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Boules are Back
The court has been weeded and rolled, the boules dusted off, and we are raring to go. Tuesday the 12th of April at 6pm, Norton Hill Recreation Ground, will once again ring to the cries of “Oh No”, “I didn’t mean to do that” and “Sacre Bleu” (as we try out our French!) and equal cries of anguish. Yes, Westfield Petanque Club is once again on the “piste”. The format remains the same, anyone and everyone is welcome, any age, any gender and any ability. There is no dress code, no fees and absolutely no sporting prowess required, just turn up at 6pm and enjoy the game in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Boules will be played throughout the summer, every Tuesday at 6pm, there is no need to book, and all equipment is provided, so just turn up and enjoy. See you there! Should you need and further information, please feel free to give me a ring on 01761 415155. Diana Cooper
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Welcome to The Westfield Warbler
Contents 4
Planting a success
5
It’s Your Neighbourhood
7
Big Local Update
8
Grants Awarded
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Westfield Warbler, we hope that it will give 10 Boules are back an appealing glimpse into what’s happening in Westfield as the warmer weather approaches. 11 Neighbourhood Plan Please contact us at the Parish Council if you have any thoughts for the next edition. 14 Westfield Events We await with pleasure the installation of 14 Daisy Bear raising funds new play equipment at Westhill Recreation Ground, supported by Big Lottery funding. 15 Annual Parish Meeting We hope it will provide a better balance of play equipment for all ages and look forward to any 16 What’s On feedback, especially from the young people. Soon you will receive a Household Survey from our Neighbourhood Plan Working Group. The significance of this survey cannot be stressed enough. The results will form the evidence we need to show exactly what is needed in Westfield for the years ahead. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and return it in the reply paid envelope. And, if you can attend any of the consultation events which are being planned across Westfield over the next few months, you will be very warmly welcomed. As my first year as Chairman of Westfield Parish Council draws to a close I hope we will see you at the Annual Parish Meeting at Westfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall on 26th April at 7pm for an overview of work in the parish over the past 12 months. Finally, we hope you will make it to the Westfield Fun Day on 5th June, as ever, this promises to be an enjoyable event and our thanks to all who work so hard to bring it together. Cllr Robin Moss
Chair of Westfield Parish Council
18 Setting up a business 21 Busy time for WAGS 22 Things to do 28 Green Fingered 30 Message from the Clerk
The next edition of The Westfield Warbler will be in May. If you would like your group to be included, please contact us on 01761 410141 before the deadline of the 1st May 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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Community Planting a Success in Westfield In November around 20 Councillors, residents and members of the Westfield Allotment and Garden Society worked together to plant bulbs for what we hope will be a fantastic display of 4000 daffodils through the centre of Westfield in February. Our thanks to Mark Cassidy of BANES who coordinated the planting, giving time, equipment and encouragement to the event. Chair of the Council, Robin Moss said, “It was a cold but successful morning, with a hardy group of local volunteers ! We all look forward to seeing the flowers coming up in the spring, it will make Westfield very bright and cheery.�
IT’S YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Calling all local community groups that might have an interest in improving their surroundings in Westfield. The RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) campaign supports community groups in cleaning up and greening up their immediate local environment - whether that’s the street they live in, or a small patch of communal land needing a revamp. More than 1,600 groups already take part around the UK. It’s free to join and each group receives an annual visit from an IYN assessor who provides feedback on how further improvements can be made. Any group can join as long as it is volunteer led and involved in hands-on community gardening. The group should be working with the local community for the benefit of the community. Those taking part report cleaner, greener and safer surroundings; a growing sense of community pride; increased rates of local recycling and environmental awareness, and a reduction in anti-social behaviour with the regeneration of run-down areas. Fosse Way School doing work on the winter planting
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What kinds of things do IYN groups do? The projects groups do depend entirely on their local area, but examples include:
Restoring a churchyard Taking over the improvement and maintenance of green spaces on an estate Transforming a bleak residential back alley into a community garden Adopting a square, roundabout or neglected space and renovating it Redeveloping all the front gardens on (part of) a street using any number of schemes, for example hanging baskets or window boxes for growing herbs Forming a Friends group to look after a local park Uniting local retailers to transform the high street Last year the Westfield Allotment Society won an ‘Outstanding’ award for their work at their allotments site and the coal truck planters in Westfield. Fosse Way School were commended for a ‘thriving’ piece of work and for looking after the hanging basket planter. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/ communities/campaigns/it-s-yourneighbourhood/about-it-s-yourneighbourhood for more details.
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Coming up-
Westfield Front Garden Competition The annual Front Garden Competition is revving up to be launched in May of this year. Last year’s entries were very colourful and it was a joy to see the beautiful displays that were present in Westfield. This year we would like people to nominate a garden that they see on their travels around Westfield that they think is worthy of a
mention. Some people don’t like blowing their own trumpet, so it would be really good to get others to nominate them for the hard work they put into creating a colourful space. Don’t forget, we have two competitions – one for best garden and one for best container Watch this space for more information later in the year.
