THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset Issue 809
FREE
29th November 2023
Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Tributes to mum killed in her home Tributes have been paid to a Kingswood mother-of-four
family liaison officers, released a tribute on Friday, saying:
Alison’s sister added:
who was killed in her home last week.
“Alison was a devoted and caring daughter, sister, wife, and
“Alison
was
a
Alison Bowen’s husband Darryl, 43, has been charged with
mother to four very much-loved children. They are
wonderful
sister,
a
her murder and remanded into custody ahead of future court
appreciated by all who know them.
loving and dedicated
appearances.
“For several years she headed up a small independent
mother. We cannot
Avon & Somerset Police said they attended a house in
Christian school, and then a home educators’ hub for local
even describe our loss,
Wedmore Close at around 3.50pm last Monday following a
families. She helped them bring up and educate their children
that she has been
report of a serious assault and found 41-year-old Alison with
themselves in a way similar to the values she held so dearly.
stolen from us like
“significant injuries”.
“Alison always radiated a very loving, encouraging, and
this.”
There were a number of children inside the property and
positive nature, not only to everyone who knew her, but also
A fundraising appeal
police said that although unhurt, they were “understandably
to all who crossed her path. She never had a bad word to say
has been launched to
distressed”.
about anyone, and always went out of her way to help
help support Alison’s
Police officers carried out resuscitation and paramedics also
everyone who needed her.
children as they come
attended but Alison was pronounced dead at around 4.30pm.
“To quote a friend who is now working abroad, ‘She was
to terms with her loss.
Her family, who are being supported by specially trained
always honouring to other people’.
More than 150 people
“She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and those
have so far donated over £10,000 on the JustGiving website.
who worked alongside her, and also by the wider community
The Church of the Ascension in Hanham was open last
that she touched so deeply.”
Thursday evening for people to light a candle or say a prayer
Alison Bowen
for Alison’s family and friends. There was also a special service on Sunday evening at Carmel City Church in Brislington, where Alison had been a member. There was a police presence in Wedmore Close for several days last week. Floral tributes to Alison have been left in the front garden. Avon & Somerset Police said in a statement last week that their Professional Standards Department had been notified and “a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Wedmore Close
Also in this week’s issue
Suspected arson on Stockwood bus . . . page 3
South Glos Council urged to ditch ‘unparalleled’ library cuts . . . pages 6 & 7
Office for Police Conduct to assess the circumstances of our response to this incident”.
Sudden eviction of mobile butcher from Kings Chase . . . page 9
Thousands enjoy Keynsham Winter Festival . . . page 13
2
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
The Week In online in 2024 The Week In will no longer be available in
in my role at The Week In Community Ltd.
social media platforms will
print next year and will become an online
The personal circumstances that finally
be managed by Media Bath
local news platform.
triggered my earlier decision to retire have
(publishers of the Bath Echo)
In the summer I announced that I would be
not changed and so with no replacement
under a licence agreement
stepping aside and looking for someone else
publisher, the final print edition of The Week
from 1st January.
to take on the publishing of The Week In
In will appear on 20th December.
It will have a new look and
newspaper.
It’s not all bad news however. The Week In
more opportunities for local
Since then, the situation has been very fluid
will continue in 2024 as an online news
businesses
with a number of parties showing interest.
platform. Editor Becky Feather will continue
themselves but it will still be
For a range of different reasons, none of that
the policy of bringing you news on what is
a ‘news first’ site that you will
initial interest has developed into a firm offer
happening locally and of holding decision
be able to read on screen
and no one has come forward to replace me
makers to account. The Week In website and
without any annoying ‘popups’
to
promote
distracting
your
Suspected arson on bus
attention.
Police are investigating a suspected arson on the top deck of the number 2 bus between
remain your link to the latest
Cribbs Causeway and Stockwood on Sunday.
news and opinions and the
Investigators want to speak to any passenger who saw anything suspicious between
social media (Facebook and
3.30pm and 4pm.
