Westfield Warbler Winter 2019

WINTER 2019 ISSUE 33

Produced for Westfield Parish Council

Westfield Parish Council

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RO OF

Message from Contents the Chairman 4

As we now move into the winter months the Parish Council is working on the winter themes such as the Christmas light switch on and organising the festive lights on the lamp posts that run through Westfield.

The switch on this year will be on 28th November starting at 6.30pm and we would love to see lots of people from the community come to enjoy the event.

Reading through this edition of the Warbler you will see that recycling features quite a bit. The Parish Council would like to support the recycling initiative that is now a world-wide objective, encouraging people to recycle everything and anything possible.

The Parish Council has put together a working group to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe. This is to mark the ending of WWII in Europe and to be held on the 8th May 2020. If anyone out there has any memories or artefacts from this period, or would like to be involved in the group please contact the office.

As many Westfield residents are aware RADCO, which is at the bottom of Wells Hill and sits within the boundaries of Westfield, has submitted plans to redevelop and modernise its site. Westfield Parish Council has welcomed the development and hopes that it will help to enhance the area.

All Parish Council grants have been submitted and carefully considered by Councillors. At the time of writing recommendations will be looked at and finalised at the next Finance and Personnel committee meeting. Well done to all that were successful and we look forward to seeing how the money that has been awarded will help to achieve the outcomes they were looking for.

Finally, I would like to wish all Westfield residents a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Cllr Geoff Fuller Chair of Westfield Parish Council

Terracycle Collection Point

5 Special award for local company 8 Plastic Free Challenge

10 Meet the Grant Recipient 12 Recycle for Reward

16/17 Christmas Lights Switch On 18/19 What's On 20

Your new Councillor

24

WAGS make donation

28/29 VE Day 75th Anniversary

The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in February 2020. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us by 1st February.

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 Terracycle collection point At Bridges Electrical Engineers we are committed to reducing the volume of waste produced. We currently segregate and recycle several waste streams, including metal, wood, cardboard and plastic.

Within the business we have an environmental group that meet on a regular basis. The aim of the group is to raise awareness of environmental issues across the business, whilst also highlighting and investigating ways we can increase our environmental performance.

The group decided that the Bridges office in Westfield could join the Terracycle Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme and we became a drop off location at the end of June 2019. There are currently 1,600 drop off locations nationwide. This prevents empty crisp packets from ending up in landfill.

All the crisp packets consumed by employees within the office and those brought in from employee’s homes are collected. Once we have enough crisp packets (8Kg in weight) they will be collected, separated into plastic types, cleaned and extruded into plastic pellets to make new products.

Another benefit of the scheme is that Bridges are awarded TerraCycle points, these can be redeemed into financial donations to a chosen charity. Bridges' chosen charity is the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH in Bath.

We currently have one other business in the local area who are collecting crisp packets to drop off at our office to be recycled. Any brand of crisp packet is accepted, including the outer wrapper of multipacks. The packets must be completely empty but please do not fold them into triangles.

Milk bottle tops are also been collected within the Bridges office at Westfield for a nursery in Shepton Mallet. The collected bottle tops are recycled into a number of products including cling film, wellington boots, electric fencing cable, toys etc. For every ton of milk bottle tops, the Dorset Air Ambulance receives an ÂŁ80 donation.

All businesses, groups and residents are welcome to drop off crisp packets and milk bottle tops Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm at the Bridges reception. The Bridges office is located at Unit 32, Second Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate.

Photo: Sophie Freeman and Emma Riddle

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Special award for local company During the judging of the Front Garden competition, the judge’s eye was taken by a vision on the front wall of CFH Docmail on Cobblers Way, Westfield.

The company has installed a ‘living wall’, which is attached to the outside front wall of their office building.

Rupert Horsey, Horticulture Lecturer at Bath College, said “This is a fantastic addition to the area. The plants and the design work exceptionally well, providing colour and interest, as well as increased biodiversity and all the benefits to the building that the wall provides, from insulation to sound deadening. Everyone I have spoken to about it absolutely loves it.”

Cllr Geoff Fuller, Chair of Westfield Parish Council said “It is a pleasure to recognise the efforts of a thriving local company in its work to increase the biodiversity of the area, to think about its consideration of the environment and to provide a pleasing view to all those that pass by. CFH Docmail, based in the centre of Westfield, is an important part of the Westfield community and the outward appearance of their office is a talking point among many who see it. We are happy to bring this to the attention of all those who live and work in the area and present this certificate to say thank you.“ The certificate was presented to Adam Harwood, Managing Director Westfield, who said “CFH Docmail Ltd is very pleased to receive this award of recognition for our living wall. The wall acts as a symbol of our environmental values and how we are committed to improving not only our own working environment but also the environment of the wider community.”

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Cllr Fuller presenting certificate to Adam Harwood, Managing Director Westfield (left) with Nicolas Wilton, Marketing Manager

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

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

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The Westfield Warbler - 5

Our inspirational Snow Wardens As the weather grows a little colder our thoughts turn to the inspirational Westfield Snow Wardens who voluntarily give their time to turn out in the cold weather to grit some of the most used footpaths in the parish. Some of these Snow Wardens have been in the role since it began back in 2012 and their unsung generosity is heart-warming.

Is this a role that you might take on for a season?

The Parish Council provides a high vis jacket, gritting machine and grit and you would do the rest. The amount of time and the footpaths you grit are entirely down to you. We put you in touch with the other Snow Wardens and any time you can give is received with grateful thanks.

If you would like to know more please contact Westfield Parish Council 01761 410669 council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MENU 2019

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Bar opens at 7pm, your meal will be served at 8pm followed by a disco from our resident DJ until midnight.

