Wells LocalReach December 2016 Issue No. 06

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DECEMBER 2016 Issue no. 06

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01749 671172

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At Kingfisher we aim to make choosing windows, doors and conservatories a pleasant and relaxing experience for our customers.

From first to last.

That is why we set such great store on the care we take with installation. Care that is reflected in the number of people who recommend us to their friends.

We train our fitters thoroughly and expect them not only to take pride in their workmanship but in every other aspect of the Kingfisher service they help us provide. You will find them punctual, courteous, polite and tidy. As one of our customers, Noel Nation, puts it “....the workmanship was faultless and as a result we recommended them to our daughter .....”

Kingfisher is a long established family firm and family values dictate the way we do business. So much so that many of our customers become friends. Our product range is comprehensive and consistently keenly priced. It includes PVCu, timber and aluminium and can be viewed, at your leisure, at our showrooms.

options and choices to you, give advice where required, take careful measurements and give you a clear, detailed breakdown of costs.

We will then leave you to make a decision in your own time. You will not be harassed or badgered.

Please visit our web site www.thekingfisherfamily.com email us at hello@thekingfisherfamily.com A family welcome awaits you.

Wells showroom: Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5pm and Saturday 9.30am – 3pm East Brent showroom: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm

If you invite us to give you a quotation, we will take the time to establish your requirements exactly, explain the

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE SPECIAL AT KINGFISHER

8 Mill Batch Farm, East Brent, Near Highbridge, TA9 4JN. Tel 01278 760616 and 14a Broad Street, Wells, BA5 2DN. Tel 01749 671431

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Welcome to the December Issue of LocalReach

What a month we have ahead to look forward to: Christmas markets, carol services, art, music as well as fund raising and charity events. All with the backdrop of this beautiful city.

It’s always great to see the high street buzzing, and let’s hope that the cash tills of our small independent shops, market stalls and cafes are ringing on the lead up to Christmas. And there are lots of opportunities to help those not so fortunate, whether it is donating warm clothes or giving blood. Wells has it all – and LocalReach has it covered!

As I’m writing this, we are recovering from the devastating vandalism of the new play park in Wells Recreation Ground. In true ‘yin and yang’ style, The Bishop’s Palace has responded by allowing free entry to its playground, the Dragon’s Lair, to any child under 18 years old living in the BA5 postcode area (proof of address will be required) until the end of the year. A crowdfunding page has also been set up to raise money towards its re-build (www.crowdfunder.co.uk/rebuild-the-playground-of-wells).

Looking ahead to 2017, send me details of your event, charity or group and I will try to include it in the January issue. You can do this by email or via twitter or facebook, including a good quality picture or logo if at all possible. The magazine is delivered to over 6,000 households around Wells, so it really is the ideal way to reach your local audience. And judging from glowing feedback, we know that it is working!

In the meantime, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Andrea Cowan, Community Editor for LocalReach, andrea@localreach.co.uk January 2017 issue editorial deadline: 2nd December

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ST CUTHBERT’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS LINE UP

THE ARCHIVES OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY 2 December: The December talk for the Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society is

by Tim Hopkinson-Ball on ‘The Archives of Downside Abbey’.

Tim has been undertaking the task of cataloguing and organising the archives of Downside Abbey for the past few years. He will give an illustrated talk on his fascinating findings, which will be followed by the society’s Christmas party (donations of food will be very welcome).

Wells & Mendip Museum, starting at 7.30pm

WELLS CITY BAND

Saturday 3 December – music while you shop, playing at Morrisons in Wells from 11am – 1pm Sunday 4 December – leading the Reindeer Parade through the streets of Wells at lunch time Saturday 10 December – playing in Wells Market, 11am-1pm Saturday 17 December - a Christmas Concert in Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Details from 01749 675668 Tuesday 20 December – Carols on Easton Green, 6.30pm Friday 23 December – music while you shop, playing at Morrisons,7-9.00pm

CITY OF WELLS LION CLUB

3 December: Wells Lions Club members will be out in force in the city on Saturday December 3, collecting donations for their Christmas Appeal.

