from 12pm to 5pm on Sunday May 7.

The performances, introduced by Keynsham radio station KTCRFM, will feature Keynsham Brass Band, Key Voices, Keynsham Mencap Band and the Bristol Pops, who will keep the music going in between sets.

“We’re looking forward to putting on a community event that brings everyone together to celebrate the coronation,” said Katherine Sears, deputy town clerk at Keynsham Town Council, which is organising the Picnic in the Park.

“We’re putting together a full line-up of activities that everyone can enjoy, including music, community stalls, children’s games and races, and other entertainment. We’re hoping everyone can bring a picnic and come join in the fun.”

Local stalls will line the park and there will be traditional children’s games such ring toss, giant dominoes, giant Four in a Row, and garden races near the skate park.

Other entertainment will include morris dancers, jugglers, as well as a crown-making craft workshop and a toy tombola.

The full bandstand schedule and an event map can be found on Keynsham Town Council’s website at www. keynsham-tc.gov.uk

For more information, please contact deputy town clerk Katherine Sears by email at deputytownclerk@keynsham-tc. gov.uk or phone 0117 9868683.

Siobhan’s £500 boost for Cystic Fibrosis

A COFFEE morning in Keynsham has raised £500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

It was hosted by Siobhan Coles, who suffers with the genetic condition, which attacks the lungs and digestive system, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, airways and stomach lining.

Siobhan held the event at her Keynsham home to support the trust’s FeBREWary campaign, which brings people together over coffee and cake to raise funds.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only CF charity in the UK, raising awareness

Trust

and bringing medication advances into the lives of those living with the condition.

Siobhan said: “I would like to thank everyone who came to support my event, and thank you all for your incredibly generous donations. It truly means the world.”

She said the money raised will help to “find and fund that all-important cure that will allow us to live a life unlimited with cystic fibrosis.”

Anyone wishing to know more about CF can visit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on its website or on all social media platforms.

Siobhan Coles, left, and the cakes that were waiting for guests at her fundraising coffee morning

KEYNSHAM AND DISTRICT DIAL-A-RIDE

We’re still getting you there after 20 years

ALTHOUGH some bus services may stop operating in Keynsham shortly due to subsidy cuts, your own local community bus will continue to run as normal.

Keynsham & District Dial-aRide (KaDDaR) has been serving residents for 20 years.

The organisation, formed in 2003, is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

All vehicles owned by KaDDaR are accessible and can also carry wheelchair/ scooter users, although these must be assessed before being transported.

Transport services operated by KaDDaR are provided for everyone in the community, as well as those who are elderly and/or disabled.

The door-to-door service operates from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

It is a membership scheme and you must book transport at least 24 hours in advance. It enables members to attend such things as medical appointments, lunch clubs and social events, go shopping, and visit family or friends.

Areas covered are Keynsham and Saltford Monday to Friday and villages on selected days - Corston, Newton St Loe, Marksbury, Farmborough, Timsbury, Publow, Compton Dando, Woollard, Pensford, and sections of Whitchurch and Stockwood.

Drivers will always help you get on or off the bus and can even carry your shopping.

Becoming a member of the service also entitles you to book

organised day trips to such places as Dunelm Mill (Brislington), High Littleton Fish n’ Chips, Bath, Wells, Cheddar, Clarks (Street), Weston, Burnham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Trowbridge, Yeovil, Cwmbran and Abergavenny, as well as numerous garden centres - Fonthill, Cheddar, Whitehall, Sanders (Burnham) and Newent (Gloucester). There are also monthly Sunday pub lunch trips. We also run a service to

the following hospitals: South Bristol (Hengrove), Royal United and St Martins in Bath, Paulton, Sulis (Peasedown St John), NHS Emersons Green and Spa Medica.

Groups and organisations can also hire a vehicle to take their members to various destinations. There are more than 60 group members registered with KaDDaR, including Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Keynsham), St Kenya Primary School, Homeavon Young Ones, WI Keynsham/ Saltford, Village Agents (WERN), Bristol University Frisbee Group, Keynsham Walking Football, Keynsham Dementia Group, Stroke Group and Keynsham Town Council Youth Project.

KaDDaR do their best to provide transport for all requests but this will be subject to the availability of a driver and vehiclewe pride ourselves on providing a caring, safe, affordable and reliable transport scheme.

For more information, ring 01225 395321 or email Admin@ keynshamdialaride.co.uk

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Top bands announced

PLANS are well advanced for this year’s Priddy Folk Festival, which will be held in the lovely Mendip village from July 7 to 9.

This year’s 30th festival offers a great line-up covering a wide range of folk genres, from the traditional to the more avant-garde (taking in shanties, bluegrass and klezmer on the way).

Headliners this year are The Jeremiahs and Dervish from Ireland, Fara and Kris Drever from Orkney, and Tim Edey, all of whom will provide spell-binding performances from musicians at the top of their game.

Other top bands include The Rin Tins, Mishra, Bonfire Radicals, Opa Rosa, The Often Herd, Amadou Diagne, Honey and the Bear, Tarren, and home-grown favourites The

Drystones. Add in many more exciting bands, shanty groups, the free fringe, children and dance festivals, and it is definitely a weekend to put in your diaries.

