The Week In - Issue 784 - 7th June 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

7th June 2023

Issue 784

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‘Stinky summer’ warning as bin workers go on strike Around 150 workers employed by Suez emptying bins on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council are going on strike over pay.

The workers will strike from next Monday (12th June) until 18th June and again from 26th June until 9th July.

If the dispute is not resolved, industrial action will intensify over the summer, says their union Unite.

South Gloucestershire Council said this week that it is working closely with Suez to ensure the contractor has “appropriate” plans in place to minimise any disruption to waste services.

Unite says that staff voted to strike by 89% after rejecting an eight per cent pay offer from Suez, which according to its latest UK financial returns brought in profits of £80.8m in 2021.

The union says that with the real rate of inflation the

Also in this week’s issue

Retail Price Index (RPI) at 11.4%, this is a significant real terms pay cut. The company’s bin loaders in South Gloucestershire earn £11.53 per hour.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Suez is an extremely profitable company but is offering these workers a real terms pay cut during the worst cost of living crisis in generations.”

The union’s regional officer Ken Fish said: “Our members have been forced to take action because Suez refuses to table a reasonable pay offer. South Gloucestershire’s residents are facing a stinky summer because of Suez's greed.

“This is a lucrative contract and the council needs to intervene and force Suez to put forward a fair offer to our members.”

South Gloucestershire Council says that the planned

Council finally orders design review of Keynsham cycle lane . . . page 3

Vandals strike twice at historic Warmley signal box . . . page 5

industrial action is by staff employed directly by Suez and as such, pay negotiations are the responsibility of Suez. A council spokesperson said: “We will keep residents updated if we become aware of any changes to collections and/or services.”

The Week In has also asked Suez if it wishes to comment on the strike action.

• See page 2 for refuse workers in Bristol being balloted over industrial action - and further strike action by social workers in South Gloucestershire.

Air quality boost to Downend shopping centre . . . page 6

Hanham firm's centenary celebrations . . . page 13

South Glos workers walk out again in dispute over pay Social

workers

and

occupational

colleagues and I at South Gloucestershire

for

South

Council found out we were to be underpaid

Gloucestershire Council held two days of

by £3,000 per year in comparison to

strike action last week.

children’s social workers, we felt insulted and

Unison has been in dispute with the local

angry.

authority over pay since last summer. The

“Adult social workers have exactly the same

walkouts last Tuesday and Thursday

qualifications as children’s and are facing

followed three days of strike action in

very similar challenges in recruitment and

April.

retention. With the cost of living crisis, many

The dispute started after a decision by the

are having to vote with their feet and go to

council to award staff in children’s services

where the pay is better. Some of our members

an additional temporary £3,000 payment on

have had to take second jobs just to make

top of their basic annual salary. This uplift

ends meet for their families.”

was not offered to those doing the same job

He urged the council to come forward with

with strike action, given our continuing focus

undertake vitally important work in our

in adult services.

an offer to enable progress.

on delivering our workplace action plan

communities in South Gloucestershire. We

According to the union, a quarter of local

Unison’s South West regional organiser,

which addresses issues staff tell us matter

very much hope that Unison will continue to

authorities are now offering these “market

Jayne Jackson, added: “Negotiations to date

most.

engage with us on the actions agreed after the

forces” supplements as many are facing

have sadly not led to a resolution. But only

“Staff in all roles in adult social care

last period of industrial action.”

significant problems attracting and keeping

through talking will this issue be settled. The

staff.

council must double its efforts to end the

Dan Smart, branch secretary of Unison South

strike by paying up and showing it values all

Gloucestershire, said, “Social workers and

its social work employees.”

occupational therapists support people with

A council spokesperson said: “A small

some of the most challenging issues and

number

situations in society, from domestic abuse to

occupational therapists took local strike

mental health issues. Of course, we support

action on 30th May and 1st June. We are

pay rises for all workers, but when my

disappointed that Unison have proceeded

therapists

2

working

of

our

social

Previous strike action

workers

and

Over 200 Bristol Waste staff balloted over industrial action More than 200 refuse workers employed

made gross profits of more than £2.3m for

by Bristol Waste are being balloted for

the year ending March 2022, says Unite.

industrial action.

The union’s general secretary Sharon

Bristol Waste already has a staff shortage

Graham said: “Bristol Waste, which is

at present without a quarter of its

wholly owned by Bristol council, can well

workforce going on strike.

afford to pay these workers a decent rise.

The workers, who collect bins, clean the

It is completely unacceptable that a

streets and operate household waste and

Labour council is leaving its workers to

recycling centres, are angry at a 17-month

struggle with rocketing living costs when

pay offer of seven per cent or £2,000,

the business it is employing them through

whichever is greater for their salary. Their

is making such large profits.

union Unite says that with the real rate of

“Bristol council and Bristol Waste need to

inflation – the Retail Price Index - running

come back with a better offer and soon

at 11.4%, this is a significant real terms

because Unite will be backing our

pay cut.

members all the way.”

