Westfield Warbler Summer/Autumn

SUMMER/AUTUMN 2020 ISSUE 35

Details of Westfield Businesses inside

Produced for Westfield Parish Council

Westfield Parish Council

Redundancy Support Being made redundant?

Let us lend a hand The reality that is upon many of us at this time can be scary and challenging.

That reality is Redundancy.

The past few months have shown that we cannot predict the outcome of this pandemic, but we can help each other along the way.

The team feel the need to offer the skills and knowledge we hold as trained recruitment consultants to our local community.

How can Simple Recruitment help?

To put it simply, this is what we do… It has been said that a company is only as good as its people – here at Simple Recruitment, we are proud to have a team whose breadth of knowledge is extensive.

We can help you: · with confidential 1:1 advice · assistance with your CV · crucial interview tips to ensure you stand out from the crowd Not only this, but after your 1:1 meeting with one of our consultants you will receive a pack with all the useful links, resources, and tips to help you along your journey.

For more information on how you can book your informal Simple 1:1 redundancy support meeting please contact the team on 01761 235741

Message from Contents the Chairman 6

Finally we are getting back to some sort of normality and I hope that people are coming through the lockdown unscathed.

Westfield Parish Council has still been very active over this period and we are conducting our meetings online. All details are on the Parish Council website if people would like to join them.

Westfield Parish Council thought that businesses in Westfield, no matter how big or small, would benefit from reminding the residents that they are still active so that they are not forgotten during this time. The Parish Council was happy to contribute to the cost of this to show our support for local businesses. Hence the publication of a directory of customer facing companies in Westfield in this Warbler.

As many of the residents have been on their daily walks around Westhill Recreation Ground they would have seen that work on the fitness track is now completed. Hopefully the outdoor gym equipment will be in place by October. We feel that this will be well used by all and would benefit the whole community. We would also like the community to be observant and report any vandalism or the inappropriate use of vehicles such as motorcycles to the Police and the Parish Council.

While we are happy that residents have been using the Recreation Grounds to have their exercise or meet up with friends and family there have been a few problems with litter. We would encourage people to clean up after themselves or take their rubbish home.

On a good note the Front Garden competition is still going ahead. The standard is very high yet again possibly because during the lockdown people have had more time to spend on their gardens. We like to think that the Front Garden Competition creates a feeling of community with the residents of Westfield.

Stay safe.

Cllr Geoff Fuller - Chair of Westfield Parish Council

A Fitness Track for Westfield

8 Two new defibrillators 9

Heritage Trail

12 WAGS keep busy during lockdown 14 Front Garden Competition 18 Coronavirus - preventing local outbreaks 21 Try Local - Your Westfield Business Guide 28 Hot Square Meal Project 32

SWALLOW Charity

34 Fosse Way School's caretaker retires The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in November 2020. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us by19th 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.

The Westfield Warbler - 3

A time for us to focus on the positives When the team at Westfield Parish Council asked me to write something about the Covid-19 lockdown I thought that this would essentially be a reflective article that centred on sadness and regrets, and of course there were a few of those; the horror of the enormity of what was facing us all at the very fabric of our society along with the loss and suffering of those infected and the incredible predicted workload on our dear NHS. But all of these gradually fell away and were replaced by a determination to keep safe and protect our families, and to come through these mad, sad times and consign them to history. Of course history will interpret our actions and 2020 will surely become a year forever remembered.

During this period the staggering efforts made by our NHS teams battling against years of underfunding and lack of preparedness from an apparently shambling central government is a shining example for us all to appreciate.

The creation of local support groups and the rapid consolidation of these into B&NES' Caring Community projects shows how we can all pull together in times of crisis, and brought forward the warming knowledge that people DO care for their neighbours and colleagues.

What's changed? My partner and I are in our seventies

and are dealing with diabetes, during this time we discovered the joy of getting groceries (when we finally got a slot) and the new pleasure of shopping on the net will remain as part of our lives for ever now.

Supporting local suppliers who have stood by us and modified the way they do business to keep us safe during the crisis has ensured our absolute commitment to them and we will continue to use them in the future. Finally the joy of meeting our children and grandchildren when lockdown was eased was great joy.

We’re not finished with this awful virus yet and I suspect we will have to manage it for years to come, but we do that in the knowledge that our communities have emerged stronger and closer than ever.

Keep safe and keep well…

Cllr Ron Hopkins

Welcome back – Lesley Mansell returns to the Parish Council I am delighted to be back on Westfield Parish Council and thank everyone for their warm welcome.

I am keen to see our council take up the challenge on climate change. There are lots of “green” things we can do. I have agreed to be on a working group to look at what Westfield can do on this.

So, if you are interested, please get in touch with the Parish Clerk. This is an opportunity to put forward ideas on actions on climate change and also to learn something of how the Council works.

Cllr Lesley Mansell

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A message from Eleanor Jackson Unfortunately it has not been possible to hold my routine surgeries in Westfield and Radstock since the church halls were closed on 17 March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, nor has B&NES Council allowed ‘site visits’ to look at problematic overgrown trees, potholes, poor signage, jungles in place of public footpaths and so on.

However, I have been busy putting people in touch with the services they needed during ‘lockdown’. Planning has continued almost as normal, pavement and parking problems have been duly reported and I have been ‘zooming' to meetings.

I would like to thank everyone for their patience, when owing to the fact I was Chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council 2019-20, I was not always able to deal with matters as efficiently as I would have liked.

Many thanks to all who have ‘taken up the slack’ for me.

Finacial health check

Investments

So just a reminder that my email address is Eleanor_jackson@bathnes.gov.uk , telephone 01761 438968 and to give me time to get to the phone with my mobility problems.

Stay safe and watch out for B&NES Council advice on www.bathnes.gov.uk

Protection

Retirement planning

Legacy planning & long term care

‘Local, professional financial advice on your doorstep’

www.douglasandyoung.co.uk Amy Young M: 07496 136197 E: amy@douglasandyoung.co.uk The Westfield Warbler - 5

A Fitness Track for Westfield Arising from the consultations for the Neighbourhood Plan, the fitness track at Westhill has been a long-awaited asset for the parish. It consists of a track around the perimeter of the recreation ground with 12 separate insets for outdoor gym equipment.

Our research showed that the fitness tracks and gym equipment which prove most popular are those which are accessible to all. So we have chosen pieces which can be used by people of all abilities and which rely on one’s own body weight rather than the resistance equipment of the type you would find inside a gym. We have also widened the range of accessible equipment, such as the inclusive chest pull down and the inclusive hand bike, and picked items which work the full range of muscle groups.

Promoting fitness was a key motivator for this initiative.

Dr Phil Whitaker, Senior Partner of Westfield GP Surgery, said: “The team at Westfield Surgery are thrilled to learn of this initiative to create outdoor fitness facilities in Westfield Recreation Ground. Sedentary lifestyles and 6 - The Westfield Warbler

weight problems are among the biggest health risks our patient population faces, and we warmly welcome this excellent proposal which will provide incentive and opportunity for Westfield residents to increase exercise and improve their health.”

We are delighted that Westfield TT Running Group are embracing this initiative and plan to make full use of the fitness track in their running regimes. Founder of the group, John Reynolds, says: “This will open up so many opportunities for families, sports groups and individuals. I think it will be a great chance also to help the younger generation to enjoy more physical activity by providing additional interest. Really looking forward to seeing this new project happen in the heart of Westfield”.

Many sectors of the community have seen the potential of this project. As Bev Craney, Chief Executive of SWALLOW, said: “SWALLOW support the idea of the fitness track. Fitness tracks are a very good way for people with a learning disability to exercise as they are safely away from roads and therefore enable people to take part in running/sports events that they may otherwise not be able to take part in. SWALLOW have used these fields to hold a Sports/Activity Day in the past and the fitness track will be a great asset on these occasions.”

to demonstrate how important the track and gym will be to the local people and how many individuals and community groups are planning on using it.

Our investment plan, which is based on community consultation and written by local volunteers, has prioritised the health and wellbeing of local people.

This outdoor facility fits perfectly with our aims, we’re pleased to contribute funds towards it and we look forward to seeing it make a positive difference to the health of local people for many years to come."

