Issue 760.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 16:01 Page 1
THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
14th December 2022
Issue 760
FREE
Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Driver arrested after lorry’s trail of destruction A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drunk and dangerous driving after a lorry hit the railway bridge by Bitton Station and then went on to collide with multiple vehicles.
Credit: Chris Lacey
Trees, fencing, street lighting and telephone lines were also damaged in last Tuesday’s incident before the lorry, from Keynsham haulage firm I J McGill, came to a halt in Oldland Common High Street. There were no reported injuries. The man who was arrested has since been released on unconditional police bail while inquiries continue. Avon & Somerset Police said they were called at around 5.15pm following reports of a lorry colliding with a bridge on the A431 Bath Road at Willsbridge. Officers worked with BT and South Gloucestershire Council to make the scene safe and to clear debris. The road was closed until around 10pm, causing widespread traffic disruption. The bridge, which carries the Bristol & Bath Railway Path and is also used by Avon Valley Railway, was inspected the following day. A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Our StreetCare officers attended the site
Credit: Chris Lacey
to carry out a structural assessment and found that there is no significant damage and the bridge remains safe.” The announcement came as a relief to the heritage railway which has its busiest time of the year running Santa Special train rides.
A streetlight was knocked down after the lorry came under the railway bridge
Also in this week’s issue
Planning suspension on 213 homes in Keynsham is lifted . . . page 3
Traffic concerns at Longwell Green leisure park . . . page 4
Trial closure of Kingswood town centre to traffic . . . page 5
Expanded Keynsham restaurant opens . . . page 6
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The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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Council gets go-ahead to over-rule community Secretary of State Michael Gove will not intervene in Bath & North East Somerset Council’s controversial decision to allow over 200 homes to be built at Withies Green in Keynsham, paving the way for the development to now go ahead. The decision came ahead of his announcement last week that new measures are being drawn up by the Government which will place local communities at the heart of the planning system - and give more protection to the Green Belt. Such protection was removed from most of Michael Gove
the Withies Green site in 2014 when it was ‘safeguarded’ to ensure there was land available to meet future housing needs. Earlier this year B&NES Council approved Mactaggart & Mickel’s plans for 213 homes on the site next to the A4, despite 600 local objections. As a result Saltford Environment Group, Saltford Parish Council and Keynsham Town Council contacted local MP Jacob ReesMogg who made strong representations on their behalf to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. The case was subsequently halted in July to enable the Secretary of State to decide what to do. But now the council has been told: “The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible. In deciding whether to call in this application, the Secretary of State has considered his policy on calling in planning applications. This policy gives examples of the types of issues which may lead him to conclude, in his opinion that the application should be called in. “The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”
Objectors had argued that the planning application was premature, with concerns about 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 a good package of measures had been negotiated with the developers, including sustainable transport improvements. Part of the site remains in the Green Belt but there was an assurance that there will be no new buildings on that part; instead it will be used for open space, such as a playing field for the new Two Rivers CofE Primary School at nearby Hygge Park, and for allotments and an orchard. In response to the Secretary of State’s decision to let B&NES decide the application, Saltford Environment Group said: “Local residents sent in 600 objections and the ward councillors for the two areas directly affected - Keynsham and Saltford voted against the application on the planning committee yet B&NES councillors representing areas unaffected by this decision voted to permit the development. That appalling decision by B&NES Council to permit the development seriously undermines local democracy on planning matters. “This will severely disappoint many residents in Keynsham and Saltford. Losing this land to development will be a very regrettable loss of local green space and wildlife habitat, whilst those who actually travel within or through Keynsham at peak times know that the local roads cannot take any more traffic and more prolonged gridlocks will result.” Meanwhile Michael Gove, in his statement last week on house building, said that targets would remain but are a “starting point with new flexibilities to reflect local circumstances”. Green Belt protections will be strengthened, with new guidance setting out that local authorities are not required to review the Green Belt to deliver homes. Brownfield land will be prioritised for development. He said: “If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new development must have the support of local communities. That requires people to know it will be beautiful, accompanied by the right infrastructure,
The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
Withies Green
approved democratically, that it will enhance the environment and create proper neighbourhoods.” Saltford Environment Group commented that B&NES and developers have until now used
housing targets as a justification for development in the Green Belt “regardless of objections from the local community and whether local infrastructure can cope with so many new residents”.
