Westfield Warbler Autumn 2019

AUTUMN 2019 ISSUE 32

Produced for Westfield Parish Council

Westfield Parish Council

Message from Contents the Chairman

4 Introducing a new Councillor

Welcome to the late summer edition of the Westfield Warbler.

I said at the Annual Parish meeting that this year was going to be one of projects, and that has turned out to be very true. There has been new play equipment installed at Westhill Recreation Ground and we are in discussion with B&NES about the play area at Shakespeare Road being completely redeveloped. We have also contacted architects to do a feasibility study on the changing rooms at Westhill in the same manner as those at Norton Hill Rec. This summer has seen what gardeners in Westfield can achieve with fabulous displays in the Front Garden competition. Many congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all those who took part.

This fits in well with the opening of the new allotment site at Larch Court where a piece of land using Section 106 money has been transformed into several plots for local residents.

Many thanks to Lazy Days for this transformation and to B&NES for releasing the funds.

Following discussions with Royal Mail, Westfield now has its own postal district and we can include the name Westfield in our address. This means that when anyone puts an address in Westfield into a search it will be recognised.

In September the Somer Valley Walking Festival will once more take place and on 14th, I will be leading a walk around Westfield for anyone who would like to take part. See the article later on for more information.

We often get calls or emails from people who have issues or complaints that they feel need to be addressed by the Council. While we are prepared to pass on the issue to B&NES we would also like to bring to your attention a new way of reporting the matter online. If you go to www. fixmystreet.com you can report anything which will be passed to B&NES for attention.

Next year sees the 75th anniversary of VE day, which was the official ending of the 2nd World War in Europe in 1945. As a result of this, the

7 New basket displays 12/13 Westfield’s front gardens 14/15 Larch Court Allotments 18/19 What’s On 21

Play parks

22

Grants available

bank holiday is moving to the 8th May, instead of Monday 4th and in Westfield we thought it would be good to commemorate this in some way. There is a working group being set up so if you have any ideas, or would like to be part of it please contact the office using the details on the back page.

Cllr Geoff Fuller Chair of Westfield Parish Council

The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in November 2019. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us by 22nd October.

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 do 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.

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Introducing your new councillor Lauren Barnes ­ hat made you decide W you would like to be a Westfield Parish Councillor?

My life is centred around helping others. I am hoping that by joining the Parish Council I can make positive changes to the lives of Westfield’s people.

How do you see yourself helping with the work in Westfield?

I have knowledge and practical experience of working within the social care industry as well as special education. I am passionate about equality and accessibility.

What do you think are the best things about Westfield?

The way residents take pride in their local area, for example the garden competition. The great running routes!

Do you think anything could be improved in Westfield?

More diversity within our community and more youth services/outreach programmes.

Outside being a Councillor, what are your hobbies and interests?

I’ve got a keen interest in politics which is something I would like to run with in the future.

Maintaining a healthy, vegan lifestyle as well as keeping physically fit with my first half marathon being in September! I also LOVE animals. I have two Chihuahuas, a hamster and a Guinea pig.

Meet new Councillor Vincent Cox in the next issue of The Westfield Warbler

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Westfield Primary students visit Dunster Castle On 25th June our whole school went to Dunster Castle and we all had an excellent time.

Once we exited the coach, we were put into groups.

Our half of the school (Key Stage 2) got to see the castle first. In the castle, we saw a gloomy dungeon which was apparently haunted; a large dining hall with posh, folded napkins and towering, carpeted stairs.

There was also a bedroom where King Charles II slept.

Also, there was a secret passageway that led to the stables. There was also a room which housed all of the weapons the people who lived there before used, some of which were shotguns, spears and some early versions of pistols. There is also a snooker room, and for those who don’t know, it is an early version of pool.

After we came out of the castle, we had lunch and then we did challenges like balancing bean bags on our head

and we needed to walk as fast as we could without dropping it (we were doing a race). Then, we went on a treasure hunt which was fun but also quite exhausting since we had to walk a lot.

Apollos and Filip, Year 5

Andrew Wells hands the cheque to Mairi Lanyon, Head of School.

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New basket displays bring a splash of Summer colour Visitors to the Elm Tree Avenue shops this summer will have seen a different sort of display from previous years.

