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Recent News (click on links or scroll down this page) Saltford Wombles: Litter Pick Sunday 24 June Eastover Farm - Open Garden 1st July in aid of Citizens Advice Your photos of Saltford wanted for the 2019 Saltford Calendar 5th June is World Environment Day - celebrate by reducing plastic use Free entry for SEG fundraiser at the Jolly Sailor, 1st June 6pm onwards Image of important early 18th Century River Avon painting returns to Saltford! Saltford School sets the standard for cleaner travel You can find more news in our News Archive. Current VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE SOUGHT by SEG >> Saltford Wombles: Litter Pick Sunday 24 June
Our next monthly litter pick is on Sunday 24 June, 2.30-4.30pm. The meeting point will be The Bird In Hand car park as the focus for our litter pick will be the riverside paths and The Shallows. If you have litter pickers and gloves please do bring them, but if not we can provide them. We have bags provided by B&NES Council. If you would like to take part, know more about joining or how to adopt your street please contact Jo at the following email address: saltfordwombles@gmail.com. June 2018 Website skills wanted!
Our website is a popular resource for our members and others which means that in addition to keeping it relevant we want to make sure it continues to function as it should. If you live in or near Saltford, care about your local environment and have current knowledge of website design and might be interested in using your IT skills for a bit of IT volunteering to help us behind the scenes please get in touch with our Chairman by email to phil@philharding.net for a no-obligation chat on possible volunteer help. June 2018 21st June is #OurCleanAirDay
21st June is CLEAN AIR DAY when you can pledge to do something to help reduce air pollution. It might be:
You can share your plans on social medie using the #OurCleanAirDay tag and if you can tag B&NES Council with @bathnes as well they will know what is going on in our area. More information about Clean Air Day including ideas, tips and resources at www.cleanairday.org.uk/. June 2018 Saltford Parish Council also objects to premature planning application for another 200 houses between Keynsham and Saltford
We reported in April that on 30th March SEG submitted a strong objection to B&NES Council concerning planning application 18/01509/OUT for 200 houses etc. on Green Belt land safeguarded in the B&NES Core Strategy, i.e. land "safeguarded to meet longer term development needs". At its 5th June meeting Saltford Parish Council also agreed to submit an objection as follows:- "Saltford Parish Council objects to this proposed development and agrees with the fundamentally important objection from the Senior Highways Development Control Engineer at B&NES Council who made it clear that the existing road network in the vicinity of the site has insufficient capacity to accommodate the increase in traffic likely to be generated by the proposed development. Many of the 330+ objections submitted shared that concern and we consider that the existing road infrastructure will struggle to cope with other new housing already planned for East Keynsham and that the local road network will be even more seriously congested by this proposal should it be allowed to proceed." "We also draw to your attention your Senior Highways Development Control Engineer's statement that the proposal is contrary to Policies KE3b (safeguarded land) and ST7 (traffic management proposals) of the B&NES Placemaking Plan, and contrary to paragraph 32 (transport statement/assessment support for significant developments) of the National Planning Policy Framework. As this is Green Belt land "safeguarded to meet longer term development needs" in the B&NES Core Strategy it should only be considered for development after the other developments identified in the Core Strategy have been completed, not before. This would therefore be after infrastructure including transport, education provision and other local services is already in place and found to be coping with existing and new demands placed on it. Additionally only if a genuine need (not demand) for additional new housing remains after the other Core Strategy developments have been completed should any consideration for development of this site be considered." The deadline for commenting was 8 May 2018 but as the Parish Council only meets monthly and was consulted by B&NES too late for the May meeting it was given an extension. The B&NES target decision date is 5th July 2018. June 2018 Eastover Farm - Open Garden 1st July in aid of Citizens Advice