07/12/2019 • 13/12/2019 14/12/2019 • 19/12/2019 20/12/2019 • 21/12/2019 Call 01761 417711 to book

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MAINS

Red onion & goat cheese tartlet with dressed salad Curried parsnip soup with herb pesto Chicken liver parfait with chutney & toasted ciabatta Smoked salmon with dill mayonnaise, pickled cucumber

Roast turkey with all the festive trimmings Vegetarian nut roast with roast potatoes & veggie gravy Roast loin of pork topped with savoy cabbage crust Baked Cornish pollock with dauphinoise potatoes

DESSERTS

£38.50

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Dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet Selection of 3 cheeses, chutney & crackers Passionfruit cheesecake with chantilly cream Christmas pudding with rum custard

Lunch 2 Course £18.50 Lunch 3 Course £22.00 Dinner 2 Course £23.50 Dinner 3 Course £27.00 All dishes can be made gluten free, just let us know.

Vegan options are available.

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon Tea £20 Cream Tea £9 Bookings can be made via Club Reception – Vouchers available.

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Not such a Quiet Summer for Westfield Voices In April, with a quiet summer for bookings on the horizon, our musical director, Ruth, was looking forward to plenty of rehearsal time to work on new songs. New music was bought which got us all very excited. And then the bookings came in, and we had to work a little harder so we could still learn the new pieces but also prepare for our performances.

So we sang for Chilcompton Golden Hour, and Pensford Evergreens in June, then at Beechcroft in July, giving our audiences a mixture of old favourites and some of our latest pieces. We were also invited to sing at the Civic Service in Radstock, where we led the congregation in various hymns and sang two pieces as a choir, one of which was the John Rutter version of the Irish Blessing.

Frances and her husband Richard set the questions for our annual quiz; nine teams with a variety of “off the wall” names competed. The first prize was won by the cryptically named 8+10+11. A generous supper was provided by Tracey and Jane and the bar did a good trade, though, unusually for these events, sold more lemonade than beer. It was a very hot night, and clearly the teams didn’t want to risk compromising their thinking abilities. The money we raised will go towards

new music, as we are always updating our repertoire.

We were much saddened to hear that our President, Muriel Dunford, a founder member of the choir, passed away peacefully shortly after her 102nd birthday. She sang with us until well into her 90s, and always inspired us with her wonderful zest for life, and keen sense of humour. She will be very much missed.

However, the choir goes on, and we are still working on a number of exciting new pieces in preparation for our next concert, in St Peter’s at 7:30 on November 23rd.

This is in aid of The Samaritans, and there will be guest appearances from The Eden Soul Band. Tickets are £8 in advance (just call or email me, or any choir member) or £10 on the door.

If you have ever fancied singing with a choir (perhaps you have been inspired by Gareth Malone, but not done anything about it) this is an ideal time to join us as we all work together on the new music. We meet on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in St Peter’s Church Hall and always welcome new members.

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

What is an ecobrick?

There are lots of easy ways you can cut down your single-use plastic, but what should you do with the plastic that you can’t avoid?

Ecobricks are an ethical way of using up the plastic that can’t be recycled and won’t break down.

“When we save, segregate and pack plastics into bottles, we can make building blocks that can be reused over and over again. Together we can build green spaces that enrich our community and remove plastic from the biosphere. Together we can transition from plastic to ever greener harmony with Earth’s cycles.”

An ecobrick is a building block made entirely from

plastic that otherwise might be discarded. It’s created by filling a plastic bottle with clean, dry plastic until it’s packed tightly to a set density and can be used as a building block.

Ecobricks can be used in all sorts of sustainable building projects, for example children’s playgrounds in the UK, which makes them a great way to dispose of plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill, and potentially, the ocean.

Tips on how to make an ecobrick can be found on this website: ecobricks.org/how/ Are you making an ecobrick? We would love to hear your experiences.

The Westfield Warbler - 7

Taking up the plastic free challenge in Westfield Green Peace reports that the equivalent of a truckload of plastic enters the oceans every minute. In the face of this shocking fact, how can we take up the challenge to recycle our plastic in Westfield?

Whilst kerbside recycling takes some items, we are still left with a vast array of single use plastics which are seemingly non-recyclable. This is why we were intrigued to hear about Catherine Cooper of 23 Elm Tree Avenue, Westfield. Catherine has partnered with TerraCycle to offer an impressive list of single use plastics which can be delivered to her for recycling.

We met up with Catherine to ask her exactly how this works.

TerraCycle can collect and recycle almost any form of waste. They partner with individual collectors like Catherine as well as consumer product companies,

retailers, manufacturers etc across 20 different countries. They can divert millions of pounds of waste from landfill and incinerators each month and put it to good use.

Catherine started as a TerraCycle collector in 2015. It started with an interest in her family to actively do something to help the environment. She registered with TerraCycle, and so it began.

TerraCycle only takes waste which cannot be recycled in our kerbside recycling. They are sponsored by different companies, who then make a payment to a charity of the collector’s choice. Catherine’s chosen charity is Oxford Children’s Hospital in response to all they do for her daughter and so far she has raised £500.

Items of waste are divided up into different categories according to the company sponsoring the recycyling.

These items are then sent off to be recycled in different ways. For example they might be melted down to make benches and tiles. And, interestingly, mascara brushes get re-used by hedgehog charities.

Catherine outlined some of the volume of plastics she needs to collect before they can be sent off: 8 kilos of crisp packets, 15 kilos of pens. Catherine gives a phenomenal amount of time and space in her home to the cause. So what motivates her?

“Firstly it’s the environment. When a sea bird dies because it has so much plastic in it, it’s horrible. My daughters have taken up the challenge and even on holiday they picked up some grabbers and cleaned up the beach – even washing some of it out and bringing it home for TerraCycle!”

Now that we know the process, it helps us understand better how we can take part. Will you take up the challenge? If so please clean and sort your rubbish outlined in the table below. Catherine has two black bins in her front drive at 23 Elm Tree Avenue to collect the waste, which you can use at any time.

All items should be clean and dry and sorted. So bread bags should be folded or rolled together and put inside a bread bag. Crisp bags in a separate bundle.

