The Week In - Issue 787 - 28th June 2023

THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset

28th June 2023

Issue 787

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Family’s tribute to teenage motorcyclist after fatal A4 collision A teenage motorcyclist from Keynsham died after a crash on the A4 Bath Road in Brislington.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene last Thursday, 18-year-old Alex Thompson died following the collision with a car near the Hicks Gate roundabout at about 3.45pm. The collision closed the road in both directions, causing major congestion.

Paying tribute, his family released photos of Alex and

Also in this week’s issue

said that he was “such a kind-hearted caring boy and always wore a cheeky smile”.

Their statement continued: “He was loved by everyone who he crossed paths with. He made a massive impact in just 18 short years of life and we have so much support from everyone that knew him at such a difficult time.

“He had his whole life ahead of him, he was on his way to pick up the keys to his first flat. He will forever make us proud.”

Avon & Somerset Police say their sympathies are with the family in their loss and a specially trained family liaison officer will be offering support over the coming weeks. The police continue to appeal for the public’s help as they investigate the tragedy: “If you were travelling on the A4 Bath Road and witnessed the incident, have dashcam footage or saw either a Yamaha motorcycle or a blue Vauxhall Crossland in the time leading up to the collision, please contact us.”

To report any information call 101 and quote reference 5223147737.

• A GoFundMe page - https://tinyurl.com/4s8kc8tj - has been started to raise funds towards Alex’s funeral. More than £6,600 had been donated by Monday.

Cadbury Heath drug den house is shut down . . . page 2

Keynsham care home rated Inadequate . . . page 3

Celebrations as gymnastics club relocate to Warmley . . . page 5

Public inquiry to hear Staple Hill retirement complex plans . . . page 9

Drug den house is shut down A three-month closure order has been granted on a Cadbury Heath house linked with drug use and drug dealing.

Police

officers

attended

Bristol

Magistrates' Court to secure the order on the property in Queens Road.

People in the local community have been living in fear due to some of the violent arguments that have taken place at the address.

Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Tina McIvor said: “People were often seen driving under the influence of drugs and one family had not been able to use their

More bollards – and more falls More bollards have been installed on Keynsham High Street as part of the remedial works being undertaken by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Parking in the High Street has been temporarily suspended this month for the works which have included repairs to damaged paving slabs. It is understood that the new bollards are to protect the pavement from vehicles mounting it. However, as a result the width of the pavement has been narrowed, particularly where there is pavement seating such as outside Coffee #1.

Meanwhile there were reports last week of two more people falling at the stepped cycle

lane in the High Street. The first was on Monday about midday and the second on Friday morning. Paramedics are understood to have attended on both occasions.

More than 70 people are now believed to have been injured – some seriously - by trips and falls since the cycle lane was introduced 16 months ago as part of the street improvement scheme.

The council announced at the end of May that it would be carrying out a Stage 4 Road Safety Audit once the remedial works in the High Street have finished, and after much lobbying has also pledged to undertake a design review.

garden after one of their children found a needle in it. The closure of this property will bring a much-needed respite to the

2

residents of Queens Road, who have been

manager Donna Scott said: “A partnership

living in fear of their safety and that of

approach has been so important when

their family and their own property.

dealing with the incidents in and around

“Housing association Bromford are

the address, to ensure that residents no

currently in the process of seeking a

longer have to deal with the ongoing

possession order from the courts in respect

issues perpetrated by the tenants.

of this property.”

“We’d like to thank the public for their

Officers worked closely with Bromford to

patience, understanding and co-operation

secure the closure order on the property.

while we have worked with the police on

Bromford’s community safety team

this.”

New bollards outside Coffee #1

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

‘Dirty, smelly and unsafe’ care home now in special measures Keynsham residential care home Hillsborough House has

people, said: “Our experience

been rated as Inadequate and placed into special

tells us that when a service

measures.

isn’t well-led, it’s less likely

Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspectors who visited the

they’re able to meet people’s

Charlton Road home, which is run by charity Freeways,

needs in the other areas we

discovered it was dirty and smelly, with dried faeces found

inspect, which is what we

on a banister and in bedrooms.

found at Hillsborough House.

Their visit was unannounced and partly prompted by

Poor

concerns raised about safeguarding, cleanliness and the

undermined the standards of

effectiveness of the registered manager.

care people were receiving,

Hillsborough House provides personal care to autistic people

and they weren’t safe because

and those with a learning disability, mental health needs,

they were at risk of avoidable

physical disabilities, sensory impairment, and older people.

harm.

There were 13 people living there at the time of the inspection

"We saw basic issues like

in April.

people’s safety in the event of

The home’s overall rating has dropped from Good to

a fire not being considered

Inadequate, as has the rating for how safe and well-led the

because the provider didn’t

service is. This inspection did not look at how effective,

carry out things like required fire drills every three months,

the standards of excellence we

caring and responsive the service is, so those ratings from

despite being told previously we had concerns.”

set ourselves.

2018 remain.

