19 minute read
Fosse Way School's caretaker retires
Fosse Way School’s much loved caretaker retires
When Fosse Way Special School in Westfield closed its gates at the end of the summer term it bid farewell with heartfelt gratitude to a staff member who had been a dependable and reassuring presence at the school over many years: caretaker, Hugh Howells.
Hugh was first appointed to the positon of ‘temporary caretaker’ at the Fosse Way in 1991. This July, as he reflected on his long employment at the school, Hugh concluded emphatically: “These last thirty years have been the best years. It’s been fantastic!” Hugh Howells was born on the 5th April, 1938 in the Welsh village of Brynamman. He moved to Bath in 1961 to take up an engineering positon with C.I.C Ltd, a subsidiary of the Clarks' shoe company. When Clarks' announced the closure of the factory in 1991 Hugh found himself facing an uncertain future. Undaunted, he and his wife Angela took the decision to move from their home in Bath to Westfield. It was soon after this that Hugh spied an advertisement for a seemingly short-term caretaking position at nearby Fosse Way and decided to apply. So began what was to prove the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter in Hugh’s working life. Each working day for Hugh commenced with unlocking the gates and doors of the school before warmly greeting staff and pupils with the good-humour and enthusiasm for which he swiftly became known. Over the years, Hugh found himself called upon to assist with a multiplicity of diverse and unpredictable tasks. “Nothing was too much trouble and every day was different”, he commented.
Over the years Hugh saw Fosse Way change exponentially as state-of-the-art new buildings were added, mobile classrooms removed and – as the school’s reputation grew – student numbers soared from about 70 to more than 200. Hugh’s amazement at the changes he had seen since 1991 were summed up with the words: “It’s a different school all together!” Despite these exciting developments, Hugh was quick to identify some features Fosse Way have that remained constant: “I enjoyed the atmosphere and the camaraderie” he says, “I’ll miss it!” Having demonstrated much relish for practical activity throughout his working life it is unsurprising that Hugh has no plans for a retirement filled with ease and sedentary repose. “I do like cycling and walking to keep myself active and fit” he says, adding that he envisages future cycling trips along the local Collier’s Way cycling track. Hugh says he also foresees spending many happy hours tending the flowers and shrubs planted by Angela at their Westfield home. Thinking back over his many years at Fosse Way, Hugh Howells concluded: “I can honestly say it was a pleasure to go in every day. It was unbelievable… and I shall remember it for a long, long time.”
It goes without saying that Hugh will be much missed by staff and pupils alike at Fosse Way, who are united in wishing him a long and happy retirement. On hearing of Hugh’s decision to retire, site manager Andy Sellars commented: “It’s been a real joy working with Hugh. He has always been a cheerful colleague with a clear love for his role as Caretaker. Hugh’s sense of humour will be greatly missed and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” Fosse Way’s Executive Principal, Emily Massey added: “Hugh is a much loved member of the staff team at Fosse Way. He will be greatly missed. We all thank him for his dedication to the school, staff and children over his 30 year career. His cheerful whistling and ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude cannot be replaced. It’s been a pleasure to work with Hugh and we all wish him a very happy and restful retirement.”
Poppy Appeal Collections
Due to the current pandemic there will be NO fundraising this year, only the act of Remembrance.
This means that the local Branch will not be doing any shop, street, school or manned collections. Some supermarkets are serviced direct from The Royal British Legion, London and that may still happen, Therefore, on behalf of the Branch may I take this opportunity to thank all supporters for the wonderful job you normally do each year and hope that you will still be available for next year. The Branch are in the final stages of planning to “Dress the Graves” of those local people who appear on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the local cemeteries. This will take the format of a poppy spray being laid on each grave and families may attend, within the bounds of any social distancing rules, and
may lay a wooden cross. Full details will be made available later once all the planning has been confirmed. A list of the cemeteries and graves will be posted on our Branch Facebook page. The link is www.facebook.com/groups/2029636687319087.
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As lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club will again be out fundraising for local and international causes.
