The Churchill and Langford annual get-together brought people together for a simple but powerful reason. Community. The evening focused on the role volunteers play across the parish, and the difference even the smallest contribution can make.

A community built on people

Chair of the Parish Council, Jackie Bush, opened the evening with a clear message. You do not need a lot of time to make a difference. Even an hour a month matters.

Volunteering is not just about helping others. It helps you. It builds friendships. It connects you to where you live. It gives a sense of belonging.

There was also an honest reflection. At times, the community has lost its way. But things are changing. There is a sense that the village is coming back together. That makes this the right moment to get involved.

What the Parish Council has delivered

The past year has seen real, visible progress across the parish:

  • New toilet facilities added to the cricket pavilion. Funded through Section 106 contributions and designed to blend seamlessly with the existing building
  • Ongoing drainage improvements across the playing fields. Football pitches are already benefiting, with further work completed near the play park
  • A new community defibrillator installed behind the clock tower at the Reading Room. This improves access at that end of the village
  • A new community shelter replacing the old dugout. This creates a flexible space for events, families and local groups
  • Early work underway to maintain and improve the skate park. Young people are being asked what they want to see next
  • A third speed indicator device now in place to raise awareness of speeding in the village

This work reflects a council focused on practical outcomes. It also shows a clear effort to secure external funding where possible, rather than placing pressure on local finances.

The people behind the work

Clerk Sally Diaz highlighted something often overlooked. Every parish councillor is a volunteer.

They give their time alongside jobs, families and other commitments. They sit on multiple groups. They handle both praise and criticism. They do it because they care about the village and want it to thrive.

There is also a strong team behind the scenes:

  • The parish orderly keeps the village clean, safe and looking its best
  • Communications ensure residents stay informed and connected
  • Councillors bring a mix of creativity, practical thinking and local knowledge

Two new councillors have strengthened the team this year:

  • Gary, already making an impact through grant funding applications and a focus on traffic issues
  • Jeremy, bringing experience and a strong focus on safety, particularly along the A38

As the Council members increase it allows the council to do more as the workload is shared.

Funding and finances

The council has worked carefully to balance ambition with affordability.

  • Over £50,000 received in Section 106 funding
  • Around £65,500 from Community Infrastructure Levy funds
  • £1,000 distributed in village grants

The parish precept has increased slightly, from £130,466 to £139,958. For a Band D household, this equates to an increase of 46p per month.

This was not a decision taken lightly. The aim has been to keep increases as low as possible while maintaining services and investing in the parish.

Looking ahead

There is more to come.

Plans are developing for further improvements across the parish, alongside a full programme of events, including the annual Village Day.

The Parish Council has linked up with Banwell and Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council and the Impact Alliance.  This is a scheme aimed to combat loneliness in the community.

The focus remains clear. Use funding wisely. Improve what already exists. Strengthen the sense of community.

Recognition and appreciation

The evening also celebrated those who go above and beyond.

Community Champion Awards were presented to:

  • James Kennedy for his care and support of community members through The Market Kitchen
  • Emma Stocks for her work supporting the Reading Room

Their contributions reflect the spirit of the parish. Quiet, consistent and deeply valued.

A simple invitation

The message from the evening was clear.

You do not need to do everything. Just something.

  • Help at an event
  • Deliver a few leaflets
  • Support a local group
  • Join the Parish Council

There are currently three vacancies on the council. Meetings take place on the second Monday of each month at 7:30pm in the Market Kitchen.

If you have ever thought about getting involved, now is the time.

Because community does not just happen. People make it happen.