THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
7th June 2023
Issue 784
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‘Stinky summer’ warning as bin workers go on strike Around 150 workers employed by Suez emptying bins on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council are going on strike over pay. The workers will strike from next Monday (12th June) until 18th June and again from 26th June until 9th July. If the dispute is not resolved, industrial action will intensify over the summer, says their union Unite. South Gloucestershire Council said this week that it is working closely with Suez to ensure the contractor has “appropriate” plans in place to minimise any disruption to waste services. Unite says that staff voted to strike by 89% after rejecting an eight per cent pay offer from Suez, which according to its latest UK financial returns brought in profits of £80.8m in 2021. The union says that with the real rate of inflation the
Also in this week’s issue
Retail Price Index (RPI) at 11.4%, this is a significant real terms pay cut. The company’s bin loaders in South Gloucestershire earn £11.53 per hour. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Suez is an extremely profitable company but is offering these workers a real terms pay cut during the worst cost of living crisis in generations.” The union’s regional officer Ken Fish said: “Our members have been forced to take action because Suez refuses to table a reasonable pay offer. South Gloucestershire’s residents are facing a stinky summer because of Suez's greed. “This is a lucrative contract and the council needs to intervene and force Suez to put forward a fair offer to our members.” South Gloucestershire Council says that the planned
Council finally orders design review of Keynsham cycle lane . . . page 3
Vandals strike twice at historic Warmley signal box . . . page 5
industrial action is by staff employed directly by Suez and as such, pay negotiations are the responsibility of Suez. A council spokesperson said: “We will keep residents updated if we become aware of any changes to collections and/or services.” The Week In has also asked Suez if it wishes to comment on the strike action. • See page 2 for refuse workers in Bristol being balloted over industrial action - and further strike action by social workers in South Gloucestershire.
Air quality boost to Downend shopping centre . . . page 6
Hanham firm's centenary celebrations . . . page 13
South Glos workers walk out again in dispute over pay Social
workers
and
occupational
colleagues and I at South Gloucestershire
for
South
Council found out we were to be underpaid
Gloucestershire Council held two days of
by £3,000 per year in comparison to
strike action last week.
children’s social workers, we felt insulted and
Unison has been in dispute with the local
angry.
authority over pay since last summer. The
“Adult social workers have exactly the same
walkouts last Tuesday and Thursday
qualifications as children’s and are facing
followed three days of strike action in
very similar challenges in recruitment and
April.
retention. With the cost of living crisis, many
The dispute started after a decision by the
are having to vote with their feet and go to
council to award staff in children’s services
where the pay is better. Some of our members
an additional temporary £3,000 payment on
have had to take second jobs just to make
top of their basic annual salary. This uplift
ends meet for their families.”
was not offered to those doing the same job
He urged the council to come forward with
with strike action, given our continuing focus
undertake vitally important work in our
in adult services.
an offer to enable progress.
on delivering our workplace action plan
communities in South Gloucestershire. We
According to the union, a quarter of local
Unison’s South West regional organiser,
which addresses issues staff tell us matter
very much hope that Unison will continue to
authorities are now offering these “market
Jayne Jackson, added: “Negotiations to date
most.
engage with us on the actions agreed after the
forces” supplements as many are facing
have sadly not led to a resolution. But only
“Staff in all roles in adult social care
last period of industrial action.”
significant problems attracting and keeping
through talking will this issue be settled. The
staff.
council must double its efforts to end the
Dan Smart, branch secretary of Unison South
strike by paying up and showing it values all
Gloucestershire, said, “Social workers and
its social work employees.”
occupational therapists support people with
A council spokesperson said: “A small
some of the most challenging issues and
number
situations in society, from domestic abuse to
occupational therapists took local strike
mental health issues. Of course, we support
action on 30th May and 1st June. We are
pay rises for all workers, but when my
disappointed that Unison have proceeded
therapists
2
working
of
our
social
Previous strike action
workers
and
Over 200 Bristol Waste staff balloted over industrial action More than 200 refuse workers employed
made gross profits of more than £2.3m for
by Bristol Waste are being balloted for
the year ending March 2022, says Unite.
industrial action.
The union’s general secretary Sharon
Bristol Waste already has a staff shortage
Graham said: “Bristol Waste, which is
at present without a quarter of its
wholly owned by Bristol council, can well
workforce going on strike.
afford to pay these workers a decent rise.
The workers, who collect bins, clean the
It is completely unacceptable that a
streets and operate household waste and
Labour council is leaving its workers to
recycling centres, are angry at a 17-month
struggle with rocketing living costs when
pay offer of seven per cent or £2,000,
the business it is employing them through
whichever is greater for their salary. Their
is making such large profits.
union Unite says that with the real rate of
“Bristol council and Bristol Waste need to
inflation – the Retail Price Index - running
come back with a better offer and soon
at 11.4%, this is a significant real terms
because Unite will be backing our
pay cut.
members all the way.”