We may have had to cancel the annual duck race but we are still raising money with our Easter egg raffle, some of the proceeds have already been banked. Don’t be surprised to see some of our eggs being a feature on the bar of your local pub or cafe, as we hope to carry on raising funds for the Lions charitable giving because we think it will be needed more than ever in these uncertain times.
Our club members have been embracing technology and holding our monthly general meeting on Zoom. Lions volunteer their time and the Covid-19 crisis has put a spotlight on just how important volunteers are to the community. As Lions we serve the community and help raise funds making sure that every penny we raise goes to the causes and does not incur any administrative or other costs. Where there’s a need there’s a Lion. We have recently helped Bath Theatrical Costume Hire volunteer team with a £250 donation from the club and then secured £750 from Lions International Foundation MD105 emergency Covid-19 fund to make up £1,000 towards their project providing much needed PPE masks to supply key workers with face masks and over 4,000 masks have been distributed helping 24 organisations from care agencies, food banks, nurseries and pharmacies. As Lions we will soon be able to start our litter picks in Radstock and Midsomer Norton and we look forward to doing this with volunteers who help us with this activity and we hope to get other environmental, health and educational projects going as soon as we can. If you are looking for a better future and want to know more about doing this through joining a Lions club we would love to hear from you and discuss what we do and why being a Lion makes a difference to you and your community and how Lions International makes a global impact.
Carers’ Centre
We’re still here to support unpaid carers in BaNES If you’re looking after someone else during this crisis we’re here to support you. Get in touch for: • Trusted information and advice • Help planning for emergencies • Employment and grant support 0800 0388 885 Monday–Friday, 8.15am–3pm support@banescarerscentre.org.uk
Contact us by email : membership@rmnlions.org.uk or telephone 0345 8339601.
A New look for Westhill Sports & Community Centre
Lockdown has affected lots of businesses in the area but Westfield Sports and Community Centre is bouncing back with a new look.
It is now run by couple, Terry and Annette, who have redecorated throughout and brought new life into the venue. It boasts a family bar and a function room equal to none in the area. The bar area holds skittles, pool and darts having its own teams and the function room hosts karate classes, line dancing and parties. This can also be hired for private events. Most Saturday nights, there is entertainment of a high standard from bands and some cabaret acts. Bingo, which is one of the biggest in the area with well over 80 people, is hosted on a Sunday evening. Both bars serve a wide range of drinks including Abbots' real ale, a variety of lagers and ciders plus a variety of bottled beers, wines etc. It also has the new Heinken dispensing system that serves the perfect pint! During these strange times, measures have been put in place for social distancing with one way systems, table service and contactless payment. There is a fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff to welcome you, so why not visit and see the new lease of life the centre has. Terry, Annette and all the staff will welcome you with a smile and the occasional joke.
Christmas Lights in Westfield
It seems very early to be talking about the Christmas Lights, but it might surprise you to know that we normally start working on the arrangements for the Christmas Lights Switch On event in early September.
This year there will be a full display of Christmas Lights through Westfield as usual, but sadly no Switch On event. The Parish Council is committed to the safety of its residents and we thank you for your understanding in this decision. We are glad to say that the Christmas lights on the lampposts this year will have a fresh new look and we look forward to seeing them lighting the way through Westfield again in December.
It only takes a few minutes to apply for this September
www.bathcollege.ac.uk info@bathcollege.ac.uk
@bathcollege
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Swan Transport is now up and running again!
At present Swan Transport are running at a limited capacity, but please give them a ring if you live in Westfield and need transport within Bath and North East Somerset, as they may be able to help you. The office is currently open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – but they soon hope to reopen five days a week again. Please call: 01761 439548.
The Swan team have safeguarding measures in place for drivers and passengers to keep you safe, which they will explain when you call. Swan Transport are a not-for-profit charity providing volunteer transport to anyone on a lower income who is an older person, or who is frail or disabled.
