Wells Voice April 2019

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April 2019 Issue 22

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May Fair cancelled amid fears for future of public events in Wells – pages 4&5

Double delight as city scoops prized awards THE City of Wells and The Bishop’s Palace have both won prestigious awards at the 2019 British Coach Tourism Awards.

The City of Wells was awarded the top prize for Coach Friendly Destination, a reward for two years of partnership working from key players in the city’s tourism industry to improve both the facilities available to coach tourism groups and the offer once they arrive.

The Visit Wells and Visit

by Coach groups comprise members from Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells Civic Society, the city council and the chamber of commerce, and has been facilitated by Ian Jefferies, an expert in group and coach tourism.

The Bishop’s Palace was awarded Coach Friendly Attraction, in competition with Continued on page 8

Diocese to buy Aster offices THE Diocese of Bath and Wells has announced that it is going to buy the office building owned by Aster Communities at Cathedral Park to use for its offices when it moves out of The Old Deanery.

It was originally going to relocate to new purpose-built offices at Cathedral Park, on the outskirts of Wells, but changed its plans when Flourish House became available.

Contracts were exchanged on March 19, with completion set for later this year, and Aster moving out and the diocese relocating by early 2020 after work has been completed on an internal re-fit of the building.

Diocesan Secretary Nick May said: “We are delighted to have agreed the purchase of Flourish Continued on page 8

History for sale Rock legend Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull to play concert in Wells Cathedral – page 10

THE witness box used for trials at Wells Town Hall and old Wells pub signs will be among hundreds of lots going under the hammer at an auction in May. Turn to page 11

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SomeThank things youyou Wells really don’t want to buy online We have so enjoyed being in your beautiful

be happy to give you clear and honest advice,

city and we’ve made some great friends during

answer any questions you may have and leave

our time here.

you to make up your own mind in your own

If you want new windows, doors or a conservatory, chances you’re to feel if Theare only realgoing problem wemore havecomfortable had is finding you can see what you’ll be getting before you make any sufficient shopwhy to do to our decision to buy.space Whichinisthe exactly we justice are investing even product more in developing our showroom at East Brent. range which has grown considerably

time. We never pressure our customers into making a decision.

The shop is scheduled to close on the 31st March so

since we came Wells in 2017.

“Since we opened ourtoshop in Wells in 2017 our product range and available options have grown significantly,” explains Kingfisher director Michelle So what wewe have decided do is invest in McQuarrie, “and were simply to running out of space to display the choices we can offer.” making our showroom at East Brent even

do pop in if you have a moment. We will continue to

more accessible and comprehensive.

The problem of High Street parking was also If another consideration Kingfisher had to take into account you’re thinking about windows, doors orwhen a it decided to close the Wells shop in February.

which has served us well. Our showroom may be in

The Kingfisher showroom is at East Brent, great there valuable and informative.

As no ever we’ll distance from Wells and more than worth the visit.

Apart from the fact that ample free parking is right outside the door, the surroundings are comfortable and relaxed and genuinely expert advice is always readily available. As is the way with Kingfisher, when you visit you will be under no pressure to do any more than make up your own mind in your own time.

business comestofrom for many years come.referrals and recommendations.

conservatory you’ll find the short journey

“Even before we opened the shop, we had a huge number of customers in and around Wells,” says Kingfisher MD Angie Hicks, “and this won’t change; we still see Wells as being very much ‘our patch’. Over the years those customers have become friends and have, in turn, recommended us to their friends.”

carry out installations in the Wells area and will be happy to bring samples & designs to customers in their homes. Nothing will change other than the shop Inside thewill showroom at aEast Brent of East Brent but Wells always be favourite

ours and we hope to deliver friendly service Kingfisher is proud of theour factgreat, that most of its new

It’s a family firm and family values are at the very heart of the way it works. Customers know that they will never be subjected to the high pressure techniques that so many companies adopt, but what they will get is honest guidance, fair prices and expert fitting.

“It’s with the fitting that so many companies that employ sub contractors can cut corners,” believes Michelle, “in contrast we employ our own highly trained fitters and we have built our reputation on the quality and excellence of their work.”

So whilst the Wells shop may have closed, it’s very much open house at East Brent.

8 Mill Batch Farm, East Brent We are here

Near Highbridge, TA9 4JN hello@thekingfisherfamily.com www.thekingfisherfamily.com Tel 01278 760616 01749 671431

wellsvoice

April 2019

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n NEWS

Musicians harness power of harmony TWO folk musicians from Wells are trying to do their bit to heal the country’s divisions with a new song being released in March.

Lorraine and Jeremy Millington formed The Portraits in 2005, since when they have played at Glastonbury Festival five times and gained national airplay for their songs.

Their latest song includes the voices of people all over the UK singing the title, Harmonise, into their phones.

“Like most people, we’ve been deeply affected by Brexit and the divisions it has caused,” said Jeremy.

“When we perform in different parts of the country, we meet the loveliest people, and it really struck us that whatever people’s politics are, most people are fundamentally good and hate the idea of our nation fracturing into tribes fuelled by side-taking.

So once we’d come up with the new song, we started asking people online to send us a little video selfie of them saying or singing the title word into their phones. And we were inundated with replies – from all over the world, actually. We set about incorporating each and every one into the audio, and then the video, for the song.”

Lorraine, who is joint chair of Wells Blue School PTA, said: “The response to our call-out was incredible, and when we put all the entries together, we ourselves were bowled over at just how beautiful the resulting ‘national choir of unity’ sounds.

We are so proud of the single.”

Lorraine’s grandfather was an important musical influence

The Portraits: Lorraine and Jeremy Millington The idea came about after their 2017 tribute song for murdered MP Jo Cox, Nobody Can Ever Murder Love, went viral on Facebook and led to an invitation to go on Clare Balding’s Radio 2 show to perform it and talk about it.

“We told Clare off-air that we were planning a big, interactive follow-up song based on Jo Cox’s mantra of ‘We have more in common than that which divides us’, using the voices of real people up and down the country,” said Jeremy.

“Music cannot make everything better overnight, but our song is a reminder that we all want peace and security, whatever our views or background: its message is to stop, think again and listen to others – choose harmony over discord.”

The couple moved from London to Wells in 2017 for a better quality of life and good schools for their two children, having originally met as teachers on the Isle of Wight in the mid1990s.

Guitar player Lorraine is the granddaughter of a talented tin whistle player from Mayo, Ireland, Michael Reilly, who sparked her interest in musicmaking.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Jeremy learnt classical piano at Bristol Cathedral School, and then went on to do a music degree in Lancaster where he became fascinated by early computer music making.

He describes The Portraits’ music as harmony vocals, in which Lorraine’s Irish roots are evident, with piano, guitar and occasional live strings.

“We have played quite a few times in Frome, Bath and Bristol, and might be performing at a particularly significant event in our area in the summer, which we can’t officially reveal yet,” said Jeremy.

“Our new album, For Our Times, will be officially launched in two events at the end of September: one in London, and the other in Wells, with the exact venue to be announced.”

Harmonise will be released digitally on March 29 on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and other popular platforms.

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wellsvoice n NEWS

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CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157 Advertising sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 01749 675157 Editorial news@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157

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LOC AL INFORMATION

MAY DEADLINE

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We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.

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Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 6,700 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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April 2019

Fears about future of public events as May Fair called off ORGANISERS of some of the biggest events in Wells say that is increasingly difficult to stage them because of council bureaucracy.

Wells Lions have already announced that this year’s May Fair will not take place because of what they say are the demands placed upon them by Mendip District Council. They said in a statement: “We have been holding community events in the city for 44 years and have staged the May Day Fair for the last 14 years, without incident.

“We fully understand the safety of the public at any event is paramount, but the demands placed upon us by Mendip Council this year means that as a small volunteer charity group, we do not have the resources to devote to the extensive requirements that the council is seeking to impose.”

The day before announcing their decision, representatives of the Lions – which also organises the Moat Boat Race – were at a meeting in Wells attended by a number of other events organisers amid growing disquiet about the staging of events. The meeting was called by Andy Coulson of Wells Rotary Club, organisers of the Reindeer Parade, and Kirstie Harris of Wake Up Wells.

Others attending included representatives of St John Ambulance, Wells City Band, Priddy Folk Festival, Visit Wells, the civic society and the local police team, as well as Wells county councillor Tessa Munt and city councillor Philip Welch.

“We are all motivated from the same end: to try and provide something for the community,” said Andy. But, he said, everyone had been having trouble with the district council’s Safety Advisory Group. “They’re called the Safety Advisory Group but they’re not prepared to give any advice.”

“People are being put off by this horrible event management plan,” said Kirstie, who said that it was intended for events such as Glastonbury Festival and was not really size-appropriate.

“They are not helpful at all and they are over-zealous,” said Wells Lions president Paul Clegg.

Fellow Lion Ian Burt added: “There won’t be any events if they are not careful.”

A letter and a petition were both suggested as ways of seeking greater understanding and co-operation from the district council. It was agreed that a sub-group of those attending would get together to decide what to do next.

Mendip District Council said in a statement: “We are aware

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wellsvoice

April 2019

5

n NEWS 67 bus service to run on Saturdays THE 67 bus service from Wells to Wookey Hole, Wedmore and Burnham-on-Sea is to start operating on Saturdays for a trial period.

From April 13, it will run its normal route for six days a week, with Mendip Community Transport covering the full route, including from Wedmore to Burnham-on-Sea, on Saturdays.

The trial will run until July to measure the take up. If successful, the Saturday service

will continue to operate on the same basis as the weekday service.

As the only public transport that serves these villages, operators hope that this will provide a much-needed addition for people without cars or who prefer not to use them in town.

Times are shown at the bus stops and online at http://www. mendipcommunitytransport. co.uk/Connecting%20Route%20 67.shtml

Memorial Clock project launched

Four of those who were at the meeting to discuss the staging of public events: Chris Borrison of Wells Rotary, Kirstie Harris of Wake up Wells, Andy Coulson of Wells Rotary, and Wells county councillor Tessa Munt that some concerns have been raised about the support of the Mendip Safety Advisory Group (SAG) which is overseen by the council but is also made up of partners including Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service, Somerset Fire and Rescue, and Trading Standards.

“It would be untrue to suggest that the council is trying to prevent events taking place in the district. The aim of the Mendip SAG is to encourage events to take place in Mendip but at the same time the Mendip SAG is there to ensure that these events take place safely and

successfully. A large number of successful events take place across the district every year with the support of Mendip SAG. “The key to a safe and successful event is ensuring that there is a strong event management plan and risk assessment in place. Provided a clear plan with mitigated risk are presented to Mendip SAG there would be no reason for an event to not go ahead. All of the partners involved in the Mendip SAG do not set out to prevent events, the aim of the Mendip SAG is to ensure safe and measured events take place across the district.”

WELLS City Council has launched its Memorial Clock project. It plans to install a clock on the outside of Wells Town Hall, to replace the central round window.

People are invited to donate £100 to the project in memory of a loved one, whose name will appear on a bronze plaque on the front of the Town Hall.

The project will be restricted

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to the first 30 names of loved ones received, and so far eight people have put names forward.

Application forms are available at the Town Hall reception.

The names of the two councillors who have died this term, Danny Unwin and Chris Briton, will also be recorded.

It is hoped that the installation will be completed by the end of the summer.

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April 2019

n NEWS

Memorial event changes but aim the same AN annual fundraising rugby match in memory of Wells RFC player James ‘Pud’ Pullen, who died from a brain tumour, will be held on a Saturday this year.

The James Pullen Memorial match was started four years ago by his close friend Tommy Corns to raise funds for research into brain tumours, and was previously held on a Friday night.

“James battled with a brain tumour for a number of years but he didn’t let it affect his life, he continued to work, play and party hard,” said Tommy, who still plays for Wells 2nds.

“James will be remembered by his friends as a generous, funny man with an infectious laugh, the ultimate gentle giant.

“This is year four of The James Pullen Memorial match.

We are moving the day to a Saturday this year with a slightly new format but essentially it’s the same – getting friends and family of Pud together, raise

Players at the first James Pullen Memorial match some money if we can and have a great day.”

This year’s event is being held on Saturday, April 27, at Wells RFC, Charter Way, and the fun will start at noon. Planned so far

are a hog roast from The Happy Hog Roast – with all proceeds going to brain tumour research – a bouncy castle for kids (and big kids), and three games of rugby.

Over the past four years the

friends and family of Pud have raised nearly £9,000 for brain tumour research, as well as an additional £2,500 that was donated to the new cancer unit being built at the RUH.

New computer shop opens doors A NEW computer shop opened at 2 Priory Road, Wells, on March 4.

Simon Shepherd and Ray Rimmer have been trading as Zen Computer Shop in Glastonbury for the last three years, where they employ a small team of IT experts, and decided that the time was right to branch out.

