Wells Voice April 2023

Fun day of events to celebrate Coronation

THERE will be a fun-filled day of entertainment on Wells Cathedral Green on May 7 to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey in London when the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.

The following day, Sunday, May 7, there will be fun activities for all the family on Wells Cathedral Green to celebrate the Coronation. Local organisations in the community are coming together to offer a range of attractions including live music, family games and craft activities, and children’s races.

Food and drink stalls will open from 10am. At noon the event will be officially opened by the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, after which the live music will start. There will be an exciting programme of music including Wells Cathedral

Continued on page 8

Meeting held to discuss Britannia

Steering group being set up to help develop plans for purchase of pub by community group

Turn to page 3

Portway Annexe artist in residence Edgar Phillips with an example of his work at the Annexe Open Day on March 25, which showcased what is on offer there to the large number of visitors who attended. For more pictures from the Open Day, see www.wellsvoice.co.uk

Two cricket

clubs will become one

New Wells and Horrington Cricket Club formed for 2023 season after merger agreed Turn to page 4

MP backs protest at bank’s action

Pensioner gains more support for her campaign opposing closure of city’s HSBC branch Turn to page 5

Another star turn

Rhys James latest act confirmed for this year’s comedy festival

Turn to page 7

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More steps taken in bid to save Britannia

MORE steps have been taken in the bid to save The Britannia Inn for the community.

Councillor Theo Butt Philip, who is spearheading the campaign to reopen the pub on Bath Road, Wells, organised a public meeting in St Thomas’ Church Hall that was attended by more than 20 people.

He explained that Wells City Council had given its backing for the resubmission of the Asset of Community Value Order (ACVO) application.

This will have additional evidence of public support, including the petition that has been signed by more than 150 people at change.org/p/savethe-brit

If granted, the ACVO would give the community several months in which to set up a Community Interest Company and put together a bid to buy

the pub, which is for sale at £350,000.

Cllr Butt Philip told the meeting that he estimated £500,000 or more might need to be raised to buy the pub, refurbish it, and allow for working capital, and that there had already been some offers of financial support. There are also schemes that can offer funding for such projects.

It was pointed out that The Hop Pole pub at Limpley Stoke, near Bath, had just been bought by the community thanks to a combination of community fundraising and the award of government funding.

One former customer of The Britannia at the meeting said that of 150 community pubs in the country, only one had failed. “That’s very encouraging,” he said, and added of The Britannia: “We’ll make sure it doesn’t fail.”

There was some discussion of uses for The Britannia other than simply as a pub, such as incorporating a shop like The George Inn at Croscombe does, or making it a drop-off point.

“It provides so much

opportunity for so much,” said Cllr Butt Philip.

A steering group is being set up to take the community project forward, and there are likely to be more public meetings to discuss things in the future.

Yourlocallegal experts

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Councillor Theo Butt Philip, centre, with some of those who attended the meeting about The Britannia Inn

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COMPLAINTS

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. 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.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

Cricket clubs agree merger

WELLS Cricket Club and Horrington Cricket Club have announced a merger ahead of the 2023 season. The clubs will come together to form Wells and Horrington Cricket Club.

Constructive meetings were held between the two clubs over the winter around the topic of creating a sustainable future for cricket in the local area.

An agreement was reached that merging the two entities was the best solution, with members of both clubs voting strongly in favour at their respective EGMs.

Wells and Horrington CC was officially formed at its inaugural

Annual General Meeting on March 21. The new club will split games between Old School Lane in South Horrington and Chapel Piece in East Horrington. It will consist of three senior Men’s teams, as well as Women’s and Youth teams. It will become one of very few disability champions in the county.

Both clubs thanked those who have and who continue to sponsor and support them.

Anyone who is looking to get involved in cricket would be welcomed at the new club. For contact details, see www. wellsandhorringtoncc.com

Children’s book now available to buy

THE first in a series of children’s books written by Peter Butler of Wells is now available to buy at www.peterbutlerbooks.co.uk

Wells Voice reported last

month how Peter was inspired to write the Gripper the Crab books by family holidays in Cornwall. Heidi’s New Home was launched on his 80th birthday in March.

Wells Voice Editor Andy Vallis and his wife Sally attended the 2023 Newspaper Awards ceremony at Hilton London Bankside on March 28, where Wells Voice was one of the finalists in The ICNN Independent Community Newspaper of the Year category. There were dozens of entries for this category from all around the country. Judges shortlisted eight, and Wells Voice was among those commended. The winner of the award was London publication The Peckham Peculiar.

MP backs protest at bank branch closure

By Philip Welch

CAMPAIGNING pensioner Beryl Fricker has won the support of Wells MP James Heappey.

She launched a petition opposing the closure of the HSBC bank in Wells which Mr Heappey signed after she told him: “Over the past month I have made it my business to talk to people on the street, market traders, shop and premises owners.

“They are incensed and extremely angry about the proposed closure in June. Not only individual customers but traders who want to withdraw or deposit cash.”

This was not a situation peculiar to Wells. Other MPs up and down the land will have been approached by constituents wanting action about bank closures.

Beryl also poured scorn on HSBC’s chief executive who

had told the Treasury Select Committee of MPs: “We are absolutely committed to having a physical footprint.”

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Mr Heappey said: “High Street banking continues to be important for many in our community and whilst the majority of us are increasingly comfortable with banking online, the needs of those who are not cannot – and must not – be overlooked.

“I will be meeting with HSBC to raise my objections to the branch closure, share the concerns of my constituents, and discuss with them a route forward.

“As ever, with bank branch closures consumer power does matter and so Wells residents that bank with HSBC – and other banks which are currently left in the city –should consider moving their accounts. This would be both in protest against the closure, but more importantly to grow the customer base of the few banks which remain on the High Street.”

Beryl, who was widowed in 2020 after 50 years of marriage, pointed out that HSBC had suggested Wells customers could switch to their nearest branch –Bridgwater, which has no counter service and is two bus journeys away for non-drivers.

One solution to bank closures, suggested Beryl, was a shared banking hub with a counter where different banks took turns to staff it.

The post office in Tucker Street can accept mail and sell stamps but lacks the possibility of private meetings to discuss money matters, she said.

Beryl arranged to meet the MP at Wells Town Hall and went with her friend Elinor Clare for support. They met after Beryl contacted the Wells Community Network as she was struggling to manage her garden in Wells. WCN volunteer Elinor offered to help and now they are close friends.

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Beryl Fricker watches MP James Heappey sign her petition in Wells Town Hall

‘High Street banking continues to be important for many in our community’

A collection of lead toy figures. Sold £5000

Two late 19th century Meissen flower encrusted teacups and saucers Sold £500

An extremely rare 1847 Gothic proof coin Sold £6300

A late 19th century Leroy & Fils (Paris & London) brass striking carriage alarm clock Sold £480

Noisy night-time roadworks questioned

A RESIDENT of Portway, Wells, says he hopes no other residents of the city will ever have to endure what people living in the area have had to put up with as a result of the recent roadworks.

Drilling and digging during Somerset County Council’s upgrade of the traffic lights at the junction of Portway and Strawberry Way continued into the night, on one occasion from 11pm to 4am.

“Living on Portway for the last few months has been intolerable due to Somerset Council’s decision to allow contractors to work overnight, in a residential area, with heavy machinery including pneumatic drills both hand and machine operated,” said Nick Potts.

“I can’t say what the decibel output of road drills is or what the vibrations that shook the landing mirrors register on any scale, but I do know that if I had music equipment that could replicate that same level of noise

and vibration and I put it on so that other residents couldn’t sleep, then the police would soon be knocking at my door.

“Asked why this couldn’t all be done during the day we were told it was because of the additional daytime traffic. So instead of drivers having to wait an extra five minutes, 250 residents lost sleep.”

But Nick and his neighbours were puzzled when workers then turned up during the day to paint lines on the road.

Nick said: “Apparently line painting can be done during the

day. The question is, why is it OK for the quiet line painters to close half the road and cause tailbacks, but not for noisy diggers? I believe the council have a lot of questions to answer, not least why were works allowed during the night and probably charged at a premium when it is quite obvious this was not needed?

“Let’s hope that with the amalgamation of council regions and resources they consider their residents more in the future.”

A county council spokesman said: “We appreciate that any work carried out in close

proximity to peoples’ homes is likely to be disruptive which is why night operations were kept to a minimum. There were a total of three night shifts during the scheme’s four-month schedule.

“As part of the planning process our team does consider alternative scenarios such as carrying out the work during the day. This was not possible here, as the sheer volume of daytime traffic would necessitate a road closure, which in turn would have been unmanageable due to the lack of a suitable alternative route through Wells.

“However, we accept that there appears to have been a lack of understanding from some residents that evening work was scheduled and we apologise for this. We have flagged this with our contractor and will ensure prior notice, including letter drops, signage and other communications are as clear as possible from the outset for any future works.”

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Line painting being carried out during the daytime at Portway

Rhys James added to comedy line-up

ANOTHER big name has been added to the bill for this year’s Wells Comedy Festival.

Festival favourite Rhys James, pictured right, a star of Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, is bringing his tour show Spilt Milk to Cedars Hall on Friday, May 26.

Extra tickets have also been released for Jen Brister’s previously sold out show. Her venue has been upgraded to Cedars Hall due to popular demand, so now there is another opportunity to buy tickets.

Tickets for Jamali Maddix, Esther Manito, Stephen Bailey, Mark Watson, Chloe Petts, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Phil Wang and Jessica Fostekew are also

selling fast. Tickets are selling fast as well for the Friday and Saturday Night Galas at Wells Little Theatre and Cedars Hall. These shows feature an array of special performances from festival favourite comedians. For people looking for something to enjoy with little ones, Shelf: The Kids’ Show is an entertaining family friendly comedy show. Shelf perform for children across the UK with Comedy Club 4 Kids and Girl Guides, including appearances at Underbelly and Latitude Festivals.