The club will be raising funds to support a variety of local charity projects, including The Lawrence Centre and Heads Up (both working to help dementia sufferers and their families), Children’s Hospice South West, and Elim Connect Centre which provides hot meals for homeless people during the winter months ahead.

Every penny collected will go directly to the Lions local charity work. As a voluntary service club, funded by Lions members themselves, there are no administration costs taken from public donations.

2 – 4 December: Nativity Crib Festival Come and see over 200 Nativity Sets from around the world. There are cribs, angels a musical village, miniature scenes, seasonal refreshments and much more. 10 am -4-30 pm (11.30 on Sunday). Entry is Free.

11 December: Concert A concert of popular Christmas music including audience carols, with the Wells Cathedral Junior Choir and the Swan Sings.

3.00pm. £6 (concession £4), children under 12 £1 – including seasonal refreshments.

18 December: Candlelit Christmas Carol Service 3.30pm. A traditional carol service with readings, prayers and music followed by refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

Christmas Eve, 24 December 4.30pm - Crib Service. Come with your children to hear, see and take part in the Christmas Story.

11.30pm – Midnight Mass. Celebrant and preacher, Ruth, Bishop of Taunton.

Christmas Day, 25 December 10.00am – Parish Eucharist

CHRISTMAS ARTISAN MARKET

3 December: Browne’s Garden Centre in Wells is once again hosting its ever popular Christmas Artisan Market on Saturday 3rd December from 10am until 3pm, with over 20 stalls of local food, craft and gifts and this year we welcome a new cheese stall. Free parking and a lovely coffee shop with play area for the children. We do hope that visitors will enjoy keeping their Christmas shopping local this year.

Anyone wishing to spare an hour or two to help with the collection is welcome to come along.

More information is available from Wells Lions by phoning Ian Burt on 01458 210926 or emailing millerburt@btinternet.com.

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GET CREATIVE AT THE BISHOP’S PALACE

3 December - Creative gift wrapping with a difference Learn how to make a gift look extra special at this workshop. Have fun learning new skills and achieve impressive results using a variety of papers, fabrics and natural materials.

The workshop runs from 10.30am-4.30pm and costs £35, including materials.

16 & 17 December - Christmas Wreath Workshops Friday 16th December – 10am /12.30pm.

Saturday 17th December – 9.30am / 12.00pm This 1 ½ hr workshop costs £20, including refreshments, and you will leave with you own natural Christmas Wreath made using materials from The Bishop’s Palace Gardens. .

Tickets for both workshops are available from The Bishop’s Palace Shop or by calling 01749 988111 ext 205

ROTARY REINDEER PARADE

4 December. This is the 10th anniversary of Reindeer Parade, organised by the Wells Rotary, with funds going to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The event starts at 11am and the Parade itself will start from the Market Place at 12pm. It progresses down the High Street, through Queen Street and returns to the Market Place where the reindeer will be in stalls for families to enjoy at close quarters.

There will be music from the Wells City Band, and In the Market Place various stalls will be selling Christmas gifts as well as a few fun items for the children including roundabout rides. Santa will also be available to visit in his Grotto in the Swan Hotel.

A COLOURFUL HISTORY AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

6 December – Celebrating the Reredos Project at St. Cuthbert’s.

Join us for a day of presentations and discussion as we share the results of this summer’s investigations and consider the next steps for these medieval treasures The morning session will present the findings of recent work to explore, record and analyse the two 15th century painted reredos frameworks and the vast collection of broken sculpture once contained within them. Building on this, the afternoon’s presentations will open the question of future display and interpretation of these most fascinating artefacts and their stories: what next?

Booking is essential: the event will take place in the Lecture Hall at Wells and Mendip Museum from 9.30am – 5pm. A buffet lunch is included in the ticket price of £15. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.acolourfulhistory.eventbrite.co.uk Picture credit: St Cuthbert's PCC Jerry Sampson

WELLS WI

6 December. It was wonderful to see so many members and visitors at November's meeting, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had listening to Philippa Threlfall's illustrated talk about her career in ceramics. December's meeting at Wells & Mendip Museum is 7.15 for 7.30pm start. Visitors are always welcome, £3 charge for the meeting.

