THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 790
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19th July 2023
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Bus lanes and stops on the A4 Keynsham Bypass? Bus lanes could be introduced on the A4 Keynsham
oversubscribed (pre-Covid 19). It can take
Bypass, with stops near Memorial Park and a
more than 30 minutes to get to a bus stop
pedestrian crossing, along with a lower speed limit.
and then bus journeys into either city
And a new mobility hub is being proposed on the A4
centre can take up to 50 minutes.
which will provide a “transformational” way to access
Works are being broken down into phased
Keynsham town centre with high-speed bus services.
projects focusing on different sections of
Some information was shared at the recent Keynsham
the route. The route in B&NES is divided
Area Forum and more will be revealed when a public
into five sections - Emery Road to the
consultation on the Bristol to Bath Strategic Corridor is
Hicks Gate Roundabout; Hicks Gate to the
launched next month.
Broadmead Roundabout; Broadmead to
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA)
the Globe Roundabout; the Globe to
secured £540m last year through the City Region
Newbridge Park & Ride; and Newbridge
Sustainable Transport Settlement and around £120m of
Park & RIde to Bath city centre.
this funding is for projects within Bath & North East
The proposals could mean a new mobility
Somerset.
hub, understood to be at Hicks Gate, and
B&NES Council is working with WECA and Bristol City
new bus lanes, which would mean fewer
Council to make bus services, cycling, and walking better
lanes for cars on some sections, including the Keynsham
Enhanced ‘community connections’ to the corridor are
along the A4 corridor between Bath and Bristol. There is
Bypass.
proposed to improve access to facilities.
a large reliance upon cars along the A4 and it is often
Continuous walking, wheeling, and cycling provision
The consultation is due to launch on 14th August and run
heavily congested. Much of the route has air quality issues,
along the route is planned, including more direct
until 24th September. A webinar Q&A session is planned,
opportunities for walking and cycling are limited, and both
provision, safer and segregated cycling, and wider
along with several drop-in events in September for people
Brislington and Newbridge Park & Ride sites were
pavements where possible.
to find out more about the proposals and the impact they would have.
O R P
Downend - Longwell Greeen - Hanham - Saltford - Keynsham - Paulton
Also in this week’s issue
South Gloucestershire bin strike latest . . . page 2
Bridge safety fears close A432 Badminton Road . . . page 4
F O
Another charity shop for Keynsham High Street . . . page 5
Kingswood school librarian wins award . . . page 7
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
South Glos bin chaos could worsen, union warns The impact from the strike by around 150 workers employed by Suez to empty bins on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council could worsen after a court ruling banning agency workers. Following the Government’s decision last July to reverse the ban on employers hiring agency workers during strike action, a group of unions, including Unite, challenged the decision through a judicial review. Last Thursday the High Court upheld that judicial review. The 2022 amendment to the regulations has been quashed due to the Government’s failure to consult prior to implementing their proposals. Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The Government’s decision to allow employers to recruit agency workers to undermine legal strike action was a cynical move to back their friends in business and weaken workers’ legal rights to withdraw their labour. Rather than weaken industrial action, it has hardened attitudes and unnecessarily extended strikes. The dispute with Suez is a perfect example of that. The only way this dispute will be resolved is with an acceptable offer from the company.” Unite’s regional officer Ken Fish said: “Suez has been put on notice – no more agency workers after 10th August. Our members’ resolve remains rock solid and they will strike every day throughout the summer if necessary.” The workers, who earn £11.53 an hour, began their all-out strike action earlier this month after rejecting an eight per cent pay offer. The
union says that with the real rate of inflation (RPI) at 11.3 per cent, it is a significant real terms pay cut. Unite was due to meet Suez last Friday for further talks but there was no sign of a resolution as we went to press this week. Last week Unite slammed the council’s open letter of 4th July, addressed to both the union and Suez, as a “pretend intervention to cover its back”. Suez’s regional director said the union had been asked to come back to the table with a revised offer but remained fixed on a 15 per cent pay rise. At last week’s meeting of the council’s cabinet, the leadership was accused of making a misleading statement. Opposition Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s hugely disappointing to see the LabourLib Dem coalition attempt to mislead the public by claiming that its ‘open letter’ was positively received by Unite and Suez. In truth, Unite’s public response to the coalition’s letter was withering, accusing the administration of issuing ‘a pretend intervention’ and calling on them to get a grip. “While Suez said they hoped negotiations will continue, the company was clear that discussions have stalled. Residents are understandably concerned about the environmental and public health crisis being caused due to the coalition’s failure to ensure proper mitigation measures are in place, and misrepresenting the views of Unite and Suez will only further increase anxieties.”
