Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday, 28th November
Westfield
Message from the Chairman
As I write this for the Warbler, I have to wonder where 2024 has gone!
When you read this, the clocks will have been altered and Christmas will be rapidly approaching and with that, the annual Christmas Lights switch on at the top of Elm Tree Avenue. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, 28th November, starting at 6:30pm. It is an event that seems to grow in popularity year after year. As usual, Father Christmas will be in attendance to meet the younger visitors and mulled wine and mince pies will be available and, I believe it goes without saying, all are welcome – young and old. So, with that in mind, on behalf of Westfield Parish Council, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Cllr Phil Wilkinson Chairman
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The next edition of the Westfield Warbler will be in February 2025. If you would like to submit events, news or photos, please contact us by 27th January 2025.
You can view The Westfield Warbler on the Council’s website at www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
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Fantastic Fungi
October saw a group of 14 enthusiasts meet at Waterside Valley for an amazing walk and talk on Fungi. Led by Leah, whose expertise is extraordinary, the walk was engaging and fun. We learnt how to identify fungi, their various habitats and pointers on how to identify those which can poison and kill.
With over 15,000 species of fungi in the UK, we are fortunate to have a huge selection on Waterside Valley alone. Leah told us all about the wood wide web, where fungi connect plant and tree roots to create an underground network of fungal threads (hyphae), which link fungi to nearby trees. The hyphae feed in the soil, swapping extra nutrients they collect for sugars
from the tree. This helps both the fungi and the tree to grow.
Did you know that over 110 species of fungi can glow in the dark? We found one such species on the walk where a UV light can be used to see the mushrooms glow. It is thought that glowing mushrooms can attract insects to spread their spores.
Below is just a small selection of mind-blowing number of Fungi species found on site in just two hours.
Funded by Somer Valley Rediscovered, these walks are well worth attending and can be found at www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/
Fosse Way School provides skills for life in new SEND Scout Group
Scouting is for all and the launch of a new Explorer Unit at Fosse Way School in Westfield is paving the way for its students.
Fosse Way Explorer Scouts is a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) unit based at Fosse Way School. Nine of the 11 members of the unit are from Fosse Way House, a residential provision attached to the school. The group meet weekly during term time.
Fosse Way Explorers are fast becoming a vital part of the wider Scouting family. Each term, the unit meets with other Explorer Units in the area. In September, the Unit explored Midsomer Norton Railway with their Scouting friends at Argus Explorers from Saltford, with more collaborative activities planned with other Units across the next two terms. The activities are carefully planned by volunteer leaders to ensure they are fun, accessible and exciting for all members of both units involved.
Fosse Way Explorer Scout Unit was the idea of Graham Bush, whose son James (14) is currently a student at Fosse Way School. Graham is the District Lead Volunteer for local Scouting and James has been involved in Scouting since he was 6. Between Graham and Jason Towells, Residential Education Manager at Fosse Way House, they set up a group dedicated to SEND members.
Graham said: “Scouting aims to be an equitable, diverse and inclusive movement. The volunteer leaders, which include staff from the Fosse Way House team, have worked together to provide a balanced programme around three main themes: outdoor and adventure, the world around us and skills for life, and have ensured that it has been adjusted to meet the needs of the young people within the Unit.”
The new unit at Fosse Way isn’t just developing their own skills for life, but sharing theirs with
others. The highly-trained staff from the School have also provided training on autism education to scout leaders across Wansdyke, with more dates in the diary.
Jason Towells, from Fosse Way, said: “The students are so excited that they are now Scouts. Every Tuesday evening, they are dressed in their uniforms and raring to go by 6.30pm. It’s wonderful to see
how much enjoyment they, and the staff here, get from participating in the group.”
The Fosse Way Explorers have already achieved badges in First Aid, Athletics and Air Activities.
Luke, an Explorer from the group said: “Scouts is great fun, it’s my favourite.”
Fosse Way students unleash their creative sides this Christmas
Fosse Way students will be making some Christmas Art for display in Midsomer Norton from Thursday, 28th November to Saturday, 28th December. The theme for artworks is Christmas Shopping and Christmas Gifts.