X) contacts are unchanged.
While this may not be the news that some
The bus was travelling along Ladman Road, turning in Stockwood Road before it came
Between now and Christmas I will be
readers will want to read, without anyone
to a stop at The Coots when the driver realised the vehicle was on fire.
reflecting in upcoming editions on some of
prepared to take my place, it is the only
Police and Avon Fire and Rescue Service attended. No one was injured.
the great times I have had since starting my
possible outcome. But I see this not as the
If you have any information call 101, quoting crime reference 5223289324. Alternatively
own local newspaper while Becky will
end of the road for The Week In but a change
contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
continue to bring you the latest news and
in direction towards the future.
developments as they occur.
Stephen Rodgers
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
www.theweekin.co.uk
will
Stehen Rodgers. Photo: Chris Clark
3
Concerns over property let by charity
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.
Concerns about a property run by a charity in Kingswood have been shared with The Week In. After receiving a letter signed by ‘The local residents of Elton Road’ we contacted Caring for Communities and People (CCP) for a response. The letter talks about the “continual abuse” residents have endured over the last three to four years in connection with a property let by CCP which houses young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. They say the community has experienced “countless” antisocial incidents, including harassment, intimidation, noise, swearing, criminal damage and trespassing, and that they have witnessed drug dealing. The letter adds: “We are ignored and our complaints brushed under the carpet in the hope it will be forgotten about. No one should have to be subjected to this sort of abuse and live in continual fear.” After several requests for a response, CCP finally told us this week: “We have listened to and addressed the concerns raised by one resident in Elton Road relating to a historic complaint at the property, however we are not
aware of any ongoing issues relating to it. There have been no concerns raised to us by the landlord of the property or from the local police citing any instances of anti-social behaviour or illegal activity occurring. “We are committed to transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people and do so in collaboration with our neighbours and other agencies to create a safe environment for all, and welcome dialogue with all parties to ensure that this is happening.” Anyone with any concerns can contact the Quality team via complaints@ccp.org.uk
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The Week In Community Ltd, 8 Temple Court, Keynsham. BS31 1HA 0117 986 0381. www.theweekin.co.uk ISSN: 2052-9767 Publisher Editor Contributors
Stephen Rodgers admin@theweekin.co.uk Becky Feather 07403 273967 Christine Rogers
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0117 986 0381 sales.theweekin@gmail.com @theweekineditor the_week_in_news
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4
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
More ‘night clubbing’ proposed at Stockwood Vale There is a new attempt to increase floodlighting hours at Stockwood Vale Golf Club near Keynsham. Use of floodlighting on the driving range is currently limited until 8pm on weekdays and 6pm at weekends. A previous planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council was withdrawn in 2021 because the extension of floodlighting hours was considered to have a potentially detrimental effect on bats in the absence of any evidence to the contrary.
Community transport vehicles stolen Kingswood Community Transport (KCT) had two of its vehicles stolen overnight last Wednesday as well as other items. The charity, based in Britannia Road, provides demandresponsive transport for residents of South Gloucestershire and Bristol. Writing on Facebook on Thursday KCT said: “We are aware of a report of the minibus being driven at high speed through Keynsham in the early hours. Please be assured that this was not one of our drivers.” The white Ford Transit minibus was subsequently located but it is understood that the blue VW Caddy registration NK65 BJJ, is still missing. The crime reference number is AS-20231123-0068.