The Batch Community Centre
Black bin collections are being prioritised and the council has been telling residents not to put out kerbside recycling. Another venue – Cleve Rugby Club’s car park in Mangotsfield - has been added to the list of locations where residents can take recycling and food waste (but not green waste) from
8am to 2pm on weekdays. For a full list of all the extra facilities laid on during the dispute see the council’s website. • Strikes by more than 300 refuse workers employed by Bristol Waste have been averted after workers accepted an improved pay offer last week.
Colourful fundraiser Crowds gathered to take part in a colour run organised by The Brightwell charity, which supports people with neurological conditions by providing therapies such as physio and oxygen therapy. Based in Bradley Stoke, the charity helps people from the Greater Bristol area, as well as from Bath & North East Somerset, parts of Somerset, and South Wales The charity thanks everyone who came along to show their support at the event held at Jubilee Playing Fields. A total of £4,700 was raised.
Credit: Ellie Poole
The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
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South Glos Council restores value of school holiday meal vouchers
Disruption as M4 overbridge closes The A432 Badminton Road was closed suddenly last
The value of vouchers provided to families in South
Wednesday after cracks were discovered on the
Gloucestershire during the school holidays who receive
underside of the bridge section over the M4 motorway.
benefits-related free school meals during term time will
National Highways closed the road from the Willy
be restored to £15 per week per pupil, following a 33 per
Wicket roundabout on the A4174 as far as Church Road
cent cut imposed by the previous council administration.
in Frampton Cotterell and said the closure would remain
The decision was taken by Akison Evans, the Cabinet
in place until a full assessment of the bridge is
Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Public Health. She said that the new portfolio, created after May’s local
completed. They say the bridge is safe and the closure
elections, was a reflection of the way the council wanted to
to vehicle traffic is a precaution. It is still accessible for Alison Evans
focus on local people’s priorities. These include residents who face difficulties providing additional food for their children during school holidays because of significant price rises and normally rely on free lunches in term time. The move will cost an additional £292,000, bringing the total allocated to this support to £1m, with funding coming from the Government’s Household Support Fund which has allocated £2.82m to the council for this year. Cllr Evans said: “For many families in South Gloucestershire
pedestrians and cyclists.
there is truly a cost of living crisis. Many of us can take putting food on the table for our families for granted, but for those who rely on benefits-related free school meals during term time, the additional cost of providing healthy food during the holidays can overstretch a household budget.” Families with children aged five to 16 on benefits-related free school meals can also book free places at South Gloucestershire holiday activities and food clubs (which are also known as HAF) in the
THE WEEK IN
school holidays, funded by
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.
A statement from National Highways said: “Our recent survey work revealed accelerated deterioration and cracking to the south-east underside of the structure. Further investigations are beginning to reveal the full extent of the work required and the earliest a decision can be made regarding future restrictions is likely to be December 2023. We’re monitoring and investigating both the underside and top deck of the bridge, so work may not always be visible.” Drivers are being advised to use the B4465
for
Winterbourne Road and A46 to Yate. Coming from the
Education. To find out more
A4174 Ring Road the recommendation is to leave at the
visit
at
A420 (Deanery Road) and then follow signs for the A46.
www.southglos.gov.uk/HAF.
First is diverting the Y1 (Bristol-Yate) bus via Church
the
Department the
website
Road and Bristol Road.
