Westfield Warbler Summer 2021

SUMMER 2021 ISSUE 38

10th Anniversary Edition

Westfield Business Directory inside

Produced for Westfield Parish Council

Westfield Parish Council

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Welcome from Ignyte Welcome to the summer issue of the Westfield Warbler where we will be celebrating 10 years of the Parish of Westfield!

This issue will feature some of our favourite moments from the past ten years and it is amazing to see how things have progressed and gotten bigger and better over the past decade!

At Ignyte, we've had the pleasure of being in Westfield for a number of years and have seen first hand how much community engagement and the social calendar has changed in that time here's to the next ten years!

Contents 5

Westfield: the first 10 years

8 Westfield Fun Day remembered 9

10 years of grant donations

12 Christmas in Westfield 13 Climate Emergency launched 14 Inspirational Citizen 2021 17 Front Garden Competition

As you start receiving this issue, we'll have arrived at the next stage of restrictions being lifted, just in time for the summer!

19 Try Local - Your Westfield Business Guide

Our next issue will be heading your way in August, so if you want to be included, make sure to get in touch with us on news@ignyte-uk.co.uk

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Parish grant for WAGS

28

Feedback on Waterside Valley

How do I keep up to date with The Westfield Warbler and Westfield Parish Council on social media?

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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

The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in August 2021. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us by10th August.

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, Bathway Farm, Bathway, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LN. 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.

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Message from the Chairman

pleasure and achievement as I never thought I would get to this point.

In the December of 2018, Councillor Ron Hopkins and I had the great honour of talking to Westfield, Massachusetts. It was such fun to talk to our namesake town Councillors across the ‘pond’. This was done by video link at BBC Radio Somerset and aired on radio on both sides of the Atlantic.

This was to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of Westfield, Massachusetts – a few years older than us!! This was a great experience for us all and little did we realise that soon we would also be talking to our very close neighbours and colleagues on video link!

Ten years on and I can’t believe that Westfield Parish Council is 10 years old.

Westfield Parish Council was formed out of a split from the old Norton Radstock Town Council after which, there was an election for Westfield to have councillors. I put my name forward for election as, having being born and bred in Westfield, I wanted to put something back in to Westfield and help keep the community as a great place to live.

2020 saw one of the biggest projects Westfield Parish Council has undertaken at Westhill Recreation Ground with a new running track and 12 pieces of outdoor gym equipment installed.

This has taken off very well with a lot more people using the ground and is a great community asset. It has been very well received and we have had a lot of positive feedback from people using it.

Surprisingly, I was elected in and for the first, year I was nominated as Vice Chairman which was even more of an honour. Shortly after forming, the Parish Council appointed our current Clerk, Lesley Close, so she has been with us almost from the very beginning and has given valuable guidance to all the Councillors – thank you Lesley. Lesley is supported by two other officers, currently Emily Merko who is the Finance Officer and Tracey Stephens, the Admin Assistant. We have our office situated at The Oval Office on Cobblers Way, where we are able to also hold our Council meetings. The only exception to this is the Annual Parish Meeting, which is a meeting for the people of Westfield and needs to be held somewhere larger.

Over the 10 years of being a Westfield Parish Councillor, it has been a great privilege to be chairman for 8 of those years. Over the years, we have seen Councillors come and go and only 3 of the originally elected remain - Philip Wilkinson, Robin Moss and myself. I am humbled to realise that this is because the people of Westfield continue to vote for me at the elections. I hope to continue to serve the parish of Westfield for more years to come.

The first year was a busy year for us all where it was brought to light what being a Councillor was all about.

With great thanks Cllr Geoff Fuller - Chair of Westfield Parish Council

In May 2012, I was voted in as Chairman of Westfield Parish Council. To me this was a

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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

Westfield: The first 10 years May 2011 saw the creation of Westfield Parish Council and now, ten years on, we look back at the first steps this local council took to meet the aspirations of its community.

2011 The first Westfield Warbler came out in December 2011 and ran as its headline the Winter Maintenance Scheme, welcoming five new volunteers for what was then a pilot of the Snow Warden Scheme. Since then, a number of Snow Wardens have given considerable time and energy working the gritting machines to keep some of the most well used pavements in the parish free of ice and snow for our most vulnerable residents.

Sadly, we are down to two stalwart Snow Wardens who, between them, are keeping this initiative going.

The Westfield Grant Scheme was introduced in 2011 and has grown from strength to strength. We have also been the recipient of grants from various sources to allow major works to take place without an impact on the precept. These have totalled a staggering £414,362 across the past 10 years, easing the burden on local tax payers.

Waterford Park Allotment site was set up under the management of Westfield Allotment and Garden Society (WAGS). It was expanded with another site at Larch Court in 2019.

2012 The Fun Day started at Westhill Recreation Ground in June 2012 and has been a regular feature in the Parish calendar ever since. Over the years, attractions have included vintage car displays, inflatables, donkey rides, drumming workshops, Scruffs Dog Show, displays by majorettes, karate, zumba, tae kwon do and in 2014, the Beau Street Hoard was a highlight of the event, allowing local people to handle the Roman coins discovered by Archaeologists in Beau Street, Bath.

The Time Capsule was buried in 2012, to be re-opened in 2062. Over the Time Capsule is a unique memorial stone, where wreaths are laid on Remembrance Day. 29th November 2012 saw the first Westfield Christmas Lights Switch On. A much smaller version of the now hugely popular event, the first Switch On saw a group of residents gathering around the Christmas Tree at

Norton Hill Play Area 2011 the top of Elm Tree Avenue to sing carols and have tea, coffee and mince pies courtesy of the Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield afterwards. In 2015 this event welcomed Father Christmas who brings free gifts for the young people of the parish and the event has grown from strength to strength.

Opinion was divided in December 2012 when Sainsbury’s and CFH Total Document Management submitted a joint planning application to B&NES for the development of a food store on CFH’s site off Wells Road. After weeks of consultation, the application was turned down by the planning authority at B&NES.

2013 In May 2013 the Parish Council planted commemorative trees for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the local schools.

June 2013 saw the first defibrillator installed courtesy of Waterside Carnival Club outside the Pharmacy on Elm Tree Avenue. This was followed in 2018 by one at Mardon’s Club, a third at the Fire Station on Wells Road and one outside the doctor's surgery on Waterford Park. In 2020 the Waterside Carnival Club came in and installed two more, one outside Whitstone's on Fosseway and one at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, bringing the total number to six public access defibrillators in the parish.

The smiley face speed indicator device was installed in July 2013 with much support from the adjacent The Westfield Warbler - 5

Westfield Primary School and the wider local community. Just three months later it was destroyed in an act of vandalism, raising deep concerns in the community. Replaced in March 2014, this device is one of the measures requested and supported by the Parish Council to make the Fosse Way safer for all.

areas of the parish.