8 - The Westfield Warbler

Chocolate and sweet wrappers in a separate bundle etc.

You could bundle these together with elastic bands, or put crisp packets inside a larger crisp packet or put them in small cardboard boxes which Catherine can then recycle. But please don’t put them in plastic shopping bags as these cannot be recycled via TerraCycle and it is not fair that Catherine should then have to dispose of them in her own general waste. Equally it is not fair that Catherine should have to clean and sort the waste – so it needs to be done thoughtfully.

Catherine also has a clothes bank in her front drive.

This takes clothes, shoes and soft toys. She started as a clothes bank collector when she noticed that second hand items of school uniform could be used in Africa.

Items collected are graded and then used by families in need in the UK and the third world, with the lower

grade items being cut up for mops. For this reason the clothes bank will take off cuts of material – but please put these in a separate bag.

We asked Catherine how she thought things would go for the future? “It’s scary how much we all throw away. We could all make a real difference by recycling plastics. This has potential to really grow and it would be good to have more people working in partnership with me.”

We are stunned and grateful for Catherine’s generosity in giving her time and space to enable us all to recycle our single use plastics and make a real difference here in Westfield. She is really inspirational - a huge thank you from us all.

Items which can be recycled via TerraCycle in the black bins in the drive of 23 Elm Tree Avenue, Westfield:

Bread bags

Any brand – but not the crinkly plastic, only soft plastic bags.

And not the crinkly plastic around bread rolls.

Crisp, popcorn, pretzels and nuts packaging

Any brand, including pringles cans

Coffee plastics

Disposable coffee cups, coffee jar lids, coffee machine pods

Biscuit wrappers

Any brand of plastic wrappers around biscuits, crackers and cakes.

Even around individual cereal bars.

Chocolate and sweet wrappers

All brands

Swisse Me Food pouches

Me Food pouches made by Swisse only

Baby food pouches

All makes

Pet Food Pouches

Any makes of pet pouches and plastic packaging of any pet foods.

Home care

The caps, pumps and triggers of all home cleaning products

Dishwasher and cleaning wipes

Flexible plastic around any dishwasher products, flexible packaging around household cleaning wipes – any make – but this does not include baby wipes.

Beauty products

Handcream and sun cream tubes (squeezed dry), shower gel, shampoo and conditioner caps, make up containers such as face powder and mascara, plastic wrappers around face masks. Also Weleda beauty product tubes.

Dental products

Toothbrushes, including those from electric toothbrushes. Used toothpaste tubes (squeezed dry), packaging of dental floss, mouth rinse.

Contact lenses

Contact lens and packaging

Writing instruments

All writing instruments except pencils and chalk including correction pots and tape The Westfield Warbler - 9

Meet the Grant Recipient Name of recipient Bath Area Play Project What is the main purpose of your organisation?

Bath Area Play Project is a small voluntary organisation and registered charity that provides a range of services for children, young people and families as well as support for adults working with children and young people including training. We have an excellent staff team who together with Trustees are totally committed to providing a range of inclusive and child-centred services and working with those most in need. Play is the right of every child and is essential to children’s development, yet today children are becoming risk averse and unhealthy due to lack of freedom based mainly around parental anxiety and fears.

What was the grant from Westfield Parish Council used for?

The grant was used to run a Community Playday in Westfield during the summer holidays.

Were there any extras for which you had to find funds or did our grant cover the whole project?

We had already secured funding for the staffing costs and some of the resources and on-site costs.

“This is wonderful what you do. You’ve boosted my daughter’s self confidence no end. Such an amazing day.”

“This keeps me plugged in with the community during the holidays when everything else closes or costs too much.”

“It’s an unmissable part of our summer, we would be lost without you!”

“Thank you for coming over this way, we are normally forgotten about” “We had such a good time in Paulton, we had to come to another Playday and this is even better!”

“It’s been wonderful with my disability to know that the kids can get on and enjoy themselves today.

Playworkers are amazing!”.

How did you find the process of applying for a grant? Was it easy, did it take much time?

The process was very straight forward with fantastic help from the staff in the Parish Council Office.

Do you have any advice for potential applicants when completing grant applications?

What are the main benefits you have seen as a result of the grant funding?

Where you provide a service that will benefit residents

The main benefit has been the huge enjoyment of local children and families. The turnout was fantastic, and the reaction was very positive with many parents commenting that they had not been able to do very much due to the costs of activities and days out with children. Parents were very surprised that their children had so much fun playing outside and joining in all the different play opportunities and children were fully engaged and actively involved throughout the whole session.

supportive so do get in touch where you feel a small

Feedback from parents:

and subsequent years!

10 - The Westfield Warbler

in Westfield, the Parish Council are easy to deal with and grant can make a big difference.

What are your organisation’s plans for the future and how important is grant funding in those plans?

We would very much like to apply for Grant funding support from the Parish Council again so that we build on the success and continue to ensure that children and families in Westfield have their Playday in Summer 2020

Help free Bath and North East Somerset from single-use plastic We're aiming to achieve 'Plastic Free Communities' status for the area by April 2020 and need businesses, organisations, schools, clubs and community groups to join them in taking action to reduce excessive and unnecessary single use plastics We need collective action to eliminate single-use plastic and increase the use of sustainable alternatives.

By working together, combining the energy and creativity that exists across all aspects of our community, we'll be able to find solutions.

There isn’t an overnight fix to the global plastics pollution issue. We don’t have all the answers yet.

However, we’re seeing more and more environmentally sustainable solutions and alternatives to plastic and we want you to join in this journey towards positive change.

What kinds of plastic can I recycle via the B&NES kerbside collection?

We collect any plastic bottle and also pots, tubs and trays used to hold food. If you're not sure whether you can recycle it, ask yourself the following questions ...

Is it a plastic bottle?

