Somerset Council is promoting the following three items via Parish Councils:

a) Cardboard waste: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/think-outside-the-box-and-cut-the-cardboard-at-christmas/

b) Willow Man:https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/communities/willow-man-feasibility-study/

c) Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) in some areas of Somerset

http://www.somerset.gov.uk/swep

 

 

 

 

Good afternoon,

I am writing to let you know that we will be starting work Stockhill Wood tomorrow, where we will be removing diseased larch trees. Although these operations may not directly affect parish residents, I wanted to let you know that they may have a visual impact on the landscape.

We are legally required to carry out this work because areas of the forest are suffering from Phytophthora ramorum, a destructive tree disease which is affecting many of the nation’s larch trees. Phytophthora ramorum is harmless to people and animals, but highly infectious and harmful to trees and some other plant species.

I have attached a map to explain where we will be working. In areas highlighted red, there is a high density of infected trees and they will all be removed. Altogether, these areas total around 29 hectares. We are obliged to remove these trees as soon as possible to help manage the spread of Phytophthora ramorum.

Our climate is changing, bringing new threats to our trees, and we need to build resilience within our forests. With this in mind, we are already planning how we will restock these felled areas with a diverse range of tree species that will thrive in the climate conditions we expect in 2050 and beyond.

I would be grateful if you would be able to share this information through your news channels. We understand that communities may be upset at the change in their countryside and we are keen to explain why this felling is essential for the health of the nation’s forests.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best wishes, Siân Brewer

Community Ranger, Bristol and Savernake, Forestry England

Stockhill_Wood_worksmap

 

 

On Wednesday 1st Nov the Parish Council meeting received advice from the County Council regarding Fire Safety, Flood Risk and Storm Ciaran.

Fire safety advice for people experiencing power cuts (dsfire.gov.uk)

Flood Warden Autumn Newsletter 2023 (mailchi.mp)

Storm Ciaran: Prepare for potential disruption (somerset.gov.uk)

The Parish Council requested that this information should be made available via the village website.

Regards,

Mark Smith, Website Administrator

 

The Peter Pan performance is going ahead on the playing field tonight, Thursday 3rd August, at 7pm, but there will be no parking – the field is too wet.

Please park elsewhere and walk.

And remember to bring your own chairs and waterproofs!

 

PETER PAN text for THE PEW

Save the date – Peter Pan flies into Westbury Playing Fields – Thurs 3 August 7pm

This summer, Slapstick Picnic is whipping up a theatrical treat like no other in outdoor venues all across the UK: a three-actor production of J.M.Barrie’s classic play Peter Pan.
Slapstick Picnic is a sister company of The Handelbards who have appeared in Westbury before to great acclaim.

Let your imagination soar as they dish out this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids; their brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw.

 

This is one flight of fancy you don’t want to miss and courtesy of  the Parish Council, Footlights and local businesses it is free entry!

To help us predict numbers entry will be by ticket ,available shortly from the village shop.

 

So bring your own picnic, rugs, chairs and soft drinks (no glass please). But if that’s too much hassle we have also booked Soul Dough who will make you banging wood fired pizzas and expect to have a pay bar.  If you enjoy yourselves then we will be asking for donations so we can go on providing good entertainment for everyone in the community.