Mark Graham of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Having come along to some of the Green and Open Space Working Group meetings, I am pleased to say that I have seen this idea grow from a suggestion around the table into a fully fledged plan of action.

This of course shows that Westfield Parish Council are dynamic in their choices of how to provide fantastic facilities for the community. The diversity of the development is fantastic and outreaching to all demographics of the community, providing play areas for young children and fitness to all, dog walkers, families with pushchairs and access for those with disabilities.”

Our thanks go to B&NES' S.106 department and to the Big Local for Radstock and Westfield for funding this project.

Rob Wicke, from the Big Local, said: "The Radstock & Westfield Big Local Partnership are excited to see progress being made on this facility which received an incredible amount of community support in the consultations. We must say congratulations to Westfield Parish Council who put in a lot of hard work

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Two new defibrillators in the Parish Thanks to fundraising by Waterside Carnival Club, we are delighted to say that Westfield has two new defibrillators, bringing the total in Westfield up to six.

The new units are located outside Whitstones' Fish and Chips on Fosse Way South and outside the Pavilion at Norton Hill Recreation Ground.

By ringing 999 the emergency services will ensure people have the access code in the event of an emergency.

Chair of the Parish Council, Geoff Fuller, said: “Defibrillators are now live 24/7 at Elm Tree Avenue, Mardons Club, the Fire Station and the Westfield Doctor's Surgery on Waterford Park and have already been put to good use.

"We know just how valuable this equipment is in saving lives. Thank you to Waterside Carnival Club for funding these two new defibrillators and to AF Denning for installing them at no cost to the public."

& So itchr •aerStd GFa.miM . 1913 WeSt ns ly Butche FielD Important notice to all our customers We are operating an order and collect only service.

Screens for protection with one in one out policy.

Little extras can be purchased on collection.

mardons We’re Open!

SOCIAL CLUB

... from 7pm Mon-Fri & noon at weekends

Following strict government guidelines for your safety Showing big Screen football matches

Non-members welcome ‘Like’ us at: facebook.com/mardonsclub 8 - The Westfield Warbler

Order for next day collection by phoning 01761 412109 or messaging us on our Facebook page.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 7.00am – 1pm for collection We thank you for your continued support.

Beef, pork and lamb, from local farms, at affordable prices.

Also poultry, eggs and milk, including home produced hams, cooked meats, quiches, pies, faggots and scotch eggs.

Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS

Tel: 01761 412109

g.mitchardandsons@gmail.com www.gmitchardandsons.co.uk

Heritage Trails in Westfield During these times of lockdown we are still able to go outside and take exercise. The number of people we can meet changes regularly but the fact that we can get out and about doesn't.

More people than ever have taken advantage of the extra time they have while not at work to explore the area around where they live. As restrictions are slowly lifted and we have more freedom to go to other places we would encourage residents not to break the habits of getting out there in the fresh air, so how about making use of the Westfield Heritage Trails?

There are three trails in total, each one of them having some historical information about the parish on the way around. The trails are for varying abilities and differ in length and points of interest.

• Walk one is the shortest at 1.5 miles, taking about 30 minutes;

• Walk two takes around 1.5 hours and is 2.95 miles long;

• And walk three goes around the whole perimeter of Westfield, taking about 2 hours to cover 4.5 miles.

On each walk you will find trail boards that have information about where you are and what is of note about the area.

The walks give participants the opportunity to savour each part of Westfield, be it the busy main road through the parish or the countryside that surrounds us. Please respect other people’s distance while walking around.

You can find more information about each trail on our website – www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/ communityinformation/heritagewalks The published map shows the information board at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, close to the playground.

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Westfield Heritage Trail

Miners’ Trust Recreation Ground Boa

Norton Hill Pit Disaster, 1908

Colliery Worker Cottages Leading to Elm Tree and Elm Tree Inn

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Significant Moments:

In total there were three mines in Westfield, two at Norton Hill and a third at Wellsway. Norton Hill pit, the most productive pit, was closed in 1966. Following the M Industry Act 1920, Miners’ Trusts were established mainly in order to provide welfare to employees and their dependents. This includes the promotion of health, th poverty and hardship and the advancement of education. Two trusts were established to create and preserve green spaces in Westfield for recreation – Norton Hil Recreation Ground and Miners Recreation / Pleasure Ground at Westfield. The sole trustee is Westfield Parish Council.

The Elm Tree - There once was an old hollow Elm tree, which was said to be haunted. Mr A. Waugh wrote in his 1875 biography: ‘When we took a longer walk, th an old hollow Elm tree at Westfield, halfway between Norton Down and Radstock coal pits, which all nursery authorities agreed to be haunted. The three of us cou into it upright and gaze straight up to the leaves above.’ Many areas of Westfield are named after this particular tree. Unfortunately, due to Dutch Elm disease, the to be removed in the 1970s.

10 - The Westfield Warbler

Westfield Parish Council

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Established 2011

WESTFIELD

Walk

Length

Time

1. Short ‘Pit Stops’

1.5 miles

30 mins

2. Medium 2.95 miles ‘Miners’ Trail’

1.5 hours

3. Long 4.5 miles ‘Waterside Valley’

2 hours

Walks 2 & 3 require sturdy footwear due to uneven ground. Fields waterlogged in wet weather Trail boards A permanent record of the Somerset Coalfield can be found in the museum where they pay tribute to the miners who gave this community its industrial heritage and special character Pill boxes © Crown Copyright 2016 OS 100057816EUL You are permitted to use this data solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third parties in any form.

The Westfield Warbler - 11

WAGS keep busy during lockdown Following the National Allotment Society advice, Westfield Parish Council supported keeping the allotment sites in Waterford Park and Larch Court open. For many of the members of WAGS this has been a great way of getting out of the house and doing some much needed exercise in these difficult times.

Paul Millard, the acting chair of WAGS, explained that the usual meetings and work parties have not been able to go ahead but with the recent lockdown changes we have managed to start working on the communal areas – whilst maintaining social distancing.

12 - The Westfield Warbler

Earlier in the summer we managed to start a second hive and everyone is looking forward to sampling some honey.

A skip was hired to clear rubbish and the flower beds surrounding the disabled and children’s raised beds were weeded. The whole site is looking amazing with all the plots in use and the polytunnel filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and chilli peppers.

WAGS has also successfully developed Larch Court allotments. In its first full year the site looks fabulous and is a great use of the previously unused area.

Given that initially, garden centres were closed, the allotment holders have managed extremely well to source seeds and plants.

Of course, one area which we have had to continue to maintain during lockdown is the orchard and bee hives.

Last September we took on a bee hive under the care of Clive Chandler, one of the allotment holders. Clive is supported by an apiary expert and Clive and Paul have joined a local bee keeping club.

The Westfield Warbler - 13

Front Garden Competition a close call On a pleasantly warm day in early July judge Rob Wicke, Westfield’s Flower Contractor who looks after the beautiful hanging baskets and coal truck displays, toured the gardens of the parish to determine which were worthy of the first prize for the two categories – best front garden and best container.

There were more entries than ever before this year – maybe a reflection of the time that people had been able to spend in their garden due to the lockdown, though getting hold of plants at the beginning of the season was proving tricky. One entrant told us that all the plants in her lovely tubs were cuttings or seeds of last year’s flowers. That proved to be amazing foresight!

Larch Court before work started 14 - The Westfield Warbler

Of the displays in Westfield gardens Rob said: “there were a really great mix of gardens ranging from vibrant bedding plants to intriguing cottage style gardens and everything in between.”

The winner of the Best Garden was in Nightingale Way. Rob said “It fought off some very strong competition with great vision and use of a variety of plants in a

way that instantly stood out and caught my attention.

Clearly the owner had thought long and hard about the design in a very quirky space.”

The hanging baskets that caught Rob’s eye were on Elm Terrace. He said: “They were a great use of colour and shape and were joyful to see, no doubt putting a smile on the faces of passers-by.”

While presenting the prizes to Mrs Kay Jennings for the best garden and Mr Austin Hudd for the hanging baskets Cllr Wallbridge, Vice Chair, said: “It has been a pleasure to see the stunning gardens and baskets that have won the competition this year and brighten the neighbourhood for all.”