The Art Trail is part of the Midsomer Norton Christmas Event happening on Thursday, 28th November between 5pm and 7.30pm.
Fosse Way School will be displaying its artwork in and around Holly Court, in shop windows and within the shops themselves.
Here are some ideas being considered by the students…
Bunting, gifts, or other items purchased for Christmas, such as food.
A shop window display, which includes several individual images on one large piece of card or paper.
Individual work, or group work is equally acceptable.
The above links to two community events: The Christmas Arts trail and the Christmas Tree Light switch on and market.
Some students are also making festive items for sale around our school Christmas events. These enterprise projects provide excellent learning opportunities.
A reminder that Longfellow’s School Café (next to the school) is open from 8am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please pop in and enjoy the freshly made
items across the menu.
Visit the website to see all that is available www.fossewayschool.co.uk/longfellows-cafe/
There will also be student made enterprise items available to purchase whilst you enjoy your coffee. A great way to do your Christmas shopping. Happy Christmas.
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The Carers’ Centre launches Carer Money Matters advice service
The Carers’ Centre in Bath is now providing free, independent advice for carers on energy saving, energy debt and on wider money matters as well.
Many carers are now facing the dilemma of either needing to reduce their paid hours, or in some cases, leaving work altogether because of the pressures of their caring roles. A recent survey highlighted that 75% of unpaid carers receiving Carer’s allowance are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, while almost half are cutting back on essentials, including food and heating.
Energy prices have just risen by 10% and many older carers are now no longer eligible for the winter fuel payments, and the cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of easing for many carers in Bath and North East Somerset.
Running from October, our dedicated Carer Money Matters advisor will be available to offer free advice on energy saving and energy debt, and to help carers register on the Priority Services Register with their supplier. This will provide carers with extra support for things like meter readings and how to save on cooking and heating expenses. Carers can also receive advice on practical ways to reduce energy bills based on their individual circumstances.
There is also help available on money matters, whether it’s for the carer, or the person they’re caring for. Our Carer Money Matters advisor will help carers understand, and obtain, the financial support to which they’re entitled.
Jacqui Orchard, Chief Executive of The Carers’ Centre, said: “The 10% increase in energy bills,
coupled with many people losing their winter fuel allowance, has come as a double blow for many of the carers we support. Over the last two years we’ve seen a big increase in the number of carers struggling to make ends meet, with many reporting they’ve fallen into debt with their energy supplier. We’re so pleased Charlie Hinton has joined our team as our Carer Money Matters advisor. He’ll be able to help carers with personalised advice on how to save energy or the best steps to take if they’ve fallen into debt with their energy supplier.”
We also know that a majority of carers are either forced to leave work altogether, reduce their paid hours, or change jobs because of the pressures of their caring roles. Our Carer Money Matters advisor can also support with things like interview practice, job searching and getting your CV into shape.
To access our Carer Money Matters support, you’ll need to be registered with The Carers’ Centre. This can be done via our website banescarerscentre.org.uk, or by contacting our Support Team on 0800 0388 885.
Our new Carer Money Matters advisor aims to support unpaid carers in Bath and North East Somerset through a comprehensive program of advice, grants, training, and support in collaboration with Carers Trust and Wales & West Utilities.
The Carer Money Matters project is designed to help in several key areas:
1. Bill and debt management: receive guidance on techniques to reduce bills and manage debts, ensuring you have the knowledge and support needed to stay financially stable.
2. Benefits and grants: assistance will be available to help you access the benefits and grants you are entitled to, thereby helping you maximise your income and improve financial security.
3. Financial control: through training and resources, we want to help you feel more in control of your finances, offering peace of mind and stability.
4. Home safety: ensuring homes are warm and safe from carbon monoxide is a top priority.
What support will be available?
By the end of March 2026, we aim to have supported thousands of carers in our local area through a wide range of services, including:
• Income maximisation: receive benefit entitlement checks and assistance in applying for tax credits and tax rebates, ensuring you receive all the financial support available to you.
