The Latest News for Whitchurch Village, Bath and North East Somerset
For your information our neighbouring local authority , Bristol City Council, is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution from older and more polluting vehicles.
The zone will start operating later this year.
For more details please click here
This week is the last week to book your place for the Big Tea Party on Sunday 5th June at 2.30pm.
If you are over 70 and a village resident please contact the village council on 01275839873 or email info@whitchurchvillagecouncil.co.uk to reserve your place. This event is free.
Following the unavoidable cancellation of the meetings to be held on Wednesday 6th April 2022 they have been rearranged for Thursday 21st April with the Annual Village Meeting at 7pm followed by the council meeting at 7.30pm
The latest village newsletter is being delivered to all houses in the village this week. It has exciting news about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and other dates for your diary. If you can’t wait please click here
Job hunters looking for a new role or a change in career can come along to the Keynsham Health & Social Care Jobs Fair to find out about the range of opportunities available in the sector.
The recruitment fair will be held at The Community Space (above the library), Keynsham on Friday 1 April, 10AM – 2PM.
Attendees will be able to meet local employers face-to-face and talk to them about available roles, training courses and apprenticeships. There are a variety of vacancies available for people with or without experience, many offering flexible hours and working patterns to fit around other commitments.
There is no need to book, the fair is open to everyone so just come along on the day. To find out more, or to search for health and social care vacancies across B&NES visit: https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/proudtocare
Following the recent Council Meeting the Councillors have agreed the Action Plan 2022-2023 , please click here for details
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
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
Best Home Category 21 The Witheys
Best Home Category 28 Church Road
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.
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.
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