While many of the workers are paid little
The ballot opened last Tuesday (30th
more than the minimum wage, Bristol
May) and closes next Tuesday (13th
Waste, which is owned by the council,
June).
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
Council finally orders a design review of controversial cycle lane There is to be a design review of the
remedial works. Alongside the audit, the
controversial stepped cycle lane in
council will undertake a design review over
Keynsham High Street.
the summer to assess whether additional
It will take place this summer and follows
enhancements can be made to reduce trips
repeated calls to Bath & North East Somerset
and falls further. We recognise that pedestrian
Council for action to stop the trips and falls
use within the High Street has changed as a
that have seen dozens of people hurt –
result of a significant reduction in cars
including head injuries and broken bones -
passing through. If action is needed, we’ll
since the new cycle lane was introduced 15
consider the options.
months ago as part of a street improvement
“Ward councillors representing the High
scheme.
Street have been kept updated on this. We
Last August the council painted the cycle
have also contacted traders to inform them
lane red to improve its visibility but it has not
about the repair works and we apologise for
stopped people getting injured. The council
any disruption for businesses and residents
has maintained that the design met all
during the works.”
relevant planning and design requirements
The parking bays will be suspended until
but has now ordered a review to see if
Saturday 24th June. The council says that
anything more can be done.
access to shops will be maintained and the
Meanwhile the council has temporarily
pavement will remain open. Loading bays
suspended parking in the High Street this
and the bus stop will remain in operation and
week so that works can be carried out to
the nearest car parks are at Ashton Way, by
repair paving slabs and replace damaged
the leisure centre and in Station Road.
bollards and cycle stands. Additional street
This week Conservative Cllr Alan Hale, who
furniture will be installed to protect the
represents Keynsham South on B&NES
pavement from vehicles mounting it in the
Council and is the authority’s member
future.
advocate for road safety, told us: “It is
Cllr Paul Roper, the Lib Dem-controlled
pleasing that the administration is finally
council’s Cabinet member for Economic &
showing an active interest in the problems of
Cultural Sustainable Development, said:
High Street.
“The works to repair the broken paving slabs
“In Temple Street they have installed
and replace cycle stands and bollards have
apparently much more robust kerbs and if
been scheduled for some time. We are
used in High Street it would help to deter
conscious of the concerns about trips and
those drivers who seem to believe it is OK to
falls linked to the cycle lane and so it’s
drive over or park on the pavement.
understandable that people may wonder what
Considering the amount of broken paving
is happening when contractors arrive.
slabs, it would seem that they have not been
“I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure
laid on a firm foundation.
residents that we take the concerns extremely
“Yet again the Road Safety Audit is promised
seriously, which is why we have already
but no date mentioned and it is interesting
acted by introducing the red coloured cycle
that they are now intending reviewing the
lane finish that has reduced the number of
design, this despite their response throughout
reported incidents significantly.
the last year and more that the design
“A Stage 4 Road Safety Audit will follow the
complies with regulations.”
He said it was all “rather late” for the people
both the council’s chief executive and leader,
who have been injured, some of them
advising both that should someone die of
seriously. “Hopefully further casualties will
injuries sustained from a fall, they could face
be saved, late as it is,” Cllr Hale added.
investigation for corporate manslaughter.
He has written on a number of occasions to
See Letters, page 8
Audits done by principal designer In response to enquiries by The Week In
Jacobs. Cllr Paul Roper, the Cabinet
about who redesigned Keynsham High
member for Economic & Cultural
Street, including the cycle lane, and who
Sustainable Development, said: “As the
has been responsible for all the Road
principal designer for the scheme, Jacobs
Safety Audits, B&NES Council this week
have been involved in all of the Road
told us it was professional services firm
Safety Audits. This is standard practice.”
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
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New retail and café plans for Chief Trading Post
THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge.
An amended retail and café scheme at the Chief Trading Post site at Barry Road in Oldland Common has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The popular Chief Trading Post café and farm shop closed at the end of last year before the site was razed in preparation for a major hybrid redevelopment. In April (Issue 775) we reported that the business owner Roland Tanner was intending to change his permitted plans for new premises to a pre-fabricated unit as building costs had more than doubled since the scheme was first drawn up. The new application (reference P23/01577/RVC) keeps the building single storey and of a similar size, but lower in height. It says that there would be timber cladding to the walls, “emulating nearby farm buildings”. The proposed building is arranged around a quadrangle giving access to the café and retail part and accommodating outdoor seating. The deadline for comments on the new scheme is 15th June. Last week we reported on the updated plans for 50 “100% affordable” homes on the site that Alliance Homes and Countryside Partnerships have submitted to the council. Only 35% of the homes were to have been affordable under the previously approved outline planning permission.