Maintenance of the Pit Path is a recurring theme every year, but in October 2013 a breakthrough was made when B&NES Council agreed at last to adopt the path and add it to their cutting schedule.

2015

October 2013 saw the demolition of the Elm Tree Pub on the Fosseway and its replacement with 14 new dwellings.

And the following month, the Carnival went through Westfield for the last time, before it was re-routed to Midsomer Norton.

2014 March 2014 saw the launch of the Westfield Front Garden Competition with categories for Best Front Garden and Best Container. In 2017 a one-off category was added to pay tribute to the front gardens of Rowan Close for the best collection of gardens. Together they keep their gardens colourful and imaginative, making it a pleasure to walk past the Close. The Living Wall at CFH also merited a special award in 2019.

May 2014 saw the return of a funfair to Westfield after an absence of over 25 years. Set up at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, the fun fair attracted visitors from far around.

The controversial 20mph speed restrictions came into being in September 2014, sparking a variety of responses and driving down the speed limit in built up

A major revamp of the tennis court, boules court and basketball pitch took place in 2014, followed by the opening up of the entrance from Upper Court as requested by local residents at the Annual Parish Meeting.

February 2015 saw the start of work on the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan which heralded three years of consultations, drafts, amendments and more consultations before the Plan was agreed at referendum in September 2018.

Tuesday evening Boules started at Norton Hill Recreation Ground in June 2015, with the creation of a team, which over the following years, went on to win many accolades. In 2016 the club went international with teams from the Midsomer Norton and District Twinning Association and their French visitors from Ambares et Lagrave playing for the ‘Westfield Challenge Cup’. And in 2018, the team entered the Wells Charity Boules Tournament, winning all of their five games in the preliminary rounds with maximum scores!

Local Marathon Man, John Reynolds, made the news with a 170km run around the Mont Blanc Massif. Two nights of non-stop running saw him complete the run which involved 10,000 metres of positive altitude change. John went on to start the now massively popular Westfield TT Running Group in 2016.

Throughout November 2015 a team of 32 volunteers planted the 800 bulbs which comprise the eyecatching annual display of daffodils at the top of Elm Tree Avenue and Ruskin Road.

The first Christmas Lights on lampposts were installed in 2015 and extended the following year so that they now run almost the entire length of the A367 through Westfield.

2016 April 2016 saw new gateway signs welcoming people to Westfield, a community committed to education and enterprise.

2017 Allotments 2013

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September 2017 saw the first History of Westfield exhibition at Radstock Museum, highlighting Westfield’s

Larch Court Allotments (before) 2019 coal mining history.

In October 2017 three new Heritage Walks in Westfield were launched with information boards found at four locations around the parish’s footpaths. There are three walks of varying lengths catering for all abilities. These have become an integral part of the annual Somer Valley Walking Festival.

Larch Court Allotments 2019 New benches were installed at Norton Hill which were very popular, to be followed by benches at Westhill in 2020 and new hanging basket trees around the shops.

Royal Mail launched a consultation in Westfield which resulted in ‘Westfield’ being officially added as a locality to the postal address of all residents and businesses in the parish.

2018

2020

In 2018 the Inspirational Citizen Award was launched in Westfield with the first award going to John Reynolds for his work in raising fitness awareness and the Westfield TT Running Group, promoting Westfield in events nationwide. The following year, Martin Bates, Chair of the Westfield Allotment and Gardening Society, was presented with the Award. In 2020, between the lockdowns, the cup was presented to Catherine Cooper for her tireless work with Terracycle.

The Roll of Honour is on the Parish Council’s website www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

After many years of campaigning, 2020 saw the opening of the re-vamped Shakespeare Road play area following investment from B&NES of £70,000.

In December 2018 Westfield joined up with Westfield, Massachusetts to help them celebrate their 350th Anniversary with a transatlantic interview between the two communities, aired on radio both sides of the Atlantic.

And this brings us to 2021, a landmark year when the Parish Council is preparing to purchase land at Waterside Valley for public recreation for perpetuity.

Later that year, a fitness track was created at Westhill Recreation Ground, including 12 pieces of outdoor gym equipment. Purchased with a combination of S.106 funding and grant funding from the Big Local for Radstock and Westfield, the equipment was put to immediate use.

2021

2019 Westfield Parish Council was awarded Quality Status in the Local Council Award Scheme for the third time.

This followed its second re-accreditation in 2015 along with the accolade of Council of the Week. Originally awarded to the Parish Council in 2012, this scheme recognises good practice in governance and community engagement.

Westhill Running Track 2020 2018

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Westfield: The first 10 years

Westfield Fun Day remembered Westfield Fun Day came into being thanks to the efforts of Luckington Carnival Club who worked to establish a family fun event complete with show ring performances, children’s fancy dress, bouncy castles, car boot, stalls and more.

One of many ideas of the Parish Council to create and foster a feeling of identity in the newly recognised parish of Westfield, the first Fun Day, on 24th June 2012, was well attended and set in motion a tradition that has stood the test of time over the life of the Parish Council so far.

In its second year, the Parish Council became more involved and Fun Day sought to draw in local groups and organisations to continue to foster the community spirit and make it a truly inclusive fundraising event for them as part of the community of Westfield. The Parish Council took over the organisation from 2014 onwards, with Luckington Carnival Club still very much involved.

That was the year that the sun shone brightly on us to make it a really memorable day. Classic Cars and the Radstock Devils motorcycles added a roar to the event and fairground attractions added a bounce and a whirl. The sun meant that residents were able to stay and enjoy the field all afternoon. In 2017 the promised dog show, Scruffs, was rained off but was hailed a great success the following year when it finally premiered and proved very popular, with local pooches shampooed and styled to turn out their best in the display ring.

Residents will remember wet Fun Days, cold Fun Days and scorching hot Fun Days. Highlights have included the Beau Street Hoard Roadshow showcasing the bag of Roman coins found in Bath, the opportunity to join Mendip All Drummers, the nostalgia of a Punch

and Judy performance, the opening by local celebrity, Michael Eavis and the time we were promised a Red Arrows fly over, but they couldn’t find us due to cloud cover!

Regular, beloved features include the Silver Band opening the event, Luckington’s BBQ (always a queue), Westfield Allotments Society plant stall, Bathampton Morris Men, Jamie Woodland Academy, Radstock Fire Brigade, the Parish Council’s hotly contested bottle tombola and the donkeys; whilst the organisers try to entertain visitors with new and fresh features each year including the birds of prey display, the dog show, appearances by Spiderman and Princesses Elsa and Rapunzel and a captivating performance by North Somerset Samba Band.