This year the Parish Council decided to bring the hanging baskets away from the shop building itself and install four new hanging basket trees displaying two baskets each around the shops. There have been numerous problems with the baskets on the building itself in previous years, ranging from with the watering system not working or the water being switched off, to water leaking over unsuspecting shoppers and the baskets themselves obscuring the shops signs.

small carousel at the entrance to Wesley Avenue is a particular favourite with its dazzling display of colour from the hanging baskets above balanced by the delicate border flowers in the square planter below.

The coal trucks are looking awash with colour with varying heights, lengths and shades of plant bursting forth from them whilst the hardy Cineraria Silverdust around the trees on Jubilee Green are thriving and loving the shadier conditions.

The Parish Council used funds set in reserve for such projects to install a robust new way of displaying the beautiful hanging baskets and we hope that residents and visitors alike are pleased with the new look.

Grateful thanks must go to our flowers contractor, Rob Wicke, for the beautiful displays again this year. The

Residents may or may not have noticed the raised herb bed in the wall directly outside Westfield Pharmacy and are welcome to help themselves to herbs for their cooking, ensuring that there is enough left behind for others!

We do hope that you are enjoying this year’s flower display. Many thanks for the appreciative comments that we receive, which we always pass on to Rob in gratitude for all his hard work.

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A new Carers’ Café The Carers’ Café, a monthly gathering at Mardons Social Club, has been running successfully for some time now. Organised by the Carers’ Centre, the Café is part of a broader effort by the charity to reduce loneliness and isolation in the community and offer respite and support for those caring for someone.

The café currently takes place on the first Monday of the month, between 10am and 12 noon. Proving to be such a popular community Carer Café, the organisation has decided to run another at Mardons, this time during an afternoon, giving more opportunities to carers that cannot attend in the morning.

Starting in October, the new café will take place on the last Wednesday of the month, between 2pm and 3.30pm with Alex of the Carers’ Centre on hand to offer support and advice.

Loneliness is a real challenge for carers. They can feel trapped at home, with little or no social life or relationships, as the needs of the person they look after are such a priority.

Carers at the café at Mardons Social Club have said it is a lifeline and the only break they feel able to take from their caring responsibilities.

Anyone living in the community is welcome to drop in.

It is a chance to have a hot drink and a chat with other carers, as well as volunteers from the Carers’ Centre.

This is an opportunity to feel supported and to create real, meaningful connections – with carers meeting up outside of the café and keeping in touch via WhatsApp. With an estimated 20,000 carers in the Bath and North East Somerset area, some of whom are left alone to care for a loved one without help, this is a chance to relax, either with or without the person you care for.

You can stay for as little or as long as you like.

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Somer Valley Walking Festival Back in 2017 Westfield joined the Somer Valley Walking Festival, with walks directed by local man and Chair of Westfield Parish Council, Cllr Geoff Fuller.

The walks have been led by Cllr Fuller on each occasion and, as a local man, he is a fountain of knowledge!

The insight into what each landmark is, into what the history of an area is or where certain paths lead and what you can expect to find there has been of great interest to those who have taken part. Both times there have been people from outside the area who have come to take part, or people who have just moved into Westfield and thought that was a good way of finding out a little more about the place they have decided to make their home.

Westfield has three different walking trails of different lengths and difficulties signposted and marked around the parish. Should you not be able to accompany the walkers on 14th September the walks are clearly marked and available to see on our website. Why not follow the trails under your own steam – you may be surprised at what you find out about where you live.

Cllr Fuller will once again be leading this year’s walk for the festival, starting at 2pm from the shops at the top of Elm Tree Avenue on Saturday September 14th. Why not come along with your family and take part? The walk will be around the full perimeter of Westfield and will take around 2 hours on sometimes uneven ground.

You can either let us know you’re interested on 01761 410669, or just turn up on the day. All are welcome.

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Westfield ’s

FUN DAY

This year the heavens did not smile on us… they rained on us…pretty much all the afternoon! BUT the people of Westfield did smile on us! They turned out in force; they enjoyed what was on offer, despite the rain, and we thank everyone who came to support our 8th annual Fun Day. We were disappointed not to be able to offer the birds of prey flying display, we were sad that the Red Arrows couldn’t find us though the cloud and we were all rather soggy by 4pm.

sessions, an opportunity, though not to ride the donkeys, to meet them up close in their trailer and lots of opportunity to meet the magnificent birds of prey.

As part of this, the Parish Council recently worked It was a much dwindled dog show on last year as with Royal Mail to have Westfield recognised in the many of of ouralllocal preferred theboundary warmth ofof addresses the pooches properties within the their homes judges to some judge the Parish.