• Debt advice and energy savings: receive advice on energy-saving measures, accessing grants, and switching to cheaper energy tariffs. Additionally, we will offer guidance on managing debts, setting up repayment plans, and accessing debt relief schemes.
• Employment and training support: the project offers support with job searches and training, helping you to explore employment opportunities and enhance skills.
• Financial literacy: learn more about budgeting skills and money management resources, along with tools for tracking expenses to build a solid financial foundation.
• Energy efficiency: our goal is to provide home energy efficiency workshops and personalised energy-saving advice to help you reduce energy consumption and lower bills.
• Priority service awareness: kits containing essential information about registering for priority services will be available, ensuring you can access the support you need in emergencies.
• Carbon monoxide awareness: workshops and one-on-one sessions will be available to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide. In order to enhance safety, we will distribute locking cooker valves and CO alarms.
Our Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Orchard is available for interview to discuss our new Carer Money Matters advisor, or more broadly on the state of caring in Bath and North East Somerset. Please contact us on info@banescarerscentre.org.uk.
Scything in Waterside Valley
I recently had the opportunity, through Somer Valley Rediscovered, to become a volunteer with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). TCV run volunteer groups to help manage and improve our open spaces. I was made very welcome and given guidance and training and provided with all the equipment needed to undertake the tasks, such as scrub management and scything. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of meeting others and learning a new skill in the outdoors; it was hard work but I enjoyed the exercise and the achievement of making a difference in the valley.
Waterside Valley is owned by Westfield Parish Council and is supported by Somer Valley Rediscovered. Somer Valley Rediscovered also support other local green spaces across Radstock and Midsomer Norton.
After a survey, it was discovered that large ants’ nests are present in the valley. The ant hills are built by the yellow meadow ant on uncultivated pasture. Each ant hill can house between 8,000 and 40,000 ants and they feed off aphids which they ‘farm’ underground on the grass roots.
The ant hills greatly increase environmental diversity of the grass land and need to be protected from mechanical grass cutting equipment. It is hoped that the grass in the valley will be cut in spring next year, as it is too wet to cut this autumn.
The area identified for scything was an area of meadow by the footpath leading down to the new footbridge where the nests are located, the best way to cut back the vegetation without damaging the nests was by scything.
To join in with the volunteer activities in Waterside Valley please see:
• Somer Valley Rediscovered: www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/get-involved/
• The Conservation Volunteers: www.tcv.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteering/ Cllr Paul Millard
NoVEMbEr
15th – June’s Cash Prize Bingo at Mardons Club, eyes down from 7.30pm
16th – Supper and film evening at Trinity Methodist Church
16th – The Other Band, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
20th – Westfield Parish Council Finance and Personnel meeting, Oval Office, Cobblers Way, 10.30am
20th – Local voices for people and planet at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, 5.30pm8pm. Join a discussion about climate and ecological emergencies and what they mean for you. Everyone welcome
22nd – Standing Together For Macmillan Cancer Care - Charity Fundraiser, live music from Don’t Frett and grand raffle, at Mardons Club. 7.30pm start, tickets £4 adults, kids go free - text 07488258257
23rd – Autumn Tree Identification Walk with Somer Valley Rediscovered, meet at Westfield Surgery, 10.30am – 12.30pm
23rd – Blaxar, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
28th - Christmas Light Switch On, 6.30pm, at the living Christmas Tree, Elm Tree Avenue
29th – Open Mic Night (acoustic and electric), at Mardons Club, with host, Ross Kirk, all welcome, 8pm start
30th – The Skinny Dippers, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
DECEMbEr
1st – Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Parish Church
1st – Santa at the Station at Midsomer Norton South Station, running until 22nd December
2nd – Westfield Parish Council Meeting, Oval Office, Cobblers Way, 7pm
6th – Christmas Family Fun Prize Bingo, at Mardons Club, eyes down from 7.30pm. Organised by Luckington Carnival Club - all welcome
7th & 8th – Nativity Weekend at Trinity Methodist Club, 10am – 4pm
7th – Call the Shots, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
9th – Westfield Parish Council, Environment and Development Committee meeting, Oval Office, Cobblers Way, 7pm
11th – Westfield Parish Council Finance and Personnel meeting, Oval Office, Cobblers Way, 10.30am
12th – Westfield Outdoor Christmas Decoration Competition. Make sure your decorations are lit!