Wells Comedy Festival will take place from May 26-28, and all shows are on sale at www.wellscomfest.com

Ambassadors back to help visitors

WELLS Ambassadors are back on the beat after their winter break. This team of volunteers boost tourism – a huge part of the city’s economy – by welcoming visitors, handing out maps and pointing out what there is to see in Wells.

“It is hugely rewarding to help people see the best of the city,” said Wells Ambassador Charlie

Sutton, “and it’s interesting to meet people from across Britain and the rest of the world.”

This initiative was started to help Wells recover from the Covid lockdowns and is the brainchild of Ross Young, who has arranged for any Ambassador to receive a free drink each shift at Cafe Twentyone or the Bishop’s Eye.

Wells Ambassadors gather outside the Tourist Information Centre

Activities on Green to mark Coronation

From page 1

Song Squad, Mojo Working, Wells City Band, Blue School Folk Group and Wells Cathedral School Jazz Combo.

The celebrations are being organised by Wells City Council working in partnership with Wells Cathedral. Mayor Cllr Cursley said: “Sunday, May 7, will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with friends and relatives on our historic Cathedral Green, whether enjoying family games, races and crafts or listening to a great musical line-up. Come along, bring a picnic and join in the fun.”

As part of the celebrations, an art exhibition will take place

in the Cathedral Cloisters from Tuesday, May 2, to Friday, May 12. There will be exhibits by local artists covering a variety of media including paintings, Raku

Attendee at loyal addresses event

A WOMAN with links to Wells was among those in attendance for a series of loyal addresses to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on March 9 to mark the start of his reign.

Kate Dean attended Wells Blue School – when she was Kate Buchanan – and her mother Julie Romeo runs the Earthcraft shop on Priory Road.

Now as a Unitarian Minister, Rev Kate Dean was part of a delegation representing the Free Churches of Britain when 27 historic ‘privileged bodies’ gave their loyal addresses to the King.

Other bodies represented included the General Synod of the Church of England, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the Bank of England,

Rev

and the Military Knights of

fired ceramics, kiln fused glass, stained glass, mosaic, stitched textiles, recycled/reclaimed steel and willow sculpture.

Art students from the Blue School and Wells Cathedral School will be taking part in the exhibition. Shilen Tanna, Academic Recovery Director and Leader of Art at the Blue School, said: “The Blue School are thrilled to have the opportunity of sharing the visual outcomes from a few of their Year 12 students. We hope everyone will enjoy seeing their exhibited art in such a wonderful environment during a time of historic change.”

For more information, contact Wendy Ray: 07787 874198.

Pubs, clubs and bars across the country will be able to stay

open for an extra two hours on Friday and Saturday of the Coronation weekend.

There will also be an extra bank holiday on Monday, May 8, to mark the Coronation.

u Guild members join celebrations, page 14

Call for people to help clear litter

A CALL has gone out to everyone who wants to contribute to the ‘Lend a Hand’ initiative for Coronation weekend.

People are invited to become a volunteer litter picker to clean the streets of Wells on Monday, May 8. All kit is provided, as are refreshments after the clean-up.

Those who would like to take part can choose either a morning session, from 10.30am-noon, or an afternoon session from 2pm3.30pm.

The meeting place is Wells Town Hall. Contact Councillor Deborah Orrett on d.orrett@ wells.gov.uk for more details.

Wells Cathedral Song Squad

Kate Dean, left, with Rev Sue Woolley, President of the Free Churches Group

Windsor. In response, the King gave a speech of gratitude for their loyalty.

Wells Blue School Folk Group

Children’s races will be part of the fun on May 7

A Penny Farthing art exhibit

The art exhibition will take place in the Cloisters from May 2-12

Chance to use set with place in history

The Wells Rocks team report on a busy time for music in the city

Do you aspire to become a famous podcaster?

The Wells Contemporary Music Centre in the Portway Annexe has yet another facility to offer. In March, the Wells Rocks team was offered a rare acoustic table and two script supports. This is not just any table. It is reported to have been used by Sir David Attenborough, Sigourney Weaver and other famous personalities who recorded natural history programmes at the BBC’s studios in Bristol. This set has generously been donated by the BAFTA winning dubbing engineer, Martyn Harries. Martyn, who is now based at the University of the West of England’s Music Technology Department in Bristol, worked with it in the BBC’s dubbing theatres in Bristol before acquiring it at the end of its life there. Following a minor

refurbishment by Wells Rocks, the set made its debut at the Portway Annexe’s Open Day. It can now be found in the Rehearsal Room. Budding podcasters or aspiring local radio programme producers may now book the room for £5 per hour by contacting Alex (comms@Wells.gov.uk) at the Portway Annexe community hub.

Upgraded computers

One of the two Dell computers donated last month by Wells Rocks’ sister organisation, Construction Rocks, has now been commissioned to enable multitrack music production using the Reaper digital audio workstation. It is a very flexible system for creating immersive sound projects as it can accommodate

a wider range of loudspeaker set-ups than most other systems. For further information, check out https://www.reaper.fm or pop down to the Portway Annexe and use it in the Electronic Music Studio, also bookable through Alex for a modest £5 per hour.

The Wells Rocks team are now looking to establish some special interest groups to broaden the use of the Wells Contemporary Music Centre. If you are interested in learning more about making music, developing electronic music or setting up a shared music interest group, please contact info@wellsrocks.org

The Mayor’s Charity Concert

The Wells Rocks Team would like to thank Strode College’s band, Instructions Unclear, for performing at the Mayor’s Charity Concert. Josh Evans (guitar and vocals), Luc Taylor-Rickard (drums) and Rhys Morgan (bass and vocals) did a great

job. Thanks also to Dan Shaw for making it happen. Strode College have supported the Wells Contemporary Music Centre since its establishment. It was great to see the band perform alongside musicians from Wells Cathedral School and The Blue School at Cedars Hall.

Make Music Day 2023

It does not seem like long since we celebrated Make Music Day in 2022, but plans are being made for the next one on Wednesday, June 21. If you are thinking of organising a musical event on that day, please let us know by emailing info@wellsrocks.org. You may also register your event on the national organiser’s website: https://makemusicday. co.uk. All events need to be free to enter on this global day celebrating music of all kinds.

u Music night gives good cause a boost, page 33

Invitation to enter Bloom competitions

BUILDING on the successes of last year’s Wells in Bloom competitions, Wells City Council is inviting schools, businesses, community organisations, private gardens and allotment holders to enter the 2023 new categories for judging in June.

Last year saw the relaunch of the competitions with new entrants and new judges, and organisers learnt from feedback what might work better for this year. They hope that by bringing forward the judging to June it will be a better time of year for gardeners to show off their gardens.

There are additional awards to ensure the categories are appropriate for the different organisations and gardeners of Wells, and the judging criteria will include wildlife friendly and sustainability along with presentation and plantings.

Last year’s overall winner Jean Fairburn was presented

with her award, along with other winners, at the Wells In Bloom Award Ceremony in the Town Hall last October. She said afterwards: “It was lovely to have the opportunity to share my garden with others and to see the variety of planting styles and colour that’s possible in gardens of different sizes.

“It really gives a gardener an added aim of getting the garden

ready and just right for judging and it was great to meet other gardeners and the judges at the awards ceremony which was really quite an event.”

Patricia Parfitt, winner of the Best Wildlife Friendly Garden, said: “I had no idea I would win wildlife friendly garden so was totally overwhelmed on presentation evening. I have always gardened with wildlife in

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The full range of judging criteria and online application forms can be found on the Wells City Council website at wells.gov.uk/wells-in-bloom

Hard copy application forms and more information can be obtained from the Town Hall (01749 673091) or Cllr Denise Denis (d.denis@wells.gov.uk).

Anne Flintham Branch Director

Some of last year’s winners at the Wells in Bloom Awards ceremony in Wells Town Hall in October

Chance of tickets for completing survey

WELLS Cathedral is inviting local residents and visitors to complete a short survey to inform plans for a new visitor experience at Vicars’ Close.

The survey – available via the Cathedral website (wellscathedral.org.uk/ vicarsclose) – provides a key opportunity for people to share their experiences to date, and to offer their insights into how they would like to engage in its history and heritage in the future.

Crystal Johnson, Project Manager, says: “The survey only takes about five minutes to complete, but the feedback it gives us will be invaluable in helping to develop the project. We are looking to understand more about our current and

potential audiences, what interests them, and what might prevent them from visiting. We are also keen to hear what people would like to see within the new visitor experience at Vicars’ Close.”

As an added incentive, the Cathedral is offering anyone completing the survey the opportunity to win 2 x Gold tier tickets to this year’s Candlelight Carols in the Cathedral. Worth £100, these tickets sell out fast every year. The lucky winner will be able to choose tickets for either December 19, 20 or 21, 2023. More information on the draw is given at the end of the survey.

Above, a local takes a closer look at Vicars’ Close

Shop now stocks aquarium fish

PET store owners Nigel and Heather Derrick have turned a section of their Wells shop into a new aquatic centre.

Customers can now find live fish, aquariums and accessories for sale when they visit Natural Pets of Wells in Queen Street.

“We have a good selection of both cold water and tropical fish along with everything anyone could possibly need to keep them,” said Nigel.

Fish stocked range from cold water varieties such as fantails,

comets, goldfish and shubunkins to tropical fish such as guppies, tiger barbs, tetras, angels and many more.

“We also have a good selection of aquariums in all sorts of sizes along with every possible additional item you could possibly need for the aquariums,” said Nigel. “The aquariums and accessories we stock are the same range that we have been selling in our Midsomer Norton shop for several years now with excellent customer feedback.”