Although firmly fixed in the Parish Council calendar for the first Sunday in June; sadly, COVID restrictions have prevented the event from taking place for two years in a row. However, we can assure you that the event is merely waiting in the wings for a glorious blast back onto Westhill Recreation Ground just as soon as it is able. Massive thanks must go to the tiny committee of volunteers who organise the event, having included over the years: Councillors Phil Wilkinson, Diana Cooper and Pat Williams, as well as Sally, Becky and Ian and Lesley, Emily and Tracey in the office.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Westfield Fun Day in 2022!

8 - The Westfield Warbler

Westfield: The first 10 years

10 years of grant donations It was in early 2012, in the first year of its existence, that Westfield Parish Council decided to set up a formal grants programme.

Having given out grants on request under its more limited powers in 2011/12, the Council was awarded the General Power of Competence in 2012, which allowed it greater powers and so began a programme of grant funding which has seen many new ventures, boosted existing projects and supported the work of many organisations working in or for the benefit of Westfield residents.

Community Grant Awards 2013

It is a programme that has seen at least £136,000 given to over 40 organisations. With grants ranging from £87 up to £3500, the Parish Council has supported the work of established charities such as SWALLOW and Dial a Ride, organisations such as the Scouts and Brownies, start up projects such as the Westfield Carers’ Café and individual volunteers such as Terracycle champion, Catherine.

One project we have been delighted to see develop as a result of grant funding is the Westfield Carers’ Café. Set up with grant funding in 2016/17 and starting out with a few visitors in the new Mardons Club, the café grew in popularity and they returned for grant funding each year to increase and offer extra services for the popular group. During the months of lockdown, the links made through the café were vital for Carers’ Centre to

maxem eyewear Husband and Wife team, Vicky and Matt Andrews have over 20 years experience in the optical industry and have opened a dispensing only shop that offers an independent personal service with competitive prices. Dispensing only means that you just need to bring in an up to date prescription to order spectacles.

All the spectacle and sunglass frames range from £30 £70 and coated lenses start from £30 per pair. They are also happy to reglaze any cherished frames, pince-nez or even monocles at no extra charge.

Matt has run his own business called Maxem Glazing, providing a service directly to opticians all around the country. Vicky is a fully qualified Dispensing Optician who is on hand for any help and advice that is needed for frame and lens selection.

“Westfield Trading Estate was a perfect location for our business. With rent not as high, we can pass this saving onto our customers and offering a parking space just outside the door makes the trip worthwhile.”

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The Westfield Warbler - 9

continue to reach out to the carers with whom they’d made links and this year’s grant helped fund online breaks and activities, activity packs and workers’ time to spend time on the phone with carers who were no longer able to come out to the café.

In 2019 the efforts of Catherine in collecting items for reuse by Terracycle came to the attention of the Council. Catherine collects and stores items such as crisp packets, pet food pouches and bread bags which she can send to Terracycle once she has a certain weight of each item. The Council was delighted to promote this scheme to residents as an additional way to recycle and save unnecessary landfill. Catherine suggested that large wheelie bins would be useful for storing the materials until she had enough to send off and the Parish Council grants scheme was able to help by purchasing the bins on her behalf. Catherine was later awarded Inspirational Citizen of 2019-20 for her recycling work.

The Grants' pot will open again in July so please spread the word to any group or organisation working in or for the residents of Westfield. For now, we will leave you

WISH trip to Babbacombe 2015 with a few words of feedback from recipients: “We are hugely grateful for all the support that Westfield Parish Council has given to SWALLOW Charity over a number of years. SWALLOW supports teenagers and adults with learning disabilities and relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to be able to carry out its work.

"Westfield PC have paid for improvements to our meeting rooms, including insulating the ceiling and a new kitchen area. Most recently they have

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We wish our customers a healthy happy summer and hope to supply all with our excellent choice of BBQ needs

EVENTS

F O

22nd 23rd and 29th - 31st May: Train Rides -steam hauled by Joyce with a resident Diesel shunter at the rear

O R P

29th - 31st May: Family Activities Day

We are pleased to supply our customers with locally farmed meat, poultry, milk and cheeses, home-prepared bacon and cooked meats, our prize-winning pies and sausages, plus our famous faggots!

Shop opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday, 7am to 3pm.

Phone orders taken Mon-Fri 7am-5pm (for collection during above shop opening hours)

or visit our Facebook page Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS

Tel: 01761 412109

10 - The Westfield Warbler

2nd June and 28th July and every Wednesday in August: Wickham Wednesdays with Wickham Trolley rides 20th June: Fathers Day Steam Teas 2nd - 4th July: Mixed Traffic Gala with an additional visiting steam engine www.sdjr.co.uk Tel: 01761 411 221 Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2EY

contributed to a new boiler for our centre, the old one was constantly breaking down and now we are toasty warm! Thank you from everyone at SWALLOW!” “P.E.O.P.L.E has been fortunate enough to receive funding from Westfield Parish Council over the years.

Receiving grants from the communities in which we work is always important to us and means a great deal. Working with oppressed and marginalised groups often leads to misconception and concerns, Westfield Parish Council have always been able to see beyond a label and recognise the work that we undertake not only supports those with complex and multiple needs, oppressions and social disadvantage, but also provides opportunities for the excluded and contributes towards safer and inclusive communities. We hope that in the years to come we can continue with our positive relationship and achieve the outcomes that fulfil our charitable objectives.”

“Swan has received a grant from Westfield Parish Council for a number of years now and it is encouraging to know that our transport service for the elderly, disabled and low income in the community is valued especially when a few of our volunteer drivers live in Westfield.”

Community Vehicle 2015

Parish Council grant awards 2015

“The Westfield Parish grants programme has made it possible for us to bring together local unpaid carers through our Carer Café –reducing the feeling of isolation and helping to develop peer support networks and friendships.”

Pictured below: St Peter's Church 2016 Teddy Bear Nursery 2017 PEOPLE 2017

Westfield Methodist 2016

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Westfield: The first 10 years

Christmas in Westfield All Westfield Parish Councillors, past and present, have had the ambition to give Westfield residents a sense of community and belonging. We are not Radstock, we are not Midsomer Norton, we are WESTFIELD. One of the initiatives that came out to promote ourselves as Westfield was the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. This is an event that takes place on the last Thursday of November and has grown considerably since its inception in 2012.

When we started there were some people gathered around the Christmas tree singing carols and tea and coffee offered in the Trinity Methodist church hall.

Since then, Father Christmas agreed to come along and give small free gifts to the children, we serve mulled wine and mince pies from a stall close to the tree and local children get to have the joy of switching the lights on. We are serenaded each year by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band and Westfield Voices, we try to pass on the ecclesiastical message of Christmas by inviting one of the local churches to offer a thought and the whole event attracts hundreds of residents to take part. The Big Local have taken part, distributing fun and healthy snacks or games to the children and in 2019, the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Eleanor Jackson came along to get the party started. In 2017, we were even streamed on live radio, courtesy of Somer Valley FM! The lights on the lampposts through the centre of Westfield have also increased hugely, culminating in a display last year that went from one end of the A367 in Westfield to the other. So many positive comments have been made about this display – thank you for that.

