THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
19th October 2022
Issue 752
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‘Orwellian’ concern over public consultation South Gloucestershire Council has been blasted over the
Cllr Boulton said the report highlighted
handling and outcome of a public consultation into the
that overall the results were “balanced”
creation of new town and parish councils.
but only 39% of those who responded
Speaking at last Wednesday’s council meeting, Labour
actually thought a new parish for Staple
councillor Ian Boulton said the Conservative-controlled
Hill & Mangotsfield would be of
authority had not listened to the views of local people.
benefit: “So I find the word ‘balanced’
Regarding a new parish council for Staple Hill & Mangotsfield
virtually Orwellian in its double speak
274 people responded (2.5% of the population) with 39%
and I hope no council officer has had
backing the idea and 49% preferring no change.
their hands dirtied in the production of
Kingswood’s population of close to 22,000 residents were
this
consulted about whether they wanted a town council and 320
contributions made by members of the
responded of whom half were against and 42% in favour.
public, has perversely led the regulatory
report
which,
despite
the
Cllr Boulton, who represents
committee to reach the conclusion that
the
&
residents would accept the imposition of
Mangotsfield ward on South
a parish council when clearly they do
Gloucestershire
not.”
said
Staple
that
Hill
Council,
during
Regent Street in Kingswood
the
Concerns from objectors included being
consultation process he and
able to afford an extra precept on their
Local Councils’ Association), should not put forward the
other Labour members had
council tax bill during a cost of living crisis.
benefits, adding: “The only thing which I can assume is that
worked hard to facilitate an
Cllr Rachael Hunt, Cabinet Member for Communities & Local
the Labour group wanted to have the conversation to be one-
informed
and
balanced
Place, said she was “shocked by Cllr Boulton’s frankly
sided.”
debate
within
their
disgusting use of the word propaganda”, saying the council did
He pointed out the benefits of parish councils, citing
communities “without any
a full three-month consultation.
investment by Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council in
bias or favour”.
Cllr Ben Burton, the Cabinet member responsible for
floral displays which are envied by surrounding areas.
He continued: “That cannot be said for the administration who
resources, said: “He (Cllr Boulton) is obviously forgetting the
Kingswood councillor Andrea Reid said that all six Kingswood
commissioned a taxpayer-funded communications campaign
leader of the Labour group Cllr Rooney writing to the legal and
members had stayed deliberately unbiased “as we were very
clearly biased in favour of parishing the unparished areas of
democratic department of South Gloucestershire Council
conscious that we wanted this to be the voice of Kingswood
South Gloucestershire. Despite the questionable propaganda
trying to silence a resident speaking in favour of forming a
residents”. She said the people of Kingswood had said no and
coming from this administration in favour of parishing, you
parish council.” Cllr Burton said he did not understand why
added: “My job is to back that.”
have failed to gain the support of the people it directly affects.”
that Kingswood resident, who is also an officer of ALCA (Avon
Lib Dem councillor for Yate Mike Drew, who is vice chair of
Ian Boulton
Continued on page 2
Also in this week’s issue
Keynsham school set to double in size . . . page 3
Pub gears up for Christmas help . . . page 4
Warmley’s devoted signalman retires . . . page 5
More competition success for Longwell Green gym . . . page 10
‘Orwellian’ concern over Two injured in A431 crash public consultation the National Association of Local Councils, said it was true that
of chilling effect do you think that has on consultation and
there wasn’t overwhelming enthusiasm for the new councils
engagement?”
but there wasn’t overwhelming objection either. He said it was
He added: “If we don’t set up a town council in Kingswood we
difficult to get over to people the benefits of an effective parish
might as well give up on the wider regeneration.”
or town council but they would be quite happy about what they
As well as rubberstamping the regulatory committee’s decision
get for the small sum in terms of the precept.
for the new tier of local government for Kingswood and Staple
Council leader Cllr Toby Savage said that even unparished
Hill & Mangotsfield, new parish councils were approved for
areas are charged for services that would normally be provided
Stoke Park & Cheswick and Charlton Hayes at the meeting.
by a town or parish council: “The opportunity of a town or
Labour councillors abstained in the decision which was taken
parish council allows for that
en bloc.
money to be better directed on
A press release issued by the council following the meeting
local priorities driven by local
mentioned that the proposals were developed “with input from
people who are elected to
residents” and would “strengthen” community voices.
serve on those new democratic bodies.” He added that electing Labour town or parish councillors probably wouldn’t be the right thing though, given that South Toby Savage
Gloucestershire’s two highest precepts
are
Filton
and
Patchway town councils. Of the Labour group’s press release saying they had referred somebody arguing in favour of parishing the unparished areas to the legal services department, Cllr Savage said: “What kind
2
MP’s concern During the debate Cllr Ian Boulton read an extract he’d received from Tory MP Jack Lopresti’s office after a Staple Hill resident had contacted him about parishing. Quoting from the letter Cllr Boulton said: “He (Jack) was genuinely confused during his surgery the other day as to why the council were proceeding with the parishing of Staple Hill despite the local opposition as it does appear deeply anti-democratic.”