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
The hours sought under that application were up to 9pm Monday to Fridays and 9pm at weekends. Permission is now being sought to amend those times until 9pm Monday to Friday and until 9pm on Saturday to extend the use of the driving range, particularly during the autumn and winter months. The golf club falls within the Green Belt. Site owners Family Golf Centres Ltd say the new proposals also seek to modernise the approved design through replacement modern LED lighting which will bring benefits in terms of energy efficiency and a reduction in lighting spill and potential effects upon protected bats. The latest application says that since the original planning permission for floodlighting was granted more than 20 years ago, the landscape of the golf course has matured and a range of trees and other vegetation now provide significant screening which, together with the improved design, mitigate the effects of the floodlighting on the
wider landscape, including distant neighbours. The application states that on balance, the proposals are not considered to cause any harm to the character and appearance of the landscape, including the Green Belt, or impact on distant neighbours or harm protected species, such as bats. The countryside charity CPRE lodged a formal objection to the proposed increase in floodlighting hours in 2021 because of concerns about the harmful effects of light pollution. Keynsham Town Council also lodged an objection to that application, citing the impact on wildlife including bats, moths and birds, and that the lighting creates a general “nightglow” that is visible across the valley. The latest planning reference is 23/04311/VAR. The deadline for comments is 12th December.
5
South Glos Council urged to ditch South Gloucestershire libraries could end up with the
introduced in South Gloucestershire six years ago and allows
country’s worst staffed opening hours outside London.
users over the age of 16 and those who are younger and
The council says the budget requires an annual saving of
accompanied by an adult to use their local library when there
£473,000 in spending on libraries and cuts will see staffed
are no staff on duty.
opening hours reduced to just 2.5 days a week in some
The petition, which has been started on the council’s website,
libraries.
calls for the current staffed opening hours at all the district’s
Florence Edwards, who spent three years working in South
libraries to be maintained. It says: “If you take away the
Gloucestershire libraries, has started a petition against the
dedicated, compassionate library staff and simply offer an
proposals. She says comparison with other local authorities
Open Access facility, this is at best a book swap or internet
reveals just how “unprecedented” the proposed budget cuts
café. It’s no longer a library.
in the district will be.
“These proposals include reducing the staffed opening hours
parents who want advice on reading with their child and any
She said: “Looking at local authority managed libraries
by an average of 24%. Some of our libraries (including
baby groups/activities in the area; and young people who
outside of London, South Glos is currently in the bottom
Cadbury Heath, Patchway, and Winterbourne) would only
can’t register for Open Access but may want to use the library
quarter (78 out of 105) when it comes to average staffed
remain open with staff for 2.5 days per week.
after school.
opening hours per library. However, if the proposed cuts
“It has been suggested that extended Open Access hours can
It adds: “According to data published by the Arts Council, if
discussed in the consultation are implemented, South Glos
replace these staffed hours, allowing people to use the library
these proposals are implemented, South Gloucestershire will
will have the absolute lowest average staffed opening hours
when no staff are present. As someone who has previously
have the absolute lowest average staffed opening hours per
per library of all local authority managed libraries outside of
worked in our libraries, I know that having library staff there
library of all local authority managed libraries in the country
London (105 out of 105).
for support is so important to many people, especially more
(outside of London). In other words, if you’re a South Glos
“The council plans to replace the reduced staffed hours with
vulnerable groups.”
resident, you’ll have less support available from library staff
extended Open Access hours, so people can use the library
The petition gives as examples older people who are lonely;
than anyone living in any other county in England. Whether
with no staff present. I had the privilege of working in our
people with poor digital literacy who need help using the
that’s help using computers, information about local services,
libraries for almost three years between 2019 and 2022 and
computers; survivors of trauma, especially women, who feel
book recommendations, or even just a friendly chat.”
am very concerned that Open Access cannot meet the needs
unsafe going into the library with no staff around; refugees,
The petition urges the council not to proceed with these
of our area’s most vulnerable residents.”
asylum-seekers, and people experiencing homelessness;
“unparalleled” cuts to staffed opening hours. It runs until 10th
Open Access, a self-service system, was controversially
people using the libraries as warm places in winter; new
January
6
Cadbury Heath Library
which
is
when
the
consultation
–
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
‘unparalleled’ library cuts https://librarysavings.commonplace.is/ – ends.