The festival is a not-for-profit event run by volunteers, with surpluses ploughed back into the local community and environs, and into promoting folk music and the arts. Last year’s event provided funds for music tuition in the local primary school, folk music workshops and bursaries for local secondary Blue School pupils, as well as supporting carbon-dating costs for a local archaeological dig and help towards Priddy’s wildflower verges project.

To buy tickets and for more information about the musicians, go to www.priddyfolk.org.

7TH - 9TH JULY 2023

PRIDDY VILLAGE GREEN SOMERSET BA53BB

Volunteers dig in for the future

VOLUNTEERS have planted more than 80 trees and shrubs in Saltford in a project to encourage wildlife back to the riverside.

The Shallows Ecology Zone was established to repair the destruction of natural habitat caused by people forcing their way through vegetation to access the river.

Many residents have told Saltford Parish Council of their concerns about the damage, which has caused many species of wildlife to disappear in recent years.

After liaising with Bath & North East Somerset Council, which owns the land, the parish council resolved at a meeting last year to carry out a community project to re-wild the area. It was also seen as an opportunity to plant more trees in Saltford.

On the morning of Saturday March 11, more 80 trees and shrubs were planted by a group of nearby residents, alongside the B&NES tree and woodland delivery manager; Councillor Phil Harding, the parish council’s environment lead; and Saltford’s B&NES

ward councillor Duncan Hounsell. Dozens of Bee Bomb seed balls were also planted, each containing 18 species of native wildflowers.

The trees and shrubs have been given protective surrounds (plastic ones will be reused in the future) and B&NES Council will add mulch and protect the area by installing a chestnut paling fence. Once established, the area will be a welcome habitat for local wildlife, as well as being an attractive place with lots of native trees, shrubs and flowers.

The parish council said it was pleased the project had been carried out at no cost to the council and its residents, and expressed its thanks to the volunteers, as well as B&NES Council’s parks and green spaces team and

Farrans Construction (the contractor carrying out the Keynsham Recycling and Reuse project at Pixash Lane) for providing the trees and shrubs and the fence.

The parish council was given free seed balls last year by the Bee Bombs company for planting in Saltford’s public spaces as part of the Saltford Wildflower Project, and 40 square metres of wildflowers were planted as part of the project.

If Saltford residents can think of other areas that might benefit from more trees or shrubs - and can arrange a team of local people who can help with planting – they are asked to contact the parish council or the B&NES Council parks and green spaces team.

n 1st KEYNSHAM SCOUTS Mendips adventure is a wild success

FANCY a weekend on the Mendips?

Well, Keynsham Scouts did and recently braved the wilds, spending a weekend at the Charterhouse Adventure Centre.

More than 50 Scouts (aged 10 to 14) and leaders took part in lots of activities which many would think only happen in the summer months.

Archery, back-woods cooking, geocaching, navigation, kayaking, mountain biking, shooting at the Cheddar range, caving and climbing all featured.

There were even some lucky scouts who got to climb down a waterfall in a cave.

On the Friday evening they were joined by the Keynsham Explorer unit (14-18 years) for a night hike.

Thanks to the dedication of the leaders, it was a great way to kick off 2023, providing adventure and new experiences for our young people.

When asked for the highlight, a group of Scouts could not choose activity-wise but stated: “The roast dinner was awesome!”

n Lots of cheering, noise and excitement about having a wager filled the Scout HQ when Keynsham

Explorer Scouts held their charity race night, seeking to raise funds towards their expedition to Switzerland in the summer. Thank you to everyone who supported, with over £1,000 raised and lots of fun had by all - a very successful evening.

n Get involved by volunteering as an adult - contact scouts@1stkeynshamscouts.org.uk

Keynsham Scouts and Keynsham Station - both

Wellsway Academy Green Team -

Mike and Julie

-

Spring is in the air

In April, we can really appreciate spring with all our senses. We hear the birds singing, the woodpeckers drilling and the frogs croaking; smell the wild garlic and the tree blossom; see the amazing colours of bluebells, primroses and newly emerged butterflies; feel the increasing warmth of the sun and taste … hot-cross buns and Easter eggs!

The signs of new life can be seen in our ponds as the eggs of frogs, toads and newts change into tadpoles.

Common Frogs (Rana temporaria) can lay their eggs as early as January and by March frog spawn can be seen across the UK. A single female can lay up to 5,000 eggs in a number of batches.

At first the eggs sink to the bottom of the pond until the jelly absorbs water and they float back to the surface. In two to three weeks the tadpoles emerge and develop over the next three months into miniature frogs, a process called metamorphosis.

The tadpoles feed on algae at first, scraping it from the surface of

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

All aboard! Introducing WESTlink

THE West of England Combined Authority is trying something new.

The Big Choices public meetings I held last summer with residents talking all things buses showed me that the status quo doesn’t work. People want change.

It’s one reason why I’m introducing WESTlink, the brand-new stop-to-stop minibus service offering tailor-made journeys for locals.

The first passengers will be able to book a WESTlink from their local bus stop from April - dropping them off at another bus or train stop to continue their onward journey. WESTlink will continue to fully roll out over successive months.