“We are really excited to be expanding our business and opening our second shop here in the lovely city of Wells,” said Simon. “I think we have a unique offering; while we deal with many PCs we are also Apple specialists, so having this service in Wells will save our customers the need to travel to Bristol or Bath for a similar level of expertise.”

Along with providing a high street presence for sales, IT

Simon Shepherd in the Wells shop support and repairs, Zen also provides professional IT services to schools and businesses in the area.

“We’re really committed to providing first class customer service and continued support for customers who purchase machines or repairs at Zen,” said Simon.

Concert launch for new branch THE Versus Arthritis branch in Wells is being launched with a concert by the Weston Light Orchestra at St Thomas’ Church on May 11.

Tickets for the concert, at 7.30pm, cost £7 and will be available on the door or from

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

committee members. There will also be refreshments and a raffle.

More details from Jim Parfitt: jimparfitt@hotmail.co.uk The Wells arthritis group meets on the last Monday of every month at Wells Town Hall, at 2pm.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

7

n NEWS

Business celebrates 40th year

Outdoor film screenings off

MEN’S outfitters Peter Douglas will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in March.

The shop in Broad Street, Wells, was started by Douglas Sage in 1979 when he was made redundant from Nortons clothes shop, now the Wells branch of Waterstones.

His daughter Tracey began working in the shop when she left college in 1986, becoming the owner manager about 20 years ago.

“It was meant to be a year’s work experience but I just enjoyed it and never left,” said Tracey, whose mother also worked in the shop.

Her father started in the business at the age of 14 and retired five years ago at the age of 90. He died last year aged 95.

“He loved it and he loved meeting people,” said Tracey.

“I really enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun.

“There are not many

THE two outdoor screenings at this year’s Wells Festival of Film have been cancelled. The festival runs from April 26-28 and The Kid Who Would Be King was due to be screened on the first two nights at The Bishop’s Palace.

“Due to reasons outside of our control, the outdoor screenings have now been cancelled,” said Sally Cooper, proprietor of Wells Film Centre, which organises the annual festival.

Instead, there will be one screening of The Kid Who Would Be King at the film centre on April 26, at 7.30pm (doors 6.30pm). Tickets are £7.20 for adults, £6.20 for children.

There is still time to enter the competition being run by Wells Voice and Wells Film Centre to win two tickets to see all seven festival films. The closing date is April 12. More details are on the Wells Voice website.

To buy tickets for the films, go to www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

Tracey Sage and Peter Bowers in the Peter Douglas store menswear shops around like us now. People travel to visit us.

Nothing beats trying something on and seeing it on.”

Customers will be offered wine and nibbles when Tracey

and her staff mark the 40th anniversary on Friday, March 29.

“I think Wells is lovely,” added Tracey.

“It’s a lovely place to live.

We’re very fortunate.”

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www.bishopspalace.org.uk Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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April 2019

n NEWS

Partners have winning formula From page 1

Diocese to buy Aster building From page 1

prestigious and well-known visitor attractions such as Blenheim Palace, RHS Wiseley and Rosemoor and Chatsworth.

Andy Webb of Visit Wells said: “Wells has a huge amount to offer visitors and this award recognises the work that has been going on to improve their experience. Working together is the only way to build and sustain our offer as a destination and is at the core of the new Wells Heritage Partnership and our commitment to redesign Visit Wells as a broad partnership reflecting our community and all it has to offer.”

Visit by Coach director Ian Jefferies was at the awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. He said : “The award is great recognition from the industry for the collaborative working within the city over the last three years. This award

Moira Anderson from The Bishop’s Palace and Ian Jefferies of Visit By Coach with the trophies at the awards ceremony can only increase our input of coach visits which brings welcome revenue to the city.

Wells should be very proud of its achievements.”

Lindsay Mann, head of marketing and communications for Wells Cathedral, said: “The Cathedral is delighted to play its part in the Visit by Coach team and this prestigious award is a reflection of the city-wide

welcome we provide to the coach industry.”

Rosie Martin, chief executive of The Palace Trust, said: “This is a truly fantastic achievement and it speaks volumes for the hard work and dedication of our team in their efforts to appeal to and attract increased business from coach groups wanting to see this wonderful heritage site and gardens.”

House. We can now move forward with our plans for an excellent working environment for staff and enhanced facilities to support the work of our parishes and schools across the diocese.”

Bishops Council decided to relocate from The Old Deanery on Cathedral Green in June 2018. The decision was based on relocating to new purpose-built offices, but when Flourish House became available, the diocese investigated the viability of this new option and decided that this was the preferred choice.

“Flourish House meets all the requirements and aspirations we have for our new offices with the clear advantage that, as an existing building, it represents a significant saving and less risk than a new-build project,” said Mr May. The Old Deanery will now officially be placed on the market.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

n NEWS

More star turns at comedy festival MORE names have been added to the line-up for this year’s Wells Comedy Festival.

Six venues around the city will host some of the biggest stars on the circuit when the event takes place from May 24-26.

Live at the Apollo’s Hal Cruttenden and multiaward-winning Radio 4 star Sarah Kendall are among those who have joined the bill for the fifth annual comedy festival.

They join recent additions Jarred Christmas – a Wells favourite, performing a solo show and his children’s show, The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show – Derek actor Brett Goldstein, one-man sketch collective Goose – who also teams up with troupe Gein’s Family Giftshop to form sketch supergroup Tarot – acclaimed stand-up Garrett Millerick, Borderline and Beat The Internet with John Robins’ star Sunil Patel and Comedians Cinema Club’s Matthew Highton.

Because they sold out their initial shows, extra performances are also on sale for Taskmaster loser Phil Wang, Live at the Apollo star Ed Gamble, I’m a Celeb’s Shappi Khorsandi and Mock the Week regular Rhys James.

9

Strong safe and warm up to 40% off

Hal Cruttenden They join the already announced Nick Helm, Jan Ravens, Spencer Jones, Glenn Moore, Lucy Pearman, Nish Kumar, Mark Watson, Lost Voice Guy, Josie Long, John Robins, Dave Johns, Fern Brady, Suzi Ruffell, Laura Lexx, Jamali Maddix, Geoff Norcott, Desiree Burch, Ahir Shah, Andrew Maxwell, Lou Sanders, Jayde Adams, Adam Riches, Abandoman (aka Rob Broderick), Tony Law, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Luke McQueen, Harriet Kemsley, Bobby Mair, Rosie Jones, Alfie Brown, Stevie Martin, Jessica Fostekew, Jordan Brookes, Ben Target, Sara Barron, Adam Hess, Olga Koch, John Kearns, Stuart Laws, Annie McGrath, Pat Cahill, Foxdog Studios and the Comedians Cinema Club’s Hot Fuzz.

More details and tickets at www.wellscomfest.com

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YE AR S

UFACTUR AN

Michael Eavis opened the exhibition and sale of Artists Postcards held at Wells & Mendip Museum in March. He is pictured above with one of the event organisers, Dr Alan Butt Philip, at the packed preview evening.

Dozens of artists donated postcard-sized artworks which were for sale at £20. Profits will help pay for the development project at St Thomas’ Church.

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April 2019

n NEWS

Rock legend to play concert in Cathedral ROCK legend Ian Anderson is coming to play a concert at Wells Cathedral.

The lead singer with rock band Jethro Tull will be performing The Christmas Jethro Tull Concert at the Cathedral in December.

Over the past 12 years, Anderson has performed in many of the great cathedrals and churches in the UK helping to raise much-needed funds for their preservation.

Based on a Christmas-themed concert, he features prominently the work of Jethro Tull as written and recorded by him since 1968.

Added to this are several pieces of re-worked Classical repertoire and traditional pieces from the musical liturgy of the Church of England. The Cathedral’s choristers will also be performing at the concert.

Anderson said of the show: “Whether your Christmas is a secular affair of gift-giving and

Ian Anderson, centre, with members of his band family gatherings or a more worshipful recognition of one of the two biggest days in the Christian calendar, join us for some uplifting Christmas spirit, music, readings and maybe even a prayer or two.

“The bringing together of people of all backgrounds, cultures and faiths in this way is possible, perhaps, only under the

auspices of modern Christianity, especially the Anglican Church.

So, if I can help to draw people in to these beautiful and historic buildings to savour just a little of the spirit of Christmas, it seems like a worthwhile effort.

“One hundred per cent of the sales of tickets go to the upkeep of the buildings and, perhaps, also in support of the musical

liturgy of the cathedral. I try to balance the festive time of year in song with a few of the elements of an old-fashioned carol service.

All delivered with good humour and good cheer. Grace me and, hopefully, a few special guests with your presence for some of the best-known repertoire of Jethro Tull and a few snippets of seasonal traditional church and Classical music.”

The concert will take place on Friday, December 13, at 7.30pm.

The Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Dr John Davies, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Ian Anderson and his team to Wells Cathedral in December.

These concerts have a reputation for selling out quickly so I advise anyone interested in attending what will be a very special evening to secure their seats as soon as possible via the Wells Cathedral website.”

Go to www.wellscathedral. org.uk

Vickery’s Auctions Ash, Nr Martock Tel: 01935 823261 Mob: 07808 303591

RETIREMENT AUCTION Old-established Wells building firm GC Allen To be held on Saturday 4th May 2019 at 10.30am At Harters Hill, Coxley, Nr Wells, BA5 1RD Turn By Church Viewing Friday 3rd May 9.00am to 7.00pm and morning of sale from 8.00am To consist of tools and equipment – Workshop machinery, hand tools, plant, fixtures, fittings, trailers, mixers, scaffolding, paints, nails, screws, planks, timber, doors etc.

Architectural salvage & Collectables – Witness box from Wells Courts, doors, cast iron, flowerpots, tubs, chimney pots, metalwork etc. Plus large selection of picture frames and quantity of local Somerset pub signs.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

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n NEWS

Jeffrey Allen with some of the items that will be going up for sale, above; Wells pub signs being auctioned off including one for The Fountain Inn that was never hung, top right

Relics of city’s history going under hammer THE witness box that was used for trials when court hearings were held at Wells Town Hall is one of the more unusual lots being sold at an auction in May. The witness box was made for the Wells court in the 1960s by Gordon Allen of building firm GC Allen. It is now owned by his son Jeffrey, who has restored it and is selling it along with thousands of other items in a retirement auction.

“I think it’s lovely but what am I going to do with it?” said Jeffrey.

“It’s a designer piece for a big house. Maybe an interior designer would be interested.”

Other auction highlights include several old pub signs, including one for The Globe Inn and two for The Fountain Inn, one of which was never hung.

“The landlord took one look at it and said ‘I’m not having that outside my pub’,” said Jeffrey, who hopes to sell the signs for a good price.

There is also a pub sign for the long-gone New Inn in St Thomas Street. “That was probably the last sign and it was taken down when it closed,” Jeffrey said.

Gordon and his wife Elsie started GC Allen as a building and flooring contractor in 1957,

Jeffrey in the witness box that was originally made by his father for court hearings in Wells Town Hall first working out of a lock-up in the Fountain Inn car park, then relocating to Mill Street in 1960.

Jeffrey joined the firm in 1972, doing his apprenticeship in carpentry, and took over the running of the firm in 1983 after Gordon broke his back in an accident.

More listed building work ensued, including building The Black Dog in Tor Street for Kennedy and Phillipa Collins.

When Gordon died, the firm moved to the present site

Got News? Call 07906 499655

at Harters Hill, Coxley, and the Mill Street premises were converted into retail units. A wool shop and Wells Antique Centre are now based there.

Robert Packer, the last and longest serving staff member, retired after 40 years and though Jeffrey carried on doing smaller jobs, he now feels it is time to clear away years of accumulated materials and memories.

More than 600 lots with a guide price ranging from £1 to more than £500 will go under the hammer at the auction at the Coxley warehouse and yard on Saturday, May 4, at 10.30am.

Lots range from the saw Jeffrey’s parents bought in 1960, that is still going strong, to strips of maple wood left over from the last skittle alley that Allen’s laid with maple, before a shift to beech.

“It’s an eclectic mix.

There’s something for everybody here,” said Jeffrey.

“If I wasn’t holding this sale I would come to it and would probably buy stuff.”

Jeffrey Allen

Wishes to purchase for his collection

Old local postcards of Wells and area Also

Medals To Somerset Regiments —oOo—

Please contact Jeffrey

On Wells (01749) 677553 or visit the

Wells Antique Centre, Mill Street, Wells Fridays/Saturdays

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

12

April 2019

n NEWS Free advice for people with MS THERE is free, confidential and impartial advice available from Citizens Advice Mendip for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis who live in the Mendip area, and their families, carers, friends and colleagues.

The Mendip Multiple Sclerosis Society Group has secured a partnership with Citizens Advice Mendip that will provide access to professional and informed help on a variety of matters: n Assistance with claiming benefits and Personal Independence Payments (PIP). n Help with debt resolution, issues at work or dealing with discrimination. n Advice on housing, healthcare and education.

