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THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 792

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2nd August 2023

Read by more than 40,000 people each week

South Glos bin strike suspended Industrial action affecting waste services in South

there was a second phase

Gloucestershire has been suspended following the latest

initially scheduled to run

negotiations between Suez and Unite the union.

from 26th June to Sunday

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said on Friday: “As an act of

9th July, but a couple of

goodwill our members have agreed to suspend strike action

days into that strike it was

while they are balloted on the new offer.”

announced that it would

However, if the offer is rejected, strike action was due to

be extended to last every

begin again tomorrow (Thursday).

day until 3rd September.

Around 150 members of Unite have been in dispute with

With a pay offer now

their employer over pay levels. Suez is responsible for

being recommended by

waste and recycling services in the district on behalf of the

the union to members,

local authority. The bin loaders earn £11.53 per hour and say

kerbside

they have not had a wage rise in line with inflation for 21

resumed on Monday, with

years.

residents advised to put

They took strike action from 12th June until 18th June and

their waste and recycling, including green bins, out on their

as soon possible to end the significant disruption being

usual collection day.

caused to our residents. We are pleased that Unite are

Lorry driver charged

With more than half the workforce on strike in recent weeks,

recommending that their members who work for Suez should

black bin collections have been prioritised and residents have

accept this latest pay offer.

A man in his 50s has now been charged with dangerous driving following the incident in Willsbridge last December in which a lorry collided with the bridge over the A431 Bath Road by Bitton Station. As we reported at the time, multiple vehicles, trees, fencing, street lighting and telephone lines were also damaged on 6th December before the lorry came to a halt in Oldland Common High Street. The man is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 22nd August.

been able to take recycling and food waste to collection

“We have been doing all we can to minimise the impact of

points including Lyde Green Park & Ride and Cleve Rugby

the disruption by working with Suez and the staff they have

Club. There have also been recycling only bins at The Batch

available to provide the best level of service possible in the

in Cadbury Heath and at Warmley Community Centre.

circumstances.

There have been long queues at council Sort It recycling

“We wholeheartedly thank our residents for their patience and

centres and the strike action closed the one at Little Stoke,

the ongoing effort they have been putting into recycling and

which reopened on Monday.

continuing to help the environment over the past weeks.”

South Gloucestershire Council’s co-leaders Cllr Claire Young

The council says that green bin subscriptions will be

and Cllr Ian Boulton said: “We have been clear from the start

automatically extended to cover the weeks lost to strike

that a resolution needs to be found between Suez and Unite

action.

Also in this week’s issue

Row over Keynsham playing fields . . . page 3

collections

Labour candidate for new Bristol North East seat is chosen . . . page 5

Council urged to sort out Staple Hill rat-runs after Ombudsman rap . . . page 6

Keynsham Park’s new footbridge finally opens . . . page 7

The Week In for sale A message from the publisher I took my first tentative steps into the world

newspaper

publishing

February 2008. Since then The Week In (or Keynsham & Saltford Times as it was originally known) has been a weekly companion to many people living in this area. Over the course of almost 800 editions it has undergone several changes in format while continuing to deliver accurate and balanced reporting on life in East Bristol and North East Somerset. The one change that I have possibly not noticed so much is that I have become 800 weeks older! The Week In has been a major part of my life over that last 15 or so years – and sometimes to the detriment of my family. There have been holidays

Stephen Rodgers

during that time, but not many. Since the beginning of this year, events closer

appreciated and it is my sincere desire that

to home have helped to convince me that we

these can carry on beyond my own input.

are not indestructible and our health can

It is ironic that as I have come to this

change in an instant. I have therefore reached

decision, the latest report published by the

a decision to retire at the end of this year in

Public Interest News Foundation highlights

order to enjoy more time with my family

38 what it calls ‘news deserts’ across the

while I am still able to do so. If I am totally

country – areas with absolutely no dedicated

honest with myself, I still enjoy every day

local news outlet – affecting over 4 million

spent working on The Week In but it has

of the population. Bristol is a long way from

become harder for me this last year as a

becoming one of those ‘deserts’, in fact it has

newly inducted septuagenarian.

one of the most vibrant local news scenes in

So what will happen to The Week In? At this

the whole of the country. I sincerely want

week’s members’ meeting of The Week In

The Week In to remain part of that vibrancy.

Community we opted to offer the title and

Please be assured that from now until the end

goodwill for sale with the aim of finding a

of the year I will not be taking my eye off the

new home for The Week In over the next five

ball or dreaming of lounging on a beach. It

months. I know from the many comments

will be business as usual and you will be kept

and letters I receive that the standards The

up to date with developments.

Week In has set over the last 15 years are

Stephen Rodgers

Police respond to concerns

We asked the police to respond to

reported incidents.

concerns raised on our Letters page last

“We'd urge anyone who has had a

week about vehicle-related crime in

motorbike stolen to please contact us so

Keynsham.

that we can investigate and crucially

Sgt Richard Newman, of the Keynsham

understand the scale of the problem.”

Neighbourhood Team, tells us: “The

He added: “We are committed to tackling

number of motorbike thefts being reported

vehicle crime in the area and are carrying

has not actually significantly increased in

out proactive patrols.”

recent weeks.

Sgt Newman added that people are always

“Ultimately this means it is hard for us to

advised to follow crime prevention advice

be certain whether the public perception

including storing bikes in secure, lockable

of the issue is greater than the number of

locations, installing CCTV or doorbell

crimes, or whether there are more victims

cameras, and using immobilisers, trackers

who for whatever reason have not

and tags.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Row over Keynsham playing fields ban As the school summer holiday gets under way, a row has blown up after the trust that owns the playing fields at Somerdale in Keynsham reminded the community that they are private property. The “polite reminder” on social media says the goal nets have been padlocked together to “help try and deter any interference” and if children are looking for things to do, the five-a-side courts and tennis courts are bookable. In response, a petition addressed to St Monica Trust and Somerdale Pavilion was started on the change.org website on Friday and has already been signed by over 100 people. St Monica Trust redeveloped the vacant Cadbury’s (previously Fry’s) site at Somerdale, and Taylor Wimpey has built hundreds of homes in the grounds. In 2019

the non-for-profit Somerdale Pavilion Trust, created by St Monica Trust, took over the pavilion from previous lease-holder Aquaterra. The petition has been set up by Dave Biddleston, a Labour councillor who represents Keynsham South. He told us: “I wonder if Somerdale Pavilion ought to rethink their position. I think that not only is it short-sighted in encouraging families to spend money in their facilities, it also seems particularly mean-spirited. “Imagine if the town council took that attitude to Manor playing fields when they are not being used by teams renting the pitches. Me, my own children and generations of local children have played on Fry fields, kicked balls and played cricket. Fry's chocolate factory was a business too but with a far more enlightened attitude to the

Advice sessions over knife crime concerns Anyone affected by recent incidents of

assaulted and ended up in hospital after a

knife crime and violence, including

row over music. There were reports that

parents with concerns and questions, was

some of the young people had been

invited to a drop-in session at Creative

carrying knives.