I saw the first WESTlink a few weeks ago. The bright green minibus, which was taking part in testing, is one of what will eventually be a new 30-strong fleet that residents in the West of England will be able to book by phone, online or with a dedicated app.

That bus will be ready from April, with

more WESTlinks to follow until we reach the first milestone of 30 full-time minibuses.

It is all thanks to a £3 million investment my West of England Combined Authority is making.

This is a big moment for the West of England, and our local transport journey. Similar schemes have been trialled in other areas of the country, but never on such a scale. This scheme will grow to become the biggest in the UK.

It comes hot on the heels of my decision to bring forward a £7 million package of big bus improvements, including adding more main route buses to areas where WESTlink is arriving.

Now, I’ll be frank with you – it certainly won’t be plain sailing at the start.

We’re over a dozen drivers short at present. And there are other things we need to iron out to ensure people get to the places they need to go to as easily and efficiently as possible.

water plants and stones. As they develop they become carnivores, eating small freshwater animals.

Common Toads (Bufo bufo) usually return to ancestral ponds to lay their eggs about two weeks later than frogs, depositing them in long strings of jelly wound in vegetation. Tadpoles emerge two to three weeks later and are often seen in large shoals.

They metamorphose over 12 weeks and leave the ponds in May as miniature toads. Toad tadpoles contain a toxin (bufotoxin) that makes them unpleasant for predators to eat. The adults also contain this toxin in their skin glands.

The third group of amphibians in the UK is the newts. There are three species of newts in our ponds - the Common or smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris), the Palmate newt

In the first instance, you will need to consult a bus or train timetable to check the best way to make your onward journey, whereas in the future you will be able to do that all in the app.

But I’m determined we get on with trying something innovative and something different, so I need your help.

Please play your part by trying WESTlink yourself. Tell me how it needs to change and improve. By doing so, together we can grasp this fantastic opportunity to shape our transport future for the better.

An army of common frogs with frogspawn

Photo: Rita Andrews

Photo: Andrew Harrison

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

and ponds are teeming with new life

Our monthly talk on Friday April 14 is “Working together for Food Justice” with Ped Askarian, director of charity Feeding Bristol. Ped will explore food justice, the application of it to agro-ecological food systems and the environmental sector, discuss how we challenge and overcome the structural inequalities that exist within our current food system, and how to create a more equitable food system that cares for both people and the planet.

All are welcome to come along to Keynsham Baptist Church Hall at 7:30pm. Entry fee is £3 for Avon Wildlife Trust members/£4 for non-members - no booking required.

We also begin our programme of walks in April, starting off with Dave’s Dawn Chorus on Sunday April 23. This three-hour annual exploration of bird song with our chair Dave Sage along the River Avon starts at The Shallows car park, Saltford (BS31 3EX) at 4.30am - yes, that’s right. Remember, the early bird catches the worm!

Everyone is welcome but please dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars (if possible) and a warm drink. Optional donation requested on the day in aid of Avon Wildlife Trust.

can also overwinter in the pond. They take three years to become adults.

Adult newts return to the water a few weeks later than frogs and toads and they will eat frog eggs and tadpoles, so ponds with high numbers of newts tend to have fewer frogs.

A few reminders:

Fish-free ponds are better for breeding amphibians and a damp area around the pond with rocks or a log pile is important for hibernation and feeding.

Pond owners are advised not to transfer frog or toad spawn from one pond to another. If your pond does not have spawn, it is probably because the conditions are not right. Transferring spawn may also transfer diseases.

(Triturus helveticus) and the Great Crested newt (Triturus cristatus).

Newts are more nocturnal than frogs and toads and can sometimes be seen by torchlight performing a mating display. The females lay

their eggs one at a time, folding them into the leaves of pond plants to protect them. Up to 300 eggs are laid - many fewer than frogs, but better protected.

The eggs hatch in two to three

weeks into tiny, almost transparent larvae or efts, with external gills and four tiny limbs. These become carnivorous and eat water fleas and small insects. They may leave the water in August or September, but

All species of newt are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Great Crested newt is an endangered species and has additional protection, meaning a licence is needed to handle them and their eggs.

Rita Andrews

Look out for colourful orange-tip butterflies this month

Photo: Rita Andrews

Ukrainians’ relief as generators arrive

THE Ukrainian Ambassador has passed on his thanks to the people of Bath and North East Somerset for raising money to send generators to the country.

The Bath district has sent 14 generators to the city of Oleksandriya, including some to be used at the general hospital.

Speaking at a B&NES Council meeting on March 16, where members agreed to set up a friendship agreement with Oleksandriya, council leader Kevin Guy said he had been in contact with the Ukrainian Ambassador that day.

Mr Guy said: “He asked me personally to pass on his thanks and the thanks of his entire country to the whole council and

PEN TO PAPER Granddaughter

It is your smile that first enchanted me

to the people of Bath and North East Somerset.”

The city of Oleksandriya, which is about the same size as Bath, has so far received more than 30,000 refugees.

Russian shelling has

As my heart leapt and flew and I was twenty again. A heart like a sponge, absorbing the joy you bring Tickling my funny bone, overwhelming my emotions

With your laughter echoing around the room.