Two people were taken to hospital following a crash last Thursday on the A431 Kelston Road between Bitton and Bath. It is understood the collision happened near Kelston Park. The road was closed for several hours while emergency services attended the scene, with traffic diverted. An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Two people have been taken to hospital following a singlevehicle collision. It is believed they have not sustained life-changing or life-threatening injuries." If you saw anything, or have dashcam footage of the incident, contact 101.
Tackling crime Community police officers will be attending a meeting hosted by Saltford Parish Council on Thursday 3rd November at 7pm at Saltford Hall. Residents can find out about local crime rates and crime prevention actions and there will be the chance to discuss relevant village-wide issues. There will also be information available about how Neighbourhood Watch schemes can help prevent and tackle crime.
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
£5m plans to double size of Keynsham primary school There are plans to double the size of St Keyna Primary School in Keynsham by adding six more classrooms to tackle the projected future shortfall of primary school places in the town. Bath & North East Somerset Council says pupil numbers are increasing, due to higher birth rates and increased population growth from new housing developments, both under construction and planned for the future. St Keyna in Monmouth Road has an Ofsted rating of Good and is regularly oversubscribed. The plan is to expand it from one-form entry (210 places) to a two-form entry (420-place) school. The council says the proposed expansion is not expected to have any impact on other schools in the area. Local residents and parents had the chance to find out more at an open evening at the
school last Wednesday and a planning application is due to be submitted in November. Capital costs are estimated to be approximately £5m, to be met from the Education Basic Need Capital Grant and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The new school will be built to Passivhaus standard, meaning that it will be a sustainable low-energy building that will be cost effective to run. The new accommodation will include six classrooms, a large studio/dining space, meeting rooms and ancillary facilities. The school kitchens and staff facilities will also be extended, as will the provision for staff parking, and there will be a new multi-use games court and grass football pitch. The proposed completion date is 1st September 2024.
Academy trusts given the go-ahead to merge Two academy trusts are set to join forces early next year. The proposed merger between Futura Learning Partnership and Clevedon Learning Trust has received formal approval from the Department for Education. It will create a trust comprising 27 schools - one special, 20 primary and six secondary - in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Somerset and North Somerset. The new organisation will be called Futura Learning Partnership, the name adopted by the former Wellsway Multi Academy Trust last year, and will adopt the Clevedon
Learning Trust strapline ‘Children, Choice and Collaboration’. Locally, Futura’s secondary schools include Wellsway and IKB in Keynsham and Sir Bernard Lovell at Oldland Common; the primaries include Chandag Infant, Chandag Junior, St John’s and Two Rivers in Keynsham, as well as Saltford, The Meadows in Bitton and Bridge Farm Primary School in Whitchurch, the latter joining the trust just last month. The proposal is in line with the Government’s ambition for every school to be part of a strong trust by 2030.
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
3
Pub brings festive cheer to families in need The Crown Inn in Keynsham, which for years has been helping families who are struggling by offering free meals, is again planning a Festive Day to help local most
David Yeoman
in need in the run-up to Christmas. Says owner David Yeomans: “This year it will be on Monday 5th December. Most of the people we have are directed directly via social services and this year we expect a lot more people than normal. “Families come and enjoy a free two-course meal with soft drinks, a visit from Santa and a gift on the day. The families then get a bag of gifts to take home for the children to open on the day. We also do food parcels for them to take home with the festive treats such as mince pies, chocolates, biscuits and other nice treats. “In two weeks’ time we will have display stands in discount stores CM2 and CM3 where you can purchase gifts for us to give
to the families from £1. We ask that if you do purchase anything, you don't wrap it as we have to check age and contents. But we do need volunteers to come and help wrap up. “Our JustGiving page (see https://tinyurl.com/5cb3zyh5) will help cover the costs of the food and other costs involved.100% of all money donated goes to
those who need it the most. So if you can help, please do. “If you know of a family who are going to be in need this year, then please let us know and we can book them in for the Monday sitting. We offer three time slots noon, 2pm and 4pm, followed by a disco at 6pm for the young carers with a buffet.”
