The latest publication from Bristol Books covers the post-war history of Keynsham and Saltford, taking readers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The story of Keynsham and Saltford spanning just one lifetime records a host of well-known places and familiar faces from the period between 1945 and 2020.

From the famous Fry’s factory at Somerdale to the changing face of Keynsham’s shops; from the great flood of 1968 to the construction of the by-pass; from the Pascoe family – of pet food and opera fame – to some famous faces of today, such as Bill Bailey and Judd Trump – it’s all preserved in print.

Keynsham & Saltford 1945 – 2020 has been researched and written by members of the Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society. 

The 176-page book includes more than 200 photographs and illustrations which help bring the colourful history to life. 

The book is split into two sections, the first of which features significant events, beginning with the VE Day celebrations right the way through to April 2020, and the support provided to the local community by Keynsham’s own radio station as people went into lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The second section – “Lives and Times” – first recalls some of the people who have made their mark on Keynsham and Saltford through the decades.

Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society Chairman Richard Dyson edited the book, the idea for which began when the society’s committee discussed how best to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015.

He said: “When we started, our idea was to compile a chronological account of the period. It soon became clear that this snapshot approach could not cover everything, so we extended our reach to include people of interest who have a local connection, sports clubs and aspects of life that affect us all, such as shops, schools and transport.”

Whether you want to re-kindle old memories or learn about the area’s recent past, the wide-ranging collection of accounts and pictures brings local history to life.

Keynsham & Saltford 1945 – 2020 (ISBN: 978-1-909446-25-0) was published on 1 October, priced £15, and can be found at www.bristolbooks.org/shop or obtained direct from the Local History Society at  books@keysalthist.org.uk or by phone on  0117 9864453.