Dancing delightfully in the air

As if to soar in bright skies, control the clouds

She speaks with her eyes, jewels in a crown

Like silken moonbeams that have come out to play Illuminating her chestnut hair flowing free

As light falls upon her imposing freshness.

A contented smile, a face of a cherub beaming brightly

Capturing the fresh breathlessness of her.

This child, in all her innocence, her sweetness

Just three years old, angelic and adorable

Who evokes such joyous cheerfulness

As I watch you play merrily, I am spellbound. My little princess, my granddaughter.

John Howlett

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

POETRY CORNER Easter and Spring

The welcome first signs of Easter and Spring

Are enough to lighten each heart.

Daffodils bloom, the birds build their nests

As collecting material they dart.

The hedgehog appears – a fox shows its face, And Church bells ring out Easter Day. Our world comes anew, a time to rejoice

As Spring sun warms us up on our way.

The mornings are lighter, with brightness and dew. Our souls are revived once again

With the knowledge our Lord is in Heaven above, Forgiving our sins with His love.

Sylvia Kirby

A generator sent by Bath and North East Somerset arrives at the general hospital in the Ukrainian city of Oleksandriya

disrupted the city’s electrical supply, including at the children’s hospital, where the incubator ward has been losing power.

One of the generators sent by Bath and North Somerset

has now been installed in the children’s hospital.

Keynsham South councillor

Lisa O’Brien ran her own fundraiser last year to send generators to Ukraine, raising £9,000 which saw nine generators sent to Kherson, Mykolaiv and Dnipro.

She said that people in Ukraine had also asked her to pass on their thanks to Bath and North East Somerset for donating the money for the generators.

She said: “I certainly won’t be forgetting them because I think their bravery is an example to the world.”

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

SALTFORD Golf Club’s lady captain, Lyn Scales, presented a cheque to the Great Western Air Ambulance for £3,400 at the ladies’ charity coffee morning on March 9. The final amount after banking was £3,978.15.

Lyn would like to express her thanks to Jean Wild and the ladies section for their help running the successful event, local businesses for their raffle donations and everyone who came and supported the coffee morning.

New special school plan

BATH and North East Somerset Council has been successful in its bid to the Department for Education to open a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school.

The new special school will provide spaces for 120 children and young people, and it is hoped it will open in 2025 at a site to be decided. Alongside the Department for Education, the council is seeking proposals from organisations interested in establishing and running the new school.

Currently there are two generic special schools – Fosse Way in Radstock and Three Ways in Bathand Aspire Special School, for young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

The council has identified the need for an additional special school catering for young people with a diagnosis of autism (ASD), with severe learning difficulties (SLD) or with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).

Revd Nigel Williams Curate in the Keynsham Team Ministry

This morning as I looked at my phone, I had a photo memory from three years ago, and the start of lockdown popped up.

It was a reminder of the hard times that were to follow, the shared experience of all of us, and it was summed up in the simple and comical picture of a baby’s foot and an arrow pointing to the second toe saying ‘remember, be like this piggy.’

This image bought up many memories of not knowing, of having to be in a shielding household, of fear at what might be, but also the memories of joy at meeting up with family again, of not taking some things for granted anymore, of getting to spend lots of time with my son, who was one at the time. All these memories, thoughts and feelings brought up from one photo.

We are about to celebrate Easter, having been journeying through Lent, being in a time of wilderness that the season represents, and we

come to a picture of a cross and an empty tomb. And these images can bring up many thoughts and feelings in us, from a good excuse to eat some chocolate to maybe the last time you entered a church for a wedding or funeral. For me, and many at this time, they speak of death and resurrection. The promise from God that he loves us and wants to be in relationship with us, to the point he would go to the cross for us. A promise to be with us, in the ups and downs of life, to travel with us where we feel wounded by the last three years or the world around us, because this is the beauty of the Easter story: as much as it is a story of triumph over the grave, it’s also a reminder of the God who meets us in our fragility, with his gentleness.

That is what the image of the cross and tomb are, that God loves us, so maybe this Easter you may want to explore that and see the image more clearly. If so, I encourage you to contact one of the churches in our town and take that first step.

ROAD KEYNSHAM

A promise to be with us, in the ups and downs of life, to travel with us where we feel wounded by the last three years or the world around us

KEYNSHAM MEMORIES

with Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society

The London Inn on Temple Street - this appears to have first opened about 1861 and the names of the landlords are known from this date.

The wholesale redevelopment of Temple Street in the late 1960s swept away the terraced houses on each side.

A campaign was mounted to save both The Ship, nearby, and the London Inn - seen standing isolated in this photograph from about 1973. But the battle for the London Inn was lost and it was demolished in 1974. The landlord, Bert Simpkins, moved to The Royal Oak at 19 High Street and took the old name with him; this remained until the premises became a wine bar.

KEYNSHAM AND SALTFORD PROBUS

KEYNSHAM and Saltford Probus Club has a few vacancies for new members. We are a club of retired people from all walks of life with a wide range of interests.

We are based at Saltford Golf Club, where we hold our social gatherings - coffee mornings and lunches, with speakers. Additionally, we run a varied programme of visits to places of interest and theatre trips. We also welcome members’ partners on these trips, plus several lunches each year.