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Westfield Parish Council Launch Climate Emergency Westfield Parish Council has declared a climate change emergency. This means we will be looking at urgent steps to address this situation, prepare for the local impact of climate change and look at how we can reduce carbon emissions.

All councillors recognise the serious challenges we have to face and are keen to make a positive contribution to this work.

So far: • The Council has pledged to provide the leadership to take appropriate steps to reduce our impact on the environment • Agreed to purchase land at Waterside Valley to ensure this remains a green space for the benefit of everyone in Westfield and to promote health and well-being • We are working on a Climate Emergency Strategy and welcome everyone to get involved with this

What can you do?

Come and join us at the Community Engagement Group. We would like you to help with the initiative.

If you are interested, please get in touch with the Parish Clerk council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Check your carbon footprint The World Wildlife Fund provides a carbon foot printing tool which gives an insight into your own impact on the climate and tips to help you adjust your own behaviour and lifestyle.

Look out for an event later this year to celebrate this important work.

Cllr Lesley Mansell Member Westfield Parish Council Climate Emergency Working Group

• Put pressure on B&NES Council to check the carbon emissions level outside the school, which has been agreed • We are investigating the installation of ultra-fast electric car chargers • We are investigating a tree planting policy • Encouraging schools and others to plant wild flowers

Thank you from Westfield Brownies 3rd Westfield (St Peter’s) Brownies would like to say a very big thank you to Westfield Parish Council for their kind donation of £750 towards the purchase of equipment to help deliver the new Girlguiding programme.

Their unit have only recently started back to face to face meetings and the Brownies were happy when they were shown the items purchased.

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Westfield's Inspirational Citizens 2021 The plural in the heading is absolutely correct. This year we have not one, not two, but three Inspirational Citizens to congratulate.

During this past year, many people have been isolated and separated from their loved ones for long periods at a time. The effect of this can be quite devastating and loneliness is a major issue as a result.

The first Inspirational Citizen has helped to alleviate some of that loneliness and brought a community together. Debbie Maggs, of St Peter’s Road spent time organising events within the street for residents to socialise – barbeque, coffee morning and even a fish and chip supper, where she got orders from everyone and went and collected from Whitstone's in Westfield. She wanted to be proud of the road in which she lives and brighten people’s days so her husband made the lovely planter by the street sign and she rallied everyone who lives there to donate to a regular display of bright flowers.

Debbie said: “I am feeling absolutely overwhelmed and honoured (and hugely shocked) at being nominated for the Inspirational Citizen award by Joan Pack who is a resident in our Road at St Peter’s!

In such a difficult year, not just myself, but most of St Peter’s have come together helping each other, especially the older generation. We are so lucky to have such amazing neighbourhood who have all become great friends. Time is so precious and it’s something I didn’t have a lot of before the lockdown, but it’s helped me by helping others and made me realise even more by just baking a cake and sharing, or doing a street BBQ, fish and chip evening celebrating big birthdays, that it’s lifted everyone’s spirits! This award isn’t just for me but everyone in St Peter’s Road that has helped make

14 14 -- The TheWestfield WestfieldWarbler Warbler

lockdown 2020/21 more bearable. To my amazing husband Steve for making the planter and painting it, and to Rachael for organising the planting making it look lovely as you drive in to our Road!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

She is truly inspirational.

Regular readers of the Westfield Warbler will know that the Parish Council is in the process of purchasing some land in the Waterside Valley. This area of beautiful scenery is a well-known haven for wildlife and so many people love to walk the length

of it on a regular basis. This has been made more possible by the work of our second Inspirational Citizen, Nigel Swift.

Nigel has spent several years making sure the pathways through a section of the valley are passable and he mows them regularly. He has also cleared vegetation from a length of the river, keeping it all in check and healthy. When presented with the award Nigel said: “I am very proud to have been nominated for the Westfield Inspirational Citizen award for work that I love to do. It’s been a pleasure to see the masses of people that use the valley and to find it’s made easier for them through the maintenance of the pathways. I’ve been doing this for lots of years now and hope to continue for lots more to come.”

He is truly inspirational.

Residents of Westfield may have noticed how the pathways and pavements in the parish are clear of rubbish these days.

That is partly down to the Wombles of Midsomer Norton and surrounding area, but in particular one Womble who lives in Westfield. Mike Chivers is that Womble and he is seen almost on a daily basis in Westfield in his hi-viz jacket with bags to collect litter that has thoughtlessly been discarded. Mike actually invents and makes equipment that he can use to get to litter that has been swept into bushes and brambles. He leaves nothing behind.

He is truly inspirational.

When meeting to make the decision on which one of these three should be honoured with the title this year, it was unanimous that, during this period of lockdown, it was impossible to discriminate and choose between them.

As a result, we are delighted to say we have awarded all three with the honour.

They will have to share the cup!!

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FROME 01373 452116

Westfield: The first 10 years

Front Garden Competition The Westfield Front Garden competition was launched in 2014, inviting residents and businesses in Westfield to enter their colourful and well-maintained front gardens for accolade. Some of the winners have been pretty spectacular. It’s always a joy to walk or drive through Westfield and see some of the beautiful displays.

Thanks must be given to the judges that have considered entries over the past 7 years, come rain or shine! And for the donations of prizes from Norton Green Nurseries and Thomsons of Radstock. We are very grateful for all your help and support.

Since 2014, the competition has gone from strength to strength, though persuading people to blow their own trumpet and enter can prove quite challenging.

We have discovered that gardeners are pretty modest people! A lot of gardens are entered by neighbours or people passing by. That’s always good as the owners of the gardens no doubt want to show their talents to all that see them, as well as having the pleasure of cultivating such delightful space for their own enjoyment.

So, despite all the doom and gloom of the last year, one thing that can go ahead with plenty of social distancing is the Front Garden Competition. We know how much you love your gardens, so go on out there, make your gardens look blooming wonderful and TELL US ABOUT THEM!!!

There are cups for the winners of Best Front Garden and Best Container and small prizes for the winners as well.

The Westfield Warbler - 17

Kelly Scott Mortgages are a friendly, professional and local team advising on mortgages for first time buyers, home movers, self employed, home improvements or simply helping you find a better deal.

We can advise on life cover, critical illness, family income benefit and income protection.

We also ensure these policies are set up correctly and help with trusts.

New to our team is Debbie Schmid, specialising in equity release and later life lending.

