Following the recent Council Meeting the Councillors have agreed the Action Plan 2022-2023 , please click here for details
Notice of Vacancy in Office Councillor
Whitchurch Village Council
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that following the resignation of Cllr J Pearce, a casual vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for Whitchurch Village Council. If, within 14 days* after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than Thursday 24th March 2022), a request for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Guildhall, High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW, by TEN electors for Whitchurch Village Council, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option. The request must be signed by ten persons who, at the time of the request, are listed on the electoral register as local government electors for Whitchurch Village Council. The ten signatures should be accompanied by printed names, addresses and, if known, electoral numbers.
S Dyer – Clerk
Dated: Friday 4th March 2022
* In computing any period of time for this purpose a Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday, bank holiday or day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning shall be disregarded
Whitchurch in Lights
A big thank you to all who have decorated their homes and business premises, making the village look so festive again this year.
A special commendation to the residents of The Witheys who have collectively put on a fantastic display of lights.
There were so many excellent displays to choose from, the judges have picked four joint winners this year, together with one business: –
Best Business Category – Martin Squires, Bristol Cherished Cars, Blackacre
Best Home Category – 42 Maes Knoll Drive
Best Home Category 5 Farrier Way
Moving picture show
Best Home Category 21 The Witheys
Best Home Category 28 Church Road
The Village is shining bright with Christmas lights
Friday 3rd December 2021 saw the return of the Village Christmas Lights ‘switch on’, a fantastic crowd of about 200 gathered around the centre of the Village.
Father Christmas along with Mrs Christmas and their Elf arrived on his sleigh, followed by a festively decorated vehicle blasting out Christmas music.
They were greeted by the residents of Westin Care Home, who joined in the festive celebrations.
After several practice countdowns, Santa and helpers switched on the lights in the Millennium Garden. Santa then led a procession of children, parents and onlookers towards St Nicholas Church, where the children of Whitchurch Primary School sang some lovely ‘Christmassy’ songs which sounded fantastic.
Photograph by Tim Burchell
The crowd then joined the Salvation Army band in singing along to several carols and this was followed by refreshments.
Our appreciation and acknowledgement of the support we received goes to:-
The wonderful choir and staff from Whitchurch Primary School
The Salvation Army band.
Tesco Brislington (donation of mince pies and chocolates)
The volunteers who helped with the refreshments, marshalling, setting up the event, sound and music.
St Nicholas Church, for the use of their facilities.
The local PCSO’s.
And of course, Father & Mrs Christmas, Elf and the escort driver, who made a special effort to visit us at a very busy time of the year!!
Thanks to your generosity, a collection in excess of £250.00 was donated to the Salvation Army.
Worried about heating your home?
You could be eligible for £140 off energy bills.
With energy bills likely to soar this winter, Age UK B&NES is urging people to see if they are eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme which saves households £140 off their electricity bill.
The charity is concerned that for some, the rising prices could mean choosing between heating or eating and is encouraging older people to take advantage of their free, simple benefit check the Information & Advice team can do which saves households vita
Information & Advice Manager, Gill Adams said: “We know that affording to heat your home through Autumn and Winter is often a worry for people. With price rises, it is likely that everyone is going to feel the pinch, meaning that people on low incomes could really struggle.
We help hundreds of people a year save money on their energy bills and would really encourage people over 65 to give us a call and see if they could be saving – many people do not even realise they are eligible!”
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is different to the Winter Fuel Allowance which all people of pension age receive. It is a one-off payment of £140 paid through your supplier, taking money off your electricity bill. Pre-payment meters and pay as you go meters are included. If you receive pension credit or are on a low income, you could be eligible.
I & A Manager, Gill Adams continues:
“Everyone deserves to live in a warm home that can be affordably heated and whilst there are a great many ways to save energy, ultimately, if you are struggling to pay a bill or keep up payments it is your energy companies duty to help.”
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset’s Information and Advice Team can be contacted on 01225 466135 or advice@ageukbanes.co.uk
New online directory for families, parents and carers
| New online directory for families, parents and carers | |
| A new Live Well B&NES website has been launched to provide information, support and signposting for parents, families and carers in Bath and North East Somerset.
