The Week In - Issue 753 - 26th October 2022

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

26th October 2022

Issue 753

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‘Callous’ Kingswood woman gets life sentence for murder A 24-year-old Kingswood woman has been given a life

Crown Court, Senior Investigating Officer DI Ben Lavender

sentence with a minimum term of 18 years after being

said: “Bradley was a much-loved young man, a father, with his

found guilty last week of murdering her partner.

whole life ahead of him. Abigail White cruelly snatched that

Abigail White stabbed father-of-four Bradley Lewis during an

life away by her callous and selfish actions.

Abigail White

incident at a property in

“In her initial account, she tried to claim Bradley stabbed

Chipperfield

Drive,

himself, which was a cruel lie, but due to the evidence gathered

Kingswood, on the evening

by our team she admitted a charge of manslaughter at a

of Friday 25th March. The

previous court hearing. This trial was held because the

22-year-old

prosecution maintained she had murdered Bradley, and this

died

the

following day.

was backed up by the jury’s verdict.

A post-mortem examination

“We were determined to carry out a thorough and painstaking

concluded that Bradley,

investigation to achieve justice for Bradley – with our team of

who played for Hanham

officers and police staff gathering and reviewing evidence,

Athletic Football Club, died

including CCTV footage, an extensive number of social media

after suffering a single stab

posts and voice messages, as well as taking more than 200

wound to the heart.

statements and carrying out seven video-recorded interviews.

After the trial at Bristol

My thoughts, and the thoughts of the whole policing team, are

Bradley Lewis

with Bradley’s family, who have shown tremendous dignity and courage throughout.

“I want to thank all those who provided statements and information during our investigation, as well as the local community, who were clearly impacted by the gravity of this offence, but who supported us as we carried out enquiries at the scene and in their local area.”

Bradley’s father Steve Lewis read an emotional statement outside Bristol Crown Court on Friday. He said: “I do not feel that we have received justice as we have now got a life sentence.

“Brad’s death has brought so much sadness, not just to his family, but the many people that knew him. Proof of this was shown by the hundreds of people that attended his funeral and events that were arranged in his memory. His popularity has

Continued on page 2

Also in this week’s issue

Kingswood MP defies party whip over fracking . . . page 3

‘Noise cameras’ to be trialled on Ring Road . . . page 4

Taylor Wimpey’s plans for Keynsham fields hit impasse . . . pages 6 & 7

Bitton AFC quit the Western League . . . page 11

‘Callous’ Kingswood woman gets life sentence for murder Continued from page 1

“Special thank yous must also go to

also been shown by the memorials on

the police/Crown Prosecution Service

display at various locations in South

(DI Ben Lavender and his team), our

Gloucestershire.

Family Liaison Officer (Mark), victim

“We are in a sense lucky as a family to

support officer (Kate) and social

have, and still receive, overwhelming

services, who have been looking after

support from everyone that knew

my grandchildren’s best interests

Brad, or knows us, and I thank those

during this very difficult time for

people for that.

them.”

Police outside the house the day after Bradley died

2

Keynsham man ordered to pay £1,193 following South Glos fly-tip A Keynsham resident has been ordered to pay a total of £1,193 after South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted him for fly-tipping waste in Kingswood.

Arsid Hoxhaj, 27, of Carpenters Lane, pleaded guilty to the offence of fly-tipping when the case was heard at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 17th October. He was fined £416, along with £679 clear-up costs, £56 in compensation and a £42 victim surcharge.

The court heard that the council’s street enforcement officers were on patrol at Halls Road in Kingswood in February when they discovered household waste fly-tipped by a lamp post.

They discovered an address label on packaging relating to a resident of Carpenters Lane in Keynsham. The investigation was passed to the council’s environmental enforcement team and following their inquiries, Arsid Hoxhaj was identified.

He attended the council’s Yate offices for a voluntary interview and admitted placing some of the waste, but not all of it, claiming the rest had been placed there by others.

He stated that he had been moving from Kingswood to Keynsham sometime towards the end of February and had done the move using

only his car, involving several trips. Some yellow packaging identified in one of the photos was a carpet that had been delivered to his new address, and he said that he had brought the packaging back to Kingswood and put it out onto the street by the lamp post, along with a suitcase.

Hoxhaj stated that was where he usually put out his household’s domestic waste for collection every week and due to the theft of his black bin, he had to leave it on the street.

When asked if he had reported the theft or loss of his bin, he confirmed he hadn’t, but on a previous occasion he had and had been provided with a replacement. He confirmed that he had no permission to fly-tip his waste at the location and was unaware of other means by which he could discard of his waste, his expectation being that the council would remove it.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

Kingswood MP defies his party on fracking vote If a week is a long time in politics, then this is something of an old story by now. In what was one of the most extraordinary days at Westminster up to that point, last Wednesday saw Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore defy the party whip over the vote on fracking.