Webut arethe aware thatwere this still has able caused all five categories and present a gold rosette confusion among residents livingwith at the edges of the dogParish they that mostmay wanted to take home with them. the not have been aware that their properties fell within the Parish of Westfield.

The Parish Council would like to assure residents that there has been no attempt to move properties into Westfield from either Midsomer Norton or Radstock.

All the properties that were contacted by Royal Mail were already within the parish of Westfield and have been since 2011.

However, despite the rain and cloud, we got a hearty opening speech from Westfield’s Inspirational Citizen 2019, Martin Bates, a sterling opening performance from our wonderful local Silver Band and amazing full-length displays through rain and wind from Jamie Woodland Academy and the wonderful North Somerset Samba Band. Not forgetting the sterling work by Luckington Carnival Club to keep the BBQ serving warming food and drinks, the wonderful final event of Wansdyke Play Association offering play activities in the park, including Sublime Science

Other initiatives to bring the community together have included the now annual Fun Day, the Christmas Lights switch-on event, the flower displays and the festive lights on lampposts. The Parish Council is very Lastly,towe must questions say a massive thank you to JW Waste happy answer about the address update donating use ofand a skip freeto of engage charge with to enable an orfor any other issues is keen anyone easyor clean-up to Gthe Mitchard and Sons and the living workingand within parish that has ideas for Entertainer donatingcommunity the prizes for the winners of continuing tofor encourage identity. the skittles tournament and to all the businesses near and far that donated prizes for the raffle.

Plans are already afoot for Fun Day 2020 on Sunday 7th June. We would love to see some new faces on our organising committee. We meet five or six times through the year to plan the day and would love to hear from anyone with ideas, skills and / or time to contribute to the organisation of this great community event. Please contact us using the contact details on the back page of the Warbler.

All photos thanks to Mark Adler.

The Westfield Warbler - 11

Wonderful views of our front gardens once again

The front gardens in Westfield never fail to put a smile on our faces as we walk around with the judge to decide which one is deserving of the first prize each year.

The judge, Mr Rupert Horsey of Bath College, Somer Valley Campus, was impressed by the amount of work that a lot of householders had put into making their front gardens vibrant and the thought that had been put into design. He had several criteria that were considered before reaching the final verdict. Initial impact, quality of husbandry, colour and use of space and potential all year round/long term display were among those.

Of this year’s winning Front Garden, Mr Horsey said: “A fantastic range of plants including fruit trees, shrubs, herbaceous and annuals. The gravel, rocks and paving are very well thought out. I liked the bird table.�

12 - The Westfield Warbler

The prize went, once again, to Mr Dave Preston of Glebelands. Congratulations Mr Preston for once again brightening the parish of Westfield.

The winning Container prize went to Ms Jo O’Donaghue and Mr John Reynolds of Elm Terrace.

They have been hard at work in the garden and the judge said “Brilliant hanging baskets. They are well designed with great colours and structure, working well with the rest of the garden. The maintenance and growth is fantastic.” Well done Jo and John for such a beautiful display.

The prizes of vouchers to spend in store were donated

by Thomsons Hardware of Radstock and we give our thanks to them for their support.

On awarding the prizes to the winning gardeners Cllr Fuller said “It is always a pleasure to award these prizes for the beautiful displays that the people of Westfield, or anyone walking by, can appreciate. The hard work in designing and maintaining them is applauded. Thank you to both winners for helping to make Westfield a wonderful place to live.”

We really hope that the competition will run again next year and we look forward to you nominating your own garden, or letting us know about one that you see and think is deserving of a prize.

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New allotments at Larch Court

In July there was another public area made available for people to get involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables or have their own flower displays.

Due to the unprecedented popularity of the allotments at Waterford Park the Parish Council was looking for a space that could be converted into one for its green fingered residents. The land, formerly owned by Persimmon Homes and passed onto the Parish Council in an asset transfer, was identified as unused and constantly in need of high-level maintenance. Lack of grass cutting, self-sown saplings and the general absence of care over many years led to fly tipping and vermin. It seemed the ideal spot and work got started, with contributions of almost £20,000 from developer contributions and no cost to the taxpayer in Westfield.

Larch Court before work started 14 - The Westfield Warbler

Discussions were held with residents and Westfield Allotment and Garden Society (WAGS), who kindly agreed to take on the management of the site.

