Westfield Warbler Summer 2017

SUMMER2016 2017 ISSUE Winter - Issue2321

Produced for Westfield Parish Council

Westfield Parish Council

2 - The Westfield Warbler

Message from Contents the Chairman Westfield Parish Council has come through another year of challenges and will continue to work hard for the residents for the challenges ahead.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Councillors for their contributions in making Westfield better place to live. Cllr Diana Cooper and volunteer Margaret Bridges worked very hard on the floral display, Cllr Ron Hopkins and a working group are dealing with the Neighbourhood Plan which is a long and complex piece of work.

Cllrs Eleanor Jackson and Robin Moss have been working tirelessly in their roles as the BaNES Councillors for Westfield.

Two new Councillors were introduced to the parish last year, Lesley Mansell and James Honess, who have both made good contributions this year.

A lot of work has been carried out on the fencing at the Norton Hill Recreation Ground. The tennis court fence has been renewed and a higher fence around the play area has been erected to protect the young ones from straying footballs.

After consultation with residents Westfield Parish Council is now in the process of getting a new community centre built on the site at Westhill. We feel that this is a much needed venue for all and plans have been put on show at the Westhill club for people to comment on. We have been making it clear for the last couple of years that Westfield is the only Parish in BaNES without a community facility so we are now pressing ahead with this, the biggest project that Westfield has taken on.

We are in the process of looking for funding to get this project off the ground as we feel that the residents of Westfield deserve something special.

I recently visited the Allotments in Westfield and was amazed at what they have achieved in the past five years.

In this last year they have won an ‘outstanding’ award from It’s Your Neighbourhood for making their allotments accessible to all and encouraging young people to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The Fun Day this year at Westhill Recreation Ground is to be held on Sunday 4th June and we are looking for any volunteers to help make this event a special one. We would encourage anyone who wishes to be involved this community event to contact the parish council.

The summer is now upon us and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking the office staff for their hard work and everyone for their input at the council.

All the very best.

Cllr Geoff Fuller Chair of Westfield Parish Council

4-5

Annual Review 2016/17

6

Pitch Hire reduced

7

Front Garden Competition

11

Scruffs comes to Westfield

13

Annual Parish Meeting

16 -17 Westfield Fun Day 18

Whats On

22

New Saturday Bus Service

24

Things to Do

26

Youth Service

29

Sing Up at Fosseway

30

Message from The Clerk

The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in August 2017. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of the 24th July 2017.

You can view The Westfield Warbler on the Council’s website at www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk The Westfield Warbler is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, G5 Second Ave, Westfield Industrial Estate, Westfield, Radstock, BA3 4BH. Tel 01761 410141.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or it’s editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte Media and Westfield Parish Council does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

The Westfield Warbler - 3

Annual Review 2016/17 This year, Westfield Parish Council is pleased to say that it has not increased its Band D equivalent on the precept and therefore residents of Westfield living in an ‘average’ band D property will pay the same rate on the Parish Council precept in 2017/18 as they did in 2016/17. The precept tax for a Band D equivalent home for the year 2017/18 will be £98.72. The total precept for Westfield in 2017/18 is £181,953.

Exactly what services does the Parish Council offer?

• The Parish Council is a statutory consultee on planning applications and provides a local voice on highways and environmental matters.

• It is working towards a Neighbourhood Plan for Westfield, which, once approved by referendum will direct future developments in the Parish.

The purpose of this leaflet is to set out the main areas of our work and to highlight where the public money is spent within the Parish Council.

• The Parish Council manages sports and leisure facilities at Norton Hill Recreation Ground and Westhill Recreation Ground.

How and why are we freezing the Band D Equivalent this year?

• These facilities offer football pitches, a tennis court, play areas, BMX track, table tennis, boules, basketball and bowling (with one rink open to non-bowling club members).

Westfield Parish Council faces the same inflationary increases in the cost of products and services as all organisations. However, we are conscious of the financial strain on households at the current time and with the likely rise in other costs the Parish Council wanted the precept cost to residents to be one of the few that did not increase. With careful monitoring of our expenditure and healthy reserves as a result of careful spending and investment in previous years we are in a position where we can freeze the Band D equivalent this year (2017/18).

However, we are conscious that it is becoming more difficult to keep costs down and in the current climate where all resources are stretched it is possible that the precept may need to be increased again in the future. We will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.

• It supports the parish environment by funding the Christmas Lights and the Switch on Event.

• It also funds the hanging baskets and the planting schemes in the decorative pit trucks around the parish, the raised beds at Jubilee Green shops and the curved end of the raised flower bed outside the Westfield Methodist Church.

• The Parish Council supports local organisations through grant funding.

• It manages the emptying of most of the dog bins in the parish and maintains some of the benches.

How did the Parish Council perform in the last year?

In 2016 the Neighbourhood Plan working group began work in earnest in drawing up a vision for Westfield. This began with a series of public events at which residents were invited to give their views as well as a household survey which was sent to all homes in the Parish and which received an excellent response from residents.

Children from Westfield Primary School designed the Plan’s logos and we set up a Facebook page to keep residents up to date with what is planned.

4 - The Westfield Warbler

Going forward the group has commissioned a feasibility study into the potential for a community centre for Westfield and is starting to develop the main themes and policies for the plan.

New residents on the working group are always welcome.

In June 2016 the Westfield Fun Day enjoyed a fifth successful year once again attended by a record number of residents and visitors and offering a variety of activities with some old favourites as well as new delights.

The Fun Fair made a welcome return for the third year in a row and was enjoyed by many hundreds of visitors from Westfield and beyond.

Having consulted with the residents local to the recreation ground the Parish Council was pleased to put in place conditions which ensured that the event was of minimal disruption to them. Thanks go to the grounds contractors who were able to return the ground to its former state for the continued enjoyment of residents through the summer.

The hard work of volunteers who planted 4000 daffodil bulbs last winter at Wesley Avenue and Jubilee Green was rewarded with a beautiful display throughout the Spring. An equally hardy and even smaller group of volunteers did the Parish proud with the planting and maintenance of the coal trucks at Elm Tree Avenue and Ruskin Road and the new flower beds around the trees on Jubilee Green were awash with vibrant colours right through into the Autumn.

The annual Front Garden Competition in July received a record number of entrants kindly judged by horticulture specialists from Bath College. The top prizes went to Mitchard’s Butchers and 4 Inner Elm Terrace.

The Parish Council was delighted to support a number of local organisations through grants provision this year amongst them the provision of a night café for young people in Westfield to meet through the year.

