Autumn Updates From Your Parish Council

Welcome to the September edition of our e-newsletter!

We hope you have enjoyed the beautiful summer months. It has been lovely to meet many of you at the events we have run. Thank you to those who attended the Banwell heritage event, the village picnic and seed bomb workshops.

Seed Bomb Workshops a Blooming Success

Our recent seed bomb workshops were a hit! Organised by the Environment Working Group, residents gathered to make wildflower seed bombs that will help support local pollinators. 

Missed out? Don’t worry – we’re running a free drop-in session at Mead Fields on Saturday 8th November, 11am–12pm.

Come and get stuck in! 

Banwell Heritage Day    

Thank you to everyone who came along to our event with the Banwell Society of Archaeology in July. A memorial was unveiled in the cemetery and a selection of fascinating artefacts from the 2012 excavation were displayed by the South West Heritage Trust.

Thanks also to the Society of Archaeology volunteers for their support and superb refreshments. 

Dates For Your Diary

Mead Fields Surgery Drop Ins at the Hub 

Wednesday 8th October - 6 - 8pm  Clerk, Cllr. Simon Arlidge and Backhouse  

Saturday 8th November - 10am - 12 noon Clerk, Environment Officer, Cllr. Nick Manley and District Cllr. Joe Tristram.  Seed bomb workshop with Amy Symonds.

Wednesday 3rd December - 6pm - 8pm Clerk, Cllr. Kelly Smith and Wain Homes  

Banwell Sustainability Working Group Meeting

Monday 6th October at 7:30pm at the Youth & Community Centre

The Banwell Parish Action Plan 2025–2026 includes exciting environmental goals - help shape how we achieve them by joining the Sustainability Working Group. Come along and join us - everyone welcome.

Annual Summer Clean 

Saturday 20th September 10am -12noon

Help us get Banwell ready for Autumn! Join us for litter picking, sweeping and more. 

Meet at the Youth & Community Centre (West Street car park). Equipment provided. Refreshments available. Just bring weather-appropriate clothes and a can-do attitude! 

Christmas Market & Gift Donations 

Saturday 6th December 11am - 4pm

Support local with #BuyInBanwell!  Join us at the Youth & Community Centre and Scout Building for festive stalls, refreshments and Santa’s Grotto.

We’re also collecting unwrapped gifts for children in need. Donations accepted until 11th Dec at the Youth & Community Centre – these will be passed to our local school and the Salvation Army. 

Meet Your Parish Council

You can find out more about your Parish Councillors and contact them on the 'Your Parish Councillors' webpage. They are a friendly bunch and are always happy to hear from you!

There are so many ways you can contact your Parish Council:

• Call us on 01934 820442

• Email us on clerk@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk

• Message us via our website www.banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk 

• Visit us at Banwell Youth & Community Centre Tues & Thurs 10am-12noon*

• Follow and contact us on Facebook and Instagram

• Send us a letter to Banwell Parish Council Youth and Community Centre, West Street,   Banwell, BS29 6BD.

• Attend a Council meeting online or in person 

*The Parish Office is located at the Youth & Community Centre (at the bottom of West Street Carpark) and is open to parishioners on Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am until 12 noon – no appointment is needed. The Clerk is happy to see you at any other time if this isn’t convenient,

just call (01934) 820442 or email clerk@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk

Events & Initiatives

How Can We Support a Stronger, Healthier. Happier Banwell?

Banwell Parish Council wants to better understand what makes life easier – or harder – for local people. We want to know what’s going well, where more support is needed, and what ideas you have for improving the health, happiness, and strength of our village community.  

We have created a questionnaire to collect your views to help us shape future services, activities, and support in Banwell. 

Answering the questions is optional, but the more questions you answer, the better we can understand what our community wants and needs. 

 You can also complete this consultation online using this QR code. 

If you prefer to return a paper copy, there is one in this month's parish magazine. Please post completed copies through the letterbox at the Youth & Community Centre (bottom of West Street Car Park,

BS29 6DB). The postbox is on the left-hand side of the building. 