While many of the workers are paid little

The ballot opened last Tuesday (30th

more than the minimum wage, Bristol

May) and closes next Tuesday (13th

Waste, which is owned by the council,

June).

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

Council finally orders a design review of controversial cycle lane There is to be a design review of the

remedial works. Alongside the audit, the

controversial stepped cycle lane in

council will undertake a design review over

Keynsham High Street.

the summer to assess whether additional

It will take place this summer and follows

enhancements can be made to reduce trips

repeated calls to Bath & North East Somerset

and falls further. We recognise that pedestrian

Council for action to stop the trips and falls

use within the High Street has changed as a

that have seen dozens of people hurt –

result of a significant reduction in cars

including head injuries and broken bones -

passing through. If action is needed, we’ll

since the new cycle lane was introduced 15

consider the options.

months ago as part of a street improvement

“Ward councillors representing the High

scheme.

Street have been kept updated on this. We

Last August the council painted the cycle

have also contacted traders to inform them

lane red to improve its visibility but it has not

about the repair works and we apologise for

stopped people getting injured. The council

any disruption for businesses and residents

has maintained that the design met all

during the works.”

relevant planning and design requirements

The parking bays will be suspended until

but has now ordered a review to see if

Saturday 24th June. The council says that

anything more can be done.

access to shops will be maintained and the

Meanwhile the council has temporarily

pavement will remain open. Loading bays

suspended parking in the High Street this

and the bus stop will remain in operation and

week so that works can be carried out to

the nearest car parks are at Ashton Way, by

repair paving slabs and replace damaged

the leisure centre and in Station Road.

bollards and cycle stands. Additional street

This week Conservative Cllr Alan Hale, who

furniture will be installed to protect the

represents Keynsham South on B&NES

pavement from vehicles mounting it in the

Council and is the authority’s member

future.

advocate for road safety, told us: “It is

Cllr Paul Roper, the Lib Dem-controlled

pleasing that the administration is finally

council’s Cabinet member for Economic &

showing an active interest in the problems of

Cultural Sustainable Development, said:

High Street.

“The works to repair the broken paving slabs

“In Temple Street they have installed

and replace cycle stands and bollards have

apparently much more robust kerbs and if

been scheduled for some time. We are

used in High Street it would help to deter

conscious of the concerns about trips and

those drivers who seem to believe it is OK to

falls linked to the cycle lane and so it’s

drive over or park on the pavement.

understandable that people may wonder what

Considering the amount of broken paving

is happening when contractors arrive.

slabs, it would seem that they have not been

“I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure

laid on a firm foundation.

residents that we take the concerns extremely

“Yet again the Road Safety Audit is promised

seriously, which is why we have already

but no date mentioned and it is interesting

acted by introducing the red coloured cycle

that they are now intending reviewing the

lane finish that has reduced the number of

design, this despite their response throughout

reported incidents significantly.

the last year and more that the design

“A Stage 4 Road Safety Audit will follow the

complies with regulations.”

He said it was all “rather late” for the people

both the council’s chief executive and leader,

who have been injured, some of them

advising both that should someone die of

seriously. “Hopefully further casualties will

injuries sustained from a fall, they could face

be saved, late as it is,” Cllr Hale added.

investigation for corporate manslaughter.

He has written on a number of occasions to

See Letters, page 8

Audits done by principal designer In response to enquiries by The Week In

Jacobs. Cllr Paul Roper, the Cabinet

about who redesigned Keynsham High

member for Economic & Cultural

Street, including the cycle lane, and who

Sustainable Development, said: “As the

has been responsible for all the Road

principal designer for the scheme, Jacobs

Safety Audits, B&NES Council this week

have been involved in all of the Road

told us it was professional services firm

Safety Audits. This is standard practice.”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

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New retail and café plans for Chief Trading Post

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.

An amended retail and café scheme at the Chief Trading Post site at Barry Road in Oldland Common has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

The popular Chief Trading Post café and farm shop closed at the end of last year before the site was razed in preparation for a major hybrid redevelopment.

In April (Issue 775) we reported that the business owner Roland Tanner was intending to change his permitted plans for new premises to a pre-fabricated unit as building costs had more than doubled since the scheme was first drawn up.

The new application (reference P23/01577/RVC) keeps the building single storey and of a similar size, but lower in height. It says that there would be timber cladding to the walls, “emulating nearby farm buildings”. The proposed building is arranged around a quadrangle giving access to the café and retail part and accommodating outdoor seating.

The deadline for comments on the new scheme is 15th June.