For help with these and many other matters people should call Citizens Advice Mendip on 01749 345394 and ask for the dedicated MS adviser or email MS@ citizensadvicemendip.org.uk Alternatively, for more information, contact the Mendip MSS Group on 07747 800909 or email mendip@msociety.org.uk

Choristers from Wells Cathedral Choir pictured flipping pancakes in Vicars Close on Shrove Tuesday

Search widens for suitable site to hang banners again EFFORTS to find a site in High Street where cross-street wires can be safely fixed for the display of banners have so far been thwarted.

Wells City Council is now going to investigate whether wires can be put up in Priory Road instead, using the building it owns, currently the Roderick Thomas estate agency office, as one of the fixing points.

Steve Luck, the council’s responsible financial officer and open spaces officer, told a meeting of the City Centre and Open Spaces committee on March 7 that he was having to look at new options as it had not been possible so far to come up with a satisfactory solution in High Street.

Councillor Norman Kennedy wondered about the possibility of installing two tall posts to which the wires could be attached. Mr Luck said that it could be looked into if all the other options run out. n The cost of summer plants for Wells in Bloom will be going up from £6,000 to £10,000. Bristol

Nurseries have stopped acting as a supplier so the council obtained quotes from two other suppliers and will use the cheaper one, a company in Devizes.

Planters at the top of High Street are going to be moved into the road when they are replanted to stop delivery vans from parking there, causing damage to the cobbles and creating bottlenecks for traffic because other vehicles such as buses cannot get past. The planters will be fixed into the cobbles. n The committee was happy for the purchase of more Christmas lights to continue from the budget available. It was noted that there were a couple of failures last year.

Most are bought secondhand to get better value, said Mr Luck, prompting Councillor Norman Kennedy to joke: “I wondered why we had ‘Welcome to Blackpool’.” n It was reported that the Speed Indicator Device had gone wrong for a second time and had been sent back to the manufacturer for repair.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Mr Luck said that data from the device showed that overall, Wells does not have much of a problem with speeding, though a speed of 95mph was recorded on East Somerset Way, 80mph on Portway and 65mph on Sadler Street. He also highlighted the number of vehicles recorded as travelling along Glastonbury Road: on four days, it was about 60,000. n The committee was happy to approve the purchase of grit bins at Osmond Drive and Princes Road at the cost of £100 each, and a dog bin at Gate Lane costing £400, when the new budget comes into effect in April. n Flyposting around Wells was discussed – particularly the issue of event organisers not removing posters once an event was over; committee chairman Councillor David Swain suggested writing to offenders to remind them to do so. n Mr Luck said that the owner or landlord of the former Kings Head pub would be making good damage to one of the walls caused by a tree growing out of it.

Collections will be day later SOMERSET Waste Partnership refuse collections will all be a day later than usual over Easter, affecting collections due from April 19-26.

All recycling sites will follow the new summer schedule from Monday, April 1. All Saturdays and Sundays will be 9am-4pm year-round; all weekdays will be 9am-6pm April-September, and 9am-5pm October-March.

Dulcote recycling centre near Wells will be open one more day, so will be open daily except for Tuesday.

Talk at library SHEILA Jeffries, best-selling local author of Soloman’s Tale and seven other novels, is giving a talk at Wells Library on Saturday, April 20, at 10.30am.

Spaces are limited and must be reserved by asking staff at Wells Library, emailing wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 2224.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Locals Night Every Wednesday

Chef ’s choice of a main course for £6.50 per person

Traditional Sunday Roast Every Sunday from 12.30-6pm

QuizNight

Every Sunday 7-9pm

Sadlers Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RR whitehartwells.com

wellsvoice

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April 2019

n NEWS

Football star teaming up with son in fun day charity match PREPARATIONS are in full swing for a fundraising fun day at Wells Football Club on Sunday, May 5.

The Party on the Pitch will provide entertainment for all ages while raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The day kicks off at 10.30am with a charity football match between Wells City All Stars and Street Sensations, featuring a mix of players past and present from both clubs.

Ex-professional Paul Randall, whose former clubs include Bristol Rovers, will be playing a part in the Wells City team alongside his son Mark, who is the current 1st team captain and Wells’ current longest serving player with a total of 592 games played for the club. Mark is the third generation of Randall to be involved with Wells City FC; his grandfather Ken, who passed away 18 months ago, was a former Everton player who was once the manager of Street before moving to Wells City.

“I can’t wait to kick off this event playing alongside my son – well, for as long as my legs last anyway,” said Paul.

The main music stage will open at noon, with seven local acts playing throughout the day. Opening the event will be the Wells City Super Group, and ending it will be headliners Momentum UK. Several family attractions to

Easter egg trail around shops WELLS Rotary Club is challenging people to find eggs hidden around the city this Easter.

For four weeks from Mothering Sunday, March 31, until Friday, April 27, knitted eggs will be hiding in shops throughout Wells and children and their families can win prizes by tracking them down.

Each egg will have a label with a letter of the alphabet on it, and participants will write these letters on a leaflet. When all the letters have been collected they will be able to decode a sentence about Wells Rotary Club.

Completed leaflets should be handed in to Wells & Mendip Museum, and there will be a prize-giving and afternoon tea at the museum on Saturday, April 28.

Three generations: Paul, Mark and Ken Randall. Mark is holding a league winners trophy Wells won in the past keep the children entertained have already been confirmed, ranging from fair rides to face painting.

A number of food vendors have also been confirmed, including Smoulder & Scorch providing barbecue food, a noodle wagon, a burgers and chicken outlet as well as hot doughnuts, and Wells’ Bar Italia ice cream.

The outside bar will be in a 6m x 18m marquee so that people will have somewhere to drink whatever the weather.

Other highlights include a

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main stage auction of a piece of artwork by renowned Wells artist Chris Lee. “The countdown is on for Wells City’s first every Party on the Pitch. We are all working hard to make sure it’s a huge success,” said club chairman Steve Loxton.

“Come rain or shine this event is going ahead at full steam with Tincknells Fuels, Tincknells Country Store, Aster and Shepton Vets the latest in a long line of local companies supporting this event. We can’t wait… and it’s all for the greater good!”

Leaflets will be available from the shops involved and from the museum.

Shops taking part will display a sign in the window saying: “We’re taking part in the Easter Egg Trail!”

The Egg Trail aims to raise awareness of what Rotary does and increase footfall in the participating shops.

W: www.goodness-me.co.uk E: hello@goodness-me.co.uk T: 07931 867873

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

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n NEWS

Increasing action over climate issue A MOTION declaring a climate emergency is likely to be debated

by Wells City Council in the coming months.

A motion is being drafted that aims to highlight how important the issue is to young people in Wells and across the county, and that will keep environmental concerns at the forefront of the minds of the council.

Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council have already joined other local authorities around the country in declaring a climate emergency.

Campaigners from Sustainable Wells and the new Extinction Rebellion Wells group will be outside Wells Town Hall before the city council meeting on March 28 to stress the importance of taking action.

Pupils from Wells Blue School and Wells Cathedral School this month joined in with pupil protests around the world about

Pupils taking climate action outside Wells Cathedral School the issue of climate change and global warming.

Cathedral School pupils demonstrated outside their school on March 15, chanting and waving placards to draw attention to the problem. “It will affect us. We are at a turning point in our history. We could go extinct,” said pupil Megan.

Meet Sally “We listen carefully to our residents to find out what they enjoy doing.

And we’re always on the look out for new activities and ideas!”

Sally O’Doherty, Activities Coordinator

“This is our only planet. There is no other option,” said Thomas.

A group of pupils from Wells joined a climate change protest in Bristol. Cathy said: “The people I went with were really all passionate about the cause and we made banners and posters to take.

“Caring about this had made

me realise how hard it is to get changes made by the adults and authority. I would like Wells to be a big part of climate action in the future and set an example.”

Sustainable Wells chair Sarah Briton said that 99.5 per cent of climate scientists say that action on global warming is needed now.

“We feel that the catalyst for change is going to be public action. It is not always our leaders that lead us,” she said.

“We’re seeing that increasing numbers of young people are taking action. I’m not going to have to live with the ramifications of this but these 13-year-olds will do.”

The climate emergency will be the topic in the first of a new series of public meetings being organised by Sustainable Wells on the second Monday of each month. The first meeting is being held at the Little Theatre on April 8, from 7pm-9pm.

The Russets Care Home Specialist dementia care in North Somerset There’s never a dull moment at The Russets, our activities coordinators make sure of that by organising activities 365 days a year.

And by tailoring these activities around the residents’ interests they can be sure everyone gets the best out of every day.

Call us to book a tour or simply find out more.

01934 825 764 carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk

On l ava ine t ilab our le Got News? Call 07906 499655

The Russets, specialist dementia care home in Sandford, North Somerset.

www.stmonicatrust.org.uk Registered Charity 202151

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

16

wellsvoice n NEWS

April 2019

Wells firm Tincknell Heating is involved in a local DIY SOS: The Big Build, the BBC One series which sees Nick Knowles and his team transform the homes of families across Britain. Engineers Lee Tidball-Zapp and Ollie Smart have been working hard over the nine-day project in March to install a new heating system and boiler for a deserving family in Westonsuper-Mare. They are being supported by two plumbing merchants from the region – Wolseley in Glastonbury and Jennings Plumbing & Heating in Bridgwater – who have donated some of the materials for the project.

Charity lunches set to pass milestone WELLS SOUP is about to pass 50. That is not this fundraising lunch’s age. It is the number of local good causes which will have benefitted from this increasingly successful event organised by Wells Independents.

SOUP has been going for only three years and the next four good causes who will all go away with cheques are Marie Curie, Heads Up, Children’s Hospice South West and Wells Art Practice.

The date will be Saturday, April 13. The venue the Connect Centre at the junction of Chamberlain Street and Portway, Wells. The start time is 1pm but early arrival is recommended to bag a good seat.

“Over a bowl of locallymade delicious soup, people get together to hear four charities or other good causes pitch

their project which will benefit Wells,” said Ross Young of Wells Independents.

“The previous SOUP brought the total of good causes it benefitted to 47. After April 13’s it will have reached 51.”

The two choices of soup are being made by 21 Cafe and Kitchen in Wells Market Place while the rolls are being donated

by Burns the Bread, the wine

by Sante, beer and other drinks

by Morrisons, while Micky from Wells market will give the flowers.

“We thank all these businesses for their support and particularly the £350 matchfunding given by a well-known Wells character who wishes to remain anonymous,” said Ross.

“Extra seating will be provided on April 13 as SOUP becomes ever more popular.”

Town Hall to be scene of murder THERE will be a murder at Wells Town Hall on April 13 at 2pm – but it will be entirely fictional and the assailant will be unmasked by about 4.30pm.

Moonstone Theatre are presenting the Murder Mystery in an afternoon organised by Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride as a fundraiser for her two charities of the year, the

Lawrence Centre and St John Ambulance. The event includes an afternoon tea provided by the Cheese Yard Cafe at West Horrington.

The audience will be able to question suspects and eat as many scones and sandwiches as they want all for the price of £20 a ticket. Tickets are restricted to 64, available from the Town Hall.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

17

n NEWS

Family-friendly Easter activities

Chance to win art accolade

THE Bishop’s Palace & Gardens has a range of family-friendly activities with a variety of Easter themes to keep little ones busy this Easter holiday.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, April 6, when the new Easter Egg Trail will be in place.

Children can follow the clues around the Palace & Gardens to find coloured eggs hidden in unexpected places – and if they find them all, they can claim a chocolate prize from the Visitor Centre on the way out.

On Tuesday, April 9, and Tuesday, April 16 (10.30am3pm), Crafty Cats sessions will take place in the Undercroft of the Palace.

On April 9 the theme will be Bugs and Buds and the children will have the chance to create Bug Hand Puppets, Coffee Filter Butterflies and Tree Blossom Picture, and on April 16 the Easter-themed activities will include making Bunny Masks,

FOR any local artist, the Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) awards might be their opportunity to be part of a major international exhibition taking place in Wells Cathedral.

The WAC exhibition will take place during the summer period when Wells is at its busiest, with over 20,000 people expected to visit the Cathedral.

The competition is open to any artist over the age of 18 and up to four works may be submitted of any size and in any medium.

To be selected for the exhibition each piece submitted will be assessed by a panel of respected judges. There are also top prizes of £2,000 and a central London exhibition at stake.

Applications must be made online via www.wac.artopps. co.uk and the deadline is Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at 5pm.

Craft activities and falconry displays will be among the Easter attractions at The Bishop’s Palace

weaving Easter baskets and creating Easter Egg Mosaics.