We are really excited to be able to offer help and advice in this fast growing market.

Follow us on facebook and Instagram www.kellyscottmortgages.co.uk mortgages@kellyscottmortgages.co.uk Kelly Scott 07515 454491 Debbie Schmid 07737 712985 YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP WITH REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE • Kelly Scott Ltd trading as Kelly Scott Mortgages is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network PRIMIS Mortgage Network is a trading style of Advance Mortgage Funding Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

• Our typical Warbler mortgage fee ranges between £0-£995 18 - The Westfield

TRY LOCAL Your Westfield business guide

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

Carpentry Ian Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07816 922830 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ijprice1@hotmail.co.uk SJ Hansford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07515 531744 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .s.j.hansfordcarpentry@gmail.com Cleaning Mac with a Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07969 571377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . davemcmurrough@gmail.com

Dato construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07902 901631

The Somerset Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07808 861002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thesomersethome.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@thesomersethome.co.uk

Flagg and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07966 542302 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.flaggandcobuilding.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@flaggandcobuilding.co.uk

LJT Window Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07375 222207 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ljtwindowcleaning.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@ljtwindowcleaning.co.uk

Maytree Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07791 765006

Somerset Clean Leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07841 437378 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.somersetcleanleaf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . somersetcleanleaf@gmail.com

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

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 PS Field Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07837 844402 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . psfieldelectrical@me.com

Screwfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0333 011 2112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.screwfix.com

Norton Electrical Wholesale Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 418088 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.electricalwholesale4less.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . newsupplies@aol.com

Nut and Boltman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 414417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.nutandboltman.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sales@nutandboltman.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

20 - The Westfield Warbler

Mike Haley Home Appliance Repair . 01761 419302

Plumbing and Heating Premier Plumbing and Heating Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 418484 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.premier-phs.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .jamie@premier-phs.co.uk

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

Jamie Crawford Heating . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 410798 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jamiecrawfordheating.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boilers@jamiecrawfordheating.com

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

Fletcher Plumbing and Heating . . . . . 01761 420250 . . . . . . . . . . . www.fletcherplumbingandheating.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . info@fletcherplumbingandheating.co.uk

SprayDex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07588 458293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.spraydex.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . michael@spraydex.co.uk

All Points Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07880 597149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.allpointsplumbing.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . robert@allpointsplumbing.co.uk

Garden Pitman Sheds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .07925 166546 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pitmanshedsltd@aol.co.uk

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

PRW Group Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 419909 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.prwgroup.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . business@prwgroup.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

Heatwest Heating and Plumbing Services Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01761 233848 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.heatwest.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@heatwest.co.uk 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 Homeworks Solutions LTD . . . . . . . . . 01761 568240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.homeworks-solutions.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .info@homeworks-solutions.co.uk

The Westfield Warbler - 21

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 Westfield's 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

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 Grovewood Botanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07999 430489 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grovewoodbotanicals@yahoo.com

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

K.C.Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07962 336538 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . karen.o@hotmail.co.uk

Lulabelle Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07535 992403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . louisejay@mail.com

Elm Tree Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 437456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . elmtreebeauty@outlook.com

Hairdressers and Barbers Cut Above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 432476

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

Alphas Barber Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . alphasbarbershop@icloud.com

Garden Room Holistic Therapies . . . . 07974 071471 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thegardenroomnails.co.uk . . . . . thegardenroomholistictherapies@hotmail.com

The Lock Up BarberShop . . . . . . . . . . . 07860 276044 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . thelockup17@gmail.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 Fitness and Classes Funky Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07841 115927 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.funky-fitness.co.uk

22 - The Westfield Warbler

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 Harmony Support Services . . . . . . . . . 07867 431361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . harmonysservices@gmail.com

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

Eyewear Maxem Eyewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 235802 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.maxemeyewear.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@maxemeyewear.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

Party Supplies and Cake Makers Bouncers - Bouncy Castle Hire . . . . . . 01761 436328 . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bouncers-bouncycastlehire.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . .lynne@bouncers-bouncycastlehire.co.uk

Grocery and CONVENIENCE The Co-operative - Fosseway . . . . . . . 01761 412888 . . . . . . . . . . www.radstockcoop.co.uk/store/fosseway

Jumping Jo's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 690 014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.jumpingjos.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@jumpingjos.co.uk

The Co-operative - Westfield . . . . . . . 01761 434291 . . . . . . . . . . www.radstockcoop.co.uk/store/westfield

Sugar Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 420090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.thesugarstore.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sugarstore@tiscali.co.uk

Costcutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 439001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.costcutter.co.uk Kaay Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.kaay-stores.business.site

Pubs, RESTAURANTS and Social Clubs The Restaurant @ Centurion Hotel . . 01761 412214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.centurionhotel.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . restaurant@centurionhotel.co.uk The Railway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 435100 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 Memet's Kebab House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 433566 Dragon Wok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418085 Whitstones' Fish and Chips . . . . . . . . . 01761 416948 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.whitstones.co.uk Porky's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 411436

The Westfield Warbler - 23

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

24 24 -- The TheWestfield WestfieldWarbler 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

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

Teddy Bear Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418100 . . . . . . www.teddybearnurserywestfield.business.site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .teddybearnursery@outlook.com

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

Lisa and Lauren Childminding . . . . . . . 07515 688777 . . . . . . . . . . . . lisaandlaurenchildminding@gmail.com Clothing and Cloth printing Monster Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 568116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.monsterpress.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@monsterpress..co.uk Pickle Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pickleprint.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@pickleprint.co.uk Coal merchants Jacobs and Barnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 431059 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.jacobsandbarnett.co.uk Counselling Cruse Bereavement Care . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 417250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cruse.org.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .bath@cruse.org.uk Education Bath College Somer Valley Campus . . 01225 312191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bathcollege.ac.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk Sharpening Training School UK . . . . . . 07856 513777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sharpening-training.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@sharpening-training.co.uk

Tapsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 414566 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tapsonsanimalhealth.co.uk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .tappers@tapsonsah.co.uk Vicki's Wagging Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07921 807212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vickiswaggingwalks@gmail.com 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

Work of Heart Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . 07926 356298 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jackyvernatutoring@gmail.com GRAPHIC DESIGN LY Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07802 966262 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leeyarlett@hotmail.comm I.T and Tech Somer Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01761 418899 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.someruk.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sales@someruk.com The Westfield Warbler - 25

WAGS benefit from Parish grant During the third lockdown, members of WAGS have grabbed the chance to get on with some essential maintenance.

The allotments have been in use since 2011, and the fencing that had been put in originally was now rotting away.

We recieved a grant from Westfield Parish Council and immediately put this to good use.

Also we would like to thank Charlton Timber for their

26 26--The TheWestfield WestfieldWarbler Warbler

help and support with providing materials for this project.