The 4 acres of rural-gardens including the wildflower meadow and woodland at Eastover Farm (Manor Road, Saltford, BS31 3AF) will be open for you to walk around and enjoy on Sunday 1st July from 1.30pm until 6pm. Entry will be £2 per person with Tea and Cakes available to purchase and onsite parking available. The proceeds will support your local Citizens Advice Charity - last year Citizens Advice BANES supported over 8000 clients, including some 800 in Saltford/Keynsham, to secure income gains from benefits etc. of over £5million and helped them deal with recovering from debt, homelessness, employment, family issues and so much more. Come along for an enjoyable afternoon out and help ensure this vital work continues. The garden has been developed over several years by Ray and Penny Buchanan to be wildlife-friendly and feature mainly trees, flowers and shrubs that are native to this part of Somerset. DIRECTIONS for Eastover Farm: Turn right at the top of Grange Road, Saltford into the lane (Manor Road) and the entrance to Eastover Farm (BS31 3AF) can be found after about 300 yards straight ahead after the first sharp bend. Parking will be available for a limited number of cars in the field behind Eastover Farm (NOT up the driveway which will be for pedestrian access only). June 2018 (first published May 2018) Your photos of Saltford wanted for the 2019 Saltford Calendar
Don't forget to send in your photographs of Saltford to SCA (by email to events@saltfordhall.co.uk) by the extended deadline of 30th June. The annual Salford Calendar produced by SCA and SEG helps provide some useful income for both voluntary organisations whilst helping to showcase our beautiful village. May 2018 5th June is World Environment Day - celebrate by reducing plastic use#BeatPlasticPollution To help mark this year's World Environment Day on Tuesday 5th June discover the many ways that you can help to beat plastic pollution at worldenvironmentday.global/. #WorldEnvironmentDay
May 2018 Free entry for SEG fundraiser at the Jolly Sailor, 1st June 6pm onwardsOn Friday 1st June from 6pm onwards there will be a great opportunity to support SEG at the Jolly Sailor PH. While you are there you can see the recently produced full size image of the remarkable and historic 1728 painting of the Jolly Sailor and life on the river when the locks were first installed that is now back in place after a 25 year absence (see previous news item). Entry will be free and 20% of all food and bar takings from 6pm onwards will go to SEG - so whether you fancy a summer evening's meal or just a drink in one of Saltford's pubs you can simultaneously support SEG. And if you enjoy live music, SEG's Vice Chair, Chris Warren, and his band "Kenny and the Jets" will be playing Indie and Rock music from 8pm - they may even play outside if the weather is fine.
May 2018 Image of important early 18th Century River Avon painting returns to Saltford!
NOTE: A larger version can be seen in our Online Museum (18th C) or, even better, visit the Jolly Sailor & see the full size 5' wide version where you can see the detail including the brush strokes & technique of the painter.
25 years after it left the Jolly Sailor pub in Mead Lane, Saltford in 1993, a print image of the 1728 painting measuring over 5 feet in width of the Jolly Sailor when it was the Mill owner's house returned to Saltford on 22 May 2018. It is now hanging in the original home above the main fireplace in the Jolly Sailor. That was where the painting had been for 265 years before it was removed and subsequently sold at Christie's. As part of Saltford Environment Group's History of Saltford project, SEG's Chairman, Phil Harding, traced the painting to its new private owner who kindly gave permission for Phil to visit and photograph the painting in high resolution so that the image of the remarkable scene that the painting portrays could be returned to its original home in Saltford. The 290-year old painting shows important historical information. It was painted just one year after the locks were first installed on the River Avon between Bristol and Bath and navigation of the River Avon had begun. Its heritage value to Saltford is significant as it is the oldest known painting depicting a Saltford scene. Phil Harding said: "It was very kind of the owner of this early 18th Century painting, who wishes to remain anonymous, to allow me to visit and photograph it in high resolution so that a full size reproduction print can be displayed where the painting once hung for 265 years. It's great to see the image it portrays back in Saltford again." The manager of the Jolly Sailor Shiva Saripilli said "The Jolly Sailor is grateful to Saltford Environment Group for tracing and photographing this famous painting so that we can display it here. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to come and see this historical record of life here at the Jolly Sailor in 1728."