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THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
Retirement party for Warmley’s devoted signalman Graham Darby was one of the last signalmen who worked at the Warmley Signal Box which was taken out of use in 1968. Since 2011 he has been volunteering at the Grade II listed landmark which officially reopened in 2013 as a heritage site following a refurbishment. He has now hung up his uniform for the final time and his friends from the Warmley Community Garden and Signal Box Group threw a retirement party for him last week at the old Warmley Waiting Room, which is now a café. Both buildings sit alongside what is now the Bristol & Bath Railway Path. Graham joined British Railways on leaving school and after various promotions moved home to Bristol in 1961 where he worked at Warmley, Bitton and, in fact, all the signal boxes from Charfield to Bath Green Park on the line formerly constructed by the Midland Railway. Graham was later employed as a member of a BR train crew that came to Fry’s chocolate factory in Keynsham from 1969 to 1972. Fry’s had private sidings connected to the BR main line. The railway had a contract with Fry’s which would send away six loaded vans each day. Ros Pyle, of the Warmley Community Garden and Signal Box Group, said: “Initially, Graham came along to our community garden open day in August 2011, wearing his
Fish ponds under attack We have received information from a reader that a number of garden fish ponds are being attacked in the Keynsham and Willsbridge area by what are thought to be otters. This week Avon Wildlife Trust said it is not something they are aware of in the area as it would be very unusual behaviour for otters to stray far from the safety of a watercourse. There would be a higher chance of it being a heron, in which case netting over their pond would discourage it from coming back.
Retirement party: from left, Maureen Jackson and Pip the poodle, Graham Darby, Gloria Morgan, Ros Pyle, Pete Goodman, Steve Reade, Hugh Evans & Tony Palmer
signalman's uniform, and was immediately welcomed into the group. This was even before the signal box was restored. “Graham's dedication was evident right from the start, and he quickly set up a rota to open the box every Saturday afternoon. He was always really popular with the public who enjoyed learning about the workings of the Warmley Signal Box. Graham also enjoyed demonstrating the lever mechanism to the younger visitors, allowing them to wear the British Rail hat while they were working them. “During the 11 years of service, Graham played a big part in the signal box's restoration and also the many events
including the signal box's 95th birthday, the centenary event in 2018, the Chocolate Train Heritage Day and last but not least, the Platinum Jubilee community event in June.” Ros added: “In 2017 Graham was the worthy recipient of a South Gloucestershire Community Award for his volunteering. He is now an honorary member of the Warmley Community Garden and Signal Box Group and is welcome any time. We all really appreciate everything Graham has done to make the signal box such a special heritage and community asset. He has been a great fellow volunteer and friend, and we will all miss him.”
Graham Darby at the official opening of the refurbished signal box in 2013 which coincided with its 95th anniversary
Good rating for Forest School Page Park Pre-School’s Forest School in Staple Hill has been rated as Good by Ofsted, with children’s behaviour and attitudes said to be Outstanding. During her recent visit the inspector said children make good progress in the healthy environment, learning to persevere and become highly resilient. Staff are said to be exceptional role models. Her report says: “Children's behaviour and attitudes are exceptional. They are extremely inquisitive, concentrate well and are highly motivated. Staff skilfully support children in understanding their emotions and thinking of others. Children learn to resolve any conflicts for themselves.” The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
5
Leading charity enjoys a garden makeover by church volunteers The Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) welcomed volunteers from St Francis Church in Keynsham as they spent a day refurbishing and replanting the centre’s garden at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. A team of more than 15 people took part in the recent makeover, including the Rev Anika Gardiner, vicar of St Francis. The church members were also helped on the day by members of the RICE team including RICE’s chief executive Melissa Hillier, trustee Sarah James and nurse Marianne Roots. The aim of the garden refurbishment was to make it a more spacious and attractive relaxation space for patients, families and staff to enjoy. During the day an old path that had been covered with ivy was discovered and more than ten bags of overgrowth were removed. The volunteers dug the borders and then planted a mixture of new, colourful plants and bulbs to encourage flowering at different times of the year. They also refreshed the
6
paint on the garden furniture. RICE is an internationally recognised research institute, treatment centre and memory clinic dedicated to improving quality of life for older people through its research and support for people with dementia, their families and carers. As well as researching treatments for dementia, RICE hosts the NHS Memory Clinic for Bath and North East Somerset. Since 2015, the centre has been providing support to St Francis Church member Les Herbert who has dementia. Anika Gardiner said “We have heard a lot about the RICE Centre from Margaret and Les Herbert who have been supported and the valuable work they do in researching and improving the lives of people with dementia. As a church, we wanted to do something practical to help the centre that would involve our congregation. Despite being hard work it was a great day for our team and to see the difference we could make.” Melissa Hillier said: “Our charity supports patients and families impacted by dementia,
The gardeners