She continued: “We saw that despite the best efforts of staff,

“Freeways will be working

The CQC has issued two warning notices to focus

who were kind and caring, both they and people who called

tirelessly to make long-lasting

Hillsborough House’s attention on making rapid and

Hillsborough House home were being let down by poor

and sustainable improvements to Hillsborough House and to

widespread improvements to manage the safe care and

leadership, which impacted on every area of their daily life.

raise it to the excellent standard of all Freeways facilities.”

treatment of people living at Hillsborough House, as well as

“The culture at the service wasn’t dignified, with people

Freeways has seven residential care homes, 10 supported

the governance of the service.

being expected to live in a dirty, unpleasant smelling

living homes and operates community support across Bath &

In a statement released last week, Rebecca Bauers, CQC’s

environment, that posed an infection risk. We found dried

North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol and

director for people with a learning disability and autistic

faeces on a banister, stained surfaces throughout and

North Somerset.

leadership

had

Hillsborough House

unknown residues and debris on walls and floors. People’s

Boy assaulted after music row Police are investigating after a 16-year-old boy was assaulted while at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield with friends.

It happened between midnight and 1am on Friday 23rd June. A group of teenagers were at the park and the boy made a comment about some music which was being played and was punched and knocked to the ground.

He went home, where patrolling officers attended to take initial details, but he needed to go to hospital for assessment of his injuries.

Police say they are aware of reports that some of the young people were carrying knives, however no weapons were seen during the incident.

Although officers have some positive lines of enquiry, they are keen to hear from anyone who was at the park at the time who witnessed the assault or may have phone footage.

Call 101 and give the reference 5223148082.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

bedrooms were also dirty and smelled of bodily fluids. Staff told us they didn’t have time to clean.

“People's oral hygiene wasn’t being supported and as a result and in one case, urgent emergency treatment was required.

This was unacceptable.

“In response to our feedback during the inspection, the provider made some changes, including arranging for a deep clean, for a fire risk assessment to be undertaken with an external contractor and amendments to how medicines were stored, but they have much more that needs to be addressed.”

She added: “If we do not see rapid and widespread improvements, we won’t hesitate to take further action to keep people safe, which may include preventing them from operating.”

In a statement Freeways’ chief executive officer Claire Hayward said: “This is a wake-up call to all of us in the Freeways organisation and is also both exceptional and unexpected given Freeways’ long-established reputation as a centre of excellence in providing support and residential services to adults with learning disabilities.

“While we take some encouragement that a more recent visit by a local authority commissioner recognised the significant remedial action that had already been undertaken and also noted further scheduled improvements, we haven’t reached 3

Curo buys Withies Green

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.

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Curo, the housing association and house-building group, has bought the Withies Green site next to the A4 Bath Road in Keynsham which has planning permission for up to 213 homes.

The green light to develop the 25-acre site had been granted by Bath and North East Somerset Council to Mactaggart & Mickel Group. The permission stipulates that 30% of the homes will be affordable. The scheme also includes open space and a sports pitch for the new Two Rivers CofE Primary School on the neighbouring Hygge Park development.

Curo is a group of companies that operate in the social and commercial housing market as well as the care and support sector. Curo Enterprise is the trading name of the commercial business that has acquired Withies Green.

Announcing that Curo had bought the site, Mactaggart & Mickel said in a statement that the new development accommodates a number of public footpaths that cross the site and incorporates various green corridors, with open space to the east extending to Saltford.

Nevin Holden, South West regional manager at Mactaggart & Mickel Group, said: “We have a long history as a land promotor and investor, with a reputation built on both community engagement and quality placemaking. On behalf of the landowners, we conducted an extensive stakeholder and community engagement programme prior to submitting our planning application.

“Our priority was to understand what local people need from a new neighbourhood, so that our

The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors

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

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

proposal delivers maximum benefit to the community in terms of new homes and facilities. Our aim is to create a sense of place that local people can be proud of. This site has the potential to deliver much-needed new homes to a wellconnected, popular and attractive area. We were delighted to achieve a Building with Nature Design accreditation for this site, ensuring that its green credentials were as good as they could possibly be.”

The development was approved by the council despite some 600 local objectors whose concerns included the impact on the already congested A4 and the loss of green land that helps to keep Keynsham and Saltford separate. But the planning committee felt the scheme would make a major contribution towards maintaining a five-year land supply in B&NES. They also felt that a good package of measures had been negotiated, including sustainable transport improvements.

Curo, which built 56 homes at Woodland View on the Hygge Park development, was asked last week for a statement on its acquisition of the neighbouring land. We had not received a response as we went to print but Curo has lodged a planning application with B&NES Council seeking advertisement consent to erect a large ‘Land acquired for high quality new homes’ sign at Withies Green.

Appeal following five arsons Police are appealing for witnesses after a

who has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam

series of suspected arsons in Willsbridge.

footage showing anything suspicious in

On Saturday 27th May, between 3.30am

Caldicot Close, Carmarthen Grove and

and 4.30am, five vehicles were set alight

Corfe Place.

in three roads. No one was injured but the

If you have any information, or saw and

vehicles were badly damaged.

heard anything, get in touch by calling 101

Officers are keen to hear from anyone

and quote reference 5223123669.

@theweekineditor 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

Two-week strike A second phase of industrial action by bin workers in South Gloucestershire in their dispute over pay got under way on Monday and is set to last until Sunday 9th July.

Recycling, including food bins, and green bins are not being collected as a “significant” number of employees from the council’s contractor Suez are striking.

