February 2013

WestfieldWestfieldWestfieldWestfield

Community Community Community Community

AssociationAssociationAssociationAssociation

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY ---- MAY 2013 MAY 2013 MAY 2013 MAY 2013

The Promise of Spring

Frog:Dave Pankhurst

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

Lambs: Charlotte Wilde

Wood Anemones: Keith Balkham

2

list of Contents

Page 4

CLEAN 4 YOU Let us put the sparkle back in your home

Regular cleaning: weekly, fortnightly, monthly One off clean, Spring clean Post build, Moving out Oven / carpet cleaning

Fully insured Police checked Highly trained & experienced staff

For a free estimate & to discuss your requirements Call Andrew 0750 881 7927 daytime 01424 716631 evening

VINEYARDSVINEYARDSVINEYARDSVINEYARDS

Wheel Lane Westfield

Fantastic English Bubbly Still Wines & Fruit Wines Gift Shop & Hampers

Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm

01424 752501 www.carr-taylor.co.uk

This newsletter is printed by The Marketing Solution (TMS)

www.tmsltd.com [email protected] 01892 832952

Ask for Rez (Westfield)

3

Local Personal & Professional Letting & Property Management Company

A tailor-made service for all Landlords, from finding your Tenants to Full Management. No VAT on fees so save your hard earned money! Call Us Now!

Tenants welcome to join the waiting list

t:01424 751805 m:0788 972 7381 e:[email protected]

w:www.cinqueportsletting.co.uk

W.C.A. Newsletter Delivered free to every house in

Westfield Parish Circulation 1270 approx.

Editor: Mrs Pauline Filsell-Page c/o Westfield News, Chapel Lane

Westfield, TN35 4QX

0778 607 8588 [email protected]

Contributions by: April 21, July 21, October 14

Publication dates: May 17, August 16, November 8 Advertising: one eighth page £10 Half page £40 with 10% discount for

advance annual bookings.

Westfield Community Association NewsletterWestfield Community Association NewsletterWestfield Community Association NewsletterWestfield Community Association Newsletter No 143 February/March 2013

A s the years roll by, this newsletter is becoming full of quite a variety of items but

in no way does it contain everything that happens in Westfield.

As always, I am grateful to the contributors who willingly submit articles and

information, particularly allowing me to exercise my role as Editor; I am approaching my

twenty-third year in this position. Many comments of ’just put in something along the

lines of….., I’ll leave it to you’ is sometimes a help and sometimes a hindrance but, in the

end, the main purpose is to give a range of random items to interest most readers.

The WCA is very grateful to the large number of individuals and businesses who value this

newsletter for their advertising, helping in no small part with fund-raising which covers

the cost of production with the surplus adding to the general WCA pot.

There are increasingly many references to the world wide web, on the assumption that

everyone these days is able to use or have access to a computer - books and newsprint

still have their place - isn’t it easier to read this publication in paper form on the street

corner, in the train, in the comfort of your armchair or in a meeting?

How lovely to see the daffodils at the end of January through Westfield on

the verges though, at the time of writing, more wintry weather seems to be

on the way. I hope the delivery of your newsletter is not held up due

to adverse conditions whilst we thank those who deliver to your

door, for you to enjoy your read. Time to put the kettle on ……

Pauline Filsell-Page Editor

15151515----21 April National Gardening Week

21 April National Gardening Week



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INDEX

Simon DelamareSimon DelamareSimon DelamareSimon Delamare

Interior Decoration Specialist

City and Guilds Qualified

All aspects of internal decoration

References available

Fully insured

Home 01424 423119

Mobile 0787 041 1748

Golf 41

Guides 11

Horticultural 9

Hospice 30

Hub 39

Library 48

Lions 28

Lunch Club 38

Parish Church 5,13

Parish Church Friends 42

Parish Hall 6

People's Page 7

Planning 45

Playgroup 21

Police 12

Quiz H/S-L 7

Remember when 14

Richard's Ramblings 18

Rollerbooting 41

School & dates 15

Scouts 34

Stoolball 41

Surgery 17

Tennis Club 41

Tennis Courts 46

Toddlers 20

U3A 39

W.I. 26

WCA Council 24

Website 16

Wildlife 36,37

Window on Westfield 43-45

Yoga 41

Youth 8

Air Ambulance 38

Art 6

Baby Clinic 20

Battle Area Bus 40

Battle Choral 33

Bingo 27

Blood 19

Bowls 41

British Legion 27

Brownies 11

Christmas 22

Council Emergency Plan 42

Cricket 41

Dance 6

Darts 41

Draw 24

Editorial 3

ESDA 20

F3 33

Fire 10,37

Football 41

Friendship 16

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The United Benefice of Westfield and Guestling www.westfieldguestlingchurches.org.uk

From the vicarage….

It was a wonderful first Christmas here in Westfield and Guestling. It was good to see so many people over Christmas and thank you for bearing with us as we tried to get everyone into the Christingle service safely. Next year we hope to provide two services to make it easier for everyone. After we had heard so much about them, it was great to see the Westfield village lights, congratulations to all for raising so much for St Michael's Hospice. Thank you to all those who helped with our Christmas Tree Festival and to all those who provided the wonderful display of different trees. Congratulations to Westfield News for winning the best tree competition. (Ed: please see pages 22, 23) The result of the vote was - Westfield News 62 votes; Strawberry Fair 47 votes; Scouts 27 votes Our special thanks also go to 'Freshfields' for donating the Christmas tree for St John's Church and the oranges for our Christingle service. In January we started our new church service pattern and, as part of that, we relaunched our Sunday morning Youth activities 'JAM' (Jesus and Me) for the younger ones, and 'Ignite' for older children. The morning starts at 9.30 in church and then activities, worship and prayer for children in the Parish Hall (see posters). We continue studying the Gospel of Mark on Sundays and during the week, all are welcome at any of our services or at our Bible study and prayer groups. On Wednesday evenings in Lent we have a variety of speakers who work for different mission agencies in Hastings and worldwide (see page 13). Details of our Easter services are also on page 13. May you know the Lord’s blessing and peace in 2013 Rev Rob

Rev Robert Mulford [email protected] 01424 751029

6

www.hfs.org.uk

01424 44 11 12

Don’t let your re-usable furniture or electrical goods go to waste: donate to charity helping local low-income households.

FREE COLLECTION

Westfield Art Group Westfield Art Group Westfield Art Group Westfield Art Group

“Painting for Pleasure”

Di Paterson 01424 754359

WESTFIELD PARISH HALL For parties, dances, shows, For parties, dances, shows, For parties, dances, shows, For parties, dances, shows, club meetings/events etcclub meetings/events etcclub meetings/events etcclub meetings/events etc

Ideal venue for family meals/gatheringsIdeal venue for family meals/gatheringsIdeal venue for family meals/gatheringsIdeal venue for family meals/gatherings

• good sized hall

• gas central heating

• spacious well equipped kitchen

• catering gas cooker, dishwasher

crockery and cutlery

£7.50 per hour (special rates for functions)

Phone Booking Clerk

between 9 am & 7 pm

for dates and times available

01424 753752

PAUL HOBDEN LTD Plumbing & Heating Engineers

LOCAL FAMILY BUSI4ESS

Electrical, building,

carpentry, tiling,

bathroom & kitchen fitting

Gas, oil & lpg Appliances -

serviced, repaired and fitted

Solar Installations

Power flushing of central heating systems

GAS SAFE

REGISTERED

01424 755677

Westfield Community Hall

Streetlinks Fridays: 6.15 - 7.15 pm

Age 7 and over

£4.50 per person, per class

Ballet and Tap Class Fridays: 5.30 - 6.15 pm

Ages 3 - 6

£4.00

Contact: Amanda 0776 288 1260

7

Please mention this WCA Newsletter when you contact our advertisers.

If any contact details are unobtainable or incorrect please advise the Editor.

People’s page

To all new residents

‘Welcome to Westfield’ ‘Welcome to Westfield’ ‘Welcome to Westfield’ ‘Welcome to Westfield’ Sussex Food Awards 2012/13Sussex Food Awards 2012/13Sussex Food Awards 2012/13Sussex Food Awards 2012/13 Butcher of the Year Butcher of the Year Butcher of the Year Butcher of the Year

Archers, Westfield Family Butcher, was one of ten finalists from across Sussex in last year’s competition; the result announced on 31 January gave John Murray of Loxwood West Sussex the first place but our own Archers of Westfield are the joint runners up. (excuse the pun!) Many congratulations on a wonderful achievement against such strong opposition. Incidentally, Archers was the only prize-winner in any category in this part of the county.

Tim’s Gardening Services For all your Gardening Requirements

Mowing, Weeding,

Landscaping, Tiding etc

One-off jobs - regular work

Give Tim a call

01424 755713

or 0783 768 7321

Competitive rates

Westfield resident

The views expressed in the WCA Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor and,

while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the text, no responsibility can be

accepted for errors or omissions. Advertisements are published in good faith but do not

necessarily indicate recommendation.

The ‘Window on Westfield’ is the responsibility of the Parish Council.

Noah Edward Williams was born 13 January at 6:03 weighing 6lbs 4oz. Penny and Matt are

over the moon as are the grandparents Malcolm &

Julia and Daphne & Michael.

Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link

(Reg’d Charity No: 1127137)

Grateful thanks to all who participated in

the 2012 Puzzle Competition which raised

£600. There were 3 prize-winners who all

answered 74 of the 75 questions correctly;

fourth placed winner failed only on two.

Answers and explanations may be found

on www.hastingshastings.org.uk or

with a s.a.e. to the Quizmaster at

33 Parkwood Road, Hastings TN34 2RN

The committee is aiming to equip a medical

centre for obstetric care: finance two midwives

and improve conditions of hygiene etc.

The infant mortality rate in Sierra Leone is the

highest reported in the world.

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IMPERIAL CLEANING Estd. 1988

Carpet & Upholstery

Cleaning Specialists

Competitive Prices

Martin McDowell

01797 458154

0776 727 3641

[email protected]

WESTFIELD YOUTH CLUB

6.30 - 8.00 pm Wednesdays 2nd & 4th monthly ALL memberships renewed in September for text alerts text 07797440014 New members welcome Lots of fun for ages 8 - 16 years

Admission members only 70p + annual £1 Parish Hall Don’t forget to bring change for the tuck shop!