14th – Christmast Party (part 1), with Dr Fraggle live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
15th – Nativity film and mince pies at Trinity Methodist Church, 3pm
21st – Christmast Party (part 2), with Outatime 80s Tribute, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
22nd – Christingle Service, St Peter’s Parish Church 4pm
24th – Crib Service, St Peter’s Parish Church, 2.30pm
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24th – Kids’ Christmas Party at Mardons Club, 1pm start, fun, games and mayhem, plus a visit from Santa. Free entry (children must be supervised throughout)
25th – Christmas Day Service, St Peter’s Parish Church, 10am
31st – New Year’s Eve Party Night at Mardons Club. Live 80s and 90s music from Fantastique. Entry by advance ticket only, available from the club bar£10 per member, extra tickets and non-members
£12
JaNUarY
6th – Westfield Parish Council Meeting, Oval Office, Cobblers Way, 7pm
11th – Siren, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
18th – Clean Slate, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
24th – Charity Quiz Night at Mardons Club, details will be available on the club’s facebook page
25th – Fortunate Sons, live at Mardons Club, 9pm. Free entry and all welcome
WEEKlY EVENTS
MoNDaY
• Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church
• Carers’ Café, 10 am at Mardons Club, 1st Monday of the month
• Local History Club, Radstock Museum tea room, 10.30 am – 12 noon, 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
• Wellbeing Café for carers at Radstock Museum, tea room, 1pm – 2.30pm, 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
TUESDaY
• Knit and Natter at Trinity Methodist Church
• Memory Club at Radstock Museum tea room, 10.30am – 12 noon, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month
• Westfield Inters Youth Club, Westfield Methodist Church, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
WEDNESDaY
• Radstock Youth Club, Church Street, 7pm – 9pm
ThUrSDaY
• Holy Communion at St Peter’s Parish Church, 10am
• Winter Nature, Craft, Connection with Somer Valley Rediscovered, from 14th Nov until 19th Dec at Waterside Vally, 10 am – 12 noon.
• Youth Connect South West Career drop in sessions, 10am – 12noon, Midsomer Norton Library, 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
FriDaY
• Friday Club at Trinity Methodist Church, 2pm –4pm, second Friday of the month.
SaTUrDaY
• Coffee Morning at Trinity Methodist Church
SUNDaY
• FC Family Friendly Service at St Peter’s Parish Church, Westfield, 10 am, 1st Sunday of the month
Somer Valley rediscovered audio Trails!
Working in partnership with local radio station Somer Valley FM, Somer Valley Rediscovered is pleased to announce 5 new audio trails in Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield. These trails cover Midsomer Norton Town Park, Haydon Batch, Waterside Valley and Wellow Brook. Staddlestones Riverside Park will be launching in the coming months.
The guided audio trails teach you all there is to know about these beautiful locations, their history, facts about the waterways, wildlife and geology. These trails can be followed whilst walking around the site or from the comfort of your own home.
Listen to them here: somervalleyaudiotrails.co.uk/rediscovered-welcome
Listen to Waterside Valley’s Audio Trail here: somervalleyaudiotrails.co.uk/rediscoveredwaterside/
• Manual & power sweeping
• Servicing & repairs
• CCTV investigations
• Nest removal
• Certificates issued
• Friendly & reliable service sadlerschimneysweep@mail.com www.sadlerschimneysweep.co.uk
Grassland Management in Waterside Valley
Unfortunately, recent wet weather has delayed some of the contractor mowing that we had planned at Waterside Valley; we hope that we can get back on track with management of our grasslands through mowing in Spring.
Huge thanks go to the wonderful habitat management volunteers who have supported scrub management and scything activities at Haydon Batch, Midsomer Norton Town Park and Waterside Valley this autumn. This is really helping in the sensitive management and improvement of biodiversity of our local grassland!