Banwell Better Health Walks 

First Monday of each month at 12:00pm. Meet at Banwell Youth & Community Centre 
A gentle 30-minute walk followed by optional tea and a chat. Part of the North Somerset Better Health Walks programme. Assistance dogs only. 

Walking Buddies Programme 

Don’t forget about our Walking Buddy Programme. 

If you’d like some company while walking, feel a bit nervous heading out alone, or just need a little motivation to get moving, then contact the Parish Office and we’ll match you with a walking buddy. 

We’re also looking for volunteers who’d be happy to go for a stroll with someone in the village. You’ll be matched with a local resident who’s requested a buddy – it’s a simple and friendly way to support your community. To sign up as a walker or a volunteer, contact Nature@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk / 01934 820442- everyone is welcome! 

Crop Swap at St Andrew’s Church  

Got too many tomatoes? Want to try some rhubarb? Visit the Crop Swap in the Church Porch. Open daily 10am–4pm. Just bring what you can and take what you need. No money, just community spirit.

Banwell Public Living Room 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am–1pm.  Banwell Youth & Community Centre 
Free tea, coffee, and biscuits. Sit, read, chat with the Craft Corner Group, or log on using our free tablets and laptops. Everyone welcome! 

Book & Puzzle Swap at the YCC 

Looking for a new read or puzzle? Visit our growing collection at the Youth & Community Centre. 

Every other Tuesday & every Thursday, 10am–1pm.  Also open during Council meetings – 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7pm.

Soup & A Roll is Back from September

Every Thursday, 12:30pm at the Youth & Community Centre

Warm up your week with a delicious bowl of soup and good company. 

Voluntary donation: £2. Let us know if you’re coming for the first time: 01934 820442 or clerk@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk  

Banwell Youth Club 

Bored after school? Come along to Banwell Youth Club! 

Run by YMCA Dulverton, the club meets every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and offers a fun range of activities each week. It’s a great place to hang out, try something new, and meet others. 

New members are always welcome! 
For more information, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/banwellyouthclub 

Tea & Tech – Free Digital Help Sessions 

Banwell Youth & Community Centre, 2pm - 4pm. 

All ages and abilities welcome – bring your questions or just enjoy the company!  

• September 18th & 23rd  

• October 9th, 23rd & 28th    

• November 6th, 20th & 25th    

New participants are always welcome, contact Liz to book your spot (01934) 820442 or email clerk@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk

Notices and Updates

Welcome to our new Councillor 

We’re pleased to welcome Mike Dolling to Banwell Parish Council. Mike studied photography and film production and went on to have a long career with Kodak, becoming UK National Sales Manager for Kodak Professional. He moved to Banwell 10 years ago and is now retired. His daughter teaches locally and his son works for Rolls-Royce.   

Mike says: “Banwell has a unique history, and although change is inevitable, it’s how we manage that change that can really shape village life. I’m passionate about protecting Banwell’s identity and ensuring future development benefits our community.” 

We look forward to working with Mike as he helps shape the future of our community. You can find out more about all of our councillors on our website: https://www.banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk/parish-council/your-councillors  

Vacancy: Become a Parish Councillor  

Want to give back to your community?  We currently have a vacancy and would love to hear from residents aged 18+ who would be interested. Being a councillor offers valuable voluntary experience and a chance to help shape Banwell’s future. Training available. 

Learn more at www.banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk

and contact the Clerk: clerk@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk or 01934 820442.  

Youth Club Bee Hotel Fun!

This summer at youth club, the children had fun creating bee hotels to support our local pollinators. They learned all about solitary bees and how these handmade habitats can give them a safe place to rest and nest. It was a great mix of creativity, learning, and doing something positive for nature. 

Want to make your own? Contact nature@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk to find out how. 

Community Pages and Community Events

Did you know that Banwell Parish Council has a section on its website for community pages and community events? We also have a Local Business Directory. If you have a community group, business, event, club or initiative in Banwell that you would like to put on our website, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sally on comms@banwellparishcouncil.gov.uk.