Dan, Min, Sarah, Sara, Baz & Josh look forward to seeing you

[email protected] Info: Dan 0789 991 7952

The BIG QUIZ is back.......2nd March 7pm in Westfield Parish hall.

£5 per person (includes food!!) Teams of up to 8 people (family teams are welcome).

All proceeds for Westfield Youth Club. Tables must be booked in advance phone 0795 299 5743

Main Road Westfield TN35 4QE

Now open in Westfield

a local family run business selling quality used vehicles for over 40 years

previously in Bohemia Hastings

01424 752444 or 0797 228 9041

www.hartsmotors.com [email protected]

HATE IRONING? let me help you ESTABLISHED FOR 15 YEARS

WITH REGULAR CUSTOMERS

EXCELLENT REFERENCES - CRB checked

HOURLY RATE £8.00 WITH NO HIDDEN CHARGES

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE non smoking environment

CALL MARIA NOW

01424 717080


9

Westfield Horticultural Society

Thank you to all those who responded to our recent letter and survey. Ideas

coming from that will be used in our planning future events.

Our 2013 Show Schedule and Handbook is now available from Archers or

Westfield News and may also be downloaded from our website at

www.WestfieldHorticulturalSociety.co.uk. Our Spring Show is on Saturday 6 April. As well

as all the usual horticultural classes, our Show sub-committee has taken time to consider all

the classes and provide a range of opportunities for entrants to demonstrate a variety of

skills in home produce classes, floral art, photography, art, and handicrafts. We hope the

classes for younger members will inspire them to submit an entry. Please do not be

intimidated about entering shows, it’s all about having fun and if you win a class or maybe

more, to gain a trophy, then what better reward?

Our committee has arranged a number of other events during the year, including a Quiz

Night on 16 February, a Spring trip to RHS Gardens at Wisley on 23 March and a Village

Front Garden Competition in July. Further details are available on our website and will be

advertised nearer the time.

Nicholas Wilde, Chairman Membership Secretary: Kelvin Lynch 2 Spraysbridge Farm Cottages, Sprays Lane, Sedlescombe, Battle TN33 0RU

Tel: 0787 547 8484 Email: [email protected]

March 23 Trip to RHS Gardens at Wisley (see below)

April 6 Spring Show

May 1 Social Meeting with Guest speaker

July 6 Westfield Village Fete

July from 6 Village Front Garden Competition

August Friary Gardeners open day, Ore Place Farm

September 14 Autumn Show

October 23 Annual General Meeting

November Social Meeting with Guest speaker

WHS Spring Show

6 April at 2.30 pm


Workhouse Lane

Visitors, members and friends are all welcome

Refreshments raffle tombola plant stall

Coach Outing to RHS Gardens, Wisley

SATURDAY 23 MARCH Leaving Geary Place at 9.30am, Returning c. 6pm

SEATS £12.50; NON MEMBERS £15.50

To Book: phone 01424 754337

Further details from Annie Nijhuis, Treasurer 47 Baldslow Down, Westfield TN37 7NJ

10

MOBILEMOBILEMOBILEMOBILE HAIRDRESSERHAIRDRESSERHAIRDRESSERHAIRDRESSER Cuts - Perms - Blow Dry

Highlights - Colours

Competitive prices

Hairdressing for everyone

Kelly 01797 253626

0772 920 1305 your local professional hairdresser with nearly 20 years experience

JB MOWER SERVICES

FOR THE SERVICE AND REPAIR

OF MOWERS & GARDEN MACHINERY

@ Kent Street 4urseries, Kent Street

(A21) near Sedlescombe T433 0SF

Call John 0785 120 1233

Bernie 0797 437 5415

or 01424 751134

Karys Counselling

Integrative Counselling for

Adults and Children

Sometimes life may be overwhelming. Counselling

offers a safe space to explore feelings and emotions.

Integrative Counselling offers a variety of therapies

such as CBT, Gestalt, Systemic and Humanistic

Therapy.

The first session (assessment) is free of charge.

For more information please call:

01424 230132 or 0757 258 18748 or email: [email protected]

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

On 13 December 2012, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service took the decision to keep the Ridge Fire Station as a ‘maintained full time station’. It was also agreed that the Fire Authority should work with rural communities in undertaking community safety activities. These decisions followed a public consultation process and several public meetings to discuss a proposal which could have saved a considerable amount of money in operating costs, but would

have meant rural communities being served by a reduced facility at The Ridge or the more distant Bohemia Fire Station. Many petitions and personal objections were lodged against the proposal which it was feared would increase response times and threaten lives. The proposal to down-grade The Ridge Station has now been dropped.

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DAVE KEMP MECHANICAL SERVICES

GAS SAFE REGISTERED

Plumbing & Heating

Gas Appliances:- Installed, Serviced & Repaired

DISABLED ADAPTIONS:- Wet Room and Showers

Property Maintenance and

General Building

Fully Insured 24 hr Service With 25 years experience

No job too big or small

01424 460114 0771 158 4301

[email protected]

WESTFIELD BROWNIES & GUIDES

T he last few meetings in 2012 in both units were spent

decorating Christmas Trees to go in the church over Christmas.

Both units started back on 15 January, the Brownies with several new

members bringing our numbers up to nearly full while the Guides have seen very few

members return so far and no new girls, so have room for many more. So girls why not come

along and join us on a Tuesday evening and see if you enjoy the girl only evenings of games

and activities.

Sadly my plea in the last news letter did not produce a new Brownie Guider so we are still

looking for someone to come along and join our team. With the increase in numbers this is

more pressing than ever.

For more details or to join please contact me on 01424754927

Sally Cruttenden

St David’s Day Friday 1st March

Your local friendly village store

WESTFIELD LONDISWESTFIELD LONDISWESTFIELD LONDISWESTFIELD LONDIS (Proprietors: Rama & Pragna Patel)

Main Road, Westfield

01424 751385

Open Mon - Sat 8am-8pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

*Off Licence * Promotions*

In store Bakery, Bake ‘n Bite, Hot Pies & Pasties, Cakes, Milk Fruit & Vegetables ~ local grown

Frozen Foods inc Korkers Newspapers & Magazines

Confectioneries

LI4K cash machine

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Don’t forget to feed the birds

Police Report

2012 saw some personnel changes in the role of local PCSO for the Brede Valley

area with officers being moved around due to staff shortages and long term

absences. I am pleased to announce though that PCSO Richard Perchard has now

returned to the area as the local PCSO for Westfield. Richard had previously

worked in these villages for over 5 years before moving onto a different area

around six months ago. He however has now returned and brings back with him a

vast amount of local knowledge, experience and contacts which I am sure will be

of great benefit to both me and the local community. I would also like to thank

PCSOs Smith, Phillips and Kemp for filling in and covering Westfield at various

points last year in Richard’s absence.

It has been a much quieter period in

Westfield over the last few months

which has only had one burglary

reported. This occurred in Beaney’s

Lane in January but other reports of

garages and sheds being broken into have been received from across the village.

Please where possible padlock and secure your outbuildings and consider

investing in an alarm to give yourself the best chance to avoid becoming a victim

of theft.

The number of calls relating to anti social behaviour also having significantly

reduced as it normally tends to do during the colder and darker evenings. We are

patrolling the identified trouble spots as much as possible which is, hopefully,

having the desired effect.

The biggest problem for local residents at this time of year is the road conditions.

There are numerous locations around Westfield with significantly bad potholes

and areas where black ice can form

overnight. Please allow plenty of time

for your journey, making sure that you

drive safely and within the speed limit

at all times.

I look forward to meeting up with you

all during the year

Best Wishes PC 7igel Collins

~ ~ ~ ~

LONGSHIPS lighthouselighthouselighthouselighthouse

Takeaway FISH & CHIPS

284 Priory Road, Hastings near Ore Village

01424 713030 Open Monday - Saturday

4.30 pm - 9.30 pm (Sat from12 noon)

Local Fish Local Potatoes

National Federation of Fish-fryers trained

Westfield’s Jon Baker

13

The Benefice of Westfield and Guestling

Mission Matters

Lent Wednesdays 7.30pm St John the Baptist Church, Westfield

20 February AnnAnnAnnAnn----Marie Wilson Marie Wilson Marie Wilson Marie Wilson CMS Mission Partner

27 February Jude Harrison Jude Harrison Jude Harrison Jude Harrison Family Support Worker, Chichester Diocesan Assn

6 March Lucy Skelton and Darren Maylam Lucy Skelton and Darren Maylam Lucy Skelton and Darren Maylam Lucy Skelton and Darren Maylam Christian Schools Workers Hastings

13 March Rev. Roger Faulkner Rev. Roger Faulkner Rev. Roger Faulkner Rev. Roger Faulkner Core Volunteer Manager, Open Doors UK

Easter Services 2013

10 March 9.30 Mothering Sunday

With guest Speaker Chris Emson (Diocesan

President of the Mothers Union)

St John’s Westfield

11.00 St Laurence Guestling

24 March 9.30 Palm Sunday

All Age Worship St John’s Westfield

11.00 Holy Communion St Laurence Guestling

28 March 19.00 Maundy Thursday

Benefice Service of Holy Communion St Laurence Guestling

29 March 9.30 Good Friday Workshop

St John’s Westfield

14.00 An hour by the Cross St John’s Westfield

14.00 An hour by the Cross St Laurence Guestling

31 March 6.00 Easter Day

Sunrise Service St John’s Westfield

9.30 All Age Worship with Holy Communion St John’s Westfield

11.00 Holy Communion St Laurence Guestling

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CHIROPODISTCHIROPODISTCHIROPODISTCHIROPODIST

PODIATRISTPODIATRISTPODIATRISTPODIATRIST

SURGERY in Whatlington with free parking

HOME VISITS

to local villages including Westfield

Christine Milne D.Pod.M. M.Ch.S. H.P.C. Reg

01424 773935

Mothering Sunday

10 March

Clocks ‘spring forward’ on Easter Sunday 31 March One hour at 1.00 a.m. For British Summer Time

Memories of Westfield From a message on the internet: I left Westfield in 1960 when I joined the RAF Boy Entrants, but used to drop in now and again thru the years up to 1968. I returned again this year (2012) to the UK after an absence of 23 years. Westfield hasn't changed all that much, apart from all the new houses that have gone up. I see the pub we called The New Inn is up for sale, Henson's has gone as well as the Post Office run by the Carey's. Nice to see that Archer's are still in business. I spoke to a guy who was going to buy or rent what used to be Tubb's garage. The old houses along Park View have gone, I used to have a mate who lived in No. 1, Colin who lived with his grand parents, the Morleys. Saunders shop has gone and they've even put down tarmac around the New Cut. Used to do the paper round there. Names like Case, Goatley, Cruttenden, Dean, Sinden, Crouch, Barden, Pelling, Lustad, Gain, the Pratts at Westfield school, Mr Leonard the vicar and many more. Joan (sic. Ed: Jean) Cook the lady who used to drive the school coach for us back and forth to Battle Secondary Modern School, it's all a memory now. But those were good times and good years. Gordon Ferguson now in Norway

15

T he children all arrived

back at school on Tuesday

8 January following a long

and well deserved Christmas break; we

welcomed 2 new children into our ranks.