This month we will be entertained by storyteller Mark Rutterford who will be sharing a variety of excellent seasonal stories with us. As this is our Christmas event we are having a ‘bring and share’ supper, and expect a visit from a very special person…..If you intend to visit please bring something delicious to share and a wrapped small gift for our Secret Santa.

For further information contact our secretary at wellssomersetwi@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

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SING FOR SOMERSET

10 December: Somerset Community Foundation invites the public to join us for our annual Sing for Somerset carol service in the magnificent Wells Cathedral on Saturday 10th of December at 7pm. This is a special celebration of the hard work carried out by everyone connected to the voluntary sector in Somerset during the past year, and it is a fantastic way to ring in the merry season. Sing for Somerset features a festival mix of traditional and contemporary music conducted by Laurence Blyth, featuring the Mid-Somerset Orchestra, Somerset Voices and organist Matthew Redman. The Christmas story will be read by leaders of local voluntary organisations and supporters of the Foundation. Carol sheets will be provided for all to join in the festivities.

The service is by kind permission of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral and is sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management.

The retiring collection will benefit the work of Somerset Community Foundation.

Admission is free, no tickets are required and doors will open at 6:15pm.

For more information email info@somersetcf.org.uk or call 07149 344 949.

WELLS CHRISTMAS BROCANTE FAIR

11 December: The Wells Brocante Fair makes a welcome return to the City this time with a Christmas theme. You can expect a wide and varied collection of wonderful stalls selling vintage, collectables, retro and crafts plus tons of great Christmas gift ideas. It will stretch from the Market Place into the Moat Walk around the Bishop’s Palace.

A Brocante fair is a large antique and vintage market inspired by the famous fairs in France such as the Lille Brocante, hugely popular with collectors and dealers alike.

The first Wells Brocante Fair was a huge success last May attracting thousands of visitors. From March next year the organisers plan regular monthly fairs in the hope that they can bring huge numbers of tourists to the City to benefit local businesses. www.wellsbrocante.com

SUSTAINABLE FOOD13 December:

Sustainable Wells Food Group meets every month on the second Tuesday at 7.30pm at the Globe Inn in Priest Row, Wells. After the huge success of the Food for Thought event at the Wells Food Festival in October we will be planning our next moves with regard to sustainable food production, accessing local fresh food, reducing food waste from supermarkets and eateries and so much more.

If you love food and hate waste and care about healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet do come along - we will be happy welcome you on Tuesday, 13 December. Get stuck in to the deliciousness of real food issues!

Contact Laura at lb.hpc@virgin.net for any further information.

FESTIVE MUSIC

13 December: Come and join us for a selection of festive music featuring Wookey Choirworks, Wookey Singing Club and Street Men at St Matthew’s Church, Wookey at 7.00pm. It’s free entry but there will be a collection for charity will be held on the evening.

For information, call Polly on 01749 671347 6

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ON THE AIR 13 December:

The Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club will combine with the Somerset and Bristol Area Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Support Group for a talk on the Somersetshire Coal Canal.

Meet at the Radio Club’s regular venue, Peter Street Rooms in Shepton Mallet, at 7.30 for a talk

by Adrian Tuddenham, editor of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society magazine. A buffet meal will also be provided for a small contribution otherwise guests are invited for free.

More details on the two websites: www.midsarc.org.uk and www.coalcanal.org.

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

15 December: The December talk is on ‘Seasonal Celebration and Chocolate Tasting’.

Steph Hiller makes organic, luxury, raw chocolate for all tastes at her home in the centre of the City.

This talk will give a glimpse into the fascinating world of chocolate.

7.30pm in the Conference Room at Wells & Mendip Museum.

GIANT CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

17 December: 1,000s of quality crafts and Christmas gifts will be at this annual fair, held in Wells Town Hall from 10am – 4pm.

