Radstock and Westfield Big Local’s annual Dragons’ Den event is almost upon us, will you be there to vote for a deserving winner?

Local people will have 14 amazing community projects to choose from at the 9th Dragons’ Den – Taking place on Friday, 21st April, from 5pm at Whisty Hall in Radstock.

If you live within the Radstock and Westfield ward boundaries you are invited to come along, lend your support, and vote for who you think should win £500 to do something good for the community.

The theme for this Dragons’ Den is GREEN – pitchers will each have ninety seconds to explain how their projects improve the environment or connect people with the great outdoors. Friendly Dragons will be on hand to ask encouraging questions.

There will be ten winners, there will be tea and cake, there will be fun, and there will be the opportunity to help make a positive difference to our area.

Organisers are grateful to our friendly Dragons - Jenny, Angela and Phil - who have given their time to support the event. Jenny is from The National Lottery Community Fund, Angela works for Quartet Community Foundation, and Phil volunteers for the Somer Valley Rotary Club. The work they do to bring more resources into our community and beyond is much appreciated!

They would also like to give a further big thank you to Somer Valley Rotary Club for helping to sponsor the event, like last year, providing 10% of the prize money.

Phil Edmonds from Somer Valley Rotary, said: “Somer Valley Rotary Club is delighted to be able to support the Big Local Dragons Den event again this year. Money we have raised locally will be used to fund one of the successful bids and Rotary member Phil Edmonds is looking forward to his role as a friendly dragon.”

Pitchers are: Fosseway School – improving the playground; Bath Mind’s Potting Shed Project – mending the shed and greenhouse; SWALLOW Charity – making products with recycled items; Writhlington Action Group – litter picking equipment; Julia – Radstock Park Run; Trinity Church School – wildflower meadow; Small Stuff Baby Bank – Baby Bank SOS; Ecowild – wild art trail; Somer Valley Walking Festival – promoting local walks; Natural Theatre – Radstock youth theatre; Radstock In Bloom – powering the Southfield Community Pollinator Garden; Larch Court Allotments – accessible pathways; P.E.O.P.L.E – pots and potters growing space; Youth Connect South West – gardening sessions.

Radstock & Westfield Big Local runs the event and distributes the funds from a grant from The Community Fund.

They are a group of residents who enthusiastically volunteer to ensure that over £1million of community money is invested in Radstock and Westfield. Please consider joining them and keeping it community-led!