Category Archives: Editorial

Editorial

The Whistler – August 2009

Perennial Sights and Sounds
Perennial Sights and Sounds. Photo by Felicity Bath

EDITORIAL

The West Hill Community Association AGM was held on 30 June, at which the yearly accounts were adopted and the committee was re-elected en bloc after standing down. However, we are always looking for new members and volunteers so if you had to miss the meeting and would like to join us, please get in touch. Reports were received from Sylvia Alexander-Vine and Lianne Hall concerning the extensive use of the Hall by people of all ages undertaking a variety of activities, and the news that the Hall is now registered as a venue for civil ceremonies and weddings. Although the fee for this registration has been paid by our first couple, we will now be paying rates and intend to renovate the kitchen.

Pam Bean reported on the enthusiasm of the Wild Life Garden group who have created an imaginative and flourishing haven in the garden surrounding the Hall. They had the need for an outdoor tap, answered voluntarily by Laurence Parker, a local businessman and trader, who generously gave time, thought and skill to helping the group when he knew their work would benefit from having water on hand. Mr Parker has also said he will mend the wooden strut of our notice board at the beginning of the approach twitten where he has had flowers planted along the border, making the entrance more attractive. The freshly repaired pathway, tarmac covered over with gravel, is a most welcome addition to the health and safety of the Hall users after a very busy period of construction of the 3 town houses behind the Hall undertaken by Mr Parker. Thank you.

The Whistler – June 2009

Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a song bird will come - Chinese proverb
Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a song bird will come” Chinese proverb

WILD LIFE GARDEN

The Wild Life garden at the West Hill Hall continues to create work and enjoyment for those volunteer gardeners who are involved and to improve the environs for the benefit of our visitors – feathered and two-legged. Thanks to Tinkers and Blenio Bistro for their generous donations of nuts and herbs. All donations are welcome.

Sue Williams, one of the volunteers, wrote to us recently with a tale describing an example of devotion beyond the call of duty by another volunteer, Jo Martin.

“A big vote of thanks – if not a medal – should be awarded to our wild life gardener Jo, who was found on a miserable morning, kneeling on the ground, with her bare arm, up to the shoulder, down the blocked drain in front of the Hall. She spent the best part of an hour scooping out a filthy mix of mud, gravel and roots, gouging a chunk out of her hand in the process, which bled profusely. I stood by offering encouragement, hoping she wouldn’t say “Your turn now – you have a go!”  But she says she’s not afraid of drains and carried on digging until it was clear, determined to save the Hall the expense of calling out Dyno-Rod.  And they say community spirit is dead….Well done that woman!”

Well done, indeed.