If this type of social activity appeals to you, and you would like to play an active role as a club member, then you can be sure of a warm welcome. Please contact our membership secretary, Owen Cole, for more information - call 0117 9864312.

n WHAT'S ON

Friday April 14

n “Working together for Food Justice”, Avon Wildlife Trust Keynsham Group talk with Ped Askarian at Keynsham Baptist Church Hall, 7.30pm. Entry £3 for Avon Wildlife Trust members, £4 for non-members. No booking required. For more details, call Kathy 07850 508702.

Saturday April 22

n Cantorion Creigiau Singers, from Wales, and the Bristol Military Wives choir will perform classical and popular pieces at St John’s Church, Keynsham, from 7.30pm, with refreshments in the parish hall from 6.30pm. The event, organised by Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club, will raise money for the RUHX charity (the Royal United Hospital charity formerly known as Forever Friends) and other charities the club supports. Tickets £10 from www.ticketsource. co.uk/rotary-club-of-chelwoodbridge - search ‘rotary choir’ on the Ticketsource website. Or email rob@chelwoodbridgerotary.com or purchase from parish Office next to St John’s.

Sunday April 23

n Dave’s Annual Dawn Chorus, three-hour walk, meet at The Shallows car park in Saltford (BS31 3EX) at 4.30am. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars (if possible) and a warm drink. Optional donation for Avon Wildlife Trust. For more details, call Dave 07899 716068.

Friday-Monday May 5-8

n Coronation celebrations will be held at St John’s Church, Keynsham, with floral displays and, hopefully, the tower illuminated with an image of the Union Flag. On Sunday May 7, a community coronation service starts at 10.30am. On Monday May 8 at 2pm, there will be stalls, games, music and refreshments, concluding at 4pm with a quarter peal of the church bells. Details as they become available at www.keynshamparish.org.uk/ coronation.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays

n The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Keynsham Branch meets on the first Monday of each month upstairs at the RBL Club, Charlton Road, Keynsham, BS31 2JA, 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings.

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 Keynsham Bridge Club can now welcome new experienced players to our Monday evening sessions. Contact Pat 01275 835583 or Diane 0117 9861267.

n CPK Badminton Club is a friendly but competitive club playing at Keynsham Leisure Centre, Mondays 7.30-9.30pm. Match night Fridays. Ideal for existing and potential league players, or those looking to improve their badminton. Email info@cpkbadminton.club

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

n ASP Poetry Circle meets every third Monday of the month, 10am11am, in the upstairs balcony at Keynsham Library. Bring two or three of poems to share; your own or other poets’.

Mondays/Thursdays

n Yoga For Men Monday 7-8pm, mixed ability Keynsham Baptist Church, BS31 1DS.

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

Mondays/Tues/Weds

n Beginners Pilates for Backs

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

Mondays/Fridays

n Butterflies Haven, Keynshambased charity supporting families of children with autism, sessions

Mondays 7pm-8pm for ages 1118 and Fridays 5.45pm-6.45pm or 7pm-8pm for ages 4-11, at St Francis Church, Warwick Road, Keynsham, BS31 2PW. A safe place for children to be themselves, supported by volunteers. Sessions must be booked in advance. For more information, email info@butterflies-haven.com.

Mondays/Fridays/Sundays

n Indoor rowing exercise classes, Mon 7pm, Fri 5pm and Sun 10.15am, Saltford Rowing Centre, Bath Road, BS31 3JS. Go Row Indoor caters for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Classes last 45 minutes using rowing machines. First class is free, then £5 (or £18pm). Email gorowindoor@ avoncountyrowingclub.org. uk to book. More details on club’s website http:// avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk/.

Tuesdays

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

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

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

n NEW Seated Pilates class Tuesdays at 11-11.45 am Saltford Hall - Avon Room, Wedmore Road, Saltford. This class is aimed at anyone who would benefit from an adapted pilates class with a qualified physiotherapist. This includes anyone with a long-term health condition (e.g MS or Parkinson’s), loss of confidence or those wanting to get fitter but have difficulty attending a floor-based session. You are welcome to do a trial class first to see if it suits your needs. Please book your place by contacting Kate 07518 522292

www.corerehab-physio.co.uk

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

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

Wednesdays

n Beginners Meditation in Keynsham

Wednesdays 10.50am.

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

n WHAT'S ON

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

Thursdays/Fridays

n Complete Beginners’ Yoga for the Inflexible Thursdays 5.30pm, 7pm and 8pm. Friday 1pm. Baptist Church, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS (opposite Boots). Tired of having a sore neck and tight shoulders? Join our friendly and non-judgmental yoga, pilates, and meditation classes in Keynsham. Our Hatha Yoga classes will help improve your balance, flexibility and reduce stress levels. Our Pilates classes focus on strengthening your whole body and improving core strength. Our classes are down-to-earth, safe and fun. Contact me for more information: Yogakeynsham@ gmail.com, 07565 976 129, or visit www.Sandhyacoyle.org

Thursdays

n Longwell Green Orchestra meet each Thursday at Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.40pm. We have players of all abilities. Email Contact@ longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk or 07972 844073. Please get in touch with us beforehand to tell us what instrument and what level.