THE MENDIP SOCIETY SOCIAL NIGHT

14 December: The Society has a Social Night planned for Wednesday 14th December, from 7pm, at the Burrington Inn, Burrington Combe, BS40 7AT. A finger buffet (inc coffee) is available for £10 pp and we will have music by Jane Neve. Jane, a member of the popular folk choir Barley Rye, has been playing guitar since she was a teenager.

She has a varied repertoire: ballads, love songs, a melange of melodies that hit the spot, ranging from folk to Americana to popular ditties.

All are welcome to join us but please call 01275 874284 by 10 December so we know numbers to plan for.

Seeing care in a new light Somerset Care is recruiting, we are a leading not-for-profit organisation providing residential and community care for over 25 years.

We have career opportunities in Wells and the surrounding area.

Fully paid induction

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For more details contact our recruitment team on: (01823) 448 321 or jobs@somersetcare.co.uk, to apply visit: www.somersetcare.co.uk Appointments are subject to a satisfactory certificate from the DBS. We are an equal opportunities employer.

www.somersetcare.co.uk For advertising & leaflet delivery call 01749 600388 or visit www.localreach.co.uk

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NEW CHRISTMAS MARKET FOR WELLS 21 – 24 December: a new Christmas market will

take place in Wells this festive season, giving shoppers the ideal opportunity to pick up that last minute Christmas gift.

There will be around 100 stalls run by local traders offering a range of gifts and produce, including jewellery, hats, gloves, Polish sheep skin rugs, Moroccan gifts, glass wear, flowers, shrubs, handmade wooden boxes, soaps, leather bags, children’s books and pet gifts.

A range of food and drink will also be on offer, including mulled cider and wine, cheese rounds, meat couture, organic beef, spicy sausages, a variety of breads, olives, coffee, cakes, fancy marshmallows, Scotch eggs, Christmas puddings, smoked pork, festive pies and pasties, orchard apples as well as Indian and Thai food.

There will be different food available on the different days of the market. And if that wasn’t enough to get you in the Christmas mood, there will also be music and carols.

The market will be situated in The Market Place in the centre of Wells and operate from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December, as well as 9am to 2pm on Christmas Eve. There will be free parking in Mendip’s car parks in Wells for the duration of the market (time limits will still apply).

If you have an interest in being part of this year’s extended Wells market over the Christmas period there are still a limited number of commercial and food stalls available. Please call 0300 303 8588 and ask for the Senior Markets Officer or email OpAssetsContracts@mendip.gov.uk

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EXHIBITIONS AT WELLS & MENDIP MUSEUM

3 – 17 December: Derek Nice and Liz Hand Art Exhibition Artists Derek Nice and Liz Hand will be presenting an exhibition of paintings and sculpture inspired by architectural fragments and iconography from sacred sites, in this country and beyond.

The idea came to life while Liz was travelling in Cambodia.The exciting discovery that many of the ancient temples of Angkor Wat were built at the same time as Wells Cathedral, led to an exploration of shared spirituality across time and distance. This is now manifest in the two artists' work through their use of the semi-abstract qualities of colour, shape, symbol and surface. Free entry to exhibition only.

1 December - 6 February 2017: Barbara Duncan Art Exhibition Barbara has painted as an amateur for many years, painting landscapes almost exclusively, with locations varying from Northumberland to France, and here in Wells. Normal entry fees apply NB: THE MUSEUM WILL CLOSE AT 4pm ON SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER AND WILL REOPEN AT 10am ON TUESDAY 3 JANUARY 2017

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the team at LocalReach

Well what a year 2016 was for LocalReach! We decided to expand and build on the great success of LocalReach in Burnham on Sea and now we publish in Street & Wells. In the new year we will be expanding into Shepton and Glastonbury as well.

With our Burnham issue we have already expanded into Huntspill and Brent Knoll. So from all the team at LocalReach we wish all advertisers, contributors and readers a very merry Christmas and hope you have a very prosperous 2017!

