Keynshamvoice April 2014 by Emma Cooper

FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Keynsham & Saltford April, 2014 Issue 25

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Celebrating our second birthday Cooking with StrEAT Greek, P39 | What’s On, P40

Great Scott! Is that a DeLorean time machine in Keynsham? P8

Inside

Residents’ chance to name town centre

Plus...

Artists to unveil designs for new clock tower P3 Big ideas for this year’s music festival P4 Hundreds back battle to save green belt P5 Ambitious plans as wildlife park turns 25 P7 Letters... p12 Nostalgia... p33 Books... p37 Business of

the month.. p43 Property... p45 Sport... p47 Classifieds p52

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April, 2014

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May deadline Our May edition will be going to print on Monday, April 28. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Thursday, April 24. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Keynshamvoice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

Local information Council Connect 01225 39 40 41 Keynsham Town Council 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham 0117 986 8683 www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk Keynsham Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 848 7919 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk Inquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS Urgent: 111/ Emergency: 999 Anti-social behaviour team asb@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 842462 Well Aware Health and social care information www.wellaware.org.uk (Freephone) 0808 808 5252

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Keynshamvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Keynshamvoice is distributed each month to Keynsham residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk. This month 11,500 copies will be distributed around Keynsham, Saltford, Burnett, Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando, Queen Charlton, Corston and Woollard.

What should we call the centre? Choosing a name for Keynsham’s new town centre has been thrown open to the public, who are being urged to “shape history” by coming up with the best idea. The £34 million site is due to open this autumn and people have until April 22 to submit their suggestions to Bath and North East Somerset Council. Councillor David Bellotti, cabinet member for community resources, said: “This is a chance for Keynsham residents to shape history and have their say on a major decision that Bath & North East Somerset Council must make. We want to get as many ideas as possible from the community and select the one from a shortlist which best represents what people want. “I’d like to welcome the comments we’ve had so far about the possibilities for names and these will be included as part of this exercise. The selection process will create sense of excitement in the Keynsham community about the completion of this project and the fact we are just months away from opening.” The appeal for suggestions from the public comes just two weeks after Keynsham Town Council was asked to consider three possible names put forward by B&NES staff for the civic centre.

But the suggestions – The Aurum Centre, The Mosaic and The Decker Building – were branded “awful” by the councillors, who called for B&NES Council to consult the public on the issue. Names were also put forward for the community rooms, which included the Libourne Room, after Keynsham’s twin town, the Keyne or Keyna Room after St Keyne, and the Bailey Room, after comedian Bill Bailey, who grew up in the town. The latter was also met with disapproval by councillors, who pointed to the fact the comic had never attended any events in the town despite being asked. B&NES Council says no decision has been taken on whether the site will have one name or whether there will be names for individual facilities, such as the library or one-stop shop, and is asking for residents’ views on this, too. People can contribute suggestions online from Friday, April 4, at www.bathnes.gov.uk/keynshamregen; by email at regen_ keynsham@bathnes.gov.uk or by writing to Keynsham Civic building name, Floor 1 Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW. Head teachers will also be invited to ask their pupils to put forward names.

YourViews Write to us at Keynshamvoice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR, email us at news@keynshamvoice.co.uk or tweet us @keynshamvoice

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News Artists to unveil their visions for new clock tower The countdown has begun until the day Keynsham residents will get the first glimpse of how their new clock tower could look. Three artists will be exhibiting their designs for a new timepiece to take centre stage in the new development, with a public vote deciding the winner. The chosen artist will then work with community organisations to finalise the design and create it. The Keynsham Arts Advisory Group has announced that the exhibitions will take place from the end of April into early May at various venues in the town. Keynsham Town councillor Lisa O’Brien, chair of the Keynsham Arts Advisory Group, said: “We are delighted to announce that three artists have been shortlisted for the Keynsham clock tower commission. Each artist’s proposal will be exhibited at various venues in Keynsham from the end of April into early May. We will be asking for feed-

back from residents, business owners and frequent visitors to our town and do everything possible to ensure that the voting process is fair and impartial.” The three shortlisted artists are sculptor Sebastian Boyesen, metalworker Jon Mills and clock manufacturers Smith of Derby. A spokesperson said the three were

selected for their inspirational ideas, their response to the site, to Keynsham’s unique qualities and a commitment to working with the local community. The clock tower designs can be seen at:  Pomegranate Café, 19 Temple Street, from April 25 to 30 (open 8am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm)

 Window of Keynsham Town Council offices, 15-17 Temple Street, from May 1 to 7  The Key Centre at Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road from May 9 to 15 (open 10am to 5pm with a late night on Friday, May 9, until 7pm – note the Key Centre is not open on Sunday) Details of a talk by the artists are due to be announced shortly. A new clock tower is expected to be in place by April 2015.  Plans to create a Keynsham timeline as part of the public arts project have also moved a step forward, with £3,500 of funding from B&NES Council to pay for an artist to work with schoolchildren on the images and designs that it is hoped will line the steps alongside Bath Hill. Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society and Keynsham Civic Society are among those being consulted on the project, which is planned to tell the story of Keynsham in text and images.

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News New ideas for this year’s festival While Keynsham’s Music Festival is always a celebration of homegrown talent, this year local acts will really shine. Filling the “headline” slots at Sunday’s main event will be Bath’s Bohemian Embassy, Bristol’s all-female ska and funk band Meet your Feet and Bristol’s Scribes. Keynsham will be well represented too with performances from Foreign Affairs, Through Your Eyes, Slapface and the Hoagies, Emma Hutchinson Band and Welcome to the Family and Steve Mercy. Organisers say more than 220 acts applied to take to the stage at this year’s event on July 6 – far more than it takes to fill the four stages. With so many to choose from, a number of the acts are from much further afield than the West Country – Bela Takes Chase from Queensland and singer/songwriter Ed Wells from Melbourne, for example. With organisers holding

Bath’s Bohemian Embassy open meetings with the public this year to discuss the festival arrangements, a number of new ideas have been put forward, including an opening event at the beginning of the festival week on the Monday night. Organiser Ric Davison said: “We are making particular moves this year to improve both performer and audience experience in the Band Stand and Performance Tents areas. Watch out for

some new developments and facilities in these areas, taking on board some of the many suggestions have come from our new open-style planning meetings held recently in The Talbot and The Ship.” This year Waitrose has also become a new festival partner and sponsor alongside the event’s regular sponsors already on board for the summer. With new events and acts be-

ing lined up all the time, festival fans can keep up to date online at the festival website www.keynsham musicfestival.co.uk, which goes “live” at the start of this month. The festival is also on Facebook, where followers have been voting for this year’s film at Cinema Under the Stars, and on Twitter @keynshamfest.

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April, 2014

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News Show of support for green belt Campaigners fighting moves to earmark a swathe of green-belt land between Keynsham and Saltford for up to 250 homes have taken their case to the planning inspector. Representatives of the Friends of Breaches Gate were due to speak out at a public hearing on April 3 into changes made to Bath and North East Somerset Council's core strategy, the blueprint that sets out where thousands of new homes will be built over the next few years. The residents’ action group was launched last month to oppose the plans, as reported in Keynshamvoice, and has already attracted the support of more than 300 people, including residents across east Keynsham, dog walkers from the town and neighbouring Saltford and members of a local nursery who use the fields for walks. Group co-founder Bob Elcome-Thorpe said he hoped to show the inspector that the green-belt land was playing a

Founding members of the Friends of Breaches Gate in front of the land they hope to save from development vital, valued role in the community, providing tranquillity, a natural boundary between town and village and was a space that had been used for recreation for more than 50 years. He said: “This goes to the heart of what green belt is – it's not just a patch of green space that backs on to a few houses, it is a proper rural setting. “Do we feel our generation has the right to remove it from future generations? Once houses

are built the fields are gone and there is no going back from that – I think it’s wrong and we have a responsibilty to protect it.” The group also planned to challenge the site’s suitability for development, raising concerns over the effects of increased traffic on the heavily used A4 and on local roads and increased pollution in the locality, as well as pressure on local schools and fears of an increased risk of flooding to existing homes if

the fields were built on following floods in 1968 and “near misses” following the recent downpours. The campaigners said they had been heartened by last month’s decision by Secretary of State Eric Pickles to refuse plans for 99 homes on green-belt land at Manor Road in Saltford, following a hard-fought battle by residents. Mr Elcome-Thorpe added: “We feel Breaches Gate is the lungs of Keynsham. “This land maintains the individuality of Saltford as a village and Keynsham as a town, and without it we would become part of a greater urban conurbation.” The planning inspector’s hearings are due to end on April 10, with a verdict expected later in the year. To get in touch with the Friends of Breaches Gate, email breachesgate@saveourgreenbelt. co.uk or call Friends member Peter Holland on 0117 986 9479.

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April, 2014

News

Waitrose welcomes first customers Head nurse Tash scans one pet’s microchip – it will soon be law for all dogs to be chipped

Is your dog microchipped? Did you know that microchipping will be compulsory for all dogs in England from April 2016? UK Charity Dogs Trust has launched an initiative to ensure that all dogs are microchipped for free by offering free microchips, through veterinary practices, from April 1, 2014. We at Keynsham Veterinary Centre are very happy to be supporting this inititative and from April 1 we will be offering free microchipping, subsidised by Dogs Trust, to all dogs for a 12-month period. If you have ever lost a pet you will understand how upsetting it is and, we hope, what a great relief it is when you are reunited. Microchipping is a very simple procedure and can mean the difference between being reunited with a lost pet and never seeing them again! According figures published by the Dogs Trust, last year alone 111,986 stray and abandoned dogs were picked up by Local Authorities across the UK, with only 40 per cent reunited with their owners. If you are wondering what a microchip is, it’s a small electronic chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is

With just weeks to transform their new branch and carry out training, staff at Waitrose barely had a chance to catch their breath before they were welcoming the first customers through the doors at Broadmead Lane. Shoppers got their first look inside the new supermarket on March 20, with many more people than expected paying a visit during the first day. The store was officially opened by Keynsham Town Council chairman Clive Fricker, who joined

opening branch manager James Baldry and the rest of the Waitrose workforce for the launch. Mr Fricker said the store would be a valuable addition for shoppers as well as providing over 125 new jobs. Keynsham Dial-a-Ride, Friends of Manor Road Woodland and Butterflies-Haven were the first three local good causes to benefit from the store’s monthly donation scheme Community Matters, sharing £1,000 between them.

implanted under the dog’s skin and contains a unique number that can be read by a scanner. The dog owner’s contact details relating to each number are logged on a central database, so should the dog ever go missing or be stolen it can be scanned by the authorities and returned to his or her owner swiftly and safely. It is vital that the owner takes responsibility for updating their details with the database should their circumstances change. If your dog is not microchipped, please call us. This is a simple procedure, carried out by a qualified veterinary nurse. To make an appointment, call Keynsham Veterinary Centre on 0117 986 7700.

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News Otter centre part of park’s plans A Keynsham attraction has revealed ambitious plans for the future as it celebrates 25 years since it opened the gates at its Pixash Lane site. Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park has marked the anniversary by unveiling a new entrance, gift shop, reception, office and first aid room as well as revamping its cafes. Keynsham councillor Bryan Organ was due to officially open the new features on Friday, April 4. The plans extend far beyond the changes unveiled this month, however, with park director John Douglas revealing that the attraction has begun a bid to win permission to build an early learning aquatic centre, water ecology park and a new ottery – although the plans are in the very early stages. Mr Douglas said education was at the heart of the park’s vision for the future, where the plan was to keep the attractions “simple and natural”. He said: “We average 170

school visits a year and we want to expand on that. “The news is full of climate change and how we are going to deal with it and with flood waters, how we can clean and make use of them and live with them. “Young people will need to know about it as it will cost a huge amount of money in the future to deal with the problem. Here we can explain about the flood plains "A lot of people also don’t realise how much wildlife we have here locally. There are otters back on the River Avon and we hope to create a centre for them.” After 25 years, Mr Douglas said people who visited as children were now bringing their own children to the park, which offers play areas, rides and a range of animal attractions. For more about Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, visit www.avonvalleycountry park.com or call 0117 986 4929.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is celebrating its 25th birthday

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Photo: Visual Excellence Photography - www.visualexcellence.co.uk

Ollie is a huge fan of the DeLorean and now owns two of the vehicles Photo: Visual Excellence Photography - www.visualexcellence.co.uk

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April, 2014

Great Scott! Is For most of us, filling up at the petrol station or taking a quick drive to the shops is generally not that eventful. But when you drive a rare sports car, of which only a few thousand were ever made, it tends to turn heads. And when that car looks just like the time-travelling vehicle from a highly successful Hollywood film trilogy of the Eighties, then it tends to stop traffic. The Back To The Future films, starring Michael J Fox as Marty McFly, also made an unlikely icon of the DeLorean sports car, which had proved something of a flop when introduced to the American market a few years before in 1981. Its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, not to mention the lights and gadgets fitted to it by the mad scientist Doc Brown, captured the imagination of many a viewer – not least Ollie Wilkey, from Keynsham, who fell

in love with the car when he first watched the films as a 10-yearold. Fast-forward 15 years, and Ollie is now the proud owner of not one but two DeLoreans, one of which has been modified to look and sound just like Doc’s time machine - by a former NASA engineer no less. Ollie said: “It seems like a dream to own it – there are only around 120 DeLoreans in the UK and only four that have been made to look like the car from Back To The Future. It is the ultimate boy’s toy. “It does everything you would imagine it could do – you can punch in the dates on the dashboard, it has hover wheels and lights so it looks like it’s floating, there’s a ‘flux capacitor’ and external speakers to play the film’s theme tune by Huey Lewis and the News. “I’ve always loved the cars and got the first one two and a

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News that a DeLorean time machine? half years ago, which I restored with my mechanic friend William Di Claudio – it’s a really big interest which all stemmed from watching the films.” With its extra-wide, low-tothe-ground body, hard-to-source spare parts and intricate modifications, Ollie admits it’s not a car you should take out every day. And on the rare occasions when the British climate is dry enough for this fairweather vehicle the attention it attracts – even without the lights flashing and speakers blaring The Power of Love – makes getting from A to B rather difficult.