Patchway. Staffed hours would end in all libraries at 5pm.
costs of the service and stopping some of the least-used
The council proposals would reduce staffed library opening
There would be a further one-day reduction in staffed access
community collection services. The council is hosting online
hours from 351 to 285, a reduction of 19%, with more hours
at Cadbury Heath, Patchway and Winterbourne libraries.
library service consultation meetings on Monday 4th
covered by Open Access.
The council says to minimise the impact of reduced staffed
December at noon and Monday 8th January at 7pm. These
It is proposed to remove staffed access over lunchtime in
hours, they would be prioritised to cover the locations and
meetings will include a presentation and a discussion and
eight of the 12 libraries – Cadbury Heath, Downend,
times when libraries are most well used. Savings are also
question time. Joining details are available by contacting the
Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Winterbourne, Filton and
being proposed by reducing back-office and management
council’s Community Engagement Team on 01454 868113.
Knife sweeps as part of targeted campaign Avon & Somerset Police have been raising awareness of the work they do to tackle, disrupt and prevent knife crime as part of the national Operation Sceptre campaign this month. Activities have included education sessions with local schools, colleges and youth groups around the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife; targeted searches of areas where intelligence suggests weapons may be stored or hidden; high-visibility patrols in areas of high demand; promoting weapon surrender bins; and engaging with retailers and educating them on the safe sale of knives. The knife sweep search locations included at Southey Park and Kingswood Park and around Longwell Green, Hanham and Cadbury Heath. There are weapon surrender bins in place across the region in which people can safely and anonymously discard of
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
their weapons. They include the One Stop Shop at Kingswood Civic Centre, at Broad Street in Staple Hill (opposite Page Park) and at Patchway Custody Centre on Gloucester Road. It is against the law to carry a knife in a public place. Carrying one can lead to four years in prison, even if you have no intention of using it. If you are worried that someone you know may be carrying a knife, call 101. Alternatively send information anonymously to Fearless, which is the dedicated youth service for Crimestoppers. They cannot track where the information has come from and you will not be contacted by the police. You can send information using their online form at www.fearless.org or by calling 0800 555 111. If you believe there to be an immediate threat of danger,
7
LETTERS proposals, and this could also go to further
MP’s true colours
dark direction”. I suggest all constituents
consultation. It should be noted that there are over
Dear Editor
scrutinise their local MPs’ voting records and
800 objections from local residents which the
I read your piece on Chris Skidmore’s interview
make up their own minds.
council have ignored and produced a preferred
with The Guardian with great interest and
Neil Mulvaney, Hanham
strategy which is detrimental to current residents
wondered if his sense of irony is as heightened as
and the thriving wildlife and their habitats.
his constituents’.
Singing his praises
Information and updates can be found on our
He is claiming to have broken ranks with the Tory
Dear Editor
website - hanhamgreenbelt.com - and the Say No
Party because they were heading in a “very dark
Wow! He's back! I must say I was very
To Redrow Facebook page.
direction” and that he is a liberal Conservative
disappointed when the Keynsham Christmas
The Committee
following the lead of David Cameron. Centrist
lights were put up and he was not on his usual
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation
Tories are pleased to have Cameron back in the
post but I never gave up hope and, lo and behold,
Society
sites lie within the council’s Green Infrastructure
Government but let’s not forget he was the
Christmas can now officially start because he has
Corridor F and are adjacent to a Site of Scientific
architect of austerity, causing enormous harm to
been restored to his rightful place among us once
Democracy in action?
public services, while at the same time giving
more. Thank you to the person who must take
Dear Editor
huge tax breaks to the rich – not exactly centrist.
special care of him every year to make sure he is
Regarding South Gloucestershire Council’s
Even a cursory glance at Skidmore’s voting
always with us.
community survey, this postcard document
record (published on theyworkforyou.com) shows
Happy Christmas especially to those of you who
recently came into my possession, having been
his true colours. These are a just a few examples:
know what on earth I am talking about!
distributed in the Kings Chase shopping area.