Chris Skidmore

In a day which saw the resignation of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister’s first appearance in front of the House since the reversal of the mini-budget, it was actually an opposition day motion which stole the headlines. The Labour motion called for Parliamentary time for a bill to ban fracking.

Normally, Conservative MPs would simply abstain from voting on opposition motions, thus ensuring they would fail. But on this occasion the Whip’s office ordered them to vote against the fracking motion, calling it a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister.

MPs who disobeyed the order would be sanctioned. As a result, several Conservative MPs were left conflicted by their opposition

to fracking and their desire to keep the Parliamentary whip.

As we have reported previously in The Week In, the decision announced by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Jacob Rees-Mogg, last month to lift the moratorium on fracking has already caused controversy in this area. Not only did the North East Somerset MP double down on his announcement by saying he would welcome fracking in his West Harptree back garden, but one of his constituency neighbours, Kingswood’s Chris Skidmore, is currently leading a review on the Government drive to net zero by 2050.

Prior to the vote Mr Skidmore took to Twitter, announcing: “As the former Energy Minister who signed Net Zero into law, for the sake of our environment and climate, I cannot personally vote tonight to support fracking and undermine the pledges I made at the 2019 General Election. I am prepared to face the consequences of my decision.”

Since being elected in 2010 the MP for Kingswood has never defied the party whip.

Although the Labour motion still failed as

expected, he was joined by a significant number of his party colleagues in abstaining.

Luke Hall, MP for Thornbury and Yate and Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) both obeyed the party whip and voted down the motion. The rest of course is history. The Labour motion was not a confidence vote, then it was again. The Conservative Party Whip and Deputy Whip resigned, and then they didn’t. Finally, the Prime Minister who

was a fighter, not a quitter on Wednesday, then quit on Thursday.

Maintaining the moratorium on fracking, until such time as scientific evidence proved it was safe, formed part of the Conservative Party manifesto at the 2019 General Election and the decision was only reversed upon Liz Truss becoming leader. It remains to be seen whether new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will reverse the reversal.

Remembrance Sunday in Keynsham The Royal British Legion Keynsham Branch Committee has published details of the Remembrance Day parade which takes place on Sunday 13th November.

Participants will form up in Ashton Way at 9am before marching via the High Street to St John the Baptist Church at 9.15am. The service commences at 9.40am.

After the church service the parade will reform at 10.30am and then march via the High Street to the Memorial Park gates for the laying of wreaths and a service. They will then march back up Bath Hill to be dismissed at Ashton Way. The organisers have asked that those laying wreaths at the gates come forward in lines of four and not all together.

Jacob Rees-Mogg

Cross-party support for clean river campaign Campaign group Conham Bathing have won cross-party backing from Bristol city councillors in their fight to tackle sewage pollution in the River Avon.

They secured the right to the full council debate after a successful ePetition over the summer. Last Tuesday the group explained why the council should amend a 2009 bylaw, which prevents swimming in Conham River Park, and asked for the council’s support for their Designated Bathing Water Status application as a means of tackling the sewage issue.

The group were this week awaiting a

statement from Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, who made no comment about the bylaw amendment at the meeting.

The River Avon is often awash with dangerous levels of bacteria and at the weekend Conham Bathing reported the “worst day” of combined sewer overflows/storm overflow alerts since they started receiving them from Wessex Water in May. There were alerts at Keynsham and Saltford for a total of 888 minutes from Friday morning until the early hours of Saturday.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

3

‘Noise cameras’ set for Ring Road ‘Noise cameras’ are to be installed along part of the A4174 Ring Road as part of a trial to crack down on anti-social drivers.

The stretch between the Kingsfield and Wraxall Road roundabouts was announced

by Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan as part of a national trial that will see brand new technology tested in four locations.

It follows a bid to Government submitted by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore and local South Gloucestershire councillors Sam and Elizabeth Bromiley.

Video cameras will be used in conjunction with a number of microphones to accurately

pinpoint excessively noisy vehicles as they pass by, automatically detecting those who break the law by revving their engine or using illegal exhausts unnecessarily. The camera takes a picture of the vehicle and records the noise level to create a digital package of evidence which can be used by local police to fine drivers.

Research has shown noise pollution can have significant impacts on the physical and mental health of local residents, with heart attacks, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and stress all linked to long-term contact with loud environments. The annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs, is

estimated to be up to £10bn.

Announcing the trial, the Transport Secretary said: “Rowdy road drivers beware - these new cameras will help the police clamp down on those who break the legal noise limits or use illegally modified exhausts to make

excessive noise in our communities.

“We’ll be working closely with the local authorities and police to share any findings, and I hope that this technology paves the way for quieter, peaceful streets across the country.”

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

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.

Sam & Elizabeth Bromiley

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4

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

Young citizen award for Aimee Nine-year-old Aimee Phillips from Saltford has just returned from London having received a British Citizen Youth Award.