Below are some before and after photos, with allotment holders Paul Millard and Margaret Bridges admiring the new fence.

Pictured on the opposite page, is Keira-Leigh Chivers and her dog, Loki. She is working towards her Duke of Edinburgh award by helping at Westfield Allotments during the lockdown and for the next 6 months.

It's great to get young people interested in growing vegetables and enjoying working outdoors and helping the community.

Keira has worked hard sorting all our pots and transformed the potting shed into something we can be proud of.

Westfield Allotments and Gardening Society (WAGS)

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#STARTYOURJOURNEY The Westfield Warbler - 27

Thank you for the feedback!

February saw the Parish Council invite feedback on whether to purchase land at Waterside Valley for public access and recreation. We were surprised and heartened by the strength of response which was overwhelmingly in favour of the purchase. Here is just a small cross section of the comments: I am a regular walker with my dogs and was with my children when they were young through Waterside Valley, it’s a beautiful area and full of wildlife. I have spent many a time picking blackberries and sloe berries here and remember sledging with my children.

It’s a calming place to walk when you’re feeling low where you can absorb the sounds and sights of the environment and that you are walking in the steps of people that have now long gone.

I believe it would be a fantastic idea if the beautiful area was purchased by the Parish Council.

Since moving to Birch Road in 1991, four generations of our family have matured and continue to grow up with the Valley as our backdrop. We have thoroughly embraced and enjoyed all the Valley has to offer in terms of green space, exercise, play areas, nature, wildlife and more.

However, the real benefit of this beautiful green space is the role the Valley has played over many years in developing friendships and relationships between neighbours, their children and grandchildren.

Even now, we often see whole generations of families, children and grandchildren walking through the Valley with their friends, family and dogs. They are just “walking and talking” and strengthening friendships.

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28 - The Westfield Warbler

How important is that in this day and age, bearing in mind the stress people have been under in the past year.

Over the years, it has been this important green space that has helped turn Birch Road residents from just neighbours into our own friendly community with all of us sharing the common theme i.e. the beauty of the Valley.

In more recent times, I have helped my neighbours in clearing the Valley of vastly overgrown brambles and dead trees. This has opened up the river enhancing not only the views but also providing safe and clear space for youngsters to have fun in nature.

This exercise alone has encouraged other residents to play their part in doing whatever they can to improve the general appearance of Waterside Valley as a whole.

It appears this has developed into an ongoing project that residents are embracing naturally with excellent results.

I hope this will continue and be encouraged, as I feel it will only help the Parish Council in the long term.

I am writing to offer my full support to Westfield Parish Council on the subject of purchasing the land at Waterside Valley. I lived in Waterford Park for over three decades using the space and footpaths with my family growing up. It is a wonderful area of our local community for winter walks/sledging, and during the spring and summer for exercise and taking my niece and nephew down to the brook to paddle in the water in our wellies, just as my parents did with me during the early 90s.

I now live in Westfield, but still regularly use the area as part of my trail running routes. I ran the length of the Valley just last week on my way down to Radstock to keep away from the pollution and fumes of the A367.

To have this valuable space secured, improved and maintained by the council for people like myself and future generations is another great idea from Westfield Parish Council. I have been very impressed with the work carried out by the yourselves in recent years, especially during the pandemic. The AED additions, focus and support for local events, and commitment to forward thinking projects which benefit us all has been a breath of fresh air. As a keen runner and cyclist, the local fitness track at Westhill was a super project which I hear nothing but praise for.

Very best of luck with the Waterside project. I hope things work out as planned. I will try and do my bit and spread some last-minute posts on my social media pages.

Easy access to local, safe and well-maintained green spaces are so important for our mental health, as we have all realised this past year.

I write to you to support the initiative of buying the land for the benefit of the community.

This area is unique and has remained unspoilt and unchanged over the years. I also know generations of children regarded Waterside as their playground and conserving the area would be wonderful.

It’s a lovely walk and a natural habitat for wildlife. I hope your bid is supported and successful.

The Westfield Warbler - 29

Looking back at Westfield FC Can you spot yourself or someone you know from this selection of Westfield FC players through the years?

Folk Dance Club After the very long layoff imposed by the various lockdowns, the restrictions on meeting indoors and social distancing, Radstock Folk Dance Club are hoping to resume for the 2021-2022 season on the 1st October 2021.

This is, of course, dependent on all restrictions being lifted by then. If you would like some gentle exercise in friendly company on Friday evenings then please come along, with or without a partner.

30 - The Westfield Warbler

To confirm we are able to meet on 1st October, please contact Dick or Jean Shilton on 01458 841400.

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Email: info.johnmartin@btconnect.com The Westfield Warbler - 31

Westfield Primary School Writing about outdoor learning at Westfield Primary School, by Imogen, in Falcon Class.

Art In year 6, we are learning about Geogia O'Keefe who is a very famous artist. She used to spend all day painting pictures of flowers that she could see. We tried to draw flowers from the school flower beds. We sat outside for a while and we sketched. It was relaxing because we had some peace and quiet.

Gardening Club and Enrichment In gardening club we spend time in the school grounds planting, weeding and watering plants with a fantastic teacher who looks after the garden so well. We also go outside in Enrichment when we do activities in the school woods. My favourite part of gardening club is spending time with people and planting things because later in the year I can look for what I have completed.

32 - The Westfield Warbler

Plenty of cheer – more to hear Somer Valley FM, the local radio station for North East Somerset, based in Midsomer Norton, continues to extend its broadcast schedules, with another four new shows.

On Monday evenings, Nigel Stiff hosts the 70s at 7pm.

Already a firm favourite with listeners to his Friday Brunch show, Nigel relives his youth playing all his favourite 70s tracks – his problem is the show’s only an hour long!

Open Mic broadcasts every Tuesday at 6pm. The show is hosted on a rotational basis, in partnership with the Somer Valley Education Trust, run by CEO Dom Chambers, previous Manager of the radio station.

Training is undertaken in the radio station in media skills, and if trainees have a desire to present a show, we offer the opportunity. Presenting shows so far have been George from Farleigh College sharing his knowledge of rock music, and Claudia and Ethan talking about the welcome they have received in joining the station. Additionally, if anyone who has a relationship with the station, and wants to feature strong locallybased stories, then the chance is there to air a show.

And for the dance lovers we offer another new show.

Rach Kay’s Thursday Throwback show broadcasts at 8pm. Rach is a multi-genre DJ who plays all over the UK and internationally - she plays a variety of music but LOVES her old school anthems, bringing the throwback tunes. Lock in for all those feel good tunes!

Includes a live 1 hour DJ mix, Mood Boosters and Battle of the Artists features. Rach has had mixes played out on Kiss, 1Xtra, Reprezent, Capital Xtra, and supported NeYo, HER & The Internet on their tours, along with playing in Canada, Greece, Marbella, Ibiza, at festivals, Kisstory and Topshop.