year after year he has voted to reduce the main
Julia Chandler
You can imagine how few members of the
Central Government grant to local councils while
community are aware of this survey being
at the same time voting for making local councils
democratically undertaken.
responsible for helping those in financial need
A taste of Christmas
Being visibly impaired, I managed to read the
afford their council tax and reducing the amount
On Saturday St James the Great Church
smallest print and found a telephone number to
spent on such support; generally voted against
at Abson held its annual Christmas fete. The event saw hundreds of visitors enjoy the fruits of crafters, cooks and gardeners
We can defeat this shortsighted plan Dear Editor Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society are mounting a campaign to save our Green Belt. In South Gloucestershire Council’s new proposed Local Plan, that was presented to Cabinet on Monday 13th November, the council want to build 270 houses on Green Belt land first. This plan will determine where new houses are built over the next 15 years. All three nominated
Interest.
The Batch
contact. Having been put through to Kingswood
raising welfare benefits at least in line with prices
They are Castle Inn Farm (60 houses); land south
Library, who were very helpful, I was informed
and almost always for a reduction of spending on
of Abbots Road (85 houses); and Castle Farm
that three forms regarding the differing subjects
welfare benefits; almost always voted against
Road, known as The Batch, (125 houses). To do
had to be submitted.
paying higher benefits for those unable to work
this they will have to redefine the land and this
The librarian was unable to clarify as to why all
due to illness or disability; he consistently voted
will need to be approved by the Secretary of State.
the subjects could not be registered on one form
against an annual tax on the value of expensive
Previously the council stated they had enough
but would try and obtain forms for waste and
homes (mansion tax) while also voting for
Christmas cakes she made for the
land. What has changed since then, and why do
street lighting. That would save paper and time
reducing housing benefits for social tenants
occasion.
they now need to take Green Belt land?
and could possibly get a bigger response.
deemed to have excess bedrooms (known as the
The plan, sites and maps will be published after
bedroom tax). It goes on and on.
5th December. They are not planning any increase
MPs like Chris Skidmore have enabled austerity
in infrastructure. Doctors and schools are at
plans to reduce public services to such a perilous
capacity and roads are not suitable.
position that now the most vulnerable in our
Together we can defeat this short-sighted plan.
society are even more vulnerable. Look at the rise
There will be a public consultation running from
in foodbanks for evidence. For 14 years he has
December through January when you can voice
helped guide the Tory Party to their current “very
your objections. Please be aware and respond.
dark direction”. In breaking ranks he may finally
This should not be confused with any previous
have realised the error of his ways, but he is
objection you may have made to the plans to build
standing down as an MP now that the damage is
on The Batch. Determination of The Batch has
My estimate of survey results, out of 439 cards
done. Due to new boundary changes, in Hanham
been put back to 5th January. This could coincide
distributed, only 75 were acted upon. Fifty were
we have the prospect of the most privileged, self-
with an application to redefine the Green Belt
in agreements with all cuts.
absorbed and entitled individual, Jacob Rees-
status of the land at The Batch. The council will
David Watch
Mogg, looking for our support at the next
however have to make a decision on the Redrow
North Common
election. He truly represents the road to “a very
8
who were selling a variety of seasonal gifts. Pictured is Carolyn Williams and a selection of the 29 rich, fruit-filled
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
Meat lorry’s location said to be a fire evacuation risk After trading from a lorry at the entrance to Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood for five years, Mark’s Mobile Butchers were given just three days’ notice to move because the vehicle was deemed a fire evacuation risk. Last Wednesday the meat retailer, which trades from sites around Bristol, Somerset, Swindon, Surrey, West Sussex and Devon, told customers via Facebook that the management of Kings Chase had given them notice earlier this month on their usual trading position by Boswells. The shopping centre is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and the company asked the authority for permission to trade at a new position opposite Iceland instead. However, this involves a 21-day consultation on a new street trading licence so for the time being the business is unable to trade in Kingswood.