Her big day out at the Houses of Parliament was because of her efforts to raise funds for charity. In March last year, we published an article about Aimee and the book she had written, The Very Hungry Honey Bee. At the time she had wanted to raise £100 for NHS Charities Together but our article noted that she had already surpassed that total by more than seven times. That total quickly passed the £1,000 mark and Aimee has also raised money for other charities including Save the Children and the Wildlife Trust.

Aimee Phillips The British Citizen Youth Awards recognise people under 18 who have Banjo. The young recipients then enjoyed a positively impacted their local communities ‘winners’ open-top bus tour of central and last week’s ceremony at Westminster London. was the sixth year of the event.

Reflecting on her big day, Aimee said: “It Aimee was one of 25 youngsters to receive was the best day of my life. I hope we can all their medals from Dame Mary Perkins, inspire our generation: fundraising for great founder of Specsavers, with celebrities in causes, save life, save nature and wildlife, to attendance including Nicky Cox and Ashley make the world a better place.”

More reports of otter activity Our article in last week’s edition about fish being taken from garden ponds has provoked quite a reaction.

Avon Wildlife Trust initially told us that it would be quite rare for otters to stray far from a watercourse after a reader of The Week In reported instances of fish being taken in Keynsham and Willsbridge. A fuller picture is now emerging however, with the trust subsequently receiving more calls to say the culprits are not herons but

definitely four-legged.

Another reader in the Park Road area of Keynsham has contacted us with CCTV footage of a garden intruder earlier this year.

Unfortunately the quality of the night time images is not clear enough to be able to reproduce on newsprint. However, the size of the animal in question would appear to rule out a rat or even a cat.

See also Letters, page 9

Charity sale at pub The New Inn in Keynsham is hosting a mini car boot sale of children’s toys on Saturday (29th October) from 9am to noon.

The pub is also collecting items to make

luxury hampers for under-privileged families in the area and is particularly keen to receive hot chocolate powder, marshmallows, jam, tea and coffee as well as Christmas crackers.

Church’s autumn fayre St Mary’s Church in Bitton will be holding an autumn fayre on Saturday (29th October) from 11am to 3pm.

The event is being held in aid of the church’s development appeal.

Refreshments will be available.

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The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

5

Taylor Wimpey’s plans Councillors have failed to reach agreement over a controversial plan to build 70 new homes on the east side of Keynsham and so will be holding further negotiations with developer Taylor Wimpey.

The application for the site off Minsmere Road was another example of the scenario where the complexities of planning law clash with what the layman would consider common sense.

Despite a recommendation from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning case officer to approve the application, members of the planning committee actually voted five to four against the advice.

But then they were unable to agree on a sufficiently robust justification for a proposal to refuse the application in the event of an appeal. In the end, they decided to send the

case officer back to the negotiating table with Taylor Wimpey to try to reach more acceptable conditions.

The background to the impasse was one of current planning legislation against emerging policies, unclear messages over traffic mitigation measures and public transport provision, and a biodiversity net gain target being met via a different development site two miles away.

In 2014, when the council adopted its Core Strategy, the Government inspector ordered that two parcels of land be removed from Green Belt protection and “safeguarded” for future housing development. The Minsmere Road parcel was one of these. The other, closer to the A4 and known as Withies Green, was granted outline planning permission by the council in May. But after Keynsham Town Council and Saltford Parish Council

Credit: Barton Willmore

6

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

for 70 homes in east Keynsham hit impasse appealed to the Secretary of State, a ‘holding order’ was issued which effectively prevents B&NES from issuing the planning approval until such time as the housing minister decides whether or not to call in the application for review.

In the meantime, B&NES is in the final stages of a partial update of its Local Plan which sets the parameters for housing development through to 2029. Although the Government examiner has indicated that the update is sound, formal confirmation is still awaited. Last week’s meeting of the planning committee was told that Taylor Wimpey’s application as it stood was a significant departure from the current development plan.

However, the case officer handling the application was of the view that there were sufficient material considerations to justify that departure. It was pointed out later in the meeting that if the application was refused

and Taylor Wimpey appealed, the updated Local Plan would most likely be in place by that time.

Committee members expressed concerns over the traffic implications of the application, particularly as Minsmere Road would be a cul-de-sac development with just a single vehicular access. Some expressed anger at the case officer’s report which indicated that the roundabouts at the junctions of bottom of Wellsway and Chandag Road would be at saturation point without mitigating measures. Some of these were tied up with the neighbouring Withies Green application currently on hold.

Duncan Hounsell, who represents the Saltford ward, said that the likes of Chandag Road were never designed to be arterial and that the project would place an unacceptable burden on Keynsham. His recommendation was either to build fewer houses or wait until

Duncan Hounsell

The Somerdale land proposed for biodiversity net gain Credit: Tyler Grange

the infrastructure improvements have come forward.