#stayingpositive
In these difficult times, we at Riverside Recruitment want you to know that we are here to support you whether as a job seeker or employer. Looking for a job? We can’t always guarantee that we will have your perfect job available at the right time, but we can guarantee that we have access to many employers and will do all we can to help you get back into work.
Looking for staff? If you’re an employer and need any staffing support, we can help and can offer lots of flexible solutions. Please call our office on 01761 410433 to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable consultants. Please note, to keep everyone safe we are registering by appointment only, so please do call first.
16 South Road, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2EZ Tel: 01761 410433 www.riversiderecruit.co.uk
Lower income is defined as having savings of less than £16,000. There is a suggested donation per journey based upon the distance you travel, and they always try to locate a local driver to keep the cost down. They cover petrol costs, but drivers are all volunteers who give up their time for free and provide a door to door service using their own car to transport you. The driver will normally wait at the destination and bring you home as soon as you are finished, unless the waiting time is very long in which case they will come back later. There may be an additional charge to cover extra mileage in this case, but the team would let you know before you travel. Please call the office and speak to Sarah or Ann on 01761 439548
A passenger knitted items for the Swan Transport team.
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Back in mid March, Westfield Voices were working enthusiastically on a selection of new songs, ready for engagements later in the year. Sadly, lockdown happened and all rehearsals had to stop.
Unfortunately, although singing is undoubtedly one of the ways to lift the spirits, it has been deemed not to
Are you looking to get fitter after months in the gym?
Lulabelle Fitness offer outdoor classes for all levels at Norton Hill Recreation Ground, Fosseway, Westfield. These fitness classes are socially distanced with up to five people attending. The classes are for all levels of fitness and all abilities be a safe exercise to share with others for some time to come yet. Members are however, still keeping in touch with each other via social media, but as yet they have no idea when the group will be able to get back together. For more information call Jane on 01761 232715 or
Socially distanced Fitness Classes
lockdown but are still a little wary of going to
jane_dyson@live.co.uk. are welcome, from the over 50s to students.
The classes run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9.00 am and 10.00 am, and also Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm. If you would like more information or would like to reserve a place, call Louise on 07535 992403 or email louisejay@mail.com
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The safety of both customers and staff is the foremost concern at Mardons Social Club, and as such the venue was one of the first in the area to close its doors after the government issued its covid-19 advice, and prior to the widespread lockdown measure coming into effect.
Even before the Furlough Scheme was annouced the staff at Mardons were assured they would continue to recieve full pay for as long as possible during the crisis. With the building closed, it recieved a full, deep clean throughout. Committee members set about working hard behind the scenes, following the necessary measures as stipulated by the Government’s Hospitality Task Force, to produce a Risk Assessment and notices etc for both staff and customers to satisfy all the new health and safety requirements. When the club reopened its doors on Saturday, 4th July, guests were met with a number of changes. Prior to the outbreak, the club had already invested in an upgrade to both the mens' and ladies' toilets, costing several thousand pounds and, although recently completing a bar refurbishment, further changes were introduced, creating glass shutters to fully enclose the bar area. Tables were spaced out, utilising the stage and dance floor area to optimise the subsantial space available inside the social club. Hand sanitiser was readily available and a one way sytem saw guests arrive through the main entrance and leave via the outside area and back gate. Although, sadly, the terrific live bands that Mardons has become recognised for are yet to be permitted (hopefully they'll be back soon!), the club is still able to provide big screen football matches to sports fans. The club subscribes to the main providers and can show multiple games at the same time - although chanting, singing or cheering is of course not yet allowed! The club is open 7 days a week, from 7pm weekdays and from noon at weekends and both members and non members are always welcome - please follow the guidelines and notices on display for your own safety.
Updates and information regarding Mardons Social Club can be found on the club's website and at www.facebook.com/mardonsclub
St John's Cadets and Badgers
Many businesses across the country have had to adopt new ways of working during the COVID-19 Pandemic and St John Ambulance are no different.
Whilst continuing to provide support where required our young people have still been working hard. Locally in Norton Radstock our Badger group supports young people from 7-10 years and have been continuing with their badge subjects online as well as their first aid sessions, this term learning all about the rich history of St John Ambulance.