Black bin collections (including nappy sacks) are planned to go ahead.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

Exciting new elements to this year’s Keynsham Music Festival Keynsham’s week-long festival of music

will be a bar and Mexican food from Dalia

and performance is under way, with

Cocina.

events taking place across the whole town

Then on Saturday (1st July), local nature,

in the lead-up to the Big Weekend in the

wildlife and environment groups join the

Park.

Community Day in a colourful Eco-Village

Some of the concerts are free while other

down by the river from noon to 6pm.

ticketed events can be booked on the festival

Keynsham Eco Festival is funded by

website. In recent years the Keynsham and

Keynsham Town Council and Churches

Saltford Eco Festival has been held in the

Together in Keynsham & Saltford

autumn, but is this week partnering with the

For the first time ever Keynsham Town

music festival to reach new audiences.

Council’s Youth Service is putting on the

There will be a nature and environment

Nova Youth Arts Festival, a dedicated space

themed concert in the Big Top in the

focused on providing young people with a

Memorial Park at 7.30pm on Friday (30th

space that’s their own at the music festival.

June). Appearing are folk rock band Seize

It has been created by young people for

The Day and singer/storyteller Gecko, both

young people. Similar to the Keynsham

fresh from appearing at Glastonbury and who

Music Festival, the Nova Youth Arts Festival

combine music with humour and a strong

is a free space although donations are very

socio-environmental justice message. There

welcome at the tent door.

Gymnastics club move to their ‘forever home’ Majestic Gymnastics celebrated their

the delivery of a new sports hub at the

move to what they call their “forever

campus of the old Grange School which

home” in Warmley on Saturday.

closed in 2016.

The leading club had to move as their

The old school hall and gym have been

rented premises in Longwell Green will be

totally

demolished as part of the planned

Gymnastics have a long lease. As well as

redevelopment

the gymnasium and a jump pit, the

of

the

Kingswood

refurbished

and

Located near Echo Bridge, the Nova Festival

Each day, Nova Festival visitors will have to

tent will be running several creative

sign in at the tent to receive a daily

workshops, hosting local youth bands and

wristband. There’s a big variety of

giving new youth DJs the chance to spin to a

workshops by sign-up when you arrive. Food

live audience. The jam-packed schedule runs

vouchers are also available for all young

from 7pm on Friday with a launch party by

people on Saturday and Sunday.

DJ Seb Bailey, through to the evening of

• Find out more about everything that’s

Sunday (2nd July). Exact timings will be

happening this week at

posted outside the tent.

https://keynshammusicfestival.co.uk/

Majestic

Industrial Estate at Aldermoor Way.

building also includes new changing

South Gloucestershire Council worked

facilities, a café and flexible space for

with the club’s directors Michelle George

other activities.

and Candice Littleton to find them a new

The overall regeneration project of the

home. The new facility is the first step in

wider site will also include housing.

Candice Littleton & Michelle George at the opening of Majestic Gymnastics’ new premises

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

5

Phil retires after 35 years at shoe shop A well-known Keynsham shop manager is

Although Phil has stayed with the same

He says that he and his close team –

looking forward to doing things together,

retiring after working in the High Street

company for 51 years, there were takeovers

Michelle, Chelsea, Donna and Sherina – will

including travelling. “I’m not one to sit still,”

for 35 years.

by Tandem Shoes and Stead & Simpson

miss their customers, as well as working with

says Phil.

Phil Wheeler runs Shoe Zone which will be

before Shoe Zone.

each other, and will be keeping in touch.

His colleague Michelle, who has worked in

closing on Friday 14th July as the lease is not

Phil, who lives in Whitchurch, came to

Although sad to be stepping down from a

the shop for 17 years, said: “On behalf of our

being renewed.

Keynsham in the late 1980s when the shop

career he has loved, Phil is looking forward

customers and staff it has been a pleasure to

Phil began his career in shoes when he joined

was Tandem. Over those years he says he has

to his retirement. His wife Sheila is also

work with Phil over the years and we wish

Lennards in Broadmead in Bristol as a trainee

got to know many of the customers well and

retiring this summer and the couple are

him well in his retirement.”

in 1972 after leaving school.

that Shoe Zone is a real community shop.

New street markets proving popular

Phil Wheeler

Monthly Saturday markets being held at

Hollway Road shops on Saturday, there

Stockwood and at Brislington are proving

were plenty of stalls and food providers,

popular.

raising the usual footfall significantly.

The markets have stalls from businesses

Local band Yellow Pavement also

and community groups, plus free arts

performed. It was only their second gig,

activities. They are part of the City Centre

their first being the week before at the

and High Streets Recovery and Renewal

Brislington

programme, funded by Bristol City

concourse on Brislington Hill.

Council and the West of England

The next Brislington Market is on 22nd

Combined Authority’s Love our High

July from noon to 3pm. The next

Streets project.

Stockwood one is on 29th July from 10am

At Stockwood’s third market outside the

to 2pm.