The biodiversity net gain also raised eyebrows. One of B&NES Council’s emerging policies requires planning applications to demonstrate a biodiversity gain. As the parcel of land at Minsmere Road is a green field, building 70 houses on it will be difficult to achieve a gain. So Taylor Wimpey’s solution has been to identify a plot of wetland on the Somerdale plain and achieve improved biodiversity there instead!

On the opposite side of the committee, Paul Crossley argued that the scheme was offering more than 20 affordable homes, something

the area desperately needs. He also said he thought Keynsham was buzzing, particularly the High Street! There was also concern that if Taylor Wimpey is required to reduce the number of houses, the affordable homes would most likely be removed.

So, without sufficient numbers voting to approve the application and no consensus on a reason to refuse, the case officer was tasked to return with a further recommendation, once he has obtained more precise detail on the proposed traffic mitigation measures.

Achieving a better solution to the biodiversity net gain proposal will also be required.

Advertising feature

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The shop on Hanham High Street was opened by Geoff and Claire Maynard, and over the next 23 years the couple worked hard to build the business while raising four young children.

Sophia & Geoff

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

In 1992, the business became a member of Interflora, the worldwide relay service for ordering flowers.

When Claire stepped back from the business, Geoff brought in Sophia Holbrook as a new business partner in Hanham Florists Ltd. With a NDSF (National Diploma of Floristry) degree equivalent qualification, Claire has helped the business produce some beautiful wedding and funeral designs. They have also brightened special family occasions in homes throughout the area.

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7

LETTERS Trying to trace Good Samaritan Dear Editor I was waiting for a 17 bus at the stop near the station in Keynsham on the afternoon of Saturday 8th October but it did not turn up so I decided to stick my hand out to try and get a lift home to Longwell Green. I am 88 and have poor eyesight and hearing.

About 50 cars went by and around 3.30pm a lovely lady stopped. She had driven past on the other side of the road, seen me with my hand out, and turned around.

She was wonderful, so kind. I did not thank her enough. I would like her to get in touch with me via The Week In. A Longwell Green resident

quarter.

the bus stops. I may be wrong but I haven’t

right here next door, is not at the top of an

He had a laser-like desire to change things for

seen any around Keynsham. Perhaps as well

agenda for action to be harnessed for our use

the better and, importantly, a proud track

as advertising the new fares, they could

here in the West Country and South Wales.

record of doing just that.

publish the times in your paper.

We have written in depth to all the key

Roger’s service to others was perhaps

D Taylor

political powers, including Jacob Rees-Mogg,

illustrated best by his, and his late wife Ann’s,

asking them to ‘GET ON WITH IT’.

Turning the tide on fracking

The problem is not that SEA Power, or as we

they created a holiday home-from-home in

Dear Editor

Transformation - is not feasible from an

Oldland Common for these youngsters –

We very much welcome Cllr Duncan

engineering point of view, but that it has been

showing them the best of British and taking

Hounsell and colleagues’ letter (The Week In,

bogged down for years and years by the

them away from their community’s stresses.

19th October) pointing out the dangers, and

complexity of getting political agreement to

Many kept in touch in years to come, grateful

indeed the ultimate futility, of fracking here

act! Now, under the cloud of war in Europe,

for the warmth, security and laughter – and

in Britain as a significant way of solving our

the SEE-T investment cost makes obvious

with Roger’s dry and funny humour they

short, middle and long-term energy crisis.

sense just in return on investment (ROI) terms

smiled a lot. I’d like to thank Roger’s late

Such energy security has to be understood in

alone. SEE-T’s huge capacity for secure,

wife Ann and their lovely children, David,

terms of Britain being presently held to

clean energy and creating British socio-

Sarah and Anna, and, of course, their

ransom and being forced to pay massive

economic independence is so obvious that

commitment to the children of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Year after year

put it SEE-T - Severn Estuary Energy

fantastic grandchildren, for sharing Roger

prices in both monitory and diplomatic terms.

even politicians should manage to figure it

Roger Coales remembered

with us.

Britain is held over a barrel by the likes of

out.

Dear Editor

For many years his family kindly allowed us

Saudi Arabia; and, indeed, by our special

Terry (aka Thomas Albert Fox) & Siri

Speaking at the funeral of my good friend Cllr

to borrow Roger so he could devote years of

friend the USA. To free ourselves from such

Edwards, Keynsham

Roger Coales last week was profoundly sad,

his life to public service, to selflessly help

a costly and dangerous overhead we need

but also one of the greatest honours of my

those most in need. I thank them too for

energy delivery that is both certain, regular

life.

allowing us, in great number, to join them as

and clean. Britain desperately needs (ASAP)

Many of you would know Roger as the

Communities need to support their facilities

they beautifully said their very personal

predictable delivery of affordable, clean

Dear Editor

Labour leader of both Kingswood and South

goodbyes to a special person.

energy in keeping with our common net zero

Regarding the closure of The Batch

Gloucestershire councils. Those of you who

I hope they find comfort in knowing so many

aim.

Community Centre in South Gloucestershire

he helped, who met him, or who got to know

others feel their loss too.