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 Physio-led Mat Pilates Classes

Thurs 7-7.55pm (intermediate)

Thurs 8-8.55pm (beginners)

St Francis Church, Warwick Rd, Keynsham. 6 week block of classes £54. You are welcome to do a trial class first £10.

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

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

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

Rosalie’s inspiration tale on stage

A NEW one-woman play about an extraordinary figure from the Victorian age is coming to Keynsham this month.

Rosalie is inspired by the life of Rosalie Chichester, 1865-1949, who was a scientist, photographer, explorer, collector and “unapologetic eccentric”.

She is portrayed by Helena Payne in a production by Pleasure Dome Theatre that is touring the South West.

The Exmoor-based company says that the play explores “the pressures of female identity and familial responsibility in Victorian England” and is an “exploration of the complicated relationship between an extraordinary place and an extraordinary person.”

The production, made in

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER with Transition Keynsham

Let’s take water firms to task for shameful waste

AUN-led conference in March urged countries to work together to tackle overconsumption, water-intensive industries and the climate crisis. If we don’t, the world will see worsening hunger, conflict and forced migration driven by increased water scarcity.

It’s the first global water conference in 50 years – and it’s come at a time of unprecedented water crises. A quarter of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water, and 50% lack basic sanitation.

Climate change is driving ever-more intense drought and floods and global forced migration. Industrial agriculture, mining, fossil fuel and other industries are taking out huge amounts of scarce water, and polluting what’s left.

Water shortages aren’t just happening in countries where you’d typically expect it. Increasingly, people are experiencing drought in the US and Europe. In the UK, river levels are at record lows, reflecting last year’s drought. With dry weather forecast until at least May, it looks like water shortages are on the cards again this year. It isn’t just river levels

that are low. Groundwater – which farmers rely on – is also below normal.

Water shortages can’t entirely be put down to the climate crisis. Water firms in England and Wales lost on average 2,900 million litres of water through leaks every day in 2022.

Water companies should be made to fix their leaks and build new reservoirs, but with the UK being the only country in the world with a fully privatised water industry, the government doesn’t have the power to force them.

As ever, it’s citizens at the sharp end, constantly told to use less water and check for leaks. Of course, we should do that – in a warmer world we all need to conserve this precious resource. But the biggest difference can only be made at an industry level.

So, the next time you’re taking your short shower or collecting your washing-up water to irrigate your garden, why don’t you use that time to compose a letter to your MP demanding that they take the water companies to task for their shameful waste of this most precious of resources?

Liz Barling

Council not on track to hit net-zero target by 2030

BATH and North East Somerset is not on track to hit its target of being net-zero in terms of carbon emissions by 2030.

The council set itself the target - 20 years more ambitious than the national target of 2050 - when it declared a climate emergency in 2019. It followed this a year later by declaring an ecological emergency and pledging to be “nature positive” by the same year.

Sarah Warren, the council’s cabinet member for climate and sustainable travel, said that the “pace of delivery has stepped up substantially.”

She said that the installation of solar panels in the council area had doubled in the last two years, the council had set up “new safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes,” and was creating 12 new flower-rich meadows, among other green projects.

partnership with the National Trust, will be staged at The Space, above Keynsham Library, on Friday April 14, 7.30pm8.30pm.

For more information and booking details, go to www. pleasuredometheatrecompany. com

But a report delivered to the council cabinet on March 9 stated: “We cannot yet claim to be on track to deliver net zero commitments by 2030, or to reverse the decline in wildlife by the same date.”

The report states this is partly due to issues outside of the council’s direct control, mentioning constraints on connecting new renewables to the national grid.

The council’s ecological emergency action plan, which was approved by the council cabinet at the meeting, will see the council aim to increase the amount of land and water across the area managed positively for nature, increase monitoring of wildlife, reduce pesticides and pollution, and get more people out into nature.

John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

How to get help to apply for voter ID

RESIDENTS without accepted ID who want to vote in the local elections on May 4 can get help in Keynsham to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Legal changes mean that, for the first time, voters will need to show photographic ID when they vote in person at the polling station. They will also need to be on the electoral register.

A passport, photocard driving licence, Blue Badge, Older Person’s Bus Pass (including Diamond Travelcard) or a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass are some of the documents that will be accepted as proof of identity.

The full list of accepted photo ID can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website or by calling 0800 328 0280. Out-of-date

photo ID can still be used providing that the name is the same as on the electoral register and the photo is recognisably you.

Voters who don’t have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online on the Electoral Commission’s website or by completing a paper form.

They can also apply for the certificate in person at Keynsham Information and Advice Service at the library.

To apply for the certificate, residents will need to provide a passport-style photo, full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote, and their National Insurance number. Staff will be able to take a photograph to accompany their application.

The deadline to apply for a certificate for

the May election is 5pm on Tuesday April 25.

Age UK BANES is also offering older people one-to-one support with applying online for voter ID. To find out more, call their information and advice team on 01225 466 135 or email them on digital@ ageukbanes.co.uk.

You can check if you are on the electoral register by calling 01225 477333 or emailing elections@bathnes.gov.uk. The deadline to register to vote for the May elections is Monday April 17. Residents can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at the same time as registering to vote.