Whilst we are unable to meet in person we are still managing to “meet” virtually with our groups of young people ensuring that we continue to deliver support, training and fun to our Youth groups. Having all our young people's events such as residential camps cancelled it has been incredibly disappointing but we have been creative and our young people have been involved in virtual camps, creating habitats suitable for a nocturnal animal, creating flags for the campsite, making bonfire cakes, dressing up and making kits, all of which they have been able to share virtually with they friends online. Along with this they have also received their usual first aid training, quizzes and most importantly been able to connect with our youth units, which is a lifeline for some of our young people! Many of our young people have involved themselves in fundraising and support activities for St John Ambulance in these unprecedented times, whether this was making clothes wash bags for our adults who have been supporting the NHS by providing over 10,000 hours of volunteer support, making cards for our members who have been unwell, virtual dance offs and marathons. Coming up is a virtual bake off for both our Badgers and Cadets (10-18) with funds being raising to support the organisation.
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, St John have a number of volunteer roles available to support our youth and we would love to hear from you.
Council Meetings
All council meetings are currently being held on Zoom and the link to each meeting is published with the agenda on the Westfield Parish Council website www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/agendas-minutes
Full Council Meetings
September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd
Finance and Personnel Meetings
September 23rd, October 21st, November 18th
Parish The Clerk
Before writing the Clerk’s Message for this edition I looked back on the message I wrote in January for the Winter Edition of the Warbler. It looked ahead to the Fun Day, the Fun Fair and included a tribute to the heroes of World War II with VE Day 75 on the horizon. What a lot we have been through since then. Yet it is with some hope that I am writing this article today.
As lockdown eased we managed to get started on a project which has been a high priority for the Parish Council over many months - the installation of a fitness track and outdoor gym at Westhill Recreation Ground. Our thanks to Northavon for prioritising the track and working so efficiently to get it done. Wicksteed will be installing the outdoor gym equipment in September/October. As I write this we are making plans to re-open the play areas and we urge parents and carers to follow the safety guidance on signs at the entrances. We hope you enjoy this double edition of the Warbler. Whilst the What’s On section is on hold for now, we have tried to find out how community groups have coped and operated during lockdown and hope that it inspires us all as we move forward together. We are very pleased to focus this time on the Business Directory which we hope will be a boost to local businesses. Our grateful thanks to Cllr Robin Moss for funding the Business Directory from Ward Councillors' Initiative funds.
Whilst the Parish Council office in Cobblers Way remains closed to the public for now and we work from home, we very much want to get back to the office, and will do so when it is deemed safe. Stay safe.
Lesley Close
Parish Clerk
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Photos from a sizzling Westfield Fun Day inside Westfield Front Garden competition winners are announced 6th September Neighbourhood Plan Referendum
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To advertise in the next edition of the Westfield Warbler, contact Zoe on 01761 409831 or email zoe@ignyte.co.uk
Cllr Diana Cooper
01761 415155 diana.cooper@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Vincent Cox
07729 123956 vincent.cox@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Geoff Fuller
Chair 07540 998603 geoff.fuller@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr James Honess
james.honess@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Ron Hopkins
07460 819007 / 01761 435852 ron.hopkins@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Eleanor Jackson
07979 968416 / 01761 438968 eleanor.jackson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)
Lesley Mansell
07980 695117 lesley.mansell@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Robin Moss
07543 626184 robin.moss@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)
Cllr Bryan Wallbridge
07974 939776 bryan.wallbridge@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Phil Wilkinson
01761 431355 / 07803 927626 phil.wilkinson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Pat Williams
01761 432630 pat.williams@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
The Oval Office, Cobblers Way St Peters Business Park, Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Westfield Parish Council The Parish Council officers are currently working from home and the office is shut. Any queries can be emailed to council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk and will be answered during normal working hours which are Monday to Wednesday 9am to 4:30pm and Thursday 9am to 3pm.
