News from Smeeton Westerby – Nov ’25
Throughout the season of Autumn, it was amazing to see the most wonderful abundance of fruit laden trees and bushes throughout the village. As a celebration of this, we held a Harvest Supper and Harvest Festival Service. We gave thanks to all those who provide us with our food. Both events were well attended and enjoyed by all who came along.
As a rural village with such close ties to nature and our local farming community, it has been a joy to witness all the wonders of nature happening around us. With this in mind, please read on to hear about how we are all working together to further support nature in our village.
Wilder Westerby
The Smeeton Westerby group, Wilder Westerby, is helping to protect and restore habitats for wildlife. This is done by creating, or enhancing degraded wildlife corridors for mammals, reptiles, birds and pollinators, within the Parish boundaries. A short while ago, 3 local verges were identified for wilding – Gumley Road, Pit Hill & Saddington Road. These are now being managed by the Parish Council and local residents. The group is also working with wildlife charity, NatureSpot. They carried out a thorough ecological survey of each verge and provided a report with management recommendations.
The survey identified all the grasses and wildflowers found growing on the verges. These included Yarrow, White Clover, Daisy, Autumn Hawkbit, Creeping Bent, Meadow Foxtail and Rough Meadowgrass. The site also supports Meadow Buttercup, which is an indicator species for Local Wildlife Site accreditation. A number of invertebrates were also noted, including the Marmalade Hoverfly.
The verges were un-mown from April. At the end of September, the grasses were strimmed and the cuttings removed. The next step will be to sow wildflower/grass seed and/or add plug plants, which we are sure will give a wonderful display in the Spring.
Dates for the diary
Our next big event in the village hall will be our Christmas Fayre on Saturday 6 December from 2 – 4.30pm. Father Christmas and his elfin helper will be in his grotto waiting to greet anyone who would like to visit. We have several stalls where you can pick up those unusual Christmas gifts. Or even a little extra something for yourselves. Add to that our raffle, Teddy tombola, Bran Tub, mulled wine, homemade cakes, teas, coffees etc, and you are bound to have a most enjoyable afternoon. So please do join us.
A special request. If you have any new or nearly new clean, soft toys that you no longer need, please ring Janet on 07950409610 who will gladly collect them.
The Oddfellows Brass Band will be holding their annual Christmas Concert on Friday 12 December in the church at 7pm for 7.30pm. This is always a really festive night. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased by ringing Philippa on (0116) 279 3841. Mulled wine and mince pies. Please don’t miss out.
Christ Church
As well as our usual services, once again, the Oddfellows Brass Band will be playing for our Carols with Brass on Sunday 21 December at 6.30pm. This is a lovely service and we do hope that you can join us. Then on Wednesday 24 December, we have our annual crib service. This is always well attended and is the perfect opportunity for the children to dress up and take part in the service, if, of course, they wish to.
The Kings Head
On Wednesday 3 December, it’s Jazz Night, whilst over the weekend of 12th – 14 December there will be a ‘Christmas Mini Beer Festival’ for everyone to enjoy. That same weekend on 13 December there is going to be a ‘Charity Christmas Sing Along’ to Christmas pop classics, played live whilst enjoying mulled wine and mince pies! The latter seems to be a must in our village, doesn’t it?
Janet Gilbert