The requirement to show photo ID only applies to people voting in person at a polling station. If you vote by post, you will not need to provide photo ID.

Thank you for making our village so special!

PEOPLE who have helped to make Saltford such a special place to live and visit have been honoured at the annual Big Thank You ceremony.

The event, which was jointly hosted by Saltford Community Association (SCA) and Saltford Parish Council (SPC), took place immediately after the annual parish meeting at Saltford Hall.

Almost 100 residents came to hear Councillor Chris Warren describe the parish council’s key achievements during its current four-year term.

He then thanked representatives of local organisations for their contribution to the village over the past year, many of whom had received grants from the parish council for projects and initiatives.

Organisations represented at the event who were publicly thanked included the SCA, Saltford Santa Dash, Saltford

Sports Club and Saltford Lawn Tennis Club.

The parish council also expressed its appreciation to Cllr Warren for his many years as the council’s chair, following his decision to step down as both chair and parish councillor in May, when the next parish council is formed.

Prof John Davies, SCA chair, then thanked people including those who help at Saltford Community Library and residents who deliver SCAN (Saltford Community Association Newsletter).

He said that without the time given by so many volunteers, the village’s many community events and activities would not be possible. Prof Davies also thanked the Saltford residents who have been supporting Ukrainian visitors during their time in the village.

The speeches were followed by food and drink, and the chance to socialise.

Prof John Davies, chair of Saltford Community Association, with Chris Warren, chair of Saltford Parish Council, at the Big Thank You event at Saltford Hall Photos: Councillor Jon Godfrey

£1,250,000

LOCATED on the eastern edge of Keynsham adjacent to open countryside, this four-bedroom Victorian home sits within approximately 4.8 acres that is currently arranged as paddocks with stables for equestrian use, in addition to several outbuildings that offer potential for conversion into ancillary accommodation (STPP).

EPC: F

TENURE: FREEHOLD

STORAGE

STORAGE / SELF STORE

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Reward at last for talented youngsters

Jemar

Thomas, left, gave the Ks an early lead against Saltash

17-year-old Freddie Frazer, right, became the Ks’ youngest ever firstteam scorer against Ilfracombe Town

Will Sage, below, scored after only 48 seconds against Ilfracombe Town

THE efforts of Keynsham Town’s fledgling first team have gone largely unrewarded in recent weeks in the Toolstation Western Premier Division, but at last they have started to get what they deserve after several promising performances.

Despite matching league leaders Saltash United for over 70 minutes in mid-March, having taken an early lead with a Jemar Thomas penalty, three late goals gave the leaders a flattering 5-1 scoreline to take back to Cornwall.

But a week later at home to Ilfracombe Town, the Ks were again fast out of the traps, with two superb goals from Will Sage (48 seconds) and a debut senior goal for 17-year-old Freddie Frazer on 10 minutes.

Despite the visitors pulling a goal back on 20 minutes, Keynsham had the better of the chances in an entertaining game and ran out worthy 2-1 winners. This result at last moved them off the bottom of the table, although local rivals Cadbury Heath do have two games in hand on the Ks.

The following Tuesday saw a feisty Les Phillips League Cup quarter-final on a foul evening at Brislington. The Ks took the lead with a net-busting free kick from Liban Ibrahim on 40 minutes but were quickly pegged back by a Brislington equaliser.

With nothing to split the sides, it went straight to penalties after 90 minutes of blood and thunder. Although Keynsham converted their first two penalties, it was the hosts who won the shootout 3-2.

Ks committee member Kevin Gooch said: “It was a fine spectacle for the spectators and a bit of a throwback to the Seventies - a horrible wet evening, a tough pitch, two sides trying to progress to a semi-final giving everything - and it showed!

“There were strong tackles, flare-ups, bookings and red cards, plus some strange refereeing decisions, good goals and great penalty saves. Games are seldom like this anymore and it’s a pity that one side had to lose, but that’s cup football.”

With the proposed merger of the Western League and South West Peninsula Leaguewhich would in simple terms have created both “north” and “south” Premier Divisions at step 5 of the non-league football pyramid - having seemingly disappeared for the foreseeable future, the club finishing in 19th position in the Premier Division may now also be in danger of dropping into Division One.

Ks club secretary Jules French said: “With Bitton having resigned from the Premier Division earlier in the season, thereby filling a ”relegation” place, it was thought that no more teams would be relegated from that division; clearly that may not now be the case, so we are doing all we can to not finish last of the remaining clubs.

“There are so many variables that will contribute towards whether a second club is relegated, such as existing premier clubs requesting either lateral moves to another league or voluntary relegation in light of the colossal travel costs that all clubs must bear.

“Therefore the fate of the club finishing 19th will not be known until the FA publish next season’s constitution in the middle of May.”

Ks reserves are also in the midst of a relegation battle in the Uhlsport Somerset County League Premier Division, but have progressed to the Somerset Senior Cup semifinals. In a thrilling quarter-final at Fry Club, after a 1-1 deadlock at 90 minutes, it was the Ks who won the penalty shootout 3-2 after 16-year-old keeper Archie Didcott saved three spot kicks.