GIVE BLOOD

23 December: Christmas is all about giving, and what better than the opportunity to give blood.

NHS Blood and Transplant will be at the Town Hall on 23 December. Make an appointment during two time slots, 1.40 – 3.30pm and then 4.30-7.00pm. To find out more and to book an appointment, telephone 0300 123 2323 or visit www.blood.co.uk

THE LEGENDS OF SOMERSET CALENDAR

The ‘Legends of Somerset Calendar’ is back by popular demand to see us through the months of 2017. Heads Up is delighted to have been selected as the ‘chosen’ charity. For the last month the creators have been busy sourcing local ‘legend talent’ and using their powers of persuasion to encourage participation in the calendar. All proceeds raised will support the continued provision of Heads Up’s Memories Workshops.

Our Memories Workshops provide a safe environment for clients suffering with Dementia to come and enjoy creative activities, cooking, singing, dancing, spending time in our healing garden and reminiscing activities. In addition they also offer vital respite time to families and carers.

The Legends of Somerset 2017 Calendar is to be launched on 5 December. If you are looking for that extra special Christmas stocking filler that is sure to provide the kick of a generously sized mulled wine and that supports a legendary charity then you can purchase a calendar from the Swan Hotel, Heads Up or Wells Newsagents for £10.

SHIRE ART

The Bishop’s Palace is hosting “Shire Art”, a new exhibition by artist Anthony Butterfield, which will run until 31st January 2017.

Somerset based, Anthony works with oils, which he applies to the reverse side of glass to create the finished paintings. Over the years he has spent considerable time perfecting this technique and has developed his own methods to bring luminosity to his images. A few relatively recent additions to his creations include gold or silver leaf and a set of abstract landscapes. www.bishopspalace.org.uk

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COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

CONTACT THE ELDERLY – BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SUNDAY! One Sunday afternoon a month, local older people and volunteers OF ALL AGES get together for afternoon tea. Our guests are aged 75 and over, live alone, often without family nearby, so the teas are a nice opportunity to leave the four walls behind.

A couple of months ago we launched the first Contact the Elderly tea party group in the Mendips area. The group has older guests and volunteers from Wells, Shepton and lots of surrounding villages. It’s going really well, and has a full house of older guests already. We’d love to get a second group going so we don’t have to keep people on the waiting list. Can you help by volunteering, or spreading the word?

We are looking for: DRIVERS: You will collect a couple of older people, in your own car, and take them to a host’s home, joining the rest of the group for tea HOSTS: Offer to hold a tea party for the local group in your family home once or twice a year (downstairs loo and easy access required).

COORDINATORS: just a bit of admin and organising makes the party happen.

It is a simple yet very effective idea, and it gives our older guests the knowledge that someone really cares. Most importantly it changes lives - maybe yours too.

To volunteer or to find out more about being a guest, please contact: Helen Ker-Bridges.

Helen.ker@contact-the-elderly.org.uk, @contact_teas, 01225 873812

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COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

THE MENDIP SOCIETY AWARDED A GRANT

The Mendip Hills Fund has awarded The Mendip Society a grant to help with the management programme of their newly gifted piece of land – Tania’s Wood, at Ubley, in the Chew Valley.

Judith Tranter from The Mendip Society said, "As well as being a lovely area of woodland with a variety of wildlife habitats there is also an historical interest - a goodly stretch of an ancient deer park boundary.

This is in danger of being taken over by the wood so we will be looking to restore it to how it would have been originally and then devising a way to show it to the public. Part of this coming year’s plan will be to properly lay the huge hedge on top of the ditch part of the boundary; at the same time we will be running day courses for anyone who would like to learn the useful countryside skill of hedge laying”.

The Mendip Hills Fund is a partnership between Somerset Community Foundation and Mendip Hills AONB Partnership providing a community fund to conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills.

Funds are raised from businesses and visitors who wish to give something back to this very special part of the country, helping to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the Mendip Hills, and benefit local communities. To donate visit www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/mendip-hills-fund

WELLS REFUGEE AID

Donations can be dropped off at Wells Town Hall every Friday right up until Christmas, from 10am – 2pm.