If yes, then you can recycle it (Examples of plastic bottles include milk bottles, squash bottles, cleaning bottles, bleach bottles, spray bottles (no need to remove the dispenser), hand pumps (you do need to remove the dispensers on these as they contain a metal spring) and shampoo bottles)

We do not collect any other types of plastic regardless of what it may say on the label.

Did you know you can mix plastic with cans? Once at our depot we use magnets to separate the cans from the plastic.

Plastic that we cannot recycle: No black plastic No plastic film (eg plastic bags, clingfilm, crisp wrappers) No hard plastic (eg plastic toys, furniture, plant pots) No polystyrene

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Or ...

Is it used to hold food?

If yes, then is it also a pot, tub or tray? If you answer yes to both these questions you can recycle it.

(Examples of plastic pots, tubs and trays that can be recycled include yoghurt pots, margarine and ice-cream tubs, fruit punnets, take away trays, cake trays, meat and vegetable trays).

Our Agents are appointed representatives of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England.

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The Westfield Warbler - 11

Recycle for Reward Residents in Westfield can pick up reward vouchers to spend in high street stores as part of a new scheme to encourage recycling of small electrical items.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with BetterPoints to reward residents for clearing out their homes of small electronic and electrical items and recycling them.

The type of item that can be recycled are things like kettles, blenders, calculators, cameras, chargers, digiboxes, electronic toothbrushes, electronic toys and games, hair straighteners, hi-fi equipment, irons, power tools, shavers, telephones, torches and so on!

B&NES is able to offer this project with the assistance of BetterPoints, which is an award-winning behaviour change technology company, working with change programmes such as active and sustainable travel, physical activity, community engagement, health and wellbeing and recycling. This is supported by a grant from the EU through Climate KIC – www.climate-kic. org/.

Residents will be able to earn points for each scanned item and redeem BetterPoints for vouchers from £2 to £20 for national high street and local independent shops including Argos, Sainsburys, Costa Coffee, Tesco, Dorothy Perkins and many more.

Alternatively people can donate points to a community group or a charity of their choice, whether it’s national or local, it’s all done in the app. If a charity is not listed it can be added easily. Recyclers can also earn BetterTickets for regular prize draws – the more you

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12 - The Westfield Warbler

collect, the more chance you have of winning.

Councillor Dave Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “Last year our residents recycled more than 612 tonnes of small electrical items by taking them to our recycling centres and we want to increase that number.”

“All small electrical appliances brought to the recycling centre can be recycled and made into new things using their valuable metals and plastics. One clothes iron can provide enough steel to make 13 new steel cans. All the items will be crushed, separated into their different materials and recycled to make new products.”

Cllr Geoff Fuller, Chair of Westfield Parish Council said “When you see what can be done with broken or unwanted items now it seems to make a lot of sense to recycle what we can to avoid waste. This is an opportunity for everyone to ‘do their bit’ to improve the environment, both in Westfield and worldwide.”

Westfield residents can take their broken or unwanted electrical items to any of the following recycling centres: • Bath; Midland Road (off Upper Bristol Road), Bath, BA1 3AT; Google Map • Keynsham; Pixash Lane (off main A4 Bath Road), Keynsham, BS31 1TP; • Midsomer Norton; Old Welton, Wheelers Hill (off Radstock Road A362), Midsomer Norton, BA3 2AA. The current reward system will be running into January 2020, but there is hope to expand that further.

Thinking of the future Recycling is an issue for all of us, young and old. We asked Westfield resident Eva Merko, aged 10, about her views on the importance of this issue and why it means a lot to her.

At home we recycle things like toilet rolls, plastic, paper, cardboard, cans and glass. We have discovered TerraCycle so we now collect bags, cat food pouches and crisp packets to recycle with them.

We have a group at school which is all about recycling and eco-friendly stuff to do with plastic, called Green Team. We go around the school checking that we are using re-usable things as much as possible. We also do assemblies to remind everyone that we are an eco-friendly school. The Green Team gives prizes for the people that have the least single-use plastic in their lunchbox.

a massive rubbish pile. We have learnt that when we think we’re throwing things away, it actually ends up in the ocean and eaten by animals.

I think we should all recycle more, but we should also consider not buying as much plastic in the first place.

We can encourage each other to recycle by re-using more things and telling people how recycling makes a difference [ tell family, teachers and friends ] or start up more eco groups ~ like ours at school. I think instead of just general waste bins we could put recycling bins on the street as well.

We just need to remember how important recycling is and every time you have waste just check if you can recycle it first. Don’t think that there’s nothing individuals can do, every time you recycle or re-use you are helping the environment.

Recycling is a way of re-using stuff instead of making

Radstock Museum Throughout the year, local residents have been meeting monthly and have successfully established two new café sessions.

Photo: Keith Marshall

The first to start, back in March, was ‘Back In The Day’ - a get-together themed on local history and common pastimes of earlier years. School days, shopping, music, sport and playtime have all been great talking-points and the café has gone from strength to strength with new friends made and great objects brought along as talking points.

Our second venture, supported by Alzheimers' UK and the BANES Carers' Centre, was a Memory Café to use our heritage environment (and quiet out-of-hours time) to host and enjoy the company of people living with memory loss and their carers. Again, we have been lucky to have a great amount of interest, support and many returning visitors each month and we are delighted to be able to offer this provision in Radstock.

Sometimes it’s just chat time, at other times music, photos, familiar object handling and crafts: it’s lots of

fun with lovely people!

Both cafés are set to start again after our winter closure: ‘Back In the Day’ returns on the first Friday of each month, starting from February 7th (10.30 12noon) and the Memory Café is on the third Friday of each month, starting on February 21st.

We also hope to create further sessions, so if you would like to be involved please contact events@ radstockmuseum.co.uk or phone 01761 437722.

The Westfield Warbler - 13

Carnival will be returning on 11th November from 7.30pm and as usual, there will be a number of rolling road closures through Westfield and beyond.

The Carnival procession starts at the roundabout by Charlton News at 7.30pm and then makes its way along Charlton Road, Silver Street and then into Midsomer Norton High Street.

