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In 1971 many organisations in Timsbury were working hard to raise money for a new village hall. The children at St. Mary’s Primary took part in a sponsored walk and as a result contributed £172 to the fund. A summer fayre on the recreation field in May was blessed with perfect weather and raised over £300. It was opened by Bernard Cayzer of Parish’s House who also presented the prizes at the children’s sports’ events. His financial contribution was to be crucial when Conygre Hall eventually opened in 1973.
Michael Green, the secretary of the Timsbury Development Committee was presented with a cheque for the new hall from Peter Lewis, captain of Timsbury Cricket Club at the club’s annual dinner and dance. It was a result of the club’s scrap metal collections. At the same function Phil Cleaves became the first recipient of the much coveted Clubman of the Year trophy which had been donated by chairman Steve Taylor. Sadly later in the year Steve was to die suddenly at the age of 62. Well known as a jeweller with shops in Paulton and Midsomer Norton he was also fully involved with the local table tennis and snooker leagues.
In 1971 the death also occurred of Ernest Whalley, one of the great stalwarts of the mining industry. Aged 83 and living at St. Mary’s Close he had worked as a stoker at Timsbury collieries and later at Pensford and Bromley as a winding engine driver. Ernest also drove Sentinel steam wagons, hauling coal from the various collieries in the area. Actively involved with village organisations, he was a Parish Councillor and a member of the Labour Party working on behalf of the Co-operative movement.
One of the most sophisticated security alarm systems in the world had been developed by John Ashley of Timsbury and his firm Ashley Associates. In 1971 it was on trial at a major building in Bath. The company sold manufacturing rights to Fisher-Karpark Ltd. of Halifax who had the scheme patented in this country and abroad.
Another magnificent feat of technology came to the assistance of multiple sclerosis sufferer Ken Winter of Greenvale Drive in 1971. Ken was only the second person in the south-west to benefit from special equipment known as Patient Operated Selector mechanism (Possum). It was an electric selector which could be linked to the door, telephone, lights, electric fire, radio, T.V, intercom or whatever was required. Ken operated the system by blowing or sucking on a mouthpiece. Possum users had their own newsletter and Ken was to become its assistant editor.
The annual display of the 1st. Timsbury Girls’ Brigade was held at the Secondary School. The Brigade formed a guard of honour for the entry of the platform party. There was figure marching, a fashion show, puppetry, national dancing and team games. The annual awards were presented by Miss M. Dunford, the N.E. Somerset District Commandant.
At the Timsbury Tabor Sunday School anniversary Wilf Bridges was presented with a pen by Roger Hatherell in recognition of his 25 years as Sunday School superintendent. The preacher on that Sunday in May 1971 was the Pastor Gordon Jarrett and at the afternoon service the Tabor pupils were joined by children from South Road Methodist and the Congregational Church.
On the sporting front Timsbury Juniors managed by the ebullient Ron Sims were narrowly beaten in the final of the Bath and Bristol Sunday Football League Blathwayt Cup final. In a match where there was little to choose between the two sides they lost 1-0 to Patchway North End with Timsbury keeper Moody having an outstanding game. There was no better luck for the village’s senior table tennis team. Timsbury A comprising of Brian Newth, Len Taylor and Tony Maggs were beaten in the final of the North-East Somerset Table Tennis League by Norton Sports.
Finally the Parish Council clerk, Eric Brimble reported that a request for a footpath from Hook to Meadgate would be considered by the Clutton Rural District Council’s Road Safety Committee. It was many years later before it eventually arrived.