On Thursday, April 11, and Thursday, April 18 (11am-3pm), the Palace Garden team will be holding Nature Ninjas activity sessions in the Community Garden, aimed at getting little ones engaged with nature and gardening. The team will have lots of horticulturally-based fun activities for all ages.

For something a little different, join Raptorcare on Saturday, April 13, for the Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day. Taking place from 10am4pm, Tony, the master falconer, will be hosting flying displays, suitable for all ages, on the South Lawn. The displays will illustrate how these birds would have been used in Medieval times and why.

In between displays, visitors will also have the chance to handle some of the birds.

All activities are included in standard admission.

Be what you are at Wells Monday 18th - Friday 22nd March Pre-Prep Show and Tell Week Wednesday 27th March Sparkles and Slime EYFS & Nursery Open Afternoon Saturday 4th May Be a Mathematician for a Day Saturday 8th June Junior School and Pre-Prep Exhibition Afternoon

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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April 2019

n NEWS

Educational celebration of Women’s Day INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day was celebrated in Wells with a busy and informative afternoon at the old Wells Girls Blue School in the Portway Annexe.

The event was opened by Jane Hancock, wife of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who welcomed past Blue School pupils and the many others who attended to see the varied, informative and interesting exhibitions on display. There were old school uniforms, reports, school books and school photographs which evoked the memory of the Portway building as a thriving and successful school.

Siobhan Goodwin of Wells Walking Tours gave an excellent tour of the building which triggered memories of being taught there, teachers, friends and pranks such as running a pair of knickers up on the school flagpole and a secret supply of elderberry wine.

Some of those who took part in the International Women’s Day celebrations in the Portay Annexe There was also a display

by City Archivist Julia Wood on notable Women of Wells, past and current, and the local struggle by women to gain the vote.

The Chaps Cafe, run entirely by notable local men, was a great

success with homemade cakes and tea aplenty. There was also a comedy playlet, performed by the Wells Drama Queens, and originally written in 1912 to put forward the case for votes for women in which the infamous Mrs Chicky and her erudite

friend Mrs H presented the case for either side of the argument.

The afternoon was a great success and credit should go to the Women of Wells who arranged it and worked hard to make it memorable.

Clare Blackmore

Local Plan Part 2 public hearings

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THE Mendip District Council Local Plan Part 2 will be examined at public hearings starting on July 23.

Planning Inspector Mike Fox has been confirmed as the inspector to conduct the examination and has said that the hearings will last for two weeks. The hearings will be held in the Council Chamber at Mendip District Council offices.

People are being given a chance to make comments about the proposed changes to the submission draft of the plan until Wednesday, April 24. The proposed changes and supporting documents can be viewed on the council’s

website at www.mendip.gov.uk/ localplanpart2, at the council offices in Shepton Mallet, or at the council’s Access Points in Frome, Glastonbury, Street and Wells. Responses should be returned to the Planning Policy Team by emailing planningpolicy@mendip.gov. uk, via the council’s website or by writing to: Planning Policy, Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5BT. The Inspector has indicated that he plans to publish a report on the plan by December 2019.

More information about the hearings at www.mendip.gov.uk/ localplanexamination

Pub and cafe/bar plans approved THE Mermaid Inn in Tucker Street is set to reopen as a pub with bed and breakfast rooms, and there is also going to be a new cafe/bar in Wells High Street.

Plans for both ventures have been approved by Mendip District Council.

The planning application for The Mermaid envisages eight

boutique-style rooms on the floors above the pub. A separate application has been made for three houses to replace the skittle alley.

Loungers Ltd intends to turn 41 High Street, formerly The Original Factory Shop, into one of its chain of Lounges, serving food and drink throughout the day.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice n BUSINESS VIEW

April 2019

n NEWS

Post Office begins talks with retailers

THE Post Office has begun talks with retailers in Wells who are interested in providing post office services when the Market Place branch closes.

The resignation of the postmaster and the lack of interest from anyone else in running the branch in the city council-owned building means that it will shut in six months’ time.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We have received a resignation from the postmaster for Wells and the branch is due to close at the current premises, which we do not own, on September 30.

“We understand how important a post office is to a community and we would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to maintain a post office in Wells. We have already begun discussions with interested retailers.

“We are not yet at the stage where we can publicly announce our plans. We are exploring whether to have one or two branches in different parts of Wells.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in

running the post office and incorporating it into their business should visit www. runapostoffice.co.uk or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk.”

Wells Voice has heard a number of suggestions put forward by people in Wells for the future provision of post office services, including: n Installing a post office counter in WH Smith – the chain has 150 post office counters in the UK already. n Having a combined post office and Tourist Information Centre in Wells Town Hall. n Installing a post office counter in Wells Library.

Wells City Council says it is working with the Post Office to explore all options to maintain a post office presence in the city centre.

Wells Chamber of Commerce & Trade is considering a public meeting about the issue because it says the Market Place branch is of such importance to businesses and the wider public, a post office is needed in the city centre.

“We want to do all we can to help Wells keep a central post office,” said chamber chairman Robert Powell.

Club holding lifesaving sessions LIFESAVING training with defibrillators is being organised

by Wells Rotary Club.

A defibrillator is a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

“If you come across someone who has had a cardiac arrest, it’s vital to call 999 and start CPR. Then you should find out if there is a defibrillator nearby,” says the British Heart Foundation.

To carry out CPR, which helps keep blood pumping, a person presses up and down on the casualty’s chest and gives them a series of rescue breaths.

Frank Wood of Easton-based OTS is giving the training with manikins. Mouth protection shields are provided and certificates awarded. The cost is

19 With Rosie Stevens

Create your own Brexit contingency THE dreaded ‘B’ word. Many of the business circles we move in are abuzz with Brexit chatter amongst moans and groans of the circus of indecision it has become.

Some businesses are holding off on making major decisions until we have facts about what the future will look like. I read the other day about a South West based car manufacturer which has made the decision to halt production for the first six days in April.

One of the decisions Brexit is impacting is recruitment – and I get it – if there is uncertainty in your industry, it doesn’t always make sense to bring on additional overheads – but at what cost to your business?

Three practical tips to create a Brexit contingency that doesn’t stunt the growth of your business. n Outsource. If there is an area of your business that requires

‘in-house’ support on a regular basis and is skilled, pull in a virtual worker. n Temporary staff. If the role is low skill or entry level work, consider using a reputable recruitment agency to provide temporary or fixed term cover. n Sense check. Can you function without this role, regardless of the outcome? If not, run the numbers and recruit for what you can afford. Part-time or flexible offerings open a wealth of talent you possibly couldn’t access on a full-time contract.

As a business community, let’s not leave the economic growth of our region in the hands of Brexit. Let’s create our own contingencies and continue to flourish.

Rosie Stevens Mployable.

Take control of your hiring rosie@mployable.co.uk www.mployable.co.uk

NEW

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Ian Ames-White of Wells in Mosaic pumps the manikin watched by Diane Bingham and Piers Rose at a defibrillator training session in Wells & Mendip Museum £10 but profits will be donated to Wells charities.

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wellsvoice

20

April 2019

n REVIEW Musical hits all the right notes Grease Wells Blue School STUDENTS at Wells Blue School staged an electrifying production of Grease, full of energy and commitment.

Clever choreography made full use of Milton Hall as performers danced and sang on every side. The enthusiasm of the cast was infectious and they soon had the audience clapping, cheering and singing along as the story of Danny and Sandy’s high school romance unfolded.

Matt Woodlock as Danny and Scarlett Fowler as Sandy were natural and believable as the young sweethearts, while the other main players brought real warmth and character to their parts.

The singing was strong throughout, with stand-out solos from Gracie-Anne Cotton and Francesca Stephens.

The live band perched high

The cast of Grease, which was performed over four nights by students in the Blue School’s Milton Hall above the main stage produced a vibrant soundtrack and the musicians – six students and

one member of staff – were all superb. A special mention too for the spot-on costume design.

It all added up to a very enjoyable evening.

Andy Vallis

DESIGNED BY COGNIQUE www.cognique.co.uk

Thursday, May 2nd 2019 is City Council Election Day, which means it’s your chance to have a say on the future of Wells...

Register to vote!

Visit www.mendip.gov.uk/ier and use your vote T 07941 187951 E hello@wellsindependents.org www.wellsindependents.org Published and promoted by Paddy O’Hagan of 14 Chamberlain Street, Wells BA5 2PF, on behalf of Wells Independents.

Are...

• Wells residents who want a stronger community • NOT a political party • Working for Wells!

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

21

n NEWS

Dog helps pupils learn to love reading A CUDDLY new friend is helping pupils at a Wells school develop a passion for reading.

Muddy Puddles, an Australian labradoodle and experienced ‘listening dog’, is joining Wells Cathedral Junior School classes once a week for group and one-to-one sessions.

With his calm temperament and soft, warm coat, Muddy Puddles provides a reassuring and soothing presence for children starting out on their reading journeys.

He will put his head in a child’s lap and listen to them reading aloud, his placid manner helping to reduce levels of anxiety in pupils and improve their confidence.

“Well-being is a huge priority here and Muddy Puddles has been a great new addition to our team,” said the head of the junior school, Julie Barrow.

“Our children from 2+ – and staff – eagerly await his

Muddy Puddles listens to a Wells Cathedral Junior School pupil read weekly visits. Some children gain valuable sensory benefit from simply giving him an affectionate cuddle or stroke and others literally take him by the lead, which improves their selfesteem.”

WELLS

Research shows that young people can become nervous and stressed when reading to others in a group, but children who read to listening dogs show an increase in reading levels, word recognition, a higher desire to

read and write, and an increase in intra and interpersonal skills.

Dogs like Muddy Puddles are said to create an environment that feels more relaxed and welcoming. Children who are struggling to read need to build confidence and Muddy Puddles provides a reassuring, uncritical audience and doesn’t mind if mistakes are made. More experienced or capable readers can experiment with intonation and “voices”, knowing that Muddy Puddles will respond positively, thus building their fluency and comprehension.

The sessions with Muddy Puddles have been such a success that another trained therapy dog, Rio, will also be visiting weekly.

In addition to his school visits, Muddy Puddles visits patients with his owner Debbie Wakeford at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, giving a boost to those recovering from operations and illness.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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April 2019

n NEWS

Special dish full of memories

Wells Cathedral’s Jackie Croft and the Dean John Davies join Matt Crowcombe and Ian Burton from SOS Africa

Abseil fundraiser a towering challenge FEARLESS fundraisers will be abseiling 124ft down Wells Cathedral’s North West Tower later this year.

The charity challenge is being organised by Shepton Mallet-based charity SOS Africa and abseil specialists Aardvark Endeavours.

“This is the 10th annual fundraising event we have organised for SOS Africa, including Pyramid Stage abseils and 24-hour lock-ins at Shepton Mallet Prison. In my opinion, this is the greatest challenge to date, and we cannot wait to get started,” said SOS Africa founder Matt Crowcombe.

From Friday, September 27, to Saturday, October 5, from 9am to 6pm, participants will climb the 262 steps to the top of the tower – the height of nine giraffes – and freefall abseil from a cantilever platform assembled on the tower roof.

When they touch down at

the base of the tower they will have secured funding for the construction of a new reading centre in South Africa and raised funds for the upkeep of the Cathedral.

To participate, each abseiler must pay a deposit (adults £20 / U16s £15) to cover instructor’s fees. Between now and the event, they are required to raise £100 per person for SOS Africa and Wells Cathedral.

This is a one-off event and places will be limited, so signing up and sending the deposit as soon as possible is recommended to avoid missing out. To enter as an individual or team of four, visit www.sosafrica.com/ wellscathedralabseil for more information.

SOS Africa said it was grateful to Wells Cathedral for supporting the event and Montana Scaffolding and Riley’s Cranes for putting up the platform ready for the abseiling to start.

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WELLS mental health charity Heads Up created a special Memories Dish to mark Celebrating Somerset Day. Theresa Moulder, a client of the South Horrington charity, took the dish to Wells Cathedral for an event hosted by Denis Burn, High Sheriff of Somerset, as part of the day.

“The evening brought together the communities of this wonderful county to honour its heritage, folklore and traditions, marking its industrial achievements and acknowledging its creative distinctiveness, its diversity and its community accomplishments,” said the charity’s business manager, Sally Dempsey.

The large papier-mache dish

Heads Up client Theresa Moulder with the Memories Dish was a collage of memories of Somerset made by one of Heads Up’s Memories Groups, all of whom grew up or have lived in the county for many years.

Wells Cathedral School Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils put on three performances of Dorothy’s Magical Adventure to parents, friends and siblings in the school’s Ritchie Hall. The bespoke play, written and produced by Penelope Lambert, was inspired by the various strengths and personalities of the young children performing it – tailor-made to fit their individual talents. The story focuses on the adventures of a ruby-slippered Dorothy who explores different nursery rhyme lands, meeting a whole world of endearing characters along the way. In addition to their dramatic performances, the children performed many classic children’s songs and dance routines adapted specially for the performance.