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Stained glass experts called in to restore historic windows

WELLS conservation specialists

Holy Well Glass have been appointed to complete significant restoration work on the four historic stained-glass windows at Birmingham Cathedral.

About 3,000 hours of work will be involved, the majority of which will be completed on-site. This work will include removing a substantial build-up of debris and repairing areas of cracking, failed leading and paint loss.

The windows were designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris. They are considered some of the most acclaimed stained-glass in the world, depicting four scenes from the life of Christ.

Scaffolding will be erected after Easter and will remain in place until later this year, providing an opportunity for visitors to see this work up close from a special viewing platform. Some portions of stained-glass will be removed for cleaning and repairs to take place, but some elements of this will also be completed within the cathedral for the public to see first-hand.

A range of events are also planned at Birmingham Cathedral between May and September, to enable visitors to learn about the windows, their significance, and their heritage. This includes guided tours and meet the conservator workshops.

Anna Pitt, CEO at Birmingham Cathedral, said: “This project has been in

Art competition open for entries

ENTRIES have started to be submitted for this year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) competition.

Shortlisted works will be exhibited at Wells Cathedral from August 5 to September 2, and will be automatically entered for a wide range of awards, including cash prizes, a residency, mentoring and more. The closing date for entries for the Installation Show was March 22, while artists have until May 10 to submit artworks for the Gallery Show. To enter the Gallery Show, go to: new. artopps.co.uk/opportunities/ Wells-Art-Contemporary2023 WAC is open to all artists over the age of 18 working around the world in all media and styles.

conception since 2014, so being able to finally start the physical conservation work is an exciting milestone. Our hope is that by Christmas, our windows will be bright, clean and preserved safely for future generations to enjoy.

Holy Well Glass bring incredible expertise to undertake this historic work, and we are looking forward to working with the team over the coming months.”

restoring what is undoubtedly Edward Burne-Jones’ master work. The engagement with the community and their great pride in the cathedral, and these superb windows will be a great experience for our conservators.”

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Jack Clare, Director at Holy Well Glass – which is based at Old Priory Mill in West Street, Wells – said: “We count ourselves fortunate to work at many of the great cathedrals and churches in the UK, but this project is especially exciting for the team, conserving and

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Holy Well Glass will start by removing the protective grills on the outside of the cathedral. Glass conservation, stone cleaning, masonry repairs and the construction of new protection measures will then be undertaken.

The work is part of the cathedral’s Divine Beauty project that aims to conserve and protect the four windows. It is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

IN February, the achievements of 15 newly qualified youth workers were celebrated at a special certificate presentation event at Dillington House, Ilminster. The event, which was hosted by the Somerset Youth Work Alliance, brought together more than 50 guests including youth workers and young people to celebrate and champion youth provision in the county. The training was made possible thanks in part to £25,000 of grant funding from Somerset Community Foundation which was awarded as a result of a joint application made by the SYWA and Spark Somerset.

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Detail from two of the windows that will be restored Pictures: Holy Well Glass

ATC group seeking new chairperson

LIFE as an RAF cadet offers challenge, excitement and adventure.

The focus is on young people enjoying themselves while improving their skills.

But adult volunteers play a vital role and 1955 (City of Wells) Squadron ATC needs a chairperson to help keep their group running smoothly.

“Last year the Wells squadron’s long-serving chairperson sadly and unexpectedly passed away. This has left a position on our local air cadet committee,” said Steve Goodland, Devon and Somerset Wing Chairman who lives locally and is chairing the Wells committee on an interim basis.

He explained that each squadron has a civilian committee whose role is to

support the commanding officer, manage the finances and ensure the squadron maintains direction.

“Many parents, guardians and supporters get a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from helping ‘their squadron’

as a member of the committee,” said Steve.

The committee meet every two to three months, including an AGM, plus supporting occasional committee, squadron and community events.

“If you have a little spare

time and capacity to support our organisation in Wells, even if for a limited timeframe, please contact me on chair.dsw@rafac. mod.gov.uk,” said Steve.

“I can arrange a quick call to explain the role and answer any questions you may have.”

Guild members join celebrations

BY Royal Appointment? Not quite, but an invitation to join in the Coronation celebrations for three members of The Somerset Guild.

The Mayor of Wells, Stewart Cursley, working with the Cathedral, is putting on a display of work by local arts and crafts people from May 2-12. Among those taking part will be: Alicia Merrett – textiles; Chris Walters – kiln fired glass; and Simon Eeles – pottery.

They will be displaying work specially made for the event which is titled Art in The Cathedral Cloisters and is just one part of the city’s King’s Coronation celebrations.

Meantime, more of Alicia, Chris and Simon’s work can be seen at the Gallery at 23a Broad Street, Wells. The Guild has more than 100 active members with diverse craft skills and approaches to chosen materials.

Tanith Tothill, Gallery Manager, said: “I’m constantly amazed by the range and standard of work received from our members. It’s lovely to highlight some great work through Art in the Cathedral; that’s just a small sample of what we always have on offer.”

Easter Egg-stravaganza at rugby club

WELLS RFC Mini and Junior section is holding an Eggstravaganza Fayre on Saturday, April 8. There will be stalls, Splat the Coach, a bar, food, kids’

craft area, cakes, bottle tombola, chocolate tombola and more. All are invited to join the fun at the rugby club at Charter Way from 12pm until late.

Chris Walters at work

The 1955 (City of Wells) Air Training Corps at their base in Wells Picture: Philip Welch

Lane activities to be attuned to Nature

Maddy Milnes of Sustainable Wells provides an update on the project to protect the natural environment at Tor Hill Lane

FOLLOWING the result of the residents’ survey in October/ November last year, when 80 per cent of respondents supported an annual grass cut to help Nature on Tor Hill Lane, Sustainable Wells is pleased to announce that a Licence has been signed with Mendip District Council (to be transferred to the new Somerset Council in April 2023). The Licence is also supported by Wells City Council who are providing the insurance cover for the project.

The plan is to watch and wait with a team of volunteers keeping a close eye on the grass verges along the path and carrying out activities at times that best suit Nature. Local people will have noticed that Idverde have cleared out the

ditch either side of the pond to mitigate the risk of flooding and the hedge was cut before the end of February; a time chosen so as not to disturb nesting birds. The annual grass cut will take place in July to give flowers a chance to seed, after which a team of volunteers will rake up the grass to reduce nutrients soaking into the ground, making the soil better suited for wildflowers

and so increase the biodiversity of the verges. Before the cut, a survey of wildlife will be carried out in June, which will be used to assess our progress. We will repeat this annually to see how Nature takes over, with a little help along the way, we hope we will see more wildflowers and wildlife eventually. To support our work, regular visits will be made to Tor Hill Lane and a WhatsApp group of ‘wardens’ has been set up so that issues can be picked up and dealt with quickly.

We have had our first litterpick with the wonderful help of Deborah Woolven-Orrett and her team and Tor Hill Lane volunteers. Local residents who requested to be kept informed were invited to Walk and Talk events in March to continue with the conversation about how best to manage the area.

As a local resident said: “This area is precious and there is

nowhere else in Wells quite like it.”

It’s a wonderful place to appreciate our natural environment. To encourage more people to connect with Nature, there will be ‘Mindful’ event on May 31 led by Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager from Bishop’s Palace, with a team of volunteer helpers, who will facilitate family-friendly activities along the path and surrounding meadow and woods. More information will be available soon on our website www.sustainablewells.org.uk

We can all play our part to ensure this area is clean for Nature by please taking your litter home or by using bins provided, picking up your dog’s mess every single time and ideally keeping your dog on a lead along the lane. Please email: sustwells@gmail.com if you wish to help with this project or to find out more.

Tor Hill Lane

Dave is given anaesthesia with a tiny face mask; inset, the site of the surgery is healing well

A big lump for a little patient

I LOVE dealing with all of my patients, great and small, but I have long had a special interest in all things small and furry.

Dave definitely falls into this category. He is a degu, a small, friendly rodent native to the Andes. Degus are sociable little souls, who like to live in groups in burrows in the wild. As pets, they need to be able to climb, chew, dig, jump and rush about, so building them suitable but safe enclosures can be challenging, but great fun.

Dave came to us in January this year with a nasty looking lump on his thigh. Despite being a senior individual, at a grand old eight years of age, Dave was otherwise really well, and the lump didn’t appear to be bothering him particularly. After a full general health check, we discussed the situation with Dave’s owner and decided to take a little biopsy of the lump before deciding whether to put him through surgery to remove it.

We gave Dave an injection of painkiller as a pre-medication, then used anaesthetic gas mixed with oxygen to send him to sleep, maintaining anaesthesia with a tiny face mask. I took a small sample of cells from the lump

Group soon to meet more often

THE Connect-Ed Inclusive Board Games and Social Group has won a bid for further funding so it will soon be able to start meeting twice a month. At the moment the group, for adults with autism spectrum conditions, mild learning differences, hidden disabilities and physical disabilities, meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 3.30pm-5.30pm at the Lawrence Centre, Wells, BA5 2PQ. In the next couple of months it will be meeting on the first and last Tuesday of each month.

The meetings are free, with refreshments provided, and all are welcome.

n Local organisations are being asked to donate empty ink cartridges via a special online link to benefit the Connect-Ed group. It will receive a donation from Recycle4Charity for empty ink cartridges donated via the link https://www. recycle4charity.co.uk/Register/ C144656

The lookup tool will confirm the ink cartridge donation value. All ink cartridges sent must have a combined donation value of £2 or more as smaller donations will not be processed.