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Traffic concerns at Aspects Leisure Park Traffic issues around Aspects Leisure
Engagement Forum that one of the problems
busy but said that someone needs to take the
offender identification and enforcement
Park, particularly McDonald’s, were
is that there are now lots of delivery
lead as he fears it may just be a matter of time
actions.
highlighted at a recent public meeting.
companies “like bees around a honeypot”
before someone gets run over on one of the
Local councillor Toby Savage, who is also
A local resident reported told the Hanham
blocking the road waiting to get the next call.
zebra crossings.
the leader of South Gloucestershire Council,
and
He acknowledged that the police are very
He is calling for better road traffic
said that a meeting was being set up to
management, road safety measures and
discuss the issues.
Longwell
Green
Community
Over 110 arrests Operation Tonic, Avon & Somerset Police’s winter operation to stop drink and drugdrivers, is under way and more than 110 arrests have been made so far. Anyone caught drink or drug-driving will receive a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, and a fine of up to £5,000.
New anthology Keynsham author Les Benson has just published a collection of short stories and poems called Women of a Certain Age. Les took up writing as a hobby five years ago after moving to the town from Melksham. The book is available in paperback from Amazon and on Kindle.
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.
Aspects Leisure Park
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The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
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The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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Town centre pedestrianised for Christmas market Regent Street in Kingswood was closed to traffic on Saturday for a Christmas market. It was a taster of how the street might be when it is closed to traffic as part of South Gloucestershire Council’s town centre regeneration plans. The council had a stall giving people the
chance to say whether they like the pedestrianisation of the street and would welcome more events like the market. The day was crammed full of festivities with stalls, entertainment and carol singing and a Christmas trail for families to explore the Nativity story, organised by Holy Trinity Church and Freedom Church.
The Christmas market in Regent Street
The Rev Bev Charles from Holy Trinity with James Greene & Jason Whybrew from the Freedom Church
The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
Romany Rosa’s stall at the Christmas market
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Banding together to raise funds for cancer charity Keynsham Walking Football held a charity dance in memory of two members - Bernie Sims and Dave Harris - who recently passed away after suffering from cancer. The event was held in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Club member Derek Hardwell provided the disco and a band called Walk Don’t Run, newly formed for the occasion, also provided entertainment. Walking Football club members Richard Iles (drums), Steve Brown and Simon Donadel (both guitar and vocals) formed part of the new band and Oldland Village Hall provided the
Picture: Pete Ricketts
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venue for a £50 donation to Kingswood hospice-at-home charity Jessie May. Mike Slucutt, chairman of Keynsham Walking Football, said: “As a result of the ticket sales, auction and raffle, the club was able to donate £3,400 to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The event was organised by Richard Iles and the club would like to thank IJ McGill Transport, PSP Solutions and Kitco and many High Street stores in Keynsham for their donations. “This brings the total amount raised by Keynsham Walking Football since it formed to more than £30,000.”
Donated minibus to become ambulance in Ukraine Brislington-based charity Hope for Ukraine is pleased to announce that the minibus donated by Crofts End Church in St George has arrived in Ukraine and the process of converting it into an ambulance has started. Hope for Ukraine sent two drivers through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania with the minibus filled with aid received from local donors. Steve Lewis from Hope for Ukraine hands the minibus to Emmanuel, the charity’s contact in The charity thanks IJ northern Romania McGill transport company in Keynsham for storing the items until they partners will be able to use the minibus to rescue people and to deliver aid into that warwere able to be taken to Ukraine. The charity says: “We also want to express torn nation. thanks to the two drivers that drove the “Our representatives have returned with vehicle to northern Romania and delivered it details of how much the aid that has been to our partner agency there. The minibus behaved exceptionally well, even though each day involved a minimum of five hours’ driving. We are confident that our Ukrainian
sent is needed, and also with details of what additionally needs to be provided. Hope for Ukraine sees the need is as desperate as ever.”