To ensure the safety of entrants and spectators, road closures will be operating on a number of streets within the area as well as parking suspensions and some footpath closures.

The A367 Wells Road, Fosseway, around the White Post roundabout, will be closed from 9pm on Saturday, 9th November to allow larger carts to assemble. The

Roads will be reopened as soon as possible after the procession has cleared each section of road, starting with Charlton Lane.

There are parking suspensions in force throughout the event, vehicles remaining parked on designated roads will be subject to a fixed penalty notice and towed away. This includes Blue Badge users. To arrange the recovery of removed vehicles, contact B&NES on 01225 448025.

Some bus services might be disrupted during the event too, please see information posted on local bus stops.

Road closures for Carnival

procession route will then have road closures going in stages.

Charlton Lane will be closed at 6.30pm, then the A367 from the Industrial Estate to the White Post, Charlton Road and Silver Street from 7pm.

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

���� 14th��� Nov��� ‘19

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 Larch Court before work started veterinary practice

14 - The Westfield Warbler

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Sixth Form

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Team SWALLOW Charity are running the Bath Half Marathon in 2020 We are looking for people to join Clarissa and Dan Dan and Clarissa, both members of SWALLOW, ran for Team SWALLOW Charity in 2019 and have signed up for the challenge again in 2020.

We are looking for people to join them to raise money to support local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities.

Dan says “I first started training with Westfield TT running group in 2018 and they helped me to complete this year’s marathon in 2 hours 55 minutes and I raised over £1600 for SWALLOW. It’s given me the opportunity to take on more marathons and I can’t wait to take part in next year’s race.”

If you have been inspired to follow in the footsteps of Dan and Clarissa and would like to join them in 2020, then guaranteed charity places are available at a reduced rate. You will receive a special T shirt, support on the day and before the event. All the money raised will go towards SWALLOW’s work supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities locally.

Dan and Clarissa with Andrew Taylor, Race Director from Running High

You could also join team SWALLOW if you have an independent place, or if you want to enter a team in the Corporate Challenge!

Local Runners, SWALLOW needs You!

For full details please contact Charlotte Sayers on 01761 414034 or email charlottesayers@swallowcharity.org.

You can also find more information the charity SWALLOW member Dan with about his finishers medal from the 2019 Bath Halfand on our on the website www.swallowcharity.org Facebook page www.facebook.com/SWALLOWCharity/ The Westfield Warbler - 15

Christmas Lights Keep the date …. this year’s ever popular Westfield Christmas lights switch on event will take place on Thursday November 28th, starting at 6:30pm.

Father Christmas will be in attendance once more, with a small free gift for the children and there will be some free mulled wine and mince pies for the grown-ups (non-alcoholic beverages will be available).

Rev’d Ian Rousell of St Peter’s Church, Westfield, will be doing a reading, instilling the Christmas spirit into each one of us and children from the Fosse Way school and Westfield Primary School will be switching on the lights.

Switch On Photo from Westfield Parish Council

The Christmas Carol music will be provided by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band and songs sung by Westfield Voices. Westfield Primary School Choir will once again join in with the Westfield Voices to bring the sounds of Christmas to us. The Big Local will also be coming along to help us celebrate.

This community event is increasingly popular and one that brings the people of Westfield together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Enjoy your community.

Photos from Mark Adler at the Mendip Times

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER

4th

Westfield Green and Open Spaces Working Group, 6pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way. Residents welcome.

4th

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

9th Bath College Open Day, Somer Valley Campus, 10am.

9th

pantomime character you fancy! Please check website for details (www.radstockmuseum.co.uk).

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

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

DECEMBER

1st

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

1st

Trinity Methodist Church Nativity Weekend, 2pm – 4pm followed by a short service. Children’s activities, cakes and refreshments available. Free admission.

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

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

11th 11am Act of Remembrance at the time capsule at the

7th Super D at Mardons Social Club. Super-talented, super-fun,

top of Elm Tree Avenue.

11th Carnival, starting at Charlton Road, 7.30pm.

12th VE Day 75 Working Group, 6pm at the Oval Office

Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

Keynsham-based rock and pop band. Free entry, non members welcome and music from 9pm

8th Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets

Boardroom, Cobblers Way. residents welcome.

available from the station on Sundays and Mondays or online at www.sdjr.org.uk.

12th Environment and Development Committee meeting,

8th Christingle Service at St Peter’s Church, 4pm

7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

13th Westfield/Radstock Police Beat Surgery, Longfellow’s Café, 10 am – 11 am.

16th The Haus Band at Mardons Social Club. The stunning

6-piece return. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

20th Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

23rd Silver Train at Mardons Social Club. Specialising in 80s

music, this band are lively, charismatic and incredibly talented.

Music from 9pm and non members welcome

27th Westfield/Radstock Police Beat Surgery, Longfellow’s Café, 10am – 11 am.

28th Westfield Christmas Lights switch on 6.30pm by the Living Christmas Tree, Elm Tree Avenue.

29th – 30th Trinity Methodist Church Nativity Weekend, 10am – 12 noon and 2pm – 4pm followed by a short service.

Children’s activities, cakes and refreshments available. Free admission.

30th Christmas Bazaar at St Peter’s Church 11 am.

30th Radstock Musuem’s Children’s Christmas activity

event - ‘PANTOMIME’ themed, so come along dressed as any

18 - The Westfield Warbler

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

11th Westfield/Radstock Beat Surgery at Longfellow’s Café, 10am – 11am.

11th Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

14th Tundra at Mardons Social Club. The impressive party band returns. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

15th Carol Service with Westfield Voices at St

Peter’s Church, followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

15th Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets

available from the station on Sundays and Mondays or online at www.sdjr.org.uk

17th SWALLOW Carol Service at St Peter’s Church Westfield, 7pm.

