Westfield

Parish Council Election: The re-election for Parish Councillors in the Westfield ward was publicised for Thursday, June 18, following an administrative error at the polling station invalidating votes cast on May 7. However, Rother District Council’s Returning Officer has contacted the Parish Council, and following legal advice the Returning Officer will not now be re-running a poll. Instead a count of the votes cast on the May 7 was due to have taken place on Wednesday, May 20, and Westfield ward residents should now know the names of their new Parish Councillors.

Westfield Scout Group Centenary: Last Saturday was a proud and successful day for the Group as past and present Scouters and supporters crowded into the Parish Hall to mark 100 years of Scouting in Westfield, and a report has been published elsewhere in this paper. The display of photos and memorabilia from 1915 to present, produced by Frances Richardson, remained on show for a few days, and was a talking point for other hall users. There was also a screening of the 1991 Westfield Gang Show, recalling happy memories.

Some sections of this highly regarded Group sadly face closure in the summer unless new Leaders can be found to replace people retiring due to work commitments. If you can offer help please get in touch with Frances 01424 754548 or Rose 01424 754080. Support and training is available.

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Parish Assembly: The Parish Hall was busy again for the Parish Assembly on Tuesday, May 12. Residents enjoyed refreshments while looking at displays from the Church, the Friends of Westfield Church, the Community Association and Westfield Scout Group. Recently elected District Councillors Carl Maynard and Jonathan Johnson spoke about their roles, and Parish Council Chairman James Woodhead described some of the recent improvements visible in the village. A local paramedic explained how the recently installed defribillator could be used, and stressed that Westfield needs First Responder volunteers; details are on posters around the village. Roger Carrier reported progress with the Westfield Down project, and our local PSCO explained his role, particularly in crime prevention.

Community Volunteer Awards were then presented. The Rose Bowl, given to mark community spirit over many years, had been awarded to Michael Muth for his work with the Bowls Club project, his long term support for the WCA and various other village organisations. Sadly Michael died very recently, and the award was proudly collected by grandson Ashley Paine. Certificates for community service were presented to Daphne Williams and Jackie Smith, and to Josh Jones and Michelle for their help at the Youth Club.

Westfield Church: This Sunday, May 24 is Pentacost, and there will be a very special family service at 10am, when Shades Theatre Company will be performing. Everyone is invited.

Friendship Club: This meets on Monday, May 25 from 2-3.30pm in the Parish Hall. Whist and bingo are enjoyed by members, with a chat over tea and biscuits. The subscription is just £5 per year, and new members will be made very welcome. For further information please contact Jean Hobson on 01424 753095.

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F3 (Friends, Fun, Fellowship): This is a group open to all women of any age. The next meeting is in the Parish Hall on Thursday, May 28 at 7.30pm, when Laton Frewen will be relating two stories about Grace Darling and the Mary Stanford lifeboat disaster. Please ring Helen 01424 752052 for more details

Craft Fair: Please support the Craft Fair in the Community Hall from 11am-3pm on Sunday, May 31. Proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and Ronald McDonald House Charities. For further details and to book your stall please contact Hannah Stone on 01424 755025 or 07800 770025.

Village Fete: The fete takes place on the Parish Field from 1-4pm on Saturday, June 6. This has a Jurassic theme and as well as the usual stalls there will be a hog roast, tug of war, bar, circus entertainers and more. Please contact Rachel if you can help. Raffle tickets have been distributed around the village. Please sell as many as possible, and return tickets, money and unused books to Westfield News by June 5.

Fete Charity Event: Following the fete there will be a charity event for over 18’s only in the Community Hall from 7-11pm with music from ‘Slam’. This is organised by ‘The New Inn’, who are selling tickets (£10) from June 1. Proceeds will go to the CCU and James wards at the Conquest Hospital and the Oliver Curd Trust.

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Westfield Horticultural Society: There will be a WHS plant sale at the fete, where members can collect their free pumpkin seedlings for the great pumpkin challenge. Who can grow the heaviest pumpkin? The weigh-in will be at ‘The Plough’ on Saturday, October 24. There are still a few places left on the Society’s trip to the RHS garden at Wisley on Saturday, June 13. The cost is £15 to include entry; please contact Kelvin Lynch on 01424 754612 for further details and to book your place. Don’t forget the self-drive trip to the Lavender Nursery, Tunbridge Wells on July 25; look out for details nearer the time.

Keeping in Touch: Residents should have received the new WCA Newsletter (congratulations to editor Pauline for another excellent job) and the Parish Council Annual Report. Please note that the WCA Annual Draw renewals are now due; see the back of the newsletter for details.

Westfield Village Website: This website team tries to keep up to date with all sorts of information about village organisations, events, Westfield Community Association and the Parish Council. Please visit www.westfieldvillage.co.uk and use the contact details to send in your news and views.

To send information: for the Westfield Village Voice please email [email protected]

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