The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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Ofsted praise for pupil referral unit South Gloucestershire’s pupil referral unit (PRU) has been praised by Ofsted following a recent inspection. Pathways Learning Centre in Overndale Road, Downend, provides education and support for pupils aged between five and 16 who are temporarily unable to attend their mainstream school. The school takes pupils through different referral routes, including those who have been permanently excluded once or twice, or
are at risk of exclusion, and pupils who have significant medical and mental health needs. The Ofsted report rates quality of education and leadership and management at Pathways as ‘Good’ while personal development, and behaviour and attitudes, are ‘Outstanding’. The report says: “Pupils describe Pathways Learning Centre as ‘a family’. Pupils start at different points in their education and throughout the school year. Despite this, they agree that everyone is welcoming.”
The report highlights the high expectations of behaviour at the PRU: “Pupils respond and behave exceptionally well. Staff are calm, empathetic and unintrusive when supporting pupils who may be experiencing challenges.”
The personal development of pupils is said to be a strength of Pathways. Staff support pupils to become resilient and self-aware young people who are well prepared for their next stage.
Stay warm in Warmley Warmley Warm Space opened at the community centre last Wednesday. The volunteer-run hub continues today (Wednesday) and next Wednesday from
1pm-3.30pm. In January it will be open on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served and there are games and quizzes some weeks.
Fun in the snow Sunday’s snowfall resulted in this community effort at the football field in Greenbank Road, Hanham. Thanks to Christine Rogers for the picture.
Traffic ban now in place Support The Week In Community For almost 15 years The Week In has been the voice of the local community – celebrating achievement and holding decision-makers to account. We have embarked on a journey to ensure that remains the case for future generations despite the challenges we have and that continue to face independent local journalism. There are two ways you can offer your support: Either Support The Week In Scan the QR to make a donation and become a supporter of The Week In Or Become a member The Week In Community is a community
Queen Charlton is now closed to through traffic following delays to the ‘Liveable Neighbourhood’ trial that had been due to start on 17th November. Planters and droppable bollards are now in place on Queen Charlton Lane, a previously busy rat run between
Keynsham and Bristol. Traffic is now diverted instead along Charlton Road and Woollard Lane, keeping Queen Charlton Lane as a safe environment for people walking, cycling and horse riding without restricting vehicle access to homes, businesses and farmland.
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The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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LETTERS 19 bus will no longer be a through service Dear Editor It was reported by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) last Thursday that the 19 bus service would be cut back to terminate at Bristol Parkway and would not carry on to Cribbs Causeway from 22nd January 2023. This means that passengers wanting to travel from East Bristol to Cribbs Causeway will be forced to change onto either the m1 or m4 metrobus services, rather than staying on the same bus that would take them all the way to Cribbs Causeway and back again. First Bus attempted to get rid of the 19 in January 2020 by altering it to run peak times and Sundays only with buses outside of these times running on the longer 18 route via Keynsham. The 18 now no longer operates after WECA withdrew the funding and First pulled the plug on the route at a crucial time as the country was just getting back on its feet after the COVID lockdowns. I don't understand the logic behind altering some bus services so that it would make a connection with another bus service so passengers can make a through journey. With the current national bus driver shortage, there is no guarantee that the connecting bus will show up. Furthermore, the cost of a return journey on the 19 from Cherry Gardens to Cribbs Causeway is currently £3.50, but from January when the 19 terminates at Parkway, the cost will go up to £6 because passengers would need to buy a dayrider ticket so they can make a return journey connecting
deregulation has failed, and in the 2017 Bus Act
world’s poorest countries. Its nutritious meals
most of the parking will be retained. Some of the
allowed local authorities to adopt a franchised
attract desperately hungry children into the
planters are moveable so that it will be possible
service, as they have in London.
classroom, where they can gain an education and
to change their position once the work is
Franchising allows the local authority to set the
chance of a better future.
completed.
routes, timetable, and fares. It means that the
Every year, this amazing charity hosts a virtual
All local B&NES councillors, whatever party,
network can be designed to meet the needs of the
Christmas dinner for supporters around the
have the same view of the High Street which is
community, rather than the profits of the bus
world. In return for a donation of £15.90 –
that the height of the cycle path should be raised
operators. Manchester and Liverpool have
enough to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a
to that of the kerbs either side.
adopted a franchised service. South Yorkshire is
school year – your readers can set a place for
Regarding local bus services, whilst I am against
undertaking a formal appraisal. However, the
themselves or a loved one at the Mary’s Meals
building houses on the Minsmere Road and
West of England Combined Authority (WECA)
Big Family Christmas table. Their name will
Withies Park sites, the recent Minsmere Road
has not. Why?
appear online and they will receive a beautiful
approval has prised over £1m out of the
The most often quoted reason is that of cost.