Last week we reported on the updated plans for 50 “100% affordable” homes on the site that Alliance Homes and Countryside Partnerships have submitted to the council. Only 35% of the homes were to have been affordable under the previously approved outline planning permission.

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Rat-run concerns Meanwhile concerns have this week been raised about four speed tables on Barry

Barry Road, where four speed tables are planned

Road in connection with the redevelopment of the Chief Trading Post site.

In a letter to The Week In, Alan and Liz Walker say that most people won’t realise the full implications of the traffic calming measures that were approved as part of the hybrid scheme at the end of last year and believe it will lead to drivers using side roads as a “rat run”.

They say the original hybrid redevelopment application for the site lacked details when it was first published in 2021: “So when we and the vast majority of people commented on the plan in September/October 2021, things were not confirmed. Two traffic calming options appear to have been added on 22nd January 2022 but we and other residents in the area were not alerted to these or other changes to the original application. Therefore, there were only a couple of public comments expressing concerns.”

Read their letter in full on page 8

Appeal expected after Tesco corner shop is refused An appeal looks set to take place after planning permission for a Tesco store next

Publisher Editor Contributors

Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers

to the King William IV pub in Warmley

Advertising

Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com

lodged

@theweekineditor

extension and building a shop on land to

planners.

the side, with a new access off Tower

The application was refused at the start of

Road South to serve a reconfigured car

this year on the grounds that the proposed

park. The plans, which were first filed

service bay in front of the pub, so close to

with the council in mid-2021, had been

a pedestrian crossing, would be likely to

amended several times including altering

increase highway dangers.

the design of the building and making

The Planning Inspectorate has written to

changes in respect of transport movements

the council to say it has received notice

but ultimately failed to satisfy council

that an appeal is planned.

the_week_in_news No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved.

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4

was refused.

The controversial planning application with

South

Gloucestershire

Council by Cordage Estates Ltd involved demolishing the pub’s single-storey

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

Vandalism at historic signal box The volunteers who look after the old signal box on the

Then between 12.30pm on Thursday 1st June and 8am the

Hugh Evans from the group told us: “Obviously, we are really

Bristol & Bath Railway Path at Warmley have spoken of

following day, a window frame was completely smashed and

upset that we have been targeted twice. We are going to install

their sadness after two attacks by vandals.

the mannequin signalman was left hanging out.

preventative systems in the box which will cost us almost

In the first break-in on the night of Saturday 13th May, four

A railway hat was recovered from the car park of the nearby

£200. It is a great shame that we have to spend our resources

window panes on the upper part of the Grade II listed

Midland Spinner pub and another was found outside the

in this way, rather than in preserving the box for our visitors.”

building were kicked in but nothing was stolen.

signal box.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to

The box was last used in 1968. It fell into disrepair when the

call the police on 101.

freight line closed but has been cared for since 2008 by the

The crime incident number for the most recent criminal

Warmley Community Garden and Signal Box Group and was

damage is AS-20230602-0287.

restored and reopened in style in 2013 as a heritage site.

The reference for the first incident is 5223111263.

The signal box decorated for the Coronation in May

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

The mannequin was left hanging out of a broken window

5

New green screens will improve air quality Downend got a little greener last week as

Kathryn Leeming, the high street co-

with South Gloucestershire Council,” she

bloom group, it would be beneficial to the

vertical planters were installed in two

ordinator for Downend, said that green

said.

local community to have more greenery in

locations in the main shopping area.

screens, planters and benches had been

“The idea behind this project is that, as

their high street.

The green screens will improve air quality,

installed.

Downend has such a good reputation of

“These green screens also provide air quality

while new benches will provide resting

“This was an idea that came through the

being a green place, thanks to its active

benefits.”

places for shoppers.

Downend partnership group which consists

One is on Cleeve Road outside the Lloyds

of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish

Bank building and the other is on Westerleigh

Council, Downend & Bromley Heath in

Road outside the Sainsbury’s Local.

Bloom and local businesses, in partnership

The green screen on Westerleigh Road

The installation at Cleeve Road

Masked raiders break into garage Six people wearing balaclavas broke into

It is thought that a number of other

a garage on Handel Road in Keynsham at

garages locally have also been broken

6.30pm on Sunday 28th May.

into.

Police say that the offenders, who were all

If you have any information about this

male,

some

incident, especially CCTV images, call

neighbours and left the area. It is believed

101, giving crime reference number

that nothing was stolen but the garage was

5223124887. Alternatively, call Crime-

damaged.

stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

were

challenged

by

Tackling Blue Badge misuse

6

Bath & North East Somerset Council

three instances of misuse on the day,

carried out 146 Blue Badge checks as it

seizing three Blue Badges.

took part in a national day of action

There are currently more than 7,600

against misuse of the badges.

registered Blue Badge holders in B&NES.