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All Beef Pork and Lamb from local farms, prize winning sausages, pies and faggots. Gold awards for our home cured Bacon from Pigs reared sts We offer free home visits if you are unable to attend the office and on the Mendips Hog roa le a free initial assessment for all matrimonial and family matters on availab Home produced Friday mornings, please ring to make an appointment. OR cooked meats. ked o co s ig P Local deliveries Crossmans Solicitors 2A Fortescue Road for you to e rv Freezer orders se Radstock BA3 3PH 01761SC 431688 Director HEARING LTD RichardrseGethin, taken ou lf. office@crossmans-solicitors.co.uk • Family run business since 1997 • A full and yfriendly assessment of your hearing Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS
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An update from Big Local The Big Local is welcoming in the New Year with more funding for Radstock and Westfield. Last year we funded over thirty projects, spending £18,000 in the process. Most recently ten groups benefited from our latest Dragons’ Den with around £500 each. SWALLOW, an organisation that supports people with learning disabilities, successfully applied to Dragons’ Den and were awarded £500 to go on a rare holiday experience by the coast. “The trip to Poole was very educating… the best part of the trip was socialising with other members and support staff.” Other winners included Battle of the Bands who put on a great show of local musical talent at the Victoria Hall; Hang It, a project that brought professional artists and local children together to create artwork that was displayed in the Victoria Hall gallery; new song sheets for Westfield Ladies Choir; and a makeover of the foyer and tea rooms in the Radstock Museum. Have you benefited from the Big Local? Tell us your story; we’d love to hear from you.
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We have a budget of £4,000 a year to spend exclusively for young people in Radstock & Westfield. Young people up to the age of 19 can decide, collectively, how this money is spent in our community. If you would like to join our Young People’s group please get in touch. As well as our £4,000 annual fund for young people we will soon be launching our first ever Young People’s Dragons’ Den - look out in the local press for details. Exciting news for this year: we are pleased to announce our Big Fund, which can fund larger projects. If you have a project idea that fits our themes (see website) and you would like to develop it then please get in touch. We are able to provide free support throughout the application process. This can include step by step form filling, face to face coaching and advice on how to access further funding pots if required. The application form and guidelines can be downloaded from our website. We have already agreed two Big Fund applications, for Whisty Hall and Victoria Hall. How to find out more and get in touch: www.radstockwestfield.org.uk info@radstockwestfield.org.uk 07845 756700 Find us on Facebook: Big Local Radstock & Westfield Find us on Twitter: @RandWBigLocal
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Grants awarded to Community Groups
The Parish Council is pleased to report on the grants given to several Community Groups in the last round of awards.
£600 was given to Kilter Theatre to bring an ‘unsung project’ to Westfield, working with Fosse Way and Westfield Primary schools; £1000 to the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-aRide for operational costs; £1000 to St Nicholas Church for the upkeep and maintenance of the churchyard; £914 for local charity SWALLOW to establish a monthly film club; £750 to the SWAN advice network, £500 to the Teddy Bear nursery for outside play equipment; £500 for the Community Bus, which is currently planning to purchase a new vehicle. The grant will help purchase new toys and equipment for the new bus. £200 was presented to the West of England MS Therapy Centre to continue to provide a service to members who live in Westfield; £608 went to Wansdyke Play Association to provide play activities at Westfield Fund Day; £500 to Westhill Sports and Community Centre as part of its revamp and £650 for WISH to hire a specially adapted coach for day trips and holidays. A second round of applications for grants took place in January and we’ll report on recipients in the next Warbler.
Celebrating 40 Years Westfield FC is celebrating 40 years as a club. It all began back in 1976 when a group of enthusiastic parents formed the club and started a team playing in the local youth football league. Today it has three adult teams and 9 youth teams ranging from Under 7 through to Under 16. Over the years many parents, grand-parents and friends have been involved with the club be it kit washing, line marking, training, fundraising or transport. A big thank you to everyone. In particular special thanks to Jerry Colbourne who has been involved for over 20 years as a youth coach and manager, Chairman and currently as the First Team manager; the club wouldn’t be what it is today without his dedication and support.
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In the adult section of the club teams play in Somerset County League and the Mid-Somerset Leagues. A large number of those playing today came up through our youth set-up. Westfield FC continues to offer a safe and fun environment for young people in the area to play football. We have a vibrant youth structure with teams playing in various leagues. To celebrate our 40 years the club is holding a dinner on 21st May at Prattens for current and past players, supporters and friends of Westfield FC. If you or your child is interested in joining our club or you are interested in attending our 40th Anniversary Dinner please contact westfieldfc@live.com
Would you like to join a local running club in Westfield? John Reynolds aka Marathon Man is looking to start a running club in Westfield and is asking local residents to contact him if they would like to join. John has run many marathons, half marathons and ultra marathons and at the moment is training the Bath Half Team for the charity, Time is Precious. He would like to share his knowledge and mental determination with others, so they can help raise money for local charities but also for runners looking to improve their health and enjoy the fun of running. His aim is to start a club based in Westfield, aimed at all abilities and ages, from children to adults, beginners to regular runners.