Work has been undertaken to completely rejuvenate the site and let it as allotments to local people, primarily residents of Larch Court and properties surrounding the site. It has been transformed into a tranquil green space for people to grow fruit and vegetables and is equipped with a polytunnel thanks to a £500 award from the Big Local Dragon’s Den. There are 7 plots and some raised beds available and there is already a waiting list! The new allotments were opened in July by the Chair of B&NES, Cllr Eleanor Jackson.

Chairman Geoff Fuller said “It has been amazing to see what has been done with a derelict site, transforming it into one that looks like it has been an allotment forever! At Westfield Parish Council we are striving to continuously improve the neighbourhood and this has gone a long way to fulfil that vision.”

At the opening event Mark Cassidy, B&NES’ Team Leader for Parks and Green Spaces said “Allotments are in high demand – they have been around for many years and are needed now more than ever. Research recently found that pollinators really rely on these spaces, so creating allotments from under-used or anti-social spaces is a really positive thing.”

Our thanks to WAGS, who have worked hard to help transform the site in conjunction with Darren Barnes of Lazydays.

WAGS will be holding their annual Open Day on Sunday 1st September from 12noon – 4pm at the Waterford Park allotments. There will be stalls and veg sales, a BBQ and displays from the Fire Service. Funds raised from the event will be put towards the Williams

Syndrome Foundation, a charity that helps people and carers affected by this rare genetic condition.

In the meantime, anyone interested in renting an allotment plot at either site should contact WAGS at westfieldallotments@hotmail.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

21st The Raskals at Mardons Social Club. Rock and pop at its best. Music from 9pm and non members welcome.

28th El Toro at Mardons Social Club. Popular rock trio make a return. Music from 9pm and non members welcome.

AUGUST

OCTOBER

23rd

Harvest Supper at Westfield Trinity Methodist Church, with Trinity singers.

The Thrillionaires at Mardons Social Club. A special Friday night treat as the excellent Welsh party band visit the club for a special Friday night gig at Mardons Social Club. Music from 9pm.

25th

Train Running Day behind a Diesel Shunter at Silver Street Station.

31st The Skinny Dippers at Mardons Social Club. One of the club’s most popular party bands return. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

SEPTEMBER

5th 5th

Elevation at Mardons Social Club. Top band, great vocals and superb musicians playing a geat mix of music from 9pm.

Free entry and non members very welcome.

6th Harvest Festival at Westfield Trinity Methodist Church.

7th

Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 10am. Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Lorraine and volunteers from the Carers’ Centre.

7th

2nd

Parish Council Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

2nd Parish Council Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office

Call The Shots at Mardons Social Club. The much-loved local rockers will be playing anthems and classic rock and pop from 9 pm. Free entry and non members welcome.

6th Folk Dance Club at St Peter’s Westfield 8pm – 10pm.

Train Running Day behind a Diesel Shunter at Silver Street Station.

7th Autumn Steam Gala at Silver Street Station.

14th Environment and Development Committee meeting,

Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 10am. Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Lorraine and volunteers from the Carers’ Centre.

Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

7th No Mean Feat at Mardons Social Club. Local foot

stomping rhythm and blues band. Music from 9pm, free entry, non members welcome.

7th Supper and film evening at Westfield Trinity Methodist Church 6pm.

8th Autumn Steam Gala at Silver Street Station.

9th Environment and Development Committee meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

14th The Stiff Upper Lips at Mardons Social Club. Popular

12th

13th

7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

19th Limited Edition at Mardons Social Club. One of the

most popular party bands around return for a great night of music, from 9pm. Free entry and non members welcome.

23rd

Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

26th Real Ale Train, tickets from the station or the Redan Inn, Chilcompton, Silver Street station.

26th Halloween Party Night at Mardons. Music from the

Bristols 4-piece party band playing all the hits. Music from 9pm and non members welcome.

amazing 6-piece band For The Record. Fancy dress optional (but preferred). Free entry and non members very welcome – 9 pm start.

14th

26th The Berries at Westfield Club, 9pm. Tickets £5 available

18th

27th Pumpkins on the Platform at Silver Street Railway

21st Macmillan Coffee Morning at Westfield Trinity Methodist

Steam loco rides with Joyce at Midsomer Norton Station, Silver Street.

Somer Valley Walking Festival. The Westfield walk starts at 2pm from the Elm Tree Avenue shops.

Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

Church 10am – 12 noon.

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from the club.

Station, dressing up, face painting and pumpkin carving.