The new application to trade outside 37-39 Regent Street from 8am to 3pm, Thursday to Saturday, has been lodged by Steven Godwin. The consultation ends on 13th December. Pedestrian safety concerns about the position of the lorry were raised by one of our readers back in 2019 but allayed at the time by the management of the centre. The reader’s letter, which we published in Issue 570 (3rd April), said that the vehicle was blocking 90% of the pedestrian entrance to the shopping centre several days per week and was allowed to reverse on a busy pedestrian area. The Kings Chase management responded the following week saying the retailer had been trading there for a year with very few instances of negative feedback: “Mark’s team work with the shopping centre on a licence agreement to trade five days out of seven each week. The team have been certified by the council for food safety and they have been signed off by an independent fire officer, allowing suitable pedestrian access on either side at the front steps.” The centre manager also said that the meat lorry was a popular draw and the location near the Regent Street steps gave access to the greatest share of walk-in visitors; at the end of the trading
The vehicle can no longer park here
Candlelit vigil A candlelit vigil was taking place today (Wednesday) at Kings Chase Shopping Centre in Kingswood at 4.30pm to highlight the number of women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. It has been organised by Next Link and Safe Link. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2s4z6wbb
day, the van, accompanied by a member of the centre’s security team, reversed along the pedestrianised area between Boswells and New Look. As part of its plans to regenerate Kingswood town centre, the council bought Kings Chase Shopping Centre in 2021. This week a council spokesperson told us: “We have received an updated fire risk assessment for the shopping centre, which identified that having the butchers’ vehicle in its usual location was a
Sudoku 1-Easy
risk to safe evacuation in the event of fire. We have spoken with the business owner, and they are currently applying for a licence to operate in a different spot nearby. “Due to the nature of the risk, however, we cannot permit it to carry on as usual while the new licence is processed.”
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 3rd December
2 -Hard
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) 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 29th November 2023
9
Support your local high street People are being urged to support their local high street on Small Business Saturday (2nd December). James Coldwell, a Keynsham resident and vice chair of the North East Somerset & Hanham Labour Party, visited dozens of small, independently-owned businesses in Keynsham and Hanham, the two largest town centres in the new constituency which will come into being at the next General Election. He delivered a survey which aimed to understand what it is like to run a small business in the area, and 30 organisations completed it. Mr Coldwell said the responses make clear that small businesses face significant obstacles; when asked about the current challenges they face, business owners cited energy costs as the top issue, followed by rising costs for staffing
Festivities but no street fair in Hanham To coincide with Small Business Saturday, Hanham Business & Community Partnership usually organises the High Street Christmas Fair when the road is closed to traffic and filled with stalls, fairground rides and free entertainment. However, it is not taking place this year, we understand because of a lack of funds. The High Street will still be looking festive though with Christmas trees due to go up outside local shops today (Wednesday). And Hanham Methodist Church will have a Santa’s grotto from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday when there will also be a Nativity festival, arts and crafts, and carol singing.
Crossword
and supplies. These same cost pressures are felt by customers who have less disposable income. Many businesses wanted to see a more joined-up approach between politicians, officials and companies. For example, efforts to reduce car journeys and improve air quality may
shape now than 10 years ago. More than half believe better communication with council officials and more powers for local business groups would have a positive impact. But in the short term, Mr Coldwell said he takes great heart from conversations with independent business owners. “They
make sense, but not when they occur at the same time as cuts to bus services. For businesses the results have been sadly predictable: a decrease in footfall, with many owners in Keynsham and Hanham reporting fewer out-of-town visitors. Mr Coldwell said that the results highlight issues that are unique to the two high streets. When asked to specify local changes to help the high street, every Hanham business said more car parking space is needed. Meanwhile, half of Keynsham businesses said changes to the layout of the High Street, including the ill-fated cycle lane and changes at Temple Street, have had a lasting negative impact on footfall. The survey showed that across Keynsham and Hanham, 80% of businesses surveyed believe their high street to be in worse
are enterprising, resilient, creative and caring. Above all they are proud to be the beating heart of the local community. We are lucky to have them. So on Saturday, let’s get behind our small businesses.”