Those who register to donate will receive a free collection box or postage paid returns label.

and we woke Dave up again and sent him home the same afternoon. I examined the cells we took under the microscope and confirmed that they were not showing signs of being malignant. This being the case, it was reasonable to put Dave through surgical removal of the lump as he had a good chance of a complete cure afterwards.

The following week, we admitted Dave again and gave him another general anaesthetic. I excised the lump using electrosurgery; this technique uses an electrical impulse to incise and seal the tissue at the same time, thus avoiding haemorrhage. It’s really important to avoid blood loss in exotic patients as they are so small and have very little blood to lose. I applied local anaesthetic to the surgical site, then sutured the wound back together.

Dave went home the same day with some painkillers and went on to make a full recovery.

Each week we see all sorts of different pets at Wells surgery, from degus to rabbits, from tortoises to snakes, from parrots to chickens. And we love treating them all.

Polly Cornwell

A new Letters to Heaven postbox has been installed at Mendip Crematorium, near Wells, where people can now post letters to loved ones they have lost. Crematorium business leader Martin Saunders, right, was inspired to follow the move by a crematorium in Nottingham that took up the suggestion from Matilda Handy, aged nine, so that she could send her late gran and grandad cards and letters. ‘We’ve found that writing letters to a loved one can bring a sense of healing to some bereaved families,’ said Mr Saunders.

Brass Academy proving popular

WELLS City Band’s new Brass Academy is up and running, with a waiting list for beginners. Numbers are restricted to the number of instruments available.

The Band has been delighted with the uptake from adults wishing to learn.

As a thriving brass band, Wells City Band is now able to reach out to others and is pleased

to welcome Lions 4 Youth Brass and Glastonbury Care Home Singers to join it in the concert at Cedars Hall on Sunday, May 14, at 3.30pm. Profits will be shared with the Academy, and the I See You Community Fund raising awareness for bedside music in care homes.

Contact janehill546@aol.com for more information.

Book recalls bishop’s time in Tower

A NEW book examines, for the first time, the loyalties of the people of Somerset, including the gentry and clergy, in the period leading up to the First English Civil War. Somerset’s Loyalties on the Eve of Civil War: Bishops, Ireland and Parliamentary Petitions, 16411642, by Dr Adrian Webb and Sue Berry, includes an account of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, including his time in the Tower

of London. The book is available from the publisher, or Ebay, at £49.95 who can be contacted at 19 Kirke Grove, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8SB, email: somersethistorian@gmail.com

Orders are sent post free to a United Kingdom address if purchased direct from the publisher, who can offer a ten per cent discount to Wells Voice readers. Cheques should be made payable to Adrian Webb.

Special film made about climate crisis

FIVE local women are making a film about the climate crisis which will have a public screening at the Bandstand in Wells Recreation Ground on Sunday, April 16.

The group filmed at the Rec in March after responding to the offer of a filmmaking commission by Somerset Film and Fabian’s Films, supported by Mendip District Council and Arts Council England. The KinoKotch street cinema project asked individuals or groups to apply to make a short film inspired by and placed in the city of Wells.

The five women, Kim Chenoweth, Tina Salvidge, Alison Hull, Jane Lee and Rosa Kell, only met last September on a KinoKotch course and gelled through their interest in environmental issues.

Their film focuses on the climate crisis though the story of one person who is observed communing with nature.

They also wanted to draw attention to how, just as the natural world on our doorstep can be overlooked, so can older people.

Kim plays the lead character in the film, a representation of

Mamma Mia! outdoor screening

WELLS Film Centre and The Bishop’s Palace are teaming up again for their seventh annual outdoor cinema on Friday, April 28.

This year the film will be Mamma Mia! (PG). Mamma Mia tells the story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA.

The drawbridge opens at 6.30pm and pre show – to be announced – starts at 8pm followed by the film.

Tickets are £25 each and include a hog roast supplied by South Devon Hog Roast, a drink and a goody bag.

Sally Cooper, Wells Film Centre proprietor, said: “We are really excited about returning to The Bishop’s Palace again this year. Tickets have been selling well already and the event looks to be shaping up to be a fun evening.”

Tickets can be purchased

direct from Wells Film Centre daily from 1pm to 9pm, over the phone during these hours on 01749 673195 or online 24/7 at wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

older people, but she also quotes words from Greta Thunberg to show solidarity by older people with those who are younger.

The film highlights the issue of environmental breakdown, the absence of trees and insects. Kim said: “I’m 75. In my lifetime I’ve seen less wild birds, and I find that quite horrifying.”

The open-air screening on April 16 will start at 8.30pm. A second film will also be shown: Woman At War (12), a Cannes Film Festival winner, is described as an “entertaining Icelandic-Ukrainian comedydrama”, and also has an environmental theme.

Tickets are free but advance booking is recommended by calling 01278 433187 or visiting somersetfilm.com/get-involved. Children aged under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Audience members are advised to take camping chairs and blankets.

Rosa Kell, Kim Chenoweth, Alison Hull, Jane Lee and Tina Salvidge are pictured during filming at Wells Recreation Ground

Tickets are now on sale to see Mamma Mia! at The Bishop’s Palace

Service marks historic moment

A SPECIAL service of thanksgiving took place at Wells Cathedral on Sunday, March 12, to mark an historic milestone in Somerset’s history.

The service celebrated the contribution and coming together of Somerset’s five councils before the coming into effect of Somerset Council on Saturday, April 1.

Councillors and staff from the councils – Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset District Councils, and Somerset County Council – took part in the Choral Evensong at the Cathedral.

Councillor Mike Best, Chair of the county council, said: “It was wonderful to see so many attend this very special service giving thanks for what we have collectively achieved over the decades.

“We now look forward to serving the people of Somerset as we open a new chapter in our

history, working together as a single council, bringing the very best of the past with us as we embark on our shared future.”

The five councils’ chairs – Cllr Best, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey (Somerset West and Taunton), Cllr Helen Sprawson-White (Mendip), Cllr Alan Bradford (Sedgemoor) and Cllr Paul

n LETTERS

City’s cultural life to become new focus

WE are writing as directors of The Old Deanery Project, a Community Interest Company, set up in 2019, when the Diocese of Bath and Wells announced that its Grade I listed Old Deanery on Cathedral Green was no longer suitable as offices and was to be sold.

Maxwell (South Somerset) –left their chains of office on the Cathedral’s altar to signify the transition from five councils to one.

The chains, including the insignia of the former West Somerset Council, will be put on display at the Museum of Somerset.

We realised that this historic Wells asset, and its garden, offered huge possibilities for community and public use. Accordingly, we worked with a specialist Historic Buildings developer to try to acquire it for a sustainable mixed project. This was to include new heritage and cultural provision for visitors, much-needed community resources and some housing to help pay the bills.

It was an ambitious project but, with the help of the Charities Aid Foundation, and investment from our expert development partners, we were able to put together an unconditional bid

The five council Chairs, from left: Councillor Helen Sprawson-White, Councillor Alan Bradford, Councillor Mike Best, Councillor Paul Maxwell and Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey

to buy the freehold at a sum in excess of the asking price. Thanks to the hard work of another of our directors, the late Christopher Bond, we also obtained signatures of support for the initiative from around 1,700 local people.

Readers of Wells Voice will have seen last November that the Diocese had instead sold the Old Deanery to purchasers for conversion to a private residence. We are respecting the desire of the purchasers for anonymity. Their bid was higher than ours, and clearly the CIC’s argument for the building’s continuity of public use as a high-quality and prominent visitor attraction with economic and social benefits to Wells, fell on deaf ears.

In December 2022, the new owners applied for Change of Use from commercial to residential (2022/1833). Despite our strong planning objections, Mendip District Council’s Planning Board approved the application.

Sadly, the CIC can see no further means of saving this

unique asset for the purposes we have been working to promote. Over the last four years there has been considerable and growing support for our campaign. We would like to thank those in Wells and beyond, who have helped in many and various ways.

We hold no bad feelings

towards the new owners who are doubtless pursuing dreams of their own for the Old Deanery when restored. We wish them luck in their negotiations with Historic England over the stringent restrictions that a Grade I listing imposes on any changes to such a building. The future? Well, we and others are turning our thoughts as to how cultural life in Wells –already well developed in many ways via the Literary, Food and Theatre Festivals, the Cathedral’s Art Contemporary exhibition, Cedars Hall, the Museum and Carnival – can be made even better, and better known to visitors, through a co-ordinated approach.

In addition, we are asking the Old Deanery’s owners to provide occasional opportunities for the public to view what was once the 16th-century Dean Turner garden and dream about what might have been.

Adrian I’Anson

Geraldine Peacock

So lucky in Wells to have such people

A HUGE thank you to our lovely Repair Cafe that is held in St Thomas’ Church Hall every couple of months. Run by Sustainable Wells, cheerful, generous and skilful volunteers take a look at items needing repair.

I visited on March 4 – tea, coffee and wonderful cakes were available whilst I awaited my turn.

The amazingly patient volunteer who successfully repaired my Remoska lid was a marvel and enjoyed this extremely complicated challenge. The repair really was a work of art and I was so thrilled that once again I can use my beloved item.

We are so fortunate in Wells to have so many dedicated volunteers who generously share their time and skills and I applaud them all. Thank you very much indeed.

Paddy

O’Hagan Wells

Christine Costello Wells

The Old Deanery, which has been sold to purchasers for conversion to a private residence

Green light for new specialist school

CHILDREN in Somerset will benefit from a new free specialist school in Wells which will provide places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Somerset County Council has been successful in its application to the Department for Education (DfE) to open the school, one of 33 new free special schools nationally.

Councillor Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We are committed to supporting our children with additional needs and a new school in Wells will mean children in the eastern part of Somerset will get the support they need without having to travel as far as they do now.