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk n LETTERS What future role will councils play?

WITH reference to the piece on page 14 (Wells Voice March edition) concerning changes to local government: since there seems to be a devolving process of services to the city council, such as public toilets, bus station, Speed Indicator Devices and relief road verge cutting, what role will councils

such as Wells City Council have within the unitary authority proposal?

These councils have in the region of 18 members, so for the benefit of democracy there will be no need for area boards, as part of the unitary authority.

Martin R Cooke By email

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

23

n NEWS Planets talking point at pub WELLS & Mendip Astronomers are presenting an evening of Astronomy Down the Pub on Wednesday, April 10.

The event at The Old Down Inn, Emborough, will begin at 7.30pm with a talk about exoplanet discovery, one of the hottest topics in astronomy today.

Society members Mark Woodland and Hugh Allen will show how some of the most bizarre planetary systems are being discovered around nearby stars, and discuss what the future holds.

If the sky is clear, attendees will then go outside into the dark garden of The Old Down Inn to admire the view from our own planet. Take binoculars or a telescope, or share members’ telescopes.

WMA members free, visitors £3 or family rate £5, students £2.

Pupils at St Cuthbert’s C of E Academy Infants and Pre-School in Wells were asked to dress as their favourite character for World Book Day – and even the staff joined in

Charity Pilates and yoga marathon PILATES Body Aligned Studio at South Horrington is organising a Charity Pilates – Yoga Marathon to raise funds for neighbouring mental health charity Heads Up. People are being encouraged to take part for all, or part, of the four-hour marathon by contributing a minimum of £10 per hour for each hour they complete, getting sponsorship from family and friends.

The studio is hoping to raise more than £1,200 for Heads Up and increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues at the same time.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 8, from 11am3pm at Mendip Court, South Horrington.

Light snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day to help keep energy levels up.

The team from Heads Up and other health and wellbeing practitioners will be available to talk to on the day, and there will also be a raffle and an auction.

“Exercise is a very effective

way to improve your mental health, releasing endorphins that make you feel good and serotonin that helps you relax and sleep better,” said studio owners Zoisa Holder and Corali Sacerdote.

“Exercising at least three times a week can improve selfesteem and cognitive function by over 60 per cent.

“It has a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood.

“Everyone is made to feel welcome at the studio. Come and join us for a fun event and help us raise money for this great cause.”

Booking for the Pilates – Yoga Marathon is essential as spaces are limited to 30 people per hour.

Call 01749 679015, email info@pilatesbodyaligned.uk or visit the website for more information and a link to the booking form: www. pilatesbodyaligned.uk.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

SITUATIONS VACANT

Stoberry House & Garden Stoberry Park, Wells, Somerset BA5 3LD www.stoberryhouse.co.uk VACANCIES for General Assistants, and Front of House Luxury B and B set in 6 acre garden requires new staff to expand our small friendly team Housekeeping rooms – Saturday and Sunday: From 10am on Saturdays for 2 ½ to 3 hours; and Sundays for 3 to 4 hours.

Very good hourly rate for successful candidate Breakfast service – One weekend in four and one additional Sunday – more hours available if required.

Stoberry House is also seeking a Receptionist who can also welcome guests and assist with tea service for up to three days a week.

In-house training provided, experience would be advantageous Please email stay@stoberry-park.co.uk or call Frances on 01749 672906 for interview appointments

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

24

wellsvoice

April 2019

n NEWS

Carnival cheques presented to good causes WELLS City Carnival handed over cheques to three good causes at a presentation evening at Wells Fire Station on February 25.

The carnival committee gave £1,000 to the Hope For Tomorrow charity, which brings Mobile Cancer Care Units to Wells, to kick-start their fundraising this year. Like most recipients of carnival funds, they can be seen in the procession in November collecting as they drive the route.

Wells First Responders and Wells Fire Station defibrillator fund both received cheques for £500.

The First Responders, who are completely self-funded, respond to emergency calls such as for heart attacks, administering first aid while ambulances are on the way.

Their cheque was to thank them for their support on carnival night, and the Mendip Chris Grantham accepts a cheque from Maurice Day and Martin Coppell of Wells City Carnival, top, and cheques are handed to Sam James of Hope For Tomorrow, above left, and Graham White of Wells First Responders Shooting Ground was also thanked for bringing an old tank to carnival to collect for the responders.

The fire station funds will be used to service and repair and replenish the defibrillator that the carnival and others provided a couple of years ago. New pads and batteries are needed on a regular basis and the machines need sending away for resetting after each use.

Wells’ 5th/7th Scout group were to get a cheque for £700 but

were unable to attend, and will receive their cheque on another occasion.

Maurice Day, the honorary president, and Martin Coppell, the chairman, thanked everyone for their help in the last year, saying it had been the most successful one for a few years.

Groups interested in raising funds on carnival night – up to 40 per cent of what is collected can go to the group – should contact Nancy Dodd on 01749 672246.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice 25 n ON THE BEAT Safety and security measures to consider in more rural locations

April 2019

n NEWS

New director with brief to raise funds A NEW director of development will be joining Wells Cathedral from April with a brief to raise funds both for core work and for capital projects.

Nicholas Selman is currently director of development for the London Symphony Orchestra and has a track record of successful fundraising in a number of contexts.

The Very Rev Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nicholas to Wells Cathedral at what is an exciting and ambitious phase of development.

“The upkeep, renewal and development of the Cathedral’s estate – its extraordinarily

beautiful buildings, grounds and gardens – are all part of our vision to provide the very best facilities, environment and resources for both pilgrims and visitors. Nicholas’ appointment will herald a step-change in fundraising capability which is needed to satisfy the future development aspirations and priorities of the Cathedral.”

Nicholas said: “It is a great honour to be chosen to work towards the long term sustainability of one of the most important and beautiful buildings in England, and the ministry it exercises. I am delighted I can contribute to the Cathedral’s enduring legacy.”

News from the local policing team with PCSO Nikki Housley ADVICE this month for the rural communities around Wells.

Livestock Animals can be easy targets for thieves. Regularly check the fields where your animals are grazing.

Keep your hedges and fences and gates in good repair. Field gates should have capping hinges, so they can’t be removed easily. Cattle grids should be removable and locked out of position when they are not in use. Use locking posts to obstruct large openings to yards.

Consider installing CCTV If livestock is stolen it is important for you to be able to give the police an accurate

Visit Somerset CEO John Turner at the Outdoor Pursuits Conference in Wookey Hole Caves’ new function room the Water Wheel Suite

Spotlight on outdoor pursuits WOOKEY Hole Caves was the venue for an event designed to help raise the profile of outdoor activities in the county.

Visit Somerset organised the Outdoor Pursuits Conference, the first event of its kind in Somerset. In his introduction, the organisation’s CEO, John Turner, said: “We have got an extraordinary offer. Do we feel we are doing our best to market

that offer? I believe we can do a whole lot more.”

Speakers included Leon Troake of Cheddar Gorge and Caves, who discussed some of the activities available there and the benefits of outdoor pursuits in general, and Chris Binding, one of the Wild Wookey team, who described the adventure caving experience at Wookey Hole Caves.

Dementia Friends Champion call THERE is an opportunity to become a Dementia Friends Champion at a session being held at Wells Town Hall on April 5, from 10am-4pm.

A Dementia Friends Champion is a volunteer who encourages others to make a positive difference to people

living with dementia in their community. They do this by running Dementia Friends information sessions, giving them information about the personal impact of dementia and what they can do to help.

For more details and to sign up, visit dementiafriends.org.uk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

description. Ear tags and horn brands help police to identify stock. Freeze branding, hot branding or tattooing your postcode will also help. Always take photos of especially valuable animals.

Where fields adjoin roads with no physical barrier consider digging a defensive ditch or bund to prevent access.

Outbuildings Store any valuable equipment and tools in a secure building with a well-built, locked door.

Use British standard locks, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks. Windows can be protected with metal bars.

Always lock up buildings when they are not in use.

Again, consider installing CCTV and security lighting around the property.

Prevent vehicle access to outbuildings with gates or ground posts.

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wellsvoice

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April 2019

n NEWS IN BRIEF Charity pub quiz

and children including hats, scarves and gloves. Sleeping bags and blankets are always needed.

Donations can be taken to Wells Town Hall from 10am to 11.45am every Friday (closed on Good Friday).

THE Inner Wheel Club of Wells is holding a quiz at the Britannia Inn, Bath Road, on Saturday, March 30, in aid of Jessie’s Fund.

The fund was set up to provide qualified music therapists to help disabled children and is the Inner Wheel Club’s national charity for 2019.

Entry to the quiz costs £5 per person with teams of four, but anyone can go along and teams will be made up on the night, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more details, call 01749 677051 or email antheafreemantle@gmail.com.

An enjoyable evening was had on Saturday, March 2, when Wells City Band gave a concert in the Town Hall, the proceeds from which went to Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride’s two charities for her year in office – The Lawrence Centre and St John Ambulance. The performance was a mix of traditional band music and some ‘modern’ classics which included Bohemian Rhapsody, Ticket to Ride, a further Beatles medley, Misty and Under the Boardwalk. Pictured from left are Sarah Clothier; Alex Fowler, president and unit manager of St John Ambulance; Maggie Charlesworth, manager of The Lawrence Centre; Lynne Alton, HR St John Ambulance; Mayor Celia Wride and Mayoress Sarah Wride.

Beginners Tai Chi

more, call Tracie Philpott on 01823 345626.

AGEING Well – a programme managed by Age UK Somerset – is starting a new beginners Tai Chi class at Wells Town Hall on Fridays, from 2.45pm-3.45pm, with the instructor, Terry Wood, focusing on breathing and relaxation. The pay-as-you go classes are £4.50 a session. For

Clear-up weekend

New art exhibition THE next exhibition at the A2 Gallery will be entitled Land and Sea and will show the work of a number of artists from Somerset as well as from Cornwall, the

Midlands and Scotland. It will run from Monday, March 25, until Saturday, April 13.

Featured artists will be Jackie Adams, Leo Davey, Jenny Graham, Peter Howe, Mark Poprawski, Sarah Ross Thompson and John ScottMartin.

The gallery at 80 High Street, Wells, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm.

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LOCAL chamber choir, the Swan Singers, with director Tricia Rees-Jones, will be performing 20th century music at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Saturday, April 6.

The theme of the concert is Beginnings and Endings and will include the Songs of Farewell

by Hubert Parry. There will also be music by Richard Rodney Bennett, and by three female composers: Rebecca Clarke, Froy Aagre and Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

The concert will feature Will Rees-Jones on saxophone.

It starts at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door: £10 (£5 for children/ students).

Appeal for clothing FROM April 1, Wells Refugee Aid is returning to a general appeal for donations of good quality hard wearing clothes and footwear for men, women and children. Only new socks and underwear are requested, and no XL sizes.

The group is still welcoming newly knitted items for babies

THE next Great British Spring Clean around Wells will take place on April 5, 6 and 7. Mayor Celia Wride will be at the Town Hall early each morning to hand out equipment and bags. All new volunteers are welcome.

Guests at luncheon REPRESENTATIVES from Wells attended the annual Western Section of the Showmen’s Guild Luncheon at the Swindon Hilton Hotel in support of the twiceyearly charter fairs held in the Market Place. They included Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride and Wells Honorary member of the Showmen’s Guild Richard Green. Dignitaries from all over the West Country talked over the latest legislation and issues dealing with the fairs and the business in general.

Groups given funds MORE than 30 Somerset community organisations have been awarded £750,000 in National Lottery funding for the quarter. Among those to receive National Lottery Community Fund money were Westbury Village Hall for a kitchen upgrade (£10,000), Get Active Ston Easton to build a play area for younger children (£9,522) and Citizens Advice Mendip to deliver financial literacy training to school children (£8,855).

City on cycle routes A CHARITY cycle ride with routes that pass through Wells is offering free places this year to children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult family member, because it takes place on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16.

The Wedmore 40 30 offers routes of 12, 30, 40 and 70 miles, all starting from Wedmore Playing Fields. More at www. tiny.cc/wedmore4030

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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27

n NEWS

Project connects with public

Fun lined up at beer festival

AN art exhibition at the Connect Centre attracted 80 visitors to admire and interact with the work.

The Connected exhibition showcased the work of three artists, Andrew, Arik and Kerry, who each expressed work in three different mediums: photography, digital art and poetry.

The theme of the exhibition was to make the connection between the virtual and the tangible. For instance, some of the poetry was displayed on a board, scattered on a desk and ascribed using multiple forms: laptops, typewriters and pen and paper.

Arik created an installation that derived from the Seventies: an old desktop computer next to a whirring vinyl player playing Joni Mitchell, while next to it was his modern Apple Mac with work he had created in the Eighties.

