A new cafe has opened up at Mount Road, Southdown. Called "R Caff", it is a venture by Suzy and Marc who have lived in the area for years. It has already received quite a lot of support from local people who have said that a cafe is just what Southdown needs.

The cafe is set up in a shop front that has belonged to Suzie's dad, but which has remained empty for about 20 years. Suzy and Marc believe that the cafe can be a success and a valuable addition to the community - a place for people to meet and chat.

Joe, 19/06/11

Bath Chronicle reporter Felicity Crump and news editor Paul Wiltshire will be at Rose Cottage in Twerton on Thursday 16th June, to talk with local residents. Anyone who has a potential story that they would like to discuss in detail, or any other submissions for the newspaper, is invited to come along to the cafe between 10am and 1pm.

Editor Sam Holliday will also be available for the first hour. This will be the first Meet the Reporter surgery held by the Chronicle, and it is hoped that it will become a regular event.

Joe, 07/06/11

A project to grow a copse of native English trees on the southern slope of Roundhill has been underway. The trees were planted in the winter by the organisation More Trees for Bath, with support from the Friends of Roundhill group and local volunteers.

The other week, some of us returned to the spot to remove weeds from around the trees. The trees will also need occasional watering to stand the best chance of survival. There has been a problem with children taking all the canes that were there to support the trees. Please be kind and leave the canes in place.

Another tree-planting project has been going on in Hillcrest Field, Southdown.

Joe, 07/06/11

A new gym has opened in Twerton Hight Street, occupying the building that used to be Jeffrey Carpets. The 'Fit Guru' Gym has been running for a month and has attracted about 30 members. There is a weights room, cardio-vascular machines and a varied workout room, where people once came to buy carpet and laminate flooring.

Different types of exercise classes are held during the day. These include circuit training and boxercise, as well as toning and conditioning exercises. The gym is managed by Laura Jeffrey who is a physiotherapist and whose parents used to run the carpet shop.

For more information and contact details, visit: www.fit-guru.com.

Joe, 02/06/11