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Rat-run concerns Meanwhile concerns have this week been raised about four speed tables on Barry
Barry Road, where four speed tables are planned
Road in connection with the redevelopment of the Chief Trading Post site. In a letter to The Week In, Alan and Liz Walker say that most people won’t realise the full implications of the traffic calming measures that were approved as part of the hybrid scheme at the end of last year and believe it will lead to drivers using side roads as a “rat run”. They say the original hybrid redevelopment application for the site lacked details when it was first published in 2021: “So when we and the vast majority of people commented on the plan in September/October 2021, things were not confirmed. Two traffic calming options appear to have been added on 22nd January 2022 but we and other residents in the area were not alerted to these or other changes to the original application. Therefore, there were only a couple of public comments expressing concerns.” Read their letter in full on page 8
Appeal expected after Tesco corner shop is refused An appeal looks set to take place after planning permission for a Tesco store next
Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
to the King William IV pub in Warmley
Advertising
Tracy Broderick 0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com
lodged
@theweekineditor
extension and building a shop on land to
planners.
the side, with a new access off Tower
The application was refused at the start of
Road South to serve a reconfigured car
this year on the grounds that the proposed
park. The plans, which were first filed
service bay in front of the pub, so close to
with the council in mid-2021, had been
a pedestrian crossing, would be likely to
amended several times including altering
increase highway dangers.
the design of the building and making
The Planning Inspectorate has written to
changes in respect of transport movements
the council to say it has received notice
but ultimately failed to satisfy council
that an appeal is planned.
the_week_in_news No material in this publication, nor its associated website (www.theweekin.co.uk) may be reproduced without the written permission of The Week In. All rights reserved. The Week In is regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC. As such, we adhere to the IMPRESS complaints procedure. A copy of this procedure can be found on our website or can be sent upon written request to the address above.
4
was refused. The controversial planning application with
South
Gloucestershire
Council by Cordage Estates Ltd involved demolishing the pub’s single-storey
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
Vandalism at historic signal box The volunteers who look after the old signal box on the
Then between 12.30pm on Thursday 1st June and 8am the
Hugh Evans from the group told us: “Obviously, we are really
Bristol & Bath Railway Path at Warmley have spoken of
following day, a window frame was completely smashed and
upset that we have been targeted twice. We are going to install
their sadness after two attacks by vandals.
the mannequin signalman was left hanging out.
preventative systems in the box which will cost us almost
In the first break-in on the night of Saturday 13th May, four
A railway hat was recovered from the car park of the nearby
£200. It is a great shame that we have to spend our resources
window panes on the upper part of the Grade II listed
Midland Spinner pub and another was found outside the
in this way, rather than in preserving the box for our visitors.”
building were kicked in but nothing was stolen.
signal box.
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to
The box was last used in 1968. It fell into disrepair when the
call the police on 101.
freight line closed but has been cared for since 2008 by the
The crime incident number for the most recent criminal
Warmley Community Garden and Signal Box Group and was
damage is AS-20230602-0287.
restored and reopened in style in 2013 as a heritage site.
The reference for the first incident is 5223111263.
The signal box decorated for the Coronation in May
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
The mannequin was left hanging out of a broken window
5
New green screens will improve air quality Downend got a little greener last week as
Kathryn Leeming, the high street co-
with South Gloucestershire Council,” she
bloom group, it would be beneficial to the
vertical planters were installed in two
ordinator for Downend, said that green
said.
local community to have more greenery in
locations in the main shopping area.
screens, planters and benches had been
“The idea behind this project is that, as
their high street.
The green screens will improve air quality,
installed.
Downend has such a good reputation of
“These green screens also provide air quality
while new benches will provide resting
“This was an idea that came through the
being a green place, thanks to its active
benefits.”
places for shoppers.
Downend partnership group which consists
One is on Cleeve Road outside the Lloyds
of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish
Bank building and the other is on Westerleigh
Council, Downend & Bromley Heath in
Road outside the Sainsbury’s Local.
Bloom and local businesses, in partnership
The green screen on Westerleigh Road
The installation at Cleeve Road
Masked raiders break into garage Six people wearing balaclavas broke into
It is thought that a number of other
a garage on Handel Road in Keynsham at
garages locally have also been broken
6.30pm on Sunday 28th May.
into.
Police say that the offenders, who were all
If you have any information about this
male,
some
incident, especially CCTV images, call
neighbours and left the area. It is believed
101, giving crime reference number
that nothing was stolen but the garage was
5223124887. Alternatively, call Crime-
damaged.
stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
were
challenged
by
Tackling Blue Badge misuse
6
Bath & North East Somerset Council
three instances of misuse on the day,
carried out 146 Blue Badge checks as it
seizing three Blue Badges.
took part in a national day of action
There are currently more than 7,600
against misuse of the badges.
registered Blue Badge holders in B&NES.