Youth Network (CYN) in Kingswood last

Victim support services, police and South

Wednesday. It follows the murder of

Gloucestershire Council’s community

Kingswood teenager Mikey Roynon who

safety team were at Wednesday’s session

died from a single knife wound while

at CYN’s headquarters on the Kingswood

attending a house party in Bath on 10th

Estate. It was the first in a series of

June. A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old

planned sessions over the summer.

boy have been charged with murder and

Find

possession of an offensive weapon.

https://orlo.uk/Violence_Reduction_Partn

At the end of June CCTV was installed in

ership_ULyns

Southey

over

• The funeral of Mikey Roynon was taking

concerns about young people carrying

place at 12.30pm today (Wednesday) at

knives. There was also trouble at

Westerleigh Crematorium followed by a

Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield on 23rd

burial

June where a 16-year-old boy was

Remembrance Park.

Park

Kingswood

out

service

The playing fields at Somerdale

people that lived and worked around here.” Responses on Facebook to the ban have been mixed. They include: “I know plenty of children on the Somerdale estate don’t have gardens big enough to play football in or a garden at all and would love to go kick around a football down on the fields with friends.” But another commented: “I think some people are forgetting that Somerdale Pavilion is a business that needs to make money to pay staff and suppliers. Where do you draw the line if you are saying some people should be able to use the land for free?” On Monday Somerdale Pavilion Trust’s chair Peter Rilett told us it is reliant on generating income to meet the significant costs of

preparing and maintaining the pitches which are used by more than 5,000 people annually and are home to 50 football teams, including juniors. He said: “Historically, all the sports pitches have been available for the sole use of the local teams that pay to play there, as well as hosting competitions and private hire events.” He added however, that the trust is willing to explore the option of making an area available to the public, subject to consultation with local residents and mitigating health and safety concerns: “We are looking forward to engaging with the local community and will be providing updates on any reasonable changes that can be made.”

Kingswood

Arrest in Kingswood after fatal stabbing A 21-year-old man was arrested in Kingswood last Monday (24th July) in connection with a murder investigation following the stabbing of a 19-year-old man in St Pauls in Bristol. Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, also known as EK, died from stab wounds following an incident in Grosvenor Road at about 11pm on

Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia

Friday 21st July. The 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has since

Tuesday 25th July on suspicion of murder

been released on conditional police bail. A

and bailed but remained in custody pending

second man, aged 19, was arrested on

a court appearance on an unrelated offence.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Ideas to mitigate impact of new recycling hub

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%.

A package of measures to tackle parking issues connected with the new recycling hub in Keynsham is being considered, along with a request to lower the speed limit on the A4 between Broadmead Roundabout and Saltford. In Issue 788 we wrote about residents who said they weren’t consulted by Bath & North East Somerset Council about the new double yellow lines in Pixash Lane and are having to park instead on the busy A4, which has been causing traffic hold-ups. Residents of Bath Road, Ellsbridge Close, Fairfield Way and Harding Place have since attended a meeting regarding the issues brought about by the new £39m waste and recycling centre in Pixash Lane coming into operation, and to discuss what changes could be made. More than 20 people attended the meeting, which was organised by local Lib Dem councillors Hal MacFie and Andy Wait and attended by two council officers. The parking issues are likely to intensify when the new waste and recycling facility reaches its target staffing of more than 200 people. There will be just 50 car spaces provided. Minibuses will be running from Bath and 30 cycle places are being provided. There are also concerns that the area is likely to be used as a park and ride by residents from B&NES as the X39 bus frequency is stepped up. Twenty car spaces in the nearby industrial area of Ashmead Road have recently been created by removing double yellow lines. The wish list sent by the councillors to B&NES following the meeting includes the residents’ suggestion that double yellow lines down the northern side of Ashmead Road are removed, primarily

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

to cater for the upsurge in parking requirements when the new recycling plant reaches full capacity. Also emerging from the meeting was a call for a Traffic Regulation Order for double yellow lines at the junction of Ellsbridge Close with the Bath Road spur. The council has also been asked to consider revising traffic flows in Pixash Lane to maximise safety and provide residents of Bath Road with personal and visitor parking, and business park customers and staff with daytime parking by removing the double yellows on the western side of Pixash Lane. If double yellow lines are not removed then it is requested that they are replaced by single yellows on both sides of that section of Pixash Lane. A weight limit on HGVs on this section is also being requested. Crossed yellow hatching boxes at Broadmead Roundabout to enable traffic to cross the roundabout smoothly and continuously during rush hour is another of the requests, along with a sign indicating traffic heading for Snapdragons Nursery on Bath Road goes around Broadmead Roundabout before entering it. The councillors are also requesting that B&NES reduces the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on the A4 between Broadmead Roundabout and Saltford. Cllr MacFie said: “The meeting has clarified residents’ needs and B&NES officers have agreed to consider these. In the meantime some residents are struggling with the new regime and I hope that we can find a temporary solution for them.”

Birthing unit to stay closed until next spring

Publisher Editor Contributors

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

Ten months after Cossham Birth Centre in

Advertising

0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com

aren't enough midwives to run it safely

Kingswood was temporarily closed because of a staffing shortage, there still and it will remain shut until next spring. In a statement the North Bristol NHS

@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.