“We welcome the additional investment and the

Government’s aspiration for it to be easier for children to get the support they need locally.

“As well as more school places, most importantly this specialist school means students will get the extra help they need to thrive in their education.”

The school in Wells is expected to open in three to four years and will provide 64 places for children aged nine to 16.

Free schools are funded by the Government and run independently of the council. The first step is to ask academy trusts to apply to establish the new school. More details will be available once this has been set up.

The school will be easily accessible to students from Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Cheddar.

Artist resumes work on mosaic

WORK on the Wells in Mosaic community artwork was slightly delayed after artist Ruth AmesWhite broke her wrist. She is now recovered and working again on the walkable mosaic map of Wells, which is more than halfway to completion.

An Open Studio event was held in March to give sponsors and supporters an opportunity to see for themselves how the mosaic is progressing. For more information about the project, including how to become a sponsor or make a donation, see wellsinmosaic.org

Events lined up at library in April

APRIL activities at Wells Library will include:

n Lego Club is on Saturday, April 22, at 10.30am. For ages five and up. Book a place to avoid disappointment by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

n Police Beat Surgery – A chance to talk to a local PCSO at Wells Library on Wednesday, April 19, between 11am and 12pm. No appointment necessary.

n Tai Chi Taster Sessions –Monday, April 10, and Monday, April 24, at 10.30am. No need

to book for these gentle flowing workouts, and free. Held outside in the courtyard, weather permitting.

n IT Help – People who need some assistance with a tablet or smartphone can book a free onehour session on a Wednesday morning at either 10.30am or 11.30am and get the help they need. Email wlslib@somerset. gov.uk

n Board Game Club – Learn and play some traditional board games every other Friday at 2pm – April 14 and 28. No need to book, just drop in and have a go.

wells in mosaic

Artist Ruth Ames-White with a section of the Wells in Mosaic

Wells club has stand-out stand

WELLS Classic Motorcycle Club won the much sought after Best Club Stand award at the Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show.

A major event in the motorcycle calendar, it was held over the weekend of February 25 and 26, at the Bath and West Showground.

Club members displayed 15 Classic motorcycles ranging from year 1914 through to the late 1980s. The display was complemented by a clubhouse theme which included a Bikers Rest Cafe along with a fully stocked bar at one end and a workshop / shed at the other end.

Amongst the members’ display of bikes there was the club’s ‘Castrol’ lady complete with a ‘Rattle Bucket’ collecting donations for the air ambulance.

The club also organises the popular Tortoise and Hare Motorcycle event at which much-needed funds are raised to

support the air ambulance and Freewheelers. The 2023 event will take place on July 14, 15 and 16.

The club is an active one, with

New initiative for businesses

MARCH saw the start of a new initiative for Wells. Starting bright and early in Sante Wines, more than two dozen businesses got together for a breakfast and networking meeting organised by the Wells Business Forum, a notfor-profit Community Interest Company.

The organisers say the event was hailed as a big success by those that attended.

Nigel Gifford’s talk on the art of the impossible demonstrated the forum’s four core values: integrity, support, opportunity, and resilience. Managing Director Sarah Sloan said that the new forum was all about action and delivery.

new members always welcome. All club details and entry forms are available at www. wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. weebly.com

The networking meetings will be bi-monthly and offer those that wish to grow their business a chance to connect with like-minded people. There is information about how to become a member on the website: wellsbusinessforum.uk

Wells Classic Motorcycle Club members at their winning stand

Roadshow to offer dementia advice

ANYONE with an interest in dementia is invited to go along to the Somerset Dementia Wellbeing Service Roadshow that will be visiting a number of venues in the county until June, including Wells Town Hall on Monday, May 22.

In Somerset, numbers over 65 being diagnosed with dementia is growing faster than the national average. Somerset Integrated Care System is hosting the free roadshow to provide advice and support for those living with dementia and their carers and to help launch the new Somerset Dementia Wellbeing Service.

The roadshows still to take place will be on April 4 at The Princess Theatre, Burnhamon-Sea; April 14 at Minehead Methodist Hall; April 20 at Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater; May 5 at Westlands,

Yeovil; May 12 at The Edgar Hall, Somerton; May 16 at The Bennett Community Centre, Frome; May 22 at Wells Town Hall; and June 2 at Cheddar Village Hall.

They will take place from 10am-4pm. A Virtual Dementia Simulator experience is open free to roadshow attendees on a first come, first served basis between 12.15pm and 1.45pm each day.

Somerset GP and NHS Somerset clinical lead for dementia, Dr Peter Bagshaw, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with people living with dementia and their carers, the voluntary sector, Somerset Foundation Trust and Somerset County Council to help those living with dementia and their carers receive the help that they need. We welcome anyone with an interest in dementia to come down to our roadshows.”

Garage backs good causes

A CARING garage is helping Wells SOUP! support four more good causes – bringing the number helped to more than 80.

Bowley’s of Westfield Road have match-funded Wells Independents’ grant-giving lunch on Saturday, April 15, to the tune of £350.

“We cut back on our advertising and now spend that money on supporting local charities,” said the garage’s coowner Jason Tunnicliffe.

The four good causes who will all benefit from April 15’s SOUP! are Wellspring Music, Wells Community Network, Wells Community Fridge and the Wells

Group for the Visually Impaired. The venue for SOUP! is the Connect Centre from 1pm-2pm. All are welcome.

Wells Independents’ Ross Young said: “We are incredibly proud that these four good causes will bring the number we have helped to raise muchneeded funds, and spread the word about their work, to more than 80.

“We are still open to applications from any charity or project that benefits Wells and the surrounding area. If you are interested in applying please visit the website: www. wellsindependents.org/soup.”

Ross Young thanks Bowley’s co-owners Jason and Jane Tunnicliffe for their support of SOUP!

Artists Lorraine Reilly Millington, Freddie Bird and Marianne Lowen King at the private viewing of their exhibition The Art of Transitional Spaces at Wells & Mendip Museum. The artworks were on display from March 7-25.

Big rise in calls to domestic abuse service

SOMERSET County Council’s domestic abuse service has supported a record number of young people seeking support during 2022/23.

Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) helpline took 301 calls from people between the ages of 16 and 20 since April last year, compared to 128 in 2021/22 – a nearly three times increase.

Proportionately young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. For many, experiences of domestic abuse begin in their childhood home. It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are exposed to domestic abuse. This means that for many young people, their experience of domestic abuse does not begin in their own relationships, but in the childhood home when witnessing adult relatives in abusive relationships.

Young people experiencing

relationships that cause them to feel scared, controlled or who are being harmed can find local, non-judgemental help and support by contacting SIDAS on 0800 69 49 999 or online at www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk

Councillor Adam Dance, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, said: “I am pleased to see an increase in young people coming forward for support

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION HELP!

Last year Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection helped many cats and kittens including the 6 in the photo who were callously dumped on the Somerset Levels.

We expect there will be many more cats looking up to us for help in 2023 and we urgently need more volunteers to help us to help the needy cats.

Right now we are looking for someone who can help us to make more people aware of us and the valuable work we do. Someone who could research local papers, group Facebook pages etc and possibly get publicity from local radio stations to raise our public profile.

Please contact Gill on 01749 850660 if you have experience in this field or would like the challenge.

when they have concerns that they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship or think they know someone who may be. Support is non-judgemental and free through our service and I would encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch with SIDAS.

“If someone is hurting you or making you do something you don’t want to, you do not have to put up with it – help is always available.”

Young people in abusive relationships often experience partners who:

l Constantly check their phone and/or emails without permission

l Put them down in front of others or to their face

l Try to stop them seeing family and friends

l Have mood swings and explosive temper

l Are possessive or are extremely jealous

l Ask them to take part in ‘sexting’

l Make them have sex without consent

l Make them watch pornography or film them having sex

l Make false accusations

l Tell them what they can/can’t wear, where they can/can’t go

l Physically hurt them in any way

l Tell them they will hurt themselves/someone else if they don’t do something

Any relationship that does not make someone feel good is an unhealthy relationship. For young people demonstrating harmful behaviour, and for those they are harming, help and support is available – visit www. somersetsurvivors.org.uk or call 0800 69 49 999 to know more.

In an emergency, call the police on 999. If you can’t speak, listen to the question and then tap or cough to answer. Press 55 to signal an emergency.

Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are exposed to domestic abuse

Hair, Beauty and Barbering students benefited from the expertise of industry professionals who visited Strode College, Street, for its Industry Day. The line-up included former students Ben Hewlett and Kieran Holdsworth, top, from Hewlett & Holdsworth Barbershop in Wells who presented a ‘Burst Fade and Beard Shape’. Erica Czerny from The Crossways, North Wootton, showed a ‘Hair-up Mermaid Braid’ for special events.

Ukrainian students settle into school life

THE 2022/23 academic year is unusual for Wells Blue School as it has accepted about 20 Ukrainian students, and taken on the responsibility to take care of the children who left their own country.

The school says that the Ukrainian children feel safe and comfortable, and have the opportunity to study, to develop and to socialise.

A big step in helping the Ukrainian students adapt has been the employment of English tutors from Ukraine. They help the students to improve their language which is crucial for the best achievements in education and to fit into society.

“We, as Ukrainian speaking tutors, are ready to give support to our children and are grateful to The Blue School for involving us all in their community with open heart,” said tutor Kseniia Zherdieva.

School headteacher Mark Woodlock said: “We currently

have around 20 Ukrainian students in school, a figure that has been growing. Our students and assistants have integrated happily into our community.”

Above, students from Ukraine with tutors Kseniia Zherdieva and Maryna Zapolska; left, artwork produced by some of the students

‘It was the most difficult path in my life’

IT has been over a year since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of mainland Ukraine on February 24, 2022, causing one of the biggest human catastrophes in modern times.