Village

Market

at

the

Yellow Pavement performing at the market in Stockwood

The team organising the market in Stockwood

6

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

Politicians in bitter clash over bus cuts Buses continued to dominate the agenda at

She told Mr Norris: “You have stated that

the June meeting of the West of England

unitary authorities have cut their contribution

Combined Authority which took place in

for supported bus services in real terms, and

Filton.

in (our) case that is not true: we have

Although this was the first meeting since last

increased our contribution by 30 per cent in

month’s local elections, the change of faces

this financial year. You’ve also said that

around the committee table did not appear to

supported bus services are the responsibility

have singled any change in relationships

of local councils, and that’s not true: you’re

between Regional Mayor Dan Norris and the

the leader of the transport authority which is

council leaders from Bristol, Bath & North

responsible for bus services.

East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

“It’s absolutely not true this statement you

Cuts to subsidised bus services, new

keep making that there has been a real terms

initiatives including WESTlink and free

cut in funding by B&NES. We’ve increased

‘birthday bus’ travel resulted in almost 50

our contribution by 30 per cent. The issue is

members of the public registering to make

that the cost of the services that came back

statements. As we reported last week, the

was 200 per cent higher. That’s the problem.”

Government has recently announced changes

‘You should be ashamed’

ago your leader said he would be prepared to

“It’s such a disingenuous, mean-spirited,

to the rules on how local transport authorities

But Mr Norris hit back, saying: “I just have

put an increase in the transport levy of up to

deceptive, devious thing to do. You’ve been

can spend money awarded to them under the

to say you’re completely wrong. I have

10 per cent. Guess what it was, anyone want

so untruthful about it Sarah, you should be

Bus Services Improvement Plan. More than

responsibility for public transport, that’s true,

to speculate how much it ended up being?

ashamed.”

£500,000 has also been made available

and I’m very happy to take that responsibility

Five per cent you reckon, anyone else? Zero

Cllr

specifically for supported bus services.

on. But the one area I don’t is subsidised

per cent, that’s what it was, zero per cent.

misrepresentation, and that is all I will say.”

Mayor Norris welcomed the news but

buses and the transport levy. You determine

“Inflation in the transport industry, and the

And to think one of the other agenda items

warned that the devil may be in the detail as

Sarah, B&NES Council determines which

bus industry in particular, is over 40 per cent.

for that day’s meeting was how the Mayor

transport staff at the combined authority

bus routes would run to get you over the

That means real terms cut Sarah, and you

and council leaders should work more

began working on the implications (see

election period.

can’t duck it.

closely together.

opposite). But with many members of the

“You made an extension on whether there

public making statements about the loss of

would be bus cuts to get you past that. I

their local bus service, Mr Norris repeated his

didn’t choose the routes, because if it had

statement that the lack of funding for

been done by me, it would have been based

subsidised buses was down to the three

on evidence and need. You chose the routes

council authorities. This prompted an angry

which left North East Somerset devastated,

More Government cash for supported services

interruption from Sarah Warren, the cabinet

frankly. And that’s something you’ll have to

The Department for Transport has

Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and

member responsible for transport on Bath &

deal with.

awarded the West of England Combined

South Gloucestershire councils through a

North East Somerset Council, who was

“Let’s go through your figures: 30 per cent

Authority (WECA) £515,459 specifically

transport levy.

standing in for leader Kevin Guy.

increase in this financial year, but 18 months

for supported bus services.

But this most recent award from the

Regular readers will know that the

Government’s Local Transport Fund

funding of subsidised routes has been a

comes direct to WECA. The money can

source of disagreement between WECA

only be used for tendered services costing

and the three unitary authorities for almost

more than £30,000 and can be used to

two years. Supported bus services are

cover losses on routes where the LTA

those deemed socially necessary but not

takes a revenue risk. It can also be used to

economically viable. WECA is the local

alter additional tendered services, provide

transport authority (LTA) which awards

new ones and support community

the tenders but the money comes from

transport operations.

Birthday bus running late?

A scheme to promote bus usage by

Improvement Plan.

offering free travel to people in their

Speaking at the launch in May, Mayor

birthday

Dan Norris said: “The idea is that we build

month

is

still

awaiting

Sarah Warren

Dan Norris

Warren

replied:

“This

is

Government approval.

in behaviour change. If people who drive

The ‘birthday bus’ project was given a

say ‘I’ll give it a go for a month’, those

high-profile launch last month and the

people will make more bus journeys in the

first passengers were due to be enjoying

future and leave the car at home.”

their month of free bus travel starting

Although it has been branded as a

next week. But the website they

gimmick by the Conservatives at South

could register to receive their bus pass had

Gloucestershire Council the Birthday Bus

Long-awaited bus shelter planned

not yet gone live at the time we went to

project appears to have been widely

Plans to provide a long-awaited shelter for

from bus users that they have no

press.

welcomed

North

passengers waiting at the eastbound bus

protection from bad weather while they

If take-up for the project reaches forecasts,

Somerset. And despite ‘devolution’ of

stop in Northcote Road in Mangotsfield

wait for the 49 service to Emersons Green.

the scheme would cost £8m and be paid

powers to the regions, it looks like the

have been revealed.

The improvements, revealed in the

out of the £105m the West of England

decision on whether passengers can enjoy

South Gloucestershire Council is asking

‘Consultations’ section on the council’s

Combined Authority and North Somerset

a month of free travel is one taken in

people to have their say on the proposed

website, also include real time passenger

Council received from the Bus Services

Whitehall.

upgrade which follows many complaints

information.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

in

neighbouring

a

S

7

LETTERS ‘Fairground appearance’

council building in our town anyway, what

Just a thought.

road and not on the pavement but the answer I

Dear Editor

does conservation area actually mean?