16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
banking Charity shops defended on Alternative plans for Kingswood Keynsham High Street
Barclays Bank has announced alternative arrangements for customers following the closure of its branch in Kingswood. The Regent Street outlet ceased serving customers last month but staff will now be in situ at the Park Centre on High Street (opposite the Civic Centre) every Tuesday and Thursday. The facility is open between 9.30am and 4.30pm except from 12.30pm to 1pm. The new bank will not however be able to handle cash.
The former Barclays Bank branch on Keynsham High Street will reopen as a charity shop. Sense is a charity that helps thousands of people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential. Needless to say, news of another charity shop on the High Street ignited social media. One typical comment on Facebook was: “We are asked to
Musical group is seeking new members
shop local to keep the independents up and running but there’s nothing left in Keynsham, so forced to shop further afield. Keynsham High Street use to be full of independent shops and a vibrant town.” But many responded to defend charity shops, which enjoy a statutory 80% relief on paying business rates, with many local councils topping that up to 100%. Keynsham councilor Alan Hale replied to the negative comments saying: “How long would it take for an outcry to develop if High Street had a range of empty shops. Charity shops exist because members of our community use them. “They are the ultimate recycling exercise, thus helping the
Street shops, they may not be what everyone wants but that's
planet. They provide an opportunity for members of the
life.
community to work for charity in those shops. I think we
“So how about we all make a mid-year resolution to talk up
should all be grateful that we have a populated set of High
our town, rather than kicking it into the gutter.”
Fingers and Frets is a friendly group whose members play in local concerts and community events throughout the year. Instruments played include mandolin, guitar and banjo but anyone who can play a different stringed instrument is more than welcome. Rehearsals take place most Monday evenings at St Barnabas Church Hall in Warmley (7.45pm-9.45pm). They are keen to bring more members on board and anyone who wants to know more can contact June Smith, the musical director, on 07815 841069. You can also find out more from the website: www.fingersandfrets.wordpress.com
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Shadow Secretary of State backs retrofit initiative businesses to invest in supply chains”. The Mayor said he isn’t shying away from the fact that the first phase of the plan is for people who will pay their own way to get the “West’s green economy firing”. But he plans to use future phases to offer grants and loans to those who need support to green their buildings. The authority is also offering energy-saving advice to all residents through its ‘Keep Warm’ campaign. He said: “Tragically we have a Government that isn’t taking the climate emergency seriously. It’s therefore fallen to us here in the West of England to start to deliver the change that people want to see locally. After all, our region has set itself a very ambitious Net Zero target of 2030 - a good 20 years ahead of the Government’s.” Ed Miliband said: “Retrofit West is exactly the kind of project
The Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change & Net Zero, Ed Miliband, visited the area last week to help launch the West of England Combined Authority’s home insulation retrofit programme. The £10m Retrofit West programme is one of Regional Mayor Dan Norris’s flagship environmental initiatives designed to kick-start the green industry in the West of
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. Kettledrums (7)
1. Gesture of approval
8. Planet in our solar
(6,2)
system (7)
2. Slogan (5)
9. Spoke (7)
3. Spring month (5)
10. Unlawful (7)
4. Blue-violet colour (6)
11. Sold illicitly (7)
5. Milky gemstone (4)
14. Oath (3)
6. Underground cell (7)
16. Cowl (4)
7. Part of ship (4)
18. Faithful (4)
12. Exhaust (4)
19. Biblical garden (4) 13. Smooth (4) 20. Trim, shave off (4) 15. Unwelcome plant (4)
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21. Born as (3)
16. Hades (4)
23. Worship (7)
17. Protected (8)
26. Brochure (7)
18. Foot lever (7)
28. Bargained (7)
22. One or other (6)
29. Throb (7)
24. Should (5)
30. Revolved (7
25. Stile (anag.) (5) 26. Long-striding run (4)
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help. Between April 2022 and March 2023, Bristol and South Gloucestershire foodbanks run by the Trussell Trust fed 39,213 people, 15,805 of whom were children. This is an increase of 22% compared to 2021/2022. Now the Bristol North West Foodbank, North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank and South and East Bristol Foodbank, which are all part of the Trussell Trust, have united to back the trust’s campaign nationally, in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, for the Government to introduce an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ in the social security system. This would mean that, at a minimum, Universal Credit protects people from going without the essentials. Emergency food parcels distributed by foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network soared to close to three million (2,986,203) between April 2022 and March 2023, including more than a million food parcels given to children.