Finally, this year we have added to the festive lights on lampposts so that they extend further through the Parish. We hope that the lights, along with the Christmas trees, brighten up the dreary evenings as well as providing some daytime Christmas cheer with their colourful designs. The switch-on event was blessed once again with good weather and attracted a record number of residents with music from the Silver Band and Westfield Ladies Choir and a performance of Westfield Primary School and Kilter Theatre’s Song for Westfield. With the usual mince pies, mulled wine and a visit from Father Christmas the event is now firmly placed in the Parish calendar.

What is new for the next financial year?

With the Neighbourhood Plan now pushing ahead the working group will be drawing up policies and aspirations for the Parish, culminating in a public consultation on the draft plan ahead of the Inspector’s examination and, finally, a Parish referendum to approve the Plan.

The Environment and Development Committee is working on a Heritage Walk for Westfield to incorporate signage and maps. The Parish Council is also very keen to continue to support youth provision in Westfield and has budgeted funds for this purpose. We hope that our community events and initiatives will continue to flourish as they establish their place in the annual Parish calendar. A new contractor has been appointed for delivery and maintenance of the hanging baskets and flower displays.

Your Parish Council is working to provide the best possible environment and services for the people of Westfield. We positively encourage your views and suggestions for the future of our Parish.

The Westfield Warbler - 5

Westfield reduces its pitch-hire fees for struggling football teams In increasingly difficult financial times football teams are feeling the pinch along with everyone else as they face the mounting cost of subscriptions, insurance and membership, let alone the cost of hiring a home pitch. Norton Hill and Westhill Recreation Ground Trusts in Westfield have taken the radical decision to reduce the fees for use of their pitches by adult teams in a bid to support and encourage dwindling teams in the area.

Chair of the two Trusts, Cllr Philip Wilkinson said “we have been saddened to see a number of our local teams fall by the wayside in recent years and wanted to do something positive to support the teams that use our pitches as well as encourage new teams by easing the financial burden on them.�

There are many benefits to playing team sports, not the least of which being the opportunity to improve fitness and increase the time spent outdoors. But benefits also come from the opportunity to take feedback

10% OFF

with th

Terms

is adve

& Cond

itions

rt

apply*

2 The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ 01761 414136 eyetechopticiansmsn eyetechmidsomer

6 - The Westfield Warbler

and be coached to improve, to improve communication skills and to focus your sights on a common goal: the success of the team.

Local teams Meadow Rangers and Westhill Sports FC were delighted with the reduction in their fees and the Parish Council hopes that other teams will be encouraged to use the facilities.

WESTFIELD FRONT GARDEN COMPETITION Entry is open to all residents, businesses and community groups in Westfield.

Download an entry form from our website or contact us for a copy.

Closing date: 6th July 2017

We all love looking at interesting or cheerful front gardens. They brighten up the street scene, they can make us smile and they can inspire us to perhaps plant up our own container, or grow a climber up the front of our own houses.

Whether you have a large or small front garden, a hanging basket or a patio pot, why not enter the Westfield Front Garden Competition. Or if you see one you like looking at you can nominate it for a prize.

for more information and full guidelines contact: Westfield Parish Council The Oval Office, Cobblers Way, Westfield, BA3 3BX www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/front-gardencompetition/ 01761 410669 council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk The Westfield Warbler - 7

Big Local Dragons Den Radstock & Westfield Big Local helped local people to make their community an even better place to live in their 5th Dragons’ Dens style event The Victoria Hall was a fantastic venue, with the bleacher seating allowing just over one hundred residents a perfect view of the stage. It was awash with excited energy for the fifth Radstock and Westfield Big Local Dragons’ Den style event that took place on Friday 21st April.

Our three kind dragons encouraged the applicants to make the most of their 90 second pitch.

Grateful thanks to Craig Shaw- CEO of Advetec, Denise White – CFH CRS and Communications Coordinator and Mark Richards- Radco Store Manager for being those special dragons.

Dom Chambers from Somer Valley FM led the proceedings and kept us on track with time.

Marlene Morley presented a Big Local update then the pitches began and the egg timer started – 90 seconds doesn’t sound like a long time but you would be surprised at how much information can be shared!

All of our applicants used creative and engaging methods to get their idea across from using model toy cars to acting out a play.

The residents and those who work in the area who made up the audience voted for their favourite five projects they would like to see happen in their community.

Hundreds of votes were counted while we enjoyed some delicious homemade treats created by the

SWALLOW team and listened to the delightfully talented Zoe Newton from the acoustic sessions.

The successful applicants were: The Potting Shed @ Radstock - for some seeds, soil and gardening equipment to engage, support and inspire local residents who suffer from Mental Health issues, isolation, long term illness or Bereavement.

The SWALLOW community café - who give people with learning difficulties the skills and experience required to gain employment. They successfully pitched for a new chiller for the café so they can expand the range of healthy take away lunches they can display and also some new table cloths.

The Lower Writhlington Colliery Batch Fossil Source can now carry out the much need improvements to the fossil site in Writhlington, which is currently overgrown, to ensure the Annual Family Fossil Hunt can continue. The hunt is an educational activity for children (young and older) supervised by a professional geologist which encourages learning about fossils and our SSSI geological past.

Trinity Does DIY SOS – the children from the school successfully pitched to enhance and make safe the outdoor space around the early years school field by installing steps, an outdoor patio and outdoor learning huts.

Radstock Museum - can now remodel the tea room into a 1930’s style railway buffet car to help increase visitors and give a new experience. The window mounted photographs will also be visible from the outside enhancing the exterior.

8 - The Westfield Warbler

The Young Actors Group is an enthusiastic bunch supported by the Writhlington-based Confessions of a Youth Theatre Company - they can now develop their skills in script writing, directing and producing through accessing training at professional drama workshops and performances.

Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club - will now be able to purchase some new boxing gloves and skipping ropes giving young people the opportunity to take part in the noble art of boxing, build on their fitness, confidence and discipline.

Radstock Juniors Club - can now do more than just the usual cutting and sticking activities as they have secured funds to provide an extended and varied programme of confidence boosting activities for local children affected by learning disabilities.

The Radstock and Westfield Big Local Team would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended this very successful Dragons’ Den style event as without you it wouldn’t work! The event is resident led, resident supported and residents will lead and access the projects that won – That’s what Big Local is all about!

Swan Community Transport - now have the funding to provide around 60 journeys for local residents who are elderly, frail or disabled in order to get to their medical appointments, buy food and reduce isolation when they meet with friends. This is an essential life line to those who can’t afford or gain access to taxis or public transport.

If you look after someone, who looks after you?

We are a smaller than average school and pride ourselves on our caring approach and our ability to meet every child’s needs, helping them develop and ensure they reach their full potential, whilst growing in the love of Christ.