PDF placemat which can be passed on as a gift.
developers to improve bus services in the town.
WECA estimates set-up costs of up to £6m and
And until 31st January 2023, support for Mary’s
Andy Wait
ongoing additional administrative costs of up to
Meals will go twice as far thanks to its Double
B&NES councillor, Keynsham East
£2m per annum. But has franchising been given
The Love campaign. During this period,
proper consideration? The Bus Strategy
donations to the charity will be doubled by a
Wartime memories
mentions franchising eight times, without
group of generous supporters, with up to £1.5m
Dear Editor
coming to any conclusions. The Bus Service
available.
Reading in Issue 756 about the bomb in 1940
Improvement Plan doesn’t mention franchising
So, for just £15.90, your readers can set a place
that fell in Portland Place, Staple Hill, reminds
at all.
at the virtual table and feed two children for a
me of the night when we were in our shelter. We
So how can we know what the real cost would
whole school year!
were living near the top end of Gorse Hill, not
be? That cost must be set against the cost of not
Your
franchising: more journeys by car, increasing
marysmeals.org.uk
I would have been three years old and I can
congestion and emissions; loss of amenity to the
Have a very Merry Christmas!
remember Dad saying to Mum: “That was a
community, where to work and shop, especially
Giuseppe Dell’Anno
close one.” At the time I didn’t realise how close
where no other form of transport exists; cost to
Great British Bake Off winner 2021
it was, but I’ve thought about it many times over
the local economy, restricting the employers
Saltford
the years.
can
find
out
more
at
access to staff, and businesses’ revenue. In addition, WECA has just been awarded £105m for buses, and surely that could be repurposed for franchising. So, to prevent the further decline of our bus service, WECA needs to adopt franchising and embark on a formal assessment as soon as possible. Andrew Smith
with the m1 or m4 at UWE or Parkway (m4). This is simply unacceptable to force passengers
readers
far away.
The aircraft was probably on its way to or from
Spotlight on Temple Street Dear Editor In response to Brian and Cynthia Withyman’s letter (30th November), I agree, it would make more sense to use the money for improving Temple Street on more essential services. Unfortunately, after 12 years of cuts to council services by Central Government, the only way
Filton aircraft works. I know they had at least one raid. I can also remember the thrum thrum of their engines. Thank you for this paper that brings back so many memories. Dorothy Pullin Fishponds
into catching two buses to make a through
Help tackle hunger
to get extra cash is by officers of the council
journey on what was a through bus service.
Dear Editor
applying for grants. Through their good work,
MP should do the honest thing
Adam B
As a baker, I love getting together with my
we obtained a large grant from Historic England,
Dear Editor
family over Christmas for lots of good food.
with small contributions from Bath & North East
I voted for Chris Skidmore to represent me based
Time for a franchised bus service
These special moments really make me think
Somerset Council and the town council. The
on the manifesto which his party published at the
about how lucky I am. That’s why I’m taking
money must be used in an historic context and
last election. Within months, it became clear that
part in Mary’s Meals’ Big Family Christmas
only for Temple Street improvements.
he did not really want the job when he voted to
Dear Editor
fundraiser – and I hope your readers will join
I’m pleased that you like the idea of planters and
abrogate any responsibility for the handling of
The bus service in the West of England is failing.
me!
seats in Temple Street as there will be some. The
the most important issue of this Parliament,
It lacks coverage, is unstable, and unreliable.
Mary’s Meals provides a daily meal to more than
committee looking at the plans have noted the
while happily sitting at home accepting £80,000
The
2.2 million children every school day in 20 of the
comments on parking. I’m pleased to say that
payment.