Trust

said:

“Maternity

recruitment

remains a challenge across the NHS and while we are seeing progress, with more midwives joining us over the coming months, we do not expect our workforce

can maintain safe care for all women and

challenges to be resolved until towards the

babies across our maternity units.”

end of this year and into early next year.

Community appointments, breastfeeding

“Suspending births at Cossham was a

support and other services continue to be

difficult decision but was done so that we

run from Cossham.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Labour candidate for new constituency is chosen The current Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, has been chosen as Labour’s candidate for the new Parliamentary seat of Bristol North East. Mr Egan, who grew up in the Kingswood and Staple Hill area, beat the current Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and Kingswood councillor Leigh Ingham who were also vying for the role. The postal vote was open to Labour Party members who live within the new constituency, which will be contested for the

first time when the next General Election takes place. The Kingswood seat will disappear under a review of boundaries. The current Kingswood MP, Conservative Chris Skidmore OBE, will not be seeking re-election as an MP elsewhere. The new constituency will include wards from both South Gloucestershire and Bristol, namely Kingswood, New Cheltenham, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, Woodstock, Hillfields, Frome Vale, Eastville and Lockleaze. Last year Bristolians voted in a referendum to scrap a directly-elected Mayor and return to having a council leader and committee system at City Hall from May 2024, which is when Mr Rees’s second term comes to an end. Leigh Ingham has represented Kingswood on South

Damien Egan

Marvin Rees

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Leigh Ingham

Gloucestershire Council since May of this year and is the Cabinet member for Communities & Local Place. After the result was announced on Sunday, both she and Mr Rees pledged their support to Mr Egan to help him win the seat. Mr Egan, who started his political career as a Downend parish councillor, said: “Thank you Bristol North East Labour members for selecting me to be your Parliamentary candidate. To represent Labour in the area I’m from, know and love is the greatest honour and I’m looking forward to getting on the doorstep to campaign across our new constituency.”

Council urged to sort out Staple Hill rat-runs after rap South Gloucestershire Council is being urged to sort out problems with rat-running on four roads in Staple Hill after being rapped by the Ombudsman for its handling of a traffic scheme that was ditched. A spokesman representing residents in Signal Road, Charnell Drive, Whitelodge Road and Charnell Road told the recent full council meeting: “I have been trying for a number of years to get the council to engage with these residents but unfortunately this has proved futile. “During the pandemic, Signal Road and Charnell Road were closed to traffic. This was an experimental traffic order that

Ombudsman statistics are published The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s annual review shows that from 15,488 complaints and enquiries received across England over the past year, more recommendations to improve council services were made than ever before (2,412). These remedies have included improving staff training, revising policies and procedures, and reviewing records to identify other people who have also been affected by the problems identified. The Ombudsman also made 4,907 recommendations to remedy individuals’ personal injustice, which included apologies, reimbursement of fees and reassessments for services which should have been provided. Complaints statistics are broken down into local authority areas. They show that in South Gloucestershire there were four investigations and two complaints were upheld. One was the Staple Hill case outlined above. In Bristol there were 45 investigations and 31 complaints were upheld (69%). In Bath & North East Somerset the Ombudsman investigated 11 complaints and six were upheld. In all cases in the three local authority areas, the Ombudsman was satisfied that the councils had successfully implemented the recommendations.

was used to reduce rat-running in the area and to make the Signal Road entrance to the Bristol & Bath Railway Path safer for people on bikes and on foot. “The residents directly affected by the closure, those on Signal Road and Charnell Road, were predominately in favour of the scheme – 100% in favour on Signal Road. After the initial six months’ consultation these residents received letters informing them that the scheme would be made permanent the following year. The decision was then reversed three months later and the council said the letter had been sent out in error. “A petition was started to try to show the council how strong local support for the scheme was. We collected nearly 300 signatures, mainly from users of the Railway Path entrance, in a six-hour period over one weekend. “The traffic scheme was removed in February 2022. I complained to the Local Government Ombudsman about how the decision to revoke the scheme was made and he found in my favour. In his report the Ombudsman said: ‘On balance I am not satisfied that the council did enough following the initial six months to allow it to go on and make an informed decision about the future of the scheme. The council claimed it sought opinion all the way through the period until the orders lapsed. It provided no evidence of doing so. I found no engagement during the second or third six-month period. I fail to see therefore how the council complied with Government guidance. “I consider the council could have done more to engage with the local community about this scheme in the last 12 months of the orders. The failure to do so means I am unable to say it properly considered whether the problems expressed during the initial six-month period remain; nor have I seen evidence showing what the council considered when it decided not to revoke the orders, or when it decided to let them lapse. I have seen no record of either decision setting out the reasoning behind them.” The resident submitted a proposal for an alternative scheme involving traffic calming and one-way and road closure in Signal Road near the entrance to the Railway Path, and it was placed close to the top of the local transport priority list of

Signal Road when the restrictions were in place

schemes to be investigated. He told councillors that the council carried out traffic monitoring which showed that motorists were routinely driving at speed along these roads. “On one particular section one in five drivers are breaking the current 30mph speed limit and the highest speed recorded was 80 to 85 miles an hour.” He said he was disappointed that a council officer has confirmed to him that not only has the proposal been rejected but the data collected has not been and will not be analysed. “It seems to me that the council are continuing to make uninformed decisions on this matter. It is becoming apparent to me that the council are looking to change these roads into a 20mph zone. I am not entirely against this move; however, given the nature of the roads and the speeds people currently drive along them, I fail to see that this will resolve the issues, and I know that many of the local residents agree with me. “What I would like to see is a range of possible solutions being put to the residents of these roads to allow them to say what they would like to see put in place. The Ombudsman highlighted how ineffective the council’s consultation process was during the last scheme, and many local residents including myself feel let down by the council’s actions. “Now is the time for the council to show the people on these streets that they want to and can listen to local residents’ views on this matter.” • After the Ombudsman’s decision on this complaint the council was ordered to send a written apology for its failures, start a review and ensure there are proper procedures and checks in place to stop unauthorised letters getting sent to the public.

