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Welcome to Westfield – a quiz to test your knowledge of the Parish The Westfield Warbler is delivered to all homes in
the Parish of Westfield but how well do you know the Parish in which you live? We hope that this quiz will test your knowledge and perhaps introduce you to some of Westfield’s fascinating history. 1 Westfield was not mentioned in the Domesday Book but it does have an ancient Roman relic running right through the centre. Can you name it? 2 Most residents will be aware of the strong mining heritage of Westfield and the surrounding areas. There were three pits in Westfield, can you name them (hint: they are commemorated on the coal truck planters near Westfield shops.) 3 There was a major pit disaster at Wellsway Pit in 1839. Do you know what happened? 4 The oldest residential building in Westfield is Westfield House; do you know where it is or what it was built for? 5 When was a school first established in Westfield?
6 What well-used beauty spot forms the northern parish boundary with Midsomer Norton? 7 This strange building sits at the western end of Inner Elm Terrace. What is it and could you locate any others?
8 Following the decline of coal mining in the area other notable industries grew up in Westfield; can you name any of them? 9 WAGS work alongside the Parish Council to support residents by offering the opportunity to grow their own flowers, fruit and vegetables. Who are WAGS? 10 Where can you find this attractive sight? Answers on page 28
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Message from the Chairman Westfield has been a busy place! Firstly, we have had to say goodbye to Cllr Robin Moss and Cllr Angie SeamanMoss, who have left the Council. Cllr Moss is still involved with Westfield as he is one of our BaNES ward Councillors. I would like to thank Cllr Moss for all of the time he spent on the Parish Council since its formation in 2011, with his last year being as Chair. Thanks too to Cllr Seaman-Moss for her time on the Council. The Funfair at Norton Hill saw some good crowds, despite the poor weather for most of the time that they were on site. Due to the wet conditions the ground did take a bit of a battering, but a lot of work has been done since to make it better underfoot for the football teams that hire the pitch for the season. The flower displays in Westfield are coming into their own right now. The hanging baskets and planters are looking beautiful and huge thanks have to go to Cllr Diana Cooper for her hard work on making these displays so vibrant. The watering of the beds and planters has been very arduous and her ‘team’ of volunteers very small. Thank you, Margaret, for your help. The Westfield Fun Day was once again a roaring success, with the weather being very kind to us. On a beautiful day in early June there were a record number of people enjoying the displays and stalls – and the ice creams! A lot of hard work was put in by Cllr Phil Wilkinson and his family to get this off the ground, helped once again by Cllr Cooper. You may have seen in the press recently an open letter to the Chief Executive of Bath and North East Somerset Council asking that Westfield is recognised as a Parish in its own right. Too often we hear ‘where is Westfield’ and feel that the time has come to raise our profile in BANES. There is an article later in the Warbler with more information. The Front Garden competition had more entries than ever in this, its 3rd year. It was kindly judged by two lecturers from Bath College Horticultural Department and the winners, Mr David Quick of 4 Inner Elm Terrace for front garden and Mitchards the Butchers for their containers, have received their cups and prizes provided by Norton Green Farm Nursery. As I write this article the A367, Wells Road, is being resurfaced. It is noted that it is causing some disruption to the area, but is much needed and we hope that it will improve journeys for all users of the road. Without wanting to wish the summer away, we are looking forward to the Christmas Light switch on in November and will have more information about that in the next Warbler.
Cllr Geoff Fuller Chair of Westfield Parish Council
Contents 4 Neighbourhood Plan 5 Putting Westfield on the map 6 Where’s Westfield? 8 Front Garden Winners 11 Grant Pot Open 12 Football pitches for hire 14 New running club 16 Local Map 19 What’s On 20 Dragons Den - Round 4 22 Fosseway School Outstanding 24 Singing to Success 26 Westfield Primary Poems 30 Clerk’s Message The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in November. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of the 1st November 2016. You can view The Westfield Warbler on the Council’s website at www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk The Westfield Warbler is produced by Ignyte Media Ltd, G5 Second Ave, Westfield Industrial Estate, Westfield, Radstock, BA3 4BH. Tel 01761 410141. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher or it’s editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte Media and Westfield Parish Council does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.
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A Neighbourhood Plan for Westfield Late in 2011 Central Government finalised the Localism Act a major step forward which for the very first time gave UK communities the opportunity to shape development in their areas, by the production of Neighbourhood Development Plans, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders Westfield has a progressive council that quickly recognised the many advantages that the new Act would provide for its residents and early in 2014 Westfield Parish Council decided to become one of the very few Local Councils within BANES to undertake the Neighbourhood Planning process. Neighbourhood Development Plans become part of the Local Plan and the policies contained within them are then used in the determination of planning applications by BANES to grant planning permission, either in full or in outline, for development types, such as new houses, businesses, schools, entertainment & leisure facilities, shops etc. - where they should go and how big the developments should be in their areas. It must be stressed that the policies produced cannot be used to block development that is already part of the Local Plan, but what they CAN do is shape where that development will go ahead and what it will look like. Remember Neighbourhood planning is one of our community rights. The Parish Council is leading on neighbourhood planning in our areas. But the process is overwhelmingly community based with a Neighbourhood Plan Working group formed
of local residents and representatives from educational establishments and local commerce. This process and membership of the working group is open to any resident and is a fascinating process, so if you are interested please call Westfield Parish Council on 01761 410669. You will be very welcome indeed, in fact this is a real occasion where “the more the merrier” really does apply! Throughout the process BANES will be guiding us on legislation requirements with an overview of the Plans for the wider community and its interface with the BANES LOCAL PLAN, with which our neighbourhood plan will, of course, have to work seamlessly. Once the Working group has finished its task BANES Local Planning Authority is required to organise the independent examination of the plan together with a local referendum to confirm the acceptability of the plan to the Parish residents. The referendum is an important part of the process allowing those that live in Westfield Parish to decide whether or not the Neighbourhood Development Plan comes into effect or not. This really is direct democracy and emphasises how we can all work together in the wider community to ensure that the heritage and history of our community, our open spaces and the future development of our community, our aspirations and ambitions are secured for both today’s residents and our children. Cllr Ron Hopkins – Chairman of the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan Working Group
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Putting Westfield on the Map Westfield Parish Council was continuing in its efforts to put the parish firmly on the map at St Peter’s summer fete by inviting residents to take part in a parish treasure hunt. A large map of Westfield, also used at the Neighbourhood Plan consultation events, was dotted with feedback notes giving views and suggestions on development, green spaces and amenities. At the same time visitors to the stand were invited to take a chance on the Treasure Hunt by placing a marker somewhere within the parish. The treasure spot was drawn out of a hat and Mr Jon Plenty was the proud winner of the prize, which he accepted with thanks at a meeting of the Parish Council. Westfield’s Neighbourhood Plan is now moving into its second year. Having consulted the parish at a number of open events, the
Fosse Way School doing work on the winter planting
working group is now considering the findings of the consultation in relation to the next steps in drawing up the options, which will go back out to consultation.