Our Christmas Nativity production was, as usual, fantastic and lots

of new tiny stars were born. Our Years 5 & 6 pupils entertained us

with their carol concert and also visited Whitegates Care Home to

bring plenty of Christmas cheer to the residents with their festive

songs and carols.

The Christmas Fayre, organised and run by the Friends of Westfield

School, at the beginning of December was well supported and raised an

amazing £1943. All the proceeds will get ploughed back into other

events, activities and resources for our school and children. We are

grateful for the help and donations of all the Friends members,

staff, parents and local community in making these events successful.

Our topics this term include Science Eggheads; Earth, Space and

Aliens; Uganda; The Tudors; Fairy Tales and ‘On the Move’. All the

children have embarked on this new term with enthusiasm and gusto.

Already we have seen a number of trips and WOW activities to inspire

our youngsters, including Year 1’s visit to Bodiam Castle, Year 3

visiting Herstmonceux Science Centre and Year 6 building a mini Tudor

House in the Community Hall, in full Tudor attire.

Our biggest ‘WOW’ took place in the shape of our SCIENCE FAIRS on

17/18 January. We whet the appetites of all our budding scientists

the previous week with a visit from a group of secondary school

science teachers who performed many exciting (and sometimes smelly)

experiments, bringing the imaginations of our youngsters to life.

This taster into the world of exploration and science saw an amazing

array of ideas and questions at our own fairs, all scrutinised by a

hand-picked team of judges and picking a winner proved to be a task

on its own.

Recently we have been fortunate to host a Music Enrichment Day, led

by the East Sussex Music Service. We welcomed pupils from other local

schools for a day of musical and vocal activities ending with a

performance to parents.

We are looking forward to our next big production which will be

undertaken by our Years 3 & 4 children and performed at the close of

Term 4 before we break for Easter. Preparations have already

started, lines learned, staging designed and it should be a comical,

fun production for all. Ha Ha!!

Once again, Sainsbury’s will be holding

their Active Kids scheme from February

to May and we would welcome any unwanted

vouchers that residents may be given

whilst doing the regular weekly shop.

Richard and Tracy Joy at Westfield

Newsagents are happy to collect on our

behalf.

WESTFIELD SCHOOL Headteacher: Keith Cheetham

[email protected]

www.westfield-school.com

01424 751404

Westfield School Dates 2013

Term 4 - 25 February - 28 March

Term 5 - 15 April - 24 May

Term 6 - 3 June - 24 July

16

WESTFIELD NEWSWESTFIELD NEWSWESTFIELD NEWSWESTFIELD NEWS & Village Shop

Tracy & Richard Joy CHAPEL LANE CHAPEL LANE CHAPEL LANE CHAPEL LANE TN35 4QX 01424 753232

* Provisions * Home News Delivery * Dry Cleaning * Pet Supplies

Check out our prices - local doesn’t have to mean pricey!

Westfield Friendship Club

The Club began the new year welcoming some new members. Amongst future plans are occasional Beetle drives and other topics for our fortnightly meetings together with summer outings. Membership remains at £5 per year with 10p each meeting. It would be helpful to know beforehand if members are unable to attend in order to make sure there are enough players for the whist and bingo. Dates for the next three months: 18 February, 4 & 18 March, 15 & 29 April, 13 May. Why not come along and meet some new faces? We are in the Parish Hall from 2 pm to 3.30 pm.

Jean Hobson 01424 753095

Have you visited our website

for a variety of Westfield activities?

www.westfieldvillage.co.uk

Friendship Club

Christmas Party photo: John Wallenstein

17

You may already know that Dr

Caroline Hargreaves retired on

health grounds on the 31

December 2012 and Dr Steven

Stern will be retiring in May 2013.

To that end we have recruited two

experienced doctors and as soon

as details are confirmed we will

place a notice on our website.

(www.drsternandptnrs.co.uk )

regarding their names and start

dates.

Furthermore, with the change of

doctors and the considerable

changes that will start to unfold in

the NHS during the year, twinned

with the increasing financial

pressures placed upon the NHS,

our practice faces considerable

challenges ahead, having to adapt

and make changes to the services

we provide. During this difficult

transition period I would like to

ask for your help and

understanding in helping the

practice respond to the many

changes to come.

Keith Newman FInstLM MIHM

DipPM MCGI

Practice Manager

Westfield Surgery

01424 751609 www.drsternandptnrs.co.uk

(Prop. West & Coe Ltd.)

Your local, privately owned business offering the

highest standard of care and facilities to those

families we serve. ~

We are always able to visit you at home to gently

guide you towards making the right choice of

funeral arrangements. ~

We offer pre-need advice and are able to give you

helpful guidance regarding Golden Charter

‘The Independent Way’ Funeral Plan. ~

We can also give you guidance on any

monumental work. ~

Please telephone our office if you feel we may be

able to help you in any aspect of our work. ~

Dixter Road, 4orthiam

T431 6LB

01797 260316

Email – [email protected]

Website – www.jperigoeandson.com

Thanks and Farewell

A presentation book for Dr Caroline Hargreaves has been signed by a number

of patients and friends on her retirement. If anyone wishes to be included, please call at the surgery. Doctors and staff enjoyed their

Leaving Party at the Wild Mushroom at the

beginning of February.

18

RRRR ichard’s Ramblings ~ WELL CHOSEN WORDS

It is always difficult to decide how to react to those people, and we have all met them, who will not take no for an answer, can do the job better than we can or are just plain difficult. Sometimes a few well chosen words are all that is required, but occasionally they may shoot themselves in the foot. A colleague of my father was in the enquiry office at East Grinstead police station when in came a man well out of breath. “Quick Officer, my car is on fire in your car park. Do something.” The Constable put down the pen with which he had been writing, flicked a switch on the wall beside him and wrote something on a small form. “Do something, man” the visitor urged “My car is burning as we speak”. The constable raised his hand in a placatory gesture. As he did so, the visitor became aware of a moaning sound, growing in volume and intensity from somewhere outside. “Don’t worry Sir” urged the Constable, “The fire service is on the way and will deal with the matter directly.” The noise outside by now resembled an air raid warning siren, in fact it was a siren, which summoned the fire fighters to their station next door and it was controlled by the very switch located beside the enquiry desk. The man, now looking worried, spoke again: “But it is only a practice man, to see how you would react. I am based at headquarters, with the Chief Constable”. Just then a Fireman rushed into the room in order to find out where the fire was. “Well sir, I suggest you tell him, because I’m not going to”. The constable went about his business, leaving the visitor to explain things to a very unhappy group of firemen. A man walked into Bexhill police station and slapped a fixed penalty ticket on the counter. “I don’t deserve this, I fought in the war”. The station constable turned round from whatever he had been doing and as he did so, the irate man caught sight of two brightly coloured rows of campaign ribbons above his pocket. The constable pushed the ticket back. “Not on your own you didn’t” he said. Without another word, the war veteran picked up the ticket and walked out again. Engaged in traffic control at a crash, one of my colleagues was shouted at by a driver who had one hundred and one reasons why the diversion was meant for everyone but him. “I need to get through; I am in a very great hurry”. My colleague explained patiently that the road was impassable and he would need to take the diversion. “But I can get through; surely, there must be room for me?” It was explained again that he would have to follow the diversion but the man asked: “Don’t you know who I am?” The officer, who could not put a name to the face, but recognised the man as a local dignitary, replied: “No

Sir, I don’t know who you are, but I know what you are”. Incandescent with rage, the man drove off. His subsequent complaint got him nowhere.

Happy New Year, Richard Perchard

emmaus

Charity Superstore Reg. charity 1123493

furniture, electrical goods, curtains, books household goods, clothes

DVDs, CDs, jewellery, toys, bric-a-brac etc.

Browsers welcome Tues - Sat 10 am - 4 pm

Whitworth Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 7PZ (Past Rambler Coaches)

01424 755111

19

MOBILE BLOOD UNIT watch for banner outside school

Sessions p.m. and evening

7ext session 25 June

The Plough Inn, The Moor, Westfield 0300 123 23 23 www.blood.co.uk

all aspects of architectural services

from initial concept to full design

and project management Talk to us about your:-

• New Build requirements

• Extensions

• Home Alterations

• Loft Conversions

• Apartment blocks

• Commercial sites

• Planning Applications

• Building Regulation

• Listed Buildings Consent

For FREE initial consultation & FREE advice

call 01424 871120 and ask for Steve

www.pumphousedesigns.co.uk

Bar open: Tuesday - Thursday 12-3; 5-close (winter) Monday evenings only

Friday, Saturday, Sunday all day

Food served: Lunch/Dinner (Sun till 3.30pm)

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROASTS £6.95

Senior Citizen Lunch only £4.50

The The The The The Moor, Westfield TN35 4QR

Plough Plough Plough Plough www.theploughwestfield.co.uk

01424 751066

Traditional Family Run Pub with food Real Ales, Pool, Bar Billiards, Darts

Don’t stand in the cold, have a coffee, soft drink, beer or wine etc.

at your at your at your at your Local Take-Away Fish & Chips or Curry: lunch/evening

Come and Join Us

There is a small group

who meet locally, and

occasionally for lunch at

the Plough on Sundays

or weekdays. This is an

opportunity for couples

and individuals to meet others without

joining a group or club. If you would like

to be included please contact the WCA

Editor, details page 3.