“Even a couple of police officers stopped their car to have pictures taken with it once,” says Ollie. Ollie, who works in property with OJW Inventories, bought the modified DeLorean from another member of the UK DeLorean Owners Club, who hired it out for special occasions, a venture Ollie is hoping to build on here in the West Country as well as taking it to some car shows and community events. To find out more, visit www. fusiontimetravel.co.uk, email doc@fusiontimetravel.co.uk or call Ollie on 07828 790 512.

Photo: Visual Excellence Photography - www.visualexcellence.co.uk

Ollie Wilkey, right, with his modified DeLorean “time machine” and, left, the dashboard complete inside the car

Horse welfare team welcome over 400 supporters Supporters of a local equine charity got to meet the animals they have “adopted” when the organisation held an open day in March. More than 400 people visited HorseWorld’s welfare department at Whitchurch to see at close hand the work carried out there to rescue, rehabilitate and finally rehome the horses.

“The farm is not normally open to the public and many people were surprised to see how big it is,” said event co-ordinator Kim Pounsberry. She added: “Since the visitor centre closed in February, the animals based there have moved to the welfare department where they have much more space and are able to live in a more

natural environment. This event was just for the people who sponsor animals on our adoption scheme but we hope to run more events like this for our widespread supporters in the future.” To find out more about HorseWorld and the adoption scheme, visit www.horseworld. org.uk.

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Celebrate 50th with old friends Former classmates will be reunited for their 50th birthdays at an event in September. Broadlands School Class of ‘81 are all invited to meet up with old friends at a reunion on Saturday, September 13, at

The date is set for second Shipfest For one day last May, The Ship Inn in Keynsham played host to a sun-drenched mini music festival with a stage, full PA and lighting rig and live acts throughout the afternoon and evening. As soon as the last customer had left, organisers say they sat down to plan the second Shipfest, which will take place on Saturday, May 24. Local musicians Chris Bennett and Tim Mawditt have teamed up with landlord Richard Weymouth to prepare every detail from bands to burgers and beer.

Chris said: “The feedback from those who went was so positive that it just had to happen.” Fundraising for the event is taking place throughout the year, with support from sponsors. Richard said: “We can’t wait. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it, but if we secure the weather, the rest looks after itself. We’ve got some fantastic bands this year, which we’ll announce later.” To find out more, join the event's Facebook page – just look for ShipFest’14.

April, 2014

Keynsham Rugby Club, from 7pm to 1am. For more information about the event, contact Louise Goodsman (Dix) on 07753 401164 or Julie Marklew (Budd) on 07525 046162.

Powering plans for the future Rising fuel costs and dwindling natural resources may seem like global issues too big for each of us to tackle as individuals – but that’s just what one group in Keynsham is doing. A handful of residents are working on ambitious ideas for green energy production, including harnessing the power of the town’s weir, finding sites for solar panels and even installing an anaerobic digester. Members of Keynsham Community Energy (KCE) are drawn from a range of different backgrounds, from explosive engineers to businessmen and farmers, but all share the goal of making Keynsham more energy sustainable. Chairman Mark Penny said: “This will involve primarily renewable energy generation in the town, eg hydroelectric generation and solar PV, but also includes energy advice and helping the community to cut down on their energy usage, which in turn saves money.” KCE is part of the Transition Keynsham group and is working with Bath and West Community Energy to push its projects for-

ward. In the future, the plan is for residents to have the oportunity to own part of a community company running the projects, while a community fund would be set up so that a percentage of the money generated by the schemes would go towards other schemes benefiting residents. A hydro scheme on Keynsham Weir is only in the concept stage, explains Mark, but could produce a reasonable amount of electricity, while a number of larger roofs had been identified as potential sites for solar panels. The group was also exploring the possibility of installing a small-scale anaerobic digester and looking at suitable sites, he said. He added: “We currently have 10 regular members of the group who attend most meetings. However, we are very welcoming of anyone who would like to join us, even if it was for one meeting. The more people we can get involved the more projects we can carry out which will benefit the community and make Keynsham an even nicer place to live.” Find out more at http:// keynshamt.wordpress.com.

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News Step-Up group steps into studio A local radio station opened the studio doors to members of a Keynsham youth club, who became DJs for a day. Teenagers from Step-Up Youth Group visited Somer Valley FM in Midsomer Norton to use the community radio station’s equipment and make their own recordings They were welcomed by station manager Dom Chambers, who is now planning to visit the group at their base, the @One Centre in Keynsham, with the finished mix of their recordings. Trisha Williams, founder of Butterflies-Haven, which runs Step-Up, said: “Trips such as this are a huge confidence boost for the teenagers on the autistic spectrum and we are planning many more opportunities for them to enjoy fun time within a safe environment.” Plans are also under way at the charity to help its young people find work as they get older by setting up an employment agency

Tomas in the studio as Step-Up Youth Group visit Somer Valley FM with the help of local businesses. The group hopes to build links between employers and the charity, educating businesses on the challenges of autism and the support the young people need and highlighting the benefits of providing the opportunity for work. The agency would also help provide interview skills and other essential tools for employment

while also offering support to those who find themselves unemployed. Trisha said: “It will offer realistic hope that young people can achieve their goals in life by providing the support they deserve. “With the majority of job applications being online, when a young person cannot enter any academic qualifications because

of the challenges they have dealt with during school life, they will very likely not even be considered and will find themselves long-term unemployed. They are seriously overlooked as their disability is not a visible one. “This scenario does not have to be and impacts on mainstream services. “Butterflies-Haven welcomes the interest of any local business who would like to support us in this massive project that will make an enormous difference to many young people's lives both now and in the future.”  Somer Valley FM has funding from B&NES Council to train volunteers and develop an online radio in Keynsham. A training facility will be available at Community@67 in Keynsham, where a public meeting will be held on May 8. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Adrian Inker by email at adrian-inker@ blueyonder.co.uk.

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April, 2014 Photo: James Bernard

ers and the unforgettable Getting to Know You. “With a cast of over 40 and lavish costumes and sets, wonderful music and drama, this is a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical beloved by many that you won’t want to miss.” The King and I, presented by Keynsham Light Opera Group, will be staged at Saltford Hall from Tuesday, April 29, to Saturday, May 3, at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are available from the Box Office by calling Tracey on 07580 259757, emailing klogs@ hotmail.co.uk or contacting any member of the society. Concessions available for senior citizens, those on benefits and under-16s at Tuesday night’s performance and the Saturday matinee, and for under-14s at all performances. Visit www.klogs.co.uk for more details.

Thanks to all who came to network Keynsham Town Council would like to say a big thank you to the following community groups and organisations that attended the Community Networking Event at Wellsway School on Wednesday, March 26, 2014: @One, Age UK, ASP Poetry Circle, B&NES Waste & Recycling Services, ButterfliesHaven, Carers’ Centre, Combe Hay Holiday Trust, Community@67, Fry Club Joggers, Globe 360 – Canoe and Kayak Club, Keynsham Action Network, Keynsham Church Bell Ringers, Keynsham Civic Society, Keynsham Old Time Dance Group, Keynsham & District Dial-aRide, Keynsham & District Mencap, Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society, Keynsham Music Festival Association Limited, Keynsham In Bloom Community Group, Keynsham Time Capsule, Keynsham Wombles, Mother’s Union, Roundabout Art Trail, Somer Valley FM, St Francis Church, The Rotary Club of Keynsham, Time2share, Totally Maracas, Fry’s Hockey Club, Transition Keynsham, We Care & Repair, Well Aware and

TER T E

Still revelling in the success of bringing Annie to the stage last year, Keynsham Light Opera Group have turned their attention to another musical classic. The performers are perfecting their lines and stretching their vocal chords as they prepare to put on Rodgers and Hammerstein's ever-popular The King and I. The production, directed by Scott Rogers, with musical director Lee Tesdale and choreographer Tracey English, tells the tale of British governess Anna, who is brought into the court of the King of Siam to tutor his children. A spokesperson said: “The unique love story is told with one of the most glorious and unforgettable scores ever written. The much-loved songs and sweeping melodies from the show include The March of the Siamese Children, Shall We Dance?, I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello Young Lov-

King and I comes to Saltford stage

Healthwatch and Wellsway Short Mat Bowling Club. We are hoping to run future community networking events annually and if your group or organisation would like to be involved, please register your interest at the address below. If you require any information or advice from any of these organisations, please contact Dawn Drury, deputy town clerk, Keynsham Town Council, 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HF. Alternatively call 0117 986 8683 or email deputytownclerk@keynsham-tc. gov.uk. Keynsham Town Council  Letters to the editor should be sent to Keynshamvoice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1NR or email news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk.

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News Stacey takes first steps towards tackling the Great Wall of China A Keynsham woman is planning to trek one of the wonders of the world to raise money to beat an illness that could strike one in three of us as we age. Stacey Davies, 24, says walking long stretches of the Great Wall of China this October will be a real achievement for her, both in terms of raising vital funds for charity and in the personal challenges she will overcome to complete it. She is already training hard months ahead of the six-day trek, by swimming, cycling and fitting in long walks around her jobs at a law firm and at the Lock Keeper pub in Keynsham. The trek will see her walking for up to eight hours a day over the mountainous terrain, along sections of the ancient monument, including the 200 steep steps to Heaven’s Ladder. The aim of Stacey’s challenge is to raise as much as she can for The Alzheimer’s Society – a cause she describes as “relevant to everybody”. She said: “A big part of this challenge is about raising awareness and realising that Alzheimer’s could potentially affect everybody, be it ourselves or one of our relatives. “It’s also a dual effort – as well as fundraising, personally, this is a massive challenge that requires a lot of commitment to get my own fitness up. I go for six to seven-mile walks after work and I’m extending the distance as I go. It’s been a big lifestyle

change, I’ve changed what I eat and I really need as many people to support me as possible to help me keep going.” Stacey is planning fundraising events to help her meet her £3,100 target – although she hopes to raise more – and has already organised cake sales and tuck shops at work and even turned her flat-warming party in Keynsham into a charity event. To find out more about

Stacey’s challenge, and to donate, visit https://www.justgiving. com/stacey-davies8. To find out more about The Alzheimer’s Society, visit www. alzheimers.org.uk.

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April, 2014

Youth and education

Members of Time Out Task Force at Keynsham Farmers’ Market

Help shape future youth forum Young people, community groups and youth organisations are all being invited to get together to shape the way young people’s voices are heard in Keynsham in the future. A workshop will be held at Cafe Creme on Wednesday, April 30, from 7-9pm, where plans for a new Keynsham Youth Forum will be discussed over coffee and cake. The aim is to create a group that will work together for the benefit of the town’s young people and issues to be covered include: Who should be involved? What should the group do? Where will it meet? How often would it meet? A young people’s liaison group has been running in Keynsham for more than 15 years, but now the town council would like to revamp the group so that it better represents the town’s young people and the groups that work with them in Keynsham. Invitations to the event at Cafe Creme have gone out to local organisations asking for two representatives from each – preferably an adult and a young person – to take part in the workshop. Bookings should be made in advance by April 22 by emailing Mark Willcox at

youthworker@keynsham-tc. gov.uk or RSVPing to Keynsham Town Council Youth Service, 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1HF or call 0117 986 8683 for more details.

Task Force gets digging for a day Members of Keynsham’s Time Out Task Force are rolling up their sleeves for their next project as part of their aim to improve the local environment for the community. The group will be joining residents of Sherwood Close and Curo representatives to spend a day planting bulbs to ensure a dazzling summer display. Members of the Keynsham in Bloom group will also be on hand to offer their expertise on Friday, April 11, from 11am to 4pm. The youngsters were also out looking for more projects they could get involved in at last month’s Keynsham Farmers’ Market, where they ran a stall, pictured above, and talked to visitors about the group and its aims. To find out more about the Task Force, contact Mark Willcox via the details below.

Keynsham Town Council Youth Service Time Out Drop-In Centre, 1-2 River Terrace, Temple Street, Keynsham Call Mark Willcox on 0117 986 8683 or email youthworker@keynsham-tc.gov.uk Open drop-in sessions: Mondays and Thursdays, 7-9.30pm. Project nights: Wednesdays, 7-9pm.

Scouts to attend Japan jamboree Two Scouts from Saltford will be representing their district when they meet other Scouts from around the globe at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan next year. Lee and Imogen are among eight youngsters from Wansdyke who have been selected to attend the gathering near Yamaguchi City. They will join 3,500 other Scouts from across the UK when they make the trip. Currently the group is preparing for the jamboree by fundraising and making friends.