He hopes this will put Westfield on the map as a parish full of accomplished runners and charity raisers. If you would be interested in joining a local running group and being trained by John, then please do contact him on 07745351278
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Spring tagliatelle with lemon sauce
Ingredients
450g of spring vegtables such as green beans, asparagus, broad beans and peas, 400g Tagliatelle, 1 lemon, 1tbsp Dijon mustard, 1tbsp Olive oil, 3tbsp snipped chives, grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), to serve
Method
Halve green beans and cut asparagus into 3 on a diagonal. Cook the tagliatelle, adding the vegetables for the final 5 mins of the cooking time. Meanwhile, grate zest from half the lemon and squeeze the juice of the whole lemon in a small pan with mustard, olive oil and a little black pepper. Warm through until smooth. Drain pasta and veg, adding 4 tbsp of the water to the lemon sauce. Return the pasta to the pan, reheat the sauce, adding most of the chives, then add to the pasta, tossing everything together. Serve and top with Parmesan and remaining chives.
Westfield Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan
after which Westfield’s Neighbourhood Plan becomes a legal document which the Local Authority needs to consider in its decisions for the neighbourhood. It is a very useful and effective way to express how the Westfield community moves forward in the future and ensures that wishes of the community will be reflected in all future developments in the area. Why not attend one of our Consultation events? Everyone is welcome. · Tuesday 22nd March Westfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall 10am-12noon · Tuesday 19th April Mardon’s Club 2pm-4pm · Tuesday 17th May Westfield Sports and Community Centre 7pm-9pm
PR OO F
Having become the first parish council in B&NES to have been awarded the prestigious national, ‘Quality Award’, Westfield Parish Council is continuing to build on its progressive reputation by commencing the drafting and formal endorsement of a Neighbourhood Plan. Neighbourhood Plans are a new and exciting process set up by central government to absolutely ensure that local interests, wishes and aspirations form an integral part of the future planning for our local communities Westfield’s Neighbourhood Plan will be drafted after extensive consultation with all members of the community and that process will include open days and community meetings, where residents can have their say on exactly how things should be done in their community. For example that means what style and quantity of housing is to be built, the kind of shops and public buildings which residents need, provision for young people, what and where education is provided, which areas we prefer to keep protected as green space, and how traffic and local services are managed and so on…. The finished plan is then published and voted on by a local referendum of Westfield residents and only then are the results submitted for formal endorsement by the Planning authorities,
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Thank you to our Snow Wardens
As I write this article at the end of January, winter is far from over. However, it is a good time to applaud the work of our Westfield Snow Wardens. Watching the weather forecasts and being prepared to go outside to grit some of the well walked pathways in Westfield is a task which many of us would avoid. However this small group of volunteers has embraced the task and their time, stamina and hard work is very much appreciated. If anyone would like more information about becoming a Snow Warden. The amount of time you give to this scheme is entirely up to you and is highly valued by local people. Please contact the Parish Council on 01761 410669 or e mail council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
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Christmas Lights switch on Residents of Westfield gathered together for the annual Christmas Light Switch on event at the end of November. Father Christmas was in attendance and everyone sang along to carols led by the Westfield Ladies’ Choir accompanied by the Midsomer Norton Silver Band. The Rev Jan Tate read some words before the lights were switched on by Westfield Primary School pupil, Ruby Price, and Fosse Way school student Elliot Rippington. The Christmas tree lights were enhanced by the new lights on the lampposts in the centre of Westfield, creating an avenue of festive cheer. For the first time Somer Valley FM did an outside broadcast, doing a live programme for an hour. Dom Chambers spoke to several people live on the radio who were all thoroughly enjoying the event. Parish Council Chairman, Robin Moss, thanked everyone who took part in the celebrations.
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Events in Westfield
The last Sunday in November saw Westfield Christmas Craft Fair take place. A big THANK YOU to the committee of Westfield Sports and Community Centre for allowing us to use the club for the event. Despite the weather not being at its best, with a wet afternoon in store, the event was a success and the attendance was up on the previous year. A number of charity stalls were set up along with local people with crafts who wanted to show their skills to the people of Westfield. Sandra Roberts was in charge of the stall raising money for Brain Tumour Research. There is a World Record attempt going on, to crotchet 10,000 daisies and Sandra was busy recruiting people to take part.
As we go into 2016 the small group of dedicated volunteers are working towards bringing the Fun Day on Sunday June 5th to fruition. We can always use more volunteers to help with the organisation. It is a growing event, getting better and better each year. So if you could spare some time to help with this please contact Cllr Phil Wilkinson on 01761 431355.