Council acts to stop rat-running during M4 bridge closure South Gloucestershire Council has been monitoring the impact of the closure of the A432 Badminton Road M4 overbridge closure and last Thursday closed three local roads to through traffic. The council said it took the decision to close Coalsack Lane, Ruffet Road and Cooks Lane due to the volume of traffic using the narrow lanes and because some drivers were making inconsiderate manoeuvres at junctions. Access is being maintained for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and to homes and business premises. In addition, four-way temporary traffic lights have been installed at the Henfield Road/Westerleigh Road crossroads. On its Facebook page last Wednesday night, the council announced: “We apologise for the short notice and for any inconvenience caused.

“These traffic management measures are being installed for safety reasons following our monitoring of the road network since National Highways closed the A432 Badminton Road M4 bridge for investigations. They will remain in place for the foreseeable future but there is no intention to make these restrictions permanent. We will continue to monitor the road network.” Pedestrians and cyclists can still use the overbridge where initial survey work has revealed accelerated deterioration and cracking to the south-east underside. Further investigations by National Highways will be necessary to reveal the full extent of the work required. The earliest a decision will be made regarding future restrictions is likely to be December. The council says the recommended signposted diversion is

The bridge is closed

the safest way for motorists to go around the bridge. Local traffic heading northbound is being diverted via the B4465 Westerleigh Road up to the A46 and into Yate via the A432 (and southbound in reverse).

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

New footbridge over the River Chew finally opens The new footbridge over the River Chew in Keynsham’s Memorial Park opened on Thursday, restoring a link that was lost when the old wooden bridge closed in October 2019. Barriers had been put up at the old structure which had been declared unsafe because its beams had decayed. It was finally removed by Bath & North Est Somerset Council at the end of March and the work over recent months to install the new bridge is now complete. And although it does look somewhat different from the artist’s impression that was revealed at the planning application stage, reaction so far seems largely favourable. Comments on Facebook have included: “I think the bridge looks fine. Good job!” One person observed: “Not sure about the rusted panels but am thinking maybe they'll weather in time.” Another recalled the responses to the shiny metal cladding

Talk at museum The next talk at Kingswood Heritage Museum in Tower Lane, Warmley, is on Wednesday 9th August. Tony Coverdale will be talking about Saltford Brass Mill and the Avon Valley copper and brass industry. Seats must be booked in advance. Call 0117 9605664, or email kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com. The £4 entry fee includes light refreshments. The doors open at 7pm and the talk starts at 7.30pm.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

on Keynsham Civic Centre: “No one seemed to believe that they would weather down quite quickly as promised. I haven’t heard any moans recently?” Other comments included: “Actually quite like it. Shame it's a blank canvas for vandals to put their tags on it. Interested to hear if this was even considered by the council?” and: “How many retired military tanks did it take to make that?” And in our Letters section, reader Hazel Powe laments that the budget did not allow for a replacement ramp at the bandstand end as the old one has sharp bends. The council said: “The new bridge structure is made of a polymer plastic resin, that is resilient to damp environments and will provide longevity. The balustrade and handrail are marine-grade polished steel and the infill panels are steel with a protective rust patina. This makes the bridge highly sustainable, reducing future maintenance costs significantly.” The council added that the footways approaching the bridge have been newly Tarmacked and the existing bandstand ramp

The new footbridge

cleaned. There has also been new planting around the bridge. Further improvements to the park will include addressing flooding under Echo Bridge, as well as exploring the possibility of an indoor or covered café space and better play facilities. It follows a public survey carried out by the council in spring 2022 which showed the top five reasons for using the park were enjoying nature, exercise, a place to meet others, children’s play and to have lunch or a picnic.

Tractor fire Crews from Kingswood and Yate fire stations were called to tackle a tractor fire on a farm in Doynton last Thursday afternoon. On arrival at Rookery Lane, firefighters found the fire well alight. They used one high pressure hose reel to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental.

Artist’s impression

LETTERS Riding roughshod over planning regulations The editor has been copied in on this letter to B&NES Council’s head of planning I have been asked by the committee of Keynsham Conservative Club to write to you in the strongest possible terms regarding the recent decision made by Bath & North East Somerset Council Planning regarding shopfronts in Keynsham High Street. We have had issues spanning four years regarding the windows and painting of our frontage with B&NES Planning. In each case we have complied with your requests for rectification, at great expense to the club, much against the wishes of the membership and committee. The original works we executed were welcomed by the community, and received the backing of the town council, and enhanced the look of what was otherwise a drab-looking High Street.

The club had to change this colour

We now find, if the article on the front page of The Week In is correct (Issue 791), that other businesses can do all manner of alterations to their shopfronts, with the blessing of B&NES Planning, riding roughshod over regulations, with no thought of adhering to Conservation Area

cop? Let me explain. He has recently been

would have been much easier to negotiate and

the lives of UK citizens by the Just Stop Oil

complaining that us residents of Keynsham have

more aesthetically pleasing too, as the old one is

protesters. Perhaps they should concentrate their

been “talking down” the town because we have

quite ugly. Oh well, we council tax payers just

efforts on orange bombing the embassies in

the audacity to criticise the opening of yet another

have to be grateful for what we get!

London of the major offenders, or perhaps take a

charity shop. I think Mr Hale must see it as an all-

Hazel Powe, Keynsham

journey to Tiananmen Square in Beijing and lob a few tins of orange paint about. They might not

singing, all-dancing event? Hey, it's no longer

find the Chinese police as accommodating as

a long time ago that you can't bring major retailers

No need for this level of interference

kicking and screaming into Keynsham and I have

Dear Editor

Mike Barrow, Keynsham

nothing but praise for the independents who are

As we watch the fires raging in Europe, we cannot

clinging on by their fingernails no doubt to

deny that climate change is a significant factor,

maintain a presence in Keynsham.

even accepting that some fires have been started

Thank you for returning the bag I left at Tesco

I do appreciate that charity shops play a much-

by arsonists.

Dear Editor

needed service during these difficult times. All my

Against the backcloth of this we witness regular

I came out of Tesco in Keynsham recently and left

question is just how many does one High Street

protests by Just Stop Oil demonstrators, gaining

a bag hanging on the hook of the trolley. I was a

need? But hey! At least you don't have far to go

publicity at prestigious sporting events and almost

bit distracted at the time.

for a much-needed coffee! With the shoe and

daily slowing traffic, mainly in London, to a

I would like to really thank the very kind lady

greengrocer shops empty, and the farce that is

walking pace. I recently saw on national

who noticed the bag, found my address inside,

Lloyds the Chemist, who would hazard a guess as

television a distraught mother pleading with

and brought the bag to my house.

to what next?

demonstrators to get out of the way to allow her

What a wonderful act of kindness – thank you so

Moving on! The Mini Market and Turkish barbers

to take her sick child to hospital, but her pleas

very much.

have brought new businesses to town but the

appeared to have no effect.