Following the Parish Council’s open letter to B&NES’ Chief Executive, Dr Jo Farrar, a number of changes and improvements have been put in motion and the Parish Council, which is the first in the area to have been awarded the new Quality Award for local councils, is continuing to work with B&NES and with the local press to ensure that residents can feel a clear identity with and pride in the parish in which they live.
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Westfield? Where’s Westfield?
You may have read in the press in June this year, that Westfield Parish Council sent an ‘Open Letter’ to the Chief Executive of Bath and North East Somerset Council highlighting a long term, and ongoing problem within BANES that seems to prevent it recognising (at all levels in the BANES structure) that Westfield exists as a thriving, buoyant and successfully separate community. Here is an extract from that letter: A strange question you might think, but one that is being asked by many people. In fact, it is often asked by people who have new homes in Westfield, by people who are working in Westfield, by the local press, and even BANES officials and BANES councillors. As you may be aware, Westfield Parish Council was created in May 2011 and since then the Parish Council, residents, schools and clubs as well as local officials alike have worked tirelessly to ensure that Westfield is a wonderful place in which to live, to bring up a family and enjoy the support of the community in retirement.
would need time to evolve its policies and procedures to assimilate the impact of a completely new Parish and the workload required to include us in its distribution lists, its policies, maps and other documentation. But, five years on, we are struggling to understand, how despite our absolute best efforts, a sophisticated and well managed Unitary Authority can so consistently completely ignore the existence one of its own parishes. This is our experience: Entire roads in Westfield are allocated as ‘Midsomer Norton’ or ‘Radstock’ on the BANES ‘My House’ system.
Road work notifications in Westfield are described as We have worked hard to ensure that the quality of service our residents enjoy is provided absolutely being in ‘Radstock’ or ‘Midsomer Norton’ and to add without compromise, as is clearly emphasised by the insult to injury the notifications are then sent to those Gethin, Director HEARING TownRichard Councils instead of Westfield. award of the coveted Quality awardSC to Westfield Parish LTD • Family business 1997 • aA full and friendly assessment of your hearing Council, and our currentrun work towardssince formulating The mapping system used throughout the BANES • All types and repair programme available cohesive Neighbourhood Plan.of aid supplied • Full servicing processes actually has the label ‘Radstock’ placed in • Tuesday mornings or HOME VISITS BY ARRANGEMENT We fully understand that in the early years BANES Westfield.
7 Planning applications near (but within) Westfield Parish boundary are sent to the wrong town…! The work carried out on significant Transport policies actually completely fails to acknowledge the existence of Westfield despite that fact that even by its own statistics Westfield dominates the most major route into Bath, and has two areas which following traffic research have the highest (time weighted) traffic volumes in BANES. Despite Westfield having one of the largest and most successful industrial estates in BANES which has been referred to by BANES councillors as “the jewel in the crown” and yet Westfield has received no consultation in relation to proposed Enterprise Zones. BANES has comprehensive and detailed liaison with schools, academies and colleges on education policies and this liaison extends to include neighbouring local councils and parishes, but completely fails to include Westfield. The complete failure to inform, consult or discuss plans with Westfield Parish Council for proposals for a new and large school in this area and significant housing developments which, although just outside the parish boundary will have a potentially huge and damaging effect on the already heavily congested road through Westfield and the parish’s overloaded social infrastructure. We were shocked when a major industrial site was nearly assigned for housing in the LDF deliberations, without any consultation with us, something which was only prevented because one of our BANES councillors was present at the meeting as a substitute for Cllr Bull. Westfield residents are adamant that they want jobs, not yet more housing inflicted on them with inadequate social infrastructure and transport links. Finally, it is excruciatingly difficult to get BANES officials to take seriously Westfield’s parking and road safety problems, and consideration of Westfield’s other NEED A NEW BOILER?
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problems seems to be at a standstill; e.g. no progress is being made to implement effective road safety measures at the new toucan crossing on the A367, Westfield. I would ask for your most urgent and earnest attention to these issues which are damaging to social cohesion, and are stifling local aspirations and ambitions for a vibrant community which receives full acknowledgment for its achievements. Since then, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Parish Council have met with various officers of BANES and, in some instances were very impressed by their willingness to understand the issues and work to put them right. For example, the BANES My House system has been amended and BANES Officers worked with the Parish Council to persuade Ordnance Survey to amend the misplaced ‘Radstock’ label on the mapping system. Many of the objectives and aspirations that crucially form the basis of the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan require us to work closely with BANES in order to ensure that these are fully implemented and integrated within the planning structure for our community. However there remains uncertainty about how quickly (if at all) BANES and other agencies involved in our parish identity processes can react to our rightful demands for a clear and independent identity, and BANES in particular begins to be fully committed to such vital issues as consulting the Parish Council on major planning issues, educational and health services capacity, and transport and roads infrastructure issues, all of which have such a huge impact on the quality of life that our residents rightly expect. Be absolutely assured that the Parish Council will continue to press for better and more meaningful dialogue on these issues.
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Winners of Westfield Front Garden competition
For the third year running, Westfield Parish Council has run its Front Garden competition, inviting people to show us their wonderful displays of colour and design. The level of interest this year was very high and we had lots of gardens and containers to choose from in the end. Some of the gardens in Westfield are truly beautiful and the two judges from Bath College horticultural department had a difficult time in determining who should win the prize from Norton Green Farm Nursery. They used a selection of criteria to help them make their decision – Initial Impact, Structure and use of aspect and space, Flower colour and use of plants, Quality of husbandry and general health and Potential all year interest.
The winner was Mr Dave Quick of 4 Inner Elm Terrace. The judges said that they were particularly impressed with his garden as it was visually striking and a very good use of a small space. He did only win by just one point though, which the judges said was a testament to the efforts of lots of Westfield residents.