Daisy Bear is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research
We are trying to break a Guinness World Record and need people who can crochet to help. We need to make 15,000 Daisies by the end of May, 2016 to display at The Forum in Bath on Saturday 4th June, 2016 as we try to break a record for the largest number of people crocheting simultaneously in memory of Emma Daisy Welch. Please contact Daisy Bear on Facebook or email daisybear2015@btinternet.com for more details
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What’s On Feb
16th Radstock Museum ‘Science in Radstock’ talk, at Radstock Methodist Church, 7:30pm. £3. FROM RAINDROP TO TABLE TOP: A technical History of Bristol’s Water. By Colin Hunt of Bristol Water plc. Details www.radstockmuseum.co.uk 19th Big Local, Young People Group: Radical Youth Club, SWALLOW Café 20th Train To Skaville (Ska, reggae, rocksteady), Mardons Social Club 23rd NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 24th Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under-3s. 10:30am-11:00am at Midsomer Norton Library. Free 27th Kurling and hotdog Supper. Westfield Trinity Methodist 6:00pm 27th Brew (50s and 60s golden age of rock n roll), Mardons Social Club
March
1st Big Local Partnership meeting at Radstock Working Men’s Club, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Free Buffet 4th Pray for Peace in Our World from 10am. At 2:00pm the Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held. Westfield Trinity Methodist 5th Sneakers (The very best rock n roll), Mardons Social Club 7th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the Boardroom,The Oval Office 7:00pm 12th Film and Supper evening. Westfield Trinity Methodist 6.00pm 12th No Mean Feat (Rock n blues), Mardons Social Club 14th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 15th NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 15th Poetry Liaisons 7.00pm-8.00pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. See Libraries feature for more information 19th Big Local, Young People Group: Radical Youth Club, SWALLOW Café 19th 10:00am-12noon. Easter bonnet coffee morning. Westfield Trinity Methodist 19th Twenty Flight Rock (Rock n roll and rockabilly), Mardons Social Club 19th Poetry Liaisons.7:00pm-8:00pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. See Libraries feature for more information 20th Joined-Up Writers Group 1:00pm-3:00pm at Midsomer Norton Library. Open to all and free to attend. See Libraries feature for more information
22nd Consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan, everyone welcome Trinity Methodist Church Westfield 10.00am-12noon 23rd FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm Good Friday 25th. Walk of Witness. Westfield Trinity Methodist
April
2nd The Crawling King Snakes (edgy rock n roll and rockabilly), Mardons Social Club 4th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 5th NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 11th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 16th Shades Of Grey (Classy unction band), Mardons Social Club 19th Consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan, everyone welcome Mardon’s Club 2.00pm-4.00pm 20th FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 23rd Bullet Train (Lively pop and rock), Mardons Social Club 26th ANNUAL PARISH MEETING Westfield Trinity Church, Wells Road, Westfield 7:00pm
May
3rd PARISH COUNCIL MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 7th Harlem Rhythm Cats (Boogie woogie and blues), Mardons Social Club 9th ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 17th Consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan, everyone welcome Westfield Sports and Community Centre 7.00pm-9.00pm 18th FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING in the Boardroom, Oval Office 7:00pm 28th DNA Arts event at Radstock library Saturday 28th May- details to be announced
June
Fun Day Sunday 5th June, 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Westhill Recreation Ground
Step into your local library this Spring Westfield residents are lucky enough to be in reach of two local libraries - Radstock and Midsomer Norton and there are regular and special events for children and adults going on all the time, often free of charge. For children under 5 we hold regular Storytime sessions every Monday at 11am in both libraries and monthly Baby Bounce and Rhyme for the under 3s. See What’s on for Baby Bounce dates. We have just launched our Young Crime Writers competition for entrants who are 17 or under on Monday 11th January 2016. Entries must be 1000 words or less and the closing date is: Monday 21st March. Entry forms can be downloaded from our website or collected from the library. Adults and children are invited to help design our new Library Cards. Entries must be submitted by 1st April and forms are available on the website or from libraries. Midsomer Norton library’s Joined-up Writers workshops offer support for budding writers in getting started or exploring their ideas, and there are Poetry Liaisons nights when poets and poetrylovers can share their own work or just listen, often with a guest poet attending. These take place monthly at Midsomer Norton Library, see What’s On for dates and times.
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For adults there’s a lively range of AFTER HOURS evening events, from special appearances by established authors to musical performances, both modern and traditional. Events are being added all the time so just drop in to check out what’s on, or use the contact details below. Free computer access is available to all and members get extra time. Joining the library is free whatever your age and it only takes a few minutes. For more information and opening times go to: Facebook Bathnes Libraries Twitter @bathnes #bathneslibraries Email Councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Telephone 01225 394041 Web www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries
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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LOOKING TO SET UP A BUSINESS? HERE’S HOW IT’S DONE As one of the younger businesses in Westfield recently celebrated its 1st birthday, we talked to owner and manager of Coffee Shot cafe, Carine Apps, about what is involved in setting up and running your own business. It was a long process to go through to find and secure premises, arrange a lease, refurbish the shop and open up and there were times along the way when they were disheartened and lost momentum. I asked whether there were any nasty surprises during the process and there most certainly were. “It’s incredibly costly to set up in business” Carine admitted, “what with the deposit and rent up front for the premises, solicitor’s fees for advice on the lease, not to mention Planning Permission for change of use from retail to food outlet”. Carine highly recommends to apply for flexible change of use permission which is far cheaper than permanent change of use. Although permanent permission must be secured within two years of the first permission being granted it gives the business some breathing space both financially and practically.