Eighty-two councils took part in the

Examples of misuse include using a badge

nationally co-ordinated campaign on 26th

when the holder is not in the vehicle, using

May.

one that belongs to a deceased person and

All B&NES Council’s civil enforcement

one that has expired.

officers carried out checks on the day of

So far this year, the council has seized 26

action, with additional support from its

badges. It has a 100% prosecution rate of

trading arm One West, and they found

tackling instances of such misuse.

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

Heading in the right direction It’s a little over two months since the launch of

something we have heard and reported

WESTlink, the West of England’s innovative demand

quite a lot about over the last couple of

responsive transport system. While there are generally

years. Covering such a large area

more sightings of the distinctive green minibuses in the

without a full complement of vehicles

area, we have heard very little more officially about the

was always going to be challenging.

service.

But there are signs, albeit anecdotal,

One reader wrote to The Week In a couple of weeks ago

that the WESTlink message is starting

giving their own experiences of WESTlink and highlighting

to be accepted. It was understandable

the fact there seemed to be very little publicity. Indeed, the

that launching a demand responsive

media awareness campaign that those present at a Keynsham

transport system at the same time as

Area Forum earlier this year were told would take place in

local councils withdrew their funding

March, never happened.

for subsidised bus services would lead

At The Week In, we have been contacted on more than one

some to assume that one was a

occasion about placing adverts for WESTlink but no firm

replacement for the other. But while the

decision is ever made.

supported bus routes may be ‘lifelines’

There are probably two reasons for this. One, as Mayor Dan

for many, the reality is that many buses

Norris was quick to remind us prior to the launch, is potential

travelled empty or passengers who did

gremlins in the system which will need to be ironed out

travel were being subsidised by council

before it can function as planned. Some eyebrows were raised

tax payers, sometimes by more than £40 per journey.

High Street to Bitton in the 5th April edition of The Week In.

when the operation was set for a ‘big bang’ launch on 1st

WESTlink only operates where and when passengers request

I have taken quite a few journeys since. Yes, there are parts

April over two geographically large ‘zones’ across Bath &

it. There are no meaningful figures available yet but the

of the system which still need to be ironed out. The app, for

North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North

service is provided for the next 22 months from a

example, only lets you book in real time. That’s fine if you

Somerset. The other, according to South West Transport

Government fund, not council taxes.

are ready to travel but if you want to schedule a ride for later

Network campaigner David Redgewell, is a lack of drivers,

I reported on my first WESTlink journey from Keynsham

or book a return journey, you have to do this by phone. Yet ironically, isn’t this just what people who supposedly aren’t

Call for better security for library staff

comfortable using smart technology would do? The telephone

Keynsham Town Council is calling for better security for

appointment with my GP and the staff are always friendly.

staff who work at the town’s library, such as body

Now the weather is fine, one of my regular treats on days off

cameras, after issues with anti-social behaviour.

is to walk from my home in Portishead to a village in the

It is understood that the library, which is run by Bath &

Gordano Valley. It has a wonderful old pub that does

North East Somerset Council, has recently been fitted with

ploughman’s lunches with great beer. And at the end,

a panic alarm.

WESTlink comes to carry me home (not literally!) The

The issues have also been affecting local shops. It was

village has no bus service. It never has in all the years I have

agreed at the town council’s last meeting that the

lived there (although bizarrely it has a bus shelter!) Whereas

councillors who represent Keynsham on B&NES Council

the first time I did this journey, I had the bus to myself, these

would speak with the authority’s anti-social behaviour unit

days there are invariably other passengers travelling into

and also discuss security improvements with the finance

Portishead.

team.

Of course, it would be easier and quicker to drive. But apart

It is understood that police have recently made some

from missing out on the exercise and the great beer, isn’t the

arrests in connection with anti-social behaviour in the

whole point to leave the car at home?

town.

Stephen Rodgers

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

system works, the wait is far shorter than trying to book an

7

LETTERS Mayors are ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’ Dear Editor Why is it that Dan Norris, the West of England Mayor, and Marvin Rees, the Bristol Mayor (both Labour) think they have a free rein to waste the hard-pressed taxpayers’ money?

On the one hand, we have Marvin Rees wasting multi-millions on his fantasy idea of an underground system for Bristol. On the other we have Dan Norris intending to waste £8m on ''birthday bus passes", as reported in The Week In, Issue 783. This is after bus services have been recently cut, due to “unaffordable” funding being withdrawn by him.We also have to put up with money being wasted on adverts of him, pictured with his dog, every week in this newspaper.

Marvin Rees is on notice, think of how much taxpayers’ money could be saved by ridding ourselves of the West of England Mayor and his office.

M Bridges, Kingswood Editor’s note: We have been clear for some time that local media which is free of charge cannot be funded solely through advertising.