Upon hearing that he had been selected, Lee said: “This is the best thing that has happened to me and the experience will change my life forever.” Imogen added: “I am incredibly excited as I know I am going to meet so many amazing people from all around the world.” The theme for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree is “Wa”, meaning harmony, unity, friendship and peace, and the youngsters will be able to take part in adventurous activities with fellow Scouts from different cultures and faiths.

Get in quick for free coaching Free football coaching is available in the Easter holidays for youngsters who want to perfect their skills on the pitch. The sessions will be held at Kelston Park, Keynsham, from 11am-2pm, from Tuesday, April 15, to Thursday, April 17, and are offered on a first come, first served basis. Coaching is for seven to 11-year-olds and for the 11+ year group and all players should

bring a packed lunch. The sessions are funded by Keynsham Town Council, Curo, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Keynsham Town Football Club Juniors. For more information, contact youth worker Mark Willcox at youthworker@ keynsham-tc.gov.uk or call 0117 986 8683. Alternatively contact Nick Dewfall at Keynsham Town Football Club on 07411 013516.

YourNews Got a story about your school, club or youth group? Tell us about it at news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk or call 07887 561567.

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April, 2014

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Youth and education

 In a heroic effort, pupils from Castle Primary School raised funds for a walking and cycling charity by dressing up as their favourite characters. Superheroes filled the school on April 14 when youngsters were invited to dress up for the day and make a donation to Sustrans. Buzz Lightyear rubbed shoulders with Batman, while some youngsters used their imagination to create their own superhero persona, with a winning costume chosen from each class. The day raised almost £80 for the school's chosen cause.

Pupils impress with Macbeth Pupils from a Keynsham primary school have been treading the boards to bring Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the stage. Helping the Year 5 students from St Keyna tackle the challenge at the egg in Bath were staff from the theatre. Youngsters attended workshops as part of the theatre’s “Shakeathon” programme for children before putting on a performance on March 17 and 18. Teacher Breda Leese said: “It has been a hugely exciting and rewarding experience for all the children. “Learning words that were written over 400 years ago is an enormous undertaking, but they approached the challenge with such energy and enthusiasm.

“It has been great to see them grow in confidence and encourage each other. “We’d like to thank the egg staff for all their support and also to parents for their help in organising costumes and learning lines.” Pupil Adonii added: “It was like a dream come true, to perform on stage and make people clap.” Following the final performance, head teacher Adrienne Hughes said: “I’m sure I wasn’t alone in finishing the evening with a little tear in my eye to see how they have developed over the months that they have been rehearsing. What a fantastic experience! “I’m sure this great opportunity will be something the children will remember for a long, long time.”

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News Team ready to get town blooming this summer Keynsham in Bloom organisers say this year’s displays will be better than ever as they have their sights set firmly on gold. Community groups and volunteers will be out across the town preparing colourful floral displays ready for summer and the South West in Bloom judges’ visit. As well as celebrating 50 years of the regional contest, the event will also be marking the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. Artists of all ages can submit paintings with the theme of “Poppies”, and there is a schools competition – with age categories of up to six, seven-11 and 12-16 – and a section for adults. After the success of last year's Silver Gilt Award for the town, the Keynsham in Bloom team is aiming higher and is hoping to attract more sponsors to support the competition bid.

Planters will be placed along the High Street and many community groups will again be taking part to brighten up areas across Keynsham. Representatives from Keynsham in Bloom will be on hand to answer any questions and discuss membership and sponsorship at the Scouts’ Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17, at the Ashton Way Scout Hut. More information is also available from the town council offices at 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham, on 0117 986 8683 or from Dawn Drury at deputy townclerk@keynsham-tc.gov. uk.

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Photo: D and D Carrington

April, 2014

Music returns to the Bandstand Music returns to the Memorial Park this month as the Bandstand’s summer programme gets under way. Keynsham Light Opera Group will begin proceedings this season with a performance on April 12 from 12.30-2pm. Good Friday, April 18, will see Churches Together organise a Walk of Witness to mark the occasion at a time to be confirmed. Bandstand regulars Keynsham Brass Band will take to the stage on Sunday, April 27, from 3-5pm. The Elemental Theatre Group is next to entertain audiences on Sunday, May 4, from 2-3.30pm. The summer season runs until September 21 and will see a wide range of performances, including from ChoirJam and Avon Fire and Rescue Band. For the full programme of Bandstand events, visit Keynsham Town Council's website www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk.

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April, 2014

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News Villagers share their solution to shortage of allotment plots A Saltford scheme is aiming to match garden owners with would-be gardeners to address the lack of available allotment space in the village. With long waiting lists for allotment plots in the area, the initiative tackles the problem by teaming up people with space to share with those who want to get digging and growing. Paul Pearce runs the Gardenshare scheme, organised by Saltford Environment Group, and says he currently has around six gardens on his list just waiting for someone to get started. After more than two years on the allotment waiting list, Paul now tends a garden owned by Saltford resident Murielle Shipper, the village’s first Gardensharer, splitting the work and the crops with her and her family. He said: “It works really well to share the workload – for example, I will perhaps do the weeding and longer stints at the weekends while Murielle keeps it watered every day. It’s more than just sharing a garden as I’ve made a really good friend in the village. “It’s open to everybody as we’ve got a range of gardens,

some of which are owned by people with gardening experience but who perhaps haven’t got the best of health or the time to do it, so it can suit anybody from complete beginners to expert Monty Don types.” Would-be gardeners are matched with garden owners based on details such as the size of the garden, location and what they want to grow and then are introduced via the scheme. If both are happy, they sign a simple tenancy agreement and the gardener is asked to get some public liability insurance before getting to work. Paul added: “One of the biggest benefits of gardening is that it’s free exercise – you don’t have to pay to go to the gym, you get fresh air and good quality food, and you never stop learning. There is also nothing quite like the experience of growing a plant from seed and then eating the produce from it – it’s like alchemy.” To find out more about Saltford’s Gardenshare scheme, contact Paul on 07872 028947, email razting@hotmail.com or visit www.saltfordenvironment group.org.uk.

Gardensharer Murielle Shipper and her daughter Leah

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News

Duncan’s Corner

Bid for share of £25,000 in grants

with Saltford resident Duncan Hounsell Spring at Easter is my favourite time of year. Everything seems fresh or refreshed. The simple daffodil appearing around Keynsham and Saltford is a welcome sign that spring is here. The yellow daffodil is so beautiful in its simplicity. It is a flower for everyone. Here is a poem called The Daffodil written by my father, who took up writing poetry in his later years as so many do. I hope you enjoy it.

The Daffodil

Along kerbside, in countryside, it gleams, a wondrous beauty to behold. Spring is here it seems, ancient Churches in a ring of gold. On sturdy stem, head unbowed, encircling monument, manor, mill

Flamboyant, Majestic, Proud pay homage to the daffodil. A bloom to instil cheer in any lonely heart. Found in valleys far and near, it’s nature’s work of art. No bashful plea to hide, ever sparkling ever bright, standing tall and dignified as well it might.

April, 2014

In border by garden path it will be on show. On many a coloured photograph the daffodil will glow, and when you view it unexpectedly as, hand in hand, you glance, the moment can be, delightfully, one of pure romance. Copyright: Owen Hounsell

Groups in Keynsham are being invited to apply to the council under its revamped grants awards scheme. Whereas in previous years cash was awarded separately under arts grants and annual grants, the two schemes have now been merged. Cash awards have previously funded tools for Friends of Manor Road Woodland, tents for Keynsham Explorer Scouts and kits for young sports teams among many other requests. Around £25,000 in grants is available this year, with each group or organisation able to bid for up to £1,000. Application packs are available from the town council office or website (www.keynsham-tc. gov.uk) from Monday, April 21, to Friday, May 2. The closing date is May 23. Contact Dawn Drury, deputy town clerk at 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham, call 0117 986 8683 or email deputy townclerk@keynsham-tc.gov.uk.

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April, 2014

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News Follow story of Sentinel online by Rebecca Day One man’s search for a long-lost locomotive has led to it being lovingly restored by a team of volunteers – and now the public can view its progress in a series of online videos. From working on the tracks at Fry’s Somerdale chocolate factory in the 1920s, to narrowly escaping the scrapyard, the rusty Sentinel Shunter was re-discovered by Eric Miles – a former engineering apprentice at the factory – after he refused to give up on his five-year search for the locomotive, built in 1928. He brought the engine back to the West Country in 2009. The volunteers restoring the locomotive to how it looked in its heyday, created the short films which follow the little engine on its 86-year journey. It is now in the care of Avon Valley Railway. In the first film, “The Somerdale Shunter”, Mr Miles explains how he was amused to see the little engine “pottering about”

The Sentinel Shunter in its heyday at Fry’s, left; and today, right at the factory when he arrived for a job interview, before being offered his apprenticeship. He said: “It wasn't long before I was around the back of the workshops, flagging down the loco and persuading the driver to let me ride on the footplate up to the Keynsham crossing. “So that was my first encounter and that’s one of the reasons I decided that, if I could find it and recover it, it would be a nice thing to have because now the factory’s gone we’ve got something of the old factory left to remember it all by.” Five films have been put

together by the team. The first three – “The Somerdale Shunter", “The Hunt” and “Return to Somerset” – are all available to view now. The finishing touches are being made to the next two installments – “How the Sentinel Works” and “Restoration Update: Winter 2013” – which are expected to be online soon. During restoration, all the locomotive’s panels, fittings and pipes were removed and several new panels manufactured for the cab and coal bunker, as well as a new cover for the engine. Painting and reassembly is now under way before the team

remove the boiler for inspection to see whether it needs repairing or replacing. John Lanchester, commercial director at Avon Valley Railway, said the team was delighted to be able to share progress on the project. He said: “The Fry’s Sentinel’s story is a remarkable tale of survival, with the best years of its life spent in the West Country – first at Somerdale and now here at Avon Valley Railway. “Watching the Fry’s Sentinel being transformed step by step is a fascinating process and one we are keen for the public to share in these new videos.” The films can be viewed online by visiting youtube.com and searching “The Somerdale Sentinel Story”. For news and events at Avon Valley Railway, including Easter Eggspress services and Diesel Gala in April and Family Fun Weekend in May, visit www. avonvalleyrailway.org.  Factory on film – Page 31

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April, 2014

News Friends brave firewalk for Tim by Rebecca Day Almost £800 has been raised in memory of a Keynsham man – by a friend who conquered metres of burning wood, barefoot. James Marlow, 37, took part in the St Peter’s Hospice Firewalk on March 21 to raise money for the charity which cared for his colleague, Tim Priest, who sadly lost his battle to cancer. James walked barefoot over five metres of red-hot wooden embers, which reached 500ºC. He took on the challenge, alongside his boss Liz, dressed as Zardoz from the 1974 Sean Connery film. James, who worked with Tim at a residential home in Fishponds, said the care provided by the hospice was “so wonderful”, he wanted to give something back. He said: “Before Tim died

we decided we wanted to support the cause in some way. The staff were amazing and cared for Tim and his family in a very difficult time. Once we had decided we wanted to do something we had to pick our event. I searched for ‘shortest run’ and the Firewalk popped up. I’m not much of a runner so I decided this was much more my style.” The event took place in Millennium Square in Bristol, where around 70 people participated. Events fundraiser at St Peter’s Hospice, Maria del Carmen Moon Park, said: “Every penny counts for small local hospices like ours. This was a great opportunity for people to attempt something exciting and impressive.” To donate, visit James's Just Giving page: www.justgiving. com/marlowsfeetsmell.

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April, 2014

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News Changing times, but group’s going strong at 80! On Thursday, May 8, a special service will be held in Keynsham Baptist Church at 2.30pm to celebrate 80 years of unbroken service by the Keynsham Women's Baptist League, writes our correspondent. In January of 1934, Mrs Helen Labrum, the wife of the then minister of Keynsham Baptist Church, called a meeting of the women of the church with the intention of forming a "Women's Helpers League". This was to raise funds and to bring the women together. The first official meeting was held on February 3, 1934, and then on Tuesdays fortnightly. Various sales were arranged, including a lightning sale, a jumble sale and a highway bazaar, whatever that may have been. After the jumble sale, an ingenious idea was to make items from garments left from the sale and so make more funds. In August of that year, Mr Labrum formed a group which was to become the Men's Fireside

Fellowship (now defunct). And to make things more economical the women's group changed to meet on a Thursday to save on light and heating. The women's group then became a weekly meeting. Members were asked to pay one penny fee and one penny for a cup of tea. In 1939 an outing to London by train was arranged at a cost of sixteen and sixpence per head. Other outings included blackberrying at the Humpty

Dumps, bluebell picking and then distributing the flowers to the elderly and sick. A speaker and soloist was invited to each meeting and a book was kept of who came and with a comment by the side such as “very informative”, “humourous”, “not again”, “too long” or “did not turn up”. In those days ladies were addressed by their husband's name so it became Mrs Harry... or Mrs Fred... Ladies always wore

hats to the meeting. An average attendance was 70 with over 100 on the register. A creche was held for under school-age children with about 10 children each week. Sadly the younger ladies now work so the attendance has dropped. Many of the faithful members have now gone to their well-earned rest but the meeting continues week by week. New members are always given a very warm welcome. There is a varied programme and, of course, a cup of tea. The meeting on May 8 will have Janet and Brian Mogford as the guest speaker and soloist, a former president now living in Cornwall hopes to be with us and after the meeting a birthday cake will be cut. If anyone would like a personal invitation or more details, pleae contact the secretary Mrs Maureen Hayward on 0117 986 5817 or just turn up on the day. You will be given a very warm welcome.

