News from Westbury Feb 21

From Arthur Lewis, Treasurer - The church in Westbury has been at the heart of the village for hundreds of years but is now struggling financially. Last year has seen very little income due to lack of services and limited fundraising due to the pandemic plus the church continues to suffer ongoing fabric repair costs such as a further plaster fall recently. Insurance and electricity alone are over £3,000 per annum.
This is a difficult time for everyone. However, if you do feel able to make a donation (or better still make a monthly gift to help solidify the
financial position for the longer term) this would be truly appreciated.
If you are able to help, please contact the Treasurer (Arthur) at arthurlewis@btopenworld.com who can provide further details
For ref Rev. Paula's mail address is: westbucksrevd@gmail.com

From Pat and Sue (Lucas) - Although Christmas was rather different this year, it was still a time for celebration for us in Westbury, though much quieter than usual. The carols we had planned in the churchyard had to be cancelled, but the church was open on Christmas Eve with Christmas music playing. It looked welcoming and beautiful, lit by candles and with the traditional crib and Christingle oranges brought by Rev Paula for the children who came. The old yew tree in the churchyard hosted a flight of angels of all sorts and sizes, brought along by many people in the village in the two weeks before Christmas Day. 

The church continues to be open twice a week for private prayer and contemplation. This will continue unless the guidelines change, but we will not be holding services in the church for the time being. 

In the hope that in 2021 things will be more normal, we would like to wish everyone the very best for the New Year.

PARISH COUNCIL

Meetings - Our next meeting will be held virtually at 8pm on Wednesday 10th February. Members of the public are very welcome to attend but please register with the clerk beforehand. An invitation to the meeting will be available on the meeting agenda the week before the meeting at: https://westburyvillage.co.uk/westbury-parish-council-agendas-and-minutes/ 

Westbury Village Website - https://westburyvillage.co.uk/
A lot of information is available on our website including a very interesting history section, local walks (found in ‘about the village’), the latest HS2 updates (found under ‘parish council’) and parish council business – it’s well worth a look. 

Elections - Parish Council elections will be held on 6th May 2021. If you are passionate about your community and would like to have a greater say in what goes on, then why not become a parish councillor? We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward – could this be you? 
Contact Cathy Knott (westburyclerk@aol.com) if you’d like an informal chat about what the council does or check the information out on our village website at: https://westburyvillage.co.uk/westbury-parish-council/

Lambing season - Many of the fields around Westbury house livestock and we have seen problems recently with sheep being worried by dogs that are not under proper control. Lambing season is coming up so please be mindful:
•    Ensure your dog is on a lead 
•    Keep them under close control when walking through fields of livestock, particularly sheep
•    Always stick to public rights of way
•    Pick up dog poo 

Fix My Street - Anyone can use this online tool to report a problem on a street/road in Buckinghamshire (including fly-tipping) or to track the progress of reported issues at: https://www.fixmystreet.buckscc.gov.uk/

Keeping in touch
Village website:  www.westburyvillage.co.uk  / Village Facebook page ‘Westbury Village, Bucks Group’
To sign up for village emails please contact the parish clerk westburyclerk@aol.com

 

WESTBURY COMMUNITY SHOP & CAFE

Sue Fuller  (s.owenfuller@gmail.com) co-ordinator