Many people wrote their responses to the work on paper

A MARQUEE at Wells Rugby Club will be the setting for the Wells Beer and Cider Festival in May. And with two evening sessions and a family-friendly Saturday afternoon session, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“I have been amazed by the amount of support we have received from the community and local businesses,” said Sean Sloan of organisers Enosis Events.

“We have a giant marquee, a beautiful beer garden that is being built from scratch by our sponsors, Mallet Cider. We have brewers of beer and cider from all over Somerset as well as great food from Asia and Europe.

“There will also be live entertainment throughout the two days of May 17 and 18. Bring the kids for free on Saturday, and as well as live entertainment we will have bouncy castles and fairground rides so that everyone is entertained.

“Come along with your families and have a good time and with a bonus that you would be helping Heads Up, a local charity that looks after those with mental illness within our community.”

Tickets are available at wellsbeerandciderfestival.com/ ticket-outlets

Project leader Chloe Tyghe, above, and some of the work that was displayed, right leaves which they tied to the giant ‘response tree’ in the centre of the room.

“It was a wonderful day featuring incredible work that touched the heart and probed the mind,” said Chloe Tyghe, who led the project.

“We were delighted to work with Positive People on this event, an organisation who are passionate about building unemployed people’s confidence

and skills. We hope this is the start of many.”

Following on from the event, the Connect Centre will be holding free creative hub sessions every Wednesday for four weeks from April 10, between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

People can get involved with art, creative writing, music and more, and have a two-course meal at the centre’s Community Lunch.

Ways of helping fund youth service to be explored THE valuable work of the Elim Connect Centre was highlighted at a Wells City Council committee meeting in March.

The centre submitted an initial application for core funding for its Limitless Youth service, which was considered by members of the Finance & General Purposes committee.

Councillor Philip Welch spoke on behalf of the centre, explaining that Somerset County

Council was withdrawing its annual grant of £3,500, and asking if the finance committee could find the funding instead.

He said that the centre was providing activities for young people and helping to educate them about issues such as drugs.

Committee chairman Councillor Tony Robbins said that it was a very necessary service, and that it would be best to have long-term funding

in place rather than have the Connect Centre returning “cap in hand” every year.

The council’s responsible financial officer Steve Luck said that the money requested was over a third of the grants budget, and that Mendip District Council might have money available for this type of project. It was agreed that he would discuss the situation further with the district council and the Connect Centre.

Awards chance THERE is still time to enter this year’s Mendip Business Awards – the closing date is Friday, March 29. To enter, visit www. mendipbusinessawards.co.uk

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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April 2019

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAREK Lewcun will be talking about the history of clay pipe making in Somerset from 1600-1900 at Wells & Mendip Museum on Friday, April 5, at 7.30pm.

Marek has been a professional archaeologist for 36 years, working for various organisations, including Wessex Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, as well as four years as a senior archaeologist for the Museum of London Archaeology Service. He is currently working (and still will be, next summer) on excavations at Bath Abbey.

Please bring any clay pipes you have found to the meeting for Marek to identify.

WELLS CULTURE CLUB THE Culture Club held its AGM at The White Hart in Sadler Street and members were very impressed by the recent changes made by Tudor Hopkins and his team.

They also welcomed new members Patsy and Graham Barrow who thoroughly entered into the spirit and aims of the club.

Dining in their own “snug” they enjoyed good food and wine and planned their activities for the coming year which will include outings, crafting, more dining and a visit to historic Shepton Mallet.

General bonhomie prevailed and the group were very grateful to club treasurer, Ian AmesWhite for overseeing the finances at the end of the evening.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB “WRITING a book is a huge commitment so I’ll only tackle a book if I feel I have something new to say.”

So speaks Val Bourne, journalist, writer and above all someone who has been long engaged in gardening on nature’s side.

An advocate of gardening without chemicals, she has been captivated by growing plants and their interaction with wildlife since she was a child. And this wealth of experience has resulted in eight books and innumerable

articles in journals, magazines and regular newspaper columns.

Wells Gardening Club is delighted to be welcoming Val Bourne to Wells Town Hall on Thursday, April 18, at 7.30pm.

Her talk entitled The Living Jigsaw Explained will demonstrate her enthusiastic engagement in getting the balance right in order to achieve a natural way which governs what goes on in her cottage garden in the Cotswolds.

Everyone is welcome and admission for visitors will be £5. There will be refreshment available and an opportunity to reserve places on our summer excursions. For more details, tel: 01749 679182.

Pip Harwood THE BEETLECRUSHERS AS is fast becoming a tradition, The Beetlecrushers Clog and Step Dance Group opened their new year of dancingout by participating in the North Wootton Wassail, closely followed this year by a performance at the Wassail held at the Sheppey Inn in Godney.

New dances had been added to the repertoire during the early winter months and these met with audience approval at both events and at their appearance as part of Wake Up Wells, held in the Cathedral.

The year is promising to be a busy one, and they can next be seen at The Panborough Folk Day on March 30, where they will be dancing from noon until 1pm.

The Beetlecrushers are keen to keep alive the traditional clog and step dances of our islands and so new dancers are always welcome. Beginners’ courses with free starter sessions are held regularly, so if you think you would like to join, phone Ann on 01373 812227 for more information.

WELLS WI OUR first event was announced to raise funds for a local charity working in an area related to one of the proposed 2018 resolutions that did not make the final selection, but which Wells WI members voted to support: tackling problems around body image caused by digitally enhanced photos in magazines

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

More on page 38 and on social media. In midApril one of our members will host a coffee morning in support of the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association, based in Shepton Mallet.

Forthcoming events include a Macmillan Cancer Support fashion show at The Swan in April, a visit to see Carymoor Environmental Centre in May, and a coach outing to the American Museum in Bath in July.

Our speaker was Jane Follis, an experienced garden designer.

She illustrated her talk with lots of before and after photographs of completed projects, including some truly remarkable transformations and some very desirable gardens we can only dream of owning.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 2, at 7.30pm at the Wells & Mendip Museum.

Our speaker will be telling us about Mendip Health Connections.

Veronica Howe WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB THE speaker for the meeting on April 6, at 8am in the Connect Centre, will be Geoff Dickson, an ex-serviceman and Zulu Wars battlefields guide, who will talk about fact and fiction with regard to the film Zulu.

It might not have been as Michael Caine and Stanley Baker would have us believe.

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY IF there is such a thing as a radioholic, Wells Civic Society surely had one as its speaker at its February meeting. He was Allan Trinder, a director and presenter on Radio GFM, the community radio station, broadcasting on 107.1 FM and online, which serves Glastonbury, Street and Wells 24 hours a day.

The essential purpose of community radio is to give people a better understanding of what’s going on locally and, indeed, without being presumptuous, Allan feels that greater community cohesion may thereby be fostered. The station is entirely self-funded, and has to fundraise, attract sponsorship and donations, and liaise with its Friends of GFM support group to finance itself.

The vice chairman of the civic society, Philip Welch has a programme, Media Talk, and Allan’s own programme is the Community Show.

His guests and topics the next day included the High Sheriff, Glastonbury Calling, students from Strode College talking about their forthcoming production of Chicago, and the Strawberry Line.

For more details about the society, please see www. wellscivicsociety.org.uk or contact the chair at chris.f.winter@btinternet.com or on 01749 673610.

Richard Hanks WELLS ARTHRITIS GROUP THE group set off for a welldeserved January break to the Headland Hotel in Torquay. The weather was good and remained so for the week until our return on Friday when the rains came.

On our first full day in Devon we travelled by coach to Totnes and then on to The Famous Lee Mill at Ivybridge where the excellent restaurant and shopping facilities were enjoyed.

From here we went on to the port city of Plymouth, and on the return journey to the hotel we stopped at Buckfast Abbey.

Wednesday saw us journey to the interesting towns of Dartmouth in the morning then on to Brixham for the afternoon.

The focal tourist attraction here is the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind.

Thursday morning took us to the Willows out of town shopping centre, a short drive from Torquay. The afternoon was spent in Torquay itself or relaxing in the spa at our hotel.

Friday arrived all too quickly, so luggage on board, we left the hotel and made our way from there to the House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass at Bovey Tracy.

From there we made our way to Trago Mills shopping village near Newton Abbott which is set within 110 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, and then back to Wells.

Our thanks again go to Nancy for arranging this most welcome break and also to our driver Graham for his coach driving skills and knowledge of the scenic countryside in the South West of England.

Pat Thomas

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

Picture: Kevin Westwood

Picture: Kevin Westwood

Clockwise from top left, Tony Scrase with the civic party in The Mayor’s Parlour before the presentation; with The Council’s Award after receiving it from Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride; signing the Council Award Book; and the mayor with three recipients of Mayor’s Awards: Michael Johns, Clare Blackmore and Julia Wood

Local historian becomes first recipient of new civic award WELLS historian Anthony John Scrase has become the first recipient of a new civic award.

The presentation of The Council’s Award was made by Wells City Council at a special reception in the Town Hall ballroom on February 22.

The council created the new award to stand between a Mayor’s Award and the Freedom of the City. It can be awarded

only once in a quadrennium – that is, once in the life of each council.

Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride, who presented the award, said: “It was conferred on Tony Scrase in appreciation and recognition of his outstanding and dedicated service to the City of Wells over many years, as an esteemed historian of Wells who has made a unique and

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invaluable contribution to our knowledge of the city and its origins. He has created a legacy for the city and for generations to come.”

Mr Scrase was a principal lecturer in the Built Environment Faculty at the University of the West of England, Bristol, until 2000. During his academic career, he shared his findings through many books and articles

about aspects of Wells, and he continues to research and write about the history of the city.

He has described how Wells, although a small city by modern standards, was a place of major importance in the past, at both a local and national level. He also continues to advise the Wells City Archivist.

The archivist, Dr Julia Wood, said: “Tony has been studying Wells in depth since 1979. He is the preeminent expert on its history. Our historic city is now highly dependent on the tourist industry. This industry is extremely reliant on the research which has been done into the history of Wells and its buildings – in particular by Tony Scrase.

Tony’s exceptional publications add another dimension for visitors and help bring the city’s past back to life. He tells the story of what made our city what it is today.”

Mr Scrase said that he was deeply touched to receive the award, and that the study of the history of Wells had come on a lot recently and was now thriving.

The award was a certificate bearing the city council’s seal, which had been framed with a terracotta tile depicting the city arms and motto. After she had presented the award, the mayor and Mr Scrase ceremonially signed the new Council Award Book.

At the event the mayor also expressed the council’s gratitude to all those who volunteer in Wells City Archives, 15 of whom were present. She then awarded Mayor’s Awards to the four people who worked on the Wells remembrance trail with her: Clare Blackmore, Michael Johns, Eric Preston and Julia Wood.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

30

n THE PROPERTY MARKET

April 2019

With Roderick Thomas of Roderick Thomas Ltd

Chance market research

WE do lots of technical market research but the old methods still work.

I’m currently selling a small development of nine houses in Wookey, which is less than two miles from Wells. I was leaving the site this morning and a woman came out of one of the houses, dressed for the stormy weather, and started walking towards Wells. I offered her a lift and found she was staying with her daughter and family.

They’d just moved into one of the houses.

I had to ask about it and they all love it, particularly as her husband works at home for several days a week and the house has great space.

The development is now being completed to a great design based around a courtyard concept and appointed to an exceptional standard.

Just two houses remain available. One is at £595,000 and the other £550,000.

Both have fantastic large open plan kitchen/dining/ living rooms with bifolding doors to the gardens, separate 20ft sitting rooms, cloakrooms, several bathrooms and triple carport/garaging. One has four bedrooms and a home office with cloakroom and the other has five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Both are just about ready to move in and I’ll be surprised if they’re not sold before the paint dries.

CLIFTON 01179 734464 CASTLE CARY 01963 351993 WEDMORE 01934 710220 WELLS 01749 670079 Mobile 07791789954 www.roderickthomas.co.uk rdt@roderickthomas.co.uk

Computer generated images of the new development at Wookey. Plot 9, above left, and Plot 3, above right, are both still available

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

Wells 01749 671020

Lettings 01458 844199

Glastonbury 01458 833123

New Instruction

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22

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AAwell presented home within this sought after area detached housedetached that has family been extensively extended and refurbished only a short walk owners from theincity centre.

Extended by the present owners by the present recent years and now offers a wonderful infamily recent years, this superorder property has a south-facing garden home in excellent throughout.

Set on a corner plot and in a aquiet stunning conservatory/living Offand road and integral residential area within thisroom. popular wellparking served village on the garage. glazed throughout andand gasscope firedfor central heating. foothillsDouble of the Mendips.