20

St Patrick’s Day 17 March

SEDLESCOMBE AND WESTFIELD GROUP (ESDA)

U nfortunately whilst the last newsletter was at the

printers, ESDA found themselves having to wind

up this branch. Despite various attempts to attract new

members for their monthly outings, funding was not

available to continue locally.

Information and advice is still available through the Information Service and Daily

Living Centre.

Phone 01323 514500, write to East Sussex Disability Association

1 Faraday Close, Eastbourne BN22 9BH

or email [email protected]

www.esda.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1042071

Actively empowering and supporting disabled people

John Shaw LtdJohn Shaw LtdJohn Shaw LtdJohn Shaw Ltd ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & BUILDINGELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & BUILDINGELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & BUILDINGELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & BUILDING

01424 756019

0797 372 0921

[email protected]

Oil boilers servicing and maintenance

Rewires

Central Heating

Bathrooms

Showers

Power Flushing

Westfield Parent & Toddler Group Our Group runs on Friday afternoons

(apart from the third Friday of the

month) 1.15 - 3pm in the Parish Hall,

Vicarage Lane, with refreshments kindly

prepared by Joan and Shelley. We are a small friendly group offering a wide range

of activities, with regular visits from the

toy library, Fun Van and, in the backroom,

the Health Visitor has a drop in clinic on the first Friday of the month 1-3pm.

21

Self assessment tax return causing problems? Do you think you may be paying

too much tax? Need professional help or advice from a semi-retired chartered accountant?

4o charge for a first exploratory chat

Colin H.P. Smith FCA Chartered Accountant

Little Twitten, Mount St. Battle TN33 0EG 01424 772421 [email protected]

WESTFIELD PLAYGROUP

EASTER FAMILY

FUN DAY Westfield Parish Hall (next to the Church)

Saturday 16 March

12noon-3pm

REFRESHMENTS*CAKES

*PETTING CORNER*BIKES* *ART ACTIVITIES *HOOK THE DUCK*

EASTER RAFFLE * EGG HUNT EASTER BONNET COMPETITION

and loads more fun stalls

Come along for a fun family time and help to support your village playgroup

We welcome any donations of

raffle prizes and cakes

All proceeds to Westfield Playgroup

Westfield Playgroup Parish Hall Vicarage Lane

WESTFIELD TN35 4SD

Tel: 0779 074 4404

Email:

[email protected]

www.westfieldplaygroup.co.uk

Our Nativity in December was well

attended. The children looked lovely in

their costumes and sang beautifully,

everyone enjoyed the event. We would

like to thank all the parents and local

businesses for donating prizes for our

raffle and our committee who organised

the event; we raised £250 for new

equipment for the

playgroup.

The children enjoyed

the Christmas party

especially the surprise

visit from Father Christmas.

We are into a busy term, preparing the

growing garden ready for our fruit and

vegetables, and lots of messy play.

On World Book Day we dress up as our

favourite book character and Elaine the librarian reads stories to the children.

Everyone is welcome at our Easter Fun

Day (see next column) and we appreciate

your support.

At the time of print we only have a few

spaces left; we are open Monday-Friday

9-12noon also Thurs 12-3pm so if you

are interested drop in any time or

for more information contact

Julie on 0779 074 4404,

email [email protected] or

check out our website at

www.westfieldplaygroup.co.uk

22

The Christmas Tree Festival was a great success, in spite of the awful weather making it

very difficult to get along to the Church. We were delighted that everyone participated so willingly and produced such wonderful and varied trees, which were greatly enjoyed by all visitors. We have learnt a few lessons, as this was a new venture, so that next time access will be easier. We were glad to be able to contribute towards the

magnificent sum of money collected for St Michael’s Hospice. M.M.

Westfield 4ews

winning entry with accompanying poem

I used to be a great big tree in my life before,

I never realised quite what life would have in store. One day I left the forest, off to the paper mill,

Now was my chance to make my mark, my destiny fulfil. My second incarnation was as a source of news,

Good, bad and all the gossip, to inform and amuse. I thought “This life will be a short one, I’ll soon be in the bin, No point in worrying though, I’ll just take it on the chin.” Just when I thought it finished and landfill beckoned me,

That nice young man from Westfield News came and rescued me. In the spirit of recycling almost no expense was spent,

In the petty cash at Westfield News I barely made a dent. But Christmas is not all about the money that you spend,

It’s about the goodwill you create and the messages you send. A lot of time and effort went into making me,

A lot of thought and that’s what counts at Christmas Time you see. Don’t forget how Christmas started, all those years ago, Rejoice in the Christmas Spirit, let everybody know

It’s what you do for others that will bring your soul some peace, It’s not about eating so much food that you end up obese.

So now I find myself right back where I began, A tree once more with a little help from Richard and from Dan.

Representing Westfield News I’m happy as can be, Merry Christmas from all of us and our eco-friendly tree!

©

The WCA’s entry (photo left)

thanks to the organisation

of Hall Manager Rachel

Pritchard and her helpers.

Westfield Christmas Tree Festival 2012

For the eighth year running, the residents of Westfield came together to create a spectacle for passers-by to enjoy encouraging them to ‘spare a few pennies’ for St Michael’s Hospice, totalling £5,534.39. Homes and gardens were festooned with spectacular displays of lights and decorations for all to enjoy over Christmas! St Michael’s Hospice Community Fundraiser, Amanda Hildreth, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the residents of Westfield. The lights get better and better each year and I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!”

Westfield’s Christmas 2012

The WCA has replaced the lights on the Christmas Tree near the Millennium sign so that, in future, the maintenance is easier. We are

indebted to Jean and Wilf Tomsett for their annual contribution in connection with the tree, along with their hospitality for Carols Round the Christmas Tree. There was certainly a good turnout for the carols with about 150 enjoying Jean’s delicious homemade soup. Thanks are also expressed

to Janice Bolton and the musicians for playing in the cold at this popular annual event.

23

Trade and Retail

customers all welcome

Sales : 01424 856800

Fax : 01424 854500 www.stamco.co.uk

Churchfields Mill, Highfield Drive

St Leonards on Sea

Open 6 days a week

Branches in Hastings, Eastbourne,

Hove and Shoreham

Decking, Fencing,

Timber & Boards, Aggregates,

Paving, Sand & Cement

All you need for your building projects

and for your DIY and garden makeover

Sales : 01424 856830

Fax : 01424 856840 www.stamcoplumbingandheating.co.uk

WWWW estfield Lights would like to thank everyone for their support in

December. As usual, in the Church Lane area, there was a fantastic response from the public in donations to St Michael’s Hospice amounting to a record total of £5534.39, despite the bad weather. Thanks to the following: Ken Munday, Richard Milward, Maureen Flaherty, Dave Pankhurst and Lorraine Isted and also to Stuart Bellhouse of A&S Signs for donating the two new banners and electrician Don Thorne for donating the spotlights. BBC South East TV came to televise live prior to our annual Carols Round the Christmas Tree event, managing to broadcast the musicians warming up. Radio Sussex also had a live interview with Ken Munday.

Visit www.westfieldvillage.co.uk for photographs.

"Blades of Glory" was the chosen name for ESCC first gritting machine. In December they launched a competition for Schoolchildren in East Sussex to find names for the 23 other marvellous gritting machines in their fleet which will battle against the snow and ice.

Well done to Westfield’s Monty Thomas of Heathlands who was one of the winning entrants with his name of ‘Snowbeast’. As a reward, the gritting machine was to visit Monty’s school, Claremont, to show it to everyone.

Councillor Carl Maynard, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, was eager to discover what creative names were forthcoming.

24

WESTFIELD DRAW 2012/13WESTFIELD DRAW 2012/13WESTFIELD DRAW 2012/13WESTFIELD DRAW 2012/13 monthly prizes: £50, £20, £15, £10 x 2, £5

plus £100 Christmas Bonus Charity No 271252

Recent Winners: November: Joyce White, Janet Hammond, Frances Turnball, Lynn Cloute, Jean Tomsett, Margo Lidbetter December: Stephen Bond, Edna Colvin, Lesley Morris,

Kevin Bryant, Dan Isted, Kevin Baker, Norma Holt January: Venetia Brooks, Patricia Marston, Barbara Nunn Anthony Carter, Nicholas Stretton, Ken Burrows

Draw takes place on last Friday monthly in Westfield News & Strawberry Fair All winners are notified £10 per annum; renewals June

Coordinator: Pauline Filsell-Page 0778 607 8588

WCA Box, c/o Westfield 4ews, Chapel Lane, Westfield T435 4QX

WCA Hall Manager phoneWCA Hall Manager phoneWCA Hall Manager phoneWCA Hall Manager phone 01424 754446 answerphone Rachel Pritchard Rachel Pritchard Rachel Pritchard Rachel Pritchard emailemailemailemail [email protected] Facebook Facebook Facebook Facebook Westfield Community Hall postpostpostpost 25 Greenacres, Westfield, TN35 4QT

Westfield Community Hall Hire

Hiring fees from 1st April 2012:

COMMU4ITY HALL

Sports, jumble sales, children’s daytime parties etc……………..£9.00 per hour

Children’s clubs between 5 and 7pm Mondays to Fridays…....…£4.75 per hour

Evening functions such as cheese and wine parties, quiz nights with bar,

dances without bar or disco or live bands……….…£70

Discos and events with live music and bar 6pm until 11.45pm. ………… ..£70

DI4I4G HALL …... £6.50 per hour Children’s Clubs £3.25 per hour

BOTH HALLS TOGETHER

Sport, some social event, exhibitions, jumble sales etc………......£14.50 per hour

Evening functions (as above)………………………………..……£120

Discos and dances……………………………………..………… £120 + £100 deposit

Westfield Community Association Council Registered Charity No. 271252

President: Mrs Joan Downing

Chairman: Mr John Barnett 7 Heathlands Westfield TN35 4QZ 01424 753323 [email protected] Vice-Chairman: Ms Sarah Howard Secretary: vacant

Hall Management Committee: Chairman: Mrs Janet Colvert

Community Council Meetings: 25 March, 24 June (AGM),

& 22 July at 7.30 pm in Community Dining Hall Secreta

ry/Minute taker

Required u

rgently for W

CA meetings

Please contact the Chairman

25

Westfield Village Fete 2013 Saturday 6 July School Field

We are putting out the bunting again - or are we?