Michael Armstrong

received said they were as per the plans at the

I write to express my concern and distaste at

Names & address supplied

Longwell Green

time of consultation. I pointed out that the

the atrocious (in my opinion of course) painted

parklets are on the pavement on the plans.

Market, formerly a butcher’s shop.

New shop welcomed, but subtle it’s not!

An accident waiting to happen

I raise the matter because of the council's non-

Dear Editor

Dear Editor

acceptance of the colour frontage of the

Good to see a new shop on the High Street that

Is it a squirrel/bird feeding station, is it a

Conservative Club building on the opposite

isn’t a charity shop – the Keynsham Mini

children's play area or is it a colossal waste of

side of the High Street who were forced to

Market in what was the butcher’s near the

money?

repaint the outside (as was The Old Bank).

church – but does it have to be so eye-

Yes, the new parklets arrived in Temple

poppingly ‘in your face’?

Street and some of the comments I've heard

The Old Bank opposite must be peeved as they

sum it up. “Are we using pedestrians as a

were reprimanded for the repaint of their

traffic calming measure,” was one. It certainly

frontage in muted blue.

feels like they are an accident waiting to

Customers leaving the pub faced with that must

happen. Putting seating areas in parking bays

wonder if maybe they did have one too many

in a direct line with oncoming traffic is just so

this time!

wrong.

Sheila Crocombe

There are no warning signs, no reflectors and

frontage to the newly opened Keynsham Mini

Last year when I received the infamous badly printed hard copy of the plans there were two blue rectangles which may or may not be in the parking. I think I have the answer. Could it be that it was intended to repave and extend the already massively wide pavement on the east side out to be in line with the road edge of the parklets? I'm guessing they didn't have the funding to do it. At least that would have been the safe option. Instead, we have a potentially dangerous and no doubt expensive seating area.

Maybe the planners for this scheme should have a motto such as ‘If a job's worth doing, it’s worth doing badly’. After all, they got the

no lights. A skip would have to be lit at night.

High Street right, didn't they!

Chris Oliver Keynsham Hardware

This proposal stinks

Who would want to sit at the side of the road

Dear Editor

with

I refer to your recent publication reporting that

approximately 20 inches of the fumes and air

South Gloucestershire Council is proposing to

disturbance caused by a bus or refuse truck? I

The Week In reported (in Issue 724): “The

reduce the collection of black waste bins from

don't think drinking a cocktail is an option. I

council refused permission last year (2021) for

two weeks to three or even four weeks. A

don't see many people order a pina colada in

the club to keep the blue frontage painted in

literally stinking proposal.

The Trout and who would want to cross the

2019, saying it is at odds with the character and

And also proposing to increase the cost of the

road with a tray of drinks? No doubt someone

significance of the listed building and its

garden tax, which is disingenuously called the

will try it one day.

setting and to the setting of other listed

green bin subscription charge, from £30 to £75.

They may have been intended as a traffic

buildings nearby, as well as Keynsham

Taxpayers realise that the council summer

calming measure as traffic has to slow down

Waste of money

Conservation Area. The inspector, agreed,

public consultation is something that the

and wait much like in a priority traffic zone due

Dear Editor

saying that the blue is “a deep modern colour”

council is obliged to carry out, but it will do

to the narrowed road, but who thought of the

We appear to now have the completed Temple

and at odds with the wall colours used on most

what it wants to do anyway.

environmental impact of stationary vehicles? I

Street scheme - £1.1m of public money and

of

the

If this is about money, I've got a proposal for

questioned why they were positioned on the

what do we have to show for it?

conservation area which although varied, are

the councillors. I understand that each

Some ‘posh’ paving that doesn’t look so

mostly more muted and pick up on traditional

councillor is paid at least £12,196 per year. So

different from what was there before, a few

hues and tones that would have been used

how about if each of the 61 councillors agreed

‘temporary’ street planters made of plywood

historically.”

to take a public-spirited 10% reduction from

and steel, and less parking spaces.

If the outside 'fairground appearance' of the

their pay, which I reckon would raise £74,395.

What a wonderful way to blow a million quid.

Mini Market is allowed to remain, then I hope

This could then go towards lessening the

The only good side to it is the effort made by

the general public of Keynsham will come to

adverse effect of the council "major waste

the Keynsham in Bloom volunteers, but even

realise that rules do not apply to everyone, and

changes". Would the council care to include

they must be wondering if the planters are up

of course one has to ask, with the enormous

that in its public consultation.

to the job. What's wrong with the management

8

the

painted

buildings

within

traffic

passing

by

you

within

Editor’s note: B&NES Council has confirmed that two large parking bays have been altered on the east side of the street to accommodate the additional seating and greening as a trial before deciding whether to seek further funding to make the changes permanent, which we understand would include widening the pavement.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

LETTERS at

B&NES

Council,

why

not

commission/source some attractive permanent planters? Why no street trees? What about some good quality seating (maybe like those installed outside the Baptist Church)? No doubt the new paving will be dug up soon for some reason or another.