Eighty-two councils took part in the
Examples of misuse include using a badge
nationally co-ordinated campaign on 26th
when the holder is not in the vehicle, using
May.
one that belongs to a deceased person and
All B&NES Council’s civil enforcement
one that has expired.
officers carried out checks on the day of
So far this year, the council has seized 26
action, with additional support from its
badges. It has a 100% prosecution rate of
trading arm One West, and they found
tackling instances of such misuse.
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
Heading in the right direction It’s a little over two months since the launch of
something we have heard and reported
WESTlink, the West of England’s innovative demand
quite a lot about over the last couple of
responsive transport system. While there are generally
years. Covering such a large area
more sightings of the distinctive green minibuses in the
without a full complement of vehicles
area, we have heard very little more officially about the
was always going to be challenging.
service.
But there are signs, albeit anecdotal,
One reader wrote to The Week In a couple of weeks ago
that the WESTlink message is starting
giving their own experiences of WESTlink and highlighting
to be accepted. It was understandable
the fact there seemed to be very little publicity. Indeed, the
that launching a demand responsive
media awareness campaign that those present at a Keynsham
transport system at the same time as
Area Forum earlier this year were told would take place in
local councils withdrew their funding
March, never happened.
for subsidised bus services would lead
At The Week In, we have been contacted on more than one
some to assume that one was a
occasion about placing adverts for WESTlink but no firm
replacement for the other. But while the
decision is ever made.
supported bus routes may be ‘lifelines’
There are probably two reasons for this. One, as Mayor Dan
for many, the reality is that many buses
Norris was quick to remind us prior to the launch, is potential
travelled empty or passengers who did
gremlins in the system which will need to be ironed out
travel were being subsidised by council
before it can function as planned. Some eyebrows were raised
tax payers, sometimes by more than £40 per journey.
High Street to Bitton in the 5th April edition of The Week In.
when the operation was set for a ‘big bang’ launch on 1st
WESTlink only operates where and when passengers request
I have taken quite a few journeys since. Yes, there are parts
April over two geographically large ‘zones’ across Bath &
it. There are no meaningful figures available yet but the
of the system which still need to be ironed out. The app, for
North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North
service is provided for the next 22 months from a
example, only lets you book in real time. That’s fine if you
Somerset. The other, according to South West Transport
Government fund, not council taxes.
are ready to travel but if you want to schedule a ride for later
Network campaigner David Redgewell, is a lack of drivers,
I reported on my first WESTlink journey from Keynsham
or book a return journey, you have to do this by phone. Yet ironically, isn’t this just what people who supposedly aren’t
Call for better security for library staff
comfortable using smart technology would do? The telephone
Keynsham Town Council is calling for better security for
appointment with my GP and the staff are always friendly.
staff who work at the town’s library, such as body
Now the weather is fine, one of my regular treats on days off
cameras, after issues with anti-social behaviour.
is to walk from my home in Portishead to a village in the
It is understood that the library, which is run by Bath &
Gordano Valley. It has a wonderful old pub that does
North East Somerset Council, has recently been fitted with
ploughman’s lunches with great beer. And at the end,
a panic alarm.
WESTlink comes to carry me home (not literally!) The
The issues have also been affecting local shops. It was
village has no bus service. It never has in all the years I have
agreed at the town council’s last meeting that the
lived there (although bizarrely it has a bus shelter!) Whereas
councillors who represent Keynsham on B&NES Council
the first time I did this journey, I had the bus to myself, these
would speak with the authority’s anti-social behaviour unit
days there are invariably other passengers travelling into
and also discuss security improvements with the finance
Portishead.
team.
Of course, it would be easier and quicker to drive. But apart
It is understood that police have recently made some
from missing out on the exercise and the great beer, isn’t the
arrests in connection with anti-social behaviour in the
whole point to leave the car at home?
town.
Stephen Rodgers
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
system works, the wait is far shorter than trying to book an
7
LETTERS Mayors are ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’ Dear Editor Why is it that Dan Norris, the West of England Mayor, and Marvin Rees, the Bristol Mayor (both Labour) think they have a free rein to waste the hard-pressed taxpayers’ money? On the one hand, we have Marvin Rees wasting multi-millions on his fantasy idea of an underground system for Bristol. On the other we have Dan Norris intending to waste £8m on ''birthday bus passes", as reported in The Week In, Issue 783. This is after bus services have been recently cut, due to “unaffordable” funding being withdrawn by him.We also have to put up with money being wasted on adverts of him, pictured with his dog, every week in this newspaper. Marvin Rees is on notice, think of how much taxpayers’ money could be saved by ridding ourselves of the West of England Mayor and his office. M Bridges, Kingswood Editor’s note: We have been clear for some time that local media which is free of charge cannot be funded solely through advertising. In honouring a manifesto commitment to support the local press (not just The Week In) the West of England Combined Authority is the only local authority to do so on a regular basis. This support helps us bring you local news and views each week, so it is definitely not wasted. We are grateful to all our advertisers and supporters who enable us to continue to produce our publication every week for our 40,000 readers.