With Chris Griffiths hosting the Weekend Breakfast on a Sunday, we now have live Breakfast shows every day.

Starting at 8am, Chris will have features including fact of the day, our survey says, and review the national papers. With bounce aplenty, he is sure to start your Sunday with a spring in your step.

"This is what your, and our, local radio station should be all about," Richard Burgess, Station Manager, commented. "The new shows vary from the opportunity for disadvantaged young people to present radio shows, to internationally acclaimed DJs playing out, through to presenters enabled to host shows with content and themes they love to deliver on the airwaves, pertinent to our local community" "We’re now broadcasting around 13 hours of live and fresh content daily. Daily we publish show schedules online via all the socials, and on our website. If you’ve not listened to us before – please give us a try. I guarantee there will be shows you’ll enjoy."

To contact your local radio station: 01761 411755, studio@somervalleyfm.co.uk, or find us on social media.

The Westfield Warbler - 33

Drive or be driven with Swan Transport Swan Transport are always looking for volunteer drivers to come forward and join our existing team of men and women who volunteer for us using their own vehicles.

Swan offers competitive mileage expenses, ongoing support and supplies the current specification of PPE and training. Whatever time given by our volunteers is valued and driving with Swan can fit around other commitments.

Volunteering is well documented as an opportunity that can help with a new career or to reconnect with your local community, for health and wellbeing and being involved in something that can give purpose to life.

Swan would like to thank their team of volunteers who have been busy providing essential journeys to older and disabled people in Bath & North East Somerset who are unable to use conventional public transport.

Currently, our drivers are taking people to essential health trips in Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas and helping as many people as possible get to their Covid-19 vaccinations locally. As lockdown restrictions ease, our drivers will be helping people to go about the day-to-day journeys and activities that are more social as well.

If you are struggling with transport, Swan Transport may be the solution, with volunteer drivers picking up pre booked passengers using their own cars. Swan’s joining fee is just £7.00 for life and local journeys start from £6.75 suggested donation for a return journey.

If you can help us and you want to find out more about volunteer driving with Swan or if you want to find out how you can benefit from a volunteer driver and take a journey with us, please ring Sarah or Ann for an informal chat on 01761 439548. Or email Sarah at swan.transport@btconnect.com with your enquiry.

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01761 233 555 fd@bwfd.me.uk www.bathwellsfuneralservices.co.uk 34 - The Westfield Warbler

let's support local businesses

Youth Connect South West 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 across B&NES, as well as offering youth clubs to young people, aged 13-19, in Westfield, Radstock, Timsbury, Paulton and Bath.

Throughout the winter and spring months of 2021, the Youth Work team have been out in Westfield delivering detached youth work on foot to young people aged 13-19. These detached sessions have given us a space to check in with young people and make sure they are getting support if needed. Since the end of the winter lockdown, the team have started meeting young people at Westhill Sports Club Park and at the Rec to offer more regular activities, including outdoor cooking and sports.

project is aiming to start in June.

Moving forward, Youth Connect SW will be hosting youth work sessions in line with national guidance and the national youth agency guidance for youth work.

We will be resuming youth work sessions at Westhill Sports Club Park from 7pm – 9pm, open to all young people 13-19 during the summer months, offering a range of activities from circus skills, cooking, sports and art projects.

With the go ahead from the National Youth Agency, the team are in planning to return to centre based youth work, offering indoor sessions. We will announce this on our social media and contact young people directly when this resumes.

Youth Connect SW run all their sessions in line with guidance from the National youth agency and PHE – details of this can be found at https://nya.org.uk/ guidance/

The first Youth Connect SW Young People’s Award Ceremony was held this year with the awards celebrating the achievements of the young people who work with us. All have faced personal challenges and worked hard to get where they are today. These young people were picked because they showed extraordinary change and personal effort. We are proud to tell you we had one winner from Westfield youth team.

The Engagement Team have continued to offer individual support to young people in Westfield and during the last lockdown hosted a county wide art project called The Palace of Lockdown. This weekly project on Zoom, gave young people opportunity to meet new people and talk about mental health through creative expression. The finished result was a unique embroidered cushion that displayed the best advice that young people had been given for their own mental health.

For more information about sessions we offer for young people in Westfield, please contact; Carrie Ford 07875488718.

Visit our website www.youthconnectsouthwest.org.uk or look us up on Facebook - Youth Connect SouthWest Instagram - @youthconnectsouthwest Southside Youth Hub, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath, BA2 1NR. Registered Charity: 1186059

Youth Connect SW are excited to be supporting the double decker bus provision, I Can and I Am which will pilot a cook and chat project in Westfield. This unique bus has a fully functioning kitchen downstairs and will give young people the opportunity to learn new skills in cooking and talk about personal development. The

The Westfield Warbler - 35

The new season at Prattens Bowls Club After missing an entire season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Prattens are still going and working towards this new season. The fixtures list has been somewhat curtailed with the Somerset County League having been postponed until mid-June and the ladies' Wild league having been cancelled completely.

There are restrictions to playing other games because the Bowls England regulations currently prohibit car-sharing which makes it very difficult for bowls teams to go to each other's venues.

That is all the negative stuff out of the way so on to the positive part. The Green was opened in the middle of April. Some clubs, including Prattens, are still willing to play friendly matches where travel restrictions allow. We have a good sized car park so it is feasible for teams to visit us using their own cars and we are arranging friendly games in lieu of league games where this is possible.

The club is based at Charlton Lane (on the Westfield/ Midsomer Norton boundary) but has members from

36 36--The TheWestfield WestfieldWarbler Warbler

many of the surrounding villages as well as those addresses.

As can be seen in the photo, we are also arranging (socially distanced) practice matches within the club at various times. The normal Monday evening club night is still taking place (but without the usual drinks and chat in the clubhouse) and the lady members are having a practice session on Thursday afternoons with mixed sessions on Saturdays.

For fixtures and other news please see our website at www.prattensbowlsclub.com although we are, at present, not allowed spectators at the green. The website also has contact details for club officials if you wish to discuss playing bowls at Prattens.

The Wonderful Wandering Wombles!

Since writing my previous article about litter, litter picking has become a major project in our neighbourhood!

In the middle of February, a new group, on Facebook, has sprung up called The Wombles of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas. We now have over three hundred members!

There is a strong core of people who regularly pick several times a week. We also organise large litter picking events which of course, all are invited to join.

Head Wombles promote our project and approach businesses for sponsorship. We also have a very enthusiastic member, Mike Chivers, who has been recognised for his amazing efforts in continuing to keep the streets and parks of Westfield as clear of litter as possible. Mike has been awarded Westfield Inspirational Citizen of the year by Westfield Parish Council. Such a dedicated Womble!