According to the UNHCR, more than eight million Ukrainians have been displaced to Europe alone, roughly 20 per cent of the population and 90 per cent being women and children.

Approximately 150,000 have been settled in the UK under the government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme.

One of these war refugees who fled her home city of Kyiv with her two sons (aged six and 16) is Helen Ladan-Pavlenko who now lives near Wells.

Helen, thank you for sharing your story with our readers. What was your life like in Kyiv before the Russian invasion?

I never thought that it was possible. We listened to our grandparents about the Second World War and could not imagine that soon we and our children would see it from our windows. My family, like many others, lived a normal life. They were able to build a house in the countryside, raised children, took them to various courses, had friends come to us for a picnic on weekends, and travelled around Europe in the summer. All this ended on the morning of February 24, 2022.

I woke up from the explosions outside the window, because across the field we have a military base. I was alone in the house, my husband was at work, he arrived ten minutes later, and we left the house under the explosions, taking only the documents. When you were gathering, you don’t understand what could be waiting for you, because you only saw the war in the movies and the brain doesn’t want to accept that it’s happening now with you. When did you arrive in Somerset and how difficult was your journey from Kyiv?

I said goodbye to my husband who had to stay behind as with all the men and I left with my children on March 4, when the storming of the Zaporizhzhya

nuclear plant began. I was very scared for my children. It was already dangerous to go by car and we decided to go by evacuation train. It was the most difficult path in my life. For 12 hours in a train crowded with women and children, there were not enough seats for everyone, and we were placed on the first floor, which also had no seats.

We travelled at night without lights, because we were all afraid that the train would be visible, children were crying, someone was losing consciousness. After the train, there was a foot crossing of the border with Poland, 12 hours in a huge queue, honestly, it was very difficult. My younger son was exhausted and fell asleep and had to be dragged along as he could not stay awake.

The Polish accepted us as a brotherly people, they helped, many helped to carry children, because the women were simply exhausted. I’m glad that we were able to pass through and this

will forever be remembered. In Poland, I found out about England’s programme and when we received permission to come, I picked up a car and we drove to Somerset with the children for three days, I had never driven such distances myself before. How have you adjusted to life in Somerset? How difficult has it been for your sons to adjust to school life over here? What have been the best and worst aspects of this for you all?

When we arrived in Somerset, we were surrounded by care and warmth. All the people were

friendly and wanted to help in some way.

We completed all the documents very quickly, thanks to the family who received us, they help us in everything here. The children went to schools, the youngest to St Lawrence’s School, all the children and teachers were warm, helped to adapt, drew pictures with the flag of Ukraine, called for birthdays, the son always goes to school with joy. The eldest son studies at the Blue School, he is 16 years old and he really likes the education system itself, although at this age he misses his friends and wants to return home. What is the mood of your friends and family back in Ukraine?

Families who did not leave Ukraine are accustomed to living in war conditions, people get used to everything with time. During rocket attacks, they descend into a safer place or remain in an apartment between two walls. Those who returned home before winter again went abroad, they said that it was too early to return. But many families, like us, are waiting for when we can return to our home. Is there any message you have for the people in Somerset?

Somerset is a beautiful region in England, I am very glad that I came here. The people who live here are very friendly, hard-working and always ready to help. Thank you for helping us and our country and for supporting us in such a difficult time.

Helen Ladan-Pavlenko with her six-year-old son

‘We travelled at night without lights, because we were all afraid that the train would be visible’

Excitement at theatre festival programme

WELLS Theatre Festival will be presenting a varied programme of theatre, including Children’s Theatre, Opera and Dance over the weekend of July 6-9 this summer.

As ever at the heart of this festival, featuring some of the best touring professional theatre, is the Wells Community Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s comedy – As You Like It. The community show is cast entirely from residents of Wells and the surrounding communities and is always a sellout. This year As You Like It will be staged on the South Lawn of The Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

Ros Johnson, Artistic Director of The Wells Theatre Festival, said: “We are very excited about this year’s festival. Last week we held an event with Gary Andrews (@garyscribbler) – Dr Theatre to discuss the importance of community theatre. It was a fascinating discussion, and we know there is a strong appetite for theatre of all kinds in Wells and the surrounding communities. We are thrilled to present such a diverse range of shows. There is something for everyone at the Wells Theatre Festival.”

AKA Dance Theatre bring A Real Fiction – a hyperactive mix of dance, theatre, meme and pop culture for people of all ages.

Moondog Productions are bringing And Then They Came For Me, a thought-provoking drama about Auschwitz survivor and friend to Anne Frank, Eva Schloss. Part oral history, part dramatic action, part

remembrance, this play brings to life what happened after The Diary of Anne Frank ends. Eva Schloss, who is now 94, hopes to attend each performance.

The ever-popular Scratchworks Theatre Company return to the Festival with The Grimm Sisters, a marvellous mix of storytelling, comedy and live music.

Jonathan Guy Lewis also returns with his hit one-man show I Found My Horn, in

which a man wakes up in midlife to a broken marriage and the dawning fear that he has done nothing to make himself memorable. Packing away his life as he prepares for divorce, he is struck by an insane idea: why not pick up the French horn he never conquered in his youth?

First seen in 2008 at the Aldeburgh Festival, and subsequently in the West End, New York, and Los Angeles, it has been described as a “joyous, feelgood show” that places the transforming power of music centre-stage.

Opera in a Box will present Don Giovanni, Mozart’s Machiavellian opera. The eponymous hero has a price on his head. His lustful path of heartbreak and estrangement continues as he faces his greatest challenge of seducing Donna Anna, daughter of the Commendatore, fleeing Donna Elvira, a previous conquest

seeking retribution, and breaking up a wedding party. All within the space of a day.

Another company returning to the festival are the Pirates of the Carabina with their family favourite, Pirate Taxi. This outdoor aerial circus show, from the award-winning makers of Flown and Home, takes place in, on and around an old-school London Taxi.

A treat for children comes from Theatrix Arts with The Sand Dragon. While on holiday Edie and her Daddy find a magical pebble on the beach that can grant you one wish. Can you guess what Edie wished for? Well why not find out by watching this magical story with songs and music, loads of puppets, changing scenery, and a magic trick or two. Then meet the puppets and create your very own Sand Dragon Puppet.

Tickets are available at www.wellstheatrefestival.org.uk

Top, Wells Community Theatre Company; and Scratchworks Theatre Company

Picture: Finlay Holdaway

Auction of promises brings in more than £12,000 for charity

By Philip Welch

CHARLIE Bigham was guest speaker at an auction of promises which raised more than £12,000 for mental health charity Heads Up. He told how his food business now employed 700 people, some at their base in the former Dulcote quarry, near Wells, where there was only one entrance for everyone.

Planning and profit were essential for a successful business, but the people were the most important.

Bigham’s wanted to be embedded in the local community. They were proud to support the Wells Food Festival and the Somerset Community Foundation as well as Heads Up in South Horrington, said Mr Bigham.

The event was organised by Wells Rotary Club and took place in Wells Town Hall. The money raised will cover insurance, maintenance and running costs for the minibus Wells Rotary have bought for Heads Up.

“We are deeply grateful for the huge amount of support for this successful event hosted by Wells Rotary,” said Heads Up’s Service Director Bridget Harvey.

“Having access to our own minibus is going to open so many opportunities for us to widen our support for our clients, particularly our outreach service.”

The main organiser of the event was Mike Love, who said:

Repair Cafe and Freecycle dates

SUSTAINABLE Wells’ regular Repair Cafes at St Thomas’ Church Hall are continuing to prove popular. On March 4 visitors took in 41 items to be mended, ranging from vacuum cleaners to a child’s bike and everything in between.

A new volunteer offered toolsharpening for the first time and was kept very busy by people keen to have secateurs and shears sharpened in time for the start of the gardening season.

Afterwards a rough calculation was made of how much carbon visitors had saved by repairing items instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. The answer was approximately 550kgs, the equivalent of driving 2,304 miles, showering 347 times or flying 3,382 miles.

“We at Wells Rotary are focused on supporting projects that make a real difference to the lives of others, young and old, locally and abroad.

“Heads Up is right at the heart of our community and helping it to extend its outreach service within mid-Somerset will give a tremendous boost to many

– those needing mental health support and their carers.

“Post-pandemic and with the cuts to local bus services the need for this community service is all the greater.

“Heads Up is very dependent on volunteers and donations. At Wells Rotary we are pleased to play a part in what is a great and ongoing community effort.”

There was a three-course dinner prepared by the Crown Hotel at this fundraiser and entertainment from the popular local singer Tim Pitman.

The 12 promises on offer included a yacht cruise on the Mediterranean and use of a holiday home in Cyprus.

The next Repair Cafe will be held from 10am-12.30pm at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Saturday, April 29, a week earlier than usual because of the Coronation. If the day is dry, tool-sharpening may be offered again. Refreshments are available while people wait. Contact Amanda Phillips (avjphillips@gmail.com) with any questions about the Repair Cafe or to get involved.

The next Freecycle will be on Sunday, May 21, from 1pm (entrance via Princes Street). The event is set up like a car boot sale but no money changes hands – everything is given away free and this helps unwanted things get reused rather than be thrown away.

Above, toasting the Heads Up minibus project at the fundraising dinner are, from left, Mike Love, Wells Rotary President Alan Webb, Heads Up Service Director Bridget Harvey, Charlie Bigham and Wendy Attridge, chair of the Heads Up trustees; and below, Tim Pitman in full voice at the dinner

Extension agreed to £2 bus fare scheme

BUS users in Somerset can now travel on most routes in the county and beyond for just £2 until July after the cheaper fares scheme was extended for another three months.

