This is our version of the same feature that appears in the Bath Chronicle! Many thanks to John Rawlings of Whiteway for sending in the two pictures shown below.

This amazing window into Twerton's history comes in the form of a Victorian or Edwardian postcard. The photograph, enhanced by the addition of coloured tints, was apparently taken some time before the closure of Twerton Station in 1917. The buildings near the railway tunnel serve as shops, while the greenery in the background recalls a time when there was little more than fields and trees beyond the High Street. The Lower Bristol Road at the far right of the photo appears as quiet as a country lane.

The above photo captures the football ground at Twerton when it was used to host a concert in 1970. The bands playing that year included Fleetwood Mac and Shakin Stevens.

Joe, 29/11/07

The ABC Toddler Group in Twerton has been going for about 12 years and has plenty of room for newcomers. The group comes together on Mondays from 10am to 11.45am, in the premises known as the Church Rooms at the top end of Twerton High Street.

The team of workers and mums who regularly attend the toddler group make the following points:

Who comes to ABC Toddlers?

We cater for children ranging from nought to four years old. Normally we've got about six or seven children from around Twerton and Whiteway. Mums have to stay with their children.

What do you do?

We put out toys and let the kids do what they want to do. We also do crafts and cookery with them - for example we've made chocolate cornflake cakes and things out of salt dough, and we've got a few ideas for next year as well. Towards the end of the session we have a "tidy-up time" followed by story-telling and a sing-song.

What's it for?

The group helps parents to get together and make new friends, and enables the children to play and meet others before they are ready for school. It also helps them to develop play skills and social skills such as learning how to share.

Contact by email

Joe, 26/11/07

The Government has given BANES Council a directive to build many thousands of new houses, with a likelihood that around a thousand homes will be built at sites to the south of Bath. There is a chance that some of the building will be near Twerton.

The project seems likely to have both positive and negative effects. For example, adding 500 houses to an area effectively brings in an extra 500 cars - assuming that there is an average of one car per household. On the other hand, the developers can be invited to contribute towards local causes such as schools and youth clubs.

The reasons for the "urban extension" are economic, given that the wealth generated by a region is dependant upon there being sufficient housing for the workforce needed there. Most Bath councillors are in favour of cooperating with the Government's plan, on the basis that they have no power to oppose it, and because cooperation will make it possible to have more influence over how the development unfolds. Meanwhile a local resident has started an action group to address the issues raised. Those wanting to join can contact Colin Smith .

Joe, 20/11/07

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Autumn improvements at Bath City Farm

Volunteer teams have brought some great improvements to Bath City Farm this Summer and Autumn. BANES Adult Care Team, a Cubs group and Bath Mind worked at different times towards the construction of a wood-chipped path around the garden, the Environment Agency built a similar path by the pig pens among other jobs, and the professional services firm Price Waterhouse Coopers, added £250 worth of attractive plants to the garden.

Meanwhile the Farm's own Roots and Shoots under-fives group have dug in some plants and bulbs, and there are plans to enter the garden for the Bath in Bloom competition next year. Regular volunteers at the Farm have built a superb duck house, and a new duck pond is in the pipeline too.

Among the animals, Ashley the British Saanen goat has given birth to two babies - Kasmir (male) and Katie (female). The two offspring had trouble suckling and needed to be bottle fed, which has made them very tame.

The full news update can be read here: Autumn 2007 Newsletter.

Joe, 13/11/07