through our clinical diagnosis service, our research into dementia and our support courses for patients and families. We rely on the support of volunteers to keep our centre going so we are grateful to the members of St Francis Church for donating their time to revamp our garden. “We can now make full use of this outdoor space and I’m sure our patients will greatly enjoy the beautifully planted borders and brightly painted garden furniture.” Margaret Herbert said: “I was really touched and delighted that the members of our church have so generously transformed the RICE Centre's garden in recognition of the wonderful support the centre has given to my
husband Les. “Les has served the church for many years and in many different roles, including leading prayers, reading lessons, as a server at communion services and as a lay leader. “Les and I first became involved with the RICE Centre in 2015 following his referral by our GP and have returned many times over the years for memory assessments and for Les to take part in a research study. We have always found their staff to be very helpful and caring. We are happy to support their much-needed research into dementia treatment.” Find out more about RICE at https://www.rice.org.uk/
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
‘Stunningly dishonest’ – roofers jailed A pair of rogue traders have been jailed for a combined total of six years and eight months at Bristol Crown Court for defrauding customers of their roofing businesses - many of whom were elderly or vulnerable - out of £150,000.
Following an investigation by South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards, Patrick O’Connor, 33, and Patrick O’Brien, 23, of Banwell in North Somerset pleaded guilty to a total of 18 fraud offences relating to roofing work carried out between 2017 and
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2020. The presiding judge described the pair as ‘stunningly dishonest’ and sentenced O’Connor to four years and O’Brien to two years and eight months in prison. Both were made subject of a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents them from cold-calling at any property or being involved in building work. They were also both disqualified from being company directors for five years. Trading Standards became concerned by the pair’s activity in 2019 and launched an investigation into the roofing businesses they operated. It transpired that they had been offending under the guise of three separate companies – Frampton Roofing Ltd, SW Roofing Ltd and Roofing Services Bristol Ltd. In March 2021 South Gloucestershire Trading Standards and police raided a plot in Banwell linked to the pair. A large amount of evidence was gathered, and a sniffer dog discovered £15,000 in cash stuffed into a handbag. The cash was seized and forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Multiple victims from South Gloucestershire
and others in Bristol, North Somerset, Wiltshire and Surrey were traced, many of whom were pressurised into agreeing to work which was started and completed with no legal opportunity to cancel provided. O’Connor and O’Brien sometimes operated alone, but often together to defraud their victims. The pair were found to have extortionately overcharged a 70-year-old South Gloucestershire resident £51,250 for roofing and other work done at his home; work which an expert surveyor was very critical of and valued at no more than £15,400 - if properly done. Victims also reported being pressurised into agreeing for additional and unnecessary roofing work which the pair would often tell them about when jobs were at crucial stages. A surveyor examined nine of their jobs and concluded that they were either worthless, or largely worthless, and that the additional work carried-out was unnecessary. The investigation also liaised with HMRC who confirmed that they had no records for the previous six years of either defendant or their companies paying any tax.
Amy & Joe
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
7
LETTERS others.
May I suggest that if Roger Tilley is serious
My husband and I live on the edge of Kelston
about his concern there are excellent public
‘Round Tump’ and like many others (five
transport links via rail and coach to other
houses in our postcode alone) around Bath
airports like Luton and Heathrow. He could
our water supply is from a natural spring.
then enjoy a relaxing foreign holiday
That is, we have no mains water supply.
knowing he has not contributed to Bristol's
People have been known to reel in horror, but
growing congestion and air pollution
it is more common than is realised.
problems.
enjoy the hot springs if they stopped flowing?
You stated in your paper (Issue 750) that
Kate Gadsden
This would lose our local economy countless
Kelston is one of the possible sites for
Warmley
millions of pounds, reduce Council income,
fracking. Our concern is over the fragility of
and lead to higher council tax across the
the water courses. Water can be a strong and
authority.
formidable power, as demonstrated in the
The government has said that fracking could
collapse of the A431 several years ago, but
be allowed where there is public consent, but
the course it follows can be easily altered. The
our MP has repeatedly refused to explain in
slightest tremble underground could lead to
the House of Commons what exactly that
movement of gravel and silt and blockage of
means. He has spoken vaguely about limited
the water course.
financial payouts to those affected by a
It would be comforting if we could (all) be
fracking site. It is impossible to make up such
assured that, if as a result of fracking our
a list of affected people. How would local
water stops, we would have it reinstated, even
opinion be gauged? What if neighbours
if that means being connected to the mains.
support this and you don’t. Would locally
We are very happy with our reliable (even in
elected councillors have any say? What effect
dry summers) spring and the thought of
would this have on the value of your
chlorinated mains water doesn’t appeal, but
property? This is a concern and residents need
we can’t manage with none!
to be vigilant and prepared.
