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. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
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
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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. 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
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
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local community’s wellbeing and there are
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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
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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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The Week in • Wednesday 28th June 2023