In honouring a manifesto commitment to support the local press (not just The Week In) the West of England Combined Authority is the only local authority to do so on a regular basis. This support helps us bring you local news and views each week, so it is definitely not wasted. We are grateful to all our advertisers and supporters who enable us to continue to produce our publication every week for our 40,000 readers.

‘Rat run’ concerns over redeveloped site Dear Becky Further to Ms McNab’s letter to the paper dated 31st May, regarding the plans for 50 affordable homes at Barry Road, we are

8

writing to agree that all residents of Oldland Common should have a careful look at planning application P23/0635/RM, and also P23/01577/RVC (the amended retail/café scheme).

We understand that notice of application P23/01577/RVC has only been sent to four households near the development.

Most people don’t realise the full implications of what is already approved.

The original hybrid redevelopment application P21/05366/F lacked details when it was first published, so when we and the vast majority of people commented on the plan in September/October 2021, things were not confirmed. Two traffic calming options appear to have been added on 22nd January 2022 but we and other residents in the area were not alerted to these or other changes to the original application.

Therefore, there were only a couple of public comments expressing concerns.

The centre of Oldland Common has no speed bumps, yet the traffic calming proposals include four speed tables, one of them starting halfway across the exit from our neighbour’s drive. Whilst this will slow down traffic, the worry is that vehicles driving through will start to use Oakleigh Gardens and Kenilworth Drive as a ‘rat run’ to avoid two of the tables.

Residents should also be very concerned that: 1. The proposed doctors’ surgery which was a key part of the initial planning application may now never get built.

2. That the proposed farm/café building will now be a prefabricated building so that it can open earlier. Hopefully this will be a commercial success, but the fact that it will be operating in a large building site for at least two years is bound to have a negative impact on potential trade.

3. There is the possibility that in three to four years, the area allocated to both the above

becomes part of an application for yet more houses on the site.

Mr & Mrs A Walker

‘Urgent design review’ has been agreed Dear Editor First of all, we would like to thank the residents of Keynsham North for electing us to represent you, we look forward to getting down to work serving the town.

Many residents have been asking us about the High Street and the number of people falling; I am pleased to report, together with Andy Wait and Hal MacFie, the councillors for Keynsham East, we had a productive meeting with the officers responsible for the highway at our request and, they have agreed to produce an urgent design review leading to further mitigation actions which we hope will stop any further incidents.

We are always interested to get your reports about potholes, pavement surfaces and any other council services so please do contact us at Alex_Beaumont@bathnes.gov.uk or George_Leach@bathnes.gov.uk Cllrs Alex Beaumont & George Leach Liberal Democrat councillors for Keynsham North Ward

issues of the day are out of line with the values of the vast majority of the people he represents in Parliament. Mogg Watch (www.moggwatch.wordpress.com) is a group of local people who have had enough of Mr Rees-Mogg’s continued championing of fossil fuel interests in the teeth of the climate crisis, as well as his policies on the spiralling cost of living, social justice, underfunded public services, wealth polarisation and Britain’s reputation and standing within the world community. These policies, we suggest, are damaging both to the wellbeing of our country now, and also to the life chances of future generations.

We are non-party political, have no shared religious position and come from all walks of life. All who share our values are welcome to join us and may be interested to come to our next information event, which is being held at One Community Trust (1 The Park, Keynsham) on Saturday 17th June from 10am until 1pm.

Alastair Singleton Chewton Keynsham

Write to us The Week In is independent of any political or

Presidential trip Dear Editor Keynsham could be on the world’s front pages if Joe Biden tries to cross the road in Keynsham!

John Norfolk, Whitchurch Village

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

Turning up the heat on MP Dear Editor In his recent letter to The Week In (Issue 782), Cllr Duncan Hounsell is right to draw attention to the widespread feeling in our area that MP Jacob Rees-Mogg’s expressed opinions on many of the most important

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

Concert will celebrate Handel’s links with Keynsham Later this month, one of the highlights of Keynsham’s

inscription ‘G.F. Handel 1750’. In

Music Festival week will be the open-air performance of

fact, there were two such plates and

the music of George Frideric Handel by the Bristol String

both were stolen from the church in

Quartet.

the 1920s. But, according to the

The concert, which takes place on Tuesday 27th June on

Friends of St John’s Church, one was

Riverside Terrace, is being billed as a celebration of the great

found by police at a dealer’s shop in

composer’s links with Keynsham – and therein lies a

Bristol

fascinating story.

returned.