‘Rat run’ concerns over redeveloped site Dear Becky Further to Ms McNab’s letter to the paper dated 31st May, regarding the plans for 50 affordable homes at Barry Road, we are
8
writing to agree that all residents of Oldland Common should have a careful look at planning application P23/0635/RM, and also P23/01577/RVC (the amended retail/café scheme). We understand that notice of application P23/01577/RVC has only been sent to four households near the development. Most people don’t realise the full implications of what is already approved. The original hybrid redevelopment application P21/05366/F lacked details when it was first published, so when we and the vast majority of people commented on the plan in September/October 2021, things were not confirmed. Two traffic calming options appear to have been added on 22nd January 2022 but we and other residents in the area were not alerted to these or other changes to the original application. Therefore, there were only a couple of public comments expressing concerns. The centre of Oldland Common has no speed bumps, yet the traffic calming proposals include four speed tables, one of them starting halfway across the exit from our neighbour’s drive. Whilst this will slow down traffic, the worry is that vehicles driving through will start to use Oakleigh Gardens and Kenilworth Drive as a ‘rat run’ to avoid two of the tables. Residents should also be very concerned that: 1. The proposed doctors’ surgery which was a key part of the initial planning application may now never get built. 2. That the proposed farm/café building will now be a prefabricated building so that it can open earlier. Hopefully this will be a commercial success, but the fact that it will be operating in a large building site for at least two years is bound to have a negative impact on potential trade. 3. There is the possibility that in three to four years, the area allocated to both the above
becomes part of an application for yet more houses on the site. Mr & Mrs A Walker
‘Urgent design review’ has been agreed Dear Editor First of all, we would like to thank the residents of Keynsham North for electing us to represent you, we look forward to getting down to work serving the town. Many residents have been asking us about the High Street and the number of people falling; I am pleased to report, together with Andy Wait and Hal MacFie, the councillors for Keynsham East, we had a productive meeting with the officers responsible for the highway at our request and, they have agreed to produce an urgent design review leading to further mitigation actions which we hope will stop any further incidents. We are always interested to get your reports about potholes, pavement surfaces and any other council services so please do contact us at Alex_Beaumont@bathnes.gov.uk or George_Leach@bathnes.gov.uk Cllrs Alex Beaumont & George Leach Liberal Democrat councillors for Keynsham North Ward
issues of the day are out of line with the values of the vast majority of the people he represents in Parliament. Mogg Watch (www.moggwatch.wordpress.com) is a group of local people who have had enough of Mr Rees-Mogg’s continued championing of fossil fuel interests in the teeth of the climate crisis, as well as his policies on the spiralling cost of living, social justice, underfunded public services, wealth polarisation and Britain’s reputation and standing within the world community. These policies, we suggest, are damaging both to the wellbeing of our country now, and also to the life chances of future generations. We are non-party political, have no shared religious position and come from all walks of life. All who share our values are welcome to join us and may be interested to come to our next information event, which is being held at One Community Trust (1 The Park, Keynsham) on Saturday 17th June from 10am until 1pm. Alastair Singleton Chewton Keynsham
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Presidential trip Dear Editor Keynsham could be on the world’s front pages if Joe Biden tries to cross the road in Keynsham! John Norfolk, Whitchurch Village
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Turning up the heat on MP Dear Editor In his recent letter to The Week In (Issue 782), Cllr Duncan Hounsell is right to draw attention to the widespread feeling in our area that MP Jacob Rees-Mogg’s expressed opinions on many of the most important
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The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
Concert will celebrate Handel’s links with Keynsham Later this month, one of the highlights of Keynsham’s
inscription ‘G.F. Handel 1750’. In
Music Festival week will be the open-air performance of
fact, there were two such plates and
the music of George Frideric Handel by the Bristol String
both were stolen from the church in
Quartet.
the 1920s. But, according to the
The concert, which takes place on Tuesday 27th June on
Friends of St John’s Church, one was
Riverside Terrace, is being billed as a celebration of the great
found by police at a dealer’s shop in
composer’s links with Keynsham – and therein lies a
Bristol
fascinating story.
returned.