Thanks must go to Thomsons of Radstock who have kindly donated two vouchers for the winners and to Rob Wicke for giving us his time to do the difficult job of judging the competition.

Blooming Westfield If you took your daily walk during lockdown through Westfield or have driven along the main road, no doubt you would have seen the fabulous hanging baskets throughout Westfield.

The baskets and various planters are supplied and maintained by Rob Wicke throughout the year to give a year-long splash of colour. The Parish Council is very grateful to Rob for the thought he gives to the colour schemes and his care of the plants through the year.

The Westfield Warbler - 15

Grants 2020 This is the time of year that the Parish Council usually opens up its grant pot for applications.

Bizarrely different as 2020 has turned out to be, it has made no difference to the availability of grants and we are now inviting applications for grants of up to £1000.

You don’t have to be a Westfield resident or a Westfield organisation to apply but you must be able to show how your project benefits the people of Westfield and the grant requested must be proportionate to the amount of the project that benefits Westfield.

We have some wonderful examples of how previous years’ grants have been used, some of which have been documented in previous issues of the Warbler. The Carers’ Centre used successive years of grants to set up, maintain and then extend the provision of a carers’ café in Westfield providing support to 43 carers in Westfield over the past year. Trinity Methodist Church in Westfield used grants as part of the monies raised to re-plan and refurbish the former toilets area in their community hall, to provide new disabled facilities.

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band who have members from Westfield and who provide great support to our Christmas Lights and Fun Day events were given a grant towards refurbishment of two of their instruments.

One thing that we have adjusted, to take account of 2020 disruptions, is the deadline for applications. We are very aware that most organisations have been severely affected by the coronavirus crisis and related issues and whilst the need may well be particularly great this year, the actual logistics of applying for grants may only just be starting up again around the time of our usual deadline in October. So, we have moved the deadline back to 23rd November in order for applicants to have more time to consider and make their applications. This means that successful recipients will receive their grants in early 2021.

Our policy and criteria along with an application form can be found on our website: www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/grants Please do spread the word and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries.

16 - The Westfield Warbler

Youth Connect Youth Connect South West is a registered charity offering support to young people across Bath and North East Somerset.

We currently offer individual support, work in partnership with local senior schools, Bath College and various other organisations, as well as offering youth clubs to young people aged 13-19 in Westfield, Radstock, Timsbury, Paulton and Bath.

Covid-19 was a brand new challenge for the team and like the rest of the country they faced the anxieties, uncertainties and the worry of how they were going to be able to continue to support young people. All the face to face support stopped, the youth clubs closed and staff started working from home. The staff couldn’t go and meet with young people but could text, email, call and use virtual platforms and found other ways to make sure young people and their families felt supported throughout.

Youth Connect SW worked with the local authority to get key worker status. This allowed staff to visit vulnerable young people, offer street-based youth sessions and be out in the community supporting young people and families during the whole of the lockdown period.

In Westfield, Youth Connect SW provided mobile phones and tablets, paid for through the Quartet fund, to make sure young people had a way to stay in touch with the world outside of home. Daily cooked meals, provided

by Wessex Water, and food parcels were delivered to young people and their families who were shielding or had young siblings at home.

Virtual youth clubs, using Zoom, started in April giving young people the chance to join in quizzes, treasure hunts and cooking as well as touch base with a youth support worker. These sessions are still being offered every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.

following national guidance and common sense.

Our ‘new normal’ will be to carry on meetings with individuals and small groups outdoors and on Zoom whilst following safe social distancing measures and continued hygiene.

We are beginning to look at offering more indoor space for vulnerable individuals and small groups and are currently exploring ways to safely re-open youth clubs.

In the meantime, young people in Westfield can expect to continue receiving check-ins from Katy Roberts (senior youth support worker), join in activities weekly on Zoom and a regular detached session will take place in Westfield on a Tuesday evening 7-9pm.

Some other things Youth Connect staff have also been doing during Covid-19; • Delivery of 30-35 cooked meals daily across B&NES donated by Wessex Water.

• Supporting other organisations to deliver weekly food parcels.

• Working in partnership with Project 28 to provide young people with some focused advice and support regarding their drug and alcohol use.

• Working in partnership with other local councillors across B&NES and the police to provide a detached service to busy or problematic areas within B&NES. • Making fun but informative safety videos to help young people stay safe – available on our Instagram/ Facebook pages.

For more information about the Zoom and detached sessions for Westfield please contact: Katy Roberts 07530 263378 Kelly Barresi 07875 488782 Visit our website www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk or look us up on Facebook - Youth Connect SouthWest Instagram - @youthconnectsouthwest

The youth work team have also been in Westfield on various days and times delivering detached sessions.

These have given a space to check in with young people and make sure they are getting support if needed.

Going forward Youth Connect will continue to operate

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Coronavirus – preventing local outbreaks Preventing a local outbreak of Coronavirus is in each of our hands and like all local authorities Bath & North East Somerset has produced its Local Outbreak Management Plan to respond to the pandemic. In this message the council’s Director for Public Health, Dr Bruce Laurence sets out what this means for residents…

The one thing most experts do agree on is that as we now are easing restrictions quite significantly, we are treading a fairly fine line between maintaining control of the outbreak and letting it rip again, with limited room for manoeuvre and none at all for complacency.

You may have seen news recently about the relatively low levels of coronavirus cases in the South West region compared to the rest of the country. Of course, we would dearly like to keep number of new cases as low as possible, while opening up our schools, businesses and social lives again.

• Reduce the risk of outbreaks occurring in the first place

Sadly, Bath and North East Somerset has certainly been affected by Covid-19, and 90 of our residents have lost their lives to the illness in this pandemic.

• Work with the NHS Test and Trace Service, local NHS and other partners to achieve this.

While it is not yet fully understood why this region has had relatively few cases and deaths, it is likely to be due to a range of factors. Some of the more likely ones include our rurality and smaller numbers of big and crowded urban centres, a greater number of people with the sort of jobs that they can do from home, good general health indicators around levels of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and smoking, and fewer residents from black and minority ethnic groups with their greater vulnerability.

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In common with all other upper tier authorities Bath and North East Somerset has produced a local outbreak management plan to

• Identify and suppressing possible outbreaks before they gain momentum • Work with local communities

Individual and collective behaviour matters so much, and it is the work of the council and its partners to encourage people to take preventive measures seriously, including social distancing and good basic hygiene, even as we all begin to emerge from lockdown. We must remember that the virus doesn’t change its behaviour just because we change the rules.

The single most important message I can give is that while our local figures are currently reassuring this virus has not gone away and no one should behave as if it has.

Preventing a local lockdown is in YOUR hands

Wellbeing support

• Stay alert • Practice social distancing • Wash your hands • Stay at home if you have symptoms and get tested Book a test via phone on 119 or online at nhs.uk/ coronavirus We don’t want an outbreak in Bath and North East Somerset but if it happens we will put updates: • On the website www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus • In the B&NES newsletter, sign up online • On social media, make sure to follow B&NES (@ Bathnes) and Westfield Parish Council for updates • Local radio stations will also run updates. all 0300 247 0050 or visit 3SG.org.uk/wellbeing for C support with food/medicines/wellbeing Go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus to find our Local Outbreak Management Plan

During the lockdown the Compassionate Community Hub, made up of 3GS, Virgincare, Bath & North East Somerset Council and the NHS, helped thousands of people.

Through the hub those who were most vulnerable got help with food deliveries, medicine, transport, housing, mental health and wellbeing and money matters.

To date the hub has received more than 6000 calls from people across Bath and North East Somerset. The volunteers have completed 1,300 tasks to support the most vulnerable with critical things like food shopping, collection of medicines and befriending calls.

This amazing effort is continuing. The hub and the phone hotline remain open enabling charities, the council and the health sector to work together for the benefit of all residents.

Fosseway 9 Hole Golf Course

Club Membership available

We are open for members and pay & play.

Our club is sociable & approachable Call 01761 412214 for more information.

Pay & Play – Day Pass

£9.50 weekdays / £14.00 weekends Best Western Plus Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton, Nr Bath BA3 4BD • www.centurionhotel.co.uk

The Westfield Warbler - 19

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Sarah Sheppard, who has been a resident of Westfield since 1988 turned 100 on 20th July!