We welcome children of all faiths.

We also offer wrap-around care as well as an independent on-site Nursery

The Carers’ Centre provides free advice, support and breaks for people who care for family or friends.

If you’re looking after someone who is ill, disabled or frail, we’re here for you.

Call weekdays 10am —1pm on 0800 0388 885 for advice, or visit banescarerscentre.org.uk The Westfield Warbler - 9

Wellbeing 1 Big Database Bathnes - Looking for family and childcare information?

Find support for a range of family issues, childcare, parenting support, activities, benefits, school and much more on 1 Big Database - www.bathnes1bd.org.uk Rainbow Resource – Do you have a child or young person in your family with a special educational need or disability? Rainbow Resource provides information on the services children, young people and their families may access from a range of local agencies – including education, health and social care providers and voluntary organisations.

See www.rainbowresource.org.uk

Picture - Hazel Cottle

Wellbeing Options - Are you (or do you care for) an adult needing support to live a full and independent life? Wellbeing Options has a wealth of information about local activities, clubs, help at home or care and support. Find out more at www.wellbeingoptions.co.uk Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/wellbeingoptions www.facebook.com/BathnesFIS

1Big Database Bathnes Looking for childcare information and support for your family?

childcare

school

activities

benefits parenting support family issues

Clubs

Find a wealth of information at:

www.bathnes1bd.org.uk Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bathnesfis 10 - The Westfield Warbler

Bath and North East Somerset - The place to live, work and visit

Need information about local activities, clubs, help at home or care and support?

Wellbeing Options can help you find what you need

www.wellbeingoptions.co.uk www.facebook.com/wellbeingoptions

Scruffs Comes to Westfield Dog owners of Westfield and beyond will be excited to learn that they will soon have the opportunity to show-off their prize pooches in Westfield’s very own answer to Crufts.

One of the many show ring events at this year’s Westfield Fun Day on Sunday 4th June, Scruffs will boast categories such as Best Trick, Young Handler, Waggiest Tail, Dog that looks most like its owner and Dog the judge would most like to take home. In a culmination to an afternoon’s entertainment in the show ring the dog show will kick off at 3.30pm and unlike its cousin-event, Scruffs welcomes dogs and owners of all shapes, sizes, ages and breed.

Westfield’s Westhill and Norton Hill Recreation Grounds are popular spots for dog walkers in the area and the Parish Council are sure there are plenty of dog owners who will do the Parish proud in a display of the Westfield canine talent!

The Westfield Warbler - 11

Summertime at your local libraries Events at Radstock and Midsomer Norton libraries are listed in the What’s On Section and Things to Do sections.

On July 15th we launch our annual Summer Reading Challenge. This is a free national scheme for 4-11 year olds who can read up to 6 books of their choice over the summer, collect stickers along the way and receive a certificate and medal when the challenge is completed.

The theme this year is Animal Agents, illustrated by Tony Ross, illustrator of the Horrid Henry series and children’s author. His illustrations for the Summer Reading Challenge will feature a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries.

Our libraries will be running a ‘Design an Animal Agent’ competition in the lead up to the Challenge.

Details of this and children’s events over the summer are still to be announced so call into the library in June or look on our website for details.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with the summer reading challenge please contact your local library for more information. Volunteers play an important role in welcoming and encouraging children to finish the challenge.

Our regular events for younger children also continue over the Summer - for children under 5 we hold regular weekly Story and Rhyme sessions at both libraries and monthly Baby Bounce and Rhyme for the under 3s. We are also looking for volunteers to help us deliver these sessions. Please contact your local library to find out more.

For adults details of all our AFTER HOURS evening events can be found on our website, or come in and see us.

You do not need to be a library member to come to our events, but joining is free and only takes a few minutes and gives you access to online resources as well as books, talking books and DVDs. For more information about all our events please call in or look at our website or Facebook pages For more information and opening times go to: Facebook Bathnes Libraries Twitter @bathnes #bathneslibraries Email Councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Tel 01225 394041 Web www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries

Prattens Bowls Club Prattens Bowls Club is situated behind the neatly trimmed hedge on the opposite side of the car park to Prattens Westfield Sports and Social Club.

Many readers may well have seen either indoor or outdoor bowls on television; Prattens Bowls Club plays outdoors only. Membership of our Club is open to both males and females of any age; the season starts mid April and continues until mid September. Matches for ladies are played mainly in the afternoons; for men, mainly evenings and Saturday afternoons; mixed 12 - The Westfield Warbler

matches are mainly on Sunday afternoons and some evenings.

New members are always welcome so if you would like to try bowls why not come along to our Club night - Mondays from 6pm. Coaching can be arranged by our Club Coaches – bowls can be borrowed so you just need to wear a pair of flat shoes. If you cannot make a Monday evening, other coaching is available by arrangement. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Barrie or Pauline Dando on 01761 412705 for more information.

Annual Parish Meeting for the People of Westfield April saw the sixth Annual Parish Meeting for the people of Westfield, which was both illuminating and vibrant.

An overview of the work of the Parish Council was followed by an interesting and dynamic talk from Youth Services in Westfield.

The Big Local gave an update of their work and the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group launched its plans for a community centre for Westfield – an item for which, time after time, local consultation has highlighted a need.

established because local people have told us what they would like. Please continue to tell us what you would like. The Parish Council is working hard to see better facilities for Westfield”.

The minutes of this meeting are available to view on the Westfield Parish Council website at www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

A question and answer session ended the evening. Chair of the Parish Council, Cllr Geoff Fuller thanked everyone for attending and said, “there are so many projects in their early stages, such as the community centre, which are getting 8

PRINTING

8

DIGITAL PRINTING

FINE ART CARDS REPRODUCTIONS

WEDDING STATIONERY PHOTOCOPYING

ESTABLISHED IN 1913

INVITES, POSTERS

& MORE!

FOR ALL YOUR BBQ NEEDS Burgers All Beef Pork and Lamb from local farms, Sausages (many different flavours) prize winning sausages, pies and faggots.

All Beef Pork and Lamb from local farms, Meat Kebabs awards for ourpies home cured prizeGold winning sausages, and faggots.

Steaks Bacon from Pigs reared s st forMendips our home cured SpareRibs on the Hog roa le Gold awards Bacon from Pigsmore. reared and much ailaabsts Home on theproduced Mendips Haovg ro Rble O cooked meats.