Christmas on the Hill The annual Christmas on the Hill event takes place this Saturday (2nd December) from 10am to 5pm in Staple Hill. Shops will be participating and Fountain Square will be the focus for stalls and entertainment including performances from local school choirs and the Salvation Army Band. In the library there will be craft making and a book sale. • Downend’s Christmas lights were turned on last Friday with people gathering to sing carols.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Table ball game (9)
1. Flying mammal (3)
6. Mongrel (3)
2. Song-like (5)
8. Ground (7)
3. ---- the Terrible (4)
9. Sprinkle (5)
4. Milk curdling substance (6)
10. Chance (4) 11. Female fowl (3) 13. Travel by ship (4) 14. Paved terrace (5) 16. Roof timber (6) 18. Ornamental tuft (6) 19. Isolated (5) 21. Not any (4) 22. Bishop's diocese (3)
James Coldwell with Kelly Yeates, owner of Savannah Studios in Keynsham
5. Waistband (4) 6. Dead body (7) 7. Regal colour (5,4) 10. Opera glass (9) 11. Stringed instruments (5) 12. Saltpetre (5) 14. Podded vegetable (3) 15. Cereal (3) 17. Trumpet flourish (7)
23. Subdue (4)
20. Antenna (6)
27. Grilled bread (5)
24. Alert (5)
28. Prehistoric period (4,3)
25. Pace (4)
30. Female sheep (3)
29. Stray (3)
26. Rain heavily (4)
31. Arctic creature (5,4)
10
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
Should young people be able to vote at 16? I believe we should be able to vote from the age of 16. My name is Darcey Warren, chair of KeynshamNow, a local youth council, and I believe that young people deserve to have just an important say as anyone else and the Government should let our voices be heard. Voting for representatives is a right in a democratic society, so like Wales and Scotland, the voting age should be extended to 16 and 17 years old. The case for lowering the age of votes is stronger than ever as more young people want to learn more about politics, which is why I also believe it should be taught more in school. It’s time for the Government to allow a fresh set of eyes of the young people and bring their say to the table! There are many reasons why it should be a fundamental right to vote at 16, such as you can leave school and get a full-time job, where you pay National Insurance and tax, join the Armed Forces or apply for your own home through your local council. All these are reasons why some people want to have a say in the country’s government. Lastly, 16-year-olds going into education through college, university, apprenticeship,
full-time job and more should be able to vote on something that may impact this! Here is what our other members at KeynshamNow think. “It would align us with the other nations in the UK, making us more united and giving young people a say in their future.” Amelie “As a 16-year-old, having the opportunity to vote is important to me as my future depends on the Government’s decisions that they are making now and in a time when the future of our climate is in danger, it has never been so important for young people to have their voices heard.” Imogen “I think you should vote at 16 because when you turn 16 you have more understanding about the world around you and are able to make your own decisions in life.” Ciaran On 20th November, myself and other KeynshamNow members ravelled to London to visit the Houses of Parliament and were able to meet and talk to Sir Jacob ReesMogg, who serves as the MP for North East Somerset. He spoke about some topics around Westminster Hall, equality, feminism and more, which were all very insightful for all the young people who attended.
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
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The Community Page
Saltford Parish Council SPC gives grants to Saltford Santa Dash & SCA’s Santa Sleigh The sight of hundreds of Santas (and mini-Santas!)
many Santas running in Saltford!
running through the village is now something of a
SCA’s Santa Sleigh has become a much-loved local festive
Saltford tradition.
tradition. As well as Santa’s visits staying in the memories of
In July, SPC was pleased to award the Saltford Santa Dash
many of the village’s children for years to come, SCA’s Santa
team a grant of £275 towards the costs of ‘sum-up’ e-readers
Sleigh also helps to raise funds for charity. SPC welcomed
for donations to help raise funds for worthy charities. The
SCA’s proposed environmental and safety improvements to
Saltford Santa Dash takes place on Sunday 3 December. It
the sleigh and agreed a grant of £225 towards costs at its
starts at Saltford Sports Club, and this year will be launched
September meeting. It won’t be long before Santa is doing
by BBC Radio Bristol presenter Joe Sims. Please drive with
the rounds in a few weeks, so keep an eye on the SCA’s
extra care through the village during the event due to the
Facebook page for route and location details.
