Councillor profiles In the last Warbler, we asked our two new Councillors a few questions to let us get to know them better. Our readers thought that was very useful, so we’ve asked some of the other prominent councillors if they would like to tell us about themselves. Councillor Bryan Wallbridge (Chairman of the Environment & Development Committe) Is it rewarding being a Westfield Parish Councillor? It is very rewarding - the chance to help your community is always a good thing and, as our Parish Council is deliberately non partisan, we can concentrate on what is best for the people rather than party politics. What do think are the best things about Westfield? The people. It is nice to live in an area where children are safe to play in the street, and take themselves to the park. People look out for each other and are very friendly. I would like to enhance the sense of community though, as I feel that it has been eroded over the last few decades. I still remember a time where you knew all your neighbours and we had things like street parties. What would you improve in Westfield? I would like to get more community facilities - BaNES seem determined to put all its resources in to Midsomer Norton. They created Westfield, now they need to support it in getting a community identity, and the facilities to go with it. I have a particular interest in making sure we have facilities and support for our young people, and ones that they will enjoy and want to use, rather than ideas that are imposed on them that they will not like or use. Outside being a Councillor what are your hobbies and interests? I work as the Technical Manager and Associate Lecturer at Bath Spa University for the performing arts facilities, so have a strong interest in education and theatre. Outside of work I am a keen Scuba Diver, instructing at Vobster Quay near Mells. We also have 2 young energetic dogs, so long walks and trips to keep them occupied are frequently on the cards. To keep myself fit enough for all of that, I run 10k three times a week (round the streets of Westfield, so that I can keep my eyes open for any issues!)
10 - The Westfield Warbler
Councillor Ron Hopkins (Vice Chairman of the Parish Council) What made you decide you would like to be a councillor in Westfield? I had been a councillor in Tewkesbury before moving to Westfield 10 years ago and very much enjoyed being deeply involved with the development of the community and helping to create new opportunities. I thought I could do that again in my new location so I stood for the council, and it’s been a great experience, with a mixture of frustration in dealing with our unitary authority B&NES and great pleasure in attending as a guest of local interest groups, pensioners groups, schools and clubs. What do you enjoy about being a Westfield Parish Councillor? As I indicated above I really enjoy working with local charities, clubs and especially schools. I think the process brings all these diverse groups together under the umbrella of Westfield as a caring, happy and successful community What do you think are the best things about Westfield? Wow that’s a tough question. I think we can’t forget the tradition of mining communities, which for many years saw families linking and working together and relying on each other for the safety the community, the development of their children, and care of older members of the community. Westfield has retained many of those qualities. I’m also proud of our schools and the college which are outstanding in every way, in the fullest sense of the word. These set the standards for our young folk and they are doing a great job… and although I haven’t specifically named the others please let’s not forget Fosse Way School and the truly breath-taking / professional job they do, not only for Westfield, but for the wider community . What would you improve for Westfield? I would very much like to develop a real centre for Westfield not only in the “community hall” sense but a genuine, thriving shop and (yes really) a fast food restaurant, and a national supermarket. I can see that this would generate comments from both sides but there is no doubt that a cohesive commercial centre would help to bind the community and vastly increase the viability and value of the housing stock Outside council matters what are your hobbies and interests? I love my dogs very much and my wife and I enjoy walking with them. I’m a keen Pétanque player and have been a member of the Bath club for many years playing overseas and at home. Also, Cllr Diana Cooper’s hard work in creating a Pétanque (Boule) piste and club in Westfield has added to this interest tremendously. My grandchildren Charlie and Phoebe are my pride and joy and I enjoy their company very much when they come to us after school. Their enthusiasm for life and their thirst for knowledge never ceases to delight me.