For the Village Fete to take place and be a successful event for Westfield, Sarah

and Min, the WCA Events organisers, are desperately in need of help. They would

be grateful if you could spare even an hour on the day, all day commitment or

assistance beforehand.

Advance preparations include gathering items for the raffle and tombola or

sideshows, attend the planning meetings, help move tables and chairs each end of

the event, pick up litter, or run a stall. The list is endless and to match a job to a

person in the early stages would be a great help.

In addition, if any individual or business would be willing to be one of the

sponsors Sarah and Min would be delighted to hear from you.

If you would like to help by leaving donations for the raffle, tombola etc., please

phone Min or leave them at Selwood, near the Millennium sign, on Church Lane

i.e. Main Road.

Please contact: Sarah 01424 755721 [email protected] or

Min 01424 753752 [email protected]

Westfield Community Association Chairman’s Message

John Barnett 7 Heathlands Westfield TN35 4QZ [email protected]

At the start of a new year it seems appropriate to look back at the Association's achievements during 2012. The Diamond Jubilee events were a Tea Party, Family Picnic and Commemorative mugs for each child in the Parish, with the Horticultural Society running the popular Scarecrow competition. The Olympics was the theme for our Summer Fete, together with the well-attended Family Fun Day, Halloween Party and Carols round the Christmas Tree, these are the more usual annual activities, which demonstrate how active the WCA is. Alongside the income from the Hall bookings, for maintenance etc with the arrangement with ESCC, the fund-raising events including the Draw and the profit from the newsletter, allowed the purchase of a new Short Bowls Mat and Christmas Lights as well as sundry items for the halls and clubs. We are fortunate that there are individuals amongst us who give up their free time and effort to organise and run activities for the WCA; to them and those on the WCA Council and Management Committee, I extend my special thanks, long may the community spirit continue. Finally, special thanks to Ginny for being our minute taker during the year but we need to fill the space she has left. I look forward to your support of our efforts at our events during 2013.

John Barnett

WCA Stall at Fete The Chairman is collecting books, CDs and DVDs, please leave your donations at 7 Heathlands

26

The ladies of Westfield W.I. are able to provide teas for up to 50 people in the Parish Hall, subject to availability, at £5.00 per head.

Please contact Pat Mohamed 01424 431058

Westfield WI The Annual Meeting took place in November at the end of a

busy year with interesting speakers, book club, craft afternoons, village events, outings and lunches. Julie Lloyd was elected President and Chris Lynch Secretary. The Christmas party in December was a very happy afternoon. Toys were collected for FSN and donations for Macmillan Nurses, and plans made for our Christmas tree for the Festival. A delicious ‘WI’ tea followed a Christmas quiz, charades and seasonal singing. Events publicised in January included a tour of Lewes Priory, a Bridge morning, a Garden day, and the ESFWI Annual Meeting in March. Members were encouraged to enter WI craft and cookery classes at the South of England Show in June. The next craft afternoon would cover origami and napkin folding. Jane Cave from St Michael’s Hospice explained plans to start Hospice Neighbours locally later in the year. There was a lot of interest in this proposed network of community based volunteers. Nik Wiggins then told us about his passion for wood and wood turning, lathes and tools - a hobby that had got out of hand! Many people have bought Nik’s little Christmas trees, and he showed the stages in making these.

Westfield WI meets in the Parish Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 2.15 pm, and new members are very welcome. Terry Kane will be talking about ‘Wartime Radio up to 1950’s’ on 12 February, and Tony Smith about ‘Art and Fraud in Art’ on 12 March.

Do ring Julie on 01424 754013 for more information.

Bed & Breakfast at Four Winds

Judy & Ian Stewart Four Winds, Parsonage Lane,

Westfield, Hastings T435 4SH

Tel: 01424 752585

Mobile: 07780 553895

email: [email protected]

website: www.4-winds.org

Wonderful rural idyll

Private bathrooms

TV & hospitality trays

Guest sitting room Non-smoking

27

Eyes Down: Eyes Down: Eyes Down: Eyes Down: Westfield Bingo ClubWestfield Bingo ClubWestfield Bingo ClubWestfield Bingo Club

Community Hall Tuesday evenings 7.30 - 9.00pm.

Raffle - Cash Prizes - Bonus Game

Two sessions 5 games each Snowball £20 start up to £85

New faces welcome for this long established club

Enquiries: Barbara 754618

Stoneley inc Castle Lawns

Garden Machinery Sales & Services Competitive sales prices - All makes serviced

lawn care & garden work undertaken:

mowing, aerating, scarifying

weed control, fertiliser

top dressing, seeding, turfing

logs supply

Free quotation and information

01424 812310 0781 779 5142 www.castlelawns.com

[email protected]

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Charity Number 219279

Westfield residents are welcome to join

Sedlescombe Branch by annual subscription

and attend their monthly meetings at the

Queen’s Head, Sedlescombe

3rd Wednesday 10.30 a.m. - 12 noon

Further information from President:

Ernie Burgess 01424 870219

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGIO4 POPPY APPEAL 2012

O n behalf of the Royal British Legion, I would like to thank the many

collectors who in atrocious weather conditions completed the door to door

collection in Westfield during Remembrance time. My thanks too are extended to

the local businesses who provided a static point for collections. Together with donations from

organisations for the wreaths that adorn the War Memorial, I am proud to report that the total

sum of £1,565.09 was collected and forwarded to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal as

the donation from the parish of Westfield for 2012.

Last but not least, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who bought a poppy and

wore it with pride. Without your help and support, this worthy cause would be unable to

continue their vital welfare and benevolent work.

If you have any queries or would like to volunteer to help with the 2013 appeal, I would be

very pleased to hear from you.

7orma Holt, Local Honorary Organiser

0777 388 2450 01424 751991

01424 751458

HAIRDRESSING

SALON

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 6pm Wednesday & Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Monday (Special Senior Rates) & Saturday 9am - 1pm

28

Rye & District Lions Club

Any adult interested in having fun raising money, with the Lions, for

those less fortunate, whilst socialising, should ring

Terry Cobby on 01797 252382, or visit their website at

www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ryedistrict/

Nick StrettonNick StrettonNick StrettonNick Stretton

Pure Water Long Pole Cleaning SystemPure Water Long Pole Cleaning SystemPure Water Long Pole Cleaning SystemPure Water Long Pole Cleaning System

* Windows

* Fascia Boards * Weatherboarding

* Cladding * Gutters

01424 75428601424 75428601424 75428601424 754286

Mobile: 0793 958 77960793 958 77960793 958 77960793 958 7796

in Westfield & St Leonards-on-Sea

for ages 2 yrs to adults

Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Ballet & Tap, Adult Tap

& more!

Principal: Lorraine Mahoney CT ABRSM, ATCL

Tel: 07730 254122

www.theatresense.co.uk Email: [email protected]

http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

A collection box is at

Westfield 7ews

westfield trees

Specialist in all aspects of tree work

Fully insured & qualified

Tel/fax: 01424 751098

Mobile: 0781 590 7779

[email protected]

www.westfieldtrees.com

29

Helping Our Bees

Everyone knows what a

dreadful year it has been for

weather. The shortcomings of the fruit and

vegetable crops are even showing themselves on

the supermarket shelves, but at the start of the

production of fruit and many vegetables are our

pollinators, and they have had a very rough time

indeed. Did you know that the NATIONAL honey

yield is down 74% this year? According to the

British Beekeepers Association, this has been the

worst year for honey bee colonies in living

memory. Due to the unseasonably cold and wet

weather, bees were unable to fly out and forage

so keepers have had to artificially feed their

colonies through the summer to keep them alive.

Can we help? Yes, we can. We can’t control the

weather but with a small amount of knowledge

we can grow nectar rich and accessible flowers

and make life a little easier when our busy

workers fly out to forage next year. Providing

early flowers and those for late summer and

autumn is especially important as these are the

lean times.

Bees do not perceive colours as we do and many

flowers have lines on their petals, almost like

runways, which are invisible to us, but which

guide pollinators down to the nectar. They prefer

to forage from flowers which to us, are in the

blue, yellow and white spectrum. Also, double

flowers which are heavily petalled prevent bees

from getting to the nectar. So simple, open or

tubular flowers in the blues, yellows or cream/

whites are the ones to choose and these can be

found in trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals or

climbers, in fact, plants to suit any size of garden.

Thinking of planting a hedge? Use hawthorn,

pyracantha (thorns are added security) or

escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’, all guaranteed to

attract bees and so much more interesting than

leylandii!

In my own garden, I have a cotoneaster bush

which is literally covered in both bumble and

honey bees every year, as are the

rhododendrons, viburnums and pieris. Especially

wonderful is Mahonia ‘Charity’ at the top of the

back steps which has a glorious scent and

because it flowers so early is often humming with

bees too on a sunny day. Snowdrops and crocus

also provide an early source of nectar. Useful

perennials are foxgloves, Geranium ‘Johnsons

Blue’, Pulmonaria (lungwort), Hypericum (Rose of

Sharron), fuchsia, sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’

and Michaelmas Daisy. The annuals Cosmos and

Lavatera are also popular, not forgetting the

herbs, Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Thyme

and particularly Borage. These are just a few of

the many options available.

For further and more detailed lists of plants,

either google ‘plants for bees uk’ or visit the

British Beekeepers website: www.bbka.org.uk.

This has an excellent free download: ‘pollen &

nectar rich plants for your garden by season’. For

good photographs of suitable plants visit:

www.complete-gardens.co.uk

On a final note, Himalayan Balsam is advocated

by some as a good nectar plant. It certainly is, but

it’s also very invasive, is a non-native species and

is choking up waterways all around the Bristol

area. If you do plant it, you may

never get rid of it and there are so

many other options it seems

unwise to take the risk.

Good luck with planting for bees. Let’s hope it is a

better year for them in 2013. Tricia Oakland

Complete Home Plumbing & Tiling Ltd

*All Types of Tiling*

*Plumbing Repairs*

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Call: Barry Upton 01424 756687 0784 352 5479

www.CompleteHomeTiling.co.uk

30

1000 donated jigsaw puzzles for checking and resale at St Michael’s Hospice shops have been left with Jean at The Button Box, Workhouse Lane (opp WCA Hall) Westfield. Please continue and thank you.

Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0LB

01424 445177 www.stmichaelshospice.com www.facebook.com/stmichaelshospice

Fundraising Office nos: Reg Charity No 288462

01424 456396 & 456371

Darran Penfold 01424 456387

Communications & Publicity Co-ordinator

[email protected]

Thursday 21 February

The Great St Michael’s Hospice Pub Quiz in Hastings & Rother Pubs

inc The Plough Westfield £2.50 per head (teams of up to 6).

Prizes for winning team at each pub.

Trophy for team with best score in Hastings & Rother. For further details call Becky 01424 456380 or email

[email protected] All proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice

Yellow Day 26 April

Wear yellow to work,

school, at home and donate to

St Michael’s Hospice

Events:Events:Events:Events:

Regular Coffee Mornings and afternoon sessions for Tea Dances, Bingo and Whist

at the Hospice

~ ~

Open Gardens Open Gardens Open Gardens Open Gardens from Tuesday 30 April

~ ~

Grand Clothes SaleGrand Clothes SaleGrand Clothes SaleGrand Clothes Sale Saturday 16 March

10 am - 12 noon at the Hospice AEC admission 50p

Clothes of all styles & sizes in very good condition

Also bed linen & curtains

~ ~

Easter Market & Fun Run Easter Market & Fun Run Easter Market & Fun Run Easter Market & Fun Run at The Stade Hastings

Saturday 23 March 11.00 am

(registration from 10 am) £5: 1.2k Fun Run & Easter Egg Hunt

Fancy Dress - optional Colouring Competition - optional

Lots of chocolatey prizes Contact: Marcia 456381

[email protected]

Annual Music Quiz NightAnnual Music Quiz NightAnnual Music Quiz NightAnnual Music Quiz Night Saturday 23 March

7 - 10 pm Arthur Easton Centre

Teams 6 - £4 p.p. Bring nibbles

Bar available Raffle Book: 01424 428120

~ ~

The Big Easter Art Exhibition The Big Easter Art Exhibition The Big Easter Art Exhibition The Big Easter Art Exhibition Pett Village Hall

29 March - 1 April 10 am - 5 pm

Free admission and refreshments Details: 01424 456371

Westfield Lights: please see page 22

31

Tower Street

01797 222226

Fresh Local Fish & Seafood Open Monday - Sunday

lunch and dinner

Webbe’s Suite available up to 60 People Suitable for weddings and Private Parties

Buffets and Conferences

For all enquiries 01797 222226 Join the professionals

and learn varied skills and techniques

Hastings Old Town

01424 721650

Fish Restaurant with Taster Bar

Open lunch and dinner every day

Reservations in peak season essential

Large outside seating area for the summer months

“the freshest fish,

with the shortest journey”

The Wild Mushroom

Restaurant on A28 Westfield (large car park)

01424 751137

Modern English Cuisine Excellent fresh produce Professionally served

Fantastic value for money Lunch! Wednesday – Saturday £16.95 two course; £19.99 three course

Sunday Lunch £23.00

Dinner served Wednesday – Saturday

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Themed monthly Gourmet Nights including tasting wines

Reservations Essential

Paul and Rebecca Webbe invite you to visit them and the website

www.webbesrestaurants.co.uk

register to receive their newsletter

32

Hastings and St Leonards

Dog Training Club

Kennel Club Registered Established 50yrs

Qualified Trainers

Venues in Hastings:

St Luke’s Silverhill & Christ Church Ore

Enquiries 01424 219415

[email protected] www.hastingsdogtraining.co.uk

PAW PRINTS

A full bathing and grooming service for your cat & dog - no dog too big

Discount for puppies up to one year

Bathing, ear cleaning, clipping trimming, hand stripping, nail clipping, de-matting

Home boarding Dog walking Micro-chipping

Pick up/delivery available

For enquiries and appointments

Sylvi 01424 424342 0778 790 5641

Whitedog Agility

Dog Agility for all:

beginners to competition level

Group and individual classes

held at Beckley, indoors in winter

Safe, motivated training by experienced and qualified Agility Club

Instructor (1st class)

details from Mary Cleverley 0794 415 4813

E: [email protected]

33

WHITELANDS KENNELS & CATTERY www.whitelandskennels.co.uk Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SB

Inc Rother & Hastings Rescue Centre

Doggie Day Care Available

Fully Licensed Fees on a daily/part day basis; discount for 2+ sharing

Viewings at 10am, 7 days a week.

No appointment necessary.

01424 754287

Details: Kerrie Robinson

Battle Choral Society & Orchestra Charity Number: 263311

conducted by John Langridge

Enquiries: 01424 870862 / 424339 www.battlechoral.co.uk

Rehearsals Monday evenings

Memorial Hall Battle

Bach’s Mass in B minor

Saturday 18 May 7.30 pm Christ Church, Silchester Road,

St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0JB Tickets available from 1st March

£15 inc glass wine/soft drink

F3

Thursday monthly (Not August) 7.30 pm Westfield Parish HallWestfield Parish HallWestfield Parish HallWestfield Parish Hall

21 February: ‘A Celebration of St David’s Day and All Things Welsh’. This will

include songs, food, readings, a quiz and maybe a Welsh dance or two.

Wear a daffodil or there will be some Marie Curie ones to buy.

21 March: A talk on Sussex Air Ambulance by Heather Woodward.

F3 is a social group for women, which was formed three years ago. It has continued to

thrive and grow with monthly meetings which encompass talks, demonstrations, the

occasional outing, barbecues and topical quizzes. Our members are drawn from Westfield

itself and from outside the Parish. This Christmas we enjoyed a performance from the

Shades Theatre Group.

F3 is a great opportunity to meet friends and make new ones.

For more information please contact Helen - 752052 or Irene - 753196

The Annual Show for Dogs

Crufts

Thursday 7 March - Sunday 10 March

The NEC Birmingham 25,000 + dogs

34

UÄâá{4 Bridal and occasion makeup

Group bookings

Makeup lessons

Penny Williams (Westfield)

07801 849668

[email protected]

www.blushbridalbeauty.co.uk

St George’s Day 23 April

1st WESTFIELD

SCOUT GROUP

The Group is busy arranging the programmes for the coming year and we are hoping the weather will be such that we are able to do many activities outside. We are constantly trying to find some-thing new to interest the youngsters. If you have any special skills to pass on please contact us and perhaps you could spend an hour or two in the evening for one or more of the sections. Several of our Beavers have attained the age of 8 and gone up to Cubs; we are therefore recruiting boys or girls between the ages of 6 and 8 for “fun and friends” on Tuesdays 5 - 6 pm. If your son or daughter would be interested in giving it a go please contact Sue on 425492.

In November some members of our group and Leaders attended the District Gang Show at the White Rock Theatre - it was a super show and one or two of

our Scouts were in the cast. Well done everybody. The group took part in the Church Remembrance Day Service after parading through the village. We were very pleased with the turnout and how smart they all looked. We continue to hold our Jumble Sales for fundraising with thanks to all the helpers and people who donate a variety of items for sale. We hope they will be well

supported at our 2013 sales as the funds raised help keep

our HQ running and provide equipment for the

camps and activities we provide for our young people.

Rosemary Bond Secretary & Assistant Beaver Leader

01424 754080

1st WESTFIELD SCOUT GROUP’s

ANNUAL DUCK RACE

SUNDAY 14 APRIL

CHUCK-A-DUCK 1 pm

Forge Brook Bridge Cottage Lane

Buy your number (£1 per duck) from Scout Leaders, Archers Butchers, or at the field on the day. If you cannot be there, please buy

a number and we will throw your duck for you!

Burgers, hot dogs & drinks from 12 noon

Please avoid driving to

the field as parking is

very limited

35

Farmers’ Market Local Produce for Local People

Brede Village Hall every Friday 10 a m – 12 noon

Whitegates Retirement Home

Set in over 5 acres of beautiful countryside

Luxurious care in country-hotel style

21 elegant en-suite rooms

(one for couples)

Setting new standards in retirement care

Outstanding results in official inspection reports

Awards for catering & hygiene

For further information please contact: The Manager

Whitegates Retirement Home

Westfield Lane, Westfield TN35 4SB

01424 754865

www.whitegatesretirementhome.co.uk

www.wealdenwillwriting.co.uk

● Wills ● Power of Attorney ● Trust Work

● Guardianship ● Pre-paid Funeral Plans

● Property Title Transfer ● Professional Probate Services

FULLY INSURED - ALL WORK ON A FIXED FEE BASIS Westfield based - Home visits at no extra cost

Paul Billingham Aff. SWW

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 01424 756053 Mob: 07814 995202 Regulated by The Society of Will Writers

36

SOLID SAWDUST BIOMASS FUELSOLID SAWDUST BIOMASS FUELSOLID SAWDUST BIOMASS FUELSOLID SAWDUST BIOMASS FUEL

£2.00 per bag

zazzera

glamorous wigs & hair pieces

Chrissie 01424 752795 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


w.ww.zazzera.co.uk

2 inch wide Fuel Briquettes sourced f r o m p r i m e hardwood joinery timber, minimal ash residue, bonded by huge pressure

alone producing a 100% natural product that is Ideal for a wide range of solid fuel burners. Each bag varies in weight and is at least 15kg. Due to the dry nature of the fuel, it must be protected from moisture when stored.

Collection only from Woodbase Joiners Ltd

Unit 14 Wheel Farm Business Park Westfield TN35 4SE

01424 753110 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, Sat by arrangement

W ESTFIELD WILDLIFE is the

village website for use by Westfield residents and visitors to submit news and photos of any wildlife observed in the Parish. The site can also be visited and simply read by anyone in Westfield or indeed the whole world by going to http://westfieldwildlife.wordpress.com

Since it was first created in August 2011 Westfield Wildlife has had visitors from 60 countries worldwide mainly from the UK, followed by Poland and USA. Currently there are 150 posts on the site that have been viewed over 13000 times!