She was born in Ireland into a farming family. Her family home had no electricity, running water, phones or even vehicles! She would walk three miles to school every day and would get up early to help with the milking before school.

In 1938, she moved to the UK and trained to be a nurse, beginning her training in Wimbledon Hospital where she worked throughout the war. Sarah often told stories of how she remembers sleeping on the top floor of the nurse’s home and how she would have to to bring her mattress downstairs when the air raid siren would sound. Those were difficult years, not only because of long hours and low pay, but also because she was having to deal with people who were injured from bombing raids all over the city. Sarah loved nursing and did very well in the field, she particularly loved the comradery of working in a hospital.

After a few years, she trained as a midwife in London and was outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day. She remembers the crowds and the joy of that day. After working at various hospitals around the UK, she returned to London in the 1950s where she met her husband, Albert Sheppard and had her two children, Ruth and Phil. The family lived in Poplar in East London where Sarah worked as a Ward Sister at Poplar Hospital, taking a break when her children were young and then returning as a Health Visitor before working her way up to be in charge of several Health Visitors in the East End. Sarah’s daughter Ruth moved to Bath and got married to another Phil before moving to Westfield. As they were retired, Sarah and Albert also moved to the area, settling in Longfellow Road to be near to their daughter.

As their religion has always been a huge part of their lives, they joined the Midsomer Norton Methodist Church becoming valued members of the community.

20 - The Westfield Warbler

Sadly, Albert passed away in 2008 at the age of 96.

Sarah is now registered blind and continues to be a loved and cherished member of the local community and her family – we hope you had a wonderful birthday Sarah!

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, as we all start to get used to a new normal, it is more important than ever to support our local businesses.

People will have to be more strategic about how and where they shop and buying or using locally will be essential if we want our smaller communities to thrive and survive.  When you use local you’re buying from a person, probably someone you know either from around or someone you went to school with or someone’s relative and every purchase is better with a personal touch.

Not only that, but local businesses often offer alternatives to the bigger brands that are cheaper, and they are much easier to get in touch with should you need any additional assistance.

The Westfield Warbler - 21

HOUSE AND HOME Spent too long in the house during lockdown and need a change? No fear – Westfield has a whole host of businesses offering all manner of services to help you with everything from decorating, remodelling and even just helping out around the house, garden and even places to buy your DIY products if you feel brave!

Bathrooms and Kitchens Oasis Bathrooms and Heating . . . . . . 01761 434411 . . . . . . . . . . . . www.oasisbathroomsandheating.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . info@oasisbathroomsandheating.co.uk Knights-on-the-tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07768 370272 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .knights-on-the-tiles@hotmail.co.uk Builders Peaky Builders (Bath) Ltd . . . . . . . . . . .07512 257595 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.peakybuilders.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@peaky-builders.co.uk Dato construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07902 901631 Flagg and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07966 542302 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.flaggandcobuilding.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@flaggandcobuilding.co.uk Maytree Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07791 765006 ABC Building & Renovations . . . . . . . . 07977 178452 Brodrick Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07811 352173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pcbrodrick@aol.com Feature Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 436336 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.featureceilings.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . latchem2@sky.com Building Supplies Blockmatch Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 433 413 Jewsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 413531 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.jewson.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . branch0673@jewson.co.uk Buildbase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 404140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.buildbase.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . radstock@buildbase.co.uk Screwfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0333 011 2112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.screwfix.com Nut and Boltman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 414417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nutandboltman.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sales@nutandboltman.com

Carpentry Ian Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07816 922830 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ijprice1@hotmail.co.uk SJ Hansford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07515 531744 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .s.j.hansfordcarpentry@gmail.com Cleaning The Somerset Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07808 861002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thesomersethome.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@thesomersethome.co.uk LJT Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07375 222207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ljtwindowcleaning.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lucas@ljtwindowcleaning.co.uk Somerset Clean Leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07841 437378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.somersetcleanleaf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . somersetcleanleaf@gmail.com South West Bin Cleaning Co . . . . . . . . 0800 9788655 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.southwestbincleaning.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . southwestbcc@gmail.com Dust-eze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07540 129373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dust-eze@hotmail.com Drains Drainfast 24/7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07495 508489 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stevenkittlety@sky.com Electrical Norton Electrical Wholesale Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 418088 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.electricalwholesale4less.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . newsupplies@aol.com CUBE Electrical Solutions . . . . . . . . . . 07805 130132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cube-electricalsolutions.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@cube-electricalsolutions.co.uk BW Electrical - South West Ltd . . . . . 07843 751155 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@bwelectricalsw.co.uk PRW Group Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 419909 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.prwgroup.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . business@prwgroup.co.uk Mike Haley Home Appliance Repair . 01761 419302

22 - The Westfield Warbler

Furniture and Carpets Woodpecker Factory Outlet . . . . . . . . 01761 410016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . woodpeckerfurniture.co.uk

On Tap Heating & Plumbing Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 413161 . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ontapplumbingandheating.com

Unit 2 Carpet, Curtains & Blinds . . . . 01761 412022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.woodpeckerfurniture.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . woodpeckershop@btconnect.com

Heatwest Heating and Plumbing Services Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 233848 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.heatwest.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@heatwest.co.uk

SprayDex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07588 458293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.spraydex.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . michael@spraydex.co.uk Garden Pitman Sheds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .07925 166546 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pitmanshedsltd@aol.co.uk PH Gates & Fabrications . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 411322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.automaticgatesbath.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hicks540@aol.com Big Wood Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 436532 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bigwoodplay.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mark@bigwoodplay.com Ping's Sevices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07754 302544 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pingsservices@gmail.com Painters and Decorators Mannings Harlequin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 412279 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mhdecoratingcontractors.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@mhdecoratingcontractors.co.uk M.C.B. Painting & Decorating . . . . . . . 07909 673917 . . . . . . . . . www.mcbpaintingdecorating.business.site C Townsley Female Decorating Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .07725 475989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.charlietownsley.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . townsley63@googlemail.com

N Moon Plumbing and Heating . . . . . 07912 533208 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . moonn@hotmail.co.uk REMOVALS Parfitt Removals Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 412501 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.parfittremovalsltd.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@parfittremovalsltd.co.uk Windows and Glazing Unit Glass Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 434345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unit.glass@outlook.com Techniglaze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 417654 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.techniglaze.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@techniglaze.co.uk Jason's Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07816 601639 Bath and West Windows . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568407 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bathandwestwindows.co.uk Mark Rogers Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 753759 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.markrogersltd.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .markrogersltd@yahoo.co.uk

Together,

Plumbing and Heating Premier Plumbing and Heating Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 418484 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.premier-phs.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jamie@premier-phs.co.uk Jamie Crawford Heating . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 410798 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jamiecrawfordheating.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boilers@jamiecrawfordheating.com Fletcher Plumbing and Heating . . . . . 01761 420250 . . . . . . . . . . . www.fletcherplumbingandheating.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . info@fletcherplumbingandheating.co.uk All Points Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07880 597149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.allpointsplumbing.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . robert@allpointsplumbing.co.uk

let's support local businesses The Westfield Warbler - 23

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL Looking for advice on an investment or help with your accounts? There’s no need to travel or relinquish your personal information online. With Westfields’ financial and legal businesses right on your doorstep you can stay local and receive amazing service you can trust.

Accountants Short Accountancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 255 015 ������������������������������������������������������������ www.shortal.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . office@shortal.co.uk Waldron Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 409125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.waldronpartnership.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mail@waldronpartnership.co.uk Financial Planning Douglas and Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07496 136197 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.douglasandyoung.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .amy@douglasandyoung.co.uk

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Whether you want your nails shaped and painted or you fancy a bit of pampering, look no further than these Health and Beauty businesses based in Westfield.