On which note, it'll be interesting to see the quality of the final repair work to the pavement outside the Methodist Church and how long it will be before it's done. Maybe your paper should run a poll as to whether it will match, or instead be an eyesore for the next 30 or 40

People won’t pay £75 for a green bin Dear Editor As an avid recycler for many years, I was dismayed by the report in The Week In that South Gloucestershire Council are proposing to increase the annual green bin charge from £30 to £75.

We are urged to recycle as much as we can but this will put people off using the green bin. I for one being on a limited income will not be renewing my subscription if they raise the cost to £75.

Appeal as council fails to make a decision on retirement complex Churchill Retirement Living has lodged an

Concerns about parking have been raised

appeal with the Secretary of State after

locally, including from Staple Hill Chamber

South Gloucestershire Council failed to

of Trade & Commerce, and that it will be

made a decision on plans for 42

larger and taller than any other building in the

Dear Editor

apartments in Staple Hill.

area.

We have been informed that part of Wellsway

The plans for land at the former infant school

Fourteen parking spaces are proposed, with

in Keynsham will be closed in July to allow

in Page Road were submitted last September

Churchill saying that based on parking

and Churchill says that the council should

demand research, 12 would actually be

have determined the plans by early January.

enough. A mobility scooter charging and

Now the decision on whether planning

storage area is proposed on the site.

permission is granted will rest with an

In appeal documents, Churchill’s consultants

appointed planning inspector. A four-day

say the location is “highly sustainable”, that

inquiry is due to begin on 1st August.

the development will make a positive

reserve the right to shorten or clarify the contents

The plans are for a mix of one and two-bed

contribution to the local economy, that there

or to refuse publication. Please try to keep letters

apartments. The proposed apartment block

is a “serious and significant local need” for older people’s housing and that the council is

years?

Names & address supplied

Re-routing the 522

essential work to be carried out. Whilst this will

Very disappointed with South Gloucestershire Council.

J White Soundwell

Write to us

impact on many, there is the question as to how First Bus decide to reroute the 522. The obvious solution is to divert this service via the Chandag Estate and follow the route once used for the 178.

This covered Courtenay Road, Lytes Cary Road, Manor Road, Hurn Lane, Minsmere Road, Windrush Road and Chandag Road

The Week In is independent of any political or commercial interest.

We aim to produce a

balanced and accurate view of local news and welcome comments from our readers.

Normally, we will publish letters in full but

under 300 words and supply your full name and

(see below) is larger than the school which

before returning to Bath Road by The Talbot.

address for reasons of authentication. Only the

was demolished in 2019. It would be three

unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of

This will preserve a service to those who rely

name and district where you live will be

storeys with a set-back fourth storey.

housing land.

on it and possibly demonstrate to First Bus the

reproduced. Anonymity is possible under certain

viability of adopting this option permanently.

circumstances.

There is anecdotal evidence that on many

Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-mail

occasions the 522 has to park up because it is

and should arrive at our offices no later than

ahead of schedule.

9.00am on the Monday of each week. E-mail

Cynthia Withyman

to:admin@theweekin.co.uk

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green

Sunday 2nd July

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 28th June 2023

9

Gwyneth celebrates her 100th birthday

Gwyneth Browne

Celebrating with 30 of her dearest friends and family at Saltford Golf Club, Keynsham resident Gwyneth Browne was excited to open a card sent by King Charles III and Queen Camilla wishing her a happy 100th birthday.

Gwyneth was born on 13th June 1923 at 14 Maurice Road in St Andrews in Bristol to parents William and Olga Williams.

An only child, she was encouraged to follow her passion for art and went on to gain a Bachelor of Art degree.

During the Second World War, on the evening of 30th April 1941, whilst studying at home she heard a terrific noise outside and realised it was an aircraft which seemed to be heading straight for the house. She thought she might die and took cover, then heard it crash into St Andrew’s Park

Play sessions for dogs A dog owner has set up a business running play sessions

Jack Russell always wanted to join in the fun when her

for pooches.

children were playing.

Cath Davies hit on the idea last year after noticing that her

She set up Pooch Play Time, first at indoor venues in the Hanham and Kingswood area to great feedback.

Now Cath says she has found the perfect location, a safe and secure arena at Clack Mill Riding Stables in Willsbridge which is indoor but has an outdoor feel.

Activities include a see-saw, ball pit, a step and slide and a paddling pool. Cath’s partner is currently building new wooden features for the dogs to enjoy.

Booking is required. To find out more about the stay and play sessions, see Pooch Play Time’s advert on this week’s front page.

Crossword

ACROSS

DOWN

2. Affair (7)

1. Tuft (4)

7. Gripping tool (4)

2. Ogle (4)

8. Citrus fruit (4)

3. Abroad (6)

9. Witty saying (7)

4. Grief (6)

10. Stout pole (4)

5. Lacking in feeling (4)

12. Alcoves (4)

6. Gambit (4)

15. Deal out (5)

10. Grave (7)

17. Register (6)

11. Acquiesced (7)

18. Garland (6)

13. Greed (7)

19. Trying experience (6)

14. Learned person (7)

21. Consecutive (6)

16. Attempted (5)

22. Surrender (5)

20. Acidity indicator (6)

23. Flank (4)

21. Floodgate (6)

26. Scorch (4)

24. Lazy (4)

28. Publicity device (7)

25. Ova (4)

29. Garden pest (4)

26. Unexpected slide (4)

30. Irritation (4)

27. Curved shape (4)

opposite. It was Wellington Bomber T2905 on a training run from Cambridge which had flown too close to Bristol’s air defences and become entangled in barrage balloon wires.