Further information and historical significance
In 1993, 265 years after it was painted, this painting left the Jolly Sailor pub where it had hung above the fireplace in the main bar. It was sold by Christie's in June 1994 for £8,500. Measuring 167.2cm x 64.2cm (5' 5.75" x 2' 1.25") and dated at c.1728 by art experts and industrial archaeologists, this is the oldest known painting depicting a Saltford scene. The lock had been opened in 1727 when the Avon Navigation was opened linking Bath to Bristol. It is thought that the house became an inn, the Jolly Sailor, from the 1740s; the first recorded landlord, from 1749 to 1789, was Francis Hunt. Despite its simplicity and stretched perspective the painting is an important industrial and social historical record for the River Avon and Saltford. It provides a rare depiction of activity on the river soon after the locks had been built by Bristol-based civil and mechanical engineer John Padmore that allowed river traffic to bypass Saltford and Kelston weirs. As the somewhat grand house is central to the picture it is thought that this painting may have been commissioned by the mill owner at the time, Mr Faux. The painting depicts the miller's home (central building), the paper mill itself (left-hand building) that was later converted to become a leather mill, the drying house (right-hand building), and the new Saltford Lock. In the central foreground is the lock island with steps, the original lock gates and beams. On the river can be seen a variety of boats including a wherry (left of picture, with square sail), passenger and other pleasure boats with red flags, small rowing boats, a cargo carrying barge with sail (centre within the lock) and a barge pulled by men (right). This was before landowners along the river permitted horses onto their land for pulling barges. Concerned that heavy horses would damage their land, horses for pulling barges were not allowed access. However, lobbying and a petition from local manufacturers along the river led to the passing of the Amendment Act of 1807 (47 Geo III c.129) that allowed for a horse towpath along the river. The painting shows a sense of prosperity for the Bath to Bristol area, sustained by the industrial activity of the many mills along the River Avon and the amount of river traffic including for pleasure use that had become possible by the new navigation as a result of the installation of locks. May 2018 Great British Bee Count 2018
The Great British Bee Count started on 17 May and finishes at the end of June. Can you help make it the biggest Bee Count ever? You can take part wherever you want. Why not keep a look out for them on your way to the shops, work or school? Or search in your garden or local park at the weekend? It's a fun and easy way to discover the wonderful world of bees in our gardens, streets and green spaces. There are smartphone apps (Android or Apple) you can download to help you count the bees including a bee identification guide and survey, a guide to bee-friendly plants and tips for creating habitats for pollinators. In April it was announced that bees across the European Union will be protected from bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides. But bees still face threats from habitat loss, climate change and intensive farming. Taking part in the Great British Bee Count will help provide researchers with valuable insights into how to help bees thrive. This year thousands of bee sightings submitted with a photo will also contribute towards the UK government's Pollinator Monitoring Scheme - the first comprehensive nationwide health check for Britain's wild bees and other pollinators. The Great British Bee Count website has lots more information including links for the free apps at: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/bee-count. May 2018 Senior Highways Development Control Engineer, SEG & 330+ object to another 200 houses between Keynsham & SaltfordOver 330 objections were submitted to B&NES Council for the proposed 200 houses on safeguarded Green Belt land in Keynsham (outline planning application 18/01509/OUT). This included an objection from the Senior Highways Development Control Engineer at B&NES Council due to the lack of capacity on the existing road network, a point made by many of the 330+ objections including the objection from Saltford Environment Group - see our April news item "SEG objects to premature planning application for another 200 houses between Keynsham and Saltford" (link). The Senior Highways Development Control Engineer's objection (24 April 2018) noted that planning permission for this land would only be granted following a review of the B&NES Local Plan. That review was underway, and the required transport infrastructure for the future Local Plan was being considered. This includes a review of sustainable transport connections, and additional highway infrastructure that would support future development and also mitigate adverse impacts. The specific objection from the Senior Highways Development Control Engineer at B&NES Council said:- "Given the relevant planning policy requirement and the infrastructure requirements presented as part of the Joint Spatial Strategy, the highway authority objects to the planning application for the following reason or similar if required by the planning authority." "The existing road network in the vicinity of the site has insufficient capacity to accommodate the increase in traffic likely to be generated by the proposed development. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Policies KE3b and ST7 of the Bath & North East Somerset Placemaking Plan, and contrary to paragraph 32 of the National Planning Policy Framework." Interestingly the Senior Highways Development Control Engineer also said in his comments leading up to his objection that "The modelling undertaken for the Placemaking Plan evidence base clearly demonstrated that the traffic generated by the safeguarded land could not be accommodated within the wider road network." It is clear to anyone who travels by road at the present time in the Keynsham area including approaches to Keynsham High Street that existing roads struggle and increasingly fail to cope with existing traffic. That is almost certainly a result of recent new housing developments that were not accompanied with the necessary new transport infrastructure on a road system that was already at or near full capacity. This has a knock-on effect for road traffic between Saltford and Keynsham as well as causing significant congestion on Keynsham's local road system. Another concern from residents has been the lack of school places. Education Services at B&NES Council highlighted this problem and in its response (26 April 2018) set a condition that "The planning application must be able to demonstrate that the required education infrastructure can be delivered in a timely fashion in order to accommodate the children generated by the proposed development." Saltford Parish Council were consulted too late by B&NES Council on this planning application to deal with it at its May meeting and the Parish Council has asked for an extention so that it can discuss and agree its response at its next meeting on 5th June. The target decision date for this planning application is 5 July 2018. May 2018 Saltford School sets the standard for cleaner travelSaltford Church of England Primary School are continuing to encourage their pupils, staff, parents and carers to either cycle, scooter or walk to promote active and sustainable travel to and from school. Last July they were awarded a Modeshift STARS Silver Award as recognition for their efforts. This year, they have run several more events including a virtual walk from Land End to John of Groats, a' Bling your Bike Day' and have entered 'The Big Pedal' challenge; all to inspire their pupils, staff and parents to choose more sustainable modes of transport. Modeshift STARS is a national scheme which recognises and encourages schools to increase levels of sustainable and active travel to improve the health and well-being of children and young people. The Silver Award is presented to schools that achieve a reduction in car use on the journey to school, deliver a whole-school approach and deliver above and beyond what is normally expected of a school. The school is hoping to have their efforts recognised this year as they strive for a Gold Award and wishes to encourage members of Saltford community to also consider travelling more sustainably when visiting the local shops or clubs that our village has to offer. SEG members may recall that we reported in July 2017 how the school had become the first in the B&NES area to achieve a Modeshift STARS Silver Award (free active travel breakfasts for those who walk, scoot or cycle to school; new bike racks and scooter pods; bikeability training etc.) and in November 2017 that on 21 November Saltford Church of England Primary School received the top prize as The Primary School of The Year 2017 in B&NES for their work on promoting sustainable travel at the school. What a great example our local children and their teachers set! May 2018 More and older news stories from SEGOur 'Newsletter' archive page features most of our past and recently published news stories (click on image):-
Current areas of local volunteer assistance sought by SEG
In addition to volunteer assistance with projects such as Saltford Wombles (tackling litter), Fairtrade Group, and our Railway path habitat restoration project we sometimes have specific roles or posts that need filling. Here are the current vacancies:- Website skills wanted!Our website is a popular resource for our members and others which means that in addition to keeping it relevant we want to make sure it continues to function as it should. If you live in or near Saltford, care about your local environment and have current knowledge of website design and might be interested in using your IT skills for a bit of IT volunteering to help us behind the scenes please get in touch with our Chairman by email to phil@philharding.net for a no-obligation chat on possible volunteer help. First published June 2018 Want to get more involved with SEG?
SEG is seeking new Executive Committee members to help steer and develop SEG's future as we address the environmental concerns of our members at the local level. If you think you might like to get involved and join our Executive Committee (enthusiasm is more important than expertise!), please contact our Chairman, Phil Harding, for an informal non-committal chat. The Executive Committee only meets 4 times a year and its working method is more about sharing ideas and getting things done in a friendly and productive atmosphere than being bogged down with time-consuming administration. First published February 2018, updated April 2018 Want to help staff Saltford's Heritage Centre?
Saltford has a fascinating history as SEG's popular history project has proved. We are aiming to start opening our new and popular Heritage Centre (link) at least once a month for residents and visitors in the mornings. This will be from Easter/April to September and the openings (usually 10am to noon) will be advertised on our website and on facebook. We will also be having special openings for Saltford School children and other groups to visit as well as aiming to open jointly with Saltford Brass Mill for history related events (e.g. during Museums Week). One of the centre's two curators will usually be present to oversee everything and if you would like to join our team of volunteer stewards that we can call on to staff the centre during openings and you would be able to manage 2 to 3 hour shifts please contact Phil Harding by email (phil@philharding.net) giving your name, telephone, address and email and state if you would be able to manage weekends, weekdays or either. This stewardship role is for SEG members only. First published December 2017 Contact SEG
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Saltford Heritage Centre's next scheduled public opening is during the B&NES "Heritage Open Days" on Sunday 16th September 2018 from 2.30 - 4.30pm. Want a private viewing? We can also open the Heritage Centre for 1-hour private viewings by small groups on request (see the Heritage Centre web page for details). Special Features: Saltford Wombles (tackling litter)
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