Beauty H & E Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 437456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.handebeauty.co.uk

Fitness and Classes Funky Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07841 115927 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.funky-fitness.co.uk

Positive Skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 325023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.positiveskin.co.uk

Centurion Health Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 412214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.centurionhotel.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . club@centurionhotel.co.uk

Garden Room Holistic Therapies . . . . 07974 071471 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thegardenroomnails.co.uk . . . . . thegardenroomholistictherapies@hotmail.com Beauty and Brides Radstock . . . . . . . . 01761 436764 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.beautyandbrides-valhurle.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vhurle101@btinternet.com Moonbeams Holistic Care . . . . . . . . . . 07970 786859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . helen.moon1961@gmail.com Ruth Tong Hair and Make-up Artist . . 07708 764582 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ruthtongmakeup.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@ruthtongmakeup.com Bellisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07527 744723 Body Art Sanctum Tattoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 436423 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . acestome@gmail.com 24 - The Westfield Warbler

Lulabelle Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07535 992403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . louisejay@mail.com Hairdressers and Barbers Cut Above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 432476 Alphas Barber Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . alphasbarbershop@icloud.com Home and Residental Care Safe and Sound Homecare Services LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 410745 . . . . . . . . . www.safeandsoundhomecareservices.com . . . . . . .admin@safeandsoundhomecareservices.com Ellsworth House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0808 1634655 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.consensussupport.com/ accommodation/ellsworth-house . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@consensussupport.com

Whitehaven Residential Home . . . . . . 01761 413143 . . . . . . . . . . . www.whitehavenresidentialhome.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . info@whitehavenresidentialhome.co.uk Priory Radstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 438 610 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.prioryadultcare.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . adultcare@priorygroup.com

Pharmacy Westfield Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 434692 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dudleytaylor.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . westfield.pharmacy@dudleytaylor.co.uk

FOOD, DRINK AND LEISURE From fast food to convenience stores for when you’ve forgotten your lunch, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options in Westfield. If you’re looking for ways to keep active or to for things to do, take a look at the leisure facilities on offer here.

Butchers G Mitchard & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 412109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gmitchardandsons.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g.mitchardandsons@gmail.com Grocery and CONVENIENCE The Co-operative - Fosseway . . . . . . . 01761 412888 . . . . . . . . . . www.radstockcoop.co.uk/store/fosseway The Co-operative - Westfield . . . . . . . 01761 434291 . . . . . . . . . . www.radstockcoop.co.uk/store/westfield

Mardons Social Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 412137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mardonsclub.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . socialclubinfo@googlemail.com Westfield Sports and Community Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 568020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . andrews5@xln.co.uk Prattens Sports and Social Club . . . . . 01761 418596 Takeaways and Cafe

Costcutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 439001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.costcutter.co.uk

Memet's Kebab House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 433566

Kaay Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.kaay-stores.business.site

Whitstones' Fish and Chips . . . . . . . . . 01761 416948 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.whitstones.co.uk

Radstock Co-operative - Radco Superstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 432142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.radstockcoop.co.uk

Porky's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 411436

Dragon Wok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418085

Party Supplies and Cake Makers Bouncers - Bouncy Castle Hire . . . . . . 01761 436328 . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bouncers-bouncycastlehire.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . .lynne@bouncers-bouncycastlehire.co.uk Jumping Jo's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 690 014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jumpingjos.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@jumpingjos.co.uk Sugar Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 420090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thesugarstore.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sugarstore@tiscali.co.uk Pubs, RESTAURANTS and Social Clubs The Restaurant @ Centurion Hotel . . 01761 412214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.centurionhotel.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . restaurant@centurionhotel.co.uk

WHY USE LOCAL?

Improve the local economy.

Know the people behind the product.

Keep your community unique.

Better customer service.

Personalised service.

The Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 435100 The Westfield Warbler - 25

CAR AND TRAVEL Car trouble? There are mechanics specialising in everything you can think of based in Westfield. If you’ve broken down, need new tyres or just want an MOT or service for peace of mind, you can find the right garage for you without venturing too far.

Car Sales TPC Trade Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07875 497956 Car Parts and Supplies Tyre 2 You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.tyre2you.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@tyre2you.co.uk Cooksport Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 439 098 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cooksport.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@cooksport.co.uk Focus Interiors Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 420055 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.focusinteriorsltd.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@focusinteriorsltd.co.uk Avon and Wessex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 414474 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.avonwessex.co.uk ������������������������������������������������ Sales@AvonWessex.co.uk

Caravans and Trailers Avon Trailer Towbar Centre . . . . . . . . . 01761 411171 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.avontowbarcentre.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@avontowbarcentre.co.uk Driving Schools All Ride Motorcycle Training . . . . . . . . 07858 729868 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.allridemotorcycletraining.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . allridemt@gmail.com Petrol Station Shell Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 413188 Repairs and Mots RCCR Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418562 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cycloneracingltd@gmail.com Laurence Goodridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 411554 Fourth Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 419362 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.garageservicesradstock.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@fourthavenueautos.com MCM Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 415 501 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mcmgarage.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@mcmgarage.co.uk Simcox Body Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 416221 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simcoxbodyrepairs@outlook.com Phoenix Auto Electrical and Testing . . 07383 251979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.phoenixtuninguk.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Info@phoenixtuninguk.co.uk Angry Parrot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07850 023488 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.angryparrotfabrications.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . .angry.parrot.fabrications@hotmail.com D J Haines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418360 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cycloneracingltd@gmail.com

26 - The Westfield Warbler

AND EVERYTHING ELSE With such a diverse range of businesses and services, it can be hard to categorise everything that Westfield has to offer. Find a wide range of services designed to make your life easier

Childcare Sunflower Day Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 419997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.sunflowers-day-nursery.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sunflowers@unicombox.co.uk Teddy Bear Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418100 . . . . . . www.teddybearnurserywestfield.business.site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .teddybearnursery@outlook.com Clothing and Cloth printing Monster Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.monsterpress.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@monsterpress..co.uk

Sharpening Training School UK . . . . . . 07856 513777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sharpening-training.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@sharpening-training.co.uk Work of Heart Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . 07926 356298 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jackyvernatutoring@gmail.com I.T and Tech Somer Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418899 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.someruk.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sales@someruk.com

Pickle Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pickleprint.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@pickleprint.co.uk

Pet Supplies and care Pet's Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 416815 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.petscorner.co.uk/radstock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . radstock@petscorner.co.uk

Dickies Workwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 410732 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dickiesworkwear.com

S&E Super walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07718 222015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ea.cox@hotmail.com

Coal merchants Jacobs and Barnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 431059 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.jacobsandbarnett.co.uk

Tapsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 414566 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tapsonsanimalhealth.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .tappers@tapsonsah.co.uk

Counselling Cruse Bereavement Care . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 417250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cruse.org.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .bath@cruse.org.uk

Vicki's wagging walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07921 807212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vickiswaggingwalks@gmail.com

Education Bath College Somer Valley Campus . . 01225 312191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bathcollege.ac.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk

Piano Services Tickling Ivories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 417792 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ticklingivoriespianoshop.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ticklingivories@hotmail.com Pottery and Pottery Supplies Bath Potters’ Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 411077 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bathpotters.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sales@bathpotters.co.uk The Paint Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568270 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thepaintroom.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .hello@thepaintroom.co.uk Sewing & Alterations LYLA Handmade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07739 561544 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lylahandmade@hotmail.com Signage Sign Efex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.signefex.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sales@signefex.co.uk The Westfield Warbler - 27

Big Local's 'Hot Square Meal Project' On Wednesday, 25th March, the Big Local sent members of the Partnership an email asking how they could invest some of their money as a way to help out the community in this difficult time.

Within a few hours they had come up with a project idea to provide hot square meals to people in need, using a local café for the food and local volunteers to deliver it.

28 local people were helped directly with 740 meals cooked and delivered over 9 weeks. These were provided by 8 volunteers, who provided a combined amount of around 135 hours of time.

By sourcing the food from Riverbank Café in Radstock, Big Local helped a local business stay open and provide employment to their members of staff (owner Shane Kitchen also generously provided free meals to others who didn’t quite qualify for the service).

Many of the people helped were elderly, disabled or ill with very limited support from others. Because they were unable to get out of the house and supermarket delivery slots were extremely difficult to get hold of, they were struggling to make a healthy meal. The project helped them enormously in a time of extreme stress.

One elderly person who had recently had a minor heart attack and was also in the process of recovering from a broken hip described the meals as “a real lifesaver” and gave the utmost thanks to the “incredibly friendly volunteers and to Riverbank café for such healthy food”.

Another person helped was a single parent with mental health issues, whose extreme anxiety about Covid was preventing them from going out, and delivery slots were impossible to get. The meals helped them feel like they were still connected to the community and that people cared about them. The young child, who is a very fussy eater, absolutely loved the meals and it has encouraged them to eat a much wider variety of food! (Good work Riverbank Café for making such tasty meals).