While there is much conjecture and sadly, little documentary
So there is evidence of a connection
evidence, there is one indisputable fact about the great
between Handel and St John’s
composer’s link with the town. St John the Baptist Church
Church, but what of the story that he
has among its treasures a brass offertory plate with the
loved the sound of the church’s organ
shortly
afterwards
and
so much that he offered a new peal of bells in exchange for it? Much of that is sadly circumstantial. Handel was very close to the Bridges family, who
Handel
do have a very long connection with St John’s. Indeed, after the dissolution of Keynsham Abbey
with very fine voices.” So the choir sang Handel’s anthems
in the 16th century, Sir Thomas Bridges purchased the lease
arpeggio, yet the church boasted a magnificent organ?
on the land and his son Henry lived in Keynsham until his
And what of the new peal of bells the composer is meant to
death in 1588. As patrons of the living, the family were
have offered in exchange for the organ? Well, it could not
responsible for the upkeep of the chancel and appointed the
have been a complete set. An article in the Bath Chronicle
priests. Any visitor to St John’s Church today will find a
during the 1930s on the very same topic recorded that some
number of memorials and tombs of family members.
of the bells at St John’s had inscriptions from the 17th century
Handel is known to have visited Bath on three occasions as
which pre-dated Handel’s involvement. But the trail ends
the guest of the Duke of Chandos, the last two of these in
there however as all the bells were re-cast in 1987. And in an
1749 and 1751 – a year either side of the date inscribed on
article written for the Friends of Handel which appears on
the alms plate. Interesting also is an account by Lady
their website, there is another question for which there is no
Caroline Bridges of her visit to Keynsham in 1751 (courtesy
apparent answer – what happened to the organ?
of the Huntingdon Library in California). “We were received
But to return to that original piece of evidence, the brass
at Keynsham with great rejoicings, ringing of bells, bonfires,
offertory plate clearly links the composer of the Messiah and
squibs, serenades, dancing, staring, gaping, etc. The church
the Coronation piece Zadok the Priest with Keynsham.
is a very fine one for a country parish and what surprised me
And does there have to be a justification to enjoy some of
excessively there is about 14 common people that sing in the
Handel’s music at a summer concert during Keynsham’s
church all of Handel’s anthems and without any instruments
festival week? Of course not.
sing just as ever I heard then in my life and some of them
For more details visit www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk
A previous Armed Forces Day event in Staple Hill
St John the Baptist Church
Sudoku
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
1-Easy
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green
Sunday 11th June
2 -Hard
(10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
9
Work progressing well on new Jubilee Park Work is well under way on Cadbury Heath’s new £500,000 Jubilee Park at the former pitch and putt site. South Gloucestershire Council is spending £500,000 creating the park to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the memory of the Duke of Edinburgh and his interest in wildlife and nature. So far a main path through the park has been constructed, along with a circular path to what will be a woodland of reflection, and a path to a community orchard. New streetlighting has also been installed. There has been vegetation management by the Siston Brook, shrub planting by Orchard Boulevard, and trees have been planted on Queens Road as part of the late Queen’s Green Canopy. Railings have also been installed around the community orchard. A new Friends group is being established and last week volunteers helped out at the new pond by planting irises and other native species. This month there are due to be guided walks and next month a circular walk will be launched.
In September and October wildflower meadows will be created and in November there will be bulb planting followed by tree planting at the end of this year and the beginning of 2024. The formal opening of the park is scheduled for next March. Some trees have been removed, with the council announcing in April that 25 had ash dieback. It will be looking to commission a wood carving sculpture to make good use of one of the trees. Oldland Parish Council is working with South Gloucestershire Council's Community Spaces Improvement Team to support the development of the new Friends group at Jubilee Park, as well volunteer groups at Barrs Court Moat and Cock Road Ridge which also fall within the parish. Find out more at https://oldlandparishhub.commonplace.is/
Volunteers have been helping with the new pond
A timeline of the park’s creation
A gate to what will be the community orchard
Crossword
10
Lighting has been improved
Some trees that had ash dieback have been felled
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Occasionally (9)
1. Male offspring (3)
6. Settle for (3)
2. Cash (5)
8. Bewilder (7)
3. Lean, slope (4)
Nature trail
9. Awry (5)
4. Old firearm (6)
St Barnabas Church in Warmley is currently running a
10. Type of agate (4)
5. Exchange (4)
nature trail.
11. Affirmative (3)
6. Art of paper folding (7)
Pick up a trail sheet and magnifier from the church porch
13. Young cow (4)
7. Working party (4,5)
and enjoy discovering the animals, birds and plants in the
14. Recurrent theme (5)
10. Perceptive (9)
churchyard.
11. Bumpkin (5)
The trail runs until Sunday 18th June.