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Wells Wells 32

Price Offers Guide in excess of £525,000 £290,000 2 3

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modern semi detached setby onthe thecurrent southern edgeinofa the city AA detached bungalow builthouse in 1985 owner tucked with flexible accommodation The attached has position on the popularover Baththree Roadfloors. side of the city. Setgarage in a good away been converted into garden a bedroom with enand suite wet room giving(as thewell ability sized, level plot with all around plenty of parking as live entirely the groundoffers floor flexible if required could also be an office atodouble garage),onthe property and (it spacious accommodation or further reception room).

Low maintenance garden with four double bedrooms.

Double glazed throughout.

Gaswith firedsummer central house and off road heating.

Offered forparking. sale with no onward chain.

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New Instruction

Wells Wells 22

£275,000 £270,000 11

23

D D

Recently refurbished throughout, three bedroom end of terrace A semi detached bungalow with athis southerly aspect and a particularly house is offered sale with norear. onward chain. The works fine, mature 60 ftfor garden to the The property has beencarried adaptedout so include new gas fired boiler, new kitchen and room shower room and that theasecond bedroom has become a dining opening fromnew the flooring throughout.

Theeasily property enjoys a light and spacious interior sitting room (this could be re-instated if required).

A conservatory with the added a ground W.C. Garden to lovely the front and has been addedbenefit to theofrear to takefloor advantage of the garden. rear with a garagebungalow in a block to rear.

A well presented in athe very popular area.

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2/814. H&O Wells Voice Advert 180x250mm_NOV18.indd 1

CB

To Rent TO LET

South Horrington Central Wells 12

21

£750 pcm pcm £695 22

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An imaginative and quirky house the two Grade II listedcottage former in the heart of Wells, this within delightful bedroom Situated hospital that central forms the centreand of South Horrington.

Gas to fired has gas fired heating a small patio garden thecentral rear. heating. Allocated parking space, visitors’are parking andto use of £150 parkAvailable now. Unfurnished.

All tenants required pay like communal Available 1st April.

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hollandandodam.co.uk 12/10/2018 16:13

Inspiring interiors at Priory Fields, Wells

Have you seen our exciting new show home?

The Aspen is a contemporary 4 bedroom home from our brand new housing range. Designed around modern living, this well-proportioned show home showcases the space and light that our fantastic new range has to offer.

With homes at Priory Fields ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms there is something for everyone, and when you buy a new home its the perfect blank canvas for you to personalise and add your own special touch!

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Why not visit our fantastic show home and feel inspired to get creative with your very own Bovis Home!

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Home exchange scheme is subject to independent valuations, survey and contract on your existing property and is subject to criteria, which include the property you are selling is worth no more than 75% of the value of the new Bovis Home you wish to purchase. Home Exchange market value figures are based on reports from 2 independent local NAEA registered agents for a selling period of 8 weeks. Available of selected plots only. Maximum property price excepted via the Home exchange scheme is ÂŁ400,000. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Photograph depicts a typical Bovis Home interior. Elevation may differ to that shown. Internal images may include optional upgrades at an additional cost. Price & availability correct at time of going to print/broadcast. Exact specification may vary depending on the house type. Please ask our sales advisor for details.

wellsvoice

April 2019

33

n NEWS IN BRIEF Service at an end CITIZENS Advice Mendip has announced that its long-running GP outreach service is to end from April 1. This follows a funding cut of £98,000 by Somerset County Council.

The service provided GPs throughout Mendip with an alternative to medical prescribing by giving patients an appointment with a trained advice worker – ‘social prescribing’, as it is known.

Ian Byworth, the group’s CEO, said: “It is regretful that this successful local project is coming to an end due to financial pressures. In the long run, this service actually saves money by helping individuals resolve issues in their lives and thus reduces the need for health service interventions.”

Successful launch FOLLOWING what it says was a successful launch, Bovis Homes is looking forward to welcoming

its first residents to Priory Fields, adjoining Wookey Hole Road.

“We were thrilled to welcome so many people to our special launch event – and it’s great that Priory Fields has already proved so popular among home seekers,” said Alice Bukauskiene, regional sales and marketing officer.

“We’re really proud to be welcoming visitors into one of the first show homes in the country from our new housing range and we’ve had some fantastic feedback. If you’re looking to move, it’s well worth popping along to look around the new home and talk to our sales team.”

The show home is open daily from 10am until 5pm. For more, call 01749 578003.

Show tickets on sale TICKETS are on sale for this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, from May 29-June 1. More details at www.bathandwest. com/royal-bath-and-west-show

Stephen Fowler at the Labour Party coffee morning

Account of work in community EVERYONE at Wells Labour Party’s coffee morning at The Lawrence Centre on March 9 listened with interest to Stephen Fowler of the Connect Centre talking about the breadth of work carried out by the centre in the local community.

Stephen spoke about the community outreach that the centre provides to support change in people with complex and multiple needs, such as homelessness, addiction, mental health and other issues.

He spoke about some of the centre’s initiatives supporting

rough sleepers and homeless people, and the counselling and drop-in sessions that the centre runs in Wells, Glastonbury and Frome.

A closing collection raised more than £80 as a donation and expression of appreciation to the work of the Connect Centre.

These regular bi-monthly coffee and chat morning are organised by the Wells Labour Party to provide a drop-in for anyone to call in for a chat over a coffee and cake. There is often a speaker talking about an issue of interest to the community.

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01749 671172 wells@killens.org.uk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

34

April 2019

n WHAT’S ON April 1 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group, Seager Hall, Union Street, 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n Wells Fountain Poets meeting upstairs at The Venue, 42 South Street, 8pm. Guest: Ben Banyard, from Bristol. Plus open-mic; no need to book.

April 6 n Spring Open Day, Old Deanery Garden, 10am-4pm. Sale of seeds from Dean William Turner’s Tudor Garden, refreshments. Free entry. n Somerset Wildlife Trust hunt for adders and other reptiles and amphibians with John Dickson, Priddy Mineries, 10am-12pm.

Adults £3, under 16s free. Booking essential. Email jaye.mantle@ btinternet.com or call 01749 677600.

April 8 n Globe CC Grand Easter Bingo, Croscombe Village Hall, 7.30pm. £100 jackpot game. n Tai Chi for Health free taster session, Wells Library, 11.30am12.15pm.

April 9 n Wells Railway Fraternity, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tourism and the Lake Branches, Mike Peascod.

Non-members £4. More details: Andrew Tucker, 01749 830695.

April 10 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. n Action on Hearing Loss fiveminute free hearing assessment, Wells Library, 9.30am-12pm. No appointment needed.

April 12 n Toe Jam Roller Disco, Wells Sports Centre, Charter Way, 6.30pm-8pm. Skates/kit provided, £5, or bring your own. All ages and abilities welcome.

April 13 n Cool Britannia: A Ride Through The Swinging 60s, Cedars Hall, 7.30pm. A cabaret style evening with the 20th Century Foxes. Tables available to reserve, bar open all night, dancing encouraged. For more, visit cedarshall.events or call 01749 834483. n Wells SOUP, Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street/ Portway, 1pm. Enjoy a light lunch as four local charities tell you what they do and each go away with a cheque. Details: 07715 770454. n Coffee Morning hosted by the members of Bright Hour, Wells

Methodist Church, Southover, 10am-12pm. Cake stall etc. All welcome.

April 14 n Mojo Hand, The Venue, South Street, 7pm. n Globe CC Kids Easter Party, Wells FC, 2pm-4pm. Gift from the Easter bunny. £3 per child, under 1s free.

Contact Tan for tickets: 07708 148502.

April 15 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group, Seager Hall, Union Street, 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome.

April 19 n Easter Craft Festival, Wells Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Admission free.

April 20 n Easter Craft Festival, Wells Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Admission free.

April 24 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm.

April 25 n New lecture by art historian Joanna Cobb MA in the series Art and Artifice in Tudor England, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm.

Tickets £10 per person/£18 for two people to include refreshments and handouts. To book contact Joanna, 01458 832178, ericjoanna@waitrose.com, or go along on the day. All welcome.

April 26 n Start of Wells Festival of Film, which runs until April 28. More details at wellsfilmcentre.co.uk April 29 n Tai Chi for Health free taster session, Wells Library, 11.30am12.15pm.

REGULAR EVENTS Every Monday n Wells Breakaways Short Mat Bowls Club, meet every Monday except bank holidays, Kennion Hall, Blue School, from 6.45pm.

Four mats available, try for three weeks for free, beginners welcome, equipment available, refreshments. n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.45pm. Drop in. Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193.

Every Tuesday n Soda Art Group, 1.30pm3.30pm, Learning and Skills Centre, Portway. Special welcome for people with a disability. Tutorials,

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

chances to exhibit, and expeditions out for workshops. More from 01749 673755 or 673334. n Wells Good Afternoon Choir, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm.

‘Singing in the Afternoon’ with Grenville Jones. Everyone welcome. gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk n Smashup badminton for all abilities with music and your mates. Ages 11-18. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 7pm-8pm, £2.50 per session. n Zumba Gold. Lower impact, easier steps, Wells Leisure Centre.

10.45am-11.40am, £5 a session.

Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up. n Don’t struggle with your mental health difficulties alone. Come along to SEO Mental Health peer support group, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm-3.30pm. £3 suggested voluntary donation to cover costs. n Wookey Choirworks (ladies choir), 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Wookey Primary School hall, no auditions, singing for fun, £4pw. Contact wookey.choirworks@gmail.com n Pilates mat class 9.15am, Wells Town Hall. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7pm-9.15pm. Tel Molly 07793 387848. n Ceilidh and Scottish Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30-9.30pm.

Every Wednesday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Wells Bridge Club: Rubber Bridge, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 1.45pm-5pm. Improvers and experienced players welcome, contact 01749 939515 or 01749 674729. n Wells Table Tennis Club, Seager Hall, Union Street, 6.30pm-9pm. n Mendip All Drummers community djembe (African hand-drumming) group. Meet at Croscombe Village Hall, Fayreway, from 10am-1pm. Beginners and learners welcome; drums available. £4 per session. Ring Charles on 07881 304609 or just turn up. n Wells Kettlercise, Town Hall, Market Place, 6pm. First class free.

Pre-booking essential. Contact Sally Ann Frampton, zest2zen@ gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 7.15pm. First class free. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Wells Folk Dance Club, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. All

welcome, whether single or a couple.

Every Thursday n Knitting and Natter, Wells Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Learn knitting, crochet and cross-stitch.

Open to men and women, no need to book. n Tai Chi For Health & Vitality, Westbury Village Hall, 12-1pm. Any age or ability. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n Mid Somerset Wargamers, Seager Hall, Wells, 7pm. Role play and board games. Members must be 18 or over; juniors (12 or over) can attend with adult member. facebook.com/ groups/1395072510738529/ n Pilates mat class, Wells Town Hall, 9.15am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea.

Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. n Trigger Point Pilates, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 10.30am. Ffi contact Sally at zest2zen@gmail. com or 07946 310877. n Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF, 8pm-10pm, £3. For more details call 01458 210051.

Every Friday n Wells Country Market, Seager Hall, Union Street, 10am-noon. All home-cooked food plus craft and produce table. n Live music, The City Arms, High Street, 8.30pm. n Wells Refugee Aid collection at Wells Town Hall, 10am-11.45am. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 9.45am; and seated and standing Pilates class for older adults, 11am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Tai Chi for Health class, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm3.30pm. Very gentle exercise, can be done seated if necessary.

Suitable for all. Everyone welcome. £3 donation. n Wells and Wookey Scottish Dancers, Wookey Village Hall, 7.15pm-9.45pm. All abilities welcome. For more information call 01749 672672 (all day), 01749 677548 (daytime), 01749 672805 (evening) or go to wellsscottishdancers.btck.co.uk Every Saturday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Pay and Play badminton for all

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

35

n WHAT’S ON PILOGAFIT Pilates Yoga Fitness Fusion for Spine & Core Stability SS&L Building, Portway Avenue, Wells Free Parking Fridays 12.15 - 1.15pm St Thomas Church Hall Wednesdays 5.30 - 6.30pm Drop in - Pay as you go - £5 John Beasley 01749 672482 www.pilogafit.co.uk www.taichi24.co.uk

PILOGAFIT – STANDING Additional exercise class Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 12.45 - 1.45pm Details as above abilities, teenagers and adults, Wells Blue Sports Centre, 9am10am, £3 per session. n Badzone – Wells Junior Badminton Club for all abilities – ages 7-15. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 10am-11am, £3 per session.

Every Sunday n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.15am for 7.30am. Drop in.

Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193.

First Sunday of each month n Irish Set Dancing at Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am-1pm, £3. Bring and share lunch 1pm-2pm. Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3. For more details, call 01458 210051.

First Monday of each month n Wells Fountain Poets meet upstairs at The Venue, 42 South Street, Wells, 7.45pm for 8pm.

First Tuesday of each month n Wells WI, Wells & Mendip Museum. Start 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. n Wells Carers Group, Wells Fire Station Community Room, 10.30am-noon.