28th

30th

2nd Parish Council Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office

NOVEMBER

Super D at Mardons Social Club. Super-talented, super-fun, Keynsham-based rock and pop band. Free entry, non members welcome and music from 9pm

NEW: Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 2pm – 3.30pm. Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Alex from the Carers’ Centre. A time to relax, with or without the person you care for.

2nd

The Stacks at Mardons Social Club. A great mix of rock, pop, reggae and soul. Free entry, non members welcome and music from 9pm.

4th

Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

7th

8th

Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets available from the station on Sundays and Mondays or online at www.sdjr.org.uk.

9th

Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 10am. Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Lorraine and volunteers from the Carers’ Centre.

Environment and Development Committee meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

4th

Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

9th Hair Of The Dog at Mardons Social Club. The popular local

Tundra at Mardons Social Club. The impressive party band returns. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

12th Environment and Development Committee meeting,

Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets available from the station on Sundays and Mondays or online at www.sdjr.org.uk.

Parish Council Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

lads return to rock Mardons. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

11th 14th 15th

16th

The Haus Band at Mardons Social Club. The popular local lads return to rock Mardons. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

20th

Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

23rd

Silver Train at Mardons Social Club. Specialising in 80s music, this band are lively, charismatic and incredibly talented.

Music from 9pm and non members welcome.

27th Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 2pm – 3.30pm.

Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Alex from the Carers’ Centre. A time to relax, with or without the person you care for.

28th Westfield Christmas Lights switch on 6pm by the Living Christmas Tree, Elm Tree Avenue.

29th – 30th Angel and Nativity weekend, Westfield

Trinity Methodist Church.

30th Freeze at Mardons Social Club. A night of fun party

tunes. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

DECEMBER

1st

Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets available from the station on Sundays and Mondays, or online at www.sdjr.org.uk

2nd

Carers’ Cafe at Mardons Social Club, 10am. Meet other carers, have a drink, and chat with Lorraine and volunteers from the Carers’ Centre.

Regular events • Boules Every Tuesday evening from 6pm to dusk at Norton Hill Recreation Ground. No need for your own equipment, just a sensible pair of shoes and a desire to have some fun!

• Knit and Natter Every Tuesday, 2-4 pm, Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield.

• Westfield TT Running Group Every Wednesday four running groups, St Benedict’s School, 7pm, various paces from gentle to fast runners.

Beginner’s Group – St Benedict’s School 7pm, every Tuesday and Thursday, learning basic running techniques and a steady running group covering 4-5 miles.

Every Friday running Group – St Benedict’s School, 7pm. Trail running on local footpaths in two groups, steady and faster runners welcome to explore our amazing local countryside.

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• Radstock Folk Dance Club Friday evenings from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at St Peter’s Hall, from 4th October, contact Dick Shilton on 01458 841400 for more information.

• Friday Social

Do you have an event to advertise?

Please send details of your event to us at:

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2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Trinity Westfield Methodist Church, 2nd Friday of every month.

• Coffee Mornings 1st Friday of the month, Trinity Westfield Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. unless rearranged for charity. Check listings.

• Westfield Voices Every Wednesday 7.15 p.m. – 9 p.m. at St Peter’s Church.

• Messy Church First Sunday of the month, 3.30 p.m. at Radstock Baptist Church.

• English Folk Dance Fortnightly Thursday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St Peter’s Church.

Folk Dance Club resumes!

Radstock Folk Dance Club will resume for the 2019-20 season on 4th October 2019. We meet on Friday evenings from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm in St Peter’s Church Hall, Longfellow Road BA3 3YZ. Beginners are welcome. You do not need a partner and all sessions are led by a caller to guide you through the dances. For further information contact Dick or Jean Shilton on 01458 841400.

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20 - The Westfield Warbler

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Exciting news for the children in our parish It is important to us that the young people of our area have somewhere they can go which is a safe and comfortable environment to play in.

There are several playgrounds in Westfield – one at Norton Hill Recreation Ground and one at Westhill Recreation Ground, that are both maintained by Westfield Parish Council and one at Shakespeare Road, maintained by B&NES.

On a regular inspection of the play areas it was brought to our notice that at Westhill the old wooden ‘fort’ was coming to the end of its days.

As a result the Parish Council made a commitment to replace it and it has been replaced by a new climbing/sliding state of the art structure (pictured left).