David Clarke, Keynsham

council aren't happy. OK at first the Mini Market

As policing of these illegal actions has cost the

looked like something off of Weston Pier but they

Metropolitan Force £7.7m since April, perhaps

have toned it down a bit. But straight away the

Just Stop Oil should pick up this bill and not the

Fine for breach of contract?

council is on their backs. Bring your shopfronts

taxpayer. I was prompted to take to the web to

Dear Editor

in line with something more like the 1950s. The

find out exactly how big an offender in relation to

It’s not a pleasant job emptying our dustbins

town's heritage and all that, don't you know.

pollution the UK is.

although it’s improved since I was a child.

The reality is that Mr Hale and old fogies like me

In terms of the amount of carbon dioxide

However, what I do not understand is, if you as a

(I'm 72) will be gone and the next generation will

produced, China leads the way with 29% of the

company

do it their way. Embrace the future Mr Hale, you

world’s total, followed by the USA at 14%, India

Gloucestershire Council and after many weeks are

can't have it both ways!

at 7%, Russia at 4.6% and Japan at 3.5%. The UK

not fulfilling it, surely there must be a way of

John Howlett

ranks in 17th position at a figure of 1.03%. The

saying to Suez for every week that you do not

biggest offender in Europe is Germany which

stick to your contract we will fine you as you are

produces 25% of the total European figure due to

in breach of the contract.

its dependence on coal.

J White, Soundwell

empty so it must be good. I think we all realised

those in the UK.

have

contract

with

South

that the objections by B&NES to the works we

Ramp’s sharp bends make it tricky to manoeuvre

executed to our frontage were politically

Dear Editor

If one just considers these percentages, no account

motivated. We are now absolutely certain that

I’m pleased that after nearly four years of waiting,

is taken of the size of the populations in the

Green bin renewal

they were! We plan to take this matter further.

the new bridge in Keynsham Park is in place and

countries in question. So looking at carbon

Dear Editor

Dave Johnson

I will reserve judgement about the rusty panels!

pollution in relation to capita, the top offenders in

Thank you to South Gloucestershire Council who

Secretary, Keynsham Conservative Club

At least we now have access across the river.

order are Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Canada,

emailed me in the middle of the night (yes, I know

However, I am surprised that within the £750,000

USA, Germany, China, Spain and France. Of 209

it's auto-generated) to advise me that my green bin

budget there apparently wasn’t enough to provide

countries in the world, the UK is in the 60th

renewal fee is now due.

a new ramp down to the bandstand area.

position.

That's the same green bin that hasn't been emptied

The old ramp has sharp bends which are very

I am not suggesting that being in 17th and 60th

for six weeks or so. Not gone down well in this

Dear Becky

difficult for wheelchair users, mobility scooter

position is a cause for celebration, but I do

household.

Poor Alan Hale, torn between good cop and bad

and double buggy users alike. A new curved ramp

question the need for the level of interference in

G Osborne, Hanham

conditions. The committee have thought all along

How many charity shops does one High Street need?

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

LETTERS Public services need people

and 522 services in Keynsham. All three of these services are often

Dear Editor

cancelled. The main problem is the switching of route numbers on

Great Britain is no longer Great, it is fast becoming a country of the

Ashton Way between the 17 and 522.

unemployed. Do Government and management not realise it is

This switching of route numbers is creating a great deal of

impossible to effectively run public services without people?

confusion for Keynsham bus users. As a volunteer at Avon

Ticket machines cannot and should not replace people, i.e.

Valley Railway at Bitton, I use the 17 hourly service frequently. If

experienced staff. These are invaluable for the travelling public to

the 522 service is cancelled, then the 17 is also cancelled. The

provide times, links and expertise needed to navigate an already

8.30am and 9.30 Saturday service has inconvenienced me on three

complex rail network.

occasions.

It is discriminatory to all, in particular to the disabled of all

The 522 also switches with the 349 at Bristol Bus Station and the

conditions, the elderly and any inexperienced or foreign passengers.

349 switches with the 17 on weekend services in Keynsham. I am

As with the closure of high street banks, this proposal will create

aware that switching route numbers happens in Bristol but on 12-

more unemployment just to put money in shareholders’ pockets.

20 minute services, not hourly. If you don’t check that the bus

Mr & Mrs V McVeigh, Yate

number has changed, or the driver doesn’t tell you (it does happen), then you find the bus going the wrong way from what you

Thank you all for your kindness and professionalism Dear Editor May I through The Week In thank four people who came to my rescue when I collapsed Sunday 4th June at the Tesco car park in

intended. I have contacted First Bus, with no reply, and Metro Mayor Dan Norris who did reply. He told me he would raise my concerns at his next meeting with First Bus. Alan Beale

Keynsham. One lady supported me whist a member of staff came out with a wheelchair. Scooped up by an ambulance parked nearby,

First Bus responds to reader’s query

the two paramedics Jo and Oliver were amazing, giving life support

In last week’s issue, letter writer John Sibley asked why the 42 bus

on the way to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

is always being cancelled.

I had emergency major surgery. I was supported by kind,

We asked First Bus who told us: “We are aware of some issues with

professional staff in A&E, the medical assessment unit, intensive

the 42 service, and in response, as part of a wider package of

care and on Robin Smith Ward over some three weeks.

changes we’re making to bus routes across the West of England, we

I have made a good recovery since and had many messages of

are improving the service.

support since from wonderful family and friends.

“From September 3, we are revising the timetable to improve

Dramatic news makes the headlines, yet it is this example of

punctuality, and we’re adding extra journeys towards Bristol during

kindness and professionalism that should make headlines.

the morning peak period. The revised timetable will be published

I am grateful to all those who have helped me in last few months.

on our website soon.”

Mary Gray, Chipping Sodbury

Scrapheap Challenge?