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April, 2014

Feature Sky’s the

Stills from Matt Knight’s aerial film of Keynsham; right, Matt with the Phantom Vision quadcopter

Watching the sun rise over the surrounding hills while drifting several feet above St John’s Church tower would normally be a view reserved for the birds. But local film-maker Matt Knight is offering residents a different perspective on their town. Matt – himself something of an early bird – has been out and about, often at the crack of dawn, capturing local landmarks on camera as most people have never seen them before. For his bird’s eye views, however, Matt’s feet stay firmly on the ground as he uses a remotecontrolled Phantom Vision drone fitted with a camera to create the films. Starting with a remote-controlled helicopter, Matt has now been flying the equipment for 18 months and his first film is now available to view on Youtube. He said: “It takes a lot of practice to fly the Phantom Vision as it has four propellers. I really

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April, 2014

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Feature limit for Keynsham film-maker

enjoy building things and there is a great sense of satisfaction seeing something you have built fly. “A clear blue sky, a sunrise or sunset just makes the videos so much better – there is a real sense of peacefulness early in the morning with nothing much around, just a few birds flying.” The four-minute video Matt

has uploaded to Youtube takes the viewer over the Somerdale site, the Memorial Park and the town centre development. The most dramatic sequence, however, is when the camera travels from the foot of St John’s Church tower to the very top, capturing the sun as it appears over the horizon beyond.

Matt, 43, who lives in Keynsham with wife Nichola and their two daughters Katie and Amy, said: “To be able to see the area that you live in from a bird’s eye view, you just can’t beat that different perspective on where you live. “Keynsham is a good spot as there is so much green belt

around, the landscape around here and the views from Kelston are fantastic.” Now Matt is preparing for another kind of launch, unveiling a new website and offering people the chance to have their own aerial videos or photos taken – from pictures of their homes to weddings and parties. For more information, visit www.keynshamaerialphotography.co.uk, call Matt on 07971 265341 or email smatty2023@ me.com. To see his video on Youtube go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=708Q0_cnhnw.

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April, 2014

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Focus ON Gardening This is the time when days grow longer and warmer, so it is a busy month in the garden for both plants and gardeners alike. April is also traditionally a month where showers can be expected, but be prepared for dry and windy spells and water plants where necessary. Also keep a vigil for frosty nights and continue to protect vulnerable plants and shrubs. Despite the unpredictable weather, many of the most colourful flowers are in bloom this month, with bulbs putting on their finest display and ornamental fruit trees covered in blossom. The weather should be well and truly improving, and the time has come to sow and plant a huge range of plants and vegetables. April is also an ideal time for starting new plants and dividing old stock. Make room for new growth by

Photo: GreenThumb

removing weeds and tidying up flowerbeds and borders, under hedges and around shrubs. Pay special attention to the lawn, if you have not already done so. Mow the grass more frequently and apply a spring feed. There is still time to sow a lawn or lay turf, if you did not do so in March. Keep seedlings free of weeds, using the hoe at the first sign of trouble.

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April, 2014

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Gardening GreenThumb After the wettest start to a year on record, now is the ideal time to give your lawn an overhaul to ensure it returns to the peak of health over the coming spring and summer months. Often the centrepiece that sets off spectacular flowering borders, and links patio to pond and sundeck to shrubbery, the lawn is frequently the least caredfor feature in the garden. “Weeds are the bane of many lawns, and spring-time onwards is a good time to tackle them,” agrees Graham Smith, owner of local lawn treatment company GreenThumb. “Spraying the lawn with a selective herbicide can

ADVERTISING FEATURE

rid it of dandelions, daisies and clover, as well as other weeds.” In business for 13 years, GreenThumb is the area’s largest and most recommended lawn care specialist with over 3,000 customers using the regular four treatments per year service. GreenThumb uses its own unique feed systems, along with professional herbicides, which are simply not available in DIY or garden centres. GreenThumb treatments cost from just £15 per application, and the householder does not have to be in when the treatments take place. The service is pay-as-you-go and there are no customer contracts to sign. For a free lawn survey contact

GreenThumb on 01249 653765, email bath@greenthumb.co.uk or visit www.greenthumb.co.uk.

Oakwood Landscapes Oakwood Landscapes give you an inspirational garden from concept to construction. It offers a landscaping service focused on attention to detail and exacting standards. With 22 years in the

business, Nic Price has extensive experience in landscaping Bath and Somerset gardens to high standards. Using his highly dedicated landscapers team your space will be transformed into a unique garden. Once aware of your landscaping requirements we will arrange an introductory, no-commitment/ no-fee visit to look at your garden and discuss options and the way forward!

Photo: GreenThumb

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In the Garden March started with such comments as: “Is that a shoot on the fuchsia?”; “Have you seen the tips of the tulips?”; or even “I am sure I can see some blossom on the plum tree.” We are ever optimistic each spring, and what a lovely feeling it is to look forward to seeing the trees and shrubs with leaf or blossom. The cotoneaster step-over hedge has the faintest green haze on it. The hedge, only 18 inches high, is made up of about 25-30 selfseeded shoots from around the garden, planted over the last 10 years. At no cost and very little effort we have a neat boundary to the path. There is so much that can be done this time of year to replenish your own garden, or provide for friends by splitting those sturdy annuals. Now what about April? One of the major jobs will be to tend the lawn. A lot of moss has appeared and needs to be dealt with. A light raking will help but do not be too vigorous and tear out the new shoots. A proprietory feed, weed and mosskiller applied just before rain will usually do the job, but perhaps a second dressing may be necessary. When, after several weeks, the moss is looking black, take a tined rake to it and clear it out. Don’t compost

the moss – burn it or use the green waste collection. April brings showers, sunshine and weeds. I cut the grass this week and discovered some lesser celandine showing itself. It is all right in the rougher parts of the garden but not in the prized turf. An application of lawn treatment is due mid-April but once is not enough for celandine. So I spot weed them as soon as I see the little yellow flowers, about two weeks before the main treatment. This weakens them and the following grass treatment finishes them off. It is tedious and time-consuming but it is worth it. We shall be preparing our raised bed early April ready for the radishes, and in early May for the climbing dwarf beans. I shall take off the top six inches, put in a good, thick layer of garden compost and then bring the level up with new compost. That seems to suit them. My colleague from On The Plot can tell you a lot more.

On the Plot After all the wet weather followed by a dry spell I have managed to catch up with digging on the rest of my plot. The only areas left are those with the remaining crops of leeks and purple sprouting, which will last into April before being dug. I have managed to sow shallot, onion sets as well as leeks and, under cloche-cover, some beetroot, lettuce and carrots. Early potatoes can be planted now with second early and maincrop varieties following through the course of April. Plant early varieties five inches deep with 24 inches between the rows and each tuber 12 inches apart. For maincrop increase the row spacing to 30 inches and 15 inches apart. Use a draw hoe to form ridges over each row and continue to do this as the shoots appear until the ridge is at least six inches high. This is particularly important to protect the growing shoots if there is a risk of frost. Make

April, 2014

a note of the potato planting dates so that you crop them at the right time. Allow about eight weeks for earlies and at least 14 for maincrop but make sure you water them well if there is a prolonged dry spell. April is the busiest seedsowing month of the year so get your supply if you have not already done so. Follow the instructions and where possible sow short rows to avoid a glut later. Successive sowings can follow so that you get a steady supply of your chosen crop. The only exception to this is for crops that can stay in the ground until required e.g. parsnips, turnips and swede. In all instances sow thinly and be prepared to thin out the rows so that you get the correct spacing between the plants. In the past I have found this difficult to do because it seems such a waste to pull out perfectly good plants but if you don’t the end results will be disappointing. Tender vegetables can also be sown under cover in the latter part of April, including squashes, marrows, courgettes, pumpkins and sweetcorn. By providing protection and a bit of warmth the seeds should germinate within a fortnight. I sow them in peat-free compost in individual cells before potting them on into three-inch pots when the second set of leaves are formed. Make sure the compost is moist but not soaked as this will rot the seeds before they have a chance to germinate. Use a similar approach with runner beans but sow these a little later directly into threeinch pots. Keep them protected from frost until they are ready for planting in the latter part of May.

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Gardening Keynsham Timber & Hardware At Keynsham Timber and Hardware we pride ourselves on supplying only the best decking available to Bristol, Bath and Keynsham. Our range of deck boards is of high quality softwood with a range of components including newel posts, baulsters and handrails. Also available is everything required for the sub-frame, like joists and noggin. All of which provides a flexible system to create individual decking schemes and all can be cut to order. We are also one of only a chosen few in the UK to supply the Finnish thermowood Lunawood deck boards.

Whitehall Garden Centre A family-run firm since 1968 with over 40 years of garden retail experience. Whitehall has one of the largest selections of outdoor plants in the South West, including shrubs, roses, clematis, conifers, herbs, herbaceous, bedding plants, ornamental trees and

ADVERTISING FEATURE

alpine plants. We have an excellent range of gifts, reclaimed oak furniture, casual clothing and shoes, houseplants, pots and ornaments, floral gifts, garden sundries and garden furniture.

and provide a free, no-obligation and detailed quotation. All of our fences are installed in accordance with British standard 1755. Call us on 0117 330 3529 or visit www.intactfencing.com.

Waste Direct

Avon Tool Hire

We are a reliable and friendly business that will dispose of your unwanted waste in a quick, tidy and efficient mannerâ&#x20AC;Ś at affordable prices! We also aim to recycle 90% of all waste materials! Waste Direct will give you a free, no obligation quote. An independent local waste management company specialising in quick and efficient ways of disposing of your unwanted waste and always providing a friendly and very reliable service.

We are an independent tool and plant hire business in Bath, offering a range of equipment for both DIY and trade. Our experienced team are on hand to help and

advise you on your project. Delivery is available or feel free to come to our branch at Locksbrook Road, Bath, BA1 3EN.

S & R Landscaping We are based in Keynsham and provide a range of gardening and landscaping services, including decking, fencing, turfing and much more. For a free quotation and no obligation, call us on 0117 908 3664.

Intact Fencing With 10 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience our fully trained, professional installers can offer bespoke solutions with all types of fencing. We are reliable, tidy and recommended and we always use sustainable and quality pressure-treated timber. We will visit your site

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April, 2014

News Reggae stars headlining at long-running festival Group appeals for best walks ADVERTISING FEATURE

Reggae band Black Roots, originally from St Paul’s in Bristol, are among the headliners at VegfestUK Bristol 2014, alongside Boney M, Rose Royce, Abba Gold, Ruts DC, Zion Train and Peter Hook and the Light (ex-Joy Division/New Order) on May 23-25. Now in its twelfth year, VegfestUK is one of the longest running annual festivals in Bristol and regularly attracts 20,000 visitors over three days to the Harbourside for this feast of vegetarian food and great music. With a disco theme on Friday, punk on Saturday and reggae on Sunday, this family-friendly event remains a firm favourite

among foodies and music fans alike. Advance tickets are currently on a buy one get one half price offer until the end of April for the evening performances – Friday, May 23, is disco with Boney M, Rose Royce and Abba Gold and tickets are £15 in advance (kids under 16 – £3); tickets for Saturday, May 24’s punk session with Peter Hook and Ruts DC are priced £10 available in advance, and the Sunday reggae session with Black Roots and Zion Train is £5 advance. Daytime admission 11am-6pm Saturday and Sunday is only £3, kids under 16 free. For full details see http://bristol.vegfest.co.uk/ ticket-information.

Residents have the chance to win a meal for two by sharing their favourite local walk. The Walkers are Welcome steering group held its first public meeting on March 20 to discuss its plans to join a national scheme, promoting Keynsham as a destination for walkers. The event was attended by more than 20 residents and representatives of local walking groups, who suggested places for walkers to visit and offered help to the project. The competition was also announced, in which residents are asked to share their best idea for a local walk to be in with a chance of winning a £50 meal for two at the Old Manor House, courtesy of Simply Carpets. Entry forms are available from Keynsham Town Council offices and the winner will be announced on April 15.

The next step for the group, said a spokesman, would be to arrange monthly walks beginning in May and to discuss the possibility of holding a walking festival in August. He said: “Because of the support the group can now move forward with our application to join the national Walkers are Welcome scheme. “Already much preparatory work has been done, with some walks available in leaflet form, as is guidance for walkers and walk leaders alike.” The town council is funding the £50 membership fee for the scheme. Anyone who wants to get in touch with the steering group can email chairman David Johnson at davidgeojohnson@yahoo. co.uk. More information is also available at the website www. walkersarewelcome.org.uk.