Has anyone considered what it would do to
The use of fossil fuels such as fracking gas
our tourist industry if, God forbid, Bath’s hot
contributes to devastating climate change. We
springs altered course?
need to invest in renewable energy, carbon
Mrs L Owen
Fracking in North East Somerset Dear Editor ‘Fracking’ is the hydraulic fracturing of bedrock which involves blasting gas from underground rock with a mixture of water, sand and chemicals. The North East Somerset Conservative MP, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, Jacob Rees-Mogg has announced that the moratorium on fracking is to be lifted. This is of concern because parts of Somerset (including land near Keynsham) have been targeted in the past for potential ‘fracking’ of coal-bed methane. The Government issued licences some years ago covering our area that allowed for the exploration and drilling of sites subject to planning permission. For each well, after drilling a vertical then horizontal well, drillers use a 'perforating gun' to enable huge quantities of water plus sand and chemicals to be forced down the well pipeline under high pressure at around 3,000m (10,000ft) below ground level. Most but not all of the fracking liquids (water and chemical additives) are returned to the surface for removal. Potential environmental impacts include earth tremors, contamination of ground water and the migration of gases and fracking chemicals to the surface. There are concerns about the visual impact of drilling rigs and the amount of 24-7 heavy lorry traffic required for the delivery and removal of huge volumes of fracking liquids during the drilling and fracking procedure. There are other site specific worries. For example, any explosions deep under the Mendips followed by pumping vast quantities of water into the sub strata of the rock could
Cllr Duncan Hounsell, Cllr Alastair Singleton (B&NES councillors, Lib Dem Saltford ward) Cllr Hal MacFie, Cllr Andy Wait (B&NES councillors, Lib Dem – Keynsham East ward)
Dear Becky What a sorry state of affairs when Roger Tilley writes in last week’s paper that because he doesn’t like Extinction Rebellion, nothing they stand for is worthy of his support. He wonders if they have ever stopped to think that they might be wrong about the lack of time we have left to try and reverse the damage we are doing to this planet. XR have caused disruption to try and make people think about the situation we are in. Sea level rises and extreme weather also cause disruption but writing letters to the local newspaper will not make them go away. I wonder if he perhaps should stop and ask himself whether he is wrong? H. Jones
capture technology, and home insulation, not fracking.
Ignoring the bigger issue on climate change
Poor public transport links to airport In response to Roger Tilley’s criticism of XR
Abstention on planning decisions should not be allowed
(Issue 751) I was heartened that he
Dear Becky
appreciated the problems of extra vehicle
I read in last week’s paper that South
miles and emissions when driving to airports.
Gloucestershire Council planners had voted
Bristol has a particular problem in that 70%
to approve plans for a retail/pub development
of passengers arrive by car. The only public
in Lyde Green.
transport link is by an expensive single coach.
It is not so much the rights or wrongs of the
Dear Editor
be changed forever and affect the hot springs
Water supply fears over fracking
in both Bath and Bristol. This would cause
Dear Editor
Access is mainly via roads through Bristol,
particular application that concerned me but
immense damage to the tourism industry in
I am writing with my concerns on fracking
leading to congestion and increased noise and
the fact that two of the committee members
Bath and its environs. Who would come to
but with a rather different viewpoint from
air pollution.
declined to vote one way or the other. This is
mean that the flows of water underground will
8
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
LETTERS and
but you can’t afford deodorant, or attending a
roofs.
unsubstantiated remarks from members of the
job interview not being able to afford
They foul the gardens, garden furniture and
council to avoid reputational damage to
toothpaste. These are situations that a
our cars. It is very unpleasant and we would
any person or business” (The Week In, Issue
growing number of people are facing,
like to be rid of them. I contacted Cllr Andy
751).
especially during these challenging times.
Wait who has similar problems.
