A slideshow about Australia, its culture, history and scenery, took place in Southdown Methodist Centre at The Hollow on Friday night. Residents of Southdown and people from other churches around Bath filled the hall to hear Jane and Geoff Parsons talk about their time in Oz, when they visited one of their three sons, his wife and boy in 2005 and 2008.

There was a lot of interesting material in the slideshow, which was arranged in two halves with supper in between. Topics included the fossilised forest at Victoria and the striking architecture of Federation Square in Melbourne. The commentary was also sympathetic to the Aborigines, recalling at one point how they were driven off their land by soldiers.

Proceeds from the talk will go to the Methodist Centre's work with the community which includes the baby clinic, toddler group, lunch club, advice centre and nearly new shop. Jane has been serving the community from the Methodist Centre since 1995. One of her other sons, Nick, came to help out and is pictured in the above photo.

Joe, 28/03/09

Get along to Culverhay Sports Centre on Saturday 4th April to try a range of sporty activities completely free. Sessions will include water polo, aqua aerobics, scuba diving, street dance, rhythmic gymnastics, taekwondo, football, basketball and badminton.

The gym will be free all day and instructors will be available for mini fitness tests and gym introduction sessions. There will be something for all the family from 10am to 4pm. Just turn up and register on the day - no booking is required. You could discover a new sport that you really enjoy doing.

Joe, 26/03/09

The Golden Fleece pub football team enjoyed a 3-1 win over Green Park Tavern on Sunday, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Secretary's Cup - a knockout cup tournament attached to the Bath and District Football League.

On Sunday 19th April they must beat Bath City Youth (who have already stopped another Twerton team, Two Weir Town) to progress to the final. The final will be played at the Twerton Park Stadium. The Fleece are playing well and stand a good chance, having beaten The New Crown 6-0 and Jazz Sports Reserves 6-1 in recent weeks.

Joe, 23/03/09

Health event

The SPOT health centre next to Twerton Infant School will open for a health event on 25th March from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Anyone can go along, enter the raffle, have some pamper treatments and take away a goodies bag.

Phone mast

An application by Vodafone to install a mobile phone mast at the junction of Mount Road and The Hollow, near the Beehive Surgery, has been refused by the Planning Department. This is about the sixth application to have been fought off by residents and this time the surgery itself joined in with the protests.

Parent support

Many children and young people experience difficulties at school. You may have concerns about your child's education, attendance or behaviour. Southside Family Project has two Parent Support Workers linked with Southdown Infant and Junior Schools, Culverhay and Hayesfield.

If you would like to talk to someone about your worries or need help communicating with your child's school, phone Southside Family Project on 01225 331243.

Joe, 23/03/09

BMX biking

Two BMX Gate Practice events will be held at Bath BMX Track next to Odd Down Playing Fields, on 7th and 9th April from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. This activity is for 11 to 19 year-olds but everyone must supply their own bike and protective gear. For more information telephone 01225 331140.

Youth Theatre

A Youth Theatre Group for young people aged 11 to 17 is about to start at Culverhay School. Would you like to act, or be a stage set designer, make up artist, costume designer, sound or lighting technician, playwright or organiser? Just come to Culverhay School on Wednesday 22nd April at 3.30pm. Telephone 01225 473284.

Drumming

Free drumming workshops for young people aged 11 to 17 will start at Culverhay School on Thursday 23rd April from 3.30pm to 5pm. Learn simple and complex rhythms and techniques and develop the skills to become the backbone of all music. Telephone 01225 473284.

Joe, 21/03/09

Tickets are on sale for a charity football match in memory of Marc Warman. A team of Marc's closest friends called Marc Warman Wonderers will be playing Vince Kent's team, Twerton Athletic, at Odd Down Playing Fields on 26th April from 2pm. Tickets cost £5 each and entitle the holder to watch the football and then go to the Old Culverhaysions Rugby Club afterwards - where there will be food, music, karaoke and a raffle with various prizes to be won.

All proceeds will be donated to Marc's three children. Marc was a very popular local resident and in doing this event 6 months after he passed away, his family and friends think it a good way of raising money for his kids and getting everyone together for a great day out.

Ticket sales and info from Jimbob 07766 633196 and Vince 07984 501153.

Joe, 21/03/09

Tuesday 7th & 14th April

Roots and Shoots club for parents, carers and the under-5s. Feed the animals and plant some flowers. From 10am to 12 noon.

Wednesday 8th April

Come and help build a big papier-mache Saddle-back pig. Under-8s must be accompanied by an adult. From 11am to 2pm.

Thursday 9th April

Easter Egg Hunt, egg decorating and egg rolling. Suitable for the young or young at heart. From 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Wednesday 15th April

Spring Nature Trail. Come and experience the wonderful wildlife on the farm.

Come dressed for the weather and bring a packed lunch. For more information phone Bath City Farm on 01225 481269.

Joe, 20/03/09

A special event for children organised by the Community Play Rangers was held at Bath City Farm on Thursday. Management of the Play Rangers will pass to Bath Area Play Project next month, so the event was treated as a celebration of the closing of one chapter and the opening of another for the outdoor children's workers.

Play Rangers who normally run open air play sessions at Foxhill, Peasedown, Radstock and Keynsham joined our own local Play Rangers at Bath City Farm, bringing with them groups of children from all the different areas. Many children had never been to the farm before, so they had a fun time exploring the fields and ponds.

With help from the children the Play Rangers built a bonfire out of a pile of hedge and tree cuttings at the farm. They cooked some vegetable soup in the embers of the fire, and later the children toasted marshmallows over it. There were nature trails to do as well.

A local group of musicians called Inu played some live Irish music. Inu means "today" in the Irish language of Gaelic. They have played before at Bath City Farm on one of the Saturday fun days. Residents who came to chill out around the fire said it was a lovely event. Laura, the Farm Coordinator, said that she encounters a "really nice community spirit" from all the residents that she meets at the farm.

The farm is to receive funding for a new butterfly bank where wildflowers which attract butterflies will be planted. There are lots of visits from local schools such as Southdown Infants and St Michael's Junior School, introducing children to wildlife and farm animals.

Joe, 19/03/09