The fare cut is part of a national initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money. It was introduced in January and was originally due to end on March 31. Now thanks to further funding it will continue for an extra three months, until June 30.

The £2 single fare is available from all participating operators, which includes Somerset County Council. The initiative will apply to the majority of routes in Somerset until June 30, including cross-county services, which means for example that passengers can travel from Street to Bristol for just £2.

Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to encourage more people to use bus services at a time when some routes are under threat due to lack of use.

It is hoped the new £2 fare will provide a major boost to patronage and support these aims.

The 13 operators involved in the scheme are: ATWEST, Bakers Dolphin, Community Transport (South West) Ltd, FromeBus, Libra Travel, Mendip Community Transport, Somerset County Council, Dartline, Faresaver Buses, First South West (Buses of Somerset), First West of England, Hatch Green Coaches and South West Coaches.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said: “The £2 fare is vital in helping us encourage more people to choose the bus. I wrote to the Secretary of State requesting this extension so it’s great news that this has been extended.

“If we’re going to make bus travel attractive we have to start with making fares attractive. Getting on the bus supports our climate change objectives, it could well save you money, and it’s the best way to help preserve bus routes.”

Certificate required if new windows installed

By Sharon Stevenson

If you are considering having a replacement door or doors, you would require a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Completion Certificate if 50 per cent or more of the door is made from glass.

WHAT is a FENSA certificate and when do I need one? FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme.

This scheme allows window installers to certify that the windows they install comply with building regulations without the need for the local authority to inspect them.

A FENSA certificate, or alternatively a Building Regulation Completion Certificate, will be required for any windows installed since April 1, 2002.

Also, you must make sure you retain any certificate obtained for future reference. If you were to sell your property in the future, you will need to provide this certificate, and if you have misplaced the certificate you will incur a charge for obtaining a duplicate copy.

n Sharon Stevenson is a Residential Conveyancer with Chubb Bulleid Solicitors, a local firm who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk

Berenice Humphreys, Senior Projects Manager at Cliveden Conservation, takes a closer look at the restoration work to revitalise the clock on the north side of Wells Cathedral. The project has taken seven months. The last time restoration work was carried out on the clockface and quarter jacks, that strike the bells every quarter of an hour, was in 1959.

A FENSA certificate, or a Building Regulation Completion Certificate, will be required for any windows installed since April 1, 2002, or for a replacement door if 50 per cent or more of the door is made from glass

Conference explores legacies of slavery

SPEAKERS from Britain and the Caribbean came together on Thursday, March 16, to share the findings of research focused on Wells and its links to transatlantic slavery. The talks gave a range of histories and perspectives including contributions from partners and historians from the Caribbean.

The event was held at Cedars Hall, and co-chaired by Jess Witchell, Wells Cathedral Learning Manager, and Susann Savidge, Somerset African Caribbean Network; 135 adults and sixth formers attended the in-person event, and the recordings will also be available online at www. wellsandtransatlanticslavery.com from the end of March.

Having previously given online Black Lives Matter talks organised by the Cathedral,

Acting Dean, Anne Gell was delighted to welcome Rev Carlton Turner to Wells in person. Rev Turner shared his very personal story that connects him to Wells.

His talk Rethinking African Enslavement explained how the trauma associated with enslavement, and the race-based ideas that justified it, still affect people on both sides of the Atlantic.

He said the Anglican church is implicated in this trauma and, together with others, can help with the healing process.

Acting Dean Anne Gell said: “The research clearly indicates that Wells Cathedral has benefited from slavery-derived wealth from both the slave trade and the enslavement of people in the Caribbean. Chapter is profoundly sorry for the effects

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

1st March to 30th April 2023

the charity will offer vouchers to help with neutering costs of cats whose owners are on low income or income support benefits.

We are repeating the special price we offered in our last campaign. Owners will pay £5.00 per cat and the charity will pay the balance and also microchip your cat for free. This offer is open to residents in Glastonbury, Wells, Street, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas. Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Julia on 07833 634087

Emma on 07717 837040

Gill on 01749 850660

A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher.

Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be issued for participating vets.

Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

of these historic failings and aims to scrutinise and respond to any financial, social, spiritual and other legacies from this time in order that it may do better in the present.”

Stephanie Mathivet explored how Wells has been impacted by the Tudway family, owners of enslaved Africans on the Parham plantations in Antigua from 1679-1944. Joy Lawrence OH, Antiguan historian and poet, created a 20-minute film showing the Parham plantations today and explained how the legacy of slavery in Antigua continues.

The conference also marked the launch of the self-guided trail to historic sites linking the City of Wells to British slavery. Sites include Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Wells & Mendip Museum.

“Many historic landmarks in Wells were built or rebuilt with slavery-derived wealth from the plantations in the West Indies. But until now, these have been hidden histories and what this project has done is draw back the curtain on what some might see as challenging territory, telling this story for the first time,” says

Professor James Clark, Professor of History, Exeter University, who gave a presentation about the Cathedral’s links to slavery.

Renowned actor Paterson Joseph, author of the recent and critically-acclaimed The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, recorded a short performance especially for the event, accompanied by pupils from Wells Cathedral School playing Sancho’s music.

During the afternoon participants took part in a choice of workshops ranging from viewing artefacts in Wells & Mendip museum that link Wells to slavery to a Decolonising Movement dance workshop led by Cleo Lake-Ayiih, former Lord Mayor of Bristol and Research Associate, Bristol University.

Students from the Blue School went to The Bishop’s Palace and to the Cathedral to learn how to use primary source materials to uncover hidden histories that link Wells both to slavery and the abolition movement. There was also a ‘Seeing your city in a new light?’ discussion about what the city can do to remember and move forward with this history.

From left: Susann Savidge, Somerset African Caribbean Network; Anne Gell, Acting Dean of Wells Cathedral; Alastair Tighe, Head Master of Wells Cathedral School; Rev Carlton Turner, The Queens Foundation; and Simon Tudway-Quilter standing in front of the copy of the Charles Tudway MP oil painting by Thomas Gainsborough inside Cedars House (originally built and owned by Charles Tudway, now owned by Wells Cathedral School)

Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

Lions distribute funds they have raised

THE City of Wells Lions Club has given money to three good causes from the proceeds of events it organised in the city.

A cheque for £450 was presented to the Connect Centre recently to help in the funding of the free lunches the Centre provides to the community each Wednesday. These funds were raised from the sale of tickets to the Abba Re-Björn Concert at St Thomas’ Church in November.

The lunches are provided for anyone who goes along, with the meals cooked by chef Kean, who volunteers every day at the Centre. He was homeless, then, facilitated by the staff at the Centre, found his true potential.

For this important work to continue regular financial donations are needed, together with the assistance of local supermarkets.

The Lions Club has also given £300 to MacMillan Cancer Care as a result of the Tree of Light it

organised in December, where people could donate money and have a star placed on the Tree in memory of someone they had lost.

The Tree was within the grounds of The Bishop’s Palace and the club held a short memorial service led by the Bishop’s Pastor on December 21. The club plans to have another Tree of Light in December 2023.

The club then raised £700 with a street collection in Wells on March 4, with the help of Wells Rotary Club, towards the aid effort for people suffering after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The club has increased the amount from the collection by £300 thereby allowing a substantial donation towards addressing the disaster.

Members of City of Wells Lions Club and the Rotarians who helped have thanked all those people who donated to this cause.

City of Wells Lions present a cheque to the Connect Centre, top, and the Tree of Light ceremony at The Bishop’s Palace in December

Our mental wellbeing needs to come first

WE wake up, take a breath and before we’ve even brushed our teeth, we scroll through the latest social media feeds. We get the kids ready for school, check their ties are straight, their hair’s combed and we rush to the office. We work tirelessly, making sure those files are sent to HR, or that the meeting is set up, ready for the upcoming conference call, all before driving home to make dinner, put the kids to bed and crash out on the sofa with a cuppa, ready to do it all again the next day.

We spend so much time focused on our routines, but how many of us take the time to consider how we… simply, feel? It’s not something that we often speak about, and it may not be something you’d expect to read in the police’s write up for the local paper.

Our feelings are something that can be altered through the smallest of changes and often

they get overshadowed by the day to day mundane routines of life until it all gets too much and we burn out.

Our mental wellbeing needs

to come first. Too often, we as the police see everyday people who feel they can’t reach out and believe that their problems can only be resolved in burying them or worse, by self-harm, life-changing, or life-threatening, measures. There is always support available for those who seek it out. There is always someone willing to listen.

To those reading this who may feel over-worked, over-tired, overcome with emotions from the stresses and strains of life; the everyday heroes that get up and ‘get on with it’ but feel a little low inside. Use this time to reach out, whether that be to a friend, a family member, your GP or to a service dedicated to supporting you.

This is something that affects everyone at some point in their lives, from all walks of life, and it’s important to remember that we all need a little help from time to time.

Below are some contact details for people dedicated to listening.

n Mindline – Emotional support and mental health helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 01823 276892, 08001 381692.

n Heads Up – A mental health and wellbeing charity based in Wells, open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, 01749 670667.

The role I play within our community is that of a Police Community Support Officer. ‘Community Support’ is something that I care deeply about, making sure that everyone has the ability to feel safe within their homes, their workplace and more importantly, within themselves.

By encouraging ourselves and our loved ones to open up, we create a safer, stronger community. Talking about how we feel is not a sign of weakness, it is strength.

Music night gives good cause a boost

THE new generation of talented song writers, singers and musicians came together at the Mayor’s Concert at Cedars Hall on March 17, at what has become a traditional event in Wells.

It showcased both the growing talent of local young people and a vital charity, PROMISEworks, the Mayor’s chosen charity for his year in office, which supports vulnerable young people in Somerset.