The business was awarded a small business grant from Cllr Robin Moss’ Ward Councillor’s Initiative Fund and Carine can’t thank Cllr Moss enough. The money was spent on banners to advertise seasonal promotions such as winter warmers. “With so many costs being paid up front we are still only covering stock, wages and insurance with the business so any little extra is very welcome”.
There are lots of opportunities available to new businesses both financial and practical which are worth investigating during the process of researching a business idea. Carine even cited the Westfield Warbler as a fantastic form of advertising because the people reading it then find the cafe right on their doorstep. Even a year into the business there are still customers who have only just discovered the cafe and have heard about it through word of mouth or by seeing a local advert. What words of wisdom would Carine pass onto anyone wishing to venture into business themselves? “Don’t give up!” she says. “For all the knock backs along the way it really is worth it and when you get the comments and gestures that we had on our birthday it makes it all worthwhile”. And just one more piece of advice: “if someone says ‘...if there’s anything I can do to help...’ make sure you accept!” Carine herself is more than happy to talk to anyone who wants help and advice on setting up a business, and of course, you know where to find her!
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A Challenge from Nora @ Norwest! Have you been watching the World Indoor Bowls Championships on the television recently or are you one of those people who enjoy leaning over the fence and watching a game of bowls on a sunny summer afternoon? It’s easy isn’t it? All you do is stand on the mat, roll the wood and hey presto, there is your wood sitting cosily right next to the jack. Can’t understand why all those old people never seem to be able to get it right? Well, here’s my challenge to you. Come and show us just how easy it is! On Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th of April we are holding open evenings at Norwest Bowls Club when everyone is welcome to come along and have a go. We’ll tell you the rules, how to stand on the mat, what to do and lend you some bowls and then all you need to do is prove how easy it is. Simple! Ok, so now that you’re interested I’ll tell you a bit about Norwest Bowls Club. We’re a small friendly club with a very mixed membership, ranging in age from 8 to well shall we just say getting on a bit! We have some with replacement hips or knees, some that can’t see or hear too well and some who nip up and down the green like spring
chickens, but don’t get me wrong, we also have lots of younger players. That’s the great thing about bowls, the huge range of ages and abilities that can all play with or against each other and still have a really great game!
We play a mixture of Club, County, League and Friendly games all of which are played in a competitive and social atmosphere. Overall we are a friendly club and would welcome any new members with open arms. So how about it? All you need to do is pop along to see us, we’re at Westfield, on the Fosseway, our driveway runs down between Buildbase and Norton Hill Football ground. As I said, the open evenings are on 11th to the 14th of April, 6pm until dusk. You just need to wear sensible clothes and flat shoes. If you’d like any further information you can ring me on 01761479310 or the bar will be open on each open evening so you could just come along for a drink and a chat. So come on show me how clever you are! Who knows in a few years’ time we could all be watching you on television collecting the World Bowls Trophy!
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Mardons Social Club Written by Mardons Social Club
The move of Mardons Social Club from its long time home to the new community building on the Nightingale development in June 2015, was undoubtedly the start of one of the area’s big success stories. However as 2016 begins it seems the future of Mardons Club may once again be at risk. The club is housed in a purpose built building, a ‘community building’, which along with the nursery and offices on the floors above, was an integral part of the reason planning was granted for the whole development. This building was part of the ‘section 106 money’ - which is essentially the agreed spending that the developer has to pay towards giving something back to the area, to improve or enhance it, or to go towards services, in return for the impact their development will have on the area. The club has been made aware that the developer, Linden Homes, intend to get change of use for the two floors above the social club. The floors were designated as office space when planning was granted, adhering to the key needs identified by B&NES planning department. Planners were promised a mixed residential/employment development, but the proposed u-turn by the developer could see a considerable addition of more profitable residential units added to their portfolio at the expense of potential local jobs. The shared use of the building was carefully IAN MACDONALD INSURANCE SERVICES LTD
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planned. The nursery and social club operate at different times and the working hours of the offices above would mean that the very limited ‘shared’ parking should never be too overstretched. With the club soundproofed to protect the neighbours and the outside area and delivery/reception screened, to the rear of the building, the club could prosper with almost no impact on the residents around them. Change of use could see occupiers of the proposed flats living immediately on top of the general hustle and bustle of the club. They could overlook the outside beer garden, where it’s not unusual to see 60-70 patrons congregate. How long will the club be allowed to run in its current form once residents move in? How long will it be before there are complaints - and the argument that the club was there first, as we all know, simply will not suffice? How long will it be before potential restrictions endanger the club’s very existence and threaten the loss of this important community facility? There are many more reasons B&NES should refuse this change of use and stop developers making a mockery of the planning process. Keep following developments at the club website and Facebook page (mardonsclub. co.uk and Facebook.com/mardonsclub)
If you are interested in your community and want to say ‘NO’ to this, please look out for the online petition when it’s launched. NEED A NEW BOILER?