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April, 2014

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News

Chamber of Commerce with chairman Lynn Young Food Festival 2014 – John Paget kindly organised the Food Festival last year and is now looking for someone to take over the co-ordination for this year’s festival, which will also include a fruit and vegetable show. Anyone interested in taking on this role should contact John Paget or email info@keynshamchamber.org. uk for more information. Guest speaker – Sara Dixon addressed the membership on behalf of B&NES Council. The town centre is opening in September/October this year. It includes 20,000 sq ft of retail units, with council offices for 650 staff. Members were concerned that tenants in the Riverside site had been getting conflicting messages from the council, with some being told that they need to be out by the end of next year. The timescale needs to be clarified and the tenants informed – Sara will

get more information out to them. The units available in the development need to be furnished by the ingoing tenant. The units can be supplied finished but the rent will reflect the additional cost in providing a ready-to-move-in unit. Members thought the rents were too high, higher than in Bath. As yet Sara has no news of any retailers who have signed up to go into the new centre. Vacant shop – The empty shop next to Greggs in the High Street is now let, but not to Caffé Nero. It is understood a local business is moving in. Confirmed speakers for April 7 – Sally Deacon from Norton Tax Office and Sue Paulley from Chartex Accounting and Taxation will answer questions on the Chancellor’s Budget announcement. Next meetings – May 12 and June 2, starting at 6pm in The Old Manor House.

The Lounge salon director Kelly Small and assistant manager Matt Abreu with representatives from Time Out and Hop, Skip and Jump

Salon team share out funds Salon staff who donated their takings from an entire day to two youth groups have handed over the cash to the local causes. Members of Keynsham's Time Out Youth Drop-In Centre visited The Lounge in the High Street, along with representatives from Kingswood’s Hop, Skip and Jump charity where the team from the barbers split more than £700 between them. On Saturday, March 1, The Lounge hosted a fundraising day

where staff worked from 8am to 5pm offering their barbering skills to customers in return for a donation of £5, with all proceeds going to the two chosen good causes. Assistant manager Matt Abreu said: “It was extremely busy but fun and we feel delighted to have helped make a difference to the lives of local kids. Keynsham has a fantastic community which we really feel part of, so it’s great to give something back.”

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April, 2014

Advertising feature Home care putting people first Many years working in any sector of business provides a fantastic insight into how things can change for the better, and rapidly too. You instinctively know when things are working well and when they need improving. My experience of the home care industry, first as a carer, then as a care manager, taught me a lot. Now running my own home care service, I’m happy to share my knowledge and learning and provide people with a quality service based on proven good practice. While it’s true that more stringent national policies and legislation have helped drive the industry forward and improve the general standard of home care, it remains vital to remember at all times that it’s a people business and no two people are the same. That’s why at Goldcare Professionals I’m very keen

on creating personalised care plans with clients, their families and friends, which truly reflect individual people’s needs. Things can change though, so the care plan can’t be permanently set in stone. It needs to be flexible enough to react to changes in people’s

personal circumstances and unforeseen events that influence the care that’s needed. The quality of home care that’s provided is of course inextricably linked to the calibre of the carer. While direct experience and good character are paramount, training is

important too. I’ve always been very keen, therefore, on carers undertaking vocational training courses and in particular having a minimum Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Communication is also vital in the delivery of the best home care service. Our clients, their family, our carers and care managers, everyone needs to know how things are going. Registered with the Quality Care Commission (CQC), Goldcare Professionals offers a wide range of home care services with one clear goal: To help maintain the independence of people in their own homes and local community. For further information please visit our website at www. goldcareprofessionals.com Julie Michalak, Managing Director, Goldcare Professionals

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April, 2014

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News

Tap class prove they’re top class! Members of the Keyford Dancing School adult tap class tapped their way to the top at the Highbridge Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 8, winning a bronze medal for their performance. The women, who dance on Wednesday evenings at the Fry Club, are taught by Becky Florey, who also takes a street dance class for teenagers and a level 1 adult tap class.

All these groups will be entering for Medal Tests in Keynsham when the dancing school runs its next session in the River Suite on May 18. In November, all pupils from the Keyford Dancing School, which is currently celebrating its 40th year, will be performing in a show at the town’s Broadlands Academy and rehearsals will soon be under way.

Life at factory caught on film by Rebecca Day Due to popular demand, former staff at Fry’s chocolate factory will be showcasing films from the company’s archive, and sharing their mountain of chocolate knowledge. The films will be shown at the former Cadbury factory as part of the Fry Club’s “Somerdale Memories on Film” event. Previous showings have been well supported, with around 200 people in attendance. Films include a silent film from 1928 about two children who arrive, by boat, on the bank of the river Avon on the east side of the factory site; a film from 1938 called “A day in the life of Somerdale”, and “Fry’s at War” captured during the Second World War. A 1977 BBC documentary about industrial relations and the modernisation of production at Somerdale will be shown in the second half of the evening.

During the interval, a ploughman’s lunch is served and guests are given the opportunity to taste some chocolate. There is also a table of artifacts linked to key historical moments at Somerdale, and representatives from Frenchay Museum will be on hand to answer questions about the Fry family. Local photographer David Calvin will also be displaying a number of thought-provoking pictures taken at the factory. The night concludes with a selection of production processes – including how Crunchies were made – captured on film before manufacturing ceased in 2011. The event is planned for May 11, from 7-10pm, and is strictly ticket only. For more details or to book tickets, contact Fry Club on 0117 986 5787 or email enquiries@ fryclubconference.co.uk.

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April, 2014

In Good Health with Anna Casey, pharmacist at Chandag Road Pharmacy Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Infectious Illnesses Chicken pox Chicken pox is a mild and common childhood virus that most children will catch at some point. It causes a rash of red itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, they then crust over to form scabs which eventually drop off. Symptoms vary from child to child, some children will have just a few spots but in some cases the spots will cover the entire body. Chicken pox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is spread quickly and easily through coughs and sneezes of someone who is infected and is more common between March and May. Children under ten are most likely to get chicken pox and about 90 per cent adults are immune to the condition because they have

can also give an antihistamine to ease itching. It is not usually necessary to see a GP unless the blisters become infected or your child has pain in their chest or difficulty breathing.

had it before. Chicken pox is most infectious one to two days before the rash starts until all the blisters have crusted over, usually five to six days after the start of the rash. It is important to keep children with chicken pox away from people at risk of problems, including newborn babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system. There is no specific treatment for chicken pox but there are things you can buy from pharmacies to alleviate symptoms such as paracetamol for fever and calamine lotion. You

Slapped cheek syndrome Slapped cheek syndrome usually affects children aged between six and ten and most cases develop during early spring. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19 which is an airborne virus spread through coughs and sneezes. The most common symptom is the appearance of a distinctive bright red rash on the cheeks. Most children will not need treatment as it will usually pass in a few days. Occasionally it can last up to four to five weeks. Scarlet fever Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness that causes a distinctive

widespread pink rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and can be itchy. Other symptoms include high temperature, flushed face and swollen tongue. Symptoms usually develop two to five days after infection although you will be contagious before showing any signs of the illness. Scarlet fever is extremely contagious and can be caught by breathing in bacteria in airborne droplets, touching the skin of an infectious person and sharing contaminated towels and bedding. It usually affects children aged between two and eight. Most cases of scarlet fever go away in about a week without treatment but a course of antibiotics reduces the length of time you are contagious and speeds up recovery. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and paracetamol is advisable for high temperatures.

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April, 2014

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Nostalgia

Picture courtesy of Bygone Bristol

Youngsters gathered in Saltford High Street. For more on pictures and publications from Bygone Bristol call 0117 942 3177.

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April, 2014

Looking your best with Hannah Saunders of Keynsham’s Beauty at Serendipity

Sun exposure and skin ageing Woo hoo – we are now leaping into spring, with the hope of lots of sunshine to come. I write this when it is very overcast outside so am dreaming of sunnier days. I, like many, am a complete sun worshipper – there is no nicer feeling than when the sun is out. I am definitely missing it after living in Spain. However, we still have to be cautious of the sun even when it is hiding as even on cloudy or overcast days UV light can strike the skin and cause damage. Our skin is an excellent record keeper: every moment of exposure to daylight adds up like money in the bank, the problem is the payoff known as sun damage (also known as photodamage). As the top cause of premature signs of skin ageing, sun damage shows on

the skin in the form of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. I have abused the sun in the past before I was educated on the effects it can have on our skin and how to look after it and protect it from the sun. In a recent study from Australia it has been proven that regular use of sunscreen helps keep us looking younger, which means incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. The study of 903 adults under the age of 55 found that after 4.5 years, those assigned to slather on sunscreen at least once a day saw 24 per cent less skin ageing — at least on the back of their hands — than those left to follow any sunscreen habits they liked. There is lots of research out there and so much information available. Basically, UV light

damages collagen and other fibres that keep skin smooth and taut. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against those rays. I personally use a tinted moisturiser with an SPF 20, which is above the dermatologist recommendation of 15 minimum. Today’s sophisticated formulas and technology let you select sun protection that works with your skin condition. That means you can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or

chemical-free formulas for sensitized, reactive skin. To achieve a healthier and brighter complexion, apply your SPF daily and when you are on holiday or in the sun lounging around here are a few handy tips:  When in doubt, apply (and reapply!)  Why? It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen: you must apply enough, and apply frequently. Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.  How much? A teaspoon for the face. For the body, about as much as would fill a shot glass.  How often? Reapply every two hours. Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can. Here’s to the sun! Hannah x

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April, 2014

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News Buses to shops and a singalong A new bus service taking people living in and around Keynsham straight to the town’s newest supermarket is being launched this month. Keynsham and District Diala-Ride has announced a new weekly service taking passengers from their door to the new Waitrose store in Broadmead Lane. The service will first run on Thursday, April 15, starting in Pensford at 10am and calling at Woollard, Marksbury, Compton Dando, Corston, Waitrose at 10.45am and Keynsham Post Office at 11am. The return journey begins at 12.30pm from Keynsham Post Office, then 12.45pm from Waitrose before making its way back along the route to arrive in Pensford at 1.30pm. Fares are £3.50 return for those with a Diamond Travelcard

and £7 for those without, and people must register with Keynsham and District Dial-a-Ride to be able to use it. Those who enjoy a singalong can also take advantage of another service the organisation offers – taking passengers to Golden Oldies at Carrswood Day Centre on the last Thursday of every month. The Golden Oldies charity was launched six years ago and gives people the chance to sing old favourites from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies together. The bus pick-up point is outside Carpenters Lane Day Centre in Keynsham at 10am, returning from Carrswood at 11.30am. For more information on the bus services and to register with Keynsham and District Dial-aRide, call 01225 395321 or email admin@keynshamdialaride. co.uk.

Pen to Paper with Keynsham Creative Writers We are regularly featuring a piece of writing from Keynsham’s own Creative Writers. The group meets at Keynsham Library on the second and fourth Monday of the month and new members are always welcome.

The Moon and the Night A black bank of trees leans against a turquoise sky, grey casting into tawny shadows; the last of the light shimmers in my eye, making riddles of the early night. A shy moon shines below the skyline, its light curves; illuminating cloud, cold permeates, fierce, to the bone, a faint buzz of engines, echoes across the furze,

a fox calls; no human soul, the night whispers promises to me. a groaning breeze, kisses falling leaves, I kneel as the moon breaks I try to touch the broken moon to take it into me, the past and future, are woven into her light. I thought I’d been forsaken, but the night calls me here again with her black eyes and hidden glory, she reaches into me and leaves her seed, and I am hers. Sarer Scotthorne

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News

Thought for the month with Simon Howell, Keynsham Vicar and Somerset Inter Faith Advisor

Where does music come from?

As a trained musician, this was the first thought that came into my head that got me thinking about “The Great Beyond”. I remember watching a documentary about the iconic singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, where her one-time boyfriend Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills & Nash) described her songwriting method. She would apparently sit for hours as if she were channeling the music from somewhere. He would try to get her attention, but she wouldn’t hear him – her mind was in a space where she could receive and interpret the melodies that came to her. But came to her from where? I think another iconic rockstar, Sting, spoke for many of

us when he described music as his spiritual path. Music seems to have, for us, the power to open and give glimpses of a new spiritual dimension. What is the new dimension like?

April, 2014

The most complete sighting I ever had was at the end of one Good Friday service when I was playing the piano. I was leading the congregation in singing the great African-American hymn written by slaves in the 19th century: “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” It being Good Friday – with Jesus in his tomb – we sang the last verse quietly as a prayer of longing: “Were you there when God raised him from the dead?” For me, in that moment, the gates of heaven opened and I saw in my mind from where Jesus was coming. It was the place from whence we all came, and a place we therefore have a distant memory of – as the home to which we yearn one day to return.

Charity to help its members explore Young people with learning difficulties will be given extra support to make the move from a local charity’s youth club to its 18+ group. A new club, Go Explore, has been launched by Keynsham and District Mencap Society in a 12week pilot to help young people who find the change difficult, by building their confidence, social skills and life skills. Go Explore will be based at @One in Keynsham and will offer members trips into the community such as bowling or meals out, and if the initiative is successful the charity plans to run the club long-term alongside the seven groups it already runs for more than 160 members of all ages. Manager Laura Jefferies said: “This pilot scheme is a great way for us to learn from our members about what they want from their club. We’re very grateful to St John’s and @One staff who have been really helpful and accommodating.”