The prize for best container went to G Mitchard and Sons on Wells Road. Again the judges were impressed with the variety of plants used in the display and the longevity of the display was also noted, meaning that flowers are not just for June and July! The Chairman of the Council, Cllr Geoff Fuller, said “It is wonderful to see a well tended, thought out display in Westfield. Happily it’s not just about residential properties, but a local business has put effort into creating something that brightens up your day when you walk or drive by. Congratulations to Mr David Quick and to Mrs Barbara Mitchard”
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We are now on Facebook! Westfield Parish Council is delighted to announce that we now have a page on Facebook, called - Westfield Parish Council, funnily enough! Having leapt into the social media age last year with our Twitter page (@westfield_pc) we decided it was now time to add to our social media portfolio and branch out to Facebook. Please visit us, like our page and share with your friends too – the more the merrier. The page will be updated with all the latest Council news and events as well as other events going on in the area. We also have a sister page for the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan. This page gives updates on the latest developments in the drawing up of our Neighbourhood Plan with opportunities to give your views and get involved.
So if you’re a Facebook fanatic please join us and spread the word.
All Beef Pork and Lamb from local farms, prize winning sausages, pies and faggots. Gold awards for our home cured from Pigs reared sts Bacon a o r on the Mendips Hog ilable ava R Home produced O cooked meats. oked o c s Pig you to Local deliveries for rve Freezer orders se lf. e taken yours Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS
Tel 01761 412109
www.gmitchardandsons.co.uk
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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FUN DAY IN WESTFIELD had grown for sale to raise funds for a couple of wheelbarrows for the site. The Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage team were on site to exhibit local railway history and Bath and North East Somerset’s Records Office came along to show people how to research their family tree.
The annual Fun Day was held at Westhill Recreation Ground early in June for the 5th time and the weather was glorious once again. Opened by John Reynolds, the day was enjoyed by a record number of people this year, with everyone enjoying the Bathampton Morris Men, Jamie Woodland’s Tae Kwondo exhibition, Sue Hill School of Dance and Boogie Bounce, among others and the children loved the traditional Punch and Judy and the donkey rides. Families brought along their picnics and there was a very long queue for the ice cream van! Stall holders reported a bumper year, with WAGS offering plants that the allotment holders
A big thank you to businesses that had donated prizes for the draw, all donations are very gratefully received. A meat voucher was donated by Mitchard’s butchers, an Entertainer voucher, family ticket for @Bristol and family ticket for Haynes Motor Museum. We also had vouchers for Cut Above hairdressers and Whitstones, both Westfield businesses among many others. We would also like to thank Archers Marquees for providing the marquees for the event. All help is very welcome for this event and we have to say a huge thank you to Cllr Phil Wilkinson and his family and Cllr Diana Cooper for all the work they put into making sure the event goes without a hitch. We will let everyone know when the time has come to start work on next year’s event.
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The Grants Pot is open
Once again, the Parish Council has opened up its grants pot and is inviting local organisations to apply for funds. Grants are for up to £1000 and more in exceptional cases. With over £16,000 available in total this year the Parish Council is hoping for a large variety of applications from as many local organisations as possible. Last year the Parish Council was delighted to be approached by the Unsung Project which is a Literacy and Music Commission from Bath & North East Somerset Council run by Kilter Theatre. The Parish Council grant of £600 was awarded to bring Kilter’s Unsung project to two schools in the parish - Westfield Primary and Fosse Way. The grant enabled a professional creative practitioner to deliver three lyric-writing workshops at each school to pupils from years 3-4 at Westfield Primary School and years 3-8 at Fosse Way School. Two songs were created during the workshops: ‘Out There’ (Westfield Primary School) and ‘Bright Lights Over Fosseway’ (Fosse Way School). The next stage of the project involved the acclaimed Westfield Ladies Choir who rehearsed the songs with the practitioner in preparation for the final stage of the project which will be the performance of the songs by the choir to the pupils, parents and teachers in the Autumn Term. Fosse Way School’s Music Co-ordinator, Rebecca Hastie said it was “a great opportunity
for pupils across the school to work together and develop their social and communication skills. The visuals used in the workshops were helpful and ensured that the workshops were accessible to all, including non-verbal pupils. All pupils enjoyed coming together to write their own song and really enjoyed singing with Gill.” Having received a record number of applications in 2014 the Parish Council was disappointed that a low number of applications in 2015 meant that it was not able to give out all the funds that had been budgeted. The Unsung Project is an excellent example of how grants from the Parish Council can make a real difference to residents and businesses in the parish. Grants are available for any organisation working in or for the parish of Westfield. Groups and organisations big and small are invited to complete a simple application form for grants which can be given for capital items and one-off projects as well as for on-going costs. Other recent grants have been for projects such as a new film club for SWALLOW members, Reminiscence through Music sessions at Whitehaven Care Home and the hire of a specially adapted coach for the WISH trip to Babbacombe. The Parish Council has funded the purchase of items such as a storage shed for Teddy Bear Nursery and new toys and equipment for the brand new Community Bus whilst also supporting local organisations such as Dial-a-Ride, St Nicholas Churchyard, SWAN Advice Network and The West of England MS Therapy Centre with day-to-day costs. The Parish Council would be very happy to discuss potential applications and are available to answer any queries. Full details of the criteria as well as the application form can be found on the Parish Council website www. westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk or by calling the office on 01761 410669. The deadline for applications is 3rd October 2016.
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Football pitches available for hire Westfield is proud to be home to four local teams who use the pitches at the recreation grounds at Westhill Road and on the Fosse Way. All four teams are well established and have enjoyed many successes over the years with Meadow Rangers and Westhill Sports both in the First Division and Westfield FC under 16s winning their league this year! Westfield FC was established in 1976 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The under 16 group which plays at Norton Hill Recreation Ground has been with the club for the last 10 years from under 7 up to under 16. The club is run by a team of hard working volunteers and aims to provide a continual route into Adult football. In fact, Steve Phillips (Ex Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Crewe) started his playing days as a Westfield Youth player and in the First adult team around 75% of players played for the
youth section. The club, which comprises three adult teams as well as the youth teams, has over 180 members and last season saw the Under 16 team winning the Mid Wilts Youth League. This was thanks to a great effort by manager, Dan Parfitt and was a fantastic achievement for the team to win the league in their final year before entering into Adult football. The team is always looking for new players in all age groups and the Adult teams. If parents or players are interested they can email the club at: westfieldfc@live.com The Westfield pitches are owned by two Miners’ Trusts set up many decades ago to provide recreational space for the people of Westfield. Maintained by Westfield Parish Council, who are the sole trustees, the pitches are marked out to FA standards and have parking and changing facilities. The competitively priced fees for the coming year are based on up to 20 matches: Norton Hill Recreation Ground – £416 pa (Senior) and £114 pa (Junior) Westhill Recreation Ground – £385 pa (Senior) and £94 pa (Junior) There is still some availability for the pitches for the 2016-17 season so if you are a new team starting up or even an established team looking for a new home please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council to discuss hire: 01761 410669 council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
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TWO NEW ELM TREES IN WESTFIELD
Westfield is very proud to have, as its emblem, the Elm tree that used to live in the heart of Westfield. Mrs Joan Pack has done a lot of research into the history of Westfield and she reports that there once was an old hollow Elm tree which was said to be haunted. The tree stood by the road that ran from Exeter to Lincoln, laid down 1800 years ago by the Romans. Mr Arthur Waugh wrote in his 1875 biography “when we took a longer walk there was an old hollow Elm tree at Westfield, half way between Norton Down and Radstock coal pits which all nursery authorities agreed to be haunted. The three of us could walk into it upright and gaze straight up to the leaves above.”