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A BUSY TIME FOR WAGS
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Westfield Allotment and Garden Society had a busy 2015. In addition to growing vegetables on our plots, we did a fair bit of municipal gardening this year. We planted and tended the miner’s tubs and raised beds in Jubilee Green, the garden outside the shops, twice this year. Some of the plants this autumn were provided by Rebeccca’s Flower Shop in Radstock. We also helped plant bulbs in areas about Westfield, including the roundabout in Glebelands. We had a couple of awards in 2015. Many of our allotmenteers did well at shows and exhibitions but as a group the allotment site received “Outstanding” in Britain in Bloom contest. Thanks to one of our youth allotmenteers, Callum Cocks, we were also successful in our Radstock & Westfield Big Local Dragons’ Den event. We want to develop more small plots for children with the goal of creating interest in gardening among Westfield’s youth. WAGS gardening for Children has been supported through Big Local and administered by Local Trust for the Big Lottery Fund. It’s time to get your seed orders in and your potatoes chitting. May 2016 be a splendid gardening year for all.
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Things to do Monday
Storytime at Radstock and Midsomer Norton Libraries 11:00am-11:00am. Stories followed by craft activity. For 0-5 year olds. Free Weight Watchers – St Peters Church Hall, Longfellow Road, Westfield. 10 am, 12:00pm and 6:30pm Prattens Bowls If you would like to try bowls why not come along to our Club night - from 6pm. Coaching can be arranged by our Club Coaches – bowls can be borrowed so you just need to wear a pair of flat shoes. Prattens Bowls Club
Tuesday Community Bus at Westhill Club car park 9:30am – 11:30am. Sessions for anyone with babies and young children. Contact 01761 419557 or communitybus@hotmail.co.uk
Wednesday Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Midsomer Norton Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10:00am-11:00am. Every fourth Wednesday see ‘Whats On’ for dates or contact the library
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Thursday Baby Bounce and Rhyme for under 3s at Radstock Library. Sing along nursery rhymes 10:00am-11:00am. FIRST Thursday of every month ‘Whats On’ for dates or contact the library
Friday Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield. 9:00am – 11:00am. Come along for a chat and a cuppa. Catch up with friends and meet new ones. Bring along your knitting, sewing etc and join us for coffee and a chat while you enjoy your craft, or learn new ones. It is held the first Friday of the month from 10am onwards – all welcome. Golden Oldies sing and smile session, third Friday of each month. From 2:30am– 3:00pm, St Peters Church Hall, Longfellow Rd. Radstock Folk Dance Club English and American styled country dances at St Peters Church Hall. Beginners are more than welcome and you do not need a partner. £2 per evening inc tea and biscuits. 8:00am-10:00pm. Call 01458 841400 for more details.
Saturday Messy Church Art Group at Radstock Baptist Church 10:30am – 12:00pm Not just for kids! Children should be accompanied by an adult. Call to confirm attendance in case of holiday Frederik: 07811652372
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Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Mini-Bus
The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Mini Bus is here for any organisations such as Churches, Lunch Clubs, Activity Groups etc., who would like to hire a bus to get them to any functions, or merely a day out to a garden centre or sports club etc. The bus holds 12 passengers, and is equipped with a ramp and tail-lift for wheelchairs or anyone who has difficulty in getting up steps. We have a pool of drivers during the day, that are willing to drive you or alternatively,
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Westfield Business Centre BA3 4BH www.waldronpartnership.co.uk
you may nominate someone associated with your group to become one of our volunteer drivers (subject to satisfactory completion of a driving assessment and meeting The Trust’s requirements) to take you wherever your function may be. You can contact our Secretary David Shearn on 01761 413473 or our new Co-ordinator Debbie Gunfield on 01761 416910 So, why not give it a try, and you may find it is just what you have been looking for!
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Delicious Food Supports Students’ Achievements at Cafe Gallery Fosse Way School in Westfield first gave the general public the opportunity to dine on its premises when it opened the doors to Café Gallery on 11th January 2010, only to close them the following day owing to a heavy fall of snow! Since that early setback the café has become increasingly popular with local residents and is currently open from 8am to 4pm from Monday to Friday.
A variety of freshly prepared dishes are always available, many of which include ingredients sourced from local suppliers as well as produce from the school garden. Popular choices from the Café’s current menu include delicious homemade soup, cakes and toasties. Sumptuous breakfasts are also now available throughout the day and have proven very popular. From the drinks menu Espresso coffee and smoothies are particular favourites amongst customers. Cafe Gallery also caters for conferences, fork buffets, training courses, business meetings and family gatherings. Outside catering is a further dimension of the ambitious enterprise. The Café is able to provide sandwich platters, snacks for
morning break, afternoon tea, fruit platters, cream teas and whole cakes. While customers are dining they are able to enjoy art and craft exhibitions that are regularly held at the café. Past exhibits have included pieces produced by Fosse Way School students as well as the work of local artists. Café manager Emma Moffat is always pleased to hear from local artists who wish to display their work. The café provides free Wi-Fi for customers and is a buggy friendly environment. Café Gallery offers many educational and training opportunities for the students of Fosse Way School. These have included training in becoming a barista, cake-making and customer services. Students have taken part in the delivery of local orders and buffets with support from café staff as necessary. In addition, students who are taking the BTEC Hospitality course at Fosse Way complete work experience placements in the café. In a number of cases students’ work at Café Gallery has enabled them to gain employment in the catering industry or a place on a college course. Emma Moffat comments: “At least fifty different students have benefitted from work experience here so far and it’s always a pleasure to complete a reference request for an ex-student who has moved on to employment or college.” By visiting the café customers support these invaluable opportunities for the students of Fosse Way. Should you wish to discuss either catering options or the display of artwork please telephone Emma Moffat, Café Gallery manager on 01761 404201. Alternatively, pop in to the café to discuss your requirements.