Bus route number switches are causing confusion

Dear Editor

for Scrapheap Challenge?

Re the letter headlined ‘Why is the 42 bus always being cancelled?’

Patrick Harris

(Issue 791), a similar comment can be made regarding the 17, 349

Keynsham

Was the new footbridge in Keynsham Park put together by a team

Sudoku

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

1-Easy

Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm)

Sunday 6th August

2 -Hard

Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-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 2nd August 2023

Spotlight on owls Five resident owl species now live in the British Isles, four of which are native. They are elusive birds, rarely seen by day and dwindling in number. So at their monthly lunch at Saltford Golf Club, Keynsham & Saltford Probus Club members and their partners were fortunate to spend a whole hour in broad daylight with two of these beautiful creatures – barn owl Loki and tawny owl Billy Boobook. David and Lynn Knowles, of Owlscape, gave an informative talk about each of them and made suggestions about how we can improve the countryside for the magnificent birds. Members had the chance to hold the owls up close and personal. Pictured is club president Robin Dixon with Loki.

Crossword

Consultation on mass closure of rail ticket offices is extended The deadline for public responses to the proposed closure of railway station ticket offices was extended last week after the Department for Transport (DfT) came under mounting criticism over its plans. Last month, proposals were published to close more than 1,000 ticket offices across the country with the DfT setting a three-week window for public consultation. Last Wednesday, which was the original deadline date for responses, the Rail Delivery Group issued a statement saying this had been extended to 1st September. Chief Executive Jacqueline Starr said: “Train companies have listened to feedback and are extending the time available to respond to the consultation on changes to how tickets are sold at stations to 1st September. “Operators are keen to give more people a chance to give their views on the proposals, so they can bring the railway up to date with dramatic shifts in customer buying habits, while supporting all its customers as the railway evolves and adapts.” Disability campaign groups had been among the most vociferous opponents of the ticket office plans, arguing that they were possibly illegal without an equalities impact assessment being carried out first. Although more than 170,000 responses had been received during the three-week consultation period, it is understood that no Braille version of the consultation document had been produced by the original deadline. The plan to shift staff out of station ticket offices and onto the concourse would have meant reduced opening hours from

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mocks (7)

1. Gold coin (5)

5. Merry frolic (5)

2. Poised for action (5)

8. Swindle (inf.) (3)

3. Discussed formally (7)

9. Room, space (7)

4. Writer (6)

10. Allow in (5)

5. Angry growl (5)

11. Assignation (5)

6. Stays (7)

13. Gold ingots (7)

7. No longer alive (7)

15. Always (4)

12. Regret (3)

17. Fall back (6)

14. Exhort (4)

this September and full closure in 12 months’ time at Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa stations, with Bristol Parkway closing immediately. At local stations including Keynsham, Oldfield Park and Filton Abbey Wood, staff would still be present during the rush hour periods but would not be able to sell tickets. While the Rail Delivery Group argues that only 12% of tickets are purchased at ticket offices currently, the number of paper tickets issued at Keynsham in the last financial year was 5,500. That’s around 20% of all tickets sold at the station despite only being manned for less than 15 hours a week. Last Wednesday, Regional Mayor Dan Norris joined protesters at Temple Meads, just as the consultation delay was announced. He had already met with Railways Minister Huw Merriman and impressed the need for flexibility in the DfT’s proposals. In a recent TikTok video, the Mayor highlighted how passengers at Keynsham would be forced to walk over the bridge, down the steps to the machine and then back to catch their train towards Bristol. He said: “Why would anyone want a blanket ban on staff selling tickets? Let’s see what works best for passengers in each station. “Ministers tried, and failed, to railroad through these botched plans in just 21 days, whatever the consequences, and without consideration for the future success of the railway. I urge passengers to use this additional time to show why these proposals are not fit for purpose.” You can see all the proposals for stations in our area at https://www.gwr.com/haveyoursay.

19. Guests (anag.) (6) 16. Calf meat (4) 22. Prayer ending (4)

17. Battlement (7)

24. Wonderful event (7)

18. Pirate (7)

26. Throttle (5)

21. Moose (3)

29. Semi-precious stone (5)

23. Amalgamation (6)

30. Flagrant (7)

20. Release (7)

25. Thin pancake (5)

31. Pastry dish (3)

27. Chemical compound (5)

32. Curt (5)

28. Bird of prey (5)

33. Completely full (7)

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

16-metre high phone mast proposed next to nature reserve’s car park A proposal to put a 16-metre 5G phone mast with six antennas in Long Beach Road in Longwell Green has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. Phone giant Three wants to put the mast and three equipment cabinets on a grass verge next to Willsbridge Mill Car Park. The nearest homes are said to be approximately 50 metres away and the plan is for the mast to be “fir green” in colour to fit in with the trees in the area. The application says that existing sites in this

area are struggling to cope with demand, therefore a new site is required to provide reliable, high quality 3G, 4G and 5G technology. The application says the search area is very small and the selected site is considered to be the most “viable and suitable location”. Eight other sites were fully investigated and discounted: • The pavement next to Willsbridge Mill on Willsbridge Hill • Land at Willsbridge Valley within the Local Nature Reserve

• The rooftop of Avonlea Court, Cloverdale Drive • Land to the north of Willsbridge Mill Car Park • The footway of Cottonwood Drive • The footway of Hopland Close • Long Beach Road car park

Holly-Mae, left & Gia Rose • The grass verge of Long Beach Road at the enjoying their pottery painting junction of Roseville Avenue. The application includes a certificate which says the proposed mast meets the international guidelines on radiation protection. The planning reference is P23/02199/PN1.