As the temperature drops, the charity is looking for warm clothing and footwear in all sizes for all ages.

Also needed are tents, blankets, towels, basic medical supplies and toiletries for people in a desperate plight. All donations go from Wells down to Refugee Aid from Taunton (RAFT) from where it is distributed accordingly.

The group recently received a cash boost via a sponsored run conducted by Pete Wagstaff and Alessandro Perrone. They ran over 50 miles across the Somerset Levels to raise funds for Syrian refugees – an amazing achievement.

For further information, visit www.facebook.com/wellsrefugeeaid/

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KNIT FOR NATURE

Somerset Wildlife Trust is excited to announce the release of its latest Knit for Nature™ pattern - Boris the Barn Owl. It is part of a campaign to raise awareness of the decline of much-loved Somerset species and get communities inspired to pick up their knitting needles to raise much needed funds for wildlife conservation in the county. Boris follows on from the success of Rustle and Blue Bell Hedgehog patterns.

Somerset Wildlife Trust is dedicated to protecting vulnerable species such as hedgehogs and barn

owls by creating richer and sustainable habitats for them across their reserves - but they need the public’s help to ensure this important work continues. Action is needed now from people and communities where these wonderful animals choose to make their homes. So, whether you are a nifty knitter or knitting novice, there’s a simple way that YOU can support their work AND have fun at the same time!

You can get your hands on the wonderful new pattern and others from Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website and all proceeds will go directly to the work they do to safeguard vulnerable species in the county. To download the pattern go to: www.somersetwildlife.org/knit_for_nature Don't forget to share photos of your creations on social media -¬ maybe your knitted Boris in some crazy colours, or perhaps you took Bluebell with you to a wild or exotic location? We want to know!

Share your photos and stories with us using #knitfornature on Twitter (@SomersetWT), Facebook, (@somersetwildlifetrust) Pinterest or email them to wildlifenews@somersetwildlife.org and we will feature them on our website.

Photo credit: Paul Mitchell

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COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

TAKE A WALK

The Mendip Society’s winter walks continue throughout December.

3 December: An Advent Amble through Wells and Dinder Meet at 1.30pm at the east end of Ash Lane, Wells (BA5 2LW). A ‘moderate’ 5 mile walk on the East Mendip Way to Dinder, via the Cathedral & Palace and Iron Age fort. Contact: Brian 01749 672457 10 December: Dundry Hill Meet at 1.30pm at The Carpenters Tavern, Wells Road, Dundry (BS41 8NE). A ‘moderate’ walk of 4 to 5 miles with extensive views. Contact: Richard 01275 472797 17 December: Around Winscombe Meet at 1.30pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD). An ‘easy’ 4 mile walk. Contact: John 01934 842868 27 December: Carscliff & Middle Down Drove Reserve Meet at 10.30am by the Gardeners Arms, Silver Street, Cheddar (BS27 3LE). Do not use the pub car park. A ‘moderate’ 5 mile hilly walk with good views. Contact Gill 01934 742508 30 December: Glastonbury Industrial Heritage Meet at 10.30am by the Red Brick Building on the Morland Enterprise Park, Morland Road, Glastonbury (BA6 9FT). A ‘moderate’ 4 mile walk around Glastonbury, incorporating great views of the town and surrounding Avalon Marshes from Wearyall Hill. Possibility of refreshments afterwards at the café on the site. Contact: Judy 01749 672196

WELLS IN THE LIMELIGHT

Wells has been in the spotlight over the last couple of months: A Royal Visitor to the Palace Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall visited The Bishop’s Palace in Wells as part of a charity event for Beanstalk, the specialists children’s reading charity, at the Wells Festival of Literature.

Her Royal Highness, patron of Beanstalk since 2013, joined local school children taking part in an activity session with Jeanne Willis, author of “The Best Bear in All the World”, and read a short extract from the book.

BBC Gardener’s World The Bishop’s Palace Gardens were given the accolade of being featured on BBC Gardener’s World.