We don’t need to frack our own back yards,

(Issue 751), it is places like this that people

him, would not be surprised by the huge

Dan Norris

here in Keynsham, West Harptree, or

rely on in uncertain times. In a way I blame

attendance at his funeral.

Metro Mayor for the West of England

anywhere in Britain, for marginal energy

the locals if it is not being used in the way it

gains that are anyway dirty. Such endeavour,

was supposed to be.

even if bought by local incentives, misses the

It seems to me there are a few people who are

It was standing room only and queuing outside. The people there were deeply moved, many emotional, keen to pay their respects in person and to say a heartfelt last goodbye.

This was a send-off for someone who truly connected with, and moved, others and who was a modest and good person. An inspiring individual who stood out because of what he did for others - not for what he did for himself.

Roger was therefore a very rare beast – a truly popular politician. His acclaim stemmed from his honesty, his genuine liking of people, and real respect for others, whatever their political

8

Tell us how to catch the 178 bus

point that here in Britain, fracking can never

dedicated but the rest don’t want the

Dear Editor

be more than a marginal source. Unlike the

responsibility of helping out. It’s the same old

The Metro Mayor is telling us we have to use

USA’s and Canada’s vast open spaces and

story of ‘let someone else do it’. Get off your

the bus services he has saved or risk losing

huge ‘fractability’, a few ‘fracts’ here and

backsides and get the community going again.

them again. There are even adverts in your

there in Britain will make almost no strategic

As for the vandalism, this is most likely local

paper about cheaper bus fares.

difference to our being energy-dependent on

louts who are bored and with no outlook.

I was delighted, or perhaps relieved, to learn

all those anxious to wring our exchequer dry

Again, it’s their upbringing. I wonder how

that the 178 is still running but had not heard

and/or squeeze diplomatic favours, and keep

they would feel if someone got in and trashed

of the company running it before. I am also

their dosh safely hidden in our overseas

their home.

not sure what happens at Brislington where it

territory hideaways.

PP, Stockwood

now terminates.

We have raised the whole question as to why

PS, Thank you to all at The Week In for this

It would be helpful if there were timetables at

our extraordinarily powerful Severn Estuary,

good paper. Keep up the good work.

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

LETTERS Let’s not forget the children in Ethiopia Dear Editor Through the promise of a daily meal at school, Mary’s Meals has been a beacon of hope for so many hungry children living

to provide hope to children in Ethiopia during

It's been rewarding giving the epilepsy

I was surprised that Avon Wildlife Trust

these desperate times of need, please visit

information packs to local charities such as

would not acknowledge that these attacks

www.marysmeals.org.uk

the Bourne Christian Centre in Kingswood

could be due to otters. Yes, herons are the

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

and others such as Hope.

most common predators at ponds, but otters

Founder of Mary’s Meals

Sarah Reid

are also a menace. Otters will empty a whole pond in one or two visits whereas a heron will

through unimaginable horrors in Tigray,

Helpful courses

northern Ethiopia.

Dear The Week In

Following the relative peace of recent

I have been doing various courses with thanks

months, I was shocked and saddened by a

to South Gloucestershire Council over the

letter from our long-standing partner in the

past six months which have been really

region detailing yet more horror and suffering

helpful in so many ways.

as violence has once again broken out.

They have helped me learn skills I struggle

The resumption of fighting is making it

with learning, such as IT, and boosted my

almost impossible for our partner to get aid to

confidence with subjects I enjoy, like writing

those in need, but we must not make the

stories too. These courses have made such a

mistake of thinking there is nothing we can

positive difference in so many ways.

do. Mary’s Meals has been serving meals in

It was lovely being invited to an awards

Tigray since 2017 and, before the outbreak of

ceremony at the Concorde Museum which

war in November 2020, we were feeding

was a wonderful experience and so many

24,320 hungry children every school day.

people were given awards for so many

I cannot ignore the pleas from our colleagues

wonderful reasons.

in Ethiopia to pray for them, speak up for

I never expected to be given an award for the

them, and advocate on their behalf and I am

epilepsy information packs and charity

asking your readers to please join me.

collections I've been doing over the past 18

Let’s make the situation in Tigray a topic of

years.

only take a couple of fish at a time.

Cabling chaos

I speak from experience. We used to get a

Dear Editor

heron visiting our pond, if it was lucky it

The chaotic installation of Truespeed cabling has reached us in Dragons Hill Court without any warning! I understand that residents should be given notice even if only by a notice in the street but we had nothing. Our pavements have been ripped up and all this is done under the auspices of being essential work! I have complained to Truespeed and their response was not helpful and finishes by telling me “to have a great day”.

would get a fish. To stop the heron, I netted the most vulnerable/accessible part of the pond and this stopped any further problems.

However, last year we came back from a twoweek break and found that all our fish were gone – six mature koi and eight goldfish. I did not think this could be a heron and suspected otters.