Girls’ Brigade ‘beeing’ bold
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people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire needing
need leaders in regional government to help deliver it.” Mayor Norris and Ed Miliband visited a retrofit site in Bristol (pictured above), seeing for themselves the benefits it brings to people’s lives. They met workers in the sector and saw the final stages of some ongoing retrofit work.
Crossword 2
Foodbanks have seen a sharp increase in the number of
we need if we’re going to deliver Net Zero. The next Labour Government has a plan to insulate 19 million homes, but we
England. Speaking to around 100 people from industry, trade unions and skills providers, Mayor Norris described the current retrofit landscape as “desolate” with homeowners “utterly confused”. He said he is determined to create “long-term regional certainty to build back the necessary confidence for
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Foodbank use shoots up by 22% locally
27. Rich soil (4)
Keynsham Girls’ Brigade has been recognised in this year’s Bee Bold Awards. Organised by the West of England Combined Authority to recognise businesses and organisations which take positive action to support bees and pollinators, the group won the People for Nature (Community) accolade. Keynsham Girls’ Brigade has improved habitats for pollinators at both Keynsham Methodist Church and Keynsham Baptist Church, and is displaying ID sheets to help educate visitors on identifying different pollinators. Beefriendly wildflower seeds and bulbs have been planted and maintained by the girls within the church grounds and in containers, with wildflower seed bombs and bee-friendly bulbs distributed out to the community, including local care homes. The Girls' Brigade has even twinned the Keynsham Baptist Church garden with a rural garden in Migori Kenya, through the Ripple Effect charity. The Girls’ Brigade group is led by Linda Pillinger who said, “I’m very proud of everyone involved. It’s encouraging to see the immediate impact of this initiative, and I know the girls are excited as well. What’s really excited me is the amount of interest people have taken in it and the amount of pleasure the girls have had watering, planting and generally looking after the garden.” The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
Kingswood school librarian Sainsbury’s store break-in wins national award
Sally Hamerton
Sally Hamerton, from Two Mile Hill Primary School in Kingswood, has been named Primary School Librarian of the Year. She was presented with her award at a ceremony in Swindon organised by the School Librarian Association. When Sally joined the Kingsway school at
the beginning of 2020, she inherited a library which was under-utilised and unloved. Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, she made an immediate and effective impact. With access to a wellstocked and carefully curated library, together with staff aware of the importance of reading for pleasure, reading attainment at the school has increased dramatically. Sally knows that the benefits of reading for pleasure are far-reaching and long-lasting. She said: “Small changes and projects will have an immediate impact, but long-term changes will only become apparent in ten or 20 years, when our children become adults. My aim is to have confident, self-assured readers, with a sense of self-worth, but also empathy for their community.” Tom Stack, deputy head of Two Mile Hill Primary said: “Sally’s contribution exemplifies the school’s vision to represent all our children in the books that we read and the curriculum we teach. Two Mile Hill Primary is a better school because of Sally; she has enabled children to develop reading as a habit, a hobby and a life-long passion.”
The entrance to the Sainsbury’s Local store on Kingswood High Street was smashed during an attempted break-in last week and
their arrival. “The incident is being linked with a number of other incidents during the early hours of
the police believe it was one of a series of related incidents. Police responded to reports that two people on a motorbike had broken in to the shop in the early hours of Wednesday morning (12th July) but the offenders had left by the time officers arrived. A police spokesperson said: “At about 1.50am yesterday we received a report two people on a motorbike had smashed the door of the Sainsbury’s Local store on High Street, Kingswood. Officers attended but the offenders had left the scene prior to
yesterday morning in which properties were damaged in the Kingswood area and the Bedminster area of Bristol. Officers are conducting CCTV and house-to-house enquiries as we seek to identify the offenders. “Anyone with information which could help us is asked to phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223165062.” The Kingswood shop was closed for a few hours on Wednesday while repairs were carried out to the door.