We are happy to report that this is about to change. To commemorate the Queens 90th Birthday, the Parish Council has purchased two Elm trees and is looking forward to taking part in the Great British Elm Experiment. One is planted at Norton Hill Recreation Ground and the other at Westhill Recreation Ground.
The experiment is built on the Conservation Foundation’s involvement in propagating, planting and promoting interest in elms. The specialist trees that we have received have been micro propagated from cuttings taken from healthy parent trees which appear to have resisted Dutch Elm disease for over 60 years. Many areas of Westfield are named after it – Elm Tree Avenue, Elm Terrace, Inner Elm Terrace, the Elm Tree Inn, whose skittle team carried the name, as well as the Elm Tree Football club. Unfortunately, due to the dreaded Dutch Elm disease, that tree had to be removed some time ago in the 1970s and the parish of Westfield has had to be without its trademark Elm.
This is very much an ongoing project - we will be monitoring the trees over the next 20 years or so in order that the Conservation Foundation can continue in its efforts to keep the elm tree alive and flourishing. Our trees could well end up one day providing cuttings to form another chapter of the Great British Elm story! Fingers crossed everyone that they remain healthy and Westfield can once again have elm trees alive in the parish.
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New running club is taking off. Westfield TT Running Club meet outside St Benedicts School by the Centurion Hotel. Started by John Reynolds, the local “marathon man”, the club is growing in success with new enquiries each week from all age groups. The group is mainly for adults but currently have some teenagers attending and building on their mileage. John is impressed to see the younger generation participating in sporting activities and watching their enthusiasm grow as they progress to achieve their goals. The club has 3 levels that meet on different days – Wednesday evenings at 7pm - Beginners group which has proved very successful since starting in April.
Thursday evening at 7pm - Intermediate group currently running 8-9 miles. Friday at 7-15pm – Off road group that have great fun exploring all the local footpaths and points of interest that are so often missed covering usually about 7-8 miles. All groups are friendly with a great social atmosphere and everyone looks forward to each week. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, phone /message John on 07745351278
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7 Frome Road Radstock BA3 3PT
Tel: 01761 431919 www.fossewaypress.com
01761 410433 07932 998467
Summer’s looking good at Westfield allotments! Now that the summer is here Westfield’s allotments are in full bloom and thoroughly enhancing the area around Waterford Park. The area adjoining Waterford Park has been landscaped and completed by the plot holders and now looks very neat. There are plans of more raised beds to be used exclusively by the children in the area which will be partly funded by the grant received from Dragon’s Den Big Local fund. There has been a lot of work done to clear some very large stones from the site – they were initially offered to residents to come and collect some to
15 take away, and those left have been removed by a contractor. Some of the site is now clear and it is a work in progress. We are very pleased that through the efforts of the allotment holders we raised £152 on the plant stall that we held at Westfield Fun Day back in June. The money raised will be used to purchase two new wheelbarrows for allotment holders to use. We are looking to extend provision of allotments in response to the demand. If you would like an allotment if more were made available, please contact WAGS – westfieldallotments@hotmail.co.uk
Local support for carers in Westfield
Hi! My name is Lorraine Frapwell and I am your local Carers’ Support Officer. I work for the Carers’ Centre and my role is to support those living in the Somer Valley area who look after someone. This might mean looking after an elderly parent; a child with additional needs, a partner or a friend. We know that looking after someone you love can be rewarding, but we also know that it can be tiring, stressful and isolating. My role here in Westfield, is to make sure that every carer has the support they need to manage their caring role. I can give information & advice; help carers find opportunities to take a
break; connect carers living locally to each other and ensure no carer feels like they have to care on their own. If you look after someone and would like to find out how I can help, or if you would like to find out how you can help carers living locally, please get in touch! You can call our Freephone number on: 0800 0388 885 or email info@ banescarerscentre.org.uk. Together, we can work to make Westfield a really carer friendly community. To find out more about the Carers’ Centre, and what we do across Bath & North East Somerset please visit www.banescarerscentre.org.uk
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Westfield Street Index on page 18
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Street Index
ACACIA ROAD ALDER TERRACE ASH TREE COURT BEECH TERRACE BIRCH ROAD BLACKBIRD CLOSE BRYANT AVENUE BUTCHERS CLOSE CEDAR TERRACE CHAFFINCH DRIVE CHARLTON LANE CHARLTON ROAD CHAUCER ROAD CHERRY TREE CLOSE CHESTNUT CLOSE COBBLERS WAY CYPRESS TERRACE EAGLE DRIVE ELM TERRACE ELM TREE AVENUE FALCON CLOSE FIRST AVENUE FOSSEWAY FOSSEWAY GARDENS FOURTH AVENUE GLEBELANDS HAZEL GROVE HAZEL TERRACE HIGHFIELDS HOLLY WALK INNER ELM TERRACE JUBILEE ROAD KEATS ROAD KESTREL PLACE KINGFISHER DRIVE KINGSLEY ROAD KIPLING ROAD KITTYHAWK CLOSE LARCH COURT LARK CLOSE LIME TERRACE LINCOMBE ROAD LINDEN CLOSE
E1 E1 E2 D2 E2 B3 D2 C2 D2 B3 C4 B3 B2 E2 E2 C3 D2 B3 C2 D2 B3 C3 C3 D2 D3 D2 B3 C3 D1 E2 C2 D2 C2 B3 B3 C2 C2 B3 D2 B3 D2 D2 E3
LINNET WAY LONGFELLOW ROAD LYNTON ROAD MAGNOLIA ROAD MAPLE DRIVE MARDONS CLOSE MAY TREE ROAD MERLIN WAY MILTON ROAD NIGHTINGALE WAY OAK TERRACE OLD PIT ROAD PINE WALK REDWOOD CLOSE ROBIN CLOSE ROMAN ROAD ROWAN COURT RUSKIN ROAD SECOND AVENUE SHAKESPEARE ROAD SHELLEY ROAD SOMERVALE ROAD ST PETERS GLADE ST PETER’S ROAD ST PETERS VIEW SWALLOW CLOSE TANNER CLOSE THE DRING THE LEAZE THIRD AVENUE UPPER COURT WARBLER CLOSE WATERFORD PARK WATERSIDE CRESCENT WATERSIDE ROAD WATERSIDE WAY WELLS ROAD WELTON ROAD WESLEY AVENUE WEST HILL ROAD WESTFIELD TERRACE WILLOW CLOSE WOODPECKER AVENUE
B3 C2,3 B3 D2 E1 B3 E2 B3 C2 B3 D2 C3 E1 E2 B3 D2 D2 C2 C4 C2 C2 E1 C3 C3 C2 B3 C2 E1 D2 D3 C3 B3 E2 D2 D2 D2 C2/D2/E1 E1 C2/D2 D2 D2 E1 B3
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What’s On Sept 1st - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at Radstock Library. Free 3rd Sept Rockabilly Evening with Crawling King Snakes at Radstock Working Mens Club. Doors 7pm. Tickets £5 in advance. Call Marc on 01761 417890 3rd The Stiff Upper Lips, stunning party band playing all the favourites. Mardons Social Club. 5th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th The Community Bus at Westhill Club car park. It’s free. Arts, crafts and much more. 9.30 – 11.30am. Call 01761 419557 for more information 7th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free 9th Meet new people – Coffee and chat at Trinity Methodist Church. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Tea and coffee will be served and if you need transport, let us know and we can arrange that. 10th Eddie The Eagle (PG) 7.30pm, Victoria Hall, Radstock. Advance Booking: £5 adult / £3 child 11th Zootropolis (PG) 4.30pm, Victoria Hall, Radstock. Advance Booking: £5 adult / £3 child 12th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 17th Dragons’ Den 4. Free to enter and will include a buffet and entertainment. 4.30pm, Victoria Hall, Radstock. 20th - Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend. 21st - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend. 21st FINANCE AND PERSONNEL MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 23rd Musicians Against Homelessness Event (Tickets £5). Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk 24th Panama – male and female fronted party band. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk
Oct 2nd Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 11am St Peters Church followed by lunch in the hall. 3rd PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the Boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm 4th, 11th and 18th The Community Bus at Westhill Club car park. It’s free. Arts, crafts and much more. 9.30 – 11.30am. Call 01761 419557 for more information 5th - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free 6th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at RADSTOCK Library. Free
8th Upfront & Casual, smooth harmonies and cool covers. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk 10th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 15th Hooper, brand new rock and pop band. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk 18th Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend. 19th FINANCE AND PERSONNEL MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 19th - Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend. 29th Freeze, superb covers band, hits from across the decades. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk
Nov 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th The Community Bus at Westhill Club car park. It’s free. Arts, crafts, creative play, songs and rhymes and much more. 9.30 – 11.30am. Call 01761 419557 for more information 2nd - Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free 3rd Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under- 3s. 10.30-11 am at RADSTOCK Library. Free 5th Sneakers, local rock n roll band. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk 6th Revolting Rhymes at Victoria Hall. Brought to life with musicians, actors and puppets! Perfect for the whole family. 4pm Ticket Prices: £9 per adult/child pair; £4 per extra adult or child available from website or Facebook 7th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 12th Finding Dory (U) 4.30pm, Victoria Hall, Radstock. Advance Booking: £5 adult / £3 child Standard Price: £6 adult / £4 child 14th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm. 15th Poetry Liaisons 7-8pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Share favourite poems or your own work. Open to all and free to attend. 16th Joined-Up Writers Group 1-3pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. Support for budding authors in getting started or exploring ideas. Open to all and free to attend. 19th Train To Skaville, Ska and reggae favourites. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk 19th Coffee Morning in aid of Julian House 10am to 12pm. St Peters Church Hall. 23rd FINANCE AND PERSONNEL MEETING in the boardroom, The Oval Office, 7pm 24th Christmas Light switch on starting at 6:30pm at the living Christmas tree. 26th Christmas Bazaar, 11am at St Peters Church. 26th Skinny Dippers, lively and fun party band. Mardons Social Club. www.mardonsclub.co.uk
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The Radstock and Westfield Big Local Dragons’ Den - Round four Following the success from our previous Dragons’ Den events, the Partnership is pleased to announce the date for the next event: Saturday 17th September. But you have to be “in it to win it!!” The only rule for entering is that it has to benefit communities in Radstock & Westfield. The Dragons’ Den celebration will take place in the Victoria Hall, Radstock on Saturday 17th September 2016 to start at 16.30, it’s free to enter and will include a buffet and entertainment via the Acoustic sessions with the talented Emi McDade headlining. The funding will be allocated during the evening by local residents voting and supporting their favourite project. We have supported over 30 projects over the last 3 years where individuals and groups have applied for the 10 top prizes of £500. These varied from a CoppaFeel event, Painting a tea room within the Radstock Museum, repairing a footpath stile to new tents for local scouts. It’s a new venue but the format will remain the same. All applicants will be invited to present their ideas on 17th September, a team of ‘Kind Dragons’ will quiz them, then the decision will made by the local residents attending the event by voting for their preferred choices. We also have the added bonus that we will be working with and be entertained by the established Acoustic sessions. We believe that small ideas can make a big difference but we hope we will also get big ideas which could make a massive difference to our community with the support from the Radstock & Westfield Big Local team! The closing date for all application forms is 5pm on the 9th September 2016. Have you completed & returned your form yet? Forms are available online as well as from the Radstock & Westfield Big Local Office and from The Victoria Hall.
It can be for anything that will improve and enhance the Radstock & Westfield communities, which do include Writhlington, Clandown, Tyning and Haydon. All applications will be considered... e.g. groups wanting to provide a new or improved service, new bench for a bus stop, resident workshops or training, and community transport...... The only thing we can’t give money for is something the local council should be doing. YOU just need to let us know what is needed!
Application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from: www. radstockwestfield.org.uk or collected from the The Oval Office, Cobblers Way, St Peters Business Park, Westfield, BA3 3BX, Telephone: 07845756700 and returned via Email to: sarah.westell41@gmail.com Any queries please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Westell on 01749 938506
Mardons
Social Club Since their move in July 2015, it’s been an extraordinary year for Mardons Social Club and it’s proved to be one of the areas big success stories. Mardons, now located on the new part of the Linden Homes development on the Nightingale Estate at Norton Hill, Westfield, has evolved to become busier and widely recognised as a leading local venue. The club is very much a forward thinking, creative and welcoming venue and they are very keen to let more local people know about it. Despite being a members club, non members and walk-ins are always welcomed, although joining for just £5 gains members substantial bar discounts. As a not for profit, voluntary-run organisation, funds are fed back into the club. Already having invested in new furniture and air-conditioning, the committee is developing the outside space and will continue to look at ways to ensure the community gets the best possible experience when visiting. The past year has seen a cavalcade of great musicians visit Mardons, with the most diverse musical styles and genres on display each week. Support for the bands over the past year has been incredible, whether its, rock, pop, soul, ska or rock n roll, you are sure to find something that will appeal as the club continues to deliver free top quality entertainment each week.