16. Scream (6)
12. Sift (5)
18. Simpler (6)
14. Adult males (3)
19. Highly strung (5) 21. Repose (4)
15. --- Weldon, British novelist (3)
22. Downwind (3)
17. Breathe (7)
23. Lazy (4)
20. Motive (6)
27. Get up (5)
24. Laundry appliance (5)
28. Coastal area (7)
25. Jewels (4)
30. Foot digit (3)
26. Prods (4)
31. Style of typeface (4,5)
29. Imp (3)
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
New book from wellknown local author Local author David Noble’s latest book - Places of Worship in the Villages of Oldland Common, North Common, Bitton, Upton Cheyney and Swineford - is now available. The book has been produced on behalf of Bitton Parish History Group. David has written three other books as well as bringing out a DVD and stage productions. He is always keen to share material from his vast collection of historical sources. Bitton Parish History Group is grateful that he has turned his attention to local chapels and churches, pulling together a fascinating collection of the histories of our local places of worship. During the 19th century in the parish of Bitton, within what was then a much larger area, there were 19 chapels and churches. Before evangelism swept across the west of England, the area was lawless. In the 1780s 10 people were hanged for murder or robbery within three years. Yet within a period of 70 years the area became a
peaceful, industrious place. The lives of local people were transformed and the major reason was the work of the chapels. Now, after contributing so much to the local community, the chapels are disappearing fast. The book costs £12. To reserve a copy email noble440@btinternet.com
Praise for happy nursery Hillside Day Nursery in Kingswood has
dedication to providing the best they can.
retained its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
Children make good progress, including
The report, published last Thursday
those with special educational needs
following an inspection in April, said that
and/or disabilities (SEND).
babies and children are happy and well
There are 44 children on the roll at the
cared for. Managers show considerable
nursery which opened in 2015.
Artist inspires club members The Tuesday Palette Art Club, which
next Tuesday (13th June) and this
meets at Cadbury Heath Hall on Tuesday
time is planning pencil drawings of
afternoons, recently had a visit from artist
statues.
Mike Long who give a demonstration in
The club meets from 2pm to 4pm. New
charcoal on A3 paper.
members are welcome. The fee is £8 per
He supplied members with a choice of
month, which includes tea/coffee and
black and white photos taken in the 1930s.
biscuits. To find out more call Doreen on
Mike has been invited to come again
07768 822642.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
11
Angling association celebrates centenary Knowle Angling Association
elected
by
fellow
councillors.
sociable and family friendly provides
as the new Chair of South being
centenary. The association is a which
Cllr Mike Drew has been named Gloucestershire Council after
is this year celebrating its
club
Meer the new Chair and Vice Chair of South Glos Council
A Lib Dem councillor who
fly
represents the Yate North ward,
fishing in the Chew Valley and
Mike Drew moves into the role
surrounding area.
with 40 years of ongoing service.
The club has four lakes that
This is his second period as Chair
are stocked regularly with
as he was first appointed to the role
trout supplied by Bristol
12 years ago. He says it is an
Water. The club also has six
honour to be chosen to serve once
miles of fly fishing on the
again.
River Chew, with stretches of
Ackers Lake at Pensford
the upper Yeo. Whilst using worm at certain times of year is allowed on the Chew, the vast majority of members only use the fly. All the waters are set in the beautiful countryside of the Chew and Yeo valleys, with Pensford, Chew Magna and Chew Stoke the key local villages. The club, which offers excellent fly fishing all year round, welcomes new members. For more information visit knowleangling.co.uk
Conservative councillor Franklin
Cllr Mike Drew and Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi
Owusu-Antwi, who represents Bradley Stoke,
support for the year ahead, with donations
has been elected as Vice Chair.
received during that time presented at the end
The Chair and Vice Chair perform important
of the Chair’s term of office.
ambassadorial roles, including representing
Cllr Drew’s charity is the Motor Neurone
the council at civic functions and chairing
Disease Association for the Bristol and Bath
council meetings.
area. He lost his younger brother to the disease
Each year, the new Chair selects a charity to
five years ago.
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The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
Company celebrates centenary Bristol brush maker Kleeneze-Koti has celebrated 100
Hanham in 1928, but eventually relocated its homecare
years since the Kleen-e-ze Brush Company was founded in
business to Accrington in 2006. Despite the closure and
Pupils uphold school’s values
May 1923.
relocation of the Kleeneze ‘door-to-door’ business, brush-
Pucklechurch’s primary school continues to be Good,
The company invited 100 customers, suppliers and former
making and the Kleeneze name is still very much part of the
says Ofsted. The inspector’s report which was published
employees to join a celebration cream tea.
Hanham landscape.
last month says that pupils understand and follow the
Kleeneze moved from its original premises in Whitehall to
Kleeneze-Koti – now part of KOTI Industrial and Technical
school’s values of friendship, generosity, compassion,
Brushes based in the Netherlands – is
forgiveness, respect and courage.