All the people who received the meals have expressed their gratitude for the service and in their own ways have stressed how important it has been for them not just for their physical health but also their mental health – feeling connected and cared for by the community.

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A massive thank you goes to the generosity of the volunteers who made this possible and helped create a community of care when it was most needed – John Bull, Sue Hill, Robin Moss, Emily Merko, Vince Cox, Carmen Goodwin, Sally Carmac-Bailey & Anthony Dutton. Thanks also goes to Shane Kitchen of Riverbank Café for agreeing to work with Big Local and providing quality, healthy meals for the community.

Another big thank you goes to Janine Woodward-Grant from the Carers’ Centre, who spent a long time advising on the practicalities and carrying out the due diligence on the project proposal, making sure they would meet the requirements.

The project has now ended because people are able to get to the shops or receive deliveries again, but if the situation happens again the Big Local are prepared!

If you want to learn more about what Radstock & Westfield Big Local do and how you can join please check out the facebook page: www.facebook.com/ BLRadstockWestfield or website: www.radstockwestfield.org.uk

Reports from the local churches Since there has been a huge increase in visits to religious websites and a demand for places of peace and tranquillity for meditation, the churches have made an effort to open the buildings, with proper precautions, for meditation and prayer.

Radstock Baptist Church, Wells Hill, has been meeting live online via ‘Google Meet’ for their weekly 10.30am services and midweek homegroup. The church is now open for private prayer Mondays and Wednesdays, 9am – 12 noon. Online services will continue until the new guidelines are fully understood and correct safety precautions put in place. The Jigsaw Toddler group and Boys' Brigade restarting dates are not yet confirmed at the time of writing.

St Benedict’s Church, Stratton-on-the-Fosse has been open for private prayer twice a day for an hour each time. They hope to continue with that although they might reduce some sessions.

There will be Mass in the Abbey church 4.30 pm Saturdays and 11.00am on Sundays and restrictions on numbers and social distancing will be in place.

St Nicholas Church, Radstock is now open for a weekly service on Sundays at 9.30am and St Peter & St Paul’s, Kilmersdon will be open every Sunday for worship at 11.15am. Revd David Izzard said: "All services will be conducted in accordance with the national guidelines and although things will be different for a time it’s good to be back in God’s house worshipping together, even though we are spatially separated!"

St Peter's Church, Westfield is not reopening for Prayer or Services until early Autumn, if things continue to

look positive. They will continue the online service for the foreseeable future and maybe beyond. Services can be accessed via St Peter's Westfield Facebook page at 9.55am each Sunday.

“We have had a far larger attendance each week than we have on a normal Sunday in our building and we have had some good conversations with people who have started to watch.” said Revd Ian Rousell Finally, Revd Martin Slocombe at Westfield Methodist Church and Radstock Methodist is planning to resume services on 6th September with a united celebration service of the Churches' Anniversary. It is anticipated that they will reopen on 6th at Radstock and 13th Sept at Westfield, then alternating weeks, for 3 months. This is, of course, subject to establishing the necessary social distancing and cleaning regimes.

He said: "It seems very appropriate that we should restart public worship when we are also celebrating the anniversary of the church. Services may be a bit different, but that is a good thing, and might challenge and encourage us.

"We extend a warm welcome to anyone who has found their faith deepened during ‘lockdown’ by using virtual material, and would now like to join an actual Christian fellowship."

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.

www.stbenedicts.info

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An update from Prattens Bowls Club Prattens Bowls Club is a small friendly club on Charlton Lane and draws members from Westfield and Midsomer Norton as well as from surrounding villages.

The club were due to hold their pre-season meeting on the 21st March, however this was cancelled due to lockdown. This is the meeting where members sign up for the season and pay their membership fees.

Sadly, at the end of March, the equipment store at the club was broken into and a mower and strimmer were stolen. The padlock was replaced, however, thieves came back and stole empty fuel cans which they siphoned fuel from the motor for the pump used to water the green.

This year was the club's 90th anniversary and it had been arranged for the Somerset Patrons to send a 5 rink team on the 5th June. This was unfortunately cancelled.

Many other events had to also be cancelled including Somerset Bowls county wide Open Day and many social events.

As all league and cup matches were also cancelled, the lack of games meant that the club lost income from rink fees and the clubhouse.

In spite of them not having games to play, 35 of the members paid their membership fees to help the club

keep afloat and they were able to obtain a small grant from Sport England to assist with some of the projects that needed to be done around the club.

Sam Chivers Estate Agents sponsored new club shirts and one of the members organised a plant sale with the proceeds going to the club.

Since lockdown has been eased, some of the Prattens members have been practicing at the grounds. This has been done while strictly adhering to government guidelines and following the guidelines set out by Bowls England. There have, so far, been 15 members taking advantage of this.

The club is looking to arrange a pairs competition to be held on a single day to enable some competitive bowls to be played while still meeting the government and Bowls England guidelines.

They are also in discussion with Somerset Patrons to visit them next year instead.

Prattens Bowls Club are pleased to report that, from what originally looked a dire situation, they are now confident that the club will be still be around to welcome all past members (and any new ones who are interested) next season.

Naturally, if anyone wishes to join for this season (just to help them out) or would like to assist the club financially then contact details are on www.prattensbowlsclub.com

.

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Volunteers return to the Station

Volunteer gardeners have been allowed back at Midsomer Norton Station under a strict Covid-19 protocol which specifies social distancing, hand washing and keeping to certain areas.

The gardeners have started by grass cutting and clearing some of the obvious overgrowth of plant life but have been pleased to see the wild flowers and insects in the meadow area. Clearing and strimming up the line has also started.

There is a good and accessible footpath alongside the line outside the boundary fence where walkers are welcomed. Wild flowers including Orchids, Bramble roses, Elder Flowers and Campion can be seen growing alongside the line. Although there are no trains running, the Trust wants to make it clear that train lines and stations can be dangerous places and warn people not to go through barrier fences and on to the line. The rails themselves can act as trip hazards and there are many other pieces of equipment that can be hazardous.

Other volunteers will gradually be allowed back

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distance working but it is unlikely that events with trains running will be possible until after the end of the year. The borders of flowering plants, however, can be seen from the road and the volunteers will be working hard to make them look as pretty as possible. There is a new website where the Trust are adding news items, photos and information about the railway. www.sdjr.co.uk Somerset and Dorset branded merchandise and other railway related products can be bought from the retail section. www.sdjr.co.uk/station-shop The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust will be very pleased to welcome visitors back as soon as the Government allows. Meanwhile take a look at our Facebook site www.facebook.com/ somersetanddorsetrailway

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The Westfield Warbler - 31

SWALLOW Charity Supporting local vulnerable people through the crisis Here are some photos of what SWALLOW members have been up to during lockdown.

Although we had to suspend many of our activities to minimise contamination risks, our fabulous team of support workers continued their vital work supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities in the community.

Our fantastic staff are going the extra mile to ensure they keep members safe and provide reassurance during this unsettling time.

At SWALLOW we really value the power of friendship and members and staff have been creating Friendship Flowers:

Our members have been keeping busy with a calendar full of activities including Zoom coffee mornings, choir singalongs, one to one cookery sessions and daily walks, all adhering to social distancing guidelines.

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residents to get behind the charity in SWALLOW’s Great Afternoon Tea Event which will take place in August.

If you would like to take part, then why not host an Afternoon Tea party during National Afternoon Tea Week (W/C 10th August 2020) or pick any date and time in August that works best for you.

Our Community Café will also be serving delicious cream teas to take-away.

One of SWALLOW members, Mark, took on his own lockdown challenge. Mark has been a member at SWALLOW for several years but was self-isolating at home in Westfield. Mark is affected by Myotonic Dystrophy which is a genetic disease which causes muscle wasting within the body. He was no longer able to venture out for his daily exercise, so set himself a challenge. His challenge was to complete 1000 laps of his home after being inspired by Sir Tom Moore!

Through sunshine and showers, Mark completed his challenge and raised a fantastic £1100 for SWALLOW.