8
Government
has
recognised
that
The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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LETTERS I have written to him on a number of occasions. He often does not reply and when he does he seldom answers the questions posed. His attitude seems one of representing the Government, rather than representing his constituents to the Government. I was therefore pleased to learn from your paper that he has decided he no longer wishes to represent me. However, he is happy to keep accepting his salary for effectively not representing his constituents, for perhaps the next two years. The people of Kingswood are now represented by a lame duck. Surely, the ethical thing would be for Mr Skidmore to resign immediately and give the electorate the opportunity to elect a Conservative who wants to do his job. I call upon Mr Skidmore to do the honest thing and resign now.
Have your say on plans for new park People are being asked to help create a lasting legacy for the Cadbury Heath community by having their say on detailed plans for a new £500,000 park on the old pitch and putt course. The new biodiversity-focused park, which will be accessible to everyone, marks the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and is also in memory of HRH Duke of Edinburgh and his interest in wildlife and nature. In a poll, locals chose the site as the best place, above Banjo Island and Tarzan Park. The design, which people are asked to have their say on, features a wider path, a flowering meadow containing around
40 species, an orchard and a woodland garden as a quiet place to sit and remember loved ones. It is proposed to plant a semiformal avenue of flowering cherries at the main gateway off Brereton Way. About 5% of the park is currently scrubland, mostly along the Siston Brook corridor. This is an important wildlife habitat and it is proposed to more than double the total area of scrub within the park. There will be new planting of defined areas of scrub and hazel copse, underplanting with native wildflowers such as bluebells. Have your say by Monday (19th December). Search under ‘Consultations’ on the council’s website.
Paul Trenchard, Longwell Green
A grateful customer’s thanks Dear Editor I would just like to point out that with the massive queues at the post office in the High Street in Keynsham recently, people are grumbling and getting impatient. Have they not noticed that one young man has been working tirelessly behind the counter on his own most of the time, position 5. Without him working we would have had no post office service at all. I would like to say a big thank you to him on behalf of very grateful customers. Thank you, young man. Name & address supplied
Yet another trip Dear Editor My wife has become the latest person to trip over the cycle path pavement on Keynsham High Street. Luckily she is a young 60-year-old but still it was obviously very painful. She was helped by a shop worker who said dozens of people are tripping over. Her trousers are ruined and her boots damaged. If it was an older person, it could have been a lot worse. When will Bath & North East Somerset Council make this area safe? Nick Gould
Sudoku 1-Easy
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 18th December
2 -Hard
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) 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 14th December 2022
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Keynsham’s radio heritage to be celebrated next month
Roland Oliver playing Horace Batchelor in 2013 (Picture credit Zuleika Henry)
KTCRfm, the Keynsham-based community radio station, celebrates its third birthday next month, and as part of the celebrations, homage will be paid to another Keynsham radio icon. The day that the radio station began broadcasting in 2020 also corresponds with the date of birth of one Horace Batchelor (122 years earlier), the man who would go on the make Keynsham (spelt K-E-Y) famous across the airwaves in the 1950s and 1960s. Next year will also mark a decade since
Keynsham-born playwright Kevin Cattell previewed his oneman show ‘An Audience with Horace Batchelor’ for three sold-out nights at the old Pomegranate restaurant in Temple Street. So, it is even more fitting that Roland Oliver, the actor who played Horace at those previews and subsequent 10-day sellout run at the Brewery Theatre in Bristol, is returning to Keynsham as part of the KTCRfm anniversary celebrations. This time ‘An Evening with Horace Batchelor’ is taking place in The Space on Friday 20th January) during which Roland (whose TV credits include Dr Who, The Bill and Vera) will reprise Kevin Cattell’s play.