Jewellery stolen in distraction burglary Police are reminding residents to be wary of unexpected or cold callers after a distraction burglary in Bridgeyate in which jewellery was stolen. A blue Volkswagen Passat pulled onto their driveway of a property in Bath Road at approximately 7.45pm last Tuesday. One of the occupants started to talk about a tree in the rear garden and led the resident to the side of the property, blocking their view of the door. When the resident returned to the front, they realised that two of the other people

in the car had been inside the home. The resident tried to close the electric gates but the offenders pulled them open, causing damage, and drove off. It was then discovered that some expensive jewellery had been stolen. The main culprit was wearing a face mask as he claimed to have a cold, and all had Irish accents. If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, call 101, giving reference number 5223178594. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The mast would go on the verge near Willsbridge Mill's car park

Primary school’s transformation wins praise from Ofsted A South Gloucestershire school that was told four years ago that it needed to improve has turned its fortunes around. Ofsted has rated Christ Church Hanham Church of England Primary School as Good overall – with its early years provision said to be Outstanding. It is a welcome recognition of the journey the school has made since being told in May 2019 that it required improvement. The three inspectors who visited the 300pupil school earlier this summer said that children get off to a flying start in the early years. Parents and carers say their children feel loved, cared for and flourish at the school. Over time, pupils become confident, independent thinkers who are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They are said to be polite and well behaved. Leaders, including

governors, have high expectations for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Headteacher Neil McKellar-Turner, who joined after the previous Ofsted report, said the inspectors had recognised the many strengths of the school. In a letter to parents, he said the report was “an important milestone” in the growth of the school and local community: “The most exciting part is that our journey to excellence has only just begun.”

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Care home donates to Hope for Ukraine The Keynsham-based charity Hope for Ukraine has received donations of medical equipment from Kingfisher Lodge Care Home in Saltford, which is part of the Barchester Healthcare Group. Martin and Iggy handed the donations to Andy, one of the charity’s trustees. Hope for Ukraine says they will be very greatly received by the people in the war-torn country. Meanwhile the latest aid mission that left Keynsham arrived safely at its destination in Suceava in Northern Romania on Friday. The charity’s partners there will determine the areas of most need and gradually transport it into some of the needy outlying areas in Ukraine. Find out more about the work of the charity and how you can help at https://hopeforukraine.org.uk/ or call 07933 712584.

Police release CCTV footage as part of ongoing GBH inquiry Avon and Somerset Police have this week released CCTV footage of a man they need the public’s help to identify as part of an investigation into a GBH in Kingswood. A man in his 20s was chased onto the forecourt of a car wash on Two Mile Hill Road by a man who then punched, kicked and stabbed him several times. The victim received treatment at Southmead Hospital following the incident. He later described the offender as white, aged in his early 20s, and skinny with blond hair. Detective Constable Jamie Cunningham said: “The victim may have fully recovered from this attack but it has affected

his confidence and we’re keen to catch the man responsible. We’ve been carrying out a number of enquiries since the incident took place last August Bank Holiday, including a forensic examination of the victim’s clothing. We’re now in a position to release CCTV of a man we want to speak to in connection with the attack. “We appreciate the footage we’re releasing isn’t clear but we’re hoping someone might still recognise the man in it and tell us who he is.” If you can help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222208478 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Collecting items for Ukraine from Kingfisher Lodge

In Memoriam

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

SANDRA EVANS

(nee Church) former close workmate at Great George Street and Colston Avenue careers offices To the Evans/Church family and all Sandra’s loved ones, I’m so sorry for the sad and untimely loss of Sandra, and that I was sadly unable to pay my last respects or at least send my sincere condolences at the time. I have only just very recently found out from an ex-colleague, having left the careers service in 2004 for health reasons. This poem is dedicated to Sandra: “MY JOURNEY” by Ellen Brenneman Don’t think of me as gone away, My journey’s just begun. Life holds so many facets, This earth is but one. Just think of me as resting, from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think of how I must be wishing that you could know today that nothing but your sadness can really go away and think of me as living in the hearts of those I touched for nothing is ever lost and I know I was loved so much”. Rest in peace. Helen Claire Chisnall

Fond memories of Tony Mitchell Sad news reached us at The Week In of the passing of Tony Mitchell last month. Tony and his wife Hazel were involved in many facets of Keynsham life since retiring to the town a decade ago. We first encountered Tony when he spent time at our office in Temple Court, religiously transcribing stories of local interest from back issues for the Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society. He was a prolific writer, often penning acerbic missives about government policy or decisions to our Letters page. He was also a poet and in 2020 published an anthology of his work, Life’s Lines, going back to his first poem in 1953. He was also the inspiration behind The Spoken Word, a weekly broadcast on local radio station KTCR. Not only was he a regular contributor to the programme but he voiced the introduction to the show. Tony was also passionate about the environment and an active member of Transition Keynsham. Fellow member Lucie Gray said: “I really enjoyed getting to know Tony. He brought great insight to our meetings and Tony’s knowledge of environmental issues was brilliant. I admired his determination to make a difference and to keep fighting for our planet. I'm going to miss his wit and wisdom.” Tony’s funeral will be at Haycombe Cemetery on Thursday

Tony Mitchell

10th August (1pm). All are welcome to attend the ceremony but the burial will be private and for the family only. The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Ffion’s fundraising tribute to her father Ffion Baker from Hanham is today (Wednesday) beginning a challenge in memory of her father who died last year just two weeks after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Ffion will be pedalling from London to Paris in aid of Leukaemia Care. Starting in London, the four-day journey takes a route across the countryside to Dover before catching the ferry and heading across northern France to the capital. The ride finishes up at the Eiffel Tower. The challenge has an even greater significance for Ffion in that, as well as raising vital funds and awareness for Leukaemia Care, her father, who was from Cardiff, also took on the same ride in 2012 in memory of his own father. Ffion says: “My Dad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in July 2022 having been referred to A&E by his GP when suffering with stomach pain which after a week hadn’t gone away. He was in A&E only a few hours before his leukaemia diagnosis was given and chemotherapy was started straight away. “The AML was aggressive. He needed surgery to remove his spleen and although he came through the 50% chance of surgery survival, four days later we were rushed in and he passed away on 4th August 2022. “Due to the suddenness of the leukaemia, we weren’t able to use the support of Leukaemia Care – a charity that is now close to my heart and I know how important it is to other families. I want more people to know and understand the

Situations Vacant Vacancy to fill? Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option. Call

0117 986 0381

Ffion Baker

importance of Leukaemia Care and how vital it is for money to be raised so they can continue all their work.” Ffion has taken on many 10ks and half marathons in the past but never a cycling challenge of this magnitude. You can donate to her fundraising page at https://givepenny.com/ffionbaker_london_to_paris_2023_for _leukaemia_care

Plans for seven apartments Plans to build a block of seven one-bed apartments at the rear of Staple Hill High Street have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. MGW Associates’ plans are for the brownfield site at the rear of No 96. The proposal is to develop land and buildings previously used by a car repair garage business. The outbuildings, many of which are in poor or dilapidated

condition, would be demolished. The plans would see one-way access from the High Street with exit from the rear onto Soundwell Road Five parking spaces are proposed and the flats would have private outdoor space. Secure cycle space is proposed. The reference is P23/02090/F and the deadline for comments is Friday (4th August).