To find out more, contact Charlotte Sayers at the SWALLOW office or email fundraising@swallowcharity. org.

As all money raised will go towards our work supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, the funds are needed now more than ever. Over the coming weeks and months, we may need to explore new ways of working but for now its lovely to see our members starting to come back to the group You can also find more information about the charity on the website www.swallowcharity.org and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SWALLOWCharity/

SWALLOW’s Great Afternoon Tea Event August 2020 Host your own Afternoon Tea to raise money for SWALLOW - pick any date and time in August that works best for you

All the money raised will go towards SWALLOW’s work supporting local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, your support is vital during the current crisis.

You could: • Hold a tea party in your garden (following current guidelines) • Hold a virtual bake off with friends and family • Come to the SWALLOW Community Café for a cream tea take-away

Here is Mark celebrating completing his final lap.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on SWALLOW, the charity relies on donations to continue to provide its services and is struggling to raise the money that it needs. We are asking the local Westfield

#BakeEatCakeDonate Sign up for your Afternoon Tea pack by contacting Charlotte Sayers at the SWALLOW Office 01761 414034 or email fundraising@swallowcharity.org

www.swallowcharity.org The Old Engine House . Old Pit Road . Westfield . BA3 4BQ 01761 414 034 Registered charity number 1045893

The Westfield Warbler - 33

Fosse Way School’s much loved caretaker retires When Fosse Way Special School in Westfield closed its gates at the end of the summer term it bid farewell with heartfelt gratitude to a staff member who had been a dependable and reassuring presence at the school over many years: caretaker, Hugh Howells.

Hugh was first appointed to the positon of ‘temporary caretaker’ at the Fosse Way in 1991. This July, as he reflected on his long employment at the school, Hugh concluded emphatically: “These last thirty years have been the best years. It’s been fantastic!”

Hugh Howells was born on the 5th April, 1938 in the Welsh village of Brynamman. He moved to Bath in 1961 to take up an engineering positon with C.I.C Ltd, a subsidiary of the Clarks' shoe company. When Clarks' announced the closure of the factory in 1991 Hugh found himself facing an uncertain future. Undaunted, he and his wife Angela took the decision to move from their home in Bath to Westfield. It was soon after this that Hugh spied an advertisement for a seemingly short-term caretaking position at nearby Fosse Way and decided to apply. So began what was to prove the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter in Hugh’s working life.

Each working day for Hugh commenced with unlocking the gates and doors of the school before warmly greeting staff and pupils with the good-humour and enthusiasm for which he swiftly became known. Over the years, Hugh found himself called upon to assist with a multiplicity of diverse and unpredictable tasks.

“Nothing was too much trouble and every day was different”, he commented.

Over the years Hugh saw Fosse Way change exponentially as state-of-the-art new buildings were added, mobile classrooms removed and – as the school’s reputation grew – student numbers soared from about 70 to more than 200. Hugh’s amazement at the changes he had seen since 1991 were summed up with the words: “It’s a different school all together!”

Despite these exciting developments, Hugh was 34 - The Westfield Warbler

quick to identify some features Fosse Way have that remained constant: “I enjoyed the atmosphere and the camaraderie” he says, “I’ll miss it!”

Having demonstrated much relish for practical activity throughout his working life it is unsurprising that Hugh has no plans for a retirement filled with ease and sedentary repose. “I do like cycling and walking to keep myself active and fit” he says, adding that he envisages future cycling trips along the local Collier’s Way cycling track. Hugh says he also foresees spending many happy hours tending the flowers and shrubs planted by Angela at their Westfield home. Thinking back over his many years at Fosse Way, Hugh Howells concluded: “I can honestly say it was a pleasure to go in every day. It was unbelievable… and I shall remember it for a long, long time.”

It goes without saying that Hugh will be much missed by staff and pupils alike at Fosse Way, who are united in wishing him a long and happy retirement. On hearing of Hugh’s decision to retire, site manager Andy Sellars commented: “It’s been a real joy working with Hugh.

He has always been a cheerful colleague with a clear love for his role as Caretaker. Hugh’s sense of humour will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” Fosse Way’s Executive Principal, Emily Massey added: “Hugh is a much loved member of the staff team at Fosse Way. He will be greatly missed. We all thank him for his dedication to the school, staff and children over his 30 year career.

His cheerful whistling and ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude cannot be replaced. It’s been a pleasure to work with Hugh and we all wish him a very happy and restful retirement.”

Poppy Appeal Collections Due to the current pandemic there will be NO fundraising this year, only the act of Remembrance.

This means that the local Branch will not be doing any shop, street, school or manned collections. Some supermarkets are serviced direct from The Royal British Legion, London and that may still happen, Therefore, on behalf of the Branch may I take this opportunity to thank all supporters for the wonderful job you normally do each year and hope that you will still be available for next year.

The Branch are in the final stages of planning to “Dress the Graves” of those local people who appear on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the local cemeteries. This will take the format of a poppy spray being laid on each grave and families may attend, within the bounds of any social distancing rules, and

may lay a wooden cross. Full details will be made available later once all the planning has been confirmed.

A list of the cemeteries and graves will be posted on our Branch Facebook page. The link is www.facebook.com/groups/2029636687319087.

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The Westfield Warbler - 35

No rest for Lions in lockdown As lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club will again be out fundraising for local and international causes.

We may have had to cancel the annual duck race but we are still raising money with our Easter egg raffle, some of the proceeds have already been banked. Don’t be surprised to see some of our eggs being a feature on the bar of your local pub or cafe, as we hope to carry on raising funds for the Lions charitable giving because we think it will be needed more than ever in these uncertain times.

Our club members have been embracing technology and holding our monthly general meeting on Zoom.

Lions volunteer their time and the Covid-19 crisis has put a spotlight on just how important volunteers are to the community. As Lions we serve the community and help raise funds making sure that every penny we raise goes to the causes and does not incur any administrative or other costs.

Where there’s a need there’s a Lion. We have recently helped Bath Theatrical Costume Hire volunteer team with a £250 donation from the club and then secured £750 from Lions International Foundation MD105 emergency Covid-19 fund to make up £1,000 towards their project providing much needed PPE masks to supply key workers with face masks and over 4,000 masks have been distributed helping 24 organisations from care agencies, food banks, nurseries and pharmacies.

As Lions we will soon be able to start our litter picks in Radstock and Midsomer Norton and we look forward to doing this with volunteers who help us with this activity and we hope to get other environmental, health and educational projects going as soon as we can. If you are looking for a better future and want to know more about doing this through joining a Lions club we would love to hear from you and discuss what we do and why being a Lion makes a difference to you and your community and how Lions International makes a global impact.

Carers’ Centre We’re still here to support unpaid carers in BaNES If you’re looking after someone else during this crisis we’re here to support you. Get in touch for: • Trusted information and advice • Help planning for emergencies • Employment and grant support

Contact us by email : membership@rmnlions.org.uk or telephone 0345 8339601.

0800 0388 885 Monday–Friday, 8.15am–3pm

support@banescarerscentre.org.uk

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Advert (1/4 A5)-v3.indd 1

11/06/2020 17:23

A New look for Westhill Sports & Community Centre

Lockdown has affected lots of businesses in the area but Westfield Sports and Community Centre is bouncing back with a new look.

It is now run by couple, Terry and Annette, who have redecorated throughout and brought new life into the venue. It boasts a family bar and a function room equal to none in the area. The bar area holds skittles, pool and darts having its own teams and the function room hosts karate classes, line dancing and parties. This can also be hired for private events.

Most Saturday nights, there is entertainment of a high standard from bands and some cabaret acts. Bingo, which is one of the biggest in the area with well over 80 people, is hosted on a Sunday evening.

Both bars serve a wide range of drinks including Abbots'

real ale, a variety of lagers and ciders plus a variety of bottled beers, wines etc. It also has the new Heinken dispensing system that serves the perfect pint!

During these strange times, measures have been put in place for social distancing with one way systems, table service and contactless payment.

There is a fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff to welcome you, so why not visit and see the new lease of life the centre has. Terry, Annette and all the staff will welcome you with a smile and the occasional joke.

The Westfield Warbler - 37

Christmas Lights in Westfield It seems very early to be talking about the Christmas Lights, but it might surprise you to know that we normally start working on the arrangements for the Christmas Lights Switch On event in early September.