For more information, please contact:
• Somer Valley Rediscovered: somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477590
• Midsomer Norton Town Council: 01761 418701
CARLOS CONDE
Volunteer with Somer Valley Rediscovered
Habitat Management Sessions are taking place on:
• 13th November – Waterside Valley
• 19th November – Midsomer Norton Town Park
• 27th November – Midsomer Norton Town Park
• 3rd December – Wellow Brook Walk
• 11th December – Wellow Brook Walk
• 7th January - Haydon Batch
• 15th January – Haydon Batch
• 21st January - Waterside Valley
• 29th January – Waterside Valley
If you have not joined us before, and/or are new to habitat management there is no pressure to stay for the whole volunteer session. You are very welcome to come along at the start for the safety and activity briefing and stay for as long as you feel able to.
Sign up as a volunteer here: somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/get-involved/
Footbridge at Waterside Valley
Thanks to WECA funding, the Parish Council has arranged the much-needed replacement of one of the footbridges at Waterside Valley and the removal of two others. The work took place in August.
Steel soldier silhouettes added to Jubilee Green to honour veterans
You may have noticed two additions to the green on the corner of Elm Tree Avenue. Two soldier silhouettes have been placed alongside the memorial stone, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of local veterans.
The silhouettes stand at 5ft tall and are crafted from 3mm mild steel and then powder coated in black. They are durable and weather-resistant. The silhouettes were purchased using the Chair’s allowance.
Their placement on the green is intended to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, fostering a deeper sense of community appreciation and awareness.
Chair of the Council, Phil Wilkinson, said: “We are delighted with the recent addition of two soldier silhouettes, which stand alongside the memorial stone on Jubilee Green. They honour the servicemen and women who represent our country.”
Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield
We are a lively busy Church on the main road opposite the shops in Westfield. As well as open for worship on Sunday morning from 10.30-11.30am, we pride ourselves as being an important part of the local community. The hall is hired during the week for numerous groups, as well as our own Church run events and we are a drop off point for the local Trussell Trust Foodbank.
Every Saturday, we are open for coffee and cake from 10am and every other week, you can enjoy a bacon buttie or hot dog. Please check our banner on the railings for details.
Tuesdays Knit and Natter from 2-4pm, lots of chatting and putting the world to right and sometimes the needles come out!
enjoy a quiz, beetle drive or invite a guest speaker. A warm welcome will be given to anyone who would like to join us.
Several charity events have been held during the year, including Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan, RUH surgical robot appeal and Shelter Box and over £3000 has been raised so far.
During the run up to Christmas, charity Christmas cards, Advent calenders, decorations and homemade Christmas puddings will be on sale Saturday mornings from 10am and Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm.
God is Good-All of the time.
For more details about our Church life, please contact: sue.tandy@btinternet.com
Westfield in bloom
Members of the Westfield in Bloom volunteer team are celebrating excellent results in the South West in Bloom 2024 competition. Only founded in 2022 (Bath are celebrating their 60th anniversary win!) they are delighted to have built on the successful ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ (IYN) projects to win ‘Silver’, with their sights on ‘Gold’ for 2025.
Congratulations are also due to Rob Wicke for his hanging baskets and floral displays in public places, as commissioned by Westfield Parish Council. Those at Trinity Methodist Church got a special mention from the judges. Indeed, Westfield in Bloom is much indebted to the Parish Council, Curo and Radstock Co-operative Society for sponsorship. Bath and North East Somerset Council also provided funding from the Ward Members Initiative Fund for troughs and tubs. Partnership is the name of the game, whether for litter-picking, bulb planting or fundraising.
It is all too easy to take the ‘outstanding’ awards for the Westfield Allotments and Garden Society sites for granted, but they represent much hard work and careful organisation. Westfield Primary School gardening club goes from strength to
Children at Westfield School -
Photo: Mrs Ross, with permission from parents.