First Thursday of each month n Wells Bipolar UK Support Group, East Room, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Confidential,

informal, drop-in basis. Open to all individuals affected by bipolar disorder, including family members and friends.

Second Tuesday of each month n Wells Writers Group, The Globe Inn, Priest Row, 7pm. n Wells Floral Art Society demonstration, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome. Ffi: Janet 01934 712809.

Second Wednesday of each month n Wells Civic Society meets at Wells & Mendip Museum at 7.30pm for interesting and entertaining talks.

Refreshments served and guests welcome. wellscivicsociety.org.uk Third Friday of each month n Goldies Sing&Smile in Wells, Elim Connect Centre, Portway, 1.30pm2.30pm. We’re not a choir but we love music. We sing along to popular hits of the Fifties onwards and socialise together. £2 donation requested.

Third Saturday of each month n Knitting lessons for children, Wells Library, 11am-1pm.

Equipment supplied. Booking

required: 0300 123 2224.

Third Sunday of each month n Gorgons Carnival Club quiz, Britannia Inn, Bath Road, Wells.

Quiz starts at 7.30pm, teams of up to four people, £2 a player. There is also a raffle. More information from Shelly Ford on GorgonsCC@aol. com or 07894 078999.

Last Monday of each month n Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club meets at the Quarter Jack, Wells, for an informal social get-together at 2pm. Coffee etc available. (No meetings on bank holidays.)

Last Tuesday of each month n Wells Floral Art Society practice meeting, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome.

Ffi: Janet 01934 712809.

First and third Mondays n ‘Clickety Click’ knitting group, Wells Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 10am-noon.

First, third (and fifth) Wednesdays n Open Mic Night, The Full Moon, Southover, Wells, 8pm.

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PLUS MANY MORE, A WORLD OF CINEMA AWAITS! Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

36

April 2019

n TAKE A BREAK For serious sudoku fans

Each 3x3 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-9, with each used only once. Can you crack it?

2

7 8 4

3

9 2 7 1 1 2 6 5 8 4 3 2 7 1 8 6

The solution is below – but no peeking until you have had a go!

Š www.123rf.com/profile_zakowski

SUDOKU

7 1

U

S

O

F

A

G I

C

A

A

O

H

N

C

O

U

I

F

N

2

5 4

L

A

O

I S

6

M

A

L 3

D

TXT PERT

8

I

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

2 3

U

6

A

5 7

2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L

3 4

4

S

3

O

2

S

1

I

Down 1 6426742 (7) 2 38623884 (8) 3 3642 (4) 5 52467 (5) 6 62228 (5)

T

Across 4 6756 (4) 5 5462 (4) 7 76342 (5) 8 247728 (6)

SOLUTIONS

B

This month: Capitals

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad

EASY for children

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

8

TXT PERT

Can you help the child find their way out of the maze?

A

5

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

April 2019

37

n SPORT

‘Age doesn’t matter in netball’ SPORTS TALK In the spotlight this month is Elsie Williams, chair and secretary of Wells Netball Club Tell us a bit about your background in netball, Elsie.

I’ve played netball since I was 11, first at school and later for Liverpool Schoolgirls, but stopped playing when I left home to go to university. Moving around the country due to work and then having children meant it was difficult to get involved with netball clubs for any length of time, although I did continue playing. But things changed in 1984 when I moved to Wells from Durham.

I joined the netball club in 1985 and have been a member ever since. The club was then in its infancy and had only one team, playing games and training at Wells Blue School.

Give us a bit of an insight into Wells Netball Club.

The club was formed in 1983 when Tracey Tibbs, Karen Deverell and a small group of people who loved netball at school wanted to continue playing. It has grown from that small beginning to a thriving club, with three teams in the Somerset Senior league and a strong junior section.

The senior teams play in three of the five county leagues; Swans, the first team, are in the Premier League, Bishops, the second team, in the First Division, and Canons, the third team, in the Second Division.

All leagues are very competitive, with games usually being played on Saturdays and

Elsie Williams of Wells Netball Club involve travelling to venues around the county. The playing season runs from September to May. Where is the club based?

Our home courts are at the Sports Ground on Rowdens Road. The club is part of Wells Sports Club, who lease the ground from Mendip District Council.

We’ve been at the Sports Ground since 1995, when money was raised to have the courts laid. Several years of further fundraising enabled us to have floodlights installed, allowing the courts to be used for evening training sessions and games.

Tell us a bit about the people at the club.

We have approximately 25 senior members, ranging in age from teenagers to over 60. Age really doesn’t matter in netball.

We also have up to 30 juniors, who play in the Somerset junior leagues.

The club also has several

qualified umpires, and both senior and junior training sessions are overseen by a qualified coach, all done on a voluntary basis.

Netball is growing in popularity thanks to the success of the national team.

Has that had an impact on the sport locally?

Netball is thriving in Somerset, partly as a result of the gold medal won by England in the last Commonwealth Games.

That raised national awareness of the sport, but initiatives put in place by All England Netball to increase participation have also helped. ‘Back to Netball’ sessions, for those who haven’t played for some time, and more recently ‘Walking Netball’, have been particularly successful.

If people want to join the netball club, when and where is training?

Training takes place on Thursday evenings at the Sports Ground; Juniors from 6pm-7.15pm, and Seniors from 7.15pm-9pm. Our season runs from September until May, although training begins in July when team selection for the new season takes place.

We are always happy to welcome new members. Age and ability don’t matter, just come along and have a go. We’re a very friendly and welcoming club. In addition to training and playing games we have an active social scene, enjoying nights out in Bristol and Bath as well as locally, with the occasional trip to watch Team Bath play. n You can find us on Instagram and Facebook (Wells Netball Club), or contact us on 07790 466436.

Lily Webb

Lily represents England U16s HOCKEY YEAR 11 hockey player, Lily Webb, from Wells Cathedral School, represented England U16 in the internationals against Ireland at Lilleshall National Sports Centre near Telford at the end of February.

Lily, who hails from Launcherley, gained her first caps as a forward in the English team which won both matches in a competitive derby. She is one of 25 members in the elite English squad.

Lily will now look forward to the future series overseas against Belgium, Holland and Germany in the forthcoming months, while also preparing for her GCSEs.

Teams finish in mid-table spots TABLE TENNIS WELLS TT and Wells Whiff Whaffs, newly promoted this season, have finished fifth and seventh in Bridgwater Table Tennis League Division 1.

Wells TT are looking for an additional player for the 2119/20 season, which starts in September. Tel: 07792 766994.

Veale nets late winner as Wells come from behind FOOTBALL Wells City A 2 Clutton Reserves 1 ON a rather blustery day under tough conditions, Wells City A clinched all three points in a nail-biting game against Clutton Reserves.

With the wind behind them, Wells put on a dominant first

half display forcing Clutton to defend deep in their own half. Despite the home team creating multiple goal scoring opportunities, the two sides went into the half time break at 0-0.

Clutton started the second half brightly and took the lead against the run of play when a bad clearance from Wells’ back line resulted in a shot finding the bottom corner from 25 yards out.

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With time running out a change of personnel and formation saw Wells regain their first half dominance when they started to create numerous chances. Whilst still battling against the windy conditions, Wells’ eventual man of the match Lee Lester netted from close range to bring Wells level.

A last-minute hero in the form of substitute Harrison Veale

secured victory for Wells, rising high above the Clutton defence to head home a pinpoint cross from James Russell.

The win followed a draw against top of the table Peasedown and a 2-1 defeat at home to Evercreech Rovers, Russell scoring the Wells goal against Evercreech from the penalty spot ten minutes from time.

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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

Tutoring and help

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

bountiful following recent gales. These MEMBERS and friends met provide support for on Tuesday, March 12, at St intertwining beautiful Thomas’ Church Hall to welcome poppies. Ideal also Tina Parks from Devon. for ‘wayward bound’ Tina founded The Academy of tulips.

Floral Art in 2008 which teaches Spring pot plants Spring pot plants from local shops that commercial floristry and flower included from shops grapelocal hyacinths, mini daffodils, violas and hyacinths were used to effect. arranging. Tina demonstrated that included grape Thrift being the order of the day as the bulbs and plants can be recycled back into the a very modern ‘Dutch Style’ hyacinths, mini garden or replaced on a windowsill to grow that emphasises openness and and more daffodils, blooms. Tina alsoviolas advised alternative support materials to replace the now simplicity. Aptly demonstrated infamous hyacinths were non biodegradable foam. used to effect. using lichen covered twigs Thrift the order The art of sealingbeing ends of individual flowers of the day including orchids and Kalanchia with glue to harvested from the roadside, as the bulbs and plants can be preserve longevity was demonstrated in Members and friends met on Tuesday 12 March at St Thomas Church Hall to welcome Tina Parks from Devon. Tina founded The Academy of Floral Art in 2008 which teaches commercial floristry and flower arranging.

Tina demonstrated a very modern ‘Dutch Style’ that emphasises openness and simplicity. Aptly demonstrated using lichen covered twigs harvested from the roadside, bountiful following recent gales! These provide support for intertwining beautiful poppies. Ideal also for ‘wayward bound’ tulips.

making floral rings. Creations for simple table arrangements that could be expanded to form bridal headdresses!

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 All arrangements were given homes by lucky winners of the draw after which tea and biscuits were enjoyed. Jenny gave the vote of thanks. Practice class on last Tuesday of the month. 9 April, Angie Blackwell ‘Easter Extravaganza’.14 May, Andrew Lloyd ‘A May

recycled back into the garden or replaced on a windowsill to grow more blooms.

Tina also advised alternative support materials to replace the now infamous non-biodegradable foam.

The art of sealing ends of individual flowers including orchids and Kalanchia with glue to preserve longevity was demonstrated in

making floral rings. Creations for simple table arrangements that could be expanded to form bridal headdresses.

All arrangements were given homes by lucky winners of the draw after which tea and biscuits were enjoyed. Jenny gave the vote of thanks. Practice class on last Tuesday of the month.

April 9, Angie Blackwell, Easter Extravaganza. May 14, Andrew Lloyd, A May Baby. Details including upcoming events: Janet Avery 01934 712809.

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April 2019

39

n SPORT Ruth thanked for loyal service

Chance to try hand at bowls

TENNIS WELLS Tennis Club gave many thanks to Ruth Clarke for eight years of looking after its 200 members at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 27.

Ruth has welcomed every new member to the club, managed subscriptions and the introduction of online bookings long after she stopped playing herself. She hands over to new membership secretary Clare Mather.

At the AGM members heard from club chairman Dan Cooke about another successful year of competitive and social tennis, a drive to encourage more young people in the area to enjoy tennis, and on progress of a potential move with Wells Rugby Club to a new site at Haybridge.

Dan said: “A community club is only as good as its volunteer committee. Ruth has been a great example of dedicated effort to make sure every new member feels welcome and has the best

BOWLS

Wells Tennis Club membership secretary Ruth Clarke receives flowers on her retirement from the role start at our club and, of course, that we collect all our subs to remain an efficient enterprise.”

One big change at least in prospect RUGBY THE Six Nations has interrupted the local league season, but Wells have lost the two matches played, away to Chipping Sodbury and at home to Old Richians from Gloucester who had the former Gloucester and Samoan international, Terry Fanolua in their ranks.

With relegation now almost a certainty, one never actually knows until confirmed, as league structures do sometimes change, it might be the time to look at what will be the main change next year for players and supporters.

The answer, travelling. Since the start of 2012, Wells have travelled to something like 60 different grounds. Camborne, St Austell and Bideford in the West and various grounds in

and around Gloucester to the East. Places like Teignmouth, Wimborne, Sherborne and Ivybridge in the South. In cup games it has been Hayle, Maidstone and of course Twickenham.

Next year, the furthest will be Minehead, with most games no more than an hour away and the closest, local rivals Tor, just six miles down the road. The fixture was last played in 2012 – no doubt a welcome relief for some.

There are, however, still four matches still to go this season starting with Chosen Hill FP in Gloucester and then in quick succession, Stroud at home plus Clevedon and Avonmouth, both away to finish the season.

There will be an AGM to follow and maybe any news on the proposed move to Haybridge. It is desperately needed to help the club grow.

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WELLS Bowls Club welcomes new members, whether new to the game or an existing bowler, when it opens for the 2019 season on Saturday, April 13, at 2pm.

Playing membership for bowlers new to the game this season is free, and coaching is available as required.

Bowls is a game that has no age barrier and is played by both Ladies and Men. The City of Wells Bowling Club provides a friendly atmosphere where members can meet new friends.

Club nights are held every Monday at 6.15pm, from April 15, weather permitting. The season runs until September.

The bowls club is in the Recreation Ground by the Bandstand. To find out more, contact David or Trudy Bishop on 01749 678988.

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