21st

Christmas Party Night at Mardons Social Club. Live music from Jet Pack Jesus. Free entry, music from 9pm and non members welcome.

22nd Santa Specials at Silver Street Railway Station, tickets

available from the station on Sundays and Mondays or online at www.sdjr.org.uk.

24th Children’s Christmas Party at Mardons from 1pm.

24th Midnight Communion at St Peter’s Church, Westfield, 11.30pm.

25th Christmas Day Service at St Peter’s Church, Westfield, 10am.

26th Afternoon Disco at Mardons Social Club, 1pm start, free entry, non members welcome.

JANUARY

4th

The Thrillionaires at Mardons Social Club. The south Wales lads return! Music from 9 pm. Free entry to all.

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

8th

Westfield/Radstock Beat Surgery at Longfellow’s Café, 10am – 11am.

11th

Big Mama’s Banned at Mardons Social Club, Music and banter from 9pm, free entry to all.

14th

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

18th

Dr Fraggle Band at Mardons Social Club, A new band to the club, rock and pop favourites. 9pm, free entry to all.

23rd

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

25th Bath College Open Day, Somer Valley Campus, 10am

– 1pm.

25th

Bombshell make their debut at Mardons Social Club.

Classy female fronted rock/pop band, 9pm start, non members welcome.

FEBRUARY

4th Parish Council Meeting, 7pm at the Oval Office

Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

8th

The Retreats at Mardons Social Club. Quirky and unusual covers, great fun band, 9pm start, non members welcome.

11th Environment and Development Committee meeting,

7pm at the Oval Office Boardroom, Cobblers Way.

15th Limited Editions at Mardons Social Club. Stunningly

talented party band, 9pm start, non members welcome.

20th

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

Regular events • Carers’ Café First Monday of the month, 10am – noon and last Wednesday of the month 2pm – 3.30pm at Mardons Social Club. Meet other carers, chat with volunteers from the Carers' Centre.

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

• Westfield TT Running Group Meet outside Pratten's Hall, 7pm (unless stated) Every Tuesday advanced beginners, intermediates and fast running groups.

Every Wednesday five running groups, various pace, approximately 4-5 miles, all abilities from advanced beginners.

Every Thursday, five running groups, all abilities from advanced beginners.

Every Friday trail running. Check the Westfield TT Facebook page for updates.

Every Saturday, short interval hill reps, 9am at South Road Car Park.

Sundays, half marathon training, 8pm outside Prattens Hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Westfield Warbler - 19

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

I felt that it would be a positive and fun way to help strengthen the community. The parish level of government is crucial in really understanding and championing the concerns of the residents, and it’s something that I am very proud to be a part of.

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

In the face of growing uncertainty and divisions in the country, I want to help in the building of a sense of Westfield community identity. We live in an incredible place and I think it’s important to celebrate that.

I also want to make sure that we are doing everything we can locally to help with the climate emergency. I believe that is the most important issue facing not just us here in Westfield, but all of humanity.

What do you think are the best things about Westfield?

- walking the heritage trail shows just how diverse they can be too.

What struck me most when I first arrived here was the sense of welcome and cooperation from the people - having come from a city it was both a literal and metaphorical breath of fresh air!

We also have some people who are doing incredible things, organising groups and volunteering in the area that really helps to unite us as a community.

Do you think anything could be improved in Westfield?

Other councillors have commented on it and I tend to agree that a central community centre would be fantastic for the area, and help to foster a sense of identity apart from Radstock or Midsomer Norton.

I also feel that there is an opportunity to be proactive and lead the way with more communitybased green energy and allotment projects.

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

I’m a software developer by trade, and I suppose quite a typical one at that! I love to code and enjoy the odd video game when I get the time.

I also enjoy cycling and can often be found riding about on my mountain bike around the parish weather permitting of course!

Westfield is surrounded by wonderful green spaces

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-

KEEP THE WORLD LOOKING BEAUTIFUL!

Old Bakery Artists launch first Supermarket Art Gallery The Old Bakery Artists are a group of local creatives all based in the Somer Valley area, made up of fashion and textile designers, painters, illustrators, sculptures, ceramic artists and more, they are a diverse group of artists who have sold work across the world, including New York, Paris and London as well as throughout the West Country. purchase unique, inspirational art while browsing for their weekly groceries. The space has been designed to allow shopping trolleys to comfortably be wheeled around.

The gallery will include work from all the Old Bakery regulars, as well as the internationally renowned Snug Foxes who produce beautiful bespoke fashion items using knitting and crochet as well as soft toys, Christmas decorations and the world famous Somerset Goddesses.

The gallery opens on Monday, 4th November and there is a special launch celebration at 11am on Saturday 9th November to which everyone is invited!

After holding exhibitions throughout the Somer Valley and beyond over the last twenty years, the group’s latest venture will see them create the UK’s first Supermarket Art Gallery.

Based at the Co-op at the bottom of Wells Hill, the gallery is set to provide the people of the Somer Valley and beyond with a unique opportunity to explore and

Do you have an event to advertise?

Please send details of your event to us at:

news@ignyte-uk.co.uk The Westfield Warbler - 21

Carers’ Centre Launches Second Carer Café in Westfield Loneliness and isolation is a major issue faced by many carers. Caring for someone you love can be emotionally and physically draining and many carers feel unable to ask for help which is why the Carers’ Centre is launching more carer cafés in Bath & North East Somerset.

Thanks to new funding from The National Lottery Foundation and People’s Postcode Trust, the Carers’ Centre is opening a second café in the Westfield area.

On Wednesday 30 October, the centre will be launched an afternoon café at the Mardon’s Social Club from 2pm to 3.30pm. Currently the charity operates a café from 10am to noon on the first Monday of the month. As the morning café has proved so popular, an afternoon one has been set up for the last Wednesday of every month.

Chief Executive David Trumper said: “Carers at our café in Mardon’s have said the café is their lifeline and is the only break they feel able to take from their caring responsibilities. We are delighted we can expand our support to more carers in the BANES area.”

