Joint project funds new defibrillator at Saltford pub

(Article published June 2021, updated October 2022)

Following a joint project between Saltford Parish Council, The Bird in Hand pub and Saltford Marina, and local resident Clive Shipley, an ex-BT phone box has been conserved and relocated to become the home of Saltford’s newest defibrillator.

Located in a key position between the river and Bristol-Bath Cycle Path in the heart of Saltford’s ‘old village’ conservation area, the new defibrillator is in a prime position should its use be required.

The ex-BT phone box, dating from the 1930s and of the well-known ‘K6’ design, was originally located across the road from The Bird in Hand pub. It was formally adopted by Saltford Parish Council in 2017 and plans for its future purpose started soon after.

Following extensive conservation and restoration work, both off-site and at its new location on the premises of the pub, the phone box is now back to its former glory. Works included a creating a new door, sandblasting and repainting, and installing new glass – as well as electrics to support the new defibrillator.

The project was co-ordinated and jointly funded by Saltford PC, Colin Baker and the team at the Bird in Hand pub and Darryl Pickup at Saltford Marina.

Local resident Clive Shipley volunteered his time and resources to transport the kiosk to be powder coated in Keynsham, and also lead on its return to its new location at the Bird in Hand pub (a few metres opposite from where it had been located previously). SPC thanks Clive for his support helping to get the phone box back to looking its best, and also for transporting it to its new home.

Local resident Jamie Pattimore was appointed by Saltford Marina to carry out some of the work including most of the electrics.

As much of the labour as possible was carried out for free by Cllr Chris Warren, Chair of Saltford Parish Council – with a helping hand from other Councillors.

The Bird in Hand pub funded and fitted the new defibrillator. It is a welcome addition to this location where many people come to enjoy walking, cycling and river activities. Staff at the Bird in Hand pub have been trained in its use, and clear signage indicating the phone box’s status as a defibrillator station have been added by the pub. SPC thanks Colin and the team for their efforts to ensure lifesaving equipment is located at this part of the village.

Chris Warren, Chair of Saltford Parish Council stated: ‘SPC is thrilled to have restored this community asset back to its former glory, we have had so many positive comments from resident already. As well as its new purpose as a defibrillator station, we also have plans for a volunteer to decorate it seasonally. Thank you to Colin, Darryl, Jamie and everyone else involved.”

Colin Baker, landlord at the Bird in Hand, added: ‘We are delighted to host this community asset and re-purpose it with life-saving equipment. Staff have been trained to use the defibrillator but there are additional instructions available so anyone can use it at any time. We are pleased to be a key part of this worthwhile community project.’

The ex-BT phone box remains an asset of Saltford Parish Council. A local volunteer will decorate the interior of phone box on behalf of Saltford Parish Council on a seasonal or special event basis.

Saltford Parish Council adopted a second ex-BT phone box in 2019, located on the junction of Norman Road and A4 Bath Road. It too will be restored in due course with plans for its future purpose currently under consideration.

A list of all eight defibrillators in Saltford can be found on our Defibrillators (Saltford) webpage.