Photo: John Newport. Darren, lead groundsman at the Fosseway School with his team and Vicki Croker, school organiser, receiving their certificate for ‘outstanding’ work from Eleanor Jackson,Westfield in Bloom convenor.
strength, last year recognised for ‘the best compost heap in the South West’, this year with its ‘quiet’ garden reclaiming a waste patch’. However the Fosseway School project is only in its third season but is also ‘outstanding’. Pupils designed a garden of peace in the grounds of St Peter’s Church, a mass of colourful blooms. Swallows Office Garden is more hidden away, but has important eco experiments around an old pit shaft.
Finally, completely new is the Shakespeare Road Residents display, a good place to sit and admire the view across the valley. It is a brave
TEDDY BEAR NURSERY
Nightingale Way Westfield BA3 4NL
Tel: 01761 418100
Email: teddybearnursery@outlook.com
‘The nursery is a hive of activity, filled with laughter and chatter ... It is evident that all children are happy, safe and settled at the nursery’ – Ofsted May 2023 Please feel free to contact us for more details and to see how we can help you or to find out about visiting us.
attempt to brighten up the area.
The possibilities for Westfield in Bloom are endless, but impossible without more volunteers. There are plans to improve the Elm Tree Avenue memorial area to complement the images created by the Parish Council, and ideas for community vegetable growing strips. A webmaster and a publicity officer are much needed, regardless of their gardening knowledge. Contact details for Cllrs Paul Millard and Eleanor Jackson are in the cover of The Warbler, or ring 07979968416 or speak to Eleanor at her weekly surgeries on Saturdays, Trinity Methodist Church 10-11am.
Cllr Eleanor Jackson
Planters and bench - Photo: Juliette Millard
rotary Club News
The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary’s new year under the Governance of our new President, Debby Huxham, kicked off with the annual Boot Swap and a visit from Rotarians from Kentucky, USA, who stayed with us and visited places of interest.
On 20th September, our annual Golf Tournament was held at a new venue, Wells Golf Club, where we were made very welcome and were able to enjoy this terrific course and excellent Club facilities (Photo of winning team and President).
As a club, our committees work hard to ensure that we enjoy ourselves and uphold Rotary’s ethos of “Service before Self”, with that in mind, here is a taste of the coming months’ activities: A Transylvania Night for Halloween, Poppy selling at Tesco’s Paulton, wreath laying on Remembrance Day (followed by luncheon) and our lovely Carol Service at St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton on 10th December.
JEWSON RADSTOCK
We are also proud to mention the Club’s Junior branch “Rotakids” who are successfully supporting good causes locally and are a credit to the organisation and themselves.
If you like the sound of being a Rotarian, check out our website on: www.RotaryNR.org.uk.
John Dando, President Elect
G. Mitchard & Sons Family Butcher • eSt. 1913 WeStFielD
Now taking Christmas orders
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We are pleased to supply our customers with locally farmed meat, poultry, milk and cheeses, home-prepared bacon and cooked meats, our prize-winning pies and sausages, plus our famous faggots!
Shop opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday 7am-1pm Orders by phone or via our Facebook page are most welcome.
Follow us on Instagram @ g_mitchard_and_sons
Westfield Radstock BA3 3XS Tel: 01761 412109
Mardons Club
The brilliant Fantastique will be entertaining guests at Mardons this New Year’s Eve. Their 80s and 90s tiribute is a firm favourite with club goers and is sure to be a night full of dancing and singing – entry will be by advance ticket only.
In the run up to Christmas, it’s a very busy time for Mardons, with lots going on, a cancer charity fundraiser, both a cash bingo night and Luckington’s Christmas prize bingo, as well as an open mic event, the regular live bands playing on saturday nights, and, of course, all the sport on the two big screens!
This year, it’s another double whammy of Christmas parties for the adults at Mardons, firstly with Dr Fraggle and then Outatime’s 80s Tribute (14th and 21st December). Youngsters get their Kids’ Christmas Party on Christmas Eve, with host, Glyn, once again rallying the Mardons team, calling on Santa, and stocking up on sweets, to entertain (and hopefully tire out) children before the big night! Heading into 2025, Mardons will welcome a raft of great new bands, Siren, Clean Slate and Fortunate Sons, to name just a few. Be sure to check them out.