Crossword
Thanks to funding from Historic England as part of the cultural heritage aspect of Keynsham’s town centre regeneration programme, the event is free of charge. Demand is expected to be high however and tickets will need to be booked in advance. For KTCRfm next month not only marks the third anniversary but the ‘launch’ of the community radio station. After a period of test transmissions in early 2020, the station had a soft launch, introducing a varied mix of musical and spoken word programmes before COVID-19 and lockdown hit. Ironically, lockdown made KTCRfm’s role even more significant as it broadcast important information about help and support which was available to people during those uncertain months. By the time things returned to anything near normal, the volunteer force which broadcasts 24 hours a day was so swept up in the station’s operation that no ‘official’ launch has ever taken place. As for Horace Batchelor and K-E-Y Keynsham, the story slips further into the depths of history which each new generation and advance in media technology. As KTCRfm itself begins a new chapter with digital audio broadcasting, it is difficult to describe an era when there was only one TV channel (two if you lived in the right part of the country) and only one hour of ‘pop’ music each week on national radio. This was the time when medium wave radio stations broadcasting from mainland Europe and ‘pirate’ stations off the coast of England were the only alternatives. Radio Luxembourg was the best known of these and Horace Batchelor and his famous ‘infra draw’ method for doing the
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Widespread outbreak (8)
2. Sly look (4)
6. Stratagem (4)
4. Accident (6)
8. Be in debt (3)
5. Price (4)
9. Endures (8)
6. Depends (6)
10. Burden (4)
7. Rocked sideways (6)
12. American parrot (5) 14. Cut off (5)
3. Dreary (6)
11. Brusque (5) 12. Mediterranean island (5)
17. Cure (4)
football pools was one of the station’s biggest advertisers (another explainer of football pools may be required here for younger generations who only know online betting!) Making sure punters knew where to send their postal orders (explainer required once more!) Keynsham was spelled out letter by letter in Horace’s personal advertising messages. On Saturday 21st January, also at The Space, the celebration will continue with the music of The Bonzo Dog Band, the musical act who also connected Horace Batchelor with the town, and whose fourth album in 1969, was actually titled ‘Keynsham’. Local musician and KTCRfm presenter Nick Pallett will be putting a Bonzo Dog band together for a live show, as he did for the Abbey Road and Spiders from Mars concerts at recent Keynsham Music Festivals. Ticket details for this and ‘An Evening with Horace Batchelor’ will be announced soon. So next month promises an evening of nostalgia for some, local history for others and entertainment for all. By the way, another KTCRfm presenter Mike Corrigan produced a fascinating one-hour documentary on Horace Batchelor and Keynsham which was broadcast in 2020. You can listen to it by going to the ‘archive’ section at www.ktcrfm.com
13. Sweat (anag.) (5) 18. Fence of stakes (8) 14. Half a dozen (3) 20. Withdraws (8) 15. Legitimate (5)
Concert success
24. Sieve (4)
16. Right-hand page (5)
Fear Hall on Saturday 3rd December to mark the successful
25. Attribute (5)
19. Moist (3)
return of classical concerts to the town.
26. Relieved (5)
21. Wandering (6)
This was the first event to be staged by Keynsham Concerts
29. Heroic tale (4)
22. Bawdy (6)
since before lockdown and the young performer and composer
30. Assumed (8)
23. Try out (6)
certainly hit the high notes with his appearance.
31. Rim (3)
24. Moment (6)
More than 100 people were entranced by Dominic’s delightful
32. Projecting knob (4)
27. Catch sight of (4)
33. Giving in (8)
28. Stitched (4)
Pianist Dominic Irving played to a full house at Keynsham’s
interpretation of the classics, and his extraordinary rendering of his own compositions, and especially a fabulous ‘Three Blind Mice’ that the whole house applauded with great enthusiasm.
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The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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Donations plea for bereavement support group The volunteer-run Keynsham Bereavement Support, which started in February, is appealing for donations to help keep sessions running. Coordinator Alan Hale said: “It is clear that there is a need for what we provide, a safe place where people who are bereaved can release their emotions as well as talking with other bereaved people and thus hopefully helping to understand the suffering they are going through. “We wish to be sustainable and welcome any financial donations that people would like to give and any companies or businesses wishing to offer some sponsorship will of course be welcome. “The people that come to us are varied in their grief and are at different stages on their bereavement journey. We must ensure that we can continue our support to them." There is a drop-in service at Keynsham Baptist Church Hall on the first Wednesday of the month between 5.30pm and 7pm for those suffering bereavement. There is also a fourth Monday of the month session between 2pm and 4pm at the hall. The sessions are free with tea, coffee and biscuits provided and most importantly an empathetic ear. There is no limit to the number of sessions people can take part in and they don’t need to be booked. Despite the name of the group there is no boundary or restriction on who may come and guests from other parts of Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and parts of Bristol have attended. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via BACS to sort code 30-98-97, account number 69069463 Lloyds Bank.