Europe’s leading brush strip manufacturer,
The report highlights that the school is inclusive and the
providing brush strip and sealing solutions
teaching of the curriculum supports all pupils to learn
for all areas of industry, from agriculture
well, including those with special educational needs
to aerospace and energy conservation to
and/or disabilities (SEND).
escalator safety. The company employs 35
The school has 187 pupils and is a voluntary controlled
people locally, continues to invest in
Church of England primary school.
modern brush-making technology, and has plans to further develop and improve its Hanham home. The old Kleeneze factory site has been cleared and there is currently a proposal to The Hanham site in 1928
redevelop it for housing.
Council now at full strength Three new councillors were co-opted on to Kingswood Town Council last week, bringing the new authority up to full strength. The recent election was uncontested, with fewer than the number of places available being filled by Labour, a Lib Dem and Independent candidates. The new councillors include one Labour and two Independents. The fledgling council is looking to appoint a permanent clerk as soon as possible.
Situations Vacant
Some of the guests at the 100th anniversary cream tea
Nursery highlights recruitment problems The company which runs Curious Hedgehogs in Stockwood
to Curious Hedgehogs after their inspection in March.
has responded to its ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted rating, saying there
However, we have taken immediate action to address the
have been “significant” improvements since the inspection
concerns raised in the report by providing extensive training
and also highlighting the recruitment problems facing the
for our staff and are pleased to report that Ofsted and the
childcare sector.
local authority have already noted significant improvements
We reported last week on the “significant breaches” found
during recent follow-up visits.
by Ofsted at the nursery and pre-school which meant that
“One of the challenges we have faced is finding an
children's safety and their learning and development were
experienced and qualified team, this is a sector-wide
compromised. The inspectors, who published their report
problem which has unfortunately impacted certain aspects
last month, said that there was no curriculum in place and
of the nursery. However, with the recent appointment of our
staff were not supervising and supporting children
new nursery manager Gemma Pring, who joins us with over
adequately.
20 years’ experience, we are optimistic about the upcoming
This week Liz Carroll, operations director at Just Childcare,
re-inspection and look forward to sharing a positive
said: “We are disappointed by the rating that Ofsted awarded
inspection report soon.”
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023
13
Crossword Solution
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy
2-Hard
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The Community Page
News from Bittton Parish Council At the May Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, Councillor Geoffrey Hardman was elected as Chair of the Parish
Photo Competition Winners Bitton Parish Council’s Environment & Leisure Committee want to thank everyone who
Council for the 23/24 year.
entered into our Photograph Competition. Entries were open to the following categories
If you would like to contact Geoffrey
- Primary / Secondary / Over 18’s with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes being awarded to each
with any concerns within the Parish
category entered.
please refer to the contact page on our
The Winners are:
website www.bittonparishcouncil.gov.uk
New Council
Sam Pollard
1st Place Secondary
Robert Bryant 1st Rural Over 18’s Laura Stone
2nd Rural Over 18’s
Alison Rigby
3rd Rural Over 18’s
All winners have been contacted and invited to attend our Competition Awards Evening
Following the May Elections, your formed Parish Council is listed below: Bitton South Ward
North Common Ward
Pete Collins - Conservative
Liane Efthymiou – Liberal Democrat
Sue Hawking – Conservative
Geoffrey Hardman - Labour
Virginia McNab – Conservative
Sue Rickerby – Liberal Democrat
Nicholas Watson - Labour
Andrew Thomas – Liberal Democrat
Oldland Common Ward
Erica Williams – Conservative
Jack Friend - Labour
South Gloucestershire Councillors
Steve Nash – Labour
for the Parish are:
Sue Nash – Labour
Paul Hughes
Kim Scudamore - Labour
Erica Williams
in September to receive their prize. We would like to thank all that took part and look forward to opening the competition again next year.
If you would like to get in touch with any of the Councillors, please contact the Clerk Kelly Fry on 07480 513593
Redfield Hill Playpark Works to repair the damaged playpark at Redfield Hill started on Monday of this week. We understand the frustration with our residents with young families following its closure and aim to open this as soon as works have been finalised. We thank you for your understanding.
Beat Team With the nicer weather starting to come in our local Beat Team would like to remind the public to look after their properties especially with leaving windows open. Residential burglaries are currently down but please remain vigilant. Please take these simple steps to secure your home and help reduce the chance of being burgled. o Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. o Fit good quality locks to external doors and windows. o Keep keys out of sight and away from letterboxes and cat flaps. o Fit a security alarm. o Install tracking software on phones and computers. o Keep fences and hedges well maintained, high at the rear and low at the front of the property. o Fit external dusk ‘til dawn security lighting. o Make your house look occupied whilst away by using timer switches on your lights and radios. o Join, or set up, a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
16
The Week in • Wednesday 7th June 2023