“We really have appreciated the funding, it has actually made the difference between us being able to continue as a choir or fold.” So reported Chair of Westfield Ladies Choir, Lesley Schofield, when feeding back on the benefits of the grant they received from Westfield Parish Council last year.

The annual grant pot is now open with a deadline of 1st October to submit a simple application form for grants of up to £1,000, with larger amounts available in exceptional circumstances.

Westfield Parish Council has supported a wide variety of organisations over the seven years since the Council was formed, with regular donations to invaluable services such as St Nicholas Church graveyard, Dial-a-Ride, SWAN Advice Network, SWALLOW and the Community Bus, as well as occasional donations to boost projects, such as decoration of the counselling room at Off the Record, reminiscence through music sessions at Whitehaven Care Home and re-vamped equipment for the NR Chess Club.

B&NES Carers’ Centre used grant funding from the Parish Council in 2016 to set up a coffee morning for carers living in Westfield. Eighteen months on the coffee morning is going from strength to strength, giving carers the opportunity to connect and make friends reducing their social isolation and improving their health and well-being. Two carers lost touch with each other due to their caring role and were able to reconnect through the group. The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band received funding towards the cost of equipment to enable them to compete in the West of England Regional Championships; the first time in the band’s history that they have competed in the second section.

If you are involved in an organisation based in Westfield or involving residents of Westfield, then please consider applying. The application form simply asks for details of your organisation and the project for which you need funding. Applications are considered during October and early November, with grant payments being made to successful applicants at the end of November.

Application criteria and forms are available at: www.westfieldparishcouncil.co.uk/grants/ or by calling the office on: 01761 410669.