The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
Alternatively cheques can be sent to Bereavement Support Keynsham (making the cheque payable to that name) 91 Lays Drive, Keynsham, BS31 2LD.
The group can be contacted on 0777 6493221. The December afternoon session will be next Monday (19th December) as the fourth Monday is Boxing Day.
Bristol Water worker helps save cow and calf A Bristol Water worker who raised the alarm after finding a cow in labour in a field near Pucklechurch Reservoir on Monday has been praised for her quick thinking. A neighbour contacted The Week In to say how impressed he had been with the member of staff who tracked down the owner and stayed to help. We passed on the message to Bristol Water and Rose Lee, who works in the water quality team, has shared with us what happened. She said: “I was at Pucklechurch Reservoir to sample the water when I noticed a cow on her side in the field. I was worried she might be sick, or worse, so went to check on her and realised she was in labour. I tried to help her but I didn’t have the strength, so went to find the nearest neighbours. Once I found then, they rang the owner, and I took him to where Savanna, the cow, was. With their help we were able to move her out of the bramble patch and I
held her head and gave her pets until she gave birth to her little boy. “After a worrying few seconds, the calf took a big gulp of air and started moving and we were all ecstatic. The calf went back home with the farmer to be cared for, but I’ve been told that all is well.”
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Castles at Christmas The weather suddenly got a lot colder, but probably more festive, and so it was with coats, scarves, hats and gloves packed in suitcases that we headed off towards Taunton. Whilst staying at the ancient Castle Hotel in the town, we came across the Museum of Somerset. It is to be found slightly behind the main shopping area on Castle Green and is well worth a visit as it tracks the history of Somerset from Neolithic times to the Second World War. Skeletons and fossils are imaginatively displayed on the ground floor along with Army uniforms from the Boer War to present times on the first floor. Also there is a rather gloomy but interesting area devoted to the English Civil War and the 'Bloody Assizes' held in Taunton and the West Country by Judge Jeffreys in the late 1600s.
Taunton’s Castle Hotel
Taunton itself is a lively town that often gets bypassed as visitors head for the delights of seaside towns in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. When we were there, the Christmas hustle and bustle and festive lights gave a lift to what otherwise was a cold and drab December day. The Christmas market stalls exuded crafts and gifts that would fire the imagination of anyone looking for something different to give to a loved one. Coffee shops were busy with customers cosying up over hot drinks and afternoon cake. The next day we were up early and after a cooked breakfast prepared to travel the 23 miles to Dunster Castle. The castle has always intrigued me as its turrets can be glimpsed briefly from the A39 heading A carved tree decorated for Christmas at the Museum of Somerset towards Minehead and the south. Today however we were looking forward to actually visiting the the latter. Somerset attraction. A sudden turning left up a driveway The castle's main entrance was crowned by a huge Christmas about three-quarters of a mile long, and we were in the castle tree, as were most of the other rooms and hallways. It dates car park. From here it is a very steep climb under the castle back more than 1,000 years and started life as a Saxon gate or a longer flatter walk to the back of the castle. I chose stronghold. Much later it was developed into a comfortable Victorian country house by Anthony Salvin between 1868 and 1872. Salvin added a new underground reservoir that would serve a water supply not only to the castle but also to the residents of Dunster. He also built a Victorian windowed conservatory, a gathering hall, and installed central heating. The Somerset landmark has long been a tourist attraction and has been visited by royalty including Charles II and Edward VII who both used it as an extremely elaborate hunting lodge. They hunted partridge, rabbit, pheasant and deer, hunting being a pastime of the wealthy. Many of the guns used in the pursuit are on display at the castle, as are rifles fired when it
Dunster Castle
A decorated staircase at Dunster Castle