This spring I restocked the pond and fully netted it. Again, after a two-week holiday, I

The noise throughout the day is deafening and we have already endured over a week of this but clearly are only about halfway through the work in our street. I see that other parts of Keynsham are enduring similar chaos.

My husband’s disabled parking space has been blocked for over a week now without the courtesy of being consulted. My question is

found all the fish had gone and all the pond plants had been knocked off the edge into the pond as if some large animal had got in and caused havoc trying to catch fish and get out past the netting.

This could have only been an otter. We live 150 metres from a small stream that has a field and road between it and our pond. So to

conversation and make sure people know

how on earth are these companies given carte

what is going on because it cannot be allowed

blanche to cause such havoc?

to continue. And tell anyone with the power

Hazel Powe

to influence exactly what our partner is telling

eye or you need to revise your thinking on

Keynsham

their hunting capabilities.

Avon Wildlife Trust I would say you are either trying to keep otters out of the public

us; we must show how humanity can prevail

P Appleton

over injustice and cruelty. with a heavy feeling of shame and regret

Otters are active in our area

because we failed to stand up for our brothers

Dear Editor

emerged since we initially asked them to

I read with interest your article (19th October

comment on concern raised in a brief letter

edition) entitled ‘Fish ponds under attack’.

from a local resident.

I hope we do not look back in years to come

and sisters in their time of need.

Sarah Reid

For more information on how we are helping

Sudoku 1-Easy

Editor’s note: In Avon Wildlife Trust’s defence, a clearer picture of otter activity has

SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 30th 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 26th October 2022

9

Mike scales Everest for his friend A personal trainer and fitness instructor from Keynsham has climbed the virtual height of two Mount Everests to raise money for a former schoolfriend’s stroke rehabilitation.

Mike Spiring undertook his marathon challenge on Keynsham High Street during the Eco Festival on Saturday 15th October. His 10-hour marathon took place on a Versaclimber and achieved a height of more than 58,000 feet.

A second Versaclimber pitched outside the Wild About Flowers shop allowed any passers-by to try the machine for themselves and understand just what a challenge Mike was undertaking.

Mike said: “Nearly a year ago one of my old Wellsway schoolfriends suffered a life-changing stroke, this has had a

major impact on him and his family.

“Since May of this year I, along with others, have been helping him along with his rehab. Mark has made great progress so far and will continue to do so.

“Having played rugby with Mark at Wellsway School and at Keynsham Rugby Club, I decided on one last event to help raise funds for him and the charity Bristol After Stroke.”

Mike’s challenge raised more than £1,100 from donations on the day and almost £1,500 online. The original target of £5,000 for Mark Monks’ rehabilitation has been smashed as a result, now standing at almost £7,500.

If you want to become involved you can still donate online using the following links: Mark’s GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/3da307dc Bristol After Stroke: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MikeSpiring1versaclimber

Community litter pick South Gloucestershire Council and Hanham Baptist Church are working together to build up community activities to improve the local area, well-being and community spirit.

As such a community litter pick will be taking place on Saturday 5th November at 10.30am with people invited to meet at Gover Road by the park.

Everyone is welcome, although children need to be supervised. Equipment will be provided and people are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.

If this is successful, the ‘pick’ may be extended to other Mike and Mark

Crossword

National award for community rail partnership The Severnside Community Rail Partnership, which includes Keynsham and Oldfield Park stations, has just been recognised for its role in promoting rail safety.

Together with neighbouring community rail partnerships in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, it created Platform – an education scheme aimed specifically at schools – and the initiative has just won the national award for influencing positive change and sustainability.

Platform delivers free workshops within schools on rail safety which is linked to free train trips for educational purposes. The platform website also has free curriculum linked resources for teachers to use.

Heather Cullimore, from Severnside Community Rail Partnership, said: “Platform Rail Education Scheme winning the Influencing Positive Change and Sustainability category was a real highlight.

“Platform supports teachers to deliver the National Curriculum while empowering young people to make sustainable, healthy travel choices as they grow their independence. At a time when many schools are struggling to meet the cost of running school trips, Platform’s completely free of charge offer of curriculumlinked resources, in-school workshops and rail familiarisation trips, have a really important role in supporting learning inside and outside of the classroom.”

areas in Hanham.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Engine (5)

1. Worker in stone (5)

4. Small raisin (7)

2. Braid of hair (5)

8. Marshal (7)

3. Prepared (5)

9. Similar (5)

4. Close embrace (6)

10. Offensive (5)

5. Cook in oven (5)

13. Salad vegetable (7)

6. Farewell (5)

17. Scarlet (3)

11. Take land illegally (5)

18. Egg on (6)

12. Musical ornament (5)

19. Crushed rock (6)

14. Limit (4)

20. Born as (3) 22. Mexican lizard (7)

15. Jewelled headdress (5)

25. Social class (5)

16. Eclat (anag.) (5)

28. Endure (5)

17. Hire (4)

29. Moroccan city (7)

21. Uplifted (6)

30. Perspired (7)

22. Accumulate (5)

31. Brawny (5)

23. Oily fruit (5)

7. Topic (5)

24. Open (5) 25. Marine mollusc (5) 26. Unbending (5) 27. Ahead of time (5)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

Football club blame cost of travelling for decision to quit league Bitton AFC have pulled out of the Toolstation Western League, blaming the travel requirements from the FA’s league restructure.