While there is much conjecture and sadly, little documentary

So there is evidence of a connection

evidence, there is one indisputable fact about the great

between Handel and St John’s

composer’s link with the town. St John the Baptist Church

Church, but what of the story that he

has among its treasures a brass offertory plate with the

loved the sound of the church’s organ

shortly

afterwards

and

so much that he offered a new peal of bells in exchange for it? Much of that is sadly circumstantial. Handel was very close to the Bridges family, who

Handel

do have a very long connection with St John’s. Indeed, after the dissolution of Keynsham Abbey

with very fine voices.” So the choir sang Handel’s anthems

in the 16th century, Sir Thomas Bridges purchased the lease

arpeggio, yet the church boasted a magnificent organ?

on the land and his son Henry lived in Keynsham until his

And what of the new peal of bells the composer is meant to

death in 1588. As patrons of the living, the family were

have offered in exchange for the organ? Well, it could not

responsible for the upkeep of the chancel and appointed the

have been a complete set. An article in the Bath Chronicle

priests. Any visitor to St John’s Church today will find a

during the 1930s on the very same topic recorded that some

number of memorials and tombs of family members.

of the bells at St John’s had inscriptions from the 17th century

Handel is known to have visited Bath on three occasions as

which pre-dated Handel’s involvement. But the trail ends

the guest of the Duke of Chandos, the last two of these in

there however as all the bells were re-cast in 1987. And in an

1749 and 1751 – a year either side of the date inscribed on

article written for the Friends of Handel which appears on

the alms plate. Interesting also is an account by Lady

their website, there is another question for which there is no

Caroline Bridges of her visit to Keynsham in 1751 (courtesy

apparent answer – what happened to the organ?

of the Huntingdon Library in California). “We were received

But to return to that original piece of evidence, the brass

at Keynsham with great rejoicings, ringing of bells, bonfires,

offertory plate clearly links the composer of the Messiah and

squibs, serenades, dancing, staring, gaping, etc. The church

the Coronation piece Zadok the Priest with Keynsham.

is a very fine one for a country parish and what surprised me

And does there have to be a justification to enjoy some of

excessively there is about 14 common people that sing in the

Handel’s music at a summer concert during Keynsham’s

church all of Handel’s anthems and without any instruments

festival week? Of course not.

sing just as ever I heard then in my life and some of them

For more details visit www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk

A previous Armed Forces Day event in Staple Hill

St John the Baptist Church

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 11th June

2 -Hard

(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 7th June 2023

9

Work progressing well on new Jubilee Park Work is well under way on Cadbury Heath’s new £500,000 Jubilee Park at the former pitch and putt site.

South Gloucestershire Council is spending £500,000 creating the park to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the memory of the Duke of Edinburgh and his interest in wildlife and nature.

So far a main path through the park has been constructed, along with a circular path to what will be a woodland of reflection, and a path to a community orchard. New streetlighting has also been installed.

There has been vegetation management by the Siston Brook, shrub planting by Orchard Boulevard, and trees have been planted on Queens Road as part of the late Queen’s Green Canopy. Railings have also been installed around the community orchard.

A new Friends group is being established and last week volunteers helped out at the new pond by planting irises and other native species.

This month there are due to be guided walks and next month a circular walk will be launched.

In September and October wildflower meadows will be created and in November there will be bulb planting followed by tree planting at the end of this year and the beginning of 2024. The formal opening of the park is scheduled for next March.

Some trees have been removed, with the council announcing in April that 25 had ash dieback. It will be looking to commission a wood carving sculpture to make good use of one of the trees.

Oldland Parish Council is working with South Gloucestershire Council's Community Spaces Improvement Team to support the development of the new Friends group at Jubilee Park, as well volunteer groups at Barrs Court Moat and Cock Road Ridge which also fall within the parish. Find out more at https://oldlandparishhub.commonplace.is/

Volunteers have been helping with the new pond

A timeline of the park’s creation

A gate to what will be the community orchard

Crossword

10

Lighting has been improved

Some trees that had ash dieback have been felled

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Occasionally (9)

1. Male offspring (3)

6. Settle for (3)

2. Cash (5)

8. Bewilder (7)

3. Lean, slope (4)

Nature trail

9. Awry (5)

4. Old firearm (6)

St Barnabas Church in Warmley is currently running a

10. Type of agate (4)

5. Exchange (4)

nature trail.

11. Affirmative (3)

6. Art of paper folding (7)

Pick up a trail sheet and magnifier from the church porch

13. Young cow (4)

7. Working party (4,5)

and enjoy discovering the animals, birds and plants in the

14. Recurrent theme (5)

10. Perceptive (9)

churchyard.

11. Bumpkin (5)

The trail runs until Sunday 18th June.

16. Scream (6)

12. Sift (5)

18. Simpler (6)

14. Adult males (3)

19. Highly strung (5) 21. Repose (4)

15. --- Weldon, British novelist (3)

22. Downwind (3)

17. Breathe (7)

23. Lazy (4)

20. Motive (6)

27. Get up (5)

24. Laundry appliance (5)

28. Coastal area (7)

25. Jewels (4)

30. Foot digit (3)

26. Prods (4)

31. Style of typeface (4,5)

29. Imp (3)

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

New book from wellknown local author Local author David Noble’s latest book - Places of Worship in the Villages of Oldland Common, North Common, Bitton, Upton Cheyney and Swineford - is now available.