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was surrounded by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Eventually holed up in Dunster Castle, the King's followers were starved to death and 20 of them died (their ghosts are said to haunt the place). The owner at the time, George Luttrell, bargained with Oliver Cromwell to stop the Parliamentarians burning the castle to the ground as Cromwell reasoned that the building was far too grandiose and ornate for his simple tastes. George Luttrell, in order to keep his property, promised under oath that he would never again fight against Cromwell. Under these circumstances he was allowed to keep Dunster Castle, unlike Corfe Castle in Dorset which was burnt beyond repair during the Civil War, leaving only its shell as a reminder of its turbulent past. The Luttrell family have been resident at Dunster Castle for 600 years, with the National Trust taking over the running of it in 1976. The staircase balustrades and ceilings are ornately carved and there are mirrors to help visitors appreciate the decorative architraves and mouldings that proliferate throughout the interior. The water mill and gardens overlook the stream running through Dunster and it was here we rested before heading back to the 21st century and the run-up to Christmas presents and Christmas present. Christine Rogers The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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EV charging plans
Situations Vacant
Sainsbury’s at Emersons Green has
Recycling hub team working with the community Apprenticeship opportunities, skills training and community support are being provided by Farrans, the contractor working on the new Keynsham Recycling Hub, as part of a deal with Bath & North East Somerset Council. The social value delivery plan has seen Farrans delivering their bespoke STEPs to Employment programme for pupils aged 14+ and workshops have so far been delivered to local schools,
including IKB Academy and Oldfield. Meanwhile pupils at Saltford Primary School recently heard about the recycling hub construction project during their assembly and further engagement activity is planned with the school in the new year. Volunteering support has been provided for a litter pick as part of a community action day alongside Keynsham Wombles, the council’s Clean & Green
team and in Hawthorn Court care home’s gardens. Farrans have also set up a donation point to Keynsham Foodbank. The team raised £240 and a range of food and other needed items. Cllr David Wood, B&NES cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is the first time we have worked with a contractor in this way.”
applied
to
South
Gloucestershire Council to install 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, two electrical substations, and to rearrange the car park. This includes a reduction in number of parking spaces from 396 to 392, the removal of three trees, the relocation of a trolley store, and the reconfiguration of the recycling area.
Cookery course South Gloucestershire Council has joined with charity The Wiggly Worm to offer a free online cookery course for learning
with
people disabilities.
There are four recipes to be learnt from home, with all ingredients provided. It will take
place,
in
two-hour
sessions, on 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th January. Contact sarah@thewigglyworm.org.uk for more information.
Fundraising event Christchurch Pre-School in Hanham invited families and the wider community to their fundraising Christmas fayre which included stalls, games, arts and crafts, a raffle, Santa’s grotto and a café. Pre-school manager Marie Smith said: “We are very pleased to say we raised a whopping £975.The children will benefit from new resources and activities to help support their learning and experiences.”
Patient survey A
survey
of
patients
undergoing radiotherapy in the South West has found that 98% are either satisfied or very satisfied with their experience of treatments and that 99% agreed that they were treated with care, kindness, dignity and respect. The survey of over 600 patients at eight hospital trusts reports overwhelmingly positive results with staff praised
for
their
professionalism, attention to detail and continuous support. The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022
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Same-day joint replacement surgery Sulis Hospital has become the first in Bath and Bristol to
number of factors are considered in each case.
offer same-day hip and knee joint replacement surgery
Sulis Hospital, formerly known as Circle Bath prior to the
Flats scheme withdrawn
without the need for an overnight stay.
Royal United Hospital acquisition, treats both private and
Plans to knock down dilapidated buildings at the rear of
A team of experts has reduced the hospital stay of these
NHS patients.
96 High Street in Staple Hill to make way for a block of
patients from three days to one. Day surgery procedures mean
It is the first fully operational private hospital in the
eight flats have been withdrawn. The proposal to
fewer complications, a faster recovery and a reduced risk of
UK where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS
redevelop the land, which has been used intermittently
deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Trust.
by a car repair garage business, had sparked concern
In three months, 44 patients have undergone day case joint
The acquisition by the RUH has increased capacity for both
from South Gloucestershire Council’s transport team
replacement surgery, averaging 0.96 days in hospital.
NHS and private patients, reducing waiting times for 4,933
about the “restricted” access and “cramped” layout.
Day case surgeries may not be suitable for all patients and a
patients in the last 12 months.
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The Week in • Wednesday 14th December 2022