As a number of people in the Parish might not have access to the Internet, we suggest another option would be to visit the HUB at the Plough Inn on Friday mornings, where a computer and some help is usually on hand. To get things started one or both of us will be at the HUB on Friday 22 February at the Plough Inn. We hope to meet some of you there and to discuss anything to do with our local wildlife whether it be creepy crawlies, wildflowers, or feeding the birds in the garden, and to offer help with recording your observations!

David Pankhurst and Ralph Hobbs Westfield Wildlife Photo on next page: Small Tortoiseshell

37

Tom Barnett Local Qualified Electrician

Free Estimates - No job too small

Safety checks undertaken

0780 317 7787

01424 753323

Michael Horley - Self Storage Containers

Unbeatable value - Easy & unlimited access to containers on secure site

John’s Cross Café Robertsbridge TN32 5JH on the A21 conveniently placed for East Sussex and Kent

Hastings, St Leonards, Battle, Westfield, Rye etc

Contact Michael Horley now by email or telephone:

[email protected] 0774 760 7543

All your storage problems sorted efficiently!

East Sussex Fire and Rescue

Blue Watch at The Ridge Community Fire Station is concentrating

on Westfield in their campaign to reduce accidental fires at home.

They are offering to attend any community event to provide safety

information to the public so please contact Ted Williams, Crew Manager Blue

Watch on 01323 462109 if you have an event or any community group meeting

suitable for them to attend.

38

WESTFIELD

COMMUNITY

LUNCH CLUB

15 Feb, 15 March, 19 April, 17 May

Those over 50 or disabled are invited to join the Community Lunches at 12.45 pm

in the Parish Hall Just £3.00 for a full 2-course

meal!

To book please phone

Doreen Smith 751417 Coordinator, Cook & Kitchen Supervisor or Joan Downing

752463 Accounts

& Barbara Nunn 754618

BW COACHWORKS

Unit 2 Drury Lane Ponswood Industrial Estate, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 9XP

Accident Repairs, Resprays

& General Bodywork

FREE ESTIMATES

Tel/Fax 01424 425968

Wayne Dadson

Reg. charity no. 1021367

01622 833833 [email protected]

Wheelbarrow Park Estate, Pattenden Lane, Marden TN12 9QJ

Collection boxes in Doctors’ Surgery, The Plough Inn

& Westfield News

A.M.B ELECTRICAL

SERVICES

Extra sockets or lights ~

to complete re-wires all electrical work undertaken

Free written quotations

No “Call out” charge

All work fully insured; Part P compliant PAT Testing service also available

Professional and reliable service

Contact Tony on: 01424 756081 Mobile : 0780 727 3146

Email: [email protected]

39

Branches in Hastings, Rye & Battle

www.u3a.org.uk

Used Postage Stamps Please continue to leave trimmed stamps at

the Doctors’ Surgery for the WCA. Thank you.

Home Personal Assistant

A compassionate natured, local care service. Offering high

quality personal help, working closely with clients and

their families.

Providing additional individual care and support to

maintain a high standard of independence enabling you to

remain in your own home and familiar surroundings.

All domestic duties undertaken including: Shopping Cleaning & tidying Preparing & Cooking Meals Personal laundry

Home Administration Pets walker Escorting to appointments

Chauffeur to social Activities Companionship & Friendship

Reliable & friendly, enhanced C.R.B. checked

Clean full driving licence & own transport with wheelchair access

Help is at hand at hourly rate

Call Robina 01424 854627 0798 212 4304 [email protected]

WESTFIELD COMMUNITY HUBWESTFIELD COMMUNITY HUBWESTFIELD COMMUNITY HUBWESTFIELD COMMUNITY HUB

www: westfield-hub.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]

Venue: The Plough Inn, The Moor

Friday mornings from 10am to noon

a warm and friendly place to meet for a coffee and a chat, use the book exchange or computers

40

THE BEAUTY ROOMTHE BEAUTY ROOMTHE BEAUTY ROOMTHE BEAUTY ROOM 1 Chapel Lane, Westfield

Full range of Professional Treatments available including: Matis Facials and Pedicures,

Geleration (long lasting polish) St Tropez Spray Tanning, Microdermabrasion

Perfector Face-Lifting Treatment Hot stone/Thai and Indian Head Massage Lava Shells Massage And much more!

GIFTS & VOUCHERS

01424 757820

www.thebeautyroomuk.com

THE SARA LEE TRUST - is seeking new Trustees An independent local Charity established for sixteen years. Providing Complementary Therapies, Counselling and

Creative Therapies to people in Hastings & Rother living though cancer and other serious illness; with support for their

families and carers. The Board of Trustees is a group of volunteers who take overall responsibility and collectively govern the organisation. They are responsible for ensuring the mission and strategic aims of the Trust are fulfilled, it is legislatively compliant and governance best practice. Can you support our vital work by becoming a Trustee? • Are you committed to improving the lives of people living through Cancer and other serious illnesses? • Do you have strategic and management skills to ensure the future of the Trust and it is managed efficiently and effectively? • The undertaking of this role is voluntary and includes attending meetings and supporting fund-raising events? If you have answered 'yes' to all of the above, then please contact Liz Knight on 01424 456608 or for an application pack email [email protected]

FLEXIBLE BUS SERVICES

FOR 2013

B82 BATTLE AREA to EASTBOURNE 21 Feb, 21 March, 18 April,

16 May, 20 June

B84 BATTLE AREA to TENTERDEN 22 February but -

B84 BATTLE AREA to TENTERDEN/ASHFORD 26 April, 28 June

B85 BATTLE AREA to RYE 7 March

B85 BATTLE AREA to HAILSHAM

22 March, 24 May, 26 July

B86 BATTLE AREA to MAIDSTONE

12 March, 14 May, 9 July

B87 BATTLE AREA to TUNBRIDGE WELLS 8 April, 3 June

All bookings need to be made in advance.

Times and Pick-up locations will be

arranged according to requests made.

YOUR BUS PASSES CAN BE USED ON

ALL OUR SERVICES

To book: call Lyn on 01424 772001

Mon - Fri 9 am - 12 noon

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ALWAYS

WELCOME AND REQUIRED

01424 772001

Battle Area Community Transport

Unit 8, Rutherford Business Park,

Battle T433 0TY

e-mail: [email protected]

Web: http://www.bact-online.co.uk

41

YOGAYOGAYOGAYOGA

Westfield Community Dining Hall

Mondays 6.00 – 7.00 p.m.

£5.00 per class - All Welcome

Annie Cryar MRSS 01424 756326

Westfield Football Club

For information:

Graham 01424 754032 or Gill Jordan (sec)[email protected]

www.westfieldfootballclub.com

Westfield Ladies Darts Team

needs players for Mondays Newcomers welcome

Home matches at The Plough

Further information: Doreen 751417

Westfield Bowls Club

opposite Westfield Church

Chairman: David Thomas

01424 754748

Westfield Golf Fellowship

Westfield Golf Fellowship’s 2012 Golfer of the Year was crowned at the Weald of Kent in December. Carl Read held onto his position from 2011 after a very close run event. The winner of the Christmas Claret Jug was Westfield’s own Jake Burton. The 2013 programme will be available in February. For more information please telephone Nick on 07939587796 or email [email protected]

WESTFIELD

ROLLERBOOTING CLUB


Every Friday 4.00 - 5.00 pm

Termtime £1.50 Small children accompanied

Tuck Shop

CRB & First Aid trained

Details: Rachel 0786 689 4397

Kath 0797 066 9767

Westfield Tennis Club

Enquiries Mary Potterton 01424 752531

Westfield Cricket Club All enquiries: Dave Legg 01424 752003

Westfield Stoolball TeamWestfield Stoolball TeamWestfield Stoolball TeamWestfield Stoolball Team The Ladies (over 16) Indoor Team welcomed new members for their winter games at Claverham Community College. With the summer season approaching, players needed for outdoor games on the Parish Field. Details: Rose 01424 756875

29th Hastings Half Marathon

Sunday 24 March www.hastings-half.co.uk

42

‘A Fresh Approach to Quality and Service’

Telephone Orders Welcome

BROAD OAK BAKERY BROAD OAK BAKERY BROAD OAK BAKERY BROAD OAK BAKERY and

BROAD OAK BANGERSBROAD OAK BANGERSBROAD OAK BANGERSBROAD OAK BANGERS Udimore Road, Broad Oak, Brede

01424 882168

Handmade Traditional Pork Sausages ……plus much more

OPEN : Monday - Friday 7.30am - 4.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm

Please note change of Saturday opening times

East Sussex County Council

Elections

Thursday 2 May

The Friends

of

Westfield

Parish

Church Reg. Charity No. 1048466

Spring Coffee Morning

Saturday 4 May 10 am - 12 noon

Parish Hall

Strawberry Tea Sunday 23 June 3 - 4.30 pm Church Place Farm (Parish Hall if wet)

~~~~~

Please note: Saturday 9 November AGM 2 pm

& Saturday 30 November -

Christmas Fayre 2-4pm Parish Hall

For further information please contact

Ann and Malcolm Stocker 754355

or Chairman Joan Downing 752463

Subscriptions please to the Hon Treasurer:

Roger Bowe, Jagreta, Cottage Lane,

Westfield, TN35 4QG.

Westfield Parish Council

The Emergency Planning Group

What should you do? In any emergency the first people to

contact should always be the emergency

services on 999. If you believe that the

situation could have a wider impact on the

Parish then we ask you to contact the

EPG. During normal working hours

please contact the Parish clerk and one

other name on the EPG list below. At all

other times please contact at least two of

the EPG members.

EPG Members

Richard Wallace 01424 753 606

Victor Lambert 01424 752 526

Hazel Stocks 01424 756 804

Derrick Oakland 01424 755 683

Jackie Smith 01424 755 210

Parish Clerk 01424 751531 (office hours

Monday to Friday only)

These contact numbers may change from

time-to-time, so please check any up-dates

in the Parish Council’s “Window on

Westfield” at the end of the WCA

newsletter.

www.katybourne.com

Twitter: @katybourne

Facebook.com/KatyBourneforSussexPCC

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Katy Bourne

43

Window on Westfield

The Westfield Parish Council Newsletter Compiled by Barbara Balkham, clerk to the Council. A brief summary of Council business conducted at their November, December and January meetings. Full minutes are available on the website www.westfieldvillage.co.uk, or from the clerk.

PC Collins attended the November meeting to report on how policing priorities for the parish had been dealt with in the previous three months. A particular issue had been anti-social behaviour through the summer and autumn. Councillors agreed that police priorities should remain the same, these being 1) speeding and traffic safety; 2) anti-social behaviour; 3) fear of burglary. It was also reported that PCSO Richard Perchard would be returning to duties in Westfield from 14.1.13. Efforts continued to obtain the promised installation of a bus stop at Churchfield. It is almost five years since the first approach to ESCC. A flag and pole is now promised by the end of January with kerb alterations to follow. The Parish Council continued to lobby on behalf of residents by writing to ESCC Passenger Services regarding unpopular changes to bus services, and to East Sussex Fire and Rescue about the proposals to change Hastings provision. Councillor Stocks reported on another successful bi-annual community litter pick. She also reported on fly tipping behind Parkview. Councillors considered the draft budget figures for 2013/14 and resolved to set a precept at the same level as in the last three years, this being £30,000. Information was received from Rother District Council about changes to the Government grants which could affect local parish precepts-see separate article. The precept level was reviewed in light of this information but confirmed at the previously agreed level. It was decided to support the work of the Rural Rother Trust and Victim Support with donations of £50 each, and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal with a donation of £200. Complaints were received from residents concerning pot holes, blocked road drains and gullies, flooded roads and mud left on the road in Mill Lane. All reports were passed on to ESCC as the responsible authority. It is possible for residents to report these issues directly through the County Council website www.eastsussex.gov.uk/contactus/reportaproblem or by telephone on 0345 60 80 193. Cleaning of the War Memorial was arranged in time for Remembrance Day. Councillors received a report from Mr R Carrier summarising the recent Section106 negotiation for the development of land at Westfield Down. The land owners have agreed that this contract will require the developer, when appointed, to provide water and electricity to the recreation area and to provide an access road, car parking, changing rooms and a football pitch at no cost to the community. Discussions are on-going to finalise measures regarding the quality of pitch construction, to be included in the contract. Council agreed that once these assurances are in place the Chairman and Vice-chairman can sign the document on behalf of the Council. This Section 106 agreement also requires

44

the developer to provide 15 affordable homes. Rother's allocation criteria now include a degree of preference for housing applicants with a strong local connection. A newly installed dog-waste bin was seriously damaged by a vehicle near the pedestrian access to the cricket field. This has been repaired and will be re-installed. The Bowls Club wrote to ask the Parish Council for help with the cost of improvements to their facilities. The alterations are aimed at improving access for disabled players and social members. More information has been requested before a decision can be taken.

Westfield Parish Council members: Email contact - all councillors can be contacted using an email address in the

following format [email protected] (just substitute the first and second names

of the Councillor you wish to write to)

Westfield ward: Joan Downing, Victor Lambert, Derrick Oakland, Carl Richardson, Jackie Smith, Hazel Stocks, Richard Wallace.

Kent Street ward: John Anderson, Peter Stapley. Westfield Lane ward: James Woodhead, Mark Woolley

Website: http://westfieldvillage.co.uk/council-papers

Parish Council Precept 2013/14 The precept is the amount of money needed to maintain parish facilities and support the community. It is decided each year by the Parish Council following a budget process. The total amount required is notified to Rother District Council who collect this from Westfield residents along with their Council Tax. The parish precept is shown separately on annual Council Tax bills. For the last three years the precept has been set at £30,000. This sum is shared out among Westfield Council Tax payers and in 2012/13 this meant that a band D property paid £27.12 for the year. Residents in lower band properties pay less, and residents in higher band properties pay more, with totals averaging out at the band D level. From 2013/14 the Government has abolished Council Tax benefit. This was a benefit paid to help reduce the Council Tax bill for some residents on low incomes. In its place the District Council is required to offer Council Tax rebates to some low income residents. This is called a Council Tax Support scheme (CTS). However the Government is only going to give District Councils 90% of the amount previously refunded to them for Council Tax benefits. This funding gap will affect the rate of Council Tax across Rother and for Westfield will mean an increase in individual annual precept contributions from £27.12 to £28.26. for band D. This will show on band D bills as an increase of 4.2%.

Parish Clerk:

Mrs Barbara Balkham, Fir Tree Cottage, New Cut, Westfield, TN35 4RJ Telephone number 01424 751531 Email: [email protected]

45

Planning report Rother District Council's planning decisions for Westfield, made since November 2012, are listed below. Full details of these decided applications and others awaiting a decision may be viewed online at www.planning.rother.gov.uk or at Bexhill Town Hall. A regularly up-dated list of current and decided Westfield applications is available on the parish website too www.westfieldvillage.co.uk

Planning applications approved:

RR/2012/2197/P Raven, Workhouse Lane. Amendment to approved plans RR/2010/979/P to change garage roof design to create office space to first floor, installation of two dormer windows to rear, and external staircase. Approved 21.12.12 RR/2012/2167/P The Sycamores, Main Road. Loft conversion. Approved 17.12.12 RR/2012/2192/P 18 Westfield Lane. Single storey side extension to existing dwelling. Approved 10.12.12 RR/2012/2105/P 59A Westfield Lane. Proposed car port to side. Approved 10.12.12 RR/2012/1903/P 33 Westfield Lane. Extension to single detached dwelling house. Ground floor lounge/diner extension. First floor- one single bedroom and one double bedroom. Conversion of single bedroom to toilet/shower room. Approved 14.11.12

RR/2010/2584/P Woodlands Park, Westfield Lane. replacement of condition 2

placed on RR/91/1044/P. Approved 9.1.2013

Planning applications refused:

RR/2012/2336/P Downoak Farm, Main Road. Removal of Dutch Barn style building and erection of purpose built live/work unit. Refused 16.1.13

To summarise, Westfield Parish's precept is staying the same for the fourth year running. The Parish Council has determined not to allow costs to rise and to manage with the same level of precept income. However residents' council tax bills will show that their contribution to the precept has increased. Each Council tax payer in a band D property will be asked to pay an additional £1.14 for the year to make up for the shortfall arising from the lower Government grant, with other bands paying proportional increases.

46

Westfield Parish Council

Public Tennis Courts situated opposite the Church

behind the Bowls Club

Available to hire Adults £2.00; Juniors £1.00

per hour, per court

Monday, Friday, Saturday 9am - dusk Tuesday 9 am - noon Wednesday noon - dusk

Booking & Key Mornings: Westfield 7ews, Chapel Lane

Afternoons & Evenings:

Westfield Londis Village Store

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY with VOLUNTEER AWARDS We will be holding our Assembly in the spring. A date has not yet been arranged but it is usually in April or May. This will be an opportunity to meet your Parish

Councillors and to raise any matter of local interest. There will also be the Council Chairman's report on the past twelve months and we will be making awards of

certificates of thanks to volunteers who have made a real difference in our

community. Free refreshments are available too. Awards are by public nomination, so if you would like to put forward the name of someone

you think deserves a thank-you, please let the clerk know your name, their name and address, the organisation

they volunteer with (if relevant) and why they deserve recognition, or leave your nominee's details at Westfield

Newsagents in the WCA box for collection, or via the

"contact us" section on the parish website www.westfieldvillage.co.uk or send them by email to the

clerk on [email protected] or by telephone on 751531. You can nominate any Westfield

resident who has helped others in the community. Some

examples of previous awards have been for services to village cricket, for helping

at Youth Club, for projects like the Hub and village cookery book, for helping with Scouts or Guides, for being a good neighbour.

The Rose Bowl is awarded to someone whose volunteering has made a substantial long term contribution to the community. Last

year it went to Jean and Wilf Tomsett for hosting "Carols around the tree" for 36 years!

So send in your nominations and show how much you value Westfield volunteers

STEPS, launched in November 2011, has provided help and support to over 400

clients aged 65 and over in Hastings and Rother. The service, funded by ESCC, is free and confidential to use. Steps can help if you are finding it difficult to live independently because of disability, if your property is no longer suitable, if you are at risk of losing your home because of debt or other money worries, or if you are homeless or in temporary accommodation. Contact STEPS by telephone on 0300 123 2422; by text 07944 140 016; by email [email protected]

47

CBS BUILDERS HOME IMPROVEMENT

SPECIALISTS

We are a small friendly building company covering all aspects of building including:

*Refurbishments *Brickwork *Pointing *Plastering *Rendering *Kitchens *Bathrooms *Roofing *Guttering

Quality workQuality workQuality workQuality work

competitive pricescompetitive pricescompetitive pricescompetitive prices

Free estimates and advice

whatever your requirements give us a call

01424 852525

GARAGE SERVICES for WESTFIELD

Pump House Garage behind Sedlescombe Post Office

For a fast and friendly service

Competitive prices for all makes of cars and vans

Free collection of local vehicles

For advice or to book your appointment

01424 870196

0773 251 8700 or 0788 306 2714

48

MOBILE LIBRARY

visits Westfield on alternate FRIDAYS:

15 February, 1, 15 March

12, 26 April, 10, 24 May

Stops: Geary Place, Moor Lane

2.25-3.15 pm

and Churchfield 3.30-3.55 pm

Books for Adults & Children DVDs, Talking Books, Reference Materials

Wheelchair lift; limited delivery service for people with disabilities

renewals: 0345 60 80 195

enquiries: 0345 60 80 196

Library and Information Services www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries

Free to join and free to use For all the community –

Don’t let the library pass you by!

Ple

ase

note

:

Westfield F

lower

Festival

Westfield F

lower

Festival

Westfield F

lower

Festival

Westfield F

lower

Festival

~ M

ay 25, 26 &

27

~ M

ay 25, 26 &

27

~ M

ay 25, 26 &

27

~ M

ay 25, 26 &

27

It is that time of the year when I

remind the good people of the

village to help with the bi-

annual village tidy which for

this year will take place on

23 March and 12 October.

We have a strong group of supporters whom I would like

to thank for their hard work and welcome any new

volunteers. These events not only help keep our village

clean and tidy but help promote a community spirit.

All volunteers are supplied with the relevant safety

equipment required tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

Please come along between 9 am and noon to the

Parish Hall, your support is vital. Hazel Stocks

Fortnightly activities: crafts, story telling, dancing & games

For more information please call Natalie or Jay on 0779 557 8466

February 2013

Documents

Transcript of February 2013