In a statement at the end of last week, Bitton AFC chairman John Langdon said: “It is with deep regret that Bitton 1st Team have been withdrawn from the Toolstation Premier Division by the club. The decision has been taken with a heavy heart but in the interest of the whole club and its future sustainability which is imperative.

“The club would like to thank the supporters, sponsors and management for their contributions this season and importantly the players that had committed to the long, arduous journeys to date and to complete the season which has proved to be financially one step too far for the club.

“The club would like to put on record the

positive attitudes and commitments that have been enviable, and you are all wished every success going forward. The club will now reflect and decide on its options going forward.”

The Toolstation Western League covers Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, parts of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The league said: “Bitton’s playing record for this season will be expunged and the league table adjusted accordingly.”

Bitton’s reserves, women’s and junior sides will continue.

Downend nursery told to improve The Downend branch of a large nursery chain has been told by Ofsted that it needs to improve.

At its previous inspection six years ago, Mama Bear's in Downend Road was rated as Good but the latest report, which has been published this month, highlights that improvements are needed to address issues including safeguarding and some weak teaching. The inspector also found some resources and areas of the building to be in poor condition.

Although staff are said to supervise children well overall to help keep them safe, they do not always identify possible hazards to children, the report noted.

During her visit, the inspector found possible hazards in the shed and courtyard.

Leaders took immediate action when these

were identified.

A spokesperson for Mama Bear’s said: “Whilst we are disappointed with the overall outcome, there were many positive areas recognised and highlighted throughout Ofsted’s report, namely that children are happy and settled in the nursery and staff offer support and reassurance to children; that children have good relationships with staff and that children’s emotional needs are met well.

“There were many positives observed around supporting children’s speech and language development, which underpins all other areas of learning and development and is a key element of the work that the staff team work hard to promote.

“Children’s behaviour was complimented, as was our partnerships with parents.”

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The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

11

The Community Page

A cutting-edge learning experience I have always loved the bright vivid colours of stained glass. Churches, mirrors, ornaments and hangings lift the soul when adorned by reflected light. So it was with nervous enthusiasm I attended a one-day practical course in Kingswood on the subject.

With two other newbies and a few other experienced craftspeople, we were informed of the safety aspects of working with glass. We were told to wear proper footwear and not sandals or open-toed shoes and also to be aware of the various electrical equipment, such as soldering irons and grinders, that we would be using during the day. Shards of

Christine's work

glass also could be a danger, easily finding their way on hands and ultimately faces and eyes.

The two types of hand tools we used were a pencil-type cutter or, and which was better for me, a full-hand grip cutter. I had taken with me a design I hoped to reproduce of my little garden shed. The wooden structure is a peaceful haven for me. It’s where I like to draw, read and write. To see my small retreat reflected in a window hanging would be quite an achievement.

With goggles over my glasses, I attempted my first effort at cutting. I soon realised it wasn't The East window in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as easy as it looked. The idea is to press down and cut with more strength than I realised, from close to one in pride of place in my garden shed.

The Songsmiths edge of a piece of glass to close to the other edge, then turn The day in all senses was a sharp learning curve and gave me the glass over and gently tap the indentation until the segment an even greater appreciation of stained glass and the effort breaks away completely. It is hoped the glass breaks cleanly and craftsmanship needed to produce the wonderful pieces and in a straight line, but grinders are used to smooth out and that adorn so many ancient and newer public buildings, as well as the jewellery that we often see at country fairs and finally shape the iridescent pieces.

The next stage is to wrap around the cut edges with a type of markets. copper foil sticky tape. This way of interlocking the glass was Recently we visited Buckfast Abbey in Dorset and I was invented in America by Louis Tiffany, the famous jeweller thrilled to see the display of stained glass there. In 1968 a and lampshade maker. The process is quite therapeutic and monk called Dom Charles Norris completed the beautiful you begin to see your progress towards the finished article East window in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. This coming together. Once the pieces are laid out in the required wonderful work of art is proof of the beauty and emotional design, a flux is used and the soldering iron comes into use. wellbeing this type of art can evoke.

With a steady hand, which my tutor helped me with, the • To find out more about the courses available at the solder is applied to join the various glass shapes. Finally the Kingswood Estate visit https://tinyurl.com/4zm8ab2s piece is polished and buffed to be proudly displayed at home, Christine Rogers

News from Hanham Evening Women’s Institute ‘Happy birthday to us’ was the theme of Hanham Evening Women’s Institute’s October meeting as we celebrated 40 years in style. However, when we started to organise our celebrations, little did we know of events that would make the occasion even more poignant.