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April, 2014

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Since the long-awaited Easter break falls this month, I thought I would focus on the idea of home, in the hope that my loyal readers all get to enjoy some quality time at home (whatever that might mean for you) over the holiday period. Adult Fiction  For One More Day by Mitch Albom By the author of the bestseller The Five People You Meet in Heaven, this novell similarly deals with a magical “what-if” situation. Charley Benetto is unfairly forced to choose between his mother and father at an early age. He chooses to follow the ways of his father and ends up being destroyed by alcohol, full of regret for the way his life has turned out. Things come to a head when he learns that his only daughter has refused to invite him to her wedding. He decides to end it all, but not before making a final trip home to the house where he was born. He is astonished to find his late mother there, who welcomes home her prodigal son. Charley is then granted what many of us must have wished for at one time or another: one last day to review the events of the past and try to make good. Can he get his life back on track or has he left it too late? Adult Non-Fiction  Interiors by Nina Campbell In this coffee table book, the celebrated interior designer Nina Campbell displays eight of her most recent design

with Sarah Wookey from Keynsham Library projects. These include a city apartment, a bijou pied à terre, a country house, a Swiss chalet and a hotel. Although most of her projects are undoubtedly ambitious, there are plentyy of decorating and design ideas for those of us with rather less grandiose homes to work on. Her use of colour is remarkable able – at once soothing and striking – and she provides many workable solutions to common design problems. The perfect book to browse through over the bank holiday weekend (and without lifting a finger!). Adult Non-Fiction  Nature’s Gardener: How to garden in the 21st century by Matthew Wilson The gardening style of Matthew Wilson (formerly of the RHS), “embraces low intervention techniques and has wildlife and biodiversity in mind”. His modern gardening book deals with issues such

Follow us on Twitter @keynshamvoice as soil improvement and maintenance, recycling and sustainability, wildlife attraction, planting techniques, the importance of trees, container gardening and garden design. There’s also a glossary and lists of further reading, RHS gardens and excellent websites to visit. A beautifully illustrated book, well worth poring over from the comfort of your armchair or garden this bank holiday weekend. Adult Non-Fiction  Pâtisserie by Murielle Valette This sumptuously-illustrated book will make your mouth water and send you straight to the kitchen to start prepping! It’s a detailed, stepby-step guide to baking French pastries and desserts, covering delights such as almond tuiles, macaroons, madeleines, bavarois, floating islands, pains aux raisins and various other cakes, flans and tarts. Instructions are easy to follow and every recipe is accompanied by a photo of (hopefully) the finished result. Ummm…delicious! [Murielle Valette is head pastry chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Ockenden Manor Hotel.] Junior Fiction  The Haunting of Charity Delafield by Ian Beck Charity Delafield lives in a huge, isolated mansion with an overbearing father who denies her any contact with the world beyond their imposing iron gates. He has told her that she suffers from a mysterious

illness and must not over-exert or over-excite herself; there are even certain rooms in the house that, he warns, she must never enter. Her life is restricted beyond belief; her only friends are Nurse Rose and Mr Tompkins, the cat. Charity has a recurring dream in which she is in a dark corridor, somewhere within the house. One day she stumbles upon the very same corridor but in waking hours… A traditional read for children of 9+, with a very satisfying final twist.

Library News Library opening hours for the Easter period are as follows: Good Friday: CLOSED Easter Saturday: 9am-4.30pm Easter Day: CLOSED Easter Monday: CLOSED  There will be a children’s Easter craft activity in the library on Saturday, April 19, from 10am-noon and 2-4pm.  The library is currently displaying the contents of the 1964 time capsule. You can also suggest which objects you would like to see put in to the 2014 time capsule. The closing date for suggestions is Wednesday, April 30.  The library will be hosting a Book Swap Coffee Morning on Tuesday, April 22, from 10amnoon. Bring along a book you’ve read and swap it for something another reader has enjoyed... or not! Meet fellow readers and enjoy a cup of coffee.

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April, 2014

Profile: Denise Stirrup, pressed flower art My hobby of “playing” with pressed flowers began over 30 years ago when a friend invited me to use some of her flowers to make a bookmark. Working with pressed flowers was something I could do in an odd few minutes when my young family were out of the way. To learn more I joined The Pressed Flower Guild, as I found they held workshops and seminars for all levels of pressed flower “fanatics”! When I retired from the NHS a few years ago my “business”,

Real Pressed Flowers, grew due to my husband’s work on launching a website for me. There is a lot of satisfaction from growing, pressing and then using the flowers to create a piece of work. I enjoy making special occasion greeting cards to order and I like to know as much about the recipient as possible to give the card a personal touch. Entering competitions and working for awards in the PFG has improved the standard of my work, as well

as teaching groups of people to spread the joy I get from working with pressed flowers. The local group of The Pressed Flower Guild meets near Keynsham, at Timsbury, six times a year on a Tuesday. We plan the programme in advance and welcome visitors to spend the day with us. For more details, please contact me on 01275 332912 or visit www.realpressed flowers.co.uk or www.pressed flowerguild.org.uk.

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with StrEAT Greek, Greek food caterers

Ingredients For the custard filling 1 pack of bought filo pastry – it will use 12 sheets of filo in total 110g sugar 1 litre milk 175g semolina 6 eggs 1tbls vanilla extract For the syrup 500g sugar 375ml water Juice of half lemon Peel of lemon 1 tbls vanilla extract/essence Method To make the custard filling, put sugar and milk in a pan and heat while adding the semolina gradually, stirring constantly. Before it thickens completely, remove it from the heat. Wait for the boiling to stop and then gradually

Galatoboureko (custard pie)

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add the whisked eggs and the vanilla. In a baking tin, put one layer of filo pastry and lightly coat the layer with either melted, unsalted butter or light vegetable oil. Repeat this so there are six layers of filo pastry in the base of the tray.

Then add the custard filling and smooth out. Add another six layers of Filo pastry repeating the same method as you did for the base, buttering each layer. Carefully cut individual portions by cutting through the top layers of

filo pastry. (It is easier to cut the filo pastry before it is cooked.) Bake in an oven at 190ºC for 30 minutes, until the filo has gone a dark, golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, make the syrup. Place sugar, water, lemon juice and peel in a saucepan and bring to the boil for 10 mins. Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract at the end of boiling. Take the pan off the heat and wait for the pie to finish cooking. Once cooked, remove from the oven and immediately pour the vanilla syrup over the entire pie. Allow the pie to cool completely and the custard to set/ syrup to absorb. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen. Eat at room temperature and make sure you spoon over the syrup when serving.  StrEAT Greek can be found at Keynsham Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of the month. Visit mezedelights.co.uk, email mezedelights@gmail. com, or follow @streatgreek on Twitter.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

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April 8

 This month St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild’s speaker will be Debbie Keeling and the subject is Bath Rapeseed Harvest. Very intriguing! the meeting takes place at the Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham, from 9.45-11.45am. All new members and visitors will be made very welcome and they will hear about the various subgroups who meet outside of the normal monthly get-together. St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Fear Hall, Keynsham from 9.4511.45am. They are a friendly, outgoing group of ladies who enjoy interesting speakers and numerous sub-group outings and activities. Do come along to our next meeting for a coffee/tea and biscuits and you will be made most welcome.

April 9

 Youngsters can join Heavenly Hedgerows’ Chris Westgate for a morning of foraging in the countryside surrounding Newton Farm Shop, 10.30am-12.30pm. Cost £12.50 per child and £7.50 per adult. Booking essential, call 01225 873707, email celia@ newtonfarmfoods.co.uk or roz. golding@newtonfarmfoods.co. uk, alternatively visit the farm shop.

April 9-12

 Keynsham Youth Theatre perform the national youth premiere of The Decent Rogues at Broadlands Academy at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets are £8 and are available from the Box Office on 01761 414957 or book online at the group’s website www.kyt.ticketsource. co.uk.

April 10

 Wild Thursday at Abbotts Woods, 2.30-5pm. Meet up at Abbotts Woods for a good old-fashioned outdoor play session. Suitable for younger children up to 10 years of age. Email keynsham.caterpillars@ gmail.com for details. Visit

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Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club, society or community group in the Keynsham area? Send details to news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk or call us on 07887 561567 and we will make sure thousands of people in and around Keynsham know about it. keynshamcaterpillars.blogspot. com.

April 15

 Teddy Bears Build a Den at Manor Woods, 2.30-5pm. Come along with your teddy, your picnic and get den-building! Suitable for younger children up to ten years of age. Email keynsham.caterpillars@gmail. com for details. See keynsham caterpillars.blogspot.com

April 17

 A 2.5-mile walk from Burnett with Age UK’s Keynsham Bus Stop Walks, along field edges and the banks of the River Chew. Call Norman on 0117 9863530 or 07724 122381 or Heather on 0117 9866316 or 07762 906253 for more details.

April 19

 The City of Bath Heraldic Society hosts a talk – Genealogy and the Heraldist – by Ann Ballard, at 2.30pm at Manvers Street Baptist Church Halls, Bath. Visitors £3. Further information from honorary secretary John Uncles on 01749 870158 or at john.janet@uwclub. net.

April 26

 Spring “New To You” sale in aid of Butterflies-Haven. St John’s Community Hall, 11am-1pm. Includes refreshments and a grand raffle draw.  Flashmob to celebrate the best of Keynsham, 1-1.30pm, at the Bandstand in Keynsham Memorial Park. All welcome to take part, including local community groups and organisations. All groups are asked to bring something that represents them, whether a banner or equipment. Organised by Time Out and Fringe Arts Bath. Photos from the event will be displayed at the arts festival.

April 26-27

 Have a go at canoeing and kayaking right by the river at Saltford Shallows, BS31 3EX. Organised by Globe360 Kayak Club. All the boats and kit are provided, with plenty of people

there to help and answer questions. Competitions and fun for all. 10am-4pm.

April 27

 Keynsham Wombles local rubbish pick, 11am-1pm, meet in the gravel car park by the Lock Keeper pub. All ages welcome, please come and help. Children must be accompanied by an adult. See www.facebook.com/ keynshamwombles or www. transitionkeynsham.org.

April 28

 Annual Town Meeting, all Keynsham residents welcome. Keynsham’s new neighbourhood police inspector Sarah Treweek will be speaker at this year’s meeting, which will take place from 7.30pm at Keynsham Baptist Church, High Street, Keynsham, and will include the presentation of the annual Good Citizens Award.  Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society hosts an illustrated talk by Nigel Coombs: “Shipping in the Port of Bristol”. The Key Centre, Victoria Methodist Church, Charlton Road, Keynsham at 7.30pm. Visitors, £2.50.

April 29-May 3

 Keynsham Light Opera Group presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I at Saltford Hall at 7.30pm with a matinee performance on May 3. Tickets from 07580 259 757 or visit www.klogs.co.uk.

May 1

 Keynsham Film Works will be screening Side Effects, a psychological thriller and satire starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Channing Tatum and Jude Law and directed by Steven Soderbergh. Certificate 15. Fry Club, 7.45pm start, £5 for guests. For more information about the group and membership, visit www.keynshamfilmworks.co.uk.

May 6

 Saltford Ladies’ Gardening Club meet at Saltford Hall (Wansdyke room) at 10am on the first of the month. Speaker is Sue

April, 2014

Smith on “Not so common on the Common”. £2 incl. Refreshments, new members welcome, call Debbie on 01225 872450.

May 10

 A 25-year reunion for Broadlands class of 1989, to be held at 7.30pm in the skittle alley at The New Inn, Keynsham. If you were in this year it would be great to see you.

What’s on in Keynsham on a regular basis  Passionate about local libraries, communities and history? Why not join the Friends of Saltford Library? The group organises author visits, coffee mornings, poetry evenings, writing workshops and visits to nearby places of historical interest. Call 01225 394041 or email june_wentland @bathnes. gov.uk.

Monday  Keynsham Bridge Club is a friendly local club which meets every Monday evening, 7pm, upstairs at the Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham. We play Duplicate Bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment, and would welcome new members who have just learned to play bridge, and others looking to improve their skills and enjoy an evening of bridge. For more information please contact Pauline or Robert on 0117 9858495.  50+ Light and Easy Exercise classes would welcome new members to their group. Fun, friendly and social class on Mondays, 10-11am, at Keynsham Methodist Church, Key Centre. Cost £4 per session. Call Jenny for details on 0117 961 3327.  The Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion Keynsham would be delighted to welcome new members. They meet upstairs at the RBL Club on the first Monday of each month, 7.30pm. Occasional speakers, social events and outings. Why not come along and meet new friends?  Key Voices, Keynsham’s friendly community singing group is looking for new members. Monday from 7.15-9.30pm during

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

 Keynsham Writing Group meets in the library on the second and fourth Monday of the month, from 2.30-4pm. We are a small, friendly group and welcome new members of all abilities. Call Pat on 0117 986 4722.  Keynsham Machine Knitting Club. We meet on the second Monday in the month at Stirling Way Community Centre, Keynsham, 2-4pm. We have two club machines to practice knitting. Help and tuition will be given to get you knitting again. We try to have at least four speakers/demonstrators a year. Please come along and join us, we are a very friendly club. Please call Margaret on 0117 986 5559.  Short mat bowls – learn to play with a really friendly mixed group at Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham on Mondays, 1.304pm, and/or Fridays, 7.309.30pm, until mid-May. Everyone welcome, free trial. Ring Clive on 0117 986 6793 or just turn up and ring the doorbell.