Saltford’s younger residents’ parade to mark Remembrance Sunday A high number of people always attend to pay their respects during Saltford’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations, and this year was no different. It is especially wonderful to see so many of Saltford’s younger residents from 1st Saltford Scout Group and Saltford District Guides being involved in the parade on the day. SPC would like to thank those at Saltford Scout Group who gave up their time to arrange Saltford’s commemorations on behalf of the community.
Saltford Scouts L-R Edmund, Rory, Theo and Matthew
Five years as Saltford Community Library & Post Office’s tenant Congratulations to Saltford Community Library and Post Office Hub, who have recently celebrated their five-year anniversary. SPC’s Office has been located at the back of the building since the community hub opened in 2018, and SPC welcomes the chance to support the hub by being
SPC Councillors meet with B&NES Council ahead of Local Plan ‘options’ consultation Saltford Parish Council is in favour of protecting the Green Belt and our highly valued landscape surrounding the village from development. SPC Councillors met with B&NES Council Planning Policy officers ahead of the upcoming Local Plan 'Options Consultation', due early 2024. This followed the Parish Council’s request for ‘landscape designation’ at Saltford South earlier this year. SPC will raise awareness to residents of the ‘Options Consultation’ when it goes live and has also requested that a public ‘drop in’ event is held by B&NES Council at Saltford Hall. More information about the Local Plan is on B&NES Council’s website.
its tenant. Saltford Community Library raises funds by selling a range of cards, stationery and wrapping paper, so do pop in when prepping for Christmas (you can get Christmas stamps from the Post Office too!)
On behalf of Saltford Parish Council, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Saltford South Cllrs meeting Nov 2023 L-R: Cllrs David Halton (SPC Vice Chair), Gary Graveling & Phil Harding (Chair of SPC Planning Committee).
SPC’s social media – it’s not just for residents SPC’s social media following isn’t just for residents, and we appreciate that many people who visit or travel through Saltford follow SPC’s updates too. SPC posts on a range of useful information - including many wider local matters as well as planned road works on the A4! So if you are on Facebook or X (formally Twitter) please check out our pages and give us a like.
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The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
Keynsham’s Winter Festival in pictures Thousands of people turned out for Keynsham’s Winter Festival on Friday night which was chilly but dry. A procession left Memorial Park gates, paraded up Bath Hill and along the High Street to St John’s Church and the town’s Christmas lights were turned on. The festival was organised by the town council and the parade
was led by the colouring competition winners, the Air Cadets 93 Squadron, Keynsham Mencap and children who took part in the recent lantern-making workshop. There was a festive atmosphere with a full line-up of entertainment and activities at local venues including a stage outside St John’s Church.
People lined the route of the festive procession
Keynsham Mencap members in the procession
The Homecrafthouse stall in the High Street, one of the many traders taking part in the festival
The helter-skelter in Temple Street
The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023
Shops stayed open late and there were plenty of street stalls, a fun fair in Temple Street and a climbing wall in Charlton Road. Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride laid on free shuttle buses between Waitrose and Ashton Way, and between The Chocolate Quarter and Ashton Way via Queens Road.
The procession making its way along the High Street
The Air Cadets 93 Squadron
Savour were selling mince pies and mulled cider at Temple Court
The climbing wall in Charlton Road
Keynsham & District Dial-a-Ride operated shuttle services
Those riding the the Ferris wheel had a great view of the festival
Singing outside St John's
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The Week in • Wednesday 29th November 2023