The book has been produced on behalf of Bitton Parish History Group.

David has written three other books as well as bringing out a DVD and stage productions. He is always keen to share material from his vast collection of historical sources. Bitton Parish History Group is grateful that he has turned his attention to local chapels and churches, pulling together a fascinating collection of the histories of our local places of worship.

During the 19th century in the parish of Bitton, within what was then a much larger area, there were 19 chapels and churches.

Before evangelism swept across the west of England, the area was lawless. In the 1780s 10 people were hanged for murder or robbery within three years. Yet within a period of 70 years the area became a

peaceful, industrious place. The lives of local people were transformed and the major reason was the work of the chapels.

Now, after contributing so much to the local community, the chapels are disappearing fast.

The book costs £12. To reserve a copy email noble440@btinternet.com

Praise for happy nursery Hillside Day Nursery in Kingswood has

dedication to providing the best they can.

retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.

Children make good progress, including

The report, published last Thursday

those with special educational needs

following an inspection in April, said that

and/or disabilities (SEND).

babies and children are happy and well

There are 44 children on the roll at the

cared for. Managers show considerable

nursery which opened in 2015.

Artist inspires club members The Tuesday Palette Art Club, which

next Tuesday (13th June) and this

meets at Cadbury Heath Hall on Tuesday

time is planning pencil drawings of

afternoons, recently had a visit from artist

statues.

Mike Long who give a demonstration in

The club meets from 2pm to 4pm. New

charcoal on A3 paper.

members are welcome. The fee is £8 per

He supplied members with a choice of

month, which includes tea/coffee and

black and white photos taken in the 1930s.

biscuits. To find out more call Doreen on

Mike has been invited to come again

07768 822642.

Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

11

Angling association celebrates centenary Knowle Angling Association

elected

by

fellow

councillors.

sociable and family friendly provides

as the new Chair of South being

centenary. The association is a which

Cllr Mike Drew has been named Gloucestershire Council after

is this year celebrating its

club

Meer the new Chair and Vice Chair of South Glos Council

A Lib Dem councillor who

fly

represents the Yate North ward,

fishing in the Chew Valley and

Mike Drew moves into the role

surrounding area.

with 40 years of ongoing service.

The club has four lakes that

This is his second period as Chair

are stocked regularly with

as he was first appointed to the role

trout supplied by Bristol

12 years ago. He says it is an

Water. The club also has six

honour to be chosen to serve once

miles of fly fishing on the

again.

River Chew, with stretches of

Ackers Lake at Pensford

the upper Yeo. Whilst using worm at certain times of year is allowed on the Chew, the vast majority of members only use the fly.

All the waters are set in the beautiful countryside of the Chew and Yeo valleys, with Pensford, Chew Magna and Chew Stoke the key local villages.

The club, which offers excellent fly fishing all year round, welcomes new members. For more information visit knowleangling.co.uk

Conservative councillor Franklin

Cllr Mike Drew and Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi

Owusu-Antwi, who represents Bradley Stoke,

support for the year ahead, with donations

has been elected as Vice Chair.

received during that time presented at the end

The Chair and Vice Chair perform important

of the Chair’s term of office.

ambassadorial roles, including representing

Cllr Drew’s charity is the Motor Neurone

the council at civic functions and chairing

Disease Association for the Bristol and Bath

council meetings.

area. He lost his younger brother to the disease

Each year, the new Chair selects a charity to

five years ago.

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

Company celebrates centenary Bristol brush maker Kleeneze-Koti has celebrated 100

Hanham in 1928, but eventually relocated its homecare

years since the Kleen-e-ze Brush Company was founded in

business to Accrington in 2006. Despite the closure and

Pupils uphold school’s values

May 1923.

relocation of the Kleeneze ‘door-to-door’ business, brush-

Pucklechurch’s primary school continues to be Good,

The company invited 100 customers, suppliers and former

making and the Kleeneze name is still very much part of the

says Ofsted. The inspector’s report which was published

employees to join a celebration cream tea.

Hanham landscape.

last month says that pupils understand and follow the

Kleeneze moved from its original premises in Whitehall to

Kleeneze-Koti – now part of KOTI Industrial and Technical

school’s values of friendship, generosity, compassion,

Brushes based in the Netherlands – is

forgiveness, respect and courage.