We had set aside a day for the celebrations which were divided into two separate events.

In the morning, with the late Queen Elizabeth at the forefront of members’ minds, we had arranged a tree planting ceremony to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The tree was planted in the grounds of Hanham Community Centre where WI meetings are normally held.

It was a lovely sunny morning and the rain stayed away. The tree was a rowan which was purchased from branch funds and was marked with a suitably inscribed plaque to confirm its meaning. Over 30 members 12

attended together with Sue Murphy, chair of the Avon Federation, and staff from the centre. After the planting ceremony we adjourned to the centre to finish the morning with coffee and cakes and some time for reflection.

The celebrations continued that evening with a birthday party held at the Community Centre. It took the form of an American-style supper and members brought along a wonderful array of food to suit every taste.

Entertainment for the evening was provided courtesy of musical comedy duo Bonner and Blake. Their act brought a smile to everyone’s face and their clever use of costume, varied repertoire of old favourites and their own compositions containing brilliant lyrics made for a wonderful evening.

Members are now looking forward to our autumn fayre at the Community Centre on

Saturday 12th November from 10am.

There will be 25 tables selling a variety of goods including craft items, artwork, greetings cards, jewellery, children’s and baby items, bric-a-brac and books.

Traditional homemade WI cakes will also be on sale. There will be a grand raffle with hampers as prizes. Entry is free and there is ample free parking.

Dianna Coles

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

Great start to the season for Keynsham Girls Keynsham under 18s have got off to a flying start in the new Bristol Girls Football League.

After six matches they sit top of the league with a 100% record, something they probably could not have dreamed of this time last year. After struggling to field enough players they finished last season with just one win and a draw and the whole future of the team was in doubt.

But a recruitment drive by manager Rob Macer and assistant Ross Andrews, and a lot of hard work from the new squad of around 20 players, has certainly paid dividends.

Rob said: “The girls have worked very hard. They attended pre-season gym sessions, took on personal fitness goals, and

Situations Vacant

only had one week off training post season. Training sessions have been well attended every week, the girls are fantastically close and the best of friends, and the talent they always had has flourished and grown to give them this well-earned newfound success.”

Despite playing in an under 18 age group, many of the girls are still eligible to play at under 16 level so hopefully the squad will remain intact for the next couple of seasons.

Rob and Ross are grateful to sponsors Bath Domestic and Commercial Cleaning who stepped in at the last minute to provide new kit, tracksuits and training tops.

Support for parents and carers at drop-in session Parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) are invited to a support drop-in session in Keynsham.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is holding the twohour session, which includes a series of workshops. on Friday 4th November from 10am to noon at The Space, above Keynsham Library. A large range of professionals from different support services will be at the event for parents and carers to talk to.

These include Educational Psychology, Sendias, Speech & Language Therapy, B&NES Carers’ Centre, Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care

The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022

Services’ Autism Service (HCRG) and Attendance & Welfare Support Service.

Other organisations taking part include the Education Inclusion Service, Off The Record, the Project Search internship programme at the RUH, the Library Service, Mentoring Plus, Bath College, B&NES Parent Carer Forum, Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS) @ Fosseway School and Live Well B&NES. There will be a timetable of workshops for people to take part in if they want to and details will be shared on www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes There is no need to book, just go along on the day.

13

Woman due in court over assault Fireworks alert An investigation into an incident in Brislington in March which a 12-year-old boy received a head injury has concluded and the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge.

Fay Johnson, 32, of Yate, has been served with a postal requisition to attend Bristol Magistrates' Court on 15th December to face a charge of assault causing actual bodily

harm.

The charge comes after officers revisited the initial investigation into an incident on the banks of the River Avon on 26th March. In May (Issue 729) we reported that police had announced they were to review the incident following concerns raised by the boy's family about the initial handling of the case.

and cups from KFC Plastic bottles and cig packets all compete to spoil the view.

Litter We’ve got litter by the mile by the bus stop and the stile There is litter on grass verges and on the pavements too!

We put signs up to stop the litter but they’re all ignored too!

Fly tippers visit my patch and leave their rubbish there If I could catch them at it They would get more than a stare

A dog poo bag on the gate is quite a heavy weight We have cider cans from Thatchers

Now because of my old age I am getting to the stage where I also need a pick-up too So if you could help me please TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME WITH YOU The Charlton Road Womble (wave as you go past)

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

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

Bath & North East Somerset Council is reminding people of the impact of fireworks, not just on animals but older people and children with autism.

Last year, the council adopted a motion recommended that all public firework displays are advertised in advance to warn people who want to take precautions for themselves or their pets. It is also asking people to be more considerate in their choice if purchasing fireworks by selecting less noisy varieties.

Unpredictable loud noises can cause fear and distress to animals and debris from fireworks can also pose a hazard to horses and livestock.

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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The Week in • Wednesday 26th October 2022