The new web-based resource brings together information previously held on three separate websites and allows people to search for services, organisations, groups and activities in key areas of need:
Cllr Alison Born, cabinet member for Adults and Council House Building said: “This website offers a wealth of information for anyone needing support services or organisations, looking for activities or events, or who is simply trying to find the most up-to-date information on a range of issues. “I am sure it will become an invaluable resource and I would encourage any organisations, groups or event organisers who have not yet registered, to do so. That will ensure the B&NES community can engage with your service.” Organisations, groups, or events that support, provide services, or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support are encouraged to register and be included in the relevant area of the website. The short online registration form takes less than five minutes to complete and once a listing has been moderated, it will appear in the directory within three days. You can register here: https://livewell.bathnes.gov. The website will be continually updated and the lists of organisations reviewed to ensure Live Well B&NEs contains the most up-to-date, relevant information. You can access Live Well B&NES here: https://livewell.bathnes.gov. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, you can contact the Live Well B&NES team online here: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.
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Whitchurch History Society update
The Society has decided to make a start on a new series of live talks in the coming months. All will of course be accompanied by whatever ‘Covid-secure’ arrangements will be required on any particular date at our venue in the United Reformed Church in the Village.
At time of writing this piece it seems that we will be easily able to accommodate our normal level of attendance.
Our first talk will be given on Friday September 24th, at 7.30 p.m., by our very own Mike Hooper on the topic of Bristol in the 1930s and 1940s and speakers have been booked for October 29th and November 26th – more details later.
The reprints of the earlier volumes of ‘Memories’ are still on sale at £5.00 each, locally in Whitchurch at The Music Box Shop / Village Shop on the main road through the village (cash please), or by contacting the Secretary (details below). We will be happy to receive further contributions for the planned next volume as soon as ‘those of you out there’ have written them, with old photos particularly welcome to augment the text.
For more information about the Society and its activities, please contact the Secretary, Geoff Gardiner, on 01275 830869 or at geoff@thegardiners.org.uk
Community Contribution Fund set to open for applications
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| Community Contribution Fund set to open for applications | |
| Charities, community and voluntary groups will soon be able to apply for grants from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s pilot Community Contribution Fund.
The fund, which was launched earlier this year, enables residents to contribute to projects which help reduce inequalities across the district. So far, more than 340 people have generously donated, raising almost £25,000. Applications for grants of between £500 and £2,000 will open next month and be assessed by a panel of elected councillors. Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Resources and Economic Development, said: “We’ve had a great response and I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund so far. Our charities, community and voluntary groups carry out vital work and this money will really help to support the most disadvantaged and improve their lives. Applications will be considered very carefully and we’ll be giving priority to projects that benefit the whole B&NES area.” Although the B&NES Community Contribution Fund is administered by Bath & North East Somerset Council, it is not used to supplement council services. Every penny contributed goes to fund local projects. Residents are still able to make contributions to the fund and it is easy to donate online. The minimum contribution is £5, however there is no maximum contribution and it is possible to donate more than once. Following this year’s pilot, the council will consult with residents and organisations on whether the scheme should continue. Residents can keep up-to-date with latest news on the fund by subscribing to the council’s special e-newsletter here. To find out more and make a contribution visit the Community Contribution Fund webpage. |
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Bereavement Peer Support Group
Peer Support Group ‘STAR’ provides free support for people grieving from a bereavement or difficult transition in their life. The aim of the support group is to create a safe space for people to receive support, listen to and share stories & experiences with others who have experienced loss in their life.
For more details please click here
Refurbished Play Park
The refurbished play park in Norton Lane has now been open for a few weeks and is proving very popular.
The park is designated for local residents and there is time limited parking on the road outside the play park.
Cycle racks have been provided and we would request visitors to walk or cycle to the park if possible.
Should you need to drive please park safely, sensibly and think of others .
If the park is busy consider alternatives like visiting at another time.
Please respect Covid restrictions of Hands, Face, Space