Regulars of The White Horse Pub in Twerton demonstrated mind over matter on Saturday, when they performed some hair-raising stunts led by a company from Manchester called Firewalking Dreams. The first activity was the firewalking. A log fire had been burning in the carpark and participants were taught how to walk over the embers with bare feet.

The embers were really hot and the man in charge said that at night they would be glowing bright red. You had to walk across them quickly, looking straight ahead. People doing the activities were sponsored to raise money for the Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley.

The next activity was arrow breaking using standard archery arrows. The point of the arrow goes into the soft part of your throat and the other end is fitted into a wooden board. If you focus and step forward, you should be able to break the arrow. The bar bending was similar. The two ends of a steel reinforcement bar were placed between the necks of two participants, who were able to bend the bar by walking forward.

There was other good stuff going at the pub: face painting, live music and a barbecue. Above is a photo of Amy and Susie working behind the bar. You can see a video of the event by clicking on the top photo, or by clicking here. There are also some photos which you can see here.

Joe, 31/08/09

BMX racing

BMX bike racing will take place on Sunday 6th September at Bath BMX Track, The Tumps, Chelwood Drive, Odd Down. Registration is at 10am and racing at 12 noon. This event includes first aiders, trade stands, refreshments, trophies and a raffle.

BMX racing at Odd Down

Newcomers are welcome and can prepare by attending the gate practice and barbecue on 5th September at 12 noon at the same venue. For more information visit bathbmx.com or telephone 07980 543462.

Five-a-side

A five-a-side football tournament will be held on Saturday 12th September at St Marks School, Fairfield Park, between 10am and 2pm. Although it is five-a-side at least 6 players are needed. The two age catagories are under-14s and under-17s. Telephone Southside Youth Centre on 01225 423218 to book in your team.

Quiz league

We've received a message on the Forum inviting pubs and organisations to enter the Somerset Winter Quiz League. This has several divisions with the one relevant to our area being the Bath and District Quiz League.

Joe, 28/08/09

Monday's PACT meeting at Twerton had another good turnout of about 40 residents, suggesting that the meeting is taking root as a forum where local people are ready to come and discuss community issues. The meeting began with a discussion of what progress had been made on priorities raised at the previous PACT meeting.

Environmental Manager Bruce Bennett said that he had tried hard to persuade Somer Housing of the need for a communal skip at Redland Park as a way to reduce fly tipping. But this initiative will probably not take place, due to health and safety implications and cost (about £600 per large skip). A resident complained of a pile of mattresses dumped near a home, which Somer have not removed despite many phone calls.

Clear up at Redland Park a few weeks ago

PCSO Martyn Newman said that councillors had agreed for more bollards to be installed at Newton Road, and police have monitored Wedgewood Rd, Newton Rd, Twerton High Street and Kelston View for speeding and have performed stop checks.

PCSO Newman also said that action has been taken over individuals riding on motorbikes around alleyways at Redland Park. Police have visited the homes of culprits, conducted vehicle inspections and warned that the bikes could be confiscated. Residents disagreed that this had made much difference. They complained that the police do not come out when called to catch the offenders, or when they do come out, the motorbike riding starts again shortly after they leave. PCSO Newman pointed out that police have to treat calls in order of urgency.

Dorothy Miley who manages parking services, spoke on the issue of motorists parking on double yellow lines. If residents see this going on, they can send in the details and time when it occurs to this email: parking_enforcement@bathnes.gov.uk

She also said that the dangerous problem of motorists turning right at the junction of Connexion Road with Twerton High Street, requires a traffic regulation order to enforce the 'no right turn'. This takes a long time due to the legal process and cost. Councillor Tim Ball said that residents should keep communicating the danger to the authorities or it will drop to the bottom of their list of priorities.

Councillor Tim Ball said that in the autumn he will be consulting residents of parts of Twerton to see whether they want grasscrete installed by the roadside. The grasscrete is a sort of concrete with holes to let grass grow through. It stops ruts appearing when motorists park on the verges. Tim also said that money had been secured from the Woodland Trust to provide new fencing around Redland Park.