Grants for active travel South Gloucestershire Council is awarding Active Travel Grants of up to £1,000 to community groups or businesses with under 250 employees who can prove they are encouraging people to walk or cycle. Email transport.policy@southglos.gov.uk and apply before 28th July.
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
7
LETTERS All I need…
not kidding you - they can handle nearly
donors, up to £150,000.
But in truth, as the annual accounts testify, the
Dear Editor
everything that a bank can do and if they
I hope your readers can join me in giving a
name is still as above.
“All I need is the air that I breathe and to love
cannot, they will give their helpful friendly
regular gift to a charity which is fulfilling the
In due respect to all concerned, I stand to be
you”, is the lovely chorus line of a popular song
advice as to the solution.
most basic needs for millions of families –
corrected if my views or information stated are
of a few years ago. It was a line I particularly
I am a complete twit when it comes to
feeding children in school and teaching them
incorrect or defamatory in any way.
like especially as it has a very lovely tune. I
understanding anything “banking” related (as
so that they can fulfil their potential.
Royston L. Burridge
found myself reminded of the words and tune
some people will tell you!) but with
Dorothy Walsh, Mary’s Meals supporter
as I attended an all-day conference on “Air
the Saltford Post Office staff, it is not a
Quality” in Bristol a few weeks ago.
problem.
“Clean air” as I prefer to call it, reminds me of
So, go on give it a try. I just did.
a childhood experience of how the very air that
Julia Chandler
we breathe can be become visibly polluted and
Wellsway road closure Keynsham Conservative Club ownership
Dear Editor
Dear Editor
commences its 12-week scheme to improve
With reference to last week’s letter regarding
Keynsham's sewers.
On Monday 24th July Wessex Water
extremely bad for some if not all of us.
Support for Mary’s Meals
the Club 22 and its connection or otherwise to
During the work the northern section of
I am delighted with the efforts being made to
Dear Editor
the Conservative Party.
Wellsway will be closed to traffic. The official
keep our air clean and fit for us to breathe.
As a retired teacher, I am only too aware of
It’s true, the connection to the ‘Conservative
diversionary route is via Corston.
Years ago, the notorious fogs/smog of London
how precious education is and how many
Party’ seems to be severed.
Most local traffic will surely use Chandag
were a very real presence, there was no missing
factors can affect a child’s experience at school.
Road. Hopefully waiting restrictions will be in
those “pea-soupers” or the men who had to
That’s why I’m proud to support Mary’s Meals,
force there - otherwise chaos will surely
walk in front of London buses to show passers-
the international school feeding charity.
ensue!
by and drivers where the pavements were!
They do an incredible job, feeding more than
Richard Pannett
As the foul air hung low over the London basin
2.4 million hungry children every school day
Keynsham
if one was climbing a hill, it was often quite
in 18 of the world’s poorest countries with a
possible to step in and out of the noxious cloud.
nutritious meal – giving them energy to learn
I know that air quality is monitored, measured,
and hope for a brighter future.
and noted to aid us all and especially those with
Mary’s Meals is a simple idea that works. The
breathing problems.
promise of a good meal at school increases
The Week In is independent of any political or
We are all affected by unclean air and the
enrolment and improves attendance. In
commercial interest. We aim to produce a
invisible particulates that are suspended in the
communities where the charity serves its
balanced and accurate view of local news and
very air we breathe. I am always pleased to
meals, far fewer children leave school early
welcome comments from our readers.
note messages of the kind that tells us a bus is
because of hunger.
However, at their last AGM, the minutes and
“clean” or a banner reminding us to turn off our
I decided to set up a monthly Direct Debit to
end-of -ear accounts were approved and those
car engines if waiting outside a school.