Here

in May. In the meantime, you can keep up to date with the Ks’ fortunes plus any fixture changes via social media and next month’s Keynsham Voice.

the end of the

Men’s first team

Friday April 7, Ashton & Backwell United, 3pm

Monday April 10, Torpoint Athletic, 3pm

Saturday April 15, Mousehole. 3pm

Saturday April 22, Helston Athletic, 3pm

Men’s reserves

Saturday April 1, Middlezoy Rovers (cup semi), 3pm

Saturday May 6, Watchet Town, 3pm

are the remaining games at Crown Fields until

season

Exciting year ahead for club

WITH April now upon us, the 2023 bowls season is soon to get under way. Following a busy winter, Frys Bowling Club look ahead to an exciting 2023.

The opening game is our first ever ladies match, with an away game at Victoria Park (Bristol) on Tuesday April 11, and another four games are scheduled throughout the season.

Also new for 2023 is the Friday Triples League, which Frys are reentering after more than a decade out. The 22-game season starts with a home encounter against Knowle on April 14.

Saturday friendlies begin on April 15 with a trip to Begbrook Green, with Wednesday friendlies starting on April 19 with a short trip to Stothert and Pitt.

The Bristol and District League Division 2 season starts on the evening of Thursday April 27 with a tough home game against Redland Green, who were relegated from Division 1 last season.

Various cup competitions make a busy June and July, with Friday August 4 seeing the annual Alsop Shield match, this year hosted by Keynsham, which Frys will be looking to regain after Keynsham took the shield last year.

The season culminates with the Bristol St Andrews Floodlit League, where Frys will play in Division 2 following last season’s Division 3 title.

Throughout the winter, work has taken place on the green and clubhouse to get them ready for the season. We have also hosted three short-mat sessions a week, which have proved popular.

For more information about Frys Bowling Club, please visit our website at www.frysbowlingclub.wixsite.com/ frys, follow us on Twitter at @FrysBowls, or contact our secretary, Stephen Dayemail frysbowlsclub@gmail.com, phone 01225 872959.

Family’s team spirit

THE Ship Inn Petanque Club in Keynsham held its 25th anniversary annual general meeting at the Royal British Legion on Saturday March 4.

Although The Ship Inn is currently closed, hopefully

awaiting new landlords, club president Alan Hulme said this is not the first time in our 25-year history that we have had an uncertain future, but we remain optimistic about returning to play at The Ship in the near future.

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

Our picture shows Alan presenting medals to a winning team consisting of three generations of the King familyAlan and Julie, daughter Alison and partner John, and grandson Ben.

IT may be only just a short time until the first rollup on the green in Keynsham Memorial Park, but when this picture was taken it looked as if members should prepare themselves for snow balling rather that bowls.

As the winter social events continue, the monthly coffee morning was held, and one evening more than 40 members enjoyed a Mexican meal, with catering undertaken by the staff from Dalia Cocina in Keynsham High Street.

Later in the month it was our subscription day, when members were able to sign up for the new season, put down their names for the internal competitions and also

sign up for the opening games.

We are also pleased to advise that we will take part in Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend on May 27 and 29.

Our greens will be open, with our club coaches in attendance, to welcome any newcomers who may like to try their hand at the sport we enjoy so much.

So pop the date in your diary –there will be more information to follow.

Bowls is a highly sociable sport providing a level playing field across ages and genders, and to many of our members the clubhouse has become their second home.

Mike Barrow

We’re warming up after the freeze

SALTFORD TENNIS CLUB

Joyce honoured with unsung hero award

JOYCE Pickard, of Saltford Lawn Tennis Club, has been honoured with an Unsung Hero Award from Avon Tennis.

The county award is to acknowledge someone who has made a substantive yet unheralded contribution to tennis that has resulted in a positive impact to their club and local community.

Joyce has worked tirelessly behind the scenes at the Saltford club for more than 35 years, going above and beyond to carry out the many thankless jobs that clubs cannot do without.

These range from coaching, social events and fundraising to cleaning and maintenance, underpinned by a commitment to help young people learn to play tennis.

In her role as coach she has helped and encouraged many children to enjoy tennis and develop their talent.

Two of these children are now adults (Laura Sinclair and Andy May) and have remained loyal to the club and are regular first-team players.

When not carrying out her duties as club welfare officer and chair of the fundraising committee, she arranges friendly matches between other clubs and fun tournaments.

She is currently exploring the

possibility of introducing walking tennis to the club as she is determined that the club should be open and accessible to all.

She is very welcoming to new members and it is a joy to be in her company, both on and off the court.

When it comes to the maintenance of the club, she is always the first to volunteer to help. Only recently she organised a group of people to clear rubble and timber left over from the laying of a new path.

Avon Tennis secretary Clive Sampson said: “Without volunteers like Joyce working behind the scenes, our clubs would not be able to provide opportunities for others to play and enjoy tennis. It is heartening to reward those who put so much effort in.”

Her contribution has been a major part in the turnaround of the club, with its new clubhouse, increased membership and success in friendly and competitive tennis.

Many at the club think her motto in life is “ask not what your community can do for you but ask what you can do for your community”.

The club are very grateful and proud of Joyce for her years of service and the incredible example she sets. Thank you Joyce.