First Steps Family and Children's Services are organising a special event by Rosewarn Field, Whiteway, for all children aged 0 to 5 in the area, on 3rd September from 12 noon to 2pm.

This not to be confused with the Party in the Park event taking place in Rosewarn Field for everyone on Monday 30th August from 12 noon to 4pm.

Joe, 29/08/10

Launched in 2000, the Family Information Service has 10 years experience of answering queries from local parents, from questions about childcare to starting and moving through school. They keep a wide range of up to date information on registered childcare such as nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, after school clubs and parent & toddler groups.

The service is very popular and handles hundreds of requests for information every month. Parent Samantha Williams, has used the service and says: "The Family Information Service has come to my aid on several occasions - from searching for childcare providers, and then toddler groups in my area to children's music groups and other activities, always with a courteous attitude on the phone or via email. This is a valuable resource for B&NES and we should cherish it."

FIS can also provide support for families of children and young people who have a disability, special educational needs or any other additional requirements. They offer information on local and national help lines, support groups, leisure activities, holiday play schemes, after school clubs, transport, benefits and community organisations.

Finally, look out for the Family Information Service Leisure Pack, published every year. It's full of ideas for filling the school holidays with fun and interesting things to do for all the family. Visit the website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis or call for your copy on Freephone 0800 073 1214, text on 07980 998906, or email fis@bathnes.gov.uk.

Sarah Pryer, 27/08/10

Colourful bunting was stretched from house to house, the road was closed off and residents of Haycombe Drive treated the children to a street party in celebration of the Queen's 1977 Silver Jubilee. In this superb photo sent in by Mr John Rawlings, the photographer is apparently standing at the top of East Way - the short road that connects Haycombe Drive with Kelston View.

To see a bigger version of this photo click here.

Apart from the 1970s fashions, things that are noticeable are the old metal framed windows and the concrete road surface. All the roads around Whiteway were made of concrete back then and Rosewarn Close had not yet been built. Today's Whiteway residents are also planning a fun event which is coming up soon. See below.

Photo by John Rawlings, 26/08/10

According to the Avon and Somerset Constabulary website there is a police beat surgery coming up on 9th September in Twerton. This will be held in the Rose Cottage Community Centre and Cafe, opposite Blockbuster DVD in Twerton High Street, between 2pm and 4pm.

Beat surgeries are used by the police to work with the community, enabling them to talk with residents about their concerns and find out local needs in the area. So if you have a concern, why not go along? Incidentally, the police website has a page with information about Twerton which you can read here.

Joe, 26/08/10

Culverhay

The campaign to save Culverhay School continues. Leaders of the Facebook group, Friends of Culverhay, are encouraging members to protest in writing to figures in the Council Cabinet as well as the Secretary of State for Education. The Council is currently getting so many letters that it is having to coordinate all correspondence through the office of Ashey Ayre, the Strategic Director for Children's Services.

Some strongly argued reasons for saving Culverhay are on the school website here. But replies from the Council insist that something must be done about the surplus places in local schools.

Party in the Park

A big fun event called Party in the Park is taking place in Rosewarn Field, Whiteway, on Monday 30th August between 12 noon and 4pm. Residents have been organising this event for many weeks and it looks like it will be well worth going along.

Phone mast

The latest update on the phone mast that Vodafone wants to install at Poolemead Road is on the Forum here. you will need to scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Joe, 24/08/10