The minutes recorded on 6th September 2022
We can help those in crisis around us by
He has discussed the problem with Bath &
were a true reflection of what was said in the
donating hygiene items as well as food to
North East Somerset Council’s pest control
meeting. Several residents had brought
local foodbanks.
people, who have said food should not be put
not the first time I have read this in your
concerns to councillors regarding Bickley
This
paper. Over the years there have been
Farm holding weddings and an accident
https://www.bankthefood.org/downloadapp/ -
Thank you for that, Andy. I am a bird lover
frequent reports of controversial planning
following a late-night firework display, where
connects you with your local foodbank,
myself and any bird lover will know that
applications in Bristol, B&NES and South
a horse bolted through a five-bar gate.
shows a list of their most urgently needed
small, endangered birds are discouraged by a
Gloucestershire where opinion on the
Photographs of a smashed-up gate were
items, and tells you where to find local
lot of pigeons in the garden. Pigeons are not
committee has been split. Even then, some
emailed to the councillors. The gate was
donation points. It makes donating the things
an endangered species!
members of the committee abstain. Why are
replaced within days following the accident.
people need incredibly easy.
J Hooper
they allowed to do this?
There is no doubt this incident happened, and
Please give what you can to help people in
Planning applications are decided by a
it was also reported the horse was lucky to
crisis in your local community.
committee when they are deemed too
have survived.
Emma Spring
important to be left to the staff at the planning
I do not believe these statements were
department. Councillors are appointed to the
reckless or speculative. The fact Mr New has
Pigeons are a pest
planning committee because they supposedly
decided not to permit the use of fireworks at
Dear Editor
have some degree of experience of the
Bickley Farm following the accident gives
I am responding to last week's letter from a
planning system. Even then they are provided
Hanham Abbots Parish Council reassurance
Bird Lover of Keynsham. This resident
with guidance and a recommendation from
that he is a responsible business owner and
obviously does not have the problem with
the council’s planning team.
feel the subject is closed.
pigeons that we are experiencing in our
So if they are the ‘experts’ entrusted by the
I will as a matter of course remind councillors
neighbourhood!
council tax payers to take a sometimes
about their conduct at meetings and when
There are now 80-plus pigeons swooping
difficult decision, why an earth are they
they speak to members of the public on any
around in groups every day and sitting on the
allowed to express no opinion?
council matter.
John Warne
Cllr Steve Hicks
address
Councillors abstained in Lyde Green planning vote
“speculative,
reckless
Chair, Hanham Abbots Parish Council
Parish council responds to criticism
free
charity
app
-
on the ground for the birds.
Write to us The Week In is independent of any political or commercial interest. We aim to produce a balanced and accurate view of local news and welcome comments from our readers. Normally, we will publish letters in full but reserve the right to shorten or clarify the contents or to refuse publication. Please try to keep letters under 300 words and supply your full name and address for reasons of authentication. Only the name and district where you live will be reproduced. Anonymity is possible under certain circumstances. Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-
Dear Editor
Help those in crisis in your local community
I have looked into Mr New’s question of how
Dear Editor
later than 9.00am on the Monday of each
Hanham Abbots Parish Council would
Please imagine it’s your first day at college,
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Sudoku 1-Easy
mail and should arrive at our offices no
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 23rd October
2 -Hard
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
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Gymnasts jumping for joy at medal haul including historic gold Majestic Gymnastics in Longwell Green is celebrating the success of members who represented Great Britain at the recent European TeamGym Championships. Great Britain won their first ever senior gold medal at the championships as the mixed team - including Majestic gymnast Katie Iles and coach Stacey Godden – took the continental title in Luxembourg. Three more Majestic gymnasts were representing GB - Paige Phillips, who was in the junior mixed team, Larissa Royal in the senior women’s team and Livvy Britain in the junior
The Majestic team who represented GB: from left, Livvy Britain, Stacey Godden, Katie Iles, Larissa Royal & Paige Phillips
Crossword
women’s team. After a hugely successful qualification round, all gymnasts qualified for the finals. The junior mixed team took bronze while the senior women’s team came sixth and the junior women’s team were in fourth place. Majestic Gymnastics is directed by Michelle George and Candice Littleton, and is the only TeamGym specific club in the South West. Candice said: “All gymnasts put on exceptional performances with the best results Great Britain has ever seen in the sport. Majestic Gymnastics is extremely proud of everything these gymnasts and coach have achieved. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.” The club draws gymnasts from not just South Gloucestershire but B&NES, Bristol, Wiltshire and Wales. Members will be leaving their home in a rented unit at Aldermoor Way as the industrial site there is due to be redeveloped. They are getting a permanent home as part of the refurbishment of the old Grange School site in Warmley and hope to be moving in at the start of next year.