Tuesday  St John’s Toddler Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday during term-time from 9.4511.30am in St John’s Church Hall, Keynsham. Children aged 0-4 years can come and play with a wide range of toys and take part in craft activities and singing every week. Refreshments included. Everyone welcome – first session free of charge. For further details, please contact Natalie McOmish on 0117 986 7056.  Line Dance Class, at The Fry Club, Carter Room, 7-8pm for complete beginners, 8.15-9.45pm for beginners. Every Tuesday except April 15 and May 13. Entry £3.50, everyone welcome, just turn up or call Jacqi on 0117 373 0720 or 07974 120184 or Lyn on 0117 956 9548 for details.  Free 45-minute buggy walk for parents, newborns, babies and toddlers, first and third Tuesdays of the month, 9.55am meet for 10am start at Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham. Email buggywalk@

gmail.com or find Bristol NCT on Facebook.  Keynsham new parents and babies coffee and tea morning, First and third Tuesdays of the month, 10.45-11.45am, Victoria Methodist Centre, Charlton Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 2JA. Purpleyoga30@gmail.com  Activity Days at @One, St John’s Church, Keynsham. The activities are cookery or art in the morning (10-2pm) then drama in the afternoon (2pm-4pm) for people with learning disabilities, £33.33 for full day, please bring packed lunch. Call the Swallow office to book on 01761 414034 or email judy@swallowcharity. org.  Wellsway Ladies’ Badminton Club, 7.30-9.30pm at Keynsham Leisure Centre. For details, contact Jenny on 0117 986 8331.  Boogie Nights at St John’s Church Hall, Keynsham. Dance class and social evening for people with learning disabilities, 7-9pm, £7 per class (soft drinks and snacks provided). Please contact the Swallow office to book on 01761 414034 or email judy@swallowcharity.org.

next meeting for a coffee/tea and biscuits and you will be made most welcome.  Popular sequence dances at The Fear Hall, Keynsham, 7.30-10pm. Anyone interested in dancing welcome, friendly atmosphere, first visit free. Information on 0117 986 2819 or 0117 986 4014.

Wednesday  The Community@67 Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm. The 2014 season has started and our members have been introduced to a number of new authors and a wide variety of different categories. Anyone interested can ring 0772 762 6794 or just come along. The book club meets at 67 Queens Road, Keynsham BS31 2NW.  ChoirJam, Keynsham’s fun pop choir, meets on Wednesdays, 11am-12.30pm during term-time at Fear Hall, Keynsham. We sing everything from James Taylor to Adele and perform with a live band! Adults aged

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term-times at Castle School in Newlands Road. Cost £4 per session, £3 concessions. Call Roy on 0117 949 8587.

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April, 2014

18-80+ are welcome to join; there’s no audition and no experience necessary – just enthusiasm and a love of singing! To book a free taster session call Emma Hutchinson on 07793 983040 or visit www.choirjam. co.uk.  Keynsham Photographic Society meets at the Fear Hall at 7.30pm to enjoy all aspects of photography. We have visiting speakers; competitions; sessions to share and discuss our own photographs and opportunities to view the best amateur work from the South West. Find us online at www. keynshamphotographicsociety. co.uk and come along to our meetings to share this enthralling hobby.  More on Page 42

 KOPS is Keynsham Older People’s Social Group. This friendly group of local, older people meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Community@67, Queens Road, Keynsham at 2pm. The group is free to join but members usually bring along a small item for the raffle table. New members welcome, call Paula on 01225 484510 or Phyllis on 0117 986 8623.  Residents’ Fellowship Association, based at Hawthorn Meeting Room in Carpenters Lane, 2-4pm. Different activities, such as luncheon, quiz, games, including darts, and a committee meeting. On a Thursday afternoon we do crafts and we have a community garden. Contact Jim Lingard on 0117 986 1551.  St Keyna Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Fear Hall, Keynsham between 9.45am and 11.45am. They are a friendly, outgoing group of ladies who enjoy interesting speakers and numerous sub-group outings and activities. Do come along to our

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

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 From Page 41

Thursday  St John’s Toddler Group meets every Tuesday and Thursday during term-time between 9.45am and 11.30am in St John’s Church Hall, Keynsham. Children aged 0-4 years can come and play with a wide range of toys and take part in craft activities and singing every week. Refreshments included. Everyone welcome – first session free of charge. For further details please contact Natalie McOmish on 0117 986 7056.  A book group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm, at The Ship on Temple Street. New readers

and drinkers welcome! Email keynsham.bookclub@hotmail. com.

Friday

 Keynsham Junior Badminton Club holds weekly girls-only sessions at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham from 6-7pm. The cost is £2 per session and each term is payable in advance, with sessions run over three terms similar to the school year, from September to the end of June. Come along to a session to see how you get on. All coaches and helpers have had the enhanced CRB check and the group is registered with Badminton England and Avon County. For more details, call Gary on 07876 480846 or Alan on 07713 149788 or visit www.keynshamjbc.org. uk.  CAMEO is a friendly group providing fellowship and a wide range of activities for those living on their own. We have no set membership and we are open to all denominations or to those with no affiliations. We meet for coffee (10am-noon) at Victoria Methodist Church on the first Friday of the month and

www.keynshamvoice.co.uk we also enjoy excursions and entertainments, talks, meals out and organised holidays. If you are interested, come for coffee or contact the Church Office on 0117 914 9408 or Christopher Bailey on 01225 872784.

April, 2014

£1. Refreshments and bring and buy book stall.

Saturday

 Try short mat bowls! Learn to play with a really friendly mixed group at Fear Hall, High Street, Keynsham on Fridays 7.309.30pm and/or Mondays 1.304pm between September and mid-May. All welcome, free trial. Ring Clive on 0117 986 6793 or just turn up and ring the doorbell.

 Keynsham Junior Badminton Club holds weekly sessions at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham, with more experienced players taking to the courts from 9.30-11am and beginners and less experienced players from 11am-12.30pm. The cost is £2 per session and each term is payable in advance, with sessions run over three terms similar to the school year, from September to the end of June. Come along to a session to see how you get on. All coaches and helpers have had the enhanced CRB check and the group is registered with Badminton England and Avon County. For more details, call Gary on 07876 480846 or Alan on 07713 149788 or visit www. keynshamjbc.org.uk.

 Avon Wildlife Trust, Keynsham Local Group. Winter talks, second Friday of each month between October and April, 7.30pm at the Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS. Adults £2.50, children

 Healing on the Streets has returned; we can be found on Keynsham High Street every Saturday morning. Whether you have an emotional or physical problem we’re available to listen, talk and pray.

 Badminton. Join a very friendly mixed group who meet up every Friday to play from 10am-noon at Keynsham Leisure Centre. All are welcome, regardless of ability. Just turn up or ring Clive on 0117 986 6793.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

April, 2014

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For April, we meet Stephen and Anita Neal, owners of Keynsham Hearing Centre People are now coming from Harley Street. We also get clients who don’t like national companies so ask us to look after them. Our furthest recommendation came from a discussion in China! What makes your service different from what other companies offer? Having mentioned the soundproofed test room, Stephen also has the patience and ability to assist and give clients the time required to accustom themselves to wearing hearing aids, meeting their individual needs. This also involves the skill of taking a good impression of the ear where necessary as it’s very important to get this procedure correct. Stephen is the only hearing aid audiologist they will see and he will have built up a history and rapport with the client.

Keynsham Hearing Centre was established in 2002. The centre is the only family-run, independent hearing centre in Keynsham dispensing and fitting bespoke hearing aids, and is run by Stephen and Anita Neal. Stephen Neal (FSHAA, AIHHP, HCPC) has been in this line of work for nearly 25 years. He started out making hearing aids, and qualified in 1997 as an audiologist and worked with national companies and independents, but wanted to open his own centre where he could create a friendly, relaxed environment and a very personal service that would make clients feel at ease. What service do you provide to the people of Keynsham? We were recently referred to as being among “the top one per cent of Hearing Aid Centres in the world” by Prof Jason A Galster (FAA, CC-A). We have a fully-equipped, sound-dampened test room, and it is the only bespoke one of its type within a radius of 30-40 miles. It has the legal British Standard requirement for the hearing test. We have videootoscopy equipment, which means we can show you the ear drum. Stephen also qualified at Aston University on a Clinical Ear Care Course and now provides a

for repairs. We also offer tinnitus therapy management.

wax removal irrigation service. Technology has developed in leaps and bounds in recent years. We are able to supply all levels of technology (from budget to top-of-the-range) and noise protection ie for DJs, industrial noise, shooting, motorbikes and swim/sleep moulds. We deal with all the makes and manufacturers

What is the best part of running your business and working in Keynsham? We feel part of the community, and that we are helping the people who live here. Our two boys are attending Chandag and Wellsway School, and have been very active with the 1st Keynsham Scouts, which has been where a lot of our support and fundraising is focused. We have a number of clients who have been with us from day one and they like to be kept up to date regarding our sons. We also helped Harry Patch, “the First World War Last Fighting Tommy”. Though he didn’t live in Keynsham, he used to enjoy his visit to us and the town.

What are your plans for the future of the business? We would still like to relocate within Keynsham to have private parking, to benefit our disabled clients even more, and to be the best family-run, independent centre for 40 miles around. Despite all the building works, banks and competition we are still bringing business into Keynsham, and would like to thank all our existing clients for their support and look forward to meeting the new ones. Contact: Stephen and Anita Neal, Keynsham Hearing Centre, 34 Temple Street, Keynsham. Call: 0117 986 42 42 Email: info@keynhear.co.uk Website: www.keynsham hearing.co.uk

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

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April, 2014

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

April, 2014

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Charlton Road, Keynsham

ÂŁ299,950

Occupied by the current owners for 29 years, and one of only three similar properties, this purpose-built, four-bedroom, semi-detached house provides generous family accommodation. It is situated within walking distance of Keynsham High Street, and is on the bus route. Accommodation includes hall, lounge, dining room and kitchen with appliances. A gated driveway provides parking for two or three cars and leads to the garage. There is also a 66ft long rear garden. Viewing is recommended, arrange your visit on 0117 986 4815 or email keynsham@ your-move.co.uk.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

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www.keynshamvoice.co.uk

April, 2014

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

April, 2014

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Sport Wanderers debut against Vets Bristol Wanderers, a new charity rugby team based in the city, is to make its debut appearance at Keynsham on Sunday, May 4 at 1pm. The Wanderers, established by Paul Beet along with former Bristol players Simon Martin and Mark Irish, will face Keynsham’s Vets side at the Crown Field before attending Keynsham Cricket Club’s Beer and Cider Festival later that day. Former Ireland, Bristol and Bath centre Kevin Maggs plus current Bristol favourite Mariano Sambucetti have agreed to become charity ambassadors for the Wanderers. And both will be pulling on their boots for the new side, along with an array of other former internationals and professionals with links to the Bristol area. The Wanderers, who have set themselves a target of raising at least £5,000 for Children’s Hospice South West in their first

Left to right, Mark Irish, Simon Martin, Kevin Maggs, Bristol Audi head of business Steve Smith, Children’s Hospice South West fundraiser Zoe Mason, Paul Beet and Mariano Sambucetti year, will play around four games a season in the West Country. Beet said: “It’s a great chance to bring some lads together, have some fun and at the same time

raise money for an important cause. “In our first year we’ll be raising money for Children’s Hospice South West, and will select

another charity for our second season. “Everyone we speak to wants to play – and why not? The fun element comes first and on the back of that we’ll be trying to do our bit for a local charity so it’s a win-win situation.” Maggs, who currently coaches Moseley in the Championship, added: “It’s great to be using rugby to give something back – and this charity does great things. Anything we can do to help is an absolute pleasure.” The Wanderers have already attracted kit sponsorship from Bristol Audi and are also being supported by Webb Ellis, Astra Communications and Racks Wine Bar. The new team are set to enter a side in the 10s section of the West Country Sevens, also at Keynsham in June. The Wanderers can be contacted via their website: bristolwanderers.co.uk, and through Twitter @BrizWanderers.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

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April, 2014

Sport A mixed bag of results for firsts Keynsham Rugby Club’s first team started off this period with two good wins; 43-18 at home against North Bristol RFC and 26-20 at home against Bristol Harlequins. There followed three losses, though; against Bristol Saracens in a combination Cup semi-final, mid week, 8-33 against Drybrook at home and 18-37 at Barton Hill OB’s. The victory over North Bristol was made possible by the pack who were able to drive the opposition in mauls with impunity. Two such moves brought tries from skipper Matt Randall and other try scorers were both lively wings, James Hurrell-Smith and Marlon Dorset, Matt Fairless from full back and second row Gareth Jones. Paul Edson had a good day with his boot adding two penalties and five conversions. The win over ‘Quins put an end to a hoodoo going back nine years and approximately 15 matches as Keynsham managed to get one over their local rivals. Two tries by No 8 Ben Newman, converted by Paul Edson saw the Ks take a 14-3 lead – soon cut to 14-8; further tries were added by winger Rob Breckon and through the twinkling feet of centre Gaz Bradnock converted by Paul Edson secured a try bonus but a resilient ‘Quins team saw the result in doubt right to the end. The three losses thereafter were a disappointment, especially a very lacklustre performance at Barton Hill where, for once, Keynsham’s tackling and

