With little to report in the quiet spell after Christmas Day, I thought I might write some news reports on events that happened in Twerton's past. The news stories in this section are true but they describe situations in Twerton in the 1700s rather than now.

Tragedies at the Weston Cut

The opening of the Weston Cut in 1727 has enabled boats to navigate the river through Twerton, as it allows them to enter through the Weston Lock. However, the new construction has also resulted in two fatalities. Tragic entries in the Twerton church register record the drowning of John Aldridge in 1733, and Mary Taylor in 1738 "at ye New Cutt near ye gates of ye lock aged 7 years."

The waterways are particularly dangerous because a lot of Twerton people never learn to swim, even though many are employed along the river at the brass mill and in the weaving industries.

Happy outcome for baby

Residents of the City of Bath have again been suspected of leaving unwanted babies at Twerton Village. A female baby lying in a frail (a type of basket made of rushes) was apparently left at George Davis Court some time between 3am and 5am on 23rd February 1729. The baisins (hot food left for the baby) were still fresh in the basket when she was discovered.

Church records at Twerton indicate that the baby has found a happy home. She is described as being "bonnie and beautiful" and has been "named after Mary the mother of Jesus."

From C. Stillman, Oct 1970 parish magazine, 25/12/08

Christmas Karaoke at The Rising Sun, Lymore Avenue, was a fun time on Saturday. The karaoke equipment was provided by Roar Sounds with over 9,000 tracks to choose from, and people were already beginning to move to the music before the singing started.

The event brought people of different generations together and the mood was a happy one. The above photo is of Lottie and her friends giving a rendition. The girls attempted several songs and were among the best singers. Landlady Julie Hoskins has been in charge of the South Twerton pub for about 2 and a half years.

Joe, 21/12/08

Whiteway project

In November, a charitable trust called RE:generate began an 18 month project on the Whiteway Estate. The trust helps people who normally go unheard, to express their opinions and develop the facilities that they want for their community.

Local people possess a lot of talent that often remains unused. But by listening to them, and with the right sort of support, the community can be brought together to create and continue the improvements that they would like to see. RE:generate works with local agencies to help residents channel their abilities into bringing about change.

Earlier this month, a couple of team members met with agencies in Twerton Village Hall to share ideas and explain what they do. They said that ideally they hope to hear the views of every household in Whiteway. You can visit the RE:generate website here.

Phone mast

The Local Planning Authority has decided to refuse Vodafone's application to site a ten metre mobile phone mast at the junction of Mount Road and The Hollow. Details of the decision will appear on the Council website here.

Free courses

Budgeting for the Credit Crunch - a 6 week course run by the Community Learning Service and held at Culverhay School. The course will help you find the best deals and more. It starts on Monday 23rd February, 7pm to 9pm. Telephone 01225 396834.

Spelling Workshop - a 6 week course run by the Community Learning Service and held at Culverhay School. The course will help you improve your spelling. It starts on Wednesday 25th February, 7pm to 9pm. Telephone 01225 396834.

Computing for Beginners - an 8 week course run by the Community Learning Service and held at Culverhay School. The course is for people with little or no experience of computers. It starts on Wednesday 4th February, 7pm to 9pm. Telephone 01225 396834.

Chinese Brush painting - a 4 week course run by the Community Learning Service and held at Twerton Football Club. The course will give you the chance to develop beginners' Chinese brush skills. Telephone 01225 396834.

Pantomime

This year's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Theatre Royal was loosely set in Twerton. The village was supposed to be Twerton and even our number 5 bus got a mention. At the end, Jack marries the Princess and becomes Prince of Twerton.

The Point

The Point advice centre is available at Culverhay School one week and Southdown Methodist Centre the next. Different agencies turn up to give advice and support on topics such as local facilities for children and general health. The Point has been very successful at the Methodist Centre, where the advice sessions coincide with a toddler group so parents can use it. A timetable of which agencies are around to give advice, and when, can be seen here.

Joe, 20/12/08

Why not give St Michael's Church in Twerton a try this Christmas? Coming events are: Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 21st December at 6.30pm, Midnight Communion on Wednesday 24th December at 11pm and Christmas Morning on Thursday 25th December at 10.15am.

Email from church, 18/12/08

A Snowy Christmas Eve and the Visitors, was the title of a play acted out at the Southdown Methodist Centre on Sunday. Lay Worker Jane Parsons narrated the story of an elderly couple living in a modern home, who had a visitor at the door on Christmas Eve. It turned out to be one of the wise men looking for the newborn King.

The nativity story of Jesus then took place in the home of the elderly couple, with wise men and angels, and you were left to ponder whether the play represented an up-to-date adaptation of the Bible's account, a vision, or something else.

The angels were acted by Brownies based at the Methodist Centre and the wise men were acted by adults from the Thursday Lunch Club. There was carol singing and the closing prayer remembered people who are lonely and those suffering the effects of the credit crunch. There was tea and mince pies afterwards.

Joe, 17/12/08