21 The summer’s Euro 2016 football saw the club packed, as locals took advantage of the excellent big screen and, of course, the superb club atmosphere. Mardons continue to offer both Sky and BT Sports coverage for all sporting events, and the club will be providing all the Premier League football throughout the season. Working closely with local community groups, whether offering the use of facilities or welcoming them for social events, the club is keen to develop ties with more organisations in the future. In the past year alone, Mardons have assisted and fundraised for Dorothy House, Swallow, St John Ambulance, Cots for Tots and RUH Cancer Care Campaign, to name just a few. With more charitybased dates in the pipeline, the club will be reaching out to the community for their generous
support of these worthy causes. For further information and the latest news, the club has an easy to navigate and informative website: www.mardonsclub.co.uk and a regularly updated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mardonsclub
Come & visit!
Non-members welcome
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2 The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ 01761 414136 eyetechopticiansmsn eyetechmidsomer
mardons SOCIAL CLUB
www.mardonsclub.co.uk The best live bands every Saturday night Watch Sky & BT Sport on our BIG screen Darts, skittles, pool & great bar prices!
learn more: facebook.com/mardonsclub
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Fosse Way School’s Residential Provision:
Outstanding in Every Respect! Fosse Way, the acclaimed special school in Westfield, has achieved the highest accolade possible following a recent OfSTED inspection of its residential provision: a judgement of outstanding in every inspection category! Fosse Way’s residential area, known as Fosse Way House, provides on-site accommodation from Monday to Friday for up to eleven of the school’s 198 pupils. An innovative twenty four hour curriculum has been devised for the young residents that enriches their lives through enabling them to develop new skills as well as participate in the local community. Staff at Fosse Way House give the pupils as many opportunities as possible to personalise the place that is their home during the school
week. For example, they are involved in the selection of new items of furniture. Each pupil is also able to choose the colour that his or her bedroom will be painted. In this way the staff seek to foster a sense of belonging. The inspector was also most impressed by the drive and dedication of those that work in Fosse Way House in constantly seeking ways to enhance their service to pupils, noting “a strong sense of commitment to continuous improvement of the service provided.” In concluding her glowing report Wendy Anderson writes, “It is this drive, planning and determination to do better for young people which enables the school to maintain its outstanding judgement.”
Funtastic Fete Defies the Rain at Fosse Way!
The occasional unseasonable downpour did little to dampen the spirits of pupils, parents and staff at Fosse Way School’s Funtastic Fete held on the afternoon of Friday 17th June. Despite the somewhat inclement weather conditions the sum of almost £2000 was raised for school funds!
This year a music stage, prominently located near the entrance to the site, hosted a variety of performances and workshops that proved very popular with those who attended. Those who prefer to exercise their feet on the football pitch rather than the dance floor had the opportunity to test their skills in getting the ball past Fosse Way staff members turned goalkeepers, Dan Chaventre and Sean Kelly.
Following the exertions of football some young fete-goers enjoyed what has become something of a Fosse Way tradition in recent years; a gentle and relaxing ride around the perimeter of the playing field in a trailer hitched to the school’s drivable lawn mower! The occasional downpour and hasty retreat to school buildings notwithstanding, this was a celebratory event enjoyed by members of the whole Fosse Way community as well as local residents, marking another highly successful year at the school.
23 choose each journey you would like to do. All mileage costs are fully covered. Our highly valued volunteer drivers are essential in enabling SWAN to provide this important service. We are glad of new drivers from anywhere within the Bath and North East Somerset area. Do you like driving? Would you like the opportunity to help people in need of transport, by taking them to appointments and social activities? Swan Transport Scheme are looking for drivers in the Bath and North East Somerset area who have use of their own vehicle, to transport people who are elderly, frail or disabled and on a low income. Journeys may include hospital and doctors’ appointments, day care centres, trips to the hairdresser or shops, and visiting family and friends - you
Radstock Folk Dance Club will be starting their 2016-17 season on Friday October 7th. They then meet most Fridays until Summer 2017 at St Peter’s Hall, Westfield. Dances are led by a different caller each evening. For further details please contact Dick or Jean Shilton on 01458 841400.
MIDSOMER NORTON/ RADSTOCK COMMUNITY VEHICLE TRUST MINI BUS Have you seen the Community Mini Bus in your area?
Why not consider using this next time you are thinking of a trip out!
This bus is for you! If you are a small group of people who have difficulty in getting to wherever you are meeting, or you are going on an outing, and need wheelchair access, or have difficulty in getting on buses, then the Community Mini Bus, could be just what you are looking for!
We are always looking for volunteer drivers who are willing to drive our bus, if you are interested in hiring or driving, please contact either our Co-ordinator Debbie on 01761 416910 or our Transport Manager, Nick on 01761 413872
We have volunteer drivers who will to take you to your Lunch Club, or Church or an outing etc. The Minibus seats 12 passengers, has comfortable seating and a tailgate lift for wheelchairs.
We will be holding our AGM later this year, so look out for details and why not come along and see and hear for yourself, what an asset the bus can be? (Registered Charity No. 276166)
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Fosse Way School Pupils Sing Their Way to Success
Pupils and teachers at Fosse Way Special School are delighted to have received the prestigious ‘Sing Up’ Gold Award for their efforts in promoting a culture of singing throughout the school. Sing Up encourages schools to provide their pupils with ‘excellent singing experiences’ that will help them to sing well as well as improve musical skills and understanding. At Fosse Way, pupils in the reception and primary classes have developed a novel approach to taking the register that transforms the usual mundane roll-call of names into a cheerful song. Likewise, pupils bid each other farewell at the end of the school day with a ditty that incorporates the names of all class members. Older primary and secondary pupils have even experimented with songs for use in morning and afternoon registration. Meanwhile, in the playground pupils have been given many opportunities to lead playground songs and dances. The pupils have enjoyed these musically enhanced playtimes so much that some are starting to initiate the activities
for themselves at break times, without any need for staff involvement! Songs have also been widely integrated into the speech and language sessions . They have, for instance, proven particularly successful in sessions designed to enhance pupils’ attention and engagement capabilities. Fosse Way pupils now regularly sing as they move from one lesson to the next. Teachers too have been busily recording the singing activities that take place in lessons so that they can share their ideas with colleagues. This recorded evidence of the many ways in which singing is incorporated in pupils’ day-to-day learning has helped to provide the vital evidence that enabled Fosse Way to scoop the sought after Gold Award. The pupils and members of staff who have contributed to the success of Sing Up are rightly proud of their achievement in meeting the assessors’ exacting standard for the Gold level certificate. Becca Hastie commented, ‘This is a great achievement as we are one of few schools in BANES who have achieved the Gold Award!’