This year there will be a full display of Christmas Lights through Westfield as usual, but sadly no Switch On event. The Parish Council is committed to the safety of its residents and we thank you for your understanding in this decision.

We are glad to say that the Christmas lights on the lampposts this year will have a fresh new look and we look forward to seeing them lighting the way through Westfield again in December.

It only takes a few minutes to apply for this September www.bathcollege.ac.uk info@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege

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#STARTYOURJOURNEY

Swan Transport is now up and running again!

At present Swan Transport are running at a limited capacity, but please give them a ring if you live in Westfield and need transport within Bath and North East Somerset, as they may be able to help you. The office is currently open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – but they soon hope to reopen five days a week again. Please call: 01761 439548.

The Swan team have safeguarding measures in place for drivers and passengers to keep you safe, which they will explain when you call.

Swan Transport are a not-for-profit charity providing volunteer transport to anyone on a lower income who is an older person, or who is frail or disabled.

#stayingpositive

Lower income is defined as having savings of less than £16,000. There is a suggested donation per journey based upon the distance you travel, and they always try to locate a local driver to keep the cost down. They cover petrol costs, but drivers are all volunteers who give up their time for free and provide a door to door service using their own car to transport you.

The driver will normally wait at the destination and bring you home as soon as you are finished, unless the waiting time is very long in which case they will come back later. There may be an additional charge to cover extra mileage in this case, but the team would let you know before you travel.

Please call the office and speak to Sarah or Ann on 01761 439548

A passenger knitted items for the Swan Transport team.

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The Westfield Warbler - 39

Westfield Voices are still quiet!

Back in mid March, Westfield Voices were working enthusiastically on a selection of new songs, ready for engagements later in the year.

Sadly, lockdown happened and all rehearsals had to stop.

be a safe exercise to share with others for some time to come yet.

Unfortunately, although singing is undoubtedly one of the ways to lift the spirits, it has been deemed not to

For more information call Jane on 01761 232715 or jane_dyson@live.co.uk.

Members are however, still keeping in touch with each other via social media, but as yet they have no idea when the group will be able to get back together.

Socially distanced Fitness Classes Are you looking to get fitter after months in lockdown but are still a little wary of going to the gym?

Lulabelle Fitness offer outdoor classes for all levels at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, Fosseway, Westfield.

These fitness classes are socially distanced with up to five people attending.

are welcome, from the over 50s to students.

The classes run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9.00 am and 10.00 am, and also Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

If you would like more information or would like to reserve a place, call Louise on 07535 992403 or email louisejay@mail.com

The classes are for all levels of fitness and all abilities

Together, Family owned and run A caring professional service t 01761 412132 e enquiries@midsomervets.co.uk w www.midsomervets.co.uk

Puppy and kitten starter packages Puppy parties • Vaccinations and pet passports Pet behaviourist • Neutering Medical investigations and surgery Pet Health Club • Acupuncture and laser therapy Midsomer Norton and Radstock’s only independent veterinary practice

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let's support local businesses

Putting your safety first at Mardons The safety of both customers and staff is the foremost concern at Mardons Social Club, and as such the venue was one of the first in the area to close its doors after the government issued its covid-19 advice, and prior to the widespread lockdown measure coming into effect.

Even before the Furlough Scheme was annouced the staff at Mardons were assured they would continue to recieve full pay for as long as possible during the crisis.

With the building closed, it recieved a full, deep clean throughout. Committee members set about working hard behind the scenes, following the necessary measures as stipulated by the Government’s Hospitality Task Force, to produce a Risk Assessment and notices etc for both staff and customers to satisfy all the new health and safety requirements.

When the club reopened its doors on Saturday, 4th July, guests were met with a number of changes. Prior to the outbreak, the club had already invested in an upgrade to both the mens' and ladies' toilets, costing several thousand pounds and, although recently completing a bar refurbishment, further changes were introduced, creating glass shutters to fully enclose the bar area.

Tables were spaced out, utilising the stage and dance floor area to optimise the subsantial space available inside the social club. Hand sanitiser was readily available and a one way sytem saw guests arrive through the main entrance and leave via the outside area and back gate.

Although, sadly, the terrific live bands that Mardons has become recognised for are yet to be permitted (hopefully they'll be back soon!), the club is still able to provide big screen football matches to sports fans.

The club subscribes to the main providers and can show multiple games at the same time - although chanting, singing or cheering is of course not yet allowed!

The club is open 7 days a week, from 7pm weekdays and from noon at weekends and both members and non members are always welcome - please follow the guidelines and notices on display for your own safety.

Updates and information regarding Mardons Social Club can be found on the club's website and at www.facebook.com/mardonsclub

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Defibrillator site

Allotment sites

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St John's Cadets and Badgers Many businesses across the country have had to adopt new ways of working during the COVID-19 Pandemic and St John Ambulance are no different.

Whilst continuing to provide support where required our young people have still been working hard. Locally in Norton Radstock our Badger group supports young people from 7-10 years and have been continuing with their badge subjects online as well as their first aid sessions, this term learning all about the rich history of St John Ambulance.

campsite, making bonfire cakes, dressing up and making kits, all of which they have been able to share virtually with they friends online. Along with this they have also received their usual first aid training, quizzes and most importantly been able to connect with our youth units, which is a lifeline for some of our young people!

Many of our young people have involved themselves in fundraising and support activities for St John Ambulance in these unprecedented times, whether this was making clothes wash bags for our adults who have been supporting the NHS by providing over 10,000 hours of volunteer support, making cards for our members who have been unwell, virtual dance offs and marathons. Coming up is a virtual bake off for both our Badgers and Cadets (10-18) with funds being raising to support the organisation.

Whilst we are unable to meet in person we are still managing to “meet” virtually with our groups of young people ensuring that we continue to deliver support, training and fun to our Youth groups.

Having all our young people's events such as residential camps cancelled it has been incredibly disappointing but we have been creative and our young people have been involved in virtual camps, creating habitats suitable for a nocturnal animal, creating flags for the

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If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, St John have a number of volunteer roles available to support our youth and we would love to hear from you.

Council Meetings All council meetings are currently being held on Zoom and the link to each meeting is published with the agenda on the Westfield Parish Council website

www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/agendas-minutes

Full Council Meetings September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd

Environment and Development Meetings September 14th, October 12th, November 9th

Finance and Personnel Meetings September 23rd, October 21st, November 18th Â

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The

Parish Clerk B

efore writing the Clerk’s Message for this edition I looked back on the message I wrote in January for the Winter Edition of the Warbler. It looked ahead to the Fun Day, the Fun Fair and included a tribute to the heroes of World War II with VE Day 75 on the horizon.

What a lot we have been through since then.

Yet it is with some hope that I am writing this article today.

As lockdown eased we managed to get started on a project which has been a high priority for the Parish Council over many months - the installation of a fitness track and outdoor gym at Westhill

Recreation Ground. Our thanks to Northavon for prioritising the track and working so efficiently to get it done. Wicksteed will be installing the outdoor gym equipment in September/October.

As I write this we are making plans to re-open the play areas and we urge parents and carers to follow the safety guidance on signs at the entrances.

We hope you enjoy this double edition of the Warbler. Whilst the What’s On section is on hold for now, we have tried to find out how community groups have coped and operated during lockdown and hope that it inspires us all as we move forward together. We are very pleased to focus this time on the Business Directory which we hope will be a boost to local businesses. Our grateful thanks to Cllr Robin Moss for funding the Business Directory from Ward Councillors' Initiative funds.

Whilst the Parish Council office in Cobblers Way remains closed to the public for now and we work from home, we very much want to get back to the office, and will do so when it is deemed safe.

Stay safe.

Lesley Close Parish Clerk

Would you like to advertise in the Westfield Warbler?

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To advertise in the next edition of the Westfield Warbler, contact Zoe on 01761 409831 or email zoe@ignyte.co.uk 46 - The Westfield Warbler

Your Councillors

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)

Lesley Mansell 07980 695117 lesley.mansell@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

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 officers are currently working from home and the office is shut. Any queries can be emailed to council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk and will be answered during normal working hours which are Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4:30pm and Thursday 9am to 3pm.

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