We have been helped enormously by local businesses that have been very generous in providing us with litter picking equipment. A huge thank you to the following: Ryan Church, Sean Fletcher, Fosseway Tree Services, Ian Hobbs Technical Services, Buildbase, Integrity Printers and also to Signefex who have provided signs for us. It is very encouraging that so many are keen to help!

The number of discarded face masks that have been picked up now runs into the hundreds! They are everywhere.

If anyone has the energy, time and enthusiasm to join our group, you would be most welcome. Equipment is provided by the group at each organised event.

Or should you wish to Womble on your own, please contact me, via messenger on Facebook on the Wombles page, for a picker, a hi-viz jacket and of course the gold sacks!

Sandra Coles

A number of ladies and several men also spend a great deal of their free time Wombling about the place. A huge thank you to all you dedicated Wombles!

It is good to see children joining in with their parents.

Educating the young is so important. To this end we have decided to approach the secondary schools in the area with a view of presenting assemblies and encouraging a more positive attitude towards our environment and community.

The group also haul out and stack fly tipping they encounter in hedges and verges. This is reported to councils via the website www.fixmystreet.com. A B&NES team is sent to remove it so long as it is on a public area.

Major picks so far include Westfield Community Park, Westfield playing field and playground, the Skate park, Midsomer Norton (five times!), industrial estates at Westfield and Welton, Norton Hill school site and Cobblers Way.

Wombles, receiving litter picking equipment kindly donated by Integrity Print, who join other companies on the Westfield Industrial Estate: Ian Hobbs and Buildbase, in sponsoring the Wombles with equipment.

The company donated high quality litter pickers, in varying lengths, plus hoops for the bags, gloves and hiviz vests branded with 'VOLUNTEER WOMBLE'.

The skate park is an ongoing project as many youngsters, who use the facility, have a total disregard for the environment and lack of respect for the area!

There are a few that are keen to keep the park free of litter but sadly they are in a minority.

The Westfield Warbler - 37

Walking Football Living in a pandemic for over a year has had an impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of many, in particular those who were unable to go outside or have been isolating on their own.

One way of introducing physical exercise whilst enjoying the company of like minded people is to be out in the fresh air playing the very popular game of Walking Football.

The Midsomer Norton Men’s Walking Football group meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre, regardless of the weather conditions.

Men aged fifty+ with no upper limit, are welcome to come and join this affable group of good humoured “old timers” who share a love of playing and a wicked sense of humour.

Angelo Ruiz started the group several years ago and is still at the helm, having seen it expand from six to forty players.

For more information check out their website at www.msnwalkingfootball.webador.co.uk

FIREPLACES FLUES INSTALLATION WOODBURNING & MULTIFUEL STOVES INFO@IGNISSTOVES.CO.UK - 01761 437366 - WWW.IGNISSTOVES.CO.UK F I R E

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Somerset and Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton Reopening in May

Volunteers at Midsomer Norton Station have been allowed back to work under strict Covid guidelines with limited numbers across the week. The gardeners have been able to tackle some of the weed backlog and do some replanting whilst carriage and rolling stock restorers have been working on the mineral wagons and recently acquired Pallet van. The ones on view are already, like the ‘new to us’ mini buffet coach, looking like real working railway wagons.

The restoration of the British Rail mini buffet is the ‘pièce de resistance’ for the volunteers as it now looks much as it did in service with splendid new upholstery and flooring ready for our visitors. Hot drinks and snacks will be available to take on to the open patio area where Covid distance can be kept. The splendid new recycled plastic picnic tables are ready and waiting for visitors to take a break with refreshment in between train rides.

Volunteers John Bridges, Vivien and Roger Taylor and Zaida Haworth are looking forward to welcoming visitors in May. There will be three carriage steam hauled rides with resident Sentinel Joyce and with one of our diesel shunters at the rear. At the end of May there will be a family day with activities around the site to add to the interest of train rides.

The S & D Joint Railway Company Chair Matt Cornborough is excited about the new opportunities.

He said: “This year for something different we will be offering ‘Wickham Wednesdays’ during school holidays in June, July and August when rides on the Wickham Trolley will be taking place. We are also very much looking forward to a visiting steam locomotive coming

to site for our mixed traffic gala in July and across the whole of the summer season with a number of special events planned.”

Booking for all events and rides is through the website. https://sdjr.co.uk/

Somerset and Dorset Railway Events 22nd 23rd and 29th - 31st May: Train Rides - steam hauled by Joyce with a resident Diesel shunter at the rear 29th - 31st May: Family Activities Day 2nd June and 28th July and every Wednesday in August for Wickham Wednesdays: Wickham Trolley rides 20th June: Fathers' Day Steam Teas 2nd - 4th July: Mixed Traffic Gala with an additional visiting steam engine

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SWALLOW Charity Members enjoy gardening in the spring sunshine SWALLOW, the local charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, has been working hard throughout the pandemic to keep members safe and supported throughout.

One of the activities that is extremely popular is their Work Skills Gardening group and recently they have been busy planting and preparing for the new growing season.

SWALLOW supports individuals to gain skills for employment and to work together as a team to produce items for sale including hanging baskets and planted pots.

They are currently taking orders and if you would like to know more, please contact Kate on - 01761 414 034 or katekingston@swallowcharity.org.

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The

Parish Clerk A

s we move into the bright blue skies of Summer, plans for the purchase of land at Waterside Valley are coming closer to fruition and the Parish Council is beginning to talk about the next steps in terms of how this land might be managed for the benefit of all. A staggering 53 people responded individually to the public consultation, explaining why this space is so important to them and asking that the Parish Council purchases it as an asset for the people of Westfield for perpetuity.

Thank you for all the comments, they served to assure the Parish Council that this land is much needed for recreation.

Our thanks go to B&NES who provided the funds through S.106 funding for the purchase of the land, which means that the people of Westfield do not have to carry the one-off burden of the purchase financially.

Looking ahead to the summer, although the Fun Day sadly will not take place due to current restrictions, we hope that the Front Garden competition will bring some much-appreciated colour to the front gardens in the parish. Remember, there is also a ‘best container’ category. So, if you see a front garden, or a hanging basket or planter which looks particularly attractive, why not nominate it to let the owners know how much it brightens the neighbourhood.

Application forms are on our website under the Community heading.

Lesley Close Parish Clerk

Parish Council Meetings All meetings are detailed on our website, Agendas and Minutes page.

www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/agendas-minutes

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Your Councillors

Cllr Diana Cooper 01761 415155 diana.cooper@ 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 Vice Chair 07974 939776 bryan.wallbridge@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

Watch this space for new councillor, Stephen Pritchard 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 Peter's Business Park, Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Westfield Parish Council 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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