Fundraising walk in aid of Bristol Rovers’ Community Trust More than 100 Bristol Rovers supporters took part in a fundraising walk that took in the three stadiums they have called home. The walk on Saturday 9th October, organised by the Tote End Old Boys, has raised around £10,000. The name derives from the section of fans who stood in the Tote End terrace at Eastville Stadium. They asked people to join them on a 13.2 mile walk around the three homes of Bristol Rovers FC. Starting at Twerton Park, which was home to Rovers for 10 years between 1986 and 1996, the walkers made their way, via the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, to Eastville which was their home for 90 years prior to the move to Bath. The final stretch saw them head to the Memorial Stadium on Filton Avenue, their current home. The route was marshalled by volunteers and students from Bristol Rovers Community College. Adam Tutton, chief executive of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, said they were thankful for the amazing effort that the Tote End Old Boys had put in to arrange the 3 Stadiums Walk. He said: “Every penny raised will continue to be invested into our projects which will positively impact more lives in our community.”
Golden medal winners: Katie Iles (No 4) and coach Stacey Godden on the far right
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Imitator (7)
1. Took prisoner (8)
8. Encroach (7)
2. Lavish (5)
9. Feathers (7)
3. Holding device (5)
10. Signified (7)
4. Craft technique (3-3)
11. Miserable (7)
5. Overt (4)
14. Garland (3)
6. Science of physical structure (7)
16. Amongst (4) 18. Couch (4) 19. Wild party (4) 20. Small measure (4) 21. Negative word (3) 23. Perils (7) 26. Lost weight (7) 28. First letter (7) 29. Gastronome (7) 30. Asian river (7)
7. Lifeless (4) 12. Particle (4)
Badminton players wanted Kingsway Badminton Club play at Keynsham Leisure Centre on Wednesdays from 6.50pm to 8.50pm and are looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the friendly group of intermediate standard players contact Sandra Woodruff 0117 9672286 or 07946 716591.
13. Scheme (4) 15. Jot (4) 16. Eagerly excited (4) 17. Melt (8) 18. Rescuer (7) 22. Curiosity (6) 24. Town near Inverness (5) 25. Decree (5) 26. Exhale loudly (4) 27. Act without words (4)
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
News from Longwell Green WI Although we didn’t have a regular meeting in August, all our groups continued to get together - skittles, book clubs, knitting group and the walking groups made the most of the glorious sunshine we had this summer. In the middle of August, members enjoyed a cream tea organised by the committee. At the beginning of our September meeting a minute’s silence was held in memory of Her Majesty the Queen and members then sang Jerusalem. Our speaker in September was John BoyneAitkin – The Bowler Hatted Turner. He is a member of the Register of Professional Turners and acts as a judge for this organisation. His talk was about women
woodturners and he had prepared a slide show of their amazing work. Our speaker in October will be Gail Painter talking about ‘Style Opportunity’. We have lots of groups that members can participate in and on the first Thursday of the month we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea & Chat. Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com., call 0117 9864782 or just come along to the evening meeting Linda Muller & Sandra Hill
Medal joy for martial arts team A martial arts team from Lyde Green won several medals at the World Championships held in the Netherlands. Four students from Fishponds Taekwondo Academy, which for the last couple of years have been based in Lyde Green, represented Team UK in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) competition. They returned with silver and bronze medals for patterns and sparring in junior and adult categories
Teenagers Millie and Cameron Bates, Ellianne Reader, who are all 1st degree Black Belts, along with 20-year-old Joel Cassar, a 3rd degree Black Belt, competed in the championships. Instructor Simon Herrington said: “We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly club and have many parents who train alongside their children.” The group train at Lyde Green Community Centre every Wednesday and Friday. Visit www.fishpondstkd.co.uk
Orchestra welcomes new members The community-based Longwell Green Orchestra meets each Thursday at The Centre in Longwell Green from 7.30pm until 9.40pm. The orchestra has players of all abilities. Anyone wishing to join is asked to get in touch to say what instrument they play and at what level. Email contact@longwellgreenorchestra.org.uk or call 07972 844073.