Even more exciting is the brand new development at Shakespeare Road. This area is currently just made up of a couple of pieces of equipment that are very basic (pictured below). The playground is maintained by B&NES B&NES have agreed to fund the new equipment in Shakespeare Road from Section 106 money – this is payments from developers that build new property in the area.

We would like to thank B&NES for their help with this project. Watch this space for more information.

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GRANTS AVAILABLE Apply now for up to £1000 for your project The 2019 grants round is now open for applications. Westfield Parish Council budgets a pot of money each year for organisations and projects working in or for the benefit of the residents of Westfield.

You don’t have to be a charity or even a constituted group as long as your project or activities have charitable aims.

In the past few years Westfield has seen real benefit from the activities and organisations it has funded. A wonderful example is the regular Carers’ Café which meets at Mardon’s Club. B&NES Carers’ Centre set up this initiative two years ago using grant funds from the Parish Council to start up the group and this year as the café continues to thrive the support has been extended to fund Wellbeing Navigators to reach those carers that were still isolated and unable to access the café group.

Organisations do not need to be operating within Westfield to be eligible for a grant. Funding has been sent as far afield as the MS Therapy Centre in Bristol to support residents of Westfield accessing the vital care that they receive at that facility. The Parish Council has also given funding to a number of organisations operating in Radstock, Midsomer Norton and the surrounding areas which are able

mardons SOCIAL CLUB www.mardonsclub.co.uk

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to show the specific benefit that their service offers to the people of Westfield.

Projects also do not need to be offered by a constituted group. The Parish Council is happy to consider contributions to one-off projects that have charitable aims and are for the benefit of the community. Although funds cannot be paid over to personal bank accounts the Parish Council can pay for goods or services for a project as a way of contributing grant funding.

Whilst some applications are for specific projects or one-off purchases, others, from organisations that rely entirely on donations and grant funding apply for contributions towards on-going costs of running their service. Examples are SWAN Advice Network, the Dial-a-Ride service and St Nicholas churchyard, all of which provide services for the residents of Westfield.

If you are interested in applying and have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council (contact details inside the back cover). Please also spread the words to anyone you might know that could apply.

All details and application form can be found on our website: www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/ grants or by calling the Parish Council on 01761 410669

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22 - The Westfield Warbler

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KEEP THE WORLD LOOKING BEAUTIFUL!

Mardons Club are planning ahead Mardons Club recently celebrated the fourth Anniversary of their move into the commuity building and another successful year, with a Summer Party. However, there’s no sign of complacency as they plan ahead to provide a full and varied offering to the community.

Mardons is an ideal venue to enjoy televised sport. With the football season kicking off, you can enjoy the games on the high-definition big screen and TVs. Subscribing to both Sky Sports and BT Sports channels, they endeavour to show as many games as possible during the season.

Mardons offer FREE HALL HIRE for all manner of party bookings (no18th / 21st Birthdays or children’s parties). For smaller celebrations, invite your guests along to a Saturday night and enjoy the fabulous live music on offer – it’s always best to get in touch with the club first – email: socialclubinfo@gmail.com The club has an excellent relationship with some of the region’s leading bands, so the line up remains at a consistently high standard.

Musical highlights over the next few months include the return of the Stiff Upper Lips, as well as Elevation, For The Record, El Toro and local lads, Call The Shots - not to metion the much-loved Limited Edition!

With a great mix of music on offer, the social club is keen to be as inclusive as possible, to give guests a great night out in a safe environment and with FREE entry!

As a not for profit, voluntary-run organisation, funds are continually fed back into the club.

Having already invested heavily to improve the outside space and add air-conditioning, the committee continue to look at ways to add value to the facilities and ensure the community gets the best possible experience when visiting its club – next on the ‘to do’ list are the club toilets.

Non members and walk-ins are always welcome at Mardons, but if you find you enjoy your time there, membership is only £5 per year (July – June). With an impressive 20% discount on most bar prices, the membership fee is easily recouped in a few visits.

Keep up to date with all that’s happening at: www.facebook.com/mardonsclub

Elevation – One of the exceptional bands playing weekly – with FREE entry to all!

The Westfield Warbler - 23

Westfield Petanque Club Westfield Petanque Club entered three teams in this year’s Wells Charity Boules Tournament.

Wells market square is magically transformed, with twenty piste, on which 48 teams compete, in ‘friendly’ rivalry. The day is brilliantly organised by the Rotary Clubs of Avalon and Wells, raising money for the Nepal Trust.