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NEW MINISTER FROM DOWN UNDER
The new Pastor of Radstock Baptist Church has an interesting and unusual background – apart from being an Australian. Guy Yeomans was a late starter as a minister, having had careers as a teacher, Australian Member of Parliament, Public Affairs Consultant, and CEO of Sydney Anglican Schools. In 2000 he lived in a Jesuit community in America where he trained as a Spiritual Director – a vocation he pursued concurrently while pastor of a Sydney church from 2005-2016.
Those dual vocations will continue in England, where he will provide spiritual direction to ministers, churches and others , with the West of England Baptist Association, and further afield. As to what he brings to his new role at Radstock Baptist Church, Guy replied: “Recent surveys of religion in the UK , reveal that, although mainstream churches continue to lose members, there has been a substantial increase in those interested in spirituality. Many people are seeking something beyond Western
consumerism, self-gratification and money. They intuitively know there is more to life. Many have been part of a church but have left. As one person said, ‘I left the church to find God.’ “I want to change that, so people with a hunger for spirituality consider church as natural place to come to explore and share . As followers of Jesus we don’t have all the answers; we are flawed human beings who try to make sense of life – and God. We should be prepared to ask the hard questions – even when there appears to be no simple answer. Despite honestly expressed doubts, fears and confusions , the mysteries of Life and God are very real. “Church should be about sharing our sometimes messy, sometimes fruitful journeys so that we might mutually encourage one another to live authentic growing lives, paring away our false selves and seeking our true selves created in God’s image. Guy is joined by his wife Sandra, an early years educator and 10 year year old twins, John and Carys.
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Westfield Primary School children given lesson in local mining history When local primary school children were learning about the mining history of Westfield, who else would the teachers turn to but Francis Hillier, a local man with an excellent knowledge of the events of the past in Westfield. He went to speak to the Year 5 children, together with a friend, Bryn Hawkins. One day Down in the mine Rough rope suddenly 'snapped' The fathers and their sons all died So sad By Finlay Jeffery-Bradley My pain Is torturous No return for the dead Evil mines killed my lovely sons Sadness By Ava Saunders and Charlie Barter (note the first letters) Pitch black Heavy pick-axe Coal right in front of me I am scared of the falling rocks Sweating By Ellie Walton
The children learned a lot about what it was like to be a miner and about the disaster of 1908 in the Wells Way pit. Having listened carefully they went on to write a poem using the information they had learned. Here are some of the poems, which are all in a cinquain format (an unrhymed poem consisting of 5 lines arranged in a special way) Jet black Never ending Really hungry, struggling to go down For a good price - my daily bread So scared By Zeky Foster Rough rope So deep down there Start mining at fourteen Safety helmet for protection Hard work By Jacob Fuller Workers Being sneaky Cigarette sandwiches Avoiding falling rocks in mines Scared By Mya Dagger
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Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton Station
Paul Atterbury was at Midsomer Norton Station at Midday on Saturday July 9th to officially launch the Station’s very own steam locomotive ‘Joyce’ or Sentinel 7109. Paul, expert on the Antique’s Road show and railway author unveiled the name plate and broke a bottle of cider against the loco. Afterwards he signed books and then toured the station to include the shop, museum and gardens. Joint Owner and fireman Nigel Dickinson has already worked up a sweat on previous trial runs of the locomotive and says “This is an exciting time for Andy and I. We have been through many trials and tribulations to get this wonderful old loco going again and we are very proud that Paul came to give it the official steam launch. Sentinel 7109 steamed for the first time in about 50 years in February this year. Initial runs were achieved for the 50th anniversary of the S&D line closure as owner Andy Chapman had promised to meet that deadline – with a bit of luck. However, although operational, there were many outstanding jobs, none the least its paintwork! Since these first runs, the 7109 identity is now coming together and most of the various steam and water leaks plus extreme hotspots have been attended to ready for the official launch.
Sentinel 7109 was the prototype for Sentinels 47190 and 47191 which were allocated to the Radstock shed and which worked the nearby collieries and therefore entirely appropriate for the area. Owners Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson have spent many hours in all weathers in her restoration and July 9th sees the culmination of thousands of hours of work . Whilst the Sentinel 7109 is the same type as the Radstock locos which were used because of the low bridge in the shunting yard, its original design was as ‘Joyce’ when it worked at the Croydon gas works.
Photos show Brenden Hill Paul Atterbury Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson and the cab of the Sentinel and wielding the cider with owners Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson.
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Quiz Answers
1 The Fosse Way which runs through the centre of Westfield between Radstock and Stratton on the Fosse is part of an ancient Roman road which linked Exeter and Lincoln. The word fosse from the Latin word ‘fossa’ meant ‘ditch’ and it is thought that the road began as a defensive ditch marking the Western Frontier of Roman territory before being paved over and used as a road. 2 Two pits were located at Norton Hill (now the site of Sun Chemical factory) and one at Wellsway (now the site of Oasis Bathrooms, Cost Cutter etc). Whilst most of the surrounding mines were owned by the Waldegrave family, Norton Hill colliery was owned by the Beauchamp family. It was commonly known as Beauchamp Gold Mines because it was the most productive. 3 Twelve miners died when the rope that they used to descend down into the pit snapped. No one was ever prosecuted for the disaster but the popular belief is that the rope was maliciously cut. 4 In the early nineteenth century, whilst Westfield was still very rural, this large, three storey building was built immediately adjacent to the main Fosse Way, now next door to the Shell garage and opposite Mitchard’s the Butcher. Westfield House is now a Grade II listed building. Many rumours have grown up about the purpose of the building although its exact purpose is unknown. It could have been a private house or perhaps an Isolation Hospital for Bath patients. 5 Up to 1922 any child who lived in Westfield walked to Radstock or Midsomer Norton to go to school. A temporary Army hut was commissioned by the Council and an Infant school opened in Westfield on 3rd July 1922. Archived material held by Westfield Primary School states that the school opened on that day at 9am and thirteen children presented themselves for schooling. Four children were sent home because they were only three, but nine pupils were registered on the first day.