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PASSENGER TRAINS RETURN TO S&D 50 YEARS AFTER CLOSURE
The Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway is pleased to announce that steam hauled passenger services will be returning to Midsomer Norton for the 50 year closure commemorative event on the weekend of 5th/6th March. A London Midland and Scottish Railway Jinty Tank locomotive will be visiting the line where its former class members worked many years before. It is hoped that the unique Sentinel locomotive currently nearing the end of an extensive rebuild on site at the station will be steaming too. Two of these squat Sentinel engines were built for the Somerset and Dorset Railway in 1929 and based at Radstock until the late 1950’s marshalling coal wagons from the collieries through the diminutive Tyning Arch Bridge, known colloquially as ‘Marble Arch’. There is now more than half a mile of rail
running area at Midsomer Norton which is unique on the old Somerset and Dorset line and the Duchy of Cornwall has just given the go-ahead for access to its section of the railway land. This is an informal notification, ahead of getting the official ‘entry letter’, to allow work to start clearing trackbed surface vegetation ahead of the bird nesting season. Volunteers are always needed at the station for a number of activities but now there is a big clearance and track laying job to be done. Other activities for the Commemorative weekend will be going on in the gardens, museums and shop so look out for further details which will be released on the web site www.sdjr.co.uk nearer the time. The Parish Council is looking forward to seeing a display from the S&D Heritage Railway at the Fun Day on 5th June.
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A busy winter for Trinity Methodist Church Westfield We held a coffee morning in early November when we filled and packed 50 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. We had a very busy time over the Christmas and New Year festivities. Breakfast with Santa proved to be very popular. His grotto was beautifully decorated for his visit, and a hearty breakfast was enjoyed by everyone. Our monthly coffee mornings have now resumed, please pop in and enjoy homemade cakes with your cup of tea or coffee. Lots of jam, marmalade, and chutney is always available.
We usually open on the first Friday of the month. Please see our banner in front the church for Breakfasts and Charity events. As a Church we would be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to join us for Sunday Worship at 10 30 am
Dates for your diary..
Saturday 27th February at 6pm. Kurling and hotdog Supper. Friday 4th March. As well as the usual coffee morning Our Church will be open when you will have the opportunity to Pray for Peace in Our World from 10am. At 2pm the Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held. Saturday 12th March at 6pm Film and Supper evening. Saturday 19th March from 10:00am -12noon. Easter bonnet coffee morning. Good Friday 25th March. Walk of Witness.
Prattens Bowls Club Prattens Bowls Club is situated behind the neatly trimmed hedge on the opposite side of the car park to Prattens Westfield Sports and Social Club. Membership is open to people of any age; the season starts mid April and continues until mid September. All our matches are outdoors, those for ladies are played mainly in the afternoons; for men, mainly evenings and Saturday afternoons; mixed matches are mainly on Sunday afternoons and some evenings. If you would like to try bowls why not come along to our Club night - Mondays from 6pm. Coaching can be arranged by our Club Coaches – bowls can be borrowed so you just need to wear a pair of flat shoes. If you cannot make a Monday evening, other coaching is available by arrangement. Our pre-season meeting is Saturday 19th March at 10.30am and we would be delighted to see you then. In the meantime telephone Barrie or Pauline Dando on 01761 412705 for more information.
The Big Blue Playbus
The Big Blue Playbus continues to visit Westfield on Tuesday mornings during school term times thanks to Big Lottery, Reaching Communities funding. Local parents with their babies and preschool children meet up on Tuesdays 9.3011.30am on board the playbus in the car park of Westhill Rec on Westhill Road.
There are lots of play activities and toys on offer such as dressing up, construction, painting, sand and lots more. There is also snack time and singing with the playworkers who help to make the session run smoothly. Work is in progress to replace the ageing double decker and the new one should be ready in April this year.”