Anyone who is a carer is welcome to drop in to a café and learn more about what the Carers’ Centre has to offer. For more information phone 0800 388 885 or log on to www.banescarerscentre.org.uk.

If you’re a carer and think you would like to talk to one of our support team, or if you would like to volunteer, give us a call on 0800 0388 885.

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Don’t let the colder weather destroy your motivation!

Westfield TT running group now have the following weekly training sessions meeting outside Prattens Hall, Westfield, at 7pm: On Tuesdays, advanced beginners, intermediates and fast running groups.

On Wednesdays, 5 running groups various pace starting at approximately 4-5miles-all abilities starting from advanced beginners onwards.

Over the weekend, on Saturdays, the group meet at South Road car park in Midsomer Norton at 9am for short interval hill reps designed and proven to improve both fitness and stamina. These runs are suitable for all abilities with both beginners and advanced runners catered for.

On Thursdays, 5 running groups all abilities starting from advanced beginners onwards.

Sundays are dedicated to half marathon training, with sessions starting at 8am outside Prattens Hall, Westfield. These sessions are designed to slowly prepare runners for the Bath Half Marathon, which takes place in March.

On Friday, the club hold their night trail run, check the Westfield TT Facebook page as details are updated weekly.

New runners are welcome to join the team at any of the above sessions. For more details, don’t forget to check the Facebook page.

Radstock Folk Dance Club Radstock Folk Dance Club have now started their 2019-2020 season of dancing.

Road. You do not need a partner, and instructions are given by our experienced team of callers.

If you fancy some gentle exercise in friendly company, then come and try English Country Dancing. We meet on Friday evenings in St Peter’s Church Hall, Longfellow

For further information contact Dick or Jean Shilton on 01458 841400 or dickshilton@btinternet.com

The Westfield Warbler - 23

WAGS passing on the love to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Westfield Allotments and Gardening Society’s recent open day was a roaring success.

Featuring produce, games, refreshments and a chance to see the beautiful site that has been created and maintained by the Allotments Society, the group decided this year to donate funds from the Open Day to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The group were touched by young local resident, Ava, who has a developmental disorder called Williams

24 - The Westfield Warbler

Syndrome and they wanted to donate funds to support the unit that gave Ava her start in life.

Young Ava, aged 2, is pictured below with members of WAGS handing over a cheque for ÂŁ653.77 to Maddy Jones, Senior Event Fundraiser at the Forever Friends Appeal, the charity which raises money on behalf of the RUH and which initially raised the funds to build NICU. WAGS was thrilled to have raised so much money for the unit and plans to hold more fundraising events throughout 2020.

Mardons wish you Merry Christmas Mardons' Christmas Party Night will be held on Saturday, 21st December, featuring Jet Pack Jesus.

The five musicians from Bristol keep the crowd on their feet with a mix of rock, pop, alternative and indie tunes, belting out tracks from legends such as The Beatles and The Stones through to The Killers and Kings of Leon, with everyone invited!

In the lead up to the festive season, Mardons will be amping up the excitement with a succession of top quality bands every Saturday night. Look out for some real favourites – The Haus Band, Sivertrain and Freeze to name but a few!

Jet Pack Jesus The Stiff Upper Lips (below) will be dazzling the guests this year at Mardons’ New Year’s Eve Party.

Firm favourites at the club, these lads are great fun, incredibly talented and play a terrific mix of party music from across the genres. It will once again be an over-18s night, with tickets on general sale to everyone from 8pm on Saturday, 16th November with members having advance access to tickets at a discounted price for two weeks prior to this.

Silvertrain

If you’ve finished your shopping and wrapped your presents on Christmas Eve, why not take the youngsters along to Mardons' infamous Kids Christmas Party, whch starts at 1pm.

Over the the years the event has grown considerably and is now enjoyed by the whole family and not just the younger members. Entry is free to all, but parents and guardians must remain on the premises at all times.

Madcap hijinks will mean that children will be entertained whilst you recover from the trials and tribulations of the festive season.

Organisers provide fun, games and general mayhem, plus there will be a very special guest appearance from Father Christmas!

Boxing Day Afternoon sees the club host a family disco. After rave reviews last year, Feel The Funk return to mix the music for another lively and fun afternoon. Entry is free to all!

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

The Westfield Warbler - 25

Midsomer Norton Station needs more gardeners The Heritage Railway has done sterling work over the years thanks to the many volunteers and their skills.

It is not just about trains but also about the environment and keeping the station surrounds looking good for visitors. This year the gardeners have surpassed themselves and were recently complimented on the lovely summer show by the Chair of the company.

Gail Coleshill, volunteer gardener and Trustee, says that now that there is even more garden to keep looking good we need more gardeners to help us out. She says anyone interested in helping out should visit the station on an event day and have a word with people there to find out how to join in. She is seen in the photo by the ‘moon’ in the Astrological garden.

There will be trains running at the station on November 10th and 24th and there are still driver experience courses available in November. See the website for details.

On all train running days the Museum, shop and buffet

will be open.

Santa Specials 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December.

Tickets available Sunday and Monday at the station or online www.sdjr.org.uk Adults £7.50 for train ride, mince pie and Punch. Children £9.00 to meet Santa on the train and receive a gift and snack. Children under 1 free, including gift.

Exciting plans for Westhill Recreation Ground We have exciting plans for a fitness track around the perimeter of Westhill Recreation Ground.

This will be a track for people of absolutely all ages and helps make this well used Recreation Ground accessible to all.

Outdoor gym equipment for people of different levels and abilities will be installed at 12 ‘lay-bys’ around the track.

It might for example be used by running groups, those undertaking the daily mile, park run, dog walkers, those with baby buggies, wheelchair users, the elderly, football team training, boot camps, those starting their own personal fitness regime and those who would just like to go for a walk in a pleasant environment.