The second part of the meeting consisted of discussions as to what issues people want tackled next. Residents expressed concerns over the derelict buildings at Pennyquick View. The wooden hoarding and security guard were described as inadequate to prevent obscene graffiti and destructive behaviour from going on.

Left: hoarding erected at Pennyquick View; right: one type of grasscrete

There were also concerns over the overall state of Pennyquick Park. People were angry that reps from Somer Housing were not present at the meeting, and suggested that Somer be encouraged to attend the PACT meeting as a priority.

Some people wanted the efficiency of rubbish collections improved, with a resident of Twerton Farm Close saying that collectors keep missing her address. PCSO Newman recommended that the issue of motorbikes at Redland Park be reintroduced as a a priority for further work to be carried out. There was also my suggestion to extend the scope of the PACT meeting, as the majority of residents who attend are those that live close to the school where it is held.

We voted for which three issues shoud be tackled and these turned out to be: 1) Somer to attend the PACT meetings; 2) Motorbikes at Redland Park; 3) Security at Pennyquick View.

Joe, 26/08/09

The Point

The Point is a drop-in centre held at Southdown Methodist Centre on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and on Thursday evenings. Agencies are on hand to give help and advice.

Community learning and health trainers are available on some Wednesday mornings. On Thursday mornings staff from Age Concern are present between 10.30am and 12 noon. On Thursday evenings the Credit Union is there from 6pm to 7pm. For more information pick up a leaflet at the church centre or telephone Jane Parsons on 01761 412304.

Cook needed

Southdown Methodist Centre requires an experienced cook for its community lunch. This will be 8 hours per week (6 on Thursday other 2 flexible) and £8 per hour. For more information telephone Jane Parsons on 01761 412304.

Baby Buddy Project

The Southside Family Project will be launching a Baby Budddy Project in September. This service offers practical and emotional support to individuals and families who are expecting or have just had a new baby. You can talk to someone who will listen without judging you. For more information telephone 01225 331243.

Photo

Below is a photo of the flower sculpture pigs at the Parade Gardens in Bath. Thanks to Mr John Rawlings of Whiteway for sending in this great pic! To see a larger version click here.

Joe, 14/08/09

Nursery

Every Wednesday from 29th July to 26th August, and from 10.30am to 2.30pm, First Steps will be bringing along their gazebo and plenty of toys and activities for toddlers and babies to enjoy. The news item below tells you what First Steps are doing elsewhere.

Woodland project

Every Wednesday from 29th July to 26th August, and from 10.30am to 2.30pm, Bath City Farm will be transforming its woodland area into a place to play. All 8 to 15 year-olds are invited to get involved with the design and creation of this new space to enjoy and explore. This activity is free.

Tree climbing

Wednesday 19th August from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. For 11 to 15 year-olds, bring along a bike helmet with a chin strap and you will be all set for Tom the tree surgeon to help you into the lofty heights of the farm's woodland canopy. There will also be the chance to put up bat boxes to provide the farm's growing bat population with new homes. This activity is free.

Bat Walk

Wednesday 19th August at 9pm. Go batty and explore the nightlife at Bath City Farm. There will be bat detectors available to hear the bats in flight. Please remember to wear stout footwear and bring a torch if possible. This activity is free. To find out more see the article here.

Roots and Shoots

Every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. For families with children aged 0 to 8, come and help feed the animals and do fun outdoor stuff including gardening, bug hunts and nature trails. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £2 per family.

Play Rangers

Play sessions will continue through the summer holidays for local children, and may include cooking, den building, construction, natural play and imaginative play. Sessions are held on Mondays at The Brickfields, Lymore Avenue, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Bath City Farm. All the sessions run from 3.30pm to 6pm. For more information telephone Bath Area Play Project on 01225 832479.

Information from flyer, 04/08/09