In shop or made to order. ila d va e a D Home produced k W coRAoR deliveries igsAO GOPLD Home produced cooked meats. rve Local Gkse to IN d N u e o IN Freezer orders taken y o W cooked meats foPrigs co lfD. Local deliveries

urs GES yo USA toAeNserve Freezer SA orders available taken Deliveries forByUoRuGEReS lf. Local yours

Fosseway Press email: fossewaypress@btconnect.com

7 Frome Road Radstock BA3 3PT

Tel: 01761 431919 www.fossewaypress.com

The Westfield Warbler - 13

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust Hello Readers, This April, saw the Community Mini Bus reached its 50th Anniversary! WOW!!!!!

Founded in April 1967, the bus was commissioned to enable the elderly, disabled, and small groups of the public, who found difficulty in getting to and from their houses, to go to their Lunch Clubs, Church Services, outings etc. without worry! This, in turn, helped them to feel part of society, and not to miss out on events around the area.

And, we are pleased to say that the Bus is still thriving today!!!

We have many stories of how the bus has been a great help to so many people. Perhaps you can remember an occasion when a member of your family was able to get out with the aid of the Community Mini Bus?

If you would like to know more, or would like to use the Mini Bus, please contact our Co-ordinator Mrs Debbie Gunfield on 01761 416910 for information, or our Transport Manager Mr Nick Rogers on 01761 413872.

Registered Charity No. 276166.

Norton Radstock Chess Club We have enjoyed a fairly mixed season with our two teams playing in the Somerset league.

Our division two team managed a couple of wins but lost out to Trowbridge in the final match of the season when they put in their top graded players to overwhelm us as expected. But we were top of the league at new year which was unexpected and a big bonus.

NEED A NEW BOILER?

LEVEL ACCESS SHOWER?

OR

WET-ROOM SPECIALIST DESIGNED TO YOUR SPECIFICATION APPROVED BANES CONTRACTOR SHOWROOM DISPLAYS

Our second team suffered a hiccup with our long standing captain stepping down in mid season and they failed to win a match but with some new players in the team we can hope for better results next season.

Our own club competition reached its final week on April 25th when Stephen Cook met Andrew Gredziak to decide this season’s champion. We start again mid September at St. Peter’s church hall on Thursdays at 7.30.

RCCR

General Motor Repairs & Servicing FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIALISTS BE PREPARED THIS WINTER, BOOK YOUR SERVICE NOW.

For a free quotation

19a Fourth Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4XE

01761 418562 cyclonerace@aol.com

14 - The Westfield Warbler

The Friday Club Trinity Westfield Methodist Church The Friday Club meets on the second Friday of each month at Trinity Westfield Church from 2.00 – 4.00pm. It has now been running for almost a year and has become a success, going from strength to strength.

We meet for a chat, tea and cake, some quizzes or other activities in a very informal atmosphere.

We are looking forward to afternoons out in the warmer months either for a picnic or a cream tea.

If you would like to come along for a chat, a cuppa to make new friends or to meet old friends, a warm welcome awaits you.

Plenty of laughter-----a good tonic!

June Battle/ Jill Earley A warm welcome is given to everyone to join our Sunday Morning worship 10.30, at Trinity Westfield Methodist Church.

We are still very busy with our coffee mornings.

They are usually held on the first Friday of the month. We held a very successful morning for

Comic Relief, raising £255. We will also be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation, Swallow, MacMillan and Breast Cancer during the coming year.

We regularly hold Supper and Film Evenings, which are enjoyed by everyone.

Boules The pitch has been rolled, spring is here and the boules have been dusted off ready for another season.

By the time you read this the season is underway, having started on April 25th.

Anyone is welcome – the more the merrier!

We meet at 6pm til dusk each Tuesday throughout the summer, until the light starts to fade again (not something we want to think about just yet!).

No experience or equipment is necessary – just a pair of flat shoes and the desire to have some fun.

Why not come along and join us?

If you have any questions, please call Diana Cooper on 01761 415155 The Westfield Warbler - 15

WESTFIELD FUN DAY ON SUNDAY 4TH JUNE 12-4PM Roll up roll up for Westfield’s SIXTH annual Fun Day at Westhill Recreation Ground on Sunday 4th June!!

Having been blessed with glorious weather most years, the Fun Day committee has its fingers crossed for another glorious Sunday afternoon to compliment the exciting displays, rides and stalls that are planned for this year’s event. Well-known local butcher, Brian Mitchard will open the event at 12pm followed by the welcome return of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band in the show ring as well as old favourites such as the Bathampton Morris Men, Sue Hill School of Dance and taekwondo and street dance displays.

This year, towards the end of the afternoon, we are very pleased to announce the first annual Westfield Scruffs show! Bring along your prize pooch to enter classes such as Best Trick, Waggiest Tail, Young Handler and more (see the schedule for all classes).

All resident and non-resident dogs are

16 - The Westfield Warbler

welcome to enter with their owners in tow, register for free on the day and judging will be by Francis Morgan, proprietor of Pride & Groom!

Meanwhile, throughout the afternoon visitors can enjoy donkey rides, a visit from the Police van and Fire engine (emergencies permitting), craft and cake stalls, side shows, bouncy castles, vintage scooters and cars, the plant stall, skittles, and, of course, the ever-popular bottle tombola. There is also a rumour that acclaimed Facebook celebrity Boris the Pig will attend the event.

Find us on Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest news on attractions: facebook.com/westfieldparishcouncil/ Please save the date in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there on 4th June.

CAN YOU HELP? Fun Day Show-ring schedule, please note, this is only

an indication of events and could be subject to change on the day

We would be delighted to hear from any Westfield residents that could spare an hour or two to help on the day, anytime from 6am-5pm to help set up, run a stall or tidy up. Being involved in a community event is a great way to get together with other residents of Westfield, make new friends and be part of a happy social event. You only need to give as much time as you are able and volunteers of all ages are welcome.

If you are able to help at all we would love to hear from you.

12.00

Opening of the Fun Day

by Brian Mitchard Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band

13:00

Bathampton Morris Men

13:30

(TBC)

14:00

Susan Hill School of Dance

14:30

Des TKD (Taekwondo display)

15:00

Dweamah Dance (street dance display)

15:30

Scruffs Dog Show

Please call Phil Wilkinson on 01761 431355 or the Parish Council office on 01761 410669.

Categories: Best Trick, Young Handler, Waggiest Tail, Most like Owner, Dog the Judge would most like to take home 16:00

Close of Fun Day

The Westfield Warbler - 17

WHAT’S ON

Free entry all welcome

May

4th June Fun Day, Westhill Recreation Ground 12-4pm.

13th Somer Valley Rock n Roll Club at Radstock Working Mens Club with Rockin the Joint and DJ Rockin Ronnie. Entry £5 in advance and £7 on the door, doors open at 7.30pm.