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
From left to right, Cameron and Millie Bates, Gavin and Ellianne Reader, and Joel Cassar
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The Community Page
Celebrating talent at Oldland Parish Council’s awards evening Oldland Parish Council held its annual awards evening on 11th October at Cadbury Heath Hall when prizes were awarded in the allotments and community garden categories of the parish in bloom competition. The evening kicked off with a performance from The Songsmiths, a four-piece harmony group who are also
Joan Blake receiving prize from Oldland Parish Council chairman Richard Pope
members of the Black Sheep Harmony Ladies Chorus, who practice regularly at Cadbury Heath Hall, followed by a presentation from Cadbury Heath Library and Willsbridge Mill. The winner at the Hollyguest Road allotments site was Mr P Powell (Plot 48). Runner-up was Mr J Short (Plot 42) while commendations went to Mrs K Harvey (Plot 17), Mr M Whitchurch (Plot 18) and Mrs J Papper & Mr J Foster-Davis (Plot 49). At Warmley Golf Course allotments the first prize went to Mr D Prewett (Plot 4). The runners-up were Ms S Burke (Plot 1) and Mr P Gay (Plot 2). Both Mrs M Prewett (Plot 9) and Mr T Pearce (Plot 25) were commended. In the community gardens category the winner was Alfred Lovell Gardens and the runner-up was Cadbury Heath Library garden. Prizes were also awarded for the parish art competition and the artwork was on display. The theme was ‘Holidays’. In the under nine years painting category the winner was Ava from Barrs Court Primary School. In second place was fellow pupil Stanley. The winner of the under nine years crafts category was Emily from Barrs Court Primary while Emmie from the school came
The Songsmiths
second. In the nine to 13 years painting category the winner was Charlie Hardy; the second prize went to Aaliyah from Barrs Court Primary and third prize went to Libby from the school. The winner of the 14 to 17 years painting category was Caitlyn Drummond and the 18 years and above painting category winner was Carole Newland. The 18 years and above crafts winner was Joan Blake. Children from Barrs Court Primary School were unable to attend to receive their prizes and they will instead be presented in a separate school assembly. Claire Dolman Clerk, Oldland Parish Council
News from Keynsham Foodbank – giving and seeking help As the misty mornings arrive and temperatures start to drop, the cost-of-living crisis is really starting to bite. Local charity, Keynsham Foodbank is gearing up for a busy autumn. “If you don't know how you are going to afford to feed yourself or your family, please don’t wait until the cupboard is bare,” says Chair of Trustees Gwen Edwards. “Please get in touch and ask for help. You don't have to explain anything to us. We don't ask for any ID, and if you are worried about going through the Council, there are other ways to get a
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voucher. We're here to help anyone locally in food crisis.” “The name ‘Foodbank’ is a bit misleading,” says Gwen. “We offer far more than food. We also have toiletries, household cleaning items, sanitary items, nappies, some pet food (usually), and other things. Just ask, and we will see what donations we have and do our best to help you. “As well as the cupboard stuff we offer, our volunteers offer a cup of tea and a listening ear.” As part of our succession planning, we’re seeking someone to join the trustee and board of directors’ team with safeguarding experience. You don’t need to have been a trustee before – there is no special “qualification”, we will provide training. Our current volunteer project manager has done a sterling job in the role over the last 14+ months and is now moving on to new adventures. We’re urgently seeking a new volunteer to manage the operational aspects of the project – could it be
you? Please get in touch if you would like to know more about these volunteer roles. “The local community has always been very generous in the support it shows to Keynsham Foodbank and the work of the charity. On behalf the volunteer team, a big thank you for the ongoing generosity we receive,” said Gwen. “If you think you can help us, or you need our help, please get in touch.” https://keynsham.foodbank.org.uk info@keynsham.foodbank.org.uk The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
Situations Vacant
The Week in • Wednesday 19th October 2022
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More soft plastic recycling in Co-op stores Soft plastics, such as cling film, biscuit wrappers and carrier bags, can now be recycled in even more Cooperative convenience store locations including Queens Road in Keynsham and Two Mile Hill Road in Kingswood. Following the success of its trials Southern Co-op now has soft plastics recycling bins in 21 of its stores in Bristol and Somerset. Once collected, the recyclable material is sent to a specialist company which will turn it into post-consumer plastic granules. These are then made into secondary products such as bin liners, buckets and construction industry materials. Gemma Lacey, Director of Sustainability and Communications at Southern Co-op, said: "We all need to do our bit to ensure our future is waste free. We are really
pleased with how the trials of soft plastic recycling have gone so far and are now keen to enable more people to make use of it.
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2
2 3 6 8 4 1 7 5 9
8 7 5 9 6 2 4 1 3
1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8
Pupils ‘proud and happy’ of their school Woodlands Academy in Stockwood has been rated as Good by Ofsted in a report following its latest inspection. The primary school had been told to improve following its previous inspection by the education watchdog in 2018. Pupils are now said to be “proud and happy” to attend the school where leaders have high expectations and want the very best for them. Recent changes to the school’s behaviour system are said to be having a positive effect. Pastoral support for pupils is highly valued by both parents and pupils, the inspectors found.
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Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1
9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6
6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5
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