It was a shockingly near-miss but Gwyneth went on to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life and says she is delighted, if not a little surprised, to have reached her tremendous age with all her faculties intact. She only stopped driving a year ago.

Gwyneth was an art teacher at schools including Colston Girls’ where she had been a pupil. She spent 17 years as head of art at Withywood Comprehensive and was later head of art at Oldfield School in Bath.

Gwyneth was a prolific painter in her spare time, regularly exhibiting at the Bath Society of Artists’ Annual Exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery and at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol. She has also exhibited at the Mall Gallery in London.

Gwyneth met the love of her life, Charles, at a poetry reading in Bristol in 1944. He went on to become a lecturer in archaeology. They married in 1951 at St Bernadette’s Church in Bristol and in 1964 moved to a house on the then newly built Chandag Estate in Keynsham, where she still lives.

For many years Gwyneth and Charles travelled extensively around Europe in an orange camper van, visiting various historical and cultural places. Often Gwyneth could be seen outside cafés with her sketchbook capturing the views and the people as they went about their day. They were both lovers of classical music and took in as many concerts and musical recitals as they could. Sadly Charles died about 18 years ago.

When asked what the secret is to a long and happy life, Gwyneth says: “Being an optimist!”

15. Imposing display (5)

31. Hang (7)

10

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

Iconic film inspires vicar’s book A vicar who grew up in Keynsham has written a book based on her love of the film The Sound of Music.

The Rev Bryony Wood’s book The Sound of Musings traces Maria von Trapp’s journey and prompted by the story, songs and other characters of the film, each short chapter looks at different aspects of life, love and faith.

Bryony is a priest in the Church of England currently supporting local parishes between vicars. Before becoming a priest she worked in marketing and communications, as a freelance writer and a radio producer and

presenter. Before that she worked as a beautician, breastfeeding counsellor and arts administrator.

Bryony was back in Keynsham earlier this month to speak at St John’s where she was baptised as a baby and attended Sunday School.

While preparing for her talk on Trinity Sunday she said she checked, just on an off chance, and found her Sunday School work book tucked away in her ‘treasures box’.

“Fifty years disappeared in an instant as I looked at those familiar pages with my colouring and filling in, and even a plan of

Church marks 25th anniversary of coffee and fellowship Long before many of the coffee shops that

birthday of the coffee room will be

are now present in Keynsham High Street

celebrated on that day, which is also a

were open, you could always get a cup of

Shoppers Service day. The celebration

coffee plus a warm welcome at Victoria

will be led by the Rev John Carne who

Methodist Church.

was the Methodist minister in Keynsham

The doors opened in 1998 every morning

at the time of opening. He has returned to

Monday to Saturday and this was soon

live in Keynsham with his wife Valerie

followed by a short act of worship on

since his retirement.

Thursdays called Shoppers Service.

So if you are someone who has enjoyed

This closed during lockdown but it has

coffee and fellowship in the Methodist

now reopened on Mondays, Wednesdays

Church at any time in the last 25 years,

and Thursdays. The actual day of opening

pop along, you will be made most

in 1998 was 6th July and so the 25th

welcome.

the church where all the pews and altar and font were, and still are. How amazing to see those early seeds of faith and recognise how they later germinated to shape so much of who I am today.

“So it seemed fitting to return to Keynsham with both that foundational Sunday School book as well as my newly published book The Sound of Musings. I’ve been musing how we might never know the impact we have on other people, but impact we do. So what a privilege to be reminded that we can have a positive impact even if it takes many years to be fully fruitful.”

There was an extra special moment when she found her photo on Keynsham’s clocktower.

“There, among other photos selected to represent Keynsham’s history and heritage, was our family photo, taken at my baby brother’s Christening when I was a grumpy two-year-old, probably wanting my lunch! I might have moved away from Keynsham,

Bryony with her book and the photo of her as a child on the clocktower

but I do return to see my mum who still lives in the town. It’s a place intrinsic to my early years while still holding a precious place in my heart and life today.”

Anyone interested in the book can order it

direct signed /dedicated/gift wrapped from https://www.bryonywood.co.uk, or Waterstone’s or any independent bookshop should be able to order it.

Salvation Army refurb The Salvation Army buildings in Staple

activities are taking place at various

Hill are undergoing some urgent and

venues around Staple Hill.

much-needed refurbishment throughout

The Salvation Army say they are grateful

the summer.

to all the venues around the area that are

The usual Sunday services are now taking

going out of their way to accommodate

place at Page Hall, and mid-week

them whilst this work is carried out.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

11

Welcoming and supporting refugees

Honoured by the Archbishop The parish priest at United Church

justice, peace, reconciliation, education,

As part of the Bristol

Longwell Green and St Anne’s in Oldland

worship and prayer.