3rd Call The Shots at Mardons Social Club. 7.30pm

-

5th Parish Council Meeting. The Board Room, Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

8th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at 13th Tamba at Mardons Social Club. 7.30pm

Radstock Library. Free.

Free entry, all welcome

10th Growler at Mardons Social Club. 7.30pm 17th Finance and Personnel Meeting. The Board Room,

- Free

entry all welcome

Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

12th Environment and Development Meeting, 20th Roundabout Radstock Event. Radstock Library

The Board Room, Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

open 9.30-4pm with storytelling and music in during the afternoon. Details to be announced - check at the library or their website for more details.

15th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

20th The Skinny Dippers at Mardons Social Club.

7.30pm - Free entry all welcome

Radstock Library. Free.

16th Blood Donor Session, Community Hall, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton, 1pm – 3.30pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm

23rd After Hours Music at the Radstock Library with Helen James and Paul Barclay at 7.30pm. Collect FREE ticket from Midsomer Norton library (collection for charity on the night)

24th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free

24th Poet Caleb Femi has been named as London’s first Young People’s Laureate and is a champion of spoken word grime. Caleb has graced major stages such as the Roundhouse mainstage, Barbican, British Library and Royal Festival Hall. 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Victoria Hall, Church Street, Radstock

17th June - Sneakers - Free entry all welcome 17th - 18th Midsummer at The Station. Have fun at the Midsomer Norton Station with a visit by US Army Re-enactment Group. Trains will be running. Midsomer Norton Station, Silver St.

21st Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. 11 – 11.30am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

21st Finance and Personnel Meeting. The Board Room, Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

25th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

22nd Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

Radstock Library. Free.

Radstock Library. Free.

June

24th OBLIO at Mardons Social Club. 7.30pm

1st Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s.

Free entry, all welcome

11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

2nd Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church Westfield from 10am.

18 - The Westfield Warbler

27th Blood Donor Session, Community Hall,

19th Finance and Personnel Meeting. The Board Room,

Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton, 1pm – 3.30pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm

Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

29th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

Radstock Library. Free.

20th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

Radstock Library. Free.

27th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at

July

Radstock Library. Free.

3rd Parish Council Meeting. The Board Room, Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

6th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. 11 –

August 3rd Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. 11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

8th - 9th Sentinel and Vintage Vehicles Weekend.

Our resident Sentinel steam loco, Joyce, will be hauling trains. There will be a display of Sentinel and other vintage road vehicles at the station. Midsomer Norton Station, Silver St.

10th Environment and Development Meeting, The Board Room, Oval Office, Cobblers Way. 7.00pm

5th Coffee Morning in aid of The British Heart Foundation at Trinity Methodist Church Westfield from 10am.

10th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

13th Family Fun Day. Family seaside attractions. Relive the heyday of the S&D when you could take a day trip to Bournemouth! Trains running. Midsomer Norton Station, Silver St.

13th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

16th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. 11 – 11.30am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

16th Fun Day at Westfield Allotments. Come along and view the facilities, there will be a bouncy castle, BBQ and lots more.

19th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3’s. 11 – 11.30am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free.

17th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

24th Story and Rhyme (2-5 years). 11 – 11.30am at Radstock Library. Free.

Let us know about your events in Westfield.

Call 01761 409831 or email julie@ignyte-uk.co.uk.

The Autumn issue will cover August, September and October.

The Westfield Warbler - 19

A World of Books at Fosse Way School

glimpse through the doors of the school would have swiftly confirmed to any visitor that the spirit of the day had been wholeheartedly embraced by staff and students alike. All were transformed from teachers and pupils into an inventively attired host of characters from classic and modern fiction.

Pupils of all ages enjoyed “a celebration of communication, curiosity, wordplay and imagination” at Fosse Way Special School in Westfield on Thursday 2nd March. This year’s much anticipated World Book Day offered an inspiring array of literary themed activities that were greatly enjoyed by all.

The exciting programme of events was painstakingly organised by Fosse Way’s English co-ordinator, Sarah Keelty who was keen to ensure that the day would include something that every student throughout Fosse Way’s 3 to 19 age range could enjoy and take part in. A

Amongst the many attractions of the day was a series of workshops hosted by Stu Packer, a story teller and actor with more than twenty five years’ experience in performing. Making a return visit to the school, Stu enthralled students with his highly animated and infectiously amusing storytelling style. One admirable hallmark of Stu’s work is his ability to empower the pupils themselves to become story tellers. As organiser Sarah Keelty put it, “He lets the students lead the stories which are multisensory and packed to the brim with imagination and fun. After his day at Fosse Way Stu tweeted: “Fab, wow, whoop!

Such a buzzy, fun, energetic, creative day. Feel blessed, thank you.”

No less captivating was Cambridge based poet and rapper, Inja. One of the many students who were entranced by Inja’s workshops explained, “He went out the room whilst we came up with 20 words. Then he rapped all of the words we wrote on the board, freestyle. That was really impressive and it taught us that not everything is perfect and life isn’t always what you expect. He told us you just need to be in the moment and enjoy yourself.” At the end of World Book day Inja told staff that he had much enjoyed the day and was very impressed by the efforts staff had made to make World Book Day such an exciting event.

20 - The Westfield Warbler

The Frome Open Storytellers, a charity that works to enrich the lives of people with learning and communication difficulties, proved to be another big hit and were described by one member of staff as “absolutely superb”. Fosse Way hopes to take part in further collaborations with these talented performers in the future.

Meanwhile out on the school’s playground the cow from ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ put in an appearance. This manifestation of the fabled bovine came complete with a working udder that pupils could actually milk. Even Fosse Way Principal Justin Philcox took to the milking stool to try his hand!

Other attractions included a popular ‘shelfie’ competition for which students and members of staff entered photographs of their own bookshelves surrounded by a few trinkets to provide tantalising clues to the books’ owners.

Many enjoyed puzzling over the intriguing selection of snaps and matching them to their teachers and fellow pupils. Elsewhere in the school others eagerly joined a ‘Where’s

Wally’ hunt, entered a Dragon Gazebo and turned detective to take part in a Crime Scene investigation in the school’s library.

Fosse Way’s staff were united in declaring World Book Day a huge success. Teacher Janine Lindsay commented, “Today was amazing, so incredible to see how responsive and engaged my class were with everything.” The following day brought the exciting news that a display pupils had created to mark the occasion had been awarded a runner-up prize in a World Book Day competition. The school received a copy of ‘A Child Of Books’ by Oliver Jeffers together with a signed limited edition print. In commenting on this year’s event Sarah Keelty explained: “Reading can be such a challenge for many of our your people; we want to show them how much fun words and images can be, how they can build shared stories and make relationships by reaching out through their own expression.”