Councillor Stewart Cursley, Mayor of Wells, said: “It is good to see local schools coming together to support the charity –by young people, for young people.”

As well as raising funds, the concert helped to widen awareness of PROMISEworks, as its greatest need is for more mentors to support the growing number of young people who are finding life difficult.

Joanna Davey, volunteer mentor for PROMISEworks, said: “It was a fantastic evening of varied music and very apt that this concert with so many talented local young musicians is supporting the charity that

aims to help vulnerable young people.”

The concert was a huge collaborative effort, and Edward Leaker, Head of Woodwind and Head of Jazz and Popular Music at Wells Cathedral School, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that this collaboration has become an annual event and has grown to include Strode College as well as musicians from Portway Annexe.”

Michael Humphrey, from Wells Blue School, added: “Seeing how students,

performing for the second year, have grown ‘sonically’ is a credit to their own hard work. I am just the coach, they do it all themselves, rehearsing in their bedrooms and at the Portway Annexe, with support from Nigel Fraser at Wells Rocks.”

Dan Shaw, who has brought Strode College into the collaborative mix, said: “To be part of the musical community and to partner with others is fantastic. Our students are going

on to universities, and into the music business, writing awardwinning music, and taking key roles in technical and other parts of the sector. There are still gaps in representation in the music business and we are filling them at the first level, at the same time sharing and learning new skills.”

Josh, a Strode music student, said: “I am honoured to play in front of the Mayor and to have the opportunity to speak to the world in music.”

All the performers gathering on stage at the end of the Mayor’s Concert at Cedars Hall

Picture: Philip Welch

From left, Councillor Stewart Cursley, Mayor of Wells; June Cursley, Mayoress; Edward Leaker, Head of Woodwind and Head of Jazz and Popular Music at Wells Cathedral School; Joanna Davey, volunteer mentor, PROMISEworks

MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Unitary council move should be beneficial

AS I write this, we are just a few days away from the biggest shake-up of local government in almost 50 years.

Following the decision by Government back in 2021, the previous five councils are being replaced by a single unitary authority. I hope the plans for limited waste and maximum efficiency can be achieved, whilst providing as much value for money to the tax payer as possible.

I was supportive of the move to a unitary council, and I am very hopeful it will lead to Somerset residents being served more effectively, with a single local authority clearly responsible for our local services.

This is not to diminish the work of the county and district councils, but this one county

Thoughts of Wells MP

James Heappey

approach will remove any duplication as well as making it easier for residents to get the

help they need and deserve. I know from my eight years as an MP that trying to assist people who are experiencing issues relating to council services can be tricky if they have been passed around the different authorities.

Under the unitary authority, instead of five chief executives, we will now only have one, and a few weeks ago I was pleased to meet Duncan Sharkey who has taken on this new and exciting role.

I was encouraged by his vision for the council and, while he has a lot of work to do in terms of a smooth transition, it was great to hear his full focus is on some of the most important areas which need improvement. This includes education, and it is particularly crucial the positive work in improving SEND services across the county –

which has occurred over the past few years – continues under the new administration.

It is a big change for our county but one I think was necessary.

There has already been a period of transition for the local councillors who were elected back in May last year, and so I hope they are all ready to hit the ground running in the new authority. I am looking forward to working with the recently elected unitary councillors in our shared interest of serving constituents and will continue to hold them to account to do so.

There will of course be a transition period where things may be slightly different, but it is important the accessibility to councillors and officials remains the same, and services continue to run smoothly for residents.

‘It is important services continue to run smoothly for residents’

n IN DAYS GONE BY

With Clare Blackmore

Anti-social behaviour is nothing new...

A CONSISTORY Court is a gathering of ecclesiastical persons for the purpose of administering justice.

In the Bishop’s Court Deposition Book of 1604 there appears a case of a neighbour dispute which used rather colourful language.

Ellinor Cox, of Southover, was the key holder of the Horse Pound located in Southover, which in those days was the main road into the City of Wells.

Horses would be placed in there for safety on market days or when travelling in to the city so they could be kept and watered and fed whilst their owners went about their business. They were also taken there if left or straying in the city streets.

For this early form of municipal “car parking” there was of course a fee to be paid.

However, there was always someone trying to push their luck and an altercation between the above-mentioned Ellinor Cox and Myles Brokenburrough was witnessed and Ellinor took Myles before the Bishop’s Court.

On November 1, 1605, William Stott, a miller aged 44, was examined in being a witness in the case.

Then the said Brokenburrough replied saying: “Doest thou call me a filthie pigge? Thou are a drunken sow and a drunken jade.”

Then she said he was a knave to call her in that manner and demanded of him where he ever knew or saw her drunk whereupon he again called her a drunkard and said to her: “Why thou were drunk at Bristowe (Bristol). Thou were so drunk that thou were carried out of the street to thy bed like a drunken sow.”

Witness two, Ralph Harrie, aged 42, a miller, deposed that:

family originally came from Curry Mallet and are listed in the Domesday Book, called out one Matthew Baron, a member of an old, established and distinguished Wells family to a duel but it was not well received by the city authorities.

This was recorded in the city records:

William Mallet Esq, one of the Burgesses, did use threatening speeches towards Matthew Baron, one of the Masters of the said city or borough, and in the prosecution of such menace did the following day send him a challenge in these words: “Mr Baron, you cannot remember the public affront you gave me yesterday without expecting that I should demand satisfaction at your hands for such brutish treatment without the least provocation. You now have an opportunity of convincing me whether you are that fine gentleman you pretend yourself to be.

“I therefore desire you would not fail to meet me at such a time and place as you should appoint by the bearer that we may determine the difference as becomes us: I am your humble servant, William Mallet.”

Following the above we read that:

He told the court:

About 10.00 or 11.00 o’clock in the forenoon in Southover in the town of Welles I saw Ellinor Cox and Myles Brokenburrough meeting together.

At that time and place there passed, “angrie and uncharitable speeches” following between them.

The said Ellinor asked the said Myles if he had paid for the impounding of his horse. He answered her saying, “Thou shalt have nowt but a turd from me.”

Quoth she “Thou filthie pigge.”

Deadline

The said Ellinor and Myles used angry and unseemly speeches, she speaking to him said:

“How have you paid for the pounding of your horse?” and he said “I have paid my Lord’s man and thou woman shalt have a turd.”

He then said to her, “Go drunkard, go”, thereupon she called him a “scurvy lying bore”.

We don’t hear much about Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) these days in Wells but in May 1719 one of the Burgesses of the city, William Mallet, who had been resident in Wells for several years, but whose

Forasmuch by ancient order of the City or Borough it is ordained that all Burgesses are to behave themselves honestly and discreetly to the mayor, Masters and common council, every Burgess doing their obedience and reverence according to their degree without any violence, scandalous or opprobrious carriage.

In all assembling one

It is ordered and ordained by the said city or borough that William Mallet for his said offence committed against the said Matthew Baron, both in breach of the public peace and in violation of the good order and regiment of this city (to the evil example of other Burgesses), be and is hereby excluded from the liberties and privileges of this city or borough and be discomined and disenfranchised and that he shall not for the time to come be reputed, esteemed or be taken as or for a Burgess of the said city or borough of Wells.

A Wells City Archive record of the dispute between Matthew Baron and William Mallet in 1719

‘Thou were so drunk that thou were carried out of the street to thy bed like a drunken sow’

n WHAT’S ON

Music quiz for MS back at Tramways

THE Music Quiz 4 MS is back. On Saturday, April 22, this popular music quiz returns to Tramways, West Street, Wells, BA5 2HN.

Clive Hennessy will again deliver a fun-packed evening of entertainment, all in aid of the Mendip Multiple Sclerosis Society Group.

The cost is £5 per person with teams of up to six people. Participants should arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

To guarantee a table book with Sally Morgan on 07975 529950 or Linda Bolton on 07713 097588.

Swans preparing to venture out to sea

WELLS chamber choir, the Swan Singers will be giving a concert at St Thomas’ Church on Saturday, April 22, which will transport the audience out to sea.

The choir, directed by Tricia Rhys-Jones, will perform works by composers from the 16th to the 21st century, including Monteverdi, Stanford, Grieg, Britten and Vaughan Williams. The concert also features Seascapes by Paul Reade, a song cycle evoking the moods and storms of the sea through three settings of Irish poems.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and can be bought at the door or booked beforehand by emailing info@ swansingers.com

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Pilates seated seniors 10.30am

WEDNESDAYS

Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm

THURSDAYS

Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

All above classes at Wells Town Hall

FRIDAYS

Pilates 9am. Online via Zoom

All classes mixed ability and prebooking only. Contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Children’s Easter craft workshops

FAMILIES are invited to celebrate Easter and take part in craft workshops for children

Golden opportunity

GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along sessions for older people take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, 24 Southover, BA5 1UH. Run by Al and Annie Whitley, the sessions start at 1.45pm for tea and coffee, with the singing of songs from the Fifties onwards from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Newcomers welcome.

Seated exercise

Painters exhibiting in Cloisters

JESMARIE’S Painters are a group of talented local artists who meet on Monday afternoons in St Thomas’ Church Hall.

They will be holding an exhibition of their work in the Cloisters at Wells Cathedral from Monday, May 15, to Tuesday, May 23, inclusive.

at Wells Cathedral on April 4, 5 and 6.

People can also follow one of the self-guided children’s trails and view the Shroud of Turin exhibition during their visit at any time over the holiday, although access to some areas of the Cathedral will be restricted during certain times due to Holy Week services.

The workshops are:

n Tuesday, April 4 – Easter Birds’ Nests. Have a go at making a nest using natural materials.

n Wednesday, April 5 – Easter Gardens. Make a beautiful Easter garden to tell the best part of the Easter story.

n Thursday, April 6 – Beads and Crosses