Refugee Festival there was a

Common has received a special award from

The specific award that Rev Nam received

day of celebration at Page

the Archbishop of Canterbury.

was the Langton Award for Community

Park in Staple Hill on

The Rev Mark Nam was one of the recipients

Service for his outstanding contribution to

Saturday with dance, music,

of the 2023 Lambeth Awards.

raising the profile and participation of

food and cultures from

In total there were 33 award-winners from a

Chinese-heritage clergy and communities in

around the world.

mix of faith traditions or no faith and working

the Church of England and commitment to

It was an opportunity to meet

all over the world, as well as in the UK, who

serving the overseas Chinese diaspora, in

people and help to create a

were honoured at a special ceremony at

particular those settling in the UK from Hong

place

Lambeth Palace last Thursday.

Kong.

The Archbishop said that across the Church

This work is above and beyond his normal

and beyond, they had dedicated themselves to

parochial duties.

of

welcome

and

hundreds of people turned

A dance display at the festival in Page Park

out.

Meanwhile as part of Refugee Week, the

Somerset Council to support people with

charity Julian House officially launched

refugee status under the Vulnerable

weekly advice sessions at Emersons

Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS)

Green Village Hall on Thursday for all

and by South Gloucestershire Council to

resettling

support refugees under VPRS, Afghan

communities

including

refugees, asylum seekers and Ukrainian

Relocation

and

Assistance

Policy

guests. Since 2018 Julian House has

(ARAP), and UK Resettlement Scheme

supported 138 refugee families, made up

(UKRS), as well as under Homes for

of 339 guests, in Bath and more recently

Ukraine.

South Gloucestershire. Julian House is

Find out more at

commissioned by Bath & North East

https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/ Mark and his wife Kayi with the Archbishop of Canterbury

How you can support The Week In For the last 15 years The Week In has been

genuinely local publication.

The Week In will always be free but the size

readers and members of the community.

the voice of the community. Whether

Much has changed over the last 15 years.

and number of copies printed will continue

Other initiatives will be unveiled during the

informing, celebrating or holding decision

Technology has changed the way people get

to be dictated by its advertisers. The world

course of this year aimed at making The

makers to account, the newspaper is still

their news and The Week In has also

is changing and The Week In has to change

Week In a relevant asset to the community

eagerly anticipated each Wednesday by

adapted its output for a digital audience.

with it. You will already be aware of some

for the coming 15 years and more.

many in the community. What’s more, The

Retail business has also undergone a

of those changes. The most significant has

Independent local journalism is vital to a

Week In is free, thanks to the support of

significant change in the time since the first

been the conversion from a private

local community’s wellbeing and there are

businesses which also see the benefit of a

edition of The Week In appeared.

company to a cooperative, owned jointly by

now two ways in which you can help.

Become a member shareholder of the society The Week In Community Ltd. This costs £36 a year and as a member you have a say in the way the newspaper is run.

Visit www.theweekin.co.uk or complete this form

12

Become a supporter A lot of people tell us they support and are grateful for what we do at The Week In but they do not want to become member shareholders of the society.

They do however want to contribute to our aims and this is possible through a simple donation. If you have a smart phone, you scan the QR code and simply pay what you like online.

Alternatively, you can send a cheque to The Week In Community at 8 Temple Court, Keynsham, BS31 1HA. We would like to express our sincere thanks to those readers who have already done so.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

Badminton players wanted

Top training session for young goalies Rich Duffy, Bristol City Academy’s goalkeeper coach,

More than 40 Fry Club JFC goalkeepers, both girls and boys

delivered a goalkeeping session for coaches and players

aged from six to 14, took part. All had a great time.

Kingsway Badminton Club play at Keynsham Leisure

at Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham, the home of Fry

Fry Club JFC chairman Bernie Grimes said: “We as coaches

Centre on Wednesdays from 6.50pm to 8.50pm and are

Club JFC.

sometimes forget that goalkeepers have unique skill

looking for new members.

The two-hour session covered goalkeeper warm-up

requirements that they need to develop those skills. So we

If you are interested in joining the friendly group of

sessions and oriented games plus the finer tips on

decided to deliver a goalie specific session to the coaches and

intermediate standard players contact Sandra Woodruff

goalkeeping

players that they can take away with them and use in their

0117 9672286 or 07946 716591.

positioning.

techniques

such

on

basic

saves

and

own training sessions.”

Anyone for croquet?

In this their 10th year, Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club have celebrated the opening of their new clubhouse and the success of teams and individual players at tournaments.

The club’s new facilities include a kitchen, two toilets and space to accommodate more than 70 people.

Croquet is an outdoor sport for all ages where men and women play on equal terms. Club members come from a wide area. If you want to try croquet contact Mo Boys on 07929 733640 or email moboys@talktalk.net

Kick off a new way of keeping fit and having fun Hanham & Kingswood Walking Football

Sessions are held on Monday evenings on

Club are looking for new members to “play

the 4G pitches at Longwell Green

the Beautiful Game, but a little slower”.

Community Centre. They are a friendly and

The club formed in June 2022 with the aim

sociable group and newcomers can be sure

of providing players with opportunities to

of a warm welcome.

participate in competitive league and

If you are over the age of 50 and want to

tournament football. The club currently play

continue playing, or are looking to return to

in the Gloucestershire FA Over 50s Walking

the game, then Walking Football may well

Football League and in August 2022 won

be what you are looking for.

their first trophy as runners-up in the

See Hanham & Kingswood Walking

Caldicot Cup Tournament.

Football Club’s advert for more details.

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023

13

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

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16

The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023