On Wednesday a cake sale in aid of the Haiti earthquake disaster was organised by St Michael's Surgery. Staff at the surgery came up with the idea and asked local people if they would bake some cakes for the appeal. By Wednesday the table was covered with a variety of home made cakes including chocolate, fruit, banana and fairy cakes.

Local resident Mrs Doris Frost, who was managing the sale, said that it had gone very well and local folk had been very generous. While we were talking a couple popped in to buy a banana cake in support of the cause. Well done Twerton.

Joe, 28/01/10

Funds for Haiti are being raised in Twerton after a huge earthquake caused devastation across the island. On Saturday St Michael's Church in Twerton held a very successful breakfast event in its Rec House building (next door to The Full Moon) in aid of the crisis.

Dozens of people came along to purchase bacon baps, tea and cakes, make conversation and read an assortment of newspapers. A collection was also held at the door. Most folk were connected with the church or the church's Rose Cottage Cafe but some passers by came in as well.

This coming Wednesday there will be a cake sale from 10am to 4pm at St Michael's Surgery in Twerton, in aid of the Haiti disaster.

Joe, 24/01/10

The FRIJ youth club for 11 to 18 year-olds is held at Sladebrook Evangelical Church next to the Tesco store at Englishcombe Lane. It runs on the first and third Friday of the month during term time and costs 50p per session. The club is accessed by the door on the side of the building.

The programme for the next few months is: January 22nd Tournament Night; February 5th Pancake Games; March 5th Ten Pin Bowling; March 19th Passion and Chips; April 16th Challenge Night. For more information telephone 07958 351775.

Joe, 16/01/10

PACT cancelled

Due to the severe weather conditions the decision has been made to cancel the PACT meeting which was to be held at Southside Youth Centre. The next Southdown and Whiteway PACT will take place on 14th April at 7pm in St Barnabus Church.

Cycle marking

The police are holding bicycle security marking events to increase the chances of your bike being returned to you should it be lost or stolen. Officers will also be giving advice on how to keep your bike safe and less attractive to potential thieves. You can get your bike security marked and registered at Southside Youth Centre, Kelston View, on Saturday 16th January, Saturday 23rd January and Sunday 24th January from 2pm to 3.30pm.

The Wurzels

The Wurzels will be performing at Twerton Park on 19th February. Tickets cost £15. For more information telephone Bath City Football Club on 01225 423087.

Joe, 13/01/10

It's snowing hard outside right now, just when I was beginning to wonder if we had seen the last of it. The long term weather forecast indicates that this severe cold spell is likely to give way to better weather towards the weekend.

Last week there was a sunny day when the snow was still fresh that made some nice scenes. I've combined the photos that I took with those sent in by Mr John Rawlings, to make a slideshow that you can see here. All the photos are of places around South West Bath, like Bath City Farm.

Joe, 12/01/10

Age Concern is laying on some extra services for older people who are in difficulties during this period of severe weather. These basic services performed by volunteers, include shopping, dog walking and clearing snow. If you, or someone you know, is over 65 and needs help at home, ring 01225 466135 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30, and ask for Winter Services.

In addition Age Concern is grateful to the House of Bath which is donating 100 halogen heaters to give away. If you, or someone you know, is over 65 and in real neeed of an extra heater in their home, ring the same number and ask for House of Bath halogen heaters.

Joe, 12/01/10

Jobs bus

Are you looking for work? Interested in improving your skill levels? Want to be more confident when applying for jobs? Then come and visit the jobs and training bus. The bus will be situated by the shops at Mount Road on: 14th January from 1.30pm to 4pm, 22nd January from 10am to 12.30pm and 28th January from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Fieldfares

The cold weather in Northern Europe has prompted a type of bird called a fieldfare to migrate south to Britain. I saw one near Blackmore Drive and couldn't work out what it was. A flock of them have nested behind the student block on the Lower Bristol Road. They are a relative of the thrush and their name comes from the Anglo-Saxon feldefare meaning 'traveller through the fields'.

PACT meeting

The next Southdown and Whiteway PACT will be held this Wednesday 13th January at 7pm in Southside Youth Centre, Kelston View. The meetings are for local people to come and discuss community issues to be sorted out. This is the first time the meeting has been held in Whiteway.

Joe, 08/01/10

Have you voted in the 2010 Twerton, Whiteway and Southdown snowmen contest? Watch a slideshow of this year's snowmen made in Twerton, Whiteway and Southdown, and follow a link to vote on which set of snowmen is best. To watch the show and cast your vote, click here.

Last year we had Twerton snowmen versus Whiteway snowmen, and the Twerton snowmen won by a narrow flake victory - 85 votes to 84. This year, some Southdown snowmen have been added to make a three way contest.

Joe, 08/01/10

The Council is posting big freeze updates on its website here. You can find out about expected weather conditions and how the weather is affecting local services like roads, buses, schools, children's centres and meals services.

Useful vulnerable adult telephone numbers are: Lewis House Community and Health Access Team: 01225 396000, Emergency Duty Team: 01454 615165. Other enquiries can be made to Council Connect on 01225 394041. The Council Out of Office Emergency number is 01225 477477.

Joe, 06/01/10

Life skills

Bath City Farm is running a 10 week practical programme to help people develop back to work skills. The programme will include learning basic animal care, conservation and horticulture skills, as well as learning about health and safety, budgeting and project planning.

Starting on 27th January, the course runs for one and a half days a week, Monday 10am to 3pm and Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm. For more information or to enrol in the programme please contact Helen Lerwill on 01225 481269. You can download the course outline by clicking here.

Community walk

A walk from Roundhill at Southdown to the Tithe Barn at Englishcombe is scheduled for 30th January. Meet behind the children's playing area at Roundhill at 12 noon. The walk will pass the earthwork remains of Culverhay Castle which was built in Norman times. The Tithe Barn has mysterious etchings on its walls dating back hundreds of years.

Please wear warm clothing and stout footwear and be aware that there will be slopes and rough tracks along the way. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The walk will take about 45 minutes both ways.

Joe, 05/01/10