Community in Bloom: March Parish News & Easter Greetings

Dear Parishioners of Bubwith, Breighton and Willitoft

I do hope you are well and enjoying this recent sunny weather. If you are in need of an extra mood boost I heartily recommend a short stroll up Intake Lane where the cheery display of daffodils are a delight to behold. I promise if you are of a certain age, they’ll take you right back to school days and good old William Wordsworth as they flutter and dance in the breeze. I’m sure you’d join me in thanking the two anonymous gentlemen who planted them over the course of a number of years, their investment of time is a tonic for walkers and drivers on this route.

Staying on this positive note, we were delighted to welcome Rebecca Walker, Headteacher at Bubwith Primary School to our March Parish Council meeting. Rebecca gave a whistle stop tour of all the activities the school are now providing for our young parishioners; including a recent trip to London, Westminster and 10 Downing Street. She updated us on how the pupil roll is bearing up in the face of the falling birth rate, the closer ties being developed with All Saints Church and how children
are embracing wildlife and local history. We look forward to hearing more at regular intervals via the school newsletter and Councillor Barry Carpus who also volunteers as a School Governor.

The Bubwith Leisure and Sport Centre Charity held a well-attended Annual General Meeting yesterday evening (19th March). Introduced by Dr Richard Moore, Life Long President and receiving the Chairman’s report from Shaun Thompson and Centre Coordinators report from Tracey Thompson (no relation to Shaun), the meeting covered the many improvements, achievements and ambitions of the trustees and volunteers for the centre and our community. They must be doing something right as the number of people using the centre has grown from 15681 to 24578 (36.2%) since 2023.

That said, there is always room to do more and people’s ideas and suggestions are always welcome as is any volunteer support however small or sporadic! You’ll be pleased to learn the committee of trustees and volunteers remains intact for the coming year and a healthy programme of social activities are planned, our thanks to these dedicated individuals.

If you haven’t used the centre already please do give it a try, there are a wide range of activities to participate in. They are regularly advertised in the Bugle, on Facebook or the website, simply Google Bubwith Leisure and Sport Centre.

Finally, I extend a warm welcome to Brian Littlejohn who has joined the Parish Council as our new coopted member. A local resident of some 25 years with a wealth of experience (30 years plus) at a senior level with Marks and Spencer and currently working within the Economic Growth Team at the City of York Council. Brian will be a great asset to our team.

I wish you a Happy Easter and more of this current weather as our growing season gets underway.