A Bright Start to 2026 in Bubwith, Breighton & Willitoft
Dear Parishioners of Bubwith, Breighton and Willitoft
Apparently, there is no statute of limitations on wishing a Happy New Year so Happy New Year for 2026.
I’d like to say a big thank you to all those people who contributed to making Christmas 2025 such a delight. Our Christmas Tree sponsors the Real Airplane Company and the Real Airplane Club, Shirley and Richard Moore who once again opened their doors for the Mulled Wine and Mince Pie following Carols around the Christmas Tree, and the many others at the Leisure Centre, All Saints Church, the White Swan and Mounfields (the hours they keep and the work they do is amazing).
My grateful thanks also to the Parish Council Team who erected the tree and lights and then cleared everything away.
The magic of the Bubwith Elves and Santa’s Post Box Elves was lovely. I have had a brief note from the Post Box Elves who I believe are currently sunning themselves in the Bahamas and having a well-earned rest. This year they received over one hundred letters, and they were full of praise for the standard of our young parishioners’ writing and their lovely stories and requests. However, they mentioned they were a little concerned as they were unable to respond to some that didn’t have an address, better luck next time.
2026 got off to a flying start, the ‘Volunteers Thank You’ event took place on the 11th January. 108 invitations were issued and over 60 people attended, consensus hailed it as a most enjoyable event. Thanks to all volunteers in our community, your contributions make it a better place to live.
One of the less enjoyable matters already raised with me this year is the subject of dogs. There have been a number of issues and incidents involving dog poo on the playing field, BLSC have posted on Facebook to remind people dogs are not allowed anywhere on the grounds as this is used by children and young people and there is a potentially devastating risk to health from parasites in dog poo. Additionally, reports of dogs not controlled (potentially Christmas visitors) on the rail trail resulting in attacks on other dogs and a great deal of distress for both dogs and owners. As a dog lover, and until recently owner myself, I know how attached we are to our pets. For some they are part of our family or our only family. A New Year resolution to address these issues would be most welcome within our community.
Speaking of New Year Resolutions – Hedges have quite literally ‘loomed large’ in local discussions and concerns lately. There are an increasing number of hedges in both Bubwith and Breighton which extend far beyond the ‘pin-kerb’ and push people nearer or into the road when walking past. You may not be aware if you are one of these as the things we notice the least are the familiar things we see every day. An increasingly large number of lorries pass through our village these days and we are courting disaster if there is inadequate space on the pavement for pedestrians and especially small children to pass safely. Now is the time to add hedge cutting to your New Year resolution list to be completed before the end of February before the wild birds nest and prohibit cutting. Thank you in advance.
Fitness and wellbeing has got off to a brilliant start this January. The new sessions of Walking Football (1.30 Wednesday), Pickleball (3.30 Wednesday) and High Intensity Pilates (1.45 Thursday contact ) have had a great turn out so far but there is plenty of space for others who wish to come along.
The Walking Group continues, anyone is welcome just come along for 09.45 on Friday at the Leisure Centre and you can stay on for the new Knit and Natter group in the Café at the centre.
The Pop-Up Café at the Community Centre on Breighton Road from 10.00 to 12.00 on Wednesday morning has 2 more sessions to go, the 28th Jan & 4th Feb (our swan song will be bacon butties on the 4th). The ever-popular Church Café will resume on the 9th February 2026. A big thank you to those who have help with making this interim arrangement a success.
Finally, just a brief mention of some Parish Council Business. Steve Young, Parish Clerk has kindly provided an update from the meeting Councillor Victoria Aitken and I had with Bubwith Surgery Doctors and Staff on the 14th January. This together with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) information from the practice can be found later in the Bugle.
Best wishes. Sandra Hills
Chair of Bubwith Parish Council (mob: 07748965779)
. Or https://www.facebook.com/BubwithParishCouncil