Siren: Saturday, 11th January
Looking back, the stand out performance this year has to be from The Other Band, the group made up of musicians from many different bands to form a super-group of talent. Their stellar night of music amazed everyone and was met with overwhelming demand for their return. Vocalist, Stephanie Jayne, was an absolute revelation, not only did she have the most pure and beautiful voice, she also gave one of the most expressive and
Fantastique: New Year’s Eve
emotive performances the club has seen. Combined with a creative and diverse set list, the impressive band have set the bar high, so it’s with excited anticipation that all at Mardons are looking forward to being wowed once again. The Other Band return on Saturday, 16th November - don’t miss them!
Keep up with what’s happening, check out the club’s events in the What’s On section and follow them at: www.facebook.com/mardonsclub
Saturday, 16th November
Parish Clerk The
As the evenings draw in, our thoughts turn to Christmas events and we are glad to say that the Annual Christmas Switch On event is going ahead as normal. We hope you can join us at 6.30pm on Thursday, 28th November, at the Christmas Tree on the corner of Elm Tree Avenue and Wells Road.
Since the last Warbler went out, the new footbridge at Waterside Valley was installed and the broken ones were taken away. We are getting a quote for a small step to be added on the Radstock side of the bridge.
In other news, at Waterside Valley, the wonderful series of free walks and talks continued with an amazing Fungi Forage which highlighted the true range of diversity at the site. Quotes are being analysed for the creation of paths through Waterside Valley.
I hope you have a lovely Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Lesley Close
Parish Clerk
Shop with SWalloW Charity this festive season
From special Christmas Lunches in its community café to beautiful handmade products and a bumper Christmas raffle, SWALLOW Charity, the local charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, has Christmas covered.
The charity supports its members to handmake products for sale as part of its Work Skills Enterprise Scheme and has recently stocked its online shop with lots of beautiful items, that will make great gifts and stocking fillers. There are lovely papier-mache bowls, mosaic coasters, hand-dyed bags, candles, rustic bottle openers, Christmas decorations galore – plus lots of Christmas cards. SWALLOW has recently launched a new charity soap, designed by a SWALLOW member, in collaboration with The Somerset Toiletry Company, too.
Please do visit SWALLOW’s online store for locally made, ethical gift ideas, herewww.swallowcharity.org/shop
SWALLOW’s Community Café in Radstock is hosting good value Christmas Lunches and selling delicious Christmas Cakes to order, as well as café-made festive chutneys and pickles. The charity’s Hive Café in Peasedown St John is offering Christmas Afternoon Teas. And SWALLOW’s Grand Christmas Raffle has some fantastic prizes to be won, including a seven day holiday in Cornwall for four people, and a luxury Honey & Toast handbag. Raffle tickets are available from SWALLOW’s online shop, as well as at the offices and cafes.
Your Councillors
Cllr Kit Biggs 07508 512195 kit.biggs@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Ron Hopkins 07460 819007 / 01761 435852 ron.hopkins@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Robin Moss 07543 626184 robin.moss@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)
Cllr Diana Cooper 01761 415155 diana.cooper@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Eleanor Jackson 07979 968416 / 01761 438968 eleanor.jackson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk (also BaNES councillor for the Westfield ward)
Cllr Phil Wilkinson Chair 01761 431355 / 07803 927626 phil.wilkinson@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Michelle Curtis 07546 053528 michelle.curtis@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Laura Lambell Laura.lambell@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Pat Williams 01761 432630 pat.williams@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Geoff Fuller Vice Chair 07540 998603 geoff.fuller@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
Cllr Paul Millard Paul.millard@ westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk
The Oval Office, Cobblers Way St Peter's Business Park, Westfield BA3 3BX Telephone: 01761 410669 Email: council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk @westfield_pc Westfield Parish Council @westfield__pc
Any queries can be emailed to council@westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk and will be answered during normal working hours which are Monday to Thursday 9am to 2.30pm.
