A group of about 15 adults and children gathered together to sing carols by the YMCA building at the bottom of Roundhill last Saturday. Led by Jane Parsons of Southdown Methodist Centre, the singing was interspersed with short readings and a prayer.

Once we got into it the carol singing was fun and drew some attention from passers by. It was followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the YMCA building, which normally serves as a gym. Although we were low on numbers this event could easily grow in size if more churches around here got on board. At Easter a number of local churches make their way to Roundhill for worship on the top of the hill (see here).

The Carols at Roundhill event was organised by the Friends of Roundhill group. Future events to take place on Roundhill are detailed on their website at: friendsofroundhill.org/events.

Joe, 17/12/09

Yesterday afternoon a team of people and workers in the community combined their efforts to hold a small Winter Fete at Rose Cottage in Twerton High Street. This event was partly designed to build relations between the Bath Foyer in Twerton and local residents. People from the Foyer were serving delicious soup and rolls, as well as homemade cakes.

There were information boards about the Foyer and a display showing the sort of artwork that young people at the Foyer will be making in an art project. Art Project Manager Nina said that one of the themes of the art will be journeys, and that the people at the Foyer already have some good ideas what to create. Their project will include photography and writing.

Some folk who came along to the fete tried out the free manicures and massages that were on offer, while others used the free internet access which is available when the Rose Cotage Cafe is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Reps from the Stop Smoking group which meets at Rose Cottage were there to give out information, as was Health Trainer Jo Welch who gives advice on healthy living at The Spot community building by Twerton Infant School. You can get information about the Stop Smoking group and Health Trainers on the Groups page here.

Joe, 10/12/09

First Steps has released the times of its Christmas activities for preschool children. To see a flyer with the times of all the different groups click here. The programme for South West Bath is:

Monday 14th December from 9.30am to 11.30, Stay and Play at Southside Youth Centre, Kelston View.

Tuesday 15th December from 10am to 12 noon, Stay and Play at First Steps Annexe, Dominion Road (Christmas themed session).

Tuesday 22nd December from 4pm to 5pm, Carols by Candlelight at First Steps Annexe, Dominion Road.

Wednesday 23rd December from 1pm to 3pm, Young Parents Group at First Steps Annexe, Dominion Road.

The First Steps website is at: www.firststepsbath.org.uk.

Joe, 09/12/09

On Monday the Community at Heart shop opened at Mount Road, Southdown. This is the shop where profits are donated to local community groups and schools etc. People can call in and recommend local good causes which the shop might support with a donation.

More photos:  Community shop   Warm coats

The first day went well with some customers having a look around and donations being made to the shop. The shop is fairly well stocked with clothes, children's books, toys, jewellery, bedding and videos etc. All items are good value and you can buy children's clothes or shoes for £1.

Please contribute any unwanted clothes, bric-a-brac, toys etc to the shop, or arrange a collection by phoning Julia on 01225 340627. At the moment there is a pressing need for coat hangers, so please take along some spare hangers if you can!

Joe, 07/12/09

The Coffee Link Cafe at Twerton High Street is sadly due to close this Friday. Its owner Sammy has been running the cafe since 2001 but has to close it for economic reasons. Coffee Link is my favourite cafe where you can go in and chat to local folk and I'm gutted to see it go. Sammy is a great character and has an interesting viewpoint to contribute to any conversation.

Customers of the cafe have raised significant sums of money for a children's cancer charity called CLIC Sargent, by putting coins in the collection box on the counter. And earlier this year, Radio Bristol broadcasted a programme from the cafe (see here).

Sammy at the Coffee Link Cafe

Peter Darby, a regular at the cafe, said that the food and company had been very good over the years. Another regular named Margaret Davis said she thought the cafe was very nice and didn't want it to stop. Sammy would like to thank all the people for their support and custom. He will continue to live in Twerton.

Joe, 07/12/09

Beer Festival

There will be a Beer Festival at Bath City Football Club on these days: Friday 4th December from 3pm to 11pm, Saturday 5th December from 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 6th December from 11am to 3pm. About 20 types of beer are being brought in and admission is free.

Recyling bags

Did you receive the big blue bag for putting your cardboard waste out for recycling? I suspect that some people haven't, because they were blowing about in the wind after being delivered to each door. I found mine folded up and thought it was litter. You can get one by phoning Council Connect on 01225 394041, or by emailing CouncilConnect@bathnes.gov.uk

Urban Extension

Time is running out for you to have your say over proposals to build 2,000 houses west of Twerton. One reason which the council gives for wanting to build the houses here is that: "development in this location would be capable of performing a strategic role in the growth of the city" (BANES Core Strategy Spatial Options Consultation 2009, p. 110). Does this mean that the new houses would be the thin end of the wedge with more building developments to follow after? For more information see here.

Joe, 01/12/09