This year, Westfield Parish Council decided that it had not one, not two, but three Inspirational Citizens to congratulate. During this past year, many people have been isolated and separated from loved ones for long periods at a time.

The first Inspirational Citizen has helped to alleviate some of that loneliness and brought a community together. Debbie Maggs, of St Peter’s Road, spent time organising events within the street for residents to socialise – barbeques, coffee mornings and even a fish and chip supper, where she collected orders from everyone and then picked up from Whitstones in Westfield.

Debbie wanted to be proud of the road in which she lives and brighten people’s days so her husband made the lovely planter by the street sign and she rallied everyone who lives there to donate to a regular display of bright flowers.

Debbie said: “I am feeling absolutely overwhelmed, honoured (and hugely shocked) at being nominated for the Inspirational Citizen award by Joan Pack, who is a resident in our road. In such a difficult year not just myself but most of St Peter’s have come together helping each other, especially the older generation.

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing neighbourhood who have all become great friends. Time is so precious and it’s something I didn’t have a lot of before the lockdown, but it’s helped me by helping others and made me realise even more by just baking a cake and sharing, organising a street BBQ, or fish & chip evening celebrating big birthdays, that it has lifted everyone’s spirits!

“This award isn’t just for me, but everyone in St Peter’s Road that has helped make lockdown 2020/21 more bearable. To my amazing husband Steve for making the planter and painting it, and to Rachael for organizing the planting making it look lovely as you drive in to our road – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Readers will know that the Parish Council is in the process of purchasing land in the Waterside Valley. This area of beautiful scenery is a well-known haven for wildlife and so many people love to walk the length of it on a regular basis. This has been made more possible by the work of the second Inspirational Citizen, Nigel Swift. Nigel has spent several years making sure the pathways through a section of the valley are passable and he mows them regularly. He has also cleared vegetation from a length of the river, keeping it all in check and healthy.

When presented with the award Nigel said: “I am very proud to have been nominated for the Westfield Inspirational Citizen award for work that I love to do. It’s been a pleasure to see people that use the valley find it has been made easier for them through the maintenance of the pathways. I’ve been doing this for many years now and hope to continue for many more to come.”

Residents of Westfield may have noticed how the pathways and pavements in the parish are clear of rubbish these days. That is partly down to the Wombles of Midsomer Norton and surrounding area, but in particular, one Womble who lives in Westfield.

Mike Chivers is seen almost on a daily basis in Westfield in his high viz jacket collecting litter. Mike also invents and makes equipment that he can use to get to litter that has been swept into bushes and brambles. He leaves nothing behind. Mike was amazed to receive the award and said it was a tribute to all the Wombles and people who collect litter.

When meeting to make the decision on which one of the three should be honoured with the title this year it was unanimous that, during this period of lockdown, it was impossible to choose between them, so all three were given the honour. They will have to share the Cup!