Power tools stolen from van A number of power tools were stolen after thieves broke into a van parked on Hollyguest Road in Hanham during the night of Monday 24th July. The rear door was forced to gain entry.

If you have any information about this incident, especially CCTV images, call the police on 101, giving reference number 5223178012. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Break-in attempt at garage Four people were seen on CCTV attempting to break into a garage on St Clements Road in Keynsham at approximately 2am on Tuesday 25th July. No entry was made. If you have any information about this incident call 101, giving reference number 5223177822, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

Crossword Solution

Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy

2-Hard

Service Directory Book a series of adverts and save even more

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0117986 0381 14

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The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

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The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023

THE WEEK IN adverts call 0117 986 0381

You don't have to book successive weeks. You can choose fortnightly, monthly or specific insertion dates as long as the total number of insertions booked corresponds to the discount rate. Similar percentage discounts apply equally to larger sized adverts.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING DIRECTORY ADVERTS IS FRIDAY 4.30PM

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0117 986 0381 15

Keynsham Town Council hands out awards to 45 good causes Grants were handed out by the town council to 45

Golden Oldies Charity (£500)

Keynsham Town Ladies Football Club (£1,100)

community organisations in and around Keynsham

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (£1,100)

Keynsham Walkers Are Welcome (£600)

during the annual awards evening last month.

Keyford Dancing School (£1,000)

KLOGS - Keynsham Light Opera Group (£1,000)

The presentation event was held at The Space and here is the

Keynsham and District Mencap Society (£1,100)

KTCRfm (£1,100)

full list of good causes to receive grants:

Keynsham and District Twinning Association (£500)

Messy Church Keynsham Methodist Church (£500)

1st Keynsham Scout Group (£1,100)

Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance (£950)

Musicians South West CIC (£445)

2386 Keynsham Air Cadets (£905)

Keynsham Community Energy (£1,000)

One Church (£1,100)

Avon Wildlife Trust Keynsham Branch (£55)

Keynsham Community Fridge (£1,100)

Phoenix Keynsham Youth Theatre (£1,000)

Baby Comes Too (£500)

Keynsham Explorer Scout Unit (£1,000)

Saltford Santa Dash (£1,100)

Bereavement Support Keynsham (£900)

Keynsham Girls' Brigade (£600)

Sight Support West of England (£1,000)

Bristol History & Archaeology Society (£526.26)

Keynsham Hockey (£1,100)

Somerdale Shed and Community Garden (£575)

Butterflies Haven (£1,100)

Keynsham Kings American Flag Football (£1,090)

Somerset Farmers’ Market (£1,000)

Churches Together Keynsham and Saltford (£1,100)

Keynsham Life Saving Club (£450)

Southside Family Project (£500)

Citizens Advice B&NES (£1,100)

Keynsham Methodist Church, Queens Road (£1,100)

St John's Church, Keynsham (£1,100)

Community at 67 (£500)

Keynsham Orchestra (£1,000)

Swan Advice Network (£600)

Focus Counselling (£1,100) Friends of Manor Road Community Woodland (£400) Friends of Somerdale Educate Together (£550) Frys Bowling Club (£1,000) Fry Club Netball (£500)

Free training Great Western Air Ambulance Charity will be offering defibrillator training on Thursday 10th August at 2pm, 3.15pm or 4.45pm at The Space above the library. Book your space by emailing admin@keynsham-tc.gov.uk

Among the organisations receiving their awards from Cllr Caitlin Brennan (from left) were Keynsham Explorer Scout Unit, Keynsham and District Mencap Society, Keyford Dancing School and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

11 charities benefit from latest round of pub’s quiz night fund The monthly charity quiz held at The Compton Inn in

Earthquake Appeal.

Compton Dando has raised more than £24,500 for good

The 2023 distribution of £5,300 has now been distributed to

causes in the last 11 years.

the 11 charities nominated by the quiz teams. They are:

The entrance fees, which include supper, and profits from the

• The 46th Kingswood (1st Longwell Green) Scout Group

raffle are added to the charity fund each month. There are no

• The 107th Bristol (Whitchurch) Scout Group

prizes for the winning teams. The fund is allocated annually

• Beloved (the charity supporting women working in the

according to criteria agreed by the regular teams. Charities

indoor sex industry in the Bristol area)

are chosen which provide support for children, adults, or the

• Butterflies Haven in Keynsham, which provides support for

elderly. In addition, ad hoc payments are made to other

parents of children and teenagers affected by autism or any

• St Mary’s Church, Compton Dando

appeals.

developmental delay

Paul Thomas, landlord of The Compton Inn, said: “My team

The last substantial distribution was in 2019, when £2,650

• The Children’s Hospice South West

and I are very proud to support these charitable causes

was spread amongst nine charities. The quiz was not held

• Hengrove Rainbows and Whitchurch Brownies

through our monthly quiz. We are delighted to have raised so

during 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19, but in 2021 the fund

• High Littleton Scouts and Cubs

much money over the years and we thank all the people who

donated £500 to the Covid appeal at The Crown in Keynsham

• Keynsham Music Festival

come to the quiz for making this possible.”

and £500 to Keynsham Foodbank.

• The Nest Project which aims to provide clothing and

The quiz is on the first Monday of the month (unless that falls

In March 2022 £500 was donated to the Ukraine appeal and,

equipment for children aged 0-5 living in Bath & North East

on a public holiday, when it moves to the second Monday)

in February 2023, £500 was donated to the Disasters

Somerset completely free of charge

and everyone is welcome, although it’s advisable to book a

Emergency Committee (DEC) for the Turkey-Syria

• Phoenix Allstar Cheerleaders

table as it’s usually a full house.

The Week in • Wednesday 2nd August 2023