Mary’s Meals so that I can be a continuous
printed
To breathe clean air is a basic need after all. I
supporter of this wonderful charity. Just £19.50
documented’ as ‘Keynsham & District
thank those who are working to make air
can feed a hungry child for a whole school year.
Conservative Club! So, as I understand it,
quality good and fit for the purpose we all have
I feel glad that my regular gift can help to give
whilst the club may have dissociated itself with
- of staying as healthy as we can.
the organisation security of income on which
the ‘Conservative Party’ ‘per se’ they are still
April Begley, Hanham
they can depend, while they strive to reach the
connected.
next hungry child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
My further understanding of their business is –
This summer, with the charity’s Direct Debits
it was thought that some members of the public
Tripled campaign, your readers can make their
who were not of a Conservative political
kindness go three times as far and help Mary’s
9am on the Monday of each week.
persuasion would not support or join a
Meals feed even more hungry children. Until
Email to:admin@theweekin.co.uk
Conservative Club.
29th September, anyone who sets up a Direct
So, the trading name was changed to a non-
Debit to Mary’s Meals will have their first three
political name of ‘Club 22’, which increased
donations tripled by a group of generous
the membership.
In praise of Saltford Post Office Dear Editor Now that the banks have left the High Street where do you go to do your banking? I have the answer - Saltford Post Office! I am
8
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The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
Mayor holds frank discussions with minister over ticket office closures
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Following our lead article last week on plans to close
best value - or the
railway station ticket offices, it would appear The Week
difference between
In is not the only local newspaper reporting the story.
peak and off-peak
Although the closures are the orders of the Department for
times, or why an
Transport (DfT) the consultation proposals have been drawn
advance single or a
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but its plans have attracted widespread criticism across the
particular
region and been headline news in publications throughout
Tickets are tricky!
Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
“I told the minister it
Campaign group Travel Watch South West arranged three
makes much more
meetings at short notice this week for stakeholders across the
sense for the railway
region and disability campaign groups have been mobilising
worker to use their
on a national level.
discretion and sell
As we reported last week, the plan locally is to close ticket
tickets to passengers
windows at major stations, such as Bristol Parkway (this
who would find that
autumn), Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (next year).
helpfu,
Even harder to fathom are the plans for local stations
because they find it challenging to buy a ticket from a
including Keynsham, Oldfield Park and Filton Abbey Wood
machine, or if there are issues with the ticket machines, or
where ticket booths will be removed but the staff redeployed
simply because there is a queue.
to “support and assist with ticket purchases”.
“We need to do everything we can to encourage people onto
At Keynsham Station in the last financial year, 20% of the
our railways. Not put up barriers. That’s vital if we are going
28,000 tickets sold were via the manned ticket booth which
to try to meet our ambitious Net Zero targets.”
is only open for less than three hours each weekday. Across
How to respond to the consultation
all the stations in our region threatened with closure,
You can read or download the full proposal for this area at
approximately 600,000 paper tickets were issued in that same
www.gwr.com/haveyoursay
period.
You need to send your response to Transport Focus at:
Last week, Regional Mayor Dan Norris met with Huw
Ticketoffice.GWR@transportfocus.org.uk
Merriman, the Minister for Transport with responsibility for
Alternatively write to:
railways, and urged him to be flexible and pragmatic towards
Freepost: RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ
the new plans which will make life hard for everyone,
Transport Focus
especially those without smartphones and the disabled.
PO Box 5594
He said: “I told the minister just how concerned I am at the
Southend-on-Sea
apparent railroading through of these proposals. Many people
SS1 9PZ
in the West of England value the advice provided by staff in
You can additionally write to your local MP. You will need
ticket offices. After all, it’s not always simple knowing what's
to act fast as the consultation is due to end on 26th July.
