The Scout Group based at St Barnabas Church Hall, Mount Road caters for Southdown, Twerton and Whiteway and takes children from 6 to 14. This Scout Group is known as 31st Bath. The group is always looking for new recruits and also needs adult helpers for every section.

More children are needed to make up numbers among the Cub Scouts (aged 8 to 10) at the moment. There are also Beaver Scouts (aged 6 to 8) and Scouts (aged 10 to 14).

If you think your child might like to join the Scout Group, or that you could become a volunteer, you can find out more on the 31st Bath website at www.31stbath.tk.

Joe, 23/10/09

The latest PACT meeting for the Southdown Ward was a long one, so I have written a more detailed report as a separate entry. To read the detailed report click here. Most significantly a number of residents from the Whiteway estate came to discuss issues with people from the Southdown neighbourhood.

Councillor Paul Crossley said that road safety issues to do with Whiteway Road and Southdown Road will be addressed in the next budget. Environmental Manager Bruce Bennett said that 9 litter bins had been installed in the area this year but some have been stolen. They will be replaced when money from the next budget is available.

The second half of the meeting consisted of group discussions on how to deal with the problems of litter, dog fouling and speeding cars. Ideas to deal with litter included more bins at Rosewarn Field and a flyer to educate people on the problems caused by dog fouling.

Ideas to reduce speeding included a Community Speedwatch where residents record speeding cars using speed guns. Four residents volunteered to do this. A resident group are organising a petition to lower the speed limit to 20mph around Whiteway. They will be presenting the petition to a Full Council Meeting.

It was decided to keep working on these issues, rather than introduce a new set of priorities. Above is a photo of Nick Gardham from RE:generate writing down people's ideas.

Joe, 20/10/09

A public meeting was held at Southside Youth Centre on Wednesday evening, so that residents could see the refurbishment plans and find out what new groups will be offering services from the centre. Developments will include a superb multi-purpose sports pitch - see here.

There were also displays showing the kinds of activities already taking place. Ron Hill from the boxing club drew attention to the Club of Year Award that the boxers have just earned.

These are some of the agencies that will be using the Southside Youth Centre:

Off The Record

Off The Record is a confidential counselling service for young people aged 13 to 19. It already provides a weekly drop-in at the youth centre but young people can arrange to talk to someone at the Bath office in Manvers Street if they prefer.

Off The Record can help with issues such as drugs and alcohol, sexuality, being a young carer, family issues, being a young parent or anything else you want to talk about. For more information telephone 01225 312481 or visit the website here.

Primary Centre

The Primary Centre provides education for children who need a different type of learning environment than that provided by the standard school system. There is an emphasis on positive activities and supporting pupils to overcome difficulties.

It is planned that where there is an overflow of pupils, some children will receive educational activities at the Southside Centre - especially those children who live locally.

Council Connect

Council Connect is able to offer advice on a range of topics such as welfare benefits and what to do when facing financial pressures. Staff will be working with local residents to see whether they want an advice centre or drop-in sessions at Southside.

Joe, 15/10/09

Bath City Farm and the Community Learning Service are running a free 8 week course to introduce learners to different methods of environmental conservation within a working farm. This is a fun and informal course suitable for beginners.

It starts on Wednesday 21st October from 1.15pm to 3.15pm, at Bath City Farm, Kelston View. If you would like to attend, telephone Sheilagh on 01225 396836. To download some more information about this course, click here.

Joe, 13/10/09