Europe’s leading brush strip manufacturer,

The report highlights that the school is inclusive and the

providing brush strip and sealing solutions

teaching of the curriculum supports all pupils to learn

for all areas of industry, from agriculture

well, including those with special educational needs

to aerospace and energy conservation to

and/or disabilities (SEND).

escalator safety. The company employs 35

The school has 187 pupils and is a voluntary controlled

people locally, continues to invest in

Church of England primary school.

modern brush-making technology, and has plans to further develop and improve its Hanham home.

The old Kleeneze factory site has been cleared and there is currently a proposal to The Hanham site in 1928

redevelop it for housing.

Council now at full strength Three new councillors were co-opted on to Kingswood Town Council last week, bringing the new authority up to full strength.

The recent election was uncontested, with fewer than the number of places available being filled by Labour, a Lib Dem and Independent candidates.

The new councillors include one Labour and two Independents.

The fledgling council is looking to appoint a permanent clerk as soon as possible.

Situations Vacant

Some of the guests at the 100th anniversary cream tea

Nursery highlights recruitment problems The company which runs Curious Hedgehogs in Stockwood

to Curious Hedgehogs after their inspection in March.

has responded to its ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted rating, saying there

However, we have taken immediate action to address the

have been “significant” improvements since the inspection

concerns raised in the report by providing extensive training

and also highlighting the recruitment problems facing the

for our staff and are pleased to report that Ofsted and the

childcare sector.

local authority have already noted significant improvements

We reported last week on the “significant breaches” found

during recent follow-up visits.

by Ofsted at the nursery and pre-school which meant that

“One of the challenges we have faced is finding an

children's safety and their learning and development were

experienced and qualified team, this is a sector-wide

compromised. The inspectors, who published their report

problem which has unfortunately impacted certain aspects

last month, said that there was no curriculum in place and

of the nursery. However, with the recent appointment of our

staff were not supervising and supporting children

new nursery manager Gemma Pring, who joins us with over

adequately.

20 years’ experience, we are optimistic about the upcoming

This week Liz Carroll, operations director at Just Childcare,

re-inspection and look forward to sharing a positive

said: “We are disappointed by the rating that Ofsted awarded

inspection report soon.”

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

13

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

Service Directory Aerials

Appliances

Car Spares

Computers / IT Blinds

Electrical

Garden Services

Home Maintenance

Footcare

Home Help

Driveways An advert like this costs

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The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023

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Adverts cost £4.50 per centimetre (min 5cm)

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0117 986 0381 15

The Community Page

News from Bittton Parish Council At the May Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, Councillor Geoffrey Hardman was elected as Chair of the Parish

Photo Competition Winners Bitton Parish Council’s Environment & Leisure Committee want to thank everyone who

Council for the 23/24 year.

entered into our Photograph Competition. Entries were open to the following categories

If you would like to contact Geoffrey

- Primary / Secondary / Over 18’s with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes being awarded to each

with any concerns within the Parish

category entered.

please refer to the contact page on our

The Winners are:

website www.bittonparishcouncil.gov.uk

New Council

Sam Pollard

1st Place Secondary

Robert Bryant 1st Rural Over 18’s Laura Stone

2nd Rural Over 18’s

Alison Rigby

3rd Rural Over 18’s

All winners have been contacted and invited to attend our Competition Awards Evening

Following the May Elections, your formed Parish Council is listed below: Bitton South Ward

North Common Ward

Pete Collins - Conservative

Liane Efthymiou – Liberal Democrat

Sue Hawking – Conservative

Geoffrey Hardman - Labour

Virginia McNab – Conservative

Sue Rickerby – Liberal Democrat

Nicholas Watson - Labour

Andrew Thomas – Liberal Democrat

Oldland Common Ward

Erica Williams – Conservative

Jack Friend - Labour

South Gloucestershire Councillors

Steve Nash – Labour

for the Parish are:

Sue Nash – Labour

Paul Hughes

Kim Scudamore - Labour

Erica Williams

in September to receive their prize.

We would like to thank all that took part and look forward to opening the competition again next year.

If you would like to get in touch with any of the Councillors, please contact the Clerk Kelly Fry on 07480 513593

Redfield Hill Playpark Works to repair the damaged playpark at Redfield Hill started on Monday of this week.

We understand the frustration with our residents with young families following its closure and aim to open this as soon as works have been finalised. We thank you for your understanding.

Beat Team With the nicer weather starting to come in our local Beat Team would like to remind the public to look after their properties especially with leaving windows open. Residential burglaries are currently down but please remain vigilant. Please take these simple steps to secure your home and help reduce the chance of being burgled. o Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. o Fit good quality locks to external doors and windows. o Keep keys out of sight and away from letterboxes and cat flaps. o Fit a security alarm. o Install tracking software on phones and computers. o Keep fences and hedges well maintained, high at the rear and low at the front of the property. o Fit external dusk ‘til dawn security lighting. o Make your house look occupied whilst away by using timer switches on your lights and radios. o Join, or set up, a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

16

The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023