The project will be undertaken at no cost to the people of Westfield and grants are being sought, but they need to demonstrate that the community would like this asset. Are you supportive of this enhancement to the Recreation Ground? Please email us at council@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk

26 - The Westfield Warbler

Fitness frenzy at Norton Hill Recreation Ground I wonder if you have noticed, as I have, a hive of activity at Norton Hill Recreation Ground?

What with boules and tennis and football matches and playdays there is also now a weekly boot camp which is becoming popular.

Run by Simon, of Strength Fitness Academy, the small but growing group meets three times a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm and on Saturday mornings at 8am. So if you’re looking for a pre-Christmas fitness boost, just turn up to find out more.

Boot camp continues through the winter at Norton Hill Recreation Ground. All abilities welcome. – A Westfield resident

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VE Day 2020 In 2020, the May Day bank holiday will be observed on Friday May 8th (instead of Monday May 4th) in order to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day which took place on Tuesday, 8th May 1945. It was the day on which allied forces announced the surrender of Germany in Europe sparking celebrations around the world. Germany surrendered the day before (7th May) at 2.41pm.

On 8th May 2020, Westfield will be coming together as a community to recognise the incredible sacrifice that was made by men and women during the Second World War and to pay tribute to those men and women who served in one of the most significant events in this country’s history.

The occasion will remember the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel; those who contributed to the war effort and safeguarded the Home Front. As well as marking the Allies’ victory in 1945, the bank holiday will serve as an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served

28 - The Westfield Warbler

and continue to serve in the UK Armed Forces and their families.

So, what was VE Day 1945 like? Germany capitulated on the 7th May 1945 and on 8th May, Churchill declared the day to be a Bank Holiday. He gave a speech to the nation from the balcony of the Ministry of Health Building in the Central London, which was preceded by a minute’s silence.

After years of food and clothing rationing, blackouts and bombing, the country let loose to enjoy the day.

Churchill had gained assurance from the Ministry of Food that there would be enough beer supplies in London. The Board of Trade announced that red, white and blue bunting could be purchased without using ration coupons. Restaurants supplied special menus, VE Day mugs were supplied near London. Events of that day were impromptu – street gatherings, fancy dress, bonfires, music. Food was still on ration but on

the day, home-made sweets were given to the children.

Colourful flags lined the streets, people danced and sang.

“From there to Tilley sur Seulles. Tilley to Adnew St Pierre, and then at last to Caen. Bags of ducking to do.

Hells bells it was rough.

One Westfield resident who remembers the celebrations at that time is Mrs Joan Pack. Mrs Pack shared some of her memories of the war years and in particular a letter written by her father, Trevor Coslett.

Trevor wrote to her mother Vera in October 1944, just seven months before Churchill declared Victory in Europe. Corporal Trevor Coslett was seconded to the First Canadian LFC Terminal BLA as an Interpreter, many thanks to Mrs Pack for the letter, which is paraphrased below:

“Back to Vere sur Mer for a rest, then through Normandy on the heels of ‘Jerry’ to Bungeheogle through Rowen. From Bungtheogle to Branches. They pulled out in the morning and we pulled in in the afternoon.

“The censorship has been relaxed a little about past events. I write a brief summary of events that I have experienced. First get out a map!! Here goes! We left New Haven on D.5. That is five days after the first landing. Arrived at a little place called Vere Sur Mer near Arromanches.

“Waded up to our necks in the sea but experienced no shell fire. A comfortable landing. From Vere Sur Mer we went to Grewelta. Too close to enemy lines be comfortable. From Grewelta to Magby near Bayeaux. I visited Bayeaux twice, a large town, dirty and sordid.

“Branches to Northern France. Lemms to Maricount to Don Saighan to Salme to Litte. Then Belgium. I have seen Brussels and although hardly damaged, I would rather be at St Austell. After a few more weeks, perhaps I will be able to tell you personally.”

Cpl Costell A T Thank you to Mrs Pack for sharing this with us. It turns out that her father was being optimistic about being home a few weeks after this letter, as he didn’t return home for several months.

There must be a wealth of memories from the war years. Please share your thoughts and photos – we would love to publish them in the next edition of the Warbler. We would also be interested in any ideas you may have to help us to celebrate the occasion in Westfield.

The Westfield Warbler - 29

The

Parish Clerk H

ere in the Parish Council office we made a decision to focus this edition of the Warbler on the environment and in particular how we might recycle our single use plastics in Westfield. Our research took us in a surprisingly hopeful direction. We met Catherine Cooper, whose dedication to the environment is remarkable and we count ourselves fortunate to have her as a Terracycle partner in the neighbourhood.

And we met one young resident, Eva Merko, whose clarity on the future of recycling is a lesson to us all. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

As the new decade approaches it is good to take a look at what 2020 might bring. This year has seen the Parish Council take its first steps towards the building of a pavilion to support sport and recreation at Westhill Recreation Ground. We are starting from zero in terms of funding, and are aware that it will be an uphill journey, but despite this, it is our hope that 2020 will see this project move forward in large strides.

Alongside the pavilion we are looking for funding for an outdoor gym and fitness track around the perimeter of the grounds. Again, this is an ambitious project which emerged from consultation with local people in the Neighbourhood Plan and the Parish Council is working hard to see it come to fruition.

We hope you can make it to the Westfield Christmas Lights Switch On at the top of Elm Tree Avenue on Thursday 28th November at 6.30pm.

With all good wishes for a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Lesley Close Parish Clerk

In the spirit of recycling In the spirit of recycling, would anyone like to pick up a free wooden pallet?

Here are some ideas for upcycling them.

B&Q have a step by step video on turning a pallet into a coffee table. www.diy.com/one-planet-home/waste/ They make handy tool stores or a decorative plant wall.

We have 6 pallets to give away – in a variety of shapes and sizes.

If you would like any, please call 01761 410669 or email council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk 30 - The Westfield Warbler

Your Councillors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Westfield Warbler - 31