Photos: Richard Angell

Jack Weston slips a pass for Keynsham

Tom Cheney about to touch down for Keynsham

general defence was badly at fault; it must be said though that Drybrook did perform exceptionally well and it is no surprise that they top the table. The seconds lost at home, narrowly to St Bernadettes 19-20 in a cracking good game. They were the better side and dominated in the forwards and could count themselves unlucky not to get what would have been just their second league win. Connor Yusman had a superb game and there were tries for James Marsh and Lee Tattersall; Marcus Adams converted one of these and also added the extra points to a penalty try. In their next game they lost against Stothert and Pitt 1st XV away 5-43. Despite the score-line saying otherwise, Keynsham’s pack dominated and they exerted a lot of pressure on

the home side but were not able to find anyone to finish the job. In defence, not for the first time this season, they were let down by some poor tackling. Keynsham’s points were scored from a try by Jacob Brooks. Two more defeats followed – a thrashing at home by Nailsea/Backwell 1st XV by a massive 68 points to nil and then there was a much better performance when they lost at Taunton 39-19. The thirds went down 7-33 against Gordano 2nds, also at home, where their tackling let them down. The one exception to this was Tom Palfrey who saved a couple of certain tries with magnificent tackles. Keynsham’s points were from Jake Brooks, following an American Football style pass from Danny Slade with skipper, Dave Scott,

adding the two points from his boot. In their next match they lost 7-31 away against Bristol Harlequins seconds. Their only other outing saw a narrow victory at Midsomer Norton 19-10 where the best aspects of rugby chivalry were on display with both players and officials joining in. It was a struggle, but Keynsham did manage to raise a fourth side on three occasions. They lost 50-10 against Stothert & Pitt 2nd XV but having leaked five tries in the first half the fourths put up a much better show in the second half against Stothert & Pitt 2nd XV. Two breakaway tries by the home side stopped Keynsham “winning” the second half as they scored a try wide out by Kieran Harvey, the same player converting this and slotting a penalty. Another member of the Harvey clan, patriarch Adie, was comfortably man of the match. Social rugby was the winner at Keynsham a week later where Walcott 3rds “lent” the home team several players so a game could take place. An enjoyable game was the outcome and Keynsham’s team spirit showed through in a 22-33 defeat. Ks man of the match was 18-year-old Charlie Cooke who scored two tries, one from his own 22 metre line. Two tries and a conversion from “loan” players completed Keynsham’s score sheet. The same spirit was shown by players and referee alike at Midsomer Norton with a resulting 9-6 victory going to ‘Norton.

‘Exceptional’ victory for Fry’ Tennis second team After a poor run of results Fry’s 2nd team needed to put some good matches together in March. Their first fixture was a tough match at home to top-ofthe-table Writhlington. Tony Dicker and Alex Taylor got things started in the men’s doubles, both men played well with Alex particularly impressive in his first match for the club. However, despite a valiant effort they were beaten 6-4 7-5 by a strong pair. In the ladies’ doubles Sally Difazio and Jo Taylor were at their ruthless best, trouncing the Writhlington pair 6-0 6-0. In

the 1st mixed match Tony and Sally won an epic match 6-3 4-6 7-6 despite having been down 5-1 in the final set! Mother and son then combined well in the second mixed match with Jo and Alex Taylor winning 6-1 6-1 thus securing an impressive overall 8 points to 2 win. The same four players took their good form into Fry’s next match, away to the bottom of the table SBL. None of the matches were competitive as Fry’s strolled to a 10 points to zero win. For their final match of the season at home to Hanham,

a combination of injuries and holidays meant Fry’s were struggling to field a team. Fortunately octogenarian, Brenda Findlay stepped in to save the day, joining Ann Smith, Dave Howell and Kerry Grace in the team. The Ladies’ Doubles resulted in a noble 2-6 4-6 defeat which could have gone either way in the second set. The Men came away with a 6-3 6-4 win, safely securing two points. Dave and Brenda then played exceptionally well in their Mixed Doubles and sailed through with a 6-1 6-2 win. Kerry and Ann then faced

Hanham’s first pair. They got off to a poor start losing the first set 6-2 but came back strongly in the second set winning it 7-5 win. The third set was another battle for both sides but Kerry and Ann dug in and ended up winning 7-5. With an overall points win of 8-2, Fry’s II recorded an exceptional – and unexpected – victory! This means Fry’s II finish in third place in their division, a very good achievement. For more information about Fry Tennis Club, contact Ann Smith on 0117 986 2845 or at medwaysmith@yahoo.co.uk.

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April, 2014

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Sport

Shaping up with ACT Personal Trainer Adam Exercise For Better Mental Health, Emotional Wealth and Smaller Belts This month I thought I’d attempt to tackle quite a taboo conversational topic and delve into the world of mental health and how exercise can help alleviate some of the symptoms. Mental health illnesses such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety and insomnia tend to go unnoticed and people tuck them away in the back of their minds, hoping they will eventually go away by themselves. We have a strange culture in that when anyone asks someone how they are doing, the automatic response is to just say you are fine, even if you are not. I personally feel like these issues shouldn’t be hidden. Tonnes of celebrities and sports stars suffer with them, too. It can literally affect anyone and for a multitude of reasons! Depression, for example, is estimated to affect 1 in 5 of us at some point during our life. So

as the Voice goes out to roughly 11,000 people, then by that statistic 2,200 people will either be experiencing, or will experience some symptoms in their life. That’s probably a lot more than you thought! So while many of us may not feel comfortable sharing our problems, there are things you can do to help tackle them head on. I’m here to tell you exercise is a really quick and easy way to regain control of your life and to help make positives changes and alleviate some of the symp-

toms. It does this primarily by releasing endorphins that react with the brain to give you a euphoric feeling and general positive attitude and outlook on life. Often called “the runner’s high”, it can be achieved by any forms of exercise. Endorphins help you feel better about yourself, make you feel relaxed and can aid sleep. If you are taking up exercise for the first time in a while and may be using it to help improve mood and perhaps to deal with mental health symptoms then there are three things you should consider before throwing yourself in at the deep end. Most importantly, I believe, is to pick activities you enjoy. Whether that’s walking, running, hitting the weights, swimming, playing team sports or a combination of them, the list really is endless. Set yourself realistic goals and then smash them! If you’ve never done running before then aiming to complete a marathon in the first three months is probably a

bit ambitious. Nor is it wise to go from no exercise to telling yourself you will exercise every day. Take it slowly and savour your success as you breeze past your first goal and then set yourself another one. A sense of achievement helps massively with mood. Grab a friend! Some of us are social beings, some of us are not, but it may help taking a supportive friend along with you to give you moral support, especially if you are entering a class where you may find it intimidating not knowing anyone, for example. I’ve worked with several clients who have had different forms of depression and other mental health issues, postnatal depression being the most common. Whatever you find hard in life, don’t let it get the better of you and let exercise help you to feel more like, well…. “you”! Good luck and enjoy! Adam ACT Personal Trainer

Youngsters should give golf a go Youngsters aged from seven to 18 who would like to play golf this summer are invited to join the successful junior section at Saltford Golf Club. It holds a Junior Club Night fortnightly throughout the season on Sundays at 4pm (from April 6). Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment, clubs and balls will be supplied. Junior organiser David Phillips said: “Competitions are run at these evenings for all our juniors who are already on the course but, just as importantly, we welcome newcomers whether they have played golf before or are completely new to the game.” The charge per club night is £5 per child and that will include a group lesson with one of our coaching staff, play on our academy course and food in the

clubhouse afterwards. There is no need to book ahead, just turn up on the day. The club has the “Golfmark – High Achievers” award which is only given to clubs who have shown the highest commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its junior members. Two of its three junior organisers have been in the role for 14 years so they have a wealth of experience in junior golf. If you have any queries about junior membership call Mr Phillips on 0117 947 5156.

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YourSport Are you in a local team or club or in training for a competition? Tell us about it at news@ keynshamvoice.co.uk

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April, 2014

Sport Last month started with the club receiving the Sunday Independent’s “Team of the Day” award for their excellent 2-0 away win at Almondsbury UWE in February. However the team lost their way on the field and suffered four straight defeats before a morale-boosting win at basement club Portishead Town. March began with a narrow 1-0 defeat against runaway leaders Bradford Town at the AJN Stadium in front of a bumper crowd on a beautiful spring afternoon. The next game resulted in a further setback with a 4-1 reverse at mid-table Devizes Town. The Ks made one change from the unlucky defeat against Bradford, with Liam Robson replacing Thomas BannermanWilliams. The Ks struggled in a game played at 100 miles per hour and their frailty from set pieces soon became apparent. The second-half saw a slightly better performance from the Ks, but in all honesty the Devizes custodian had little to do. A few corners were forced, but the home defence was resolute and Keynsham’s finishing left a lot to be desired. As if to sum up the malaise, Devizes again broke clear as the game moved into injury time. Keeper Matt Dunk brought the forward down for a clear penalty and the resultant spot-kick was blasted into the roof of the net. Relegation rivals Oldland Abbotonians then ended a run of 19 games without a win with a 3-0 victory in the local derby at the AJN Stadium on March 15. Despite the fantastic weather, it proved to be a dour game between two lowly sides. The first half was a very cagey affair, with both sides struggling to create any worthwhile chances on goal. Keynsham were forced into a reshuffle early on, when winger Szymon Gromek limped off after a strong challenge on 10 minutes. However Oldland took the lead right on half time when their forward broke into the penalty area and finished well into the bottom corner. That goal gave the away side something to build on, but the second half proved to be nearly as devoid of goalmouth action as the first. The closest the Ks came to an equaliser was a curl-

Keynsham Town FC News from the Crown Field

Keynsham’s Pat Davison at Wells City ing Ryan Ashwood free-kick, which went just over the bar. However Oldland’s keeper Ryan Perry, an ex-Keynsham player, had a quiet afternoon in the sunshine. Oldland then doubled their lead on 73 minutes with a pearler of a goal. The right-back found himself in an advanced position and he hit a peach of a strike into the corner of the net. To make matters worse for the home side, veteran full-back Paul Ewins was stretchered off with a serious leg injury with 20 minutes remaining. Keynsham then conceded again in the final moments, when a quick corner led to a cross and an unmarked header which was forced over the line. The recent slump in form then continued with a 2-0 away defeat at Wells City. The game started in a torrential hail storm and Keynsham began by gifting the home side two goals in the first 15 minutes. After 7 minutes, the Ks’ centre-halves both left the ball to each other and Wells’ centre-forward ran through unchallenged to slot the ball past Matt Dunk. Then things became worse when after an indecisive moment by Dunk, Ben Stiff managed to bundle the ball into his own goal. After this comedy of errors, there was little to shout about for the Ks for the rest of the game. They thought they had pulled a goal back 5 minutes before the break with a looping header, but after the referee gave the goal, his assistant ruled it out for a foul on the Wells custodian. Pat Davison then had a chance to

halve the deficit right on halftime, but he shot straight at the keeper when through on goal. Keynsham started the second half in attacking mood, but were unable to create many clear-cut chances. Things became worse with 20 minutes remaining when a Wells defended scythed down Ryan Ashwood, who had to go off with a shoulder injury. Wells’ keeper made an instinctive save from a Pat Davison shot and was then in just the right place to grasp a header from substitute Chris Lewis. The only plus point for the Ks was a welcome return from a longterm injury for Rich Healey, who put in his usual good shift in midfield. The following Tuesday, the Ks visited bottom-of-theleague Portishead and at last reversed their recent form with a deserved 2-0 victory. Keynsham started brightly, with Pat Davison, Ryan Ashwood & Josh Rice causing the home defence problems. However clear-cut chances were at a premium and despite a flurry of corners, the Ks could not capitalise on their superiority. Rich Healey seemed to suffer a broken nose after 15 minutes, but in his typical hard-man fashion he carried on regardless. Ashwood then pulled a hamstring on 25 minutes and had to be replaced by Chris Lewis. This seemed to disrupt them and the home side came more into the game, forcing Matt Dunk into a fine save just before half-time. Gaffer Steve Cains obviously gave his troops a roasting at

half-time, as the second-half saw a totally different Keynsham. The first 20 minutes of the half saw Pat Davison force the home keeper into a good save, Chris Lewis hit the post with a 25-yard free-kick and efforts by Scott Brain and Josh Rice go narrowly wide. Then on 67 minutes, the pressure finally told, with Pat Davison forcing the ball home at the far post after a goalmouth scramble. The home side had little to offer, although the Ks had a scare with 10 minutes left when a nasty bounce on the bobbly pitch forced keeper Dunk to miskick a back pass, which fortunately went wide of the post and out for a corner. However they defended resolutely and dealt comfortably with everything Portishead threw at them. Finally on 90 minutes, they made the game safe when man of the match Luke Lipinski ran on to a through ball and calmly slotted the ball past the home keeper, resulting in joyous scenes both on the pitch and off with the team’s usual excellent away following. As the season moves into the final straight, that priceless win moved Keynsham 10 points above the relegation zone. Keynsham’s Reserves took a solitary point from their three games in March and currently lie 11th in the Somerset County Division One with 28 points from 27 games. The “A” team managed two wins and two defeats last month and are in eighth place in the Bristol & Suburban League Division Two, having taken 16 points from their 13 games so far. The Under-18s only played one game in March and are eighth in the Somerset FA Floodlit League North, with nine points from 10 games. The last month of the season sees home games for the First XI against Cribbs (Saturday April 5 – 3pm kick-off), Westbury United (Saturday, April 12– 3pm kick-off) and Roman Glass St George (Easter Monday, April 21 – 3pm). There is a Wednesday evening visit to Cheddar on April 9 (7.30pm kick-off) and the final away game of the season is a Good Friday (April 18) visit to Ashton & Backwell United.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Got news? Call Joni on 07887 561567. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk

April, 2014

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