One - day Saturday courses, four- day workshops and evening classes running this Easter and summer
For more details, a full list of courses and to enrol online visit:
www.bathcollege.ac.uk @bathcollege
/BathCollege
Bath College, Avon Street, Bath, BA1 1UP 01225 328 720 enquiries@bathcollege.ac.uk
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• Animal Care • Art & Design • Baking • Beauty • Carpentry • Ceramics • Cookery • Creative Writing • Fashion • Floristry • Gardening • Glass • Holistic Treatments
• Interior Design • Jewellery • Journalism
• Knitting • Lampshade Making
• Languages • Literature Studies • Massage • Papermaking • Photography • Portraiture • Printmaking • Programming • Sculpture • Stonemasonry • Sugarcraft • Tree Climbing for Adults
Green Fingered? 28
We know from the Front Garden Competition, and from walking around the Parish, that we have some very keen and talented gardeners in Westfield. Would you be willing to give an hour of your time once a week to help maintain the flower planters in the centre of Westfield? Some of the shopkeepers in the local shops have already agreed to help maintain the flower beds in Jubilee Green, and now we need volunteers to help maintain the two miners’ trucks. There is no cost involved, just time and effort, to weed, deadhead and water throughout the summer months. If you would like to be involved with the planting as well, the more the merrier! If you think you can help, then please contact Cllr Diana Cooper on 01761 415155
You could advertise here for as little as ÂŁ34 + VAT
Call Zoe on 01761 410141 or email zoe@ignyte.co.uk
Community Directory LIBRARIES
Radstock Library
The Street, Radstock Tel: 01225 394041
Midsomer Norton Library
119 High Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01225 394041
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Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths
The Hollies, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP Opening Hours: Wednesday 9am – 4pm, Thursday 9am – 12:30pm, Friday 9am – 4pm. Appointments Tel: 01225 477234
SWAN Advice Network Housing Tel: 01761 432445
Welfare Benefits
DOCTORS
Tel: 01761 437176
Waterford Park, Westfield. Tel: 436333
Tel: 01761 439548
EDUCATION
Westfield Primary School
Contact Bath and North East Somerset Council Administrator Tel: 01225 842480
Fosse Way School
HALLS/ROOMS FOR HIRE
St Benedicts School
Radstock Tel: 01761 431417
Bath College, Somer Valley Campus
Westfield Tel: 01761 432478
Westfield Surgery
Longfellow Rd, Westfield BA3 3XX Tel: 01761 413662 Longfellow Rd, Westfield BA3 3AL Tel: 01761 412198 Charlton La, Radstock BA3 4BD Tel: 01761 418594
Volunteer Transport Neighbourhood Watch
Trinity Methodist Church Trinity Methodist Church Radstock Baptist Church
South Hill Park, Wells Road, Westfield, BA3 3RW. Tel: 01761 433161
Tel: 01761 433761
POLICE
(available for daytime or school holiday hiring only)
Radstock Scout Hall Wells Road, BA3 3RP
Radstock Police Station
Contact Mark Hird mark.hird@lloydsbanking.com
POST OFFICES
Westhill Road, Westfield, BA3 3TE Tel: 01761 432 437
Wells Road, Westfield, Radstock, BA3 3SG
Radstock Post Office
within Radco, 3 Wells Hill, Radstock Tel: 01761 432142 Sorting Office – 0845 6113014
Midsomer Norton Post Office
122b High Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01761 413211
Westfield Sports and Community Centre Prattens Sports and Social Club. Charlton La, Radstock, BA3 4BD Tel: 01761 418596
Mardons Social Club
Nightingale Way, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4NL Tel: 01761 412137
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The
Parish Clerk
As I write this at the beginning of February the sun is shining and the daffodil bulbs planted by the voluntary planters in November and December are beginning to show. This planting initiative saw local residents, students of Fosse Way School, members of the Westfield Allotment and Garden Society and Councillors coming together to plant some 4000 daffodil bulbs along the Fosseway. Many thanks to all involved in this hard work, sometimes in the driving rain, it was well worth it. At its meeting this week the Parish Council agreed the precept for Westfield for 2016/17. This year the Parish Council has agreed a very small increase, which for a Band D equivalent home equates to an extra ÂŁ1.93 per year. Whilst reluctant to see any increase at all, this small increase will help mitigate the staged loss of the Council Tax Support Scheme grant, a challenge which all local councils have to face.
One of my key tasks at this time of year is to arrange the Annual Parish Meeting. All English Parishes must convene such a meeting between March and June each year. In Westfield it will take place on Tuesday 26th April 2016 at 7pm at the Westfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall. You are warmly welcome to the meeting and we hope you will come along and raise any issues of concern in the Parish. This May we are anticipating the return of the Fun Fair to Norton Hill Recreation Ground and in June the much loved Westfield Fun Day will take place at Westhill Recreation Ground – more information will go out in the local press nearer the time.
Lesley Welch Parish Clerk
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 Robin Moss Chair 01761 432224 / 07543 626184 Robin_moss_@hotmail.com
Cllr Angie Seaman-Moss 01761 432224 cllrangie@hotmail.com
Cllr Bryan Wallbridge Vice Chair 07974 939776 westfield.wallbridge@gmail.com
The Oval Office Cobblers Way St Peters Business Park Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Cllr Phil Wilkinson 01761 431355 / 07803 927626 philipdwilkinson@btinternet.com
Cllr Pat Williams 01761 432630 patwilliams21@talktalk.net
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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