Southdown's latest PACT meeting was held at Southdown Junior School and chaired by former Councillor Angela Godfrey. As usual the meeting began with an overview of what progress had been made on the priorities raised at the previous PACT.

One priority had been the problem with students of the Bath Spa University Annexe at Culverhay School, parking on pavements at Englishcombe Lane and using up parking spaces in surrounding roads. Councillor Paul Crossley reported that the students have been given bus timetables to encourage them to use public transport. An agreement has been reached whereby students can use 20 spaces of the Jubilee Inn car park in daytime, and the university will spread classes more evenly so that there are fewer students on any one day.

Possibilities of introducing one-way systems to certain roads will need further discussion. The parking situation at Roundhill Grove must be addressed before a one-way system incorporating Mount View can be brought in. There are plans to resurface Haycombe Drive in the future and some traffic issues to do with that road will be best tackled them.

Another issue had been with the bus stop at Hillcrest Drive, where buses stop and wait when ahead of their schedule. The bus company plans to make a bus stop at Sladebrook Road the new designated 'waiting stop' where there is less conflict of traffic.

In answer to the problem of speeding vehicles it was proposed that a Community Speedwatch be implemented. This would involve local volunteers receiving training to use equipment such as speed guns to record offending motorists.

Neighbourhood Watch Manager Trevor Wilmot typing
up the meeting's priorities, with PCSO Paul Spreadbury

Councillor Crossley said that a new project to build community cohesion in Whiteway is being put together. Meanwhile the free boxing club at Southside Youth Centre has been hugely successful with youngsters. The Southdown Traders Association will apply for funds to run and support the Southdown PACT meetings.

PC Mark Brain said that police have given warnings and issued tickets to motorists parking illegally outside of the Southdown schools and will continue to do so. They have also tackled a number of burgulars, with some looking at a stretch in prison. There have been some significant drugs arrests locally as well.

Then residents at the meeting were asked what further issues could be tackled in Southdown and Whiteway. It was mentioned that heavy goods vehicles were causing a disturbance in Southdown Road. Other people said that a low-bottomed slide should be installed at Roundhill Park and that lighting at Wedmore Park was in need of attention.

Issues which had been stated by elderly people getting their flu jab at the clinic were added to the list. These individuals had identified problems with overgrown hedges and motorists parking across steps at Haycombe Drive, faded Keep Clear signs at Blagdon Park and a seat at Blagdon Park being used by people who were causing a nuisance.

We then voted for which issues should be acted upon. These turned out to be: 1) Replace the slide at Roundhill Park; 2) Fix the lighting at Wedmore Park and relocate the seat at Blagdon Park; 3) Heavy goods vehicle disturbances at Southdown Road.

Joe, 16/10/08

On Tuesday a national charity called the Shaw Trust used the Village Hall at Twerton to advertise their work. The Shaw Trust works with employers, social services and the disabled to help people with disabilities find employment. The event was led by Clare Gray (left in the photo) who is the county's Lead Officer for Shaw Trust services.

One option the charity makes disabled people aware of, is the Direct Payment Service. If someone is entitled to home care from social services, they can have it in the form of a direct payment which can be used to employ help from a different agency such as a friend or family member.

Joe, 16/10/08

The Community Learning Service will be having an open day at 80 High Street, Twerton, on Wednesday 22nd October from 10am to 8pm. (This is the FOTEC Learning Centre by the Bath Foyer, where people walk through the slipway.) You will be able to join the hourly workshops and get advice on courses that are right for you.

There will be workshops to help improve your maths and english, give you a basic introduction to computers, and - for the over fifty-fives - a special workshop including chair exercises, recipes, a quiz and information on local courses that may be of interest.

There will be an advice session on family courses that can help you and your child learn and have fun together, information on getting a job in construction, and advice on what courses are available in maths, english, computer skills, arts and crafts. To see the times for the different worskhops and advice sessions click here.

For more information, telephone 01225 396192.

Joe, 10/10/08

The latest set of memories of Twerton as it used to be, has been added to the Articles section. These are the oldest memories yet and belong to 94 year-old Alfie who has enrolled on a course at the Twerton Learning Centre. Take a journey into Twerton's past by reading Alfie's recollections of Twerton here. The photograph opposite is of Alfie (middle of the top row) with his father and brothers.

Building up a memories archive on the website is hard work but well worth it. I am also interested to hear from anyone who has old memories of Southdown, or the Whiteway Estate shortly after it was built.

Joe, 09/10/08

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It's been a couple of weeks since I last heard about the new drop-in centre called The Point. I hope it's going well. Here is the current timetable of agencies that will be around to give advice at the centre for 2008 and 2009.

At Culverhay School - 3pm to 5pm

FIS (info on children's services) - 22nd October, 11th February 09, 20th May 09.

CAP (debt advice) - 8th October, 5th November, 3rd December, 14th January 09, 25th February 09, 25th March 09, 22nd April 09, 3rd of June 09, 1st July 09.

Health Trainer - 17th December.

At Southdown Methodist Centre - 10am to 12 noon

FIS (info on children's services) - 10th December, 1st April 09.

Health Trainer - 15th October, 12th December.

Age Concern - every Thursday.

Joe, 04/10/08

The National Childbirth Trust will be holding a nearly new sale of clothes and equipment for children aged 0 to 7, on 11th October from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Culverhay School, Rush Hill. Members will be given early entry at 10am.

The Shaw Trust provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other circumstances. There will be an event advertising the work of this charity on 14th October from 1pm to 4pm at Twerton Village Hall, Landseer Road.

The Southside Family Project has employed a worker to help people experiencing domestic abuse and substance misuse. The worker can give advice, support and access to other services such as Citizens Advice, Housing and Benefits etc. See: Southside Family Project.

Joe, 03/10/08

Last Saturday, Mr Peter Little of Twerton presided at the organ in St Michael's Church for about 3 hours, playing pieces of music from Bach to Boellmann plus a lot more, including one of his own compositions. Starting at 10am the organ playing was sponsored by people who go to St Michael's Church, with proceeds to be sent to their missionary Bernard Mambwe in Zambia.

St Michael's Church uses traditional and contemporary styles of music. Favourite old hymns are usually played by organ, while modern pieces are accompanied by guitars, drums, electronic keyboard and even beatboxing.

Joe, 01/10/08