As I write this article the sun is shining, and we are having beautiful weather. The gardens around the village are in full bloom and look fantastic. The hanging baskets have gone up around Fore Street again this summer, which always make a great show. I see a lot of tourists stop and take pictures of the cottages in the village which make me realise what a lovely place this is to live.
The garden open day went very well with plenty of visitors both residents and visitors to Williton. A big thankyou to Cllr Howes and the Events committee for organising the day. Cream teas and cakes being sold with all proceeds going to charity. What a great day and thank you to all the residents who opened their gardens to the public. A lot of hard work but well worth it.
I know Peter Payne our chairman gave a comprehensive report on the children’s play area in the last edition of Williton Window, but I wanted to keep you all up to date with the developments. It is very unfortunate that we have had to close and fence off the large climbing frame, but due to fair wear and tear this has got to be replaced or refurbished if possible. It is for Health and Safety reasons we have had to take this decision. The climbing frame is still solid so we hope to be able to repair and refurbish it. If not, we will have to replace it. The small climbing frame has reached its sell by date and is showing signs of wear. This will have to be replaced. We have agreed on Council to have this work done as soon as possible, but decisions have to be made and lead times by contractors to be considered. Rest assured we are working hard to make this happen as soon as possible.
For the new small climbing frame and any other play equipment you would like to see in the playground, now is the time to make your voice heard. We are at the planning stage and need some ideas on the layout of the playground and new equipment which is inclusive for children of all ages and abilities. I will make a point of speaking to as many users in the playground when I am in the Memorial Ground to get your views and ideas. Please write or contact us at the Parish Office.
The Williton Youth Club that is supported by the Parish Council and run by the Minehead Eye Youth Services they have a summer programme for Williton.
The events are: – 29th June Club Night.
6th July Mobile Skate Ramp.
13th July Club Night.
29th July BBQ.
For further information please contact andy@mineheadeye.co.uk
As a final note I would like to thank all of you who have written and contacted us at the Council recently to report damage to paving’s and other items, and with their ideas to make the village better. The Council will always listen and act whenever possible.
Take care and enjoy the Summer.
Cllr. Michael White
29 June 2023
There are not many occasions that we witness that we know are going to be truly historic before they happen, but May 6th will be one of those events with the Coronation of their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
From 09:30am on Saturday 6th May Williton Pavilion will be open for anyone wishing to watch the BBC coverage of the Coronation in the company of others; the broadcast will be shown live on the big screen in the main Hall. This is free entry and light refreshments – tea, coffee & cake – will be available (Donations welcome). In the afternoon, when the main event is over on the television at about 2:00pm there will be afternoon tea dances hosted by Somerset Ballrooms until about 17:00, and Foxes Academy will be serving high tea from 15:00pm. Again, entry will be free but there will be a charge if you would like tea.
As we mentioned last month, together with Watchet Town Council, we will be presenting all the Children at Danesfield, St Peter’s School and Nursery with a commemorative mug, we have a small number available to sell at £3 each. If you would like one, please get in touch with the Parish Office, but be quick as we are rapidly running out!
However you will be marking the Coronation I hope that it will stay in your memories for a long while in the same way that those who can remember the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II do.
Over the past few months, the Parish Council has been working with the Justice Service to help make Williton tidier and a bit prettier. In the next few weeks people who are doing Community Service will start working around the village to help clear overgrown areas, litter pick, remove graffiti etc. This will normally take place on a Sunday. The Justice team are also looking for indoor projects that can be tackled if the weather is bad, for example redecorating a room, so if you know of a community building that could do with this sort of help please can you get in touch with the Parish Office.
We continue to get a lot of complaints about speeding through the village and poor driving. With the help of Avon and Somerset Police we have restarted Speed Watch at some points around the village but if we have more volunteers, we can have more frequent checks and at other positions. If you can help, again, please get in touch. We are also working with Highways and the Police to see what other things we can do to combat the speeding problems we have.
The new unitary council – Somerset Council – came into being on 1st of April and the existing Somerset West and Taunton Council was disbanded. So far, we have not seen much difference in the way things work but there will be changes over the next few years, what they will be we don’t yet know but I expect that the parish councils in Somerset will take on things that Somerset Council currently undertakes. One positive thing that has changed is the phone number, 0300 123 2224, which is for all services that either the old County or District Councils provided, so if you do have a query and not sure who to contact or which area you need use that number and you will be directed to the right department.
I finish with the repeated request that if you think there is anything the Parish Council could or should be doing, please let us know. Cllr Peter Payne.
To contact the Parish Council telephone 01984 633979
E-mail Michelle : clerk@willitonpc.org.uk or admin@willitonpc.org.uk