Head Gardener James Cross was followed by presenter Alan Power for a day, in order to discover what his daily gardening schedule involves.

The segment was filmed back in August and the Gardens were seen looking at their colourful best.

James introduced Alan to some of his favourite roses, talked him through the tradition of the famous bell-ringing swans and introduced him to Bishop Peter Hancock.

Chief Executive Rosie Martin said “We were absolutely thrilled to be featured on such a popular programme and are delighted to have the hard work of James and his team recognised in this way.”

A Somerset Reception for our Olympians and Paralympians Alan Gloak, chairman of Somerset sports charity TS5C, organised a glittering reception in Wells Town Hall in recognition of the achievements of the county’s Olympians and Paralympians.

Guests included Rio Paralympian and gold medallist, Jo Frith and 1972 Munich Olympic gold medallist, Bridget Parker, as well as several young Somerset athletes currently supported by TS5C. In her welcoming address to the gathered guests the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Anne Maw congratulated the athletes who returned from Rio with such success, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that it entailed. She also wished luck to those who are hoping to compete in the future and paid homage to Alan Gloak for his enthusiasm and dedication to helping young athletes in the county to reach their sporting potential.

TS5C relies completely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

If anyone is interested in getting involved, email info@ts5c.org or visit www.ts5c.org 14

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LOCAL EXPERT PAGE

OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE

It’s great to be celebrating our 20th anniversary this year as a company and we would like to say a very big thank you to all our customers from Frome & Wells for their fantastic support.

The shop is best known for offering an extensive range of mobility and independent living products for continence management, to arthritic and joint supports, distress alert systems, Cosyfeet wide fitting shoes, wheel chair hire, and much much more.

Wellbeing is also important to our customers, so we have introduced a range of natural immune boosting products to help keep colds at bay; a range of organic shower gels and a natural skincare section with 47 different products. In many ways, the shop is similar to the day we opened, but things are always changing so it’s important to keep up with the times. In addition customers can now view and purchase over 700 products on our website, as well as access to a wealth of useful information.

We pride ourselves on offering a great value service with free product samples, free viewing of our products in your own home and free delivery. There is no obligation as long as our customers are happy, then so are we!” in-fact most of our business comes from recommendations.

Although the original Care Centre shop was opened in 1996, the family business goes back to 1988 when the company started providing domiciliary care services looking after people in their own homes. The shop was a natural extension to this and has given Oakville a personal insight into their customers’ needs to live independently. With the addition of our Wells shop we can now provide our services across Mendip and beyond.

“We are passionate about helping people remain as independent as they can whilst in their own home,” added Robbie”. We also provide our services within care homes, sheltered accommodation and day centres, and will provide a mini pop up shop for an afternoon or morning if requested for those less mobile. Isolation is becoming widespread and we endeavour to provide services to help reduce this!

OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE Established in 1996

Mendip’s leading stockist of independence & well-being products Most complete range of continence products in Mendip

30+ products FREE samples & delivery Discrete service

The most absorbent products on the market

m Prices fro 5 .4 1 £ ly n o k per pac Follow us on Twitter

• Home Health Care • Well Being Products • Bed Protection & Toileting • Continence Care • Bathing/Washing • Comfort Aids • Dressing & Grab Rails • Skin Care & Natural Health products • Thermoskin Therapy & Support • Cosyfeet Slippers & Shoes • HJ Hall Super Lightweight Socks • Kitchen & Dining Aids • Mobility Aids & Wheelchair Hire • Plus Fabulous Christmas Gift Ideas!

• FREE Local Delivery

@oakville1212 and ‘Like Us’ on Facebook

32 ST. CUTHBERT STREET, WELLS, BA5 2AW • 01749 670 765 www.oakvillecarecentre.co.uk For advertising & leaflet delivery call 01749 600388 or visit www.localreach.co.uk

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2016 - ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR AT KINGFISHER, THE FAMILY FIRM.

July in particular was momentous as we held our 30th Anniversary garden party and the opening of our new showroom in Wells.