6 The Parish of Westfield extends as far as the tranquil Five Arches Greenway which was converted from the disused Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line in 2011 by Sustrans to link Radstock (Somervale Road/Welton Road) with Norton Hill School. 7 This pillbox, the last remaining example in Westfield, formed part of the defensive perimeter of Norton Hill Colliery. Like military defences the pillbox served as a base from which to defend territory. There are others at the north end of Elm Tree Avenue, at either end of Westfield Terrace, at the station on Silver Street and three along the Waterside valley. 8 Clarks Shoe factory was a huge employer in the area until its closure in 1995 (now CFH Docmail on Cobblers Way) along with the printing factory run by Alcan Mardon which closed in 2006 (now Nightingale Estate), Edgells which made the wooden chalets along the beach in Lyme Regis and from which came Prattens which made prefabricated classrooms. Many residents in Westfield were also employed by Glove-Maker Dents, which they often did from their own homes as well as at factories in Radstock and Midsomer Norton. The local leather skills developed through work for Dents is what attracted Clarks to the area. 8 WAGS is Westfield Allotments and Gardening Society. The group administer and maintain Westfield’s award-winning allotment site at Waterford Park. Last year WAGS worked with the Parish Council on the flower displays in tubs and flower beds along the Wells Road. In 2015 the allotment site won an ‘Outstanding’ award from the RHS’s It’s Your Neighbourhood programme. 9 This beautiful flower display along with a Parish noticeboard is located at the entrance to the Nightingale Way estate. Situated at the edge of the Parish, Nightingale Way can sometimes be mistaken for Midsomer Norton but the estate forms an important part of Westfield’s identity located as it is on the site of the old printing works Alcan Mardon and home to the popular Mardon’s social club. Nightingale Estate is also the new home to Teddy Bear Nursery which formerly ran at St Peter’s church hall and has seen many generations of Westfield children pass through on their educational journey. 10 The hanging basket tree is one of two in the Parish that were purchased and installed in 2014 for the enjoyment of residents and to enhance the Parish environment.
PART-TIME COURSES STARTING THIS AUTUMN
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
• Accounting • Animal Care • Art & Design • Baking • Beauty • Carpentry • Ceramics • Computing • Cookery • Counselling
• Creative Writing • Digital Marketing • Fashion • Floristry • Gardening • Glass • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Jewellery • Journalism
• Languages • Massage • Painting • Photography • Programming • Property Maintenance
• Psychology • Sculpture • Stonemasonry
For more details, a full list of courses and to enrol online visit:
www.bathcollege.ac.uk Telephone: 01225 328 720 Email: enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege
/BathCollege
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Light the Night 2016 The unique outdoor community event Light the Night will return to Radstock this October half-term. The week-long arts project produced by DNA arts will bring hundreds of local people together for FREE arts workshops and a finale lantern parade and fire garden in the town centre. The event offers an exciting alternative to the usual activities on October 31st, celebrating light, life and Radstock in the traditions of All Hallows Eve. The event received a warm response in 2015, one member of the audience said ‘Light the Night was an amazing experience, I was blown away by the parade and fire garden’. DNA arts will be working with the community to create a truly memorable moment, if you’d like to take part in this year’s project get in touch with DNA arts through their Facebook, Twitter or website.
St Peter’s Mothers’ Union
THE HOLY COW now serving
local beer, cider & Delicious wine enjoy on its own or accompanied with some lunch Whilst relaxing in our garden in the sunshine Opening times Monday to Friday 8.30am- 4.30pm Saturday Breakfast 8.30am - 1.30pm *
www.theholycowchilcompton.co.uk Cafe Number 01761 410497 *
Manor Farm,Church Lane, Chilcompton,BA3 4HP
winners!!
The St. Peter’s branch of the Mothers’ Union held a Ploughman’s Lunch in the garden of one of their members to raise funds for the “ Big Summer Appeal “. This year the Mothers’ Union celebrates 140 years of working with families and communities worldwide to overcome poverty, to speak out against gender based violence, run literacy and parenting groups, and so much more.
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The
Parish Clerk
In recent months we have said goodbye sadly to two of our Parish Councillors, Angie Seaman-Moss and Robin Moss, who resigned from the Parish Council in June. Robin was one of the founding Councillors of the Parish Council in May 2011, a strong supporter of Westfield, and was instrumental in establishing the ethos and procedures within which we work. As I write this article an election has been called to fill the two vacancies and we hope that people will come forward to find out more. Our sincere thanks to Cllr Diana Cooper who has worked tirelessly to design, plant and maintain the wonderful flower displays in Westfield this year. She and her volunteer, Margaret have done an amazing job and it is lovely to see Westfield looking so vibrant again this summer.
It was great too to see a record number of entries in the Front Garden Competition this year. It was a hard fought competition decided by just one point. The winning garden was described as being “very visually striking with a lot in a small space … small but beautifully planted” Our thanks to all who entered and to our judges from the Bath College, Westfield Campus and Norton Green Farm Nursery who donated the prizes. As you will have read in the Warbler, the Neighbourhood Plan is moving ahead steadily and we hope that the final consultation on the ‘options’ will be out before Christmas. Please do look out for this survey and may I encourage you to take part.
Lesley Welch Parish Clerk
Do you hold a regular event in Westfield and would like to let the local community know? zoe@ignyte-uk.co.uk 01761 410141
Send your details by email to or call Zoe on
Your Parish Council
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Cllr Andrew Butcher 07814 530 723 abwpc10@gmail.com
Cllr Diana Cooper 01761 415155 dianacooper18@btinternet.com
Cllr Kevin Docherty 07826 170147 kevindocherty1966@googlemail.com
Cllr Ron Hopkins 01761 435852 sueron1@sky.com
Cllr Geoff Fuller 01761 439198 / 07540 998603 geoffrey.fuller@outlook.com
Cllr Eleanor Jackson 01761 438968 eleanor_jackson@bathnes.gov.uk
Cllr Bryan Wallbridge Vice Chair 07974 939776 westfield.wallbridge@gmail.com
Cllr Phil Wilkinson 01761 431355 / 07803 927626 philipdwilkinson@btinternet.com
Cllr Pat Williams 01761 432630 patwilliams21@talktalk.net
The Oval Office Cobblers Way St Peters Business Park Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Wesfield Parish Council The Parish Council is open from Monday to Thursday. Due to the small number of part time staff it is advisable to telephone before visiting. The Parish Council is accessible for the public, with a lift to the first floor office.
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