Call To Book An Appointment
Free Delivery And Home Visits Bristol - S Glos - Bath - Wilts - Somerset
journey.
www.topsteermobility.com
maybe
Sudoku
SUNDAY CHEMISTS
1-Easy
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green
4 8 7 9 6 3 8 5 3 5 9 1 2 3 5 5 7 2 7 4 3 9 6
Sunday 23rd July
2 -Hard 3 6 5 2
8 9 6 2 3 4 5 7 9 6 8 5 2 2 4
The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023
(10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm)
5
Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm)
7
Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park
1 3
6
(9.30am-4.30pm)
5 6
3 1 7
4 1
4 5 8 9 8
6 7
Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds
2 9 8 6 3
(10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)
9
Sudoku Solutions
Crossword Solution
1-Easy
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9 3 4 1 2 5 7 8 6
2-Hard 2 5 8 7 9 6 4 3 1
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Advertising feature
Kids grow at That Plant Place Dean Evans, 56, is a local lad, born and bred in Bristol, a
plant world. They love growing with Dean at That Plant
former printer and a keen golfer who loves plants and
Place.”
nature. He is self-taught and gained knowledge about
Dean also welcomes volunteers who help out at That
plants through reading, extensive research through
Plant Place simply because they are interested in plants.
internet and above all, through his own experience and
Some find it helps them to feel positive and strong, just
seven years of help and guidance from Diane Davies, a
like the plants themselves. “It helps them recover from
wonderful friend and business partner. Diane is stepping
hard times and stress and to gather their strengths so they
down soon as an active partner, confident that Dean will
can continue to walk on through the wind and rain,” he
continue to love and nurture That Plant Place, just off
says.
Barry
6QX.
For Dean, That Plant Place is not just a business. He’s
https://carryforthtradition.com/all-of-our-
prepared to give time to everyone who comes in and
blogs/tag/that+plant+place
looks round. Any questions get answers from Dean. Any
Road,
Oldland
Common,
BS30
doubts and he will make time to search and find out for them. He says: “I love this job, it’s not really a job, but a way of life for me.” He is open to encouraging more kids to grow and will welcome special needs and adults facing mental health challenges too: “Everyone can bring the goodness of nature into themselves and gather its strength.” strawberries, potatoes, melons, chillies. “Every kid has a
His plants are now all over the area, and he is delighted
pot with their own name, “ says Dean. “I’m really looking
that he has found a niche in making hanging baskets of
forward to working more with Tom Hutchings, their
flowers for spring, summer and autumn for pubs around
headteacher.”
the Bath and Bristol area.
“His kids are amazing. It’s a brilliant school”
His hanging baskets are extraordinarily beautiful and they give people a chance to stop the world and look through
Tom really sees the importance in this day and age of
the eyes of plant life. Dean says: “If only humans stopped
caring and learning about the world of plant life. “His
and looked at our planet to see its green, delicacy and
kids are amazing. It’s a brilliant school,” says Dean.
elegance, there may be peace at last.”
Tom says: “Dean is a natural teacher, the kids know straight away that Dean has got real knowledge of the If you have the time and inclination to visit the lovely Old Cherry Garden Primary School, BS30 6JH is a wonderfully community-focused school nearby. https://www.cherrygardenprimary.co.uk Not so long ago its headteacher Tom Hutchings got to know about Dean’s great work with plants and began to
Crown at Kelston - https://oldcrownkelston.com - it’s really worthwhile. You can see Dean’s beautiful hanging baskets and plants at these pubs as well: The Inn at Freshford: https://theinnatfreshford.com and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff: https://crossgunsavoncliff.com
bring a dozen pupils along to spend some hours with plants and nature, with Dean helping to teach the kids how to grow and take care of different flower plants, as well as how to grow potatoes, melons and strawberries, which are all well done at That Plant Place.
Old Crown
The Inn
Cross Guns
Dean encourages and supports the children. “It’s really rewarding to see their real interest and keenness to grow in a natural way,” he says. “The kids are really so enthusiastic.” He has been teaching them to grow more, including how to plant strawberries from runners. The pupils are looking forward to seeing and tasting their own pots of 12
These lovely pubs are well worth a visit just to take a look at Dean’s plants, if not perhaps a little refreshment? Do drop into That Plant Place and let Dean know which you think is the greenest pub in spirit. Siri Edwards
The Week in • Wednesday 19th July 2023