We have felt for sometime that Wells would be a great place to branch out and it has proved to be correct, many people who have come into the shop have been really pleased to see us and our vans have been seen around the city.

As it our first Christmas in Wells, we would like to thank all of our customers, old, new and prospective, by inviting you to come to the shop, to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie with us on Wednesday 21 December, from 12.00pm.

We are also offering a £30 discount on any window and door, ordered in the Month of December, please see our website or call the showroom for further details.

If you cannot make it, Kingfisher would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2017.

Kingfisher Windows 14a Broad Street, Wells, BA5 2DN • 01749 671 431 james@thekingfisherfamily.com • www.thekingfisherfamily.com

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WELLS CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

Christmas Lunch: Traditional Christmas Lunches will be served in Wells Cathedral’s stunning Medieval Vicars’ Hall on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December 2016. At only £22.00 for 3 courses or £18.00 for 2 courses, including a glass of wine, it’s a memorable and popular start to the festive season. Bookings can be made by calling 01749 676543 or via email at: catering@wellscathedral.uk.net.

Candlelight Concerts: Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 December, 8.00pm Early booking is advised for these highly popular concerts when Wells Cathedral Choir performs seasonal music, interspersed with readings, in the Cathedral lit by thousands of candles. To check for ticket availability call Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office (01749 672773). www.wellscathedral.org.uk ‘Make a Christmas Tree Decoration’ on Wednesday 21 December, 10.30am - 1.00pm Suitable for all ages, there is no need to book for our workshop - just turn up and get involved! Plus during the Christmas holidays a Christmas story trail will also be available. Explore the Cathedral to find the glass, carvings and cloth that relate to the Christmas story (trail sheets will be available from the Donation Desk from 14th December until 2nd January). www.wellscathedral. org.uk Carol Services: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December, 6.00pm A traditional carol service led by Wells Cathedral Choir, plus bible readings. These services take place on both nights from 6-7.30pm and are always popular so please arrive in good time! www.wellscathedral.org.uk Family Crib Services: Saturday 24 December, 2.00pm and 3.15pm A very warm welcome is offered to Wells Cathedral's crib services, especially to children who are invited to dress as a shepherd, or an angel or a King! We’ll have some dressing up clothes for children who will also be invited to take part in making our own real nativity scene in the cathedral. Each service will last approximately 30 minutes. www.wellscathedral.org.uk

Local Business A - Z ANTIQUES

CHIMNEY SWEEPS

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07707 447518 01749 674334 South West Soot Devil Chimney Services sootdevil@hotmail.com

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DESIGN

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Contact Tracy

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Central heating fit & service Bathrooms complete fitting inc. tiling All plumbing works Free quotations Call Chris on 01278 784223 07920 097491

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Frances C “I sew for you” ALL YOUR SEWING NEEDS Clothing, Curtains & Blinds

Mobile Therapist

Call: 07929 483 738 amandabsmassagetherapy.co.uk

• Shortening • Hems • Fitting

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Frances Christine 01749 939578 Randall BA Hons Fashion Knitwear & Textiles Centrally located in Wells. Collection/delivery if required.

PAINTING & DECORATING

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Viv's Painting & Decorating Experienced Lady Painter & Decorator, Interior & Exterior, Reasonable Rates & Free Estimates Tel: 01749 675807 or 07813 010224 PIANO LESSONS

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Time to enjoy older age at an affordable cost

Abbeyfield House

25a New Street, Wells

The Firs

58 Bath Road, Wells

We offer Supported Housing in a safe and comfortable environment for older people who want to maintain their independence but don’t want the responsibility of maintaining their own home Now available: A private one bed flat and single en-suite garden room with kitchenette • dedicated Housekeepers • • • •

home-prepared meals twice a day in our communal dining room large well-stocked garden 24 hour support when you need it laundry room

• •

companionship and social activities fully inclusive fees from £1,121 per month

Call Isobel Panton on 01749 679040 or email abbeyfield-wells@abbeyfield.com for further information

www.abbeyfield.com 20

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