Jim Allen
Jim Allen was well known to many in Bitton Parish History Group through his writings about memories of his childhood in Upton Cheyney.
He died peacefully in March 2016 after celebrating his 97th birthday in real style at SS Philip and James retirement home in Priory Road, Keynsham on 25th February.
Jim had been widely involved in both St John’s Church and in the wider community over many years. He was churchwarden at St John’s for 11 years and edited the parish magazine Contact for almost 20 years. Other community roles included chairing both the Men’s Fireside Fellowship and Keynsham Music Society for many years.
Jim was a father of three who has seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He and his wife Winifred lived in Cranmore Avenue, Keynsham for more than 60 years.
Jim is remembered also for his wonderful use of language and for composing poems and prose. A book of his poetry was published by his children.
Some of the articles written by Jim as well as his brother Jack can be accessed by following the links below:
Jim Allen on wartime church bells: KEEP THEM CLEAR by Jim Allen
Jack Allen’s childhood memories of Upton Cheyney: https://www.bittonhistory.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/My-Chidhood-and-Upton-Cheyney.pdf
Education in the 1920s by Jim Allen: Basic Education in 1920s Upton Cheyney School
Pipley Brook by Jim Allen: PIPLEY BROOK in the 1920