Having enjoyed a breakfast of coffee and croissants, play starts at 9.30am, and continues throughout the

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day, until about 5.30pm. A superb lunch was provided

by The Crown, the sun shone, the jazz band played, the cathedral bells rang, all adding to an amazing atmosphere.

Did we win? No. Did it matter? Not in the slightest.

Here’s to next year.

If you would like to join in a friendly game of boules on a Tuesday evening, then join us at 6pm, Norton Hill Recreation Ground.

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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.

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Putting Westfield on the map Westfield Parish Council is working hard to create a community identity within the Parish that was newly created in 2011.

As part of this, the Parish Council recently worked with Royal Mail to have Westfield recognised in the addresses of all the properties within the boundary of the Parish. We are aware that this has caused some confusion among residents living at the edges of the Parish that may not have been aware that their properties fell within the Parish of Westfield.

The Parish Council would like to assure residents that there has been no attempt to move properties into

Westfield Trinity Methodist Church Just a note to let people know that in the late autumn we are having our toilet facilities refurbished.

This will be to include disabled toilets meaning full access for everyone. As a result of this our church and car park will be out of bounds for a little while. Watch the Parish Council website for more information closer to the time.

Meanwhile we have our regular activities taking place.

The Knit and Natter group is growing all the time – along with knitted items!! Come along on a Tuesday from 2-4 to join in and meet new people. Here are some items that have been made by some of those that come along.

Westfield from either Midsomer Norton or Radstock.

All the properties that were contacted by Royal Mail were already within the parish of Westfield and have been since 2011.

Other initiatives to bring the community together have included the now annual Fun Day, the Christmas Lights switch-on event, the flower displays and the festive lights on lampposts. The Parish Council is very happy to answer questions about the address update or any other issues and is keen to engage with anyone living or working within the parish that has ideas for continuing to encourage community identity.

Our Strawberry Cream team on Saturday 27th July raised a record £815 for Breast Cancer care.

See the What’s On page for more information about regular and ad hoc events taking place at our always inclusive church.

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8 The Street, Radstock, BA3 3PL The Westfield Warbler - 25

The nuisance of dog fouling As the weather improves and more people are out enjoying Westhill Recreation Ground and Norton Hill Recreation Ground, the recurring problem of dog fouling becomes more than a mere nuisance.

Dog fouling puts children’s health at risk and in parks and recreation grounds children should be able to play without exposure to such danger.

Responsible dog owners are particularly frustrated at those who do not clean up after their dogs and the reputation that this gives an otherwise responsible community of residents.

Chair of the Council, Geoff Fuller, said: “A lot of people are very conscientious and clean up after their dog. It is not acceptable that some people do not do so and, if caught, heavy fines will be imposed. It is important for us to work together for the well-being of our community.”

The Parish Council is appealing to any member of the public who sees a dog fouling offence to report it to Bath and North East Somerset Council giving a description and a time: 01225 39 40 41 or by emailing councilconnect@bathnes.co.uk

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Concerned about something in Westfield? How to report it …

From time to time we all feel the frustration of reporting a problem, such as overgrown footpaths, overhanging hedges, excessive mud on the road, litter, flytipping etc and nothing seemingly gets done about it.

How can we be conscientious about highlighting potentially dangerous or anti-social situations effectively?

If you are concerned about issues at Norton Hill Recreation Ground or Westhill Recreation Ground please report them to Westfield Parish Council. Here at the Parish Council we manage these grounds and will address the concern. Contact council@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk or call 01761 410669.

Most amenity land, footpaths and highways in the area are owned and managed by B&NES. There are some exceptions, but if you report it to B&NES they should tell you if the matter is not within their remit. A good way to report these problems is on www.fixmystreet. com. The concern is mapped and others can see that it has been reported. There is also an app, so if you wanted, you could take photos and send them with your message.

The Parish Council has raised the concern with B&NES that often the fixmystreet report is acknowledged and

then closed and we have no feedback as to whether it is being addressed or not. We are told that this is being rectified over the next 6 to 9 months, with the aim of B&NES giving meaningful feedback. So for example, if you report a pothole, and B&NES decide the pothole is too small to warrant urgent attention, you will at least get feedback to that effect and an indication of the timescale in which they will work.

If you prefer to telephone in the issue you can always call B&NES Council Connect on 01225 394041.