For all those that took part there can be little doubt that World Book Day at Fosse Way this year fully realised these ambitions.

Radstock Folk Dance Club Radstock Folk Dance Club will be meeting every Friday at St Peter’s Church Hall, Longfellow Road, Westfield, from 8.00 to 10.00 pm. If you fancy some gentle exercise and good company then please come along and join us. You do not need a partner and instructions for

the dances are always given by an experienced caller. We will be meeting until the middle of August, and we then break until the beginning of October. Please contact Dick & Jean Shilton for further details on 01458 841400 or dickshilton@btinternet.com

The Westfield Warbler - 21

New Saturday Bus Service Cllr Eleanor Jackson’s idea of combining the 82/82A Tyning via Westfield service to Paulton with the 414/424 Midsomer Norton to Frome service means that Westfield Waterside residents, and those on the Jaynes / ‘Poets’ estate can now travel on Saturdays in either direction to Tesco in Paulton or Radstock.

enthusiastic . Maybe parents will have less taxi-ing on Saturdays too, if young people can get around more easily with the new bus service. But it was Mrs Jo Mills (far left) who was most pleased.’ I am so grateful,’ she said. ‘Now I don’t have to try and get all my shopping done on Fridays.’

It means an end of the weekend isolation for those who cannot walk as far as the A367 to catch a bus, and will also assist those who under future government plans, want a GP appointment on a Saturday. Cllr Lesley Mansell (Westfield PC) and now the Labour party’s candidate for metro mayor is pledged to support rural buses services like this. Jacob Bishop-Ponte, (right), the youth parliament representative for a constituency which includes much of the Somer Valley is also

Norman Matthews Art Exhibition 6th June - 12th September Local Life in Paint by artist Norman Matthews Local Artist, Norman Matthews has recreated some happy memories from his youth ...

“Playtime at Clandown School”, “Waiting for the Racing Pigeons Return”, “Swimming in the Brook” and others. To complement the paintings, photographs and information relating to the local scenes depicted will be on display from the museum archives…. Do you remember the flying circus, or are you in the school photograph? Come and find out more at the Radstock Museum.

A member of the Bath Society of Artists, Norman continues working today and is currently providing

22 - The Westfield Warbler

art work for a large multi-national company as well as book illustrations plus his own work which features in many local collections

Westfield’s Spring Bulbs Councillor Eleanor Jackson kindly donated a large sack of bulbs last autumn to Westfield Primary School and each class has had a pot full to care for over the winter. Badger Class were voted the winning class with the most blooms in their pots. The school will continue to enjoy them then they will let the bulbs sleep until next spring.

The Westfield Warbler - 23

Things to do

Tuesday

Monday

Boules starts again every Tues, 6pm to dusk. No equipment needed, just a pair of flat shoes. Norton Hill Recreation Ground. For more information, ring Diana on 01761 415155

Storytime at Radstock and Midsomer Norton Libraries 10:00am-11:00am. Stories followed by craft activity. For 0-5 year olds. Free Little Centurions Stay and Play Group 9 – 11am. Weekly drop in sessions. Best Western Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane Weight Watchers – St Peters Church Hall, Longfellow Road, Westfield. 10:00am, 12:00pm and 6:30pm Prattens Bowls - If you would like to try bowls why not come along to our Club night – from 6pm. Coaching can be arranged by our Club Coaches – bowls can be borrowed so you just need to wear a pair of flat shoes. Prattens Bowls Club Quiz Night at Westhill Social Club - Don’t do anything on a Monday evening? Why not come and try out are quiz night, from 8pm Carers Coffee Morning with The Carers’ Centre. 10:00am 2nd Monday of the month.

A local charity that supports people who are looking after someone. This might be because they are disabled, ill, frail or have any number of challenges. Free Coffee Mornings where people can get together and chat over a cuppa.” Mardons Social Club.

24 - The Westfield Warbler

Community Bus at Westhill Club car park 9:30am – 11:30am. Sessions for anyone with babies and young children. Contact 01761 419557 or communitybus@hotmail.co.uk

The Youth Project Group will be held at Westfield Methodist church hall, from 7pm-9pm, open to everyone aged 13-19 hosting a range of activities from D.J lessons, arts and crafts, cooking and drugs and alcohol information.

Please contact Katy Roberts on: 07966 880422.

Wednesday Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Midsomer Norton Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10:00am-11:00am. Every fourth Wednesday Westfield Ladies Choir - from 7:15pm until 9:00pm at St Peter’s Church Westfield. No auditions are required, just come along and sing.

Contact Lesley Schofield on 01761 419540 Westfield TT Running Club - beginner’s introduction to running and intermediate runners. (Meeting outside St Benedicts School at 7pm)

Thursday The Baby Feeding Hub 9.30 -11am, The hub is supported by Health Visitors, an NCT breast feeding councillor and centre staff. Radstock Childrens Centre - Church Street, Radstock Stop Smoking Service 9.30 – 11am, Radstock Childrens Centre, Church Street, Radstock Communion Service - 10am St Peters Church, Longfellow Rd Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Radstock Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10:00am-11:00am. FIRST Thursday of every month.

Westfield TT running Club - intermediate runners. Meeting outside St Benedicts School at 7pm

Westfield TT Running Club - beginners and intermediate runners. Meeting outside St Benedicts School at 7pm Trinity Methodist Friday Club. Every 2nd Friday of the month 2 – 4 pm. Trinity Westfield Methodist Church, Wells Road, transport can be provided if necessary. We enjoy a cup of tea and cake and usually some quizzes

Saturday Messy Church Art Group at Radstock Baptist Church 10:30am – 12:00pm Not just for kids!

Children should be accompanied by an adult. Call to confirm attendance in case of holiday Frederik: 07811652372

Friday Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield. 9:00am – 11:00am. Come along for a chat and a cuppa. Catch up with friends and meet new ones. It is held the first Friday of the month from 10am onwards – all welcome.

Golden Oldies sing and smile session, third Friday of each month. From 2:30pm – 3:00pm, St Peters Church Hall, Longfellow Rd. Radstock Folk Dance Club. English and American styled country dances at St Peters Church Hall.

Beginners are more than welcome and you do not need a partner. £2 per evening inc tea and biscuits.

8:00pm-10:00pm. Call 01458 841400 for more details.

mardons SOCIAL CLUB www.mardonsclub.co.uk

Come & visit!

Bands every Saturday

Do you hold a regular event in Westfield and would like to let the local community know?

Watch Sky & BT Sport

Send your details by email to

Non-members welcome

FREE hire for Friday night party bookings (sorry no 18th/21st)

Great value bar

... find out more learn more: facebook.com/mardonsclub

Julie@ignyte-uk.co.uk or call Julie on 01761 410141 The Westfield Warbler - 25

Youth Service In Westfield At the Annual Parish Meeting last month there was an exceptionally good presentation from Youth Connect showing how the Youth Service had progressed in Westfield over the year and a display board showing evidence of some of the work that they do with the young people of Westfield.

Statistics so far: • 77 young people have registered with the Westfield Youth Service provision • Retention has been fantastic, we average just over 20 young people each week • 45 males and 32 females have made contact so far • The average age range of young people that attend is between year 9 and 11 • 5 young people have been referred to our targeted service • 8 young people gained an accreditation in First Aid • 15 young people are part way through a Youth Connect ‘skill me up’ award, which is an accredited programme that helps us to recognize and celebrate the young people’s achievements.

Projects: We have run a number of projects so far, all of these have come from what the young people of Westfield said they would like to do, and from us assessing their needs. Some of the activities include outreach sports sessions, arts and crafts workshops and cookery projects. We have also run a number of issue based sessions, from sexual health and drug and alcohol awareness to healthy friendships, risk taking behaviour, self-esteem and healthy lifestyles. We have run a two week certified first aid course, a cv and careers guidance course and we are currently running a certificated money management course, run in partnership with Weston College.

26 - The Westfield Warbler

Partnership working: So far we have worked alongside Project 28, the volunteer network and Weston College, Avon Fire and Rescue and our local PCSO, Bath music festival, other staff from Youth Connect, including one of our PA’s and very soon a sexual health nurse.

We are hoping to work alongside many more partnership agencies in the future.

Trips: We have run 2 trips – 9 young people came with us to Thorpe Park for ‘Fright Night’ back in October and we took 6 young people ice skating in Bath before the Christmas holidays. The young people of Westfield have suggested more places that they would like to visit and we are currently looking at fundraising ideas with them. We are also running our Youth Connect summer residential in July and we are hoping it will be well attended by the young people of Westfield.

Future: We would like to run more accredited programmes like the first aid project and I aim to have 20 people complete a ‘skill me up’ award by the end of June.

We have many projects planned, from world food cookery to jewellery making and anti-bullying.

We aim to do some outreach from the beginning of July as we can make the most of the summer weather and we will still run one session a week out of the Methodist Church hall.

One of the young people participating in the Youth Service stood to speak of his experience with Youth Connect in Westfield. He said that he has attended several youth groups and that this one was the best he had been to. He was particularly impressed that the staff consult the young people about what they would like to do and adapt programmes to suit.

They also teach things that the young people will use in their day to day life.

For more information contact: Katy Roberts 07966 880422

Volcano Batch Photography Competition COULD YOUR PHOTO OR ARTWORK BE ON A NEW POSTCARD FOR OUR LOCAL AREA? Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum is launching a photography and artwork competition.

We are looking for images of our iconic Volcano Coal Tip at Old Mills Paulton. Enter as an adult over 16 or as a child under 16.

The two winning images (one from each age group) will be published on new postcards to represent our area.

EVERYONE’S A WINNER: ALL of your entries will be displayed in an exhibition at the museum in June (dates to be confirmed www.radstockmuseum.co.uk for details).

COMPETITION DETAILS: You can take a photograph (any size), or draw, paint, make a collage or make a needlework image of the Volcano Batch on an A4 sheet of paper or

ONE DAY AND FOUR DAY SUMMER WORKSHOPS MONDAY 3RD - FRIDAY 7TH JULY For more details, a full list of courses and to enrol visit:

www.bathcollege.ac.uk Telephone: 01225 328 720 Email: enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege

/BathCollege

fabric; any colour paper, card or fabric is fine as long as it is A4 in size.

Photographs can be emailed in large format to: Miranda Litchfield Museum Development Coordinator: development@radstockmuseum. co.uk or handed in or posted to the museum at the address below.

Artwork can either handed in at the museum’s front desk in person, or posted to: Miranda Litchfield, Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road, Radstock. BA3 3EP. Closing date for entries: 31st May 2017.

Maximum 2 entries per person: giving you the opportunity to enter both a photograph and an artwork if you choose.

Please include your Full Name, your Town or Village (there are no restrictions on who can apply) and your Age if under 16. These details will be clearly printed on the winning postcards along with your image. Radstock Museum retains the right to print your images so please make sure you are aware of this before submitting your entries.

Artworks can be collected from the Museum at the end of the exhibition later in the summer (dates to be confirmed see www.radstockmuseum.co.uk nearer the time for details). Regrettably, due to the potential volume of entrants, we will be unable to post artworks back to their rightful owners.

Ideas for photos and artwork: • How far away can you see the batch from different vantage points in the area?

• Time of day – how does the light change its appearance? Maybe a sunset? A sunrise?

• Nature – can you capture any wildlife in your photograph or artwork?

• Interesting angles and perspectives-How large can you make it look?

• Weather – how do clouds change the appearance of the “volcano”? Can you capture a nice image in the rain? Or only on a beautiful spring day?

• Colour – can you bring in some dramatic colour into your photograph or artwork?

The Westfield Warbler - 27

Youth Connect in Westfield Here are some photos of our C.V and cares guidance project that we ran recently for our group of year 11’s that attend Norton Hill School. This project went really well, we ran it with one of our Youth Connect P.A’s who helped the young people apply for college courses and apprenticeships and we helped get their C.V’s ready and gave them any guidance they needed. Young people found these sessions really useful.

We also ran a two week First Aid course in which 8 young people from Westfield gained their First Aid certificate. This project was enjoyed by the young people taking part and we have enough interest to possibly run it again in the future.

accredited money management course alongside the volunteer network starting on Wednesday 19th April for 6 weeks.

We are also still looking for adult volunteers to help with the running of these sessions, if you feel you have any skills that you would like to pass on to the young people of Westfield, or you would like to help out in any way please contact Katy Roberts on : 07966 880422

In the coming months we are running sports, cookery from around the world, arts and music sessions on a Tuesday evening and we are running music sessions with a D.J and rapper and an

Ian Macdonald Insurance Services Limited Your Local Broker Since 1981

The local choice for ALL your insurance needs 113 High Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01761 416937 Fax: 01761 416266 www.ianmacinsurance.co.uk

28 - The Westfield Warbler

National Sing Up Day at Fosse Way School Pupils and staff at Fosse Way School enjoyed a day filled with joyful songs for National Sing Up Day on Wednesday 22nd March. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Magic of Motown’, inspiring many pupils and members of staff to come strikingly attired as their favourite singers from the celebrated Detroit record company’s roster.

The extensive programme of musical activities was organised by the school’s music co-ordinator, Becca Tranter and began with some suitably rousing singing workshops hosted by Tim Parker from Bath and North East Somerset’s Music Hub. Tim taught staff and pupils alike to sing some classics from the repertoire of Stevie Wonder including his timeless ode to his baby daughter, ‘Isn’t She Lovely’. Many pupils were delighted to be invited to take a leading role in Tim’s workshops and demonstrate their vocal abilities.

Rebecca Tranter spoke for many appreciative pupils when she commented: “We love singing with Tim and to have his ongoing support with developing our singing skills.”

Later in the morning the Westfield Ladies’ Choir dropped in to give two enthusiastically received performances. The choir, which has been entertaining audiences since 1945, performed songs in a variety of styles including ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘He’s got the Whole World in his Hands’. The ladies’ performances captivated Fosse Way’s pupils as they featured many actions and signs the youngsters were able to join in with. Lesley Schofield of the choir later contacted the school to say: “I must tell you that yesterday’s performance was one of the most rewarding that we have given in a very long time. The children really were a lovely audience, responsive and delightful. We had a marvellous time and it was a huge privilege to share our love of singing.”

During the morning pupils were also able to take part in some ukulele workshops lead by virtuoso musician, Jody Prewett, also of Bath and North East Somerset’s Music Hub. The workshops were a great success as the pupils enjoyed learning to play the popular Hawaiian instrument in a relaxed setting.

Between musical performances and workshops pupils took part in a popular ‘Guess the Motown Lyrics’ quiz. This saw pictures of famous Motown stars including Marvin Gaye and Lionel Ritchie posted around the school together with some of their most memorable lyrics. Pupils were challenged to identify the star, sing the song and supply missing lyrics! Other ‘Sing Up’ activities were conceived to celebrate the uniqueness of Fosse Way’s pupils.

Many drew images and wrote accompanying words to express what made them special and different to all of their classmates.

For many the highlight of the day arrived in the afternoon with the much anticipated ‘Magic of Motown’ concert in Fosse Way’s main hall. This gave pupils throughout Fosse Way’s three to nineteen age range the opportunity to share the experience of singing with their families. The concert was headlined by Fosse Way’s two school choirs: ‘Fosse Way Showstoppers’ and ‘The Tiny Trebles’. Choir members were delighted to introduce each song to an appreciative audience of teaching staff, parents and fellow pupils. The show opened with an exuberant rendition of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas evergreen hit, ‘Dancing in the Street’ and concluded with the Impressions’ esteemed 1965 smash, ‘People Get Ready’. In the wake of such a stunning performance not a soul was heard to whisper that the Curtis Mayfield-penned classic was not actually issued on the Motown label! The concert also featured an impressive renditions of the Sing Up Day signature song, ‘Let Love Shine Through’ as well as one brave pupil’s solo performance of Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’.

Rebecca Tranter concluded: ‘It was fantastic to be able to lead another successful Sing Up Day, where we celebrated achievements of pupils across the school. It was wonderful to have the support of Tim Parker and Jody Prewett from the Music Hub and of course the talented Westfield Ladies Choir. The ‘Magic of Motown’ concert was a real highlight. I am so proud of all our singers!’

Tim Carter The Westfield Warbler - 29

The

Parish Clerk

Many thanks to the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group, who have been working tirelessly over the past months to put together an ‘Options Consultation’ for local residents. Sadly one of the founding members of the Group, Richard Wallace, died in February. From the very beginning Richard saw the potential of the Neighbourhood Plan to shape the future of Westfield. His input, particularly in relation to the preservation of our green spaces, is a lasting legacy to the parish and he is sadly missed in the Group. Please do respond to the consultation, this is such a good opportunity for the whole community to register its views and encapsulate them within the Plan.

The new fencing work around the tennis court at Norton Hill Recreation Ground went smoothly and it has certainly smartened up this area. We are also clearing the side and back of the Pavilion to keep the area clean.

As I write, arrangements are being put in place for the return of the ever popular Fun Fair at Norton Hill Recreation Ground. We expect the Fair will be on site from 14th-22nd May inclusive, and open to the public from 17th to 22nd May. As ever the Parish Council works closely with the Fun Fair operators, but if anyone has any concerns or issues they would like to raise, please do contact us.

And finally many thanks to the Fun Day Committee for all those voluntary hours of work, which go into preparing for the Fun Day at Westhill Recreation Ground on 4th June. The popularity of this event has gained momentum over past years and we are looking forward to another enjoyable day.

Lesley Welch Parish Clerk

Westfield Allotments Gardening for Children Project At Westfield Allotments we have been busy over the last few months developing our gardening for children project. We were fortunate to be sponsored by Tony Reed who helped us secure funding for the project.

The six raised beds we have built can be used by children of all ages and will encourage their enjoyment of being outdoors and growing their own vegetables.

30 - The Westfield Warbler

We will be having a Fun Day on Sunday July 16th for Westfield people to come along and view the facilities and we will be hoping to generate a waiting list for these beds. There will be a bouncy castle BBQ and lots more so save the day.

Your Parish

Council

Cllr Andrew Butcher 07814 530 723 abwpc10@gmail.com

Cllr Diana Cooper 01761 415155 dianacooper18@btinternet.com

Cllr Kevin Docherty 07826 170147 kevindocherty1966

Cllr Lesley Mansell 07980 695117 cllrlesleyamansell@yahoo.co.uk

Cllr Ron Hopkins 01761 435852 sueron1@sky.com

Cllr Geoff Fuller 01761 439198 / 07540 998603 geoffrey.fuller@outlook.com

Cllr Eleanor Jackson 01761 438968 eleanor_jackson@bathnes.gov.uk

Cllr James Honess jameshoness@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Bryan Wallbridge Vice Chair 07974 939776 westfield.wallbridge@gmail.com

Cllr Phil Wilkinson 01761 431355 / 07803 927626 philipdwilkinson@btinternet.com

Cllr Pat Williams 01761 432630 patwilliams21@talktalk.net

The Oval Office, Cobblers Way St Peters Business Park, Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Westfield Parish Council The Parish Council is open from Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4.30pm. Due to the small number of part time staff it is advisable to telephone before visiting.

The Parish Council is accessible for the public, with a lift to the first floor office.

The Westfield Warbler - 31

Midsomer Norton BA3 4BS

A wide selection of top brand products, A one stop shop for all your motoring, caravan and camping supplies.

Quality, value and 45 years of great service all under one roof Tel: 01761 414474 • www.avonwessex.co.uk