But what do you do if you report an issue and the response is unsatisfactory? Our elected B&NES Councillors for Westfield may help. Contact Cllr Eleanor Jackson, Eleanor_jackson@bathnes.gov.uk and Cllr Robin Moss, robin_moss@bathnes.gov.uk And B&NES have a complaints policy: https://www. bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/ complaints-and-customer-feedback And if the matter is still unsatisfactory? Our MP is Jacob Rees-Mogg – Jacob.reesmoggmp@parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7118 ​Westfield Parish Council is supportive of concerns and you are very welcome to copy us in or contact us for guidance. We are here to help.

New introduction to running group Westfield TT running group will be starting a brand new introduction to running group on Tuesday 3rd September from Prattens hall Westfield at 7pm.

It is entirely free to join us. The groups are really friendly with a great community atmosphere.

We are proud to train all abilities from complete beginners to advanced runners, both on road and the trails.

Further details covering weekly schedules can be found on Facebook under Westfield TT. The Westfield Warbler - 27

New Miners’ Tribute Garden Westfield Primary School opened their new “Miners’ Tribute Garden” this summer with a visit from Bryn Hawkins and Tony Salvidge from the Miners Trust Committee.

The garden was designed by the children to help them remember their local heritage as well as learning about history and gardening. Many of the plants are black to represent the coal, with yellow plants for the canaries used and a rope garden to remember the children who pulled the Gus and Crook through the tunnels.

Nigel Coles came in to teach them about photography and he helped the children to take the photos.

Photos: Nigel Coles

28 - The Westfield Warbler

Westfield plans to celebrate VE Day 75 VE Day 75- or Victory in Europe Day - is marked on Friday 8 May 2020 and commemorates 75 years since the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. As a result of this event the May Day bank holiday, traditionally on a Monday, will be put back to the Friday for 2020.

What does this mean for Westfield? The Parish Council has formed a Working Group to look at how we can celebrate and commemorate VE Day 75. Do you have memories or family history relating to VE Day? Or some ideas of how we can mark this day?

Please contact Westfield Parish Council 01761 410669 or council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

The Westfield Warbler - 29

The

Parish Clerk 2

019 was heralded in Westfield as a year of projects. The series of consultations for our Neighbourhood Plan over the preceding four years laid the foundation and guided us in how the community would like the Parish Council to spend its time and resources.

As a result, so far this year, we have seen new play equipment go in at Westhill Recreation Ground, a new allotment site come to fruition at Larch Court and hanging basket trees installed at the Elm Tree Avenue shops which support a magnificent flower display. Other projects over the summer included the installation of dog waste notices and publicity encouraging the enforcement of penalties for those who do not pick up after their dogs, together with the heightening of part of the fence line at Norton Hill Recreation Ground to deter vandalism of the Bowling Club.

In one sense this is just the start. The Westfield Green and Open Spaces Working Group has identified a series of projects, some of which will take many years to come to fruition but which are being researched and analysed right now. One project which is moving ahead slowly is the lighting of the Pit Path and its registration as a Right of Way in order that it might be maintained on a regular basis.

Another project in its very early stages is a standalone pavilion at Westhill Recreation Ground to support and promote sport and recreation. Finally, a project which, at the time of writing, we hope might be completed this summer is the installation of coordinated and accessible seating and picnic benches at Norton Hill Recreation Ground.

If you would like to be part of the Westfield Green and Open Spaces Working Group you would be very welcome. There are no special skills required, just an interest in enhancing the green spaces of the parish. Please contact the Parish Council for more information.

Lesley Close Parish Clerk

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30 - The Westfield Warbler

Your Councillors

Cllr Lauren Barnes 07534 419097 / 01761 413050 lauren.barnes@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Diana Cooper 01761 415155 diana.cooper@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Vincent Cox 07729 123956 vincent.cox@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Geoff Fuller Chair 07540 998603 geoff.fuller@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr James Honess james.honess@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Ron Hopkins 07460 819007 / 01761 435852 ron.hopkins@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Eleanor Jackson 07979 968416 / 01761 438968 eleanor.jackson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)

Cllr Robin Moss 07543 626184 robin.moss@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)

Cllr Bryan Wallbridge 07974 939776 bryan.wallbridge@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Phil Wilkinson 01761 431355 / 07803 927626 phil.wilkinson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Cllr Pat Williams 01761 432630 pat.williams@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

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 Wednesday, 9am - 4.30pm and Thursday, 9am - 3pm Due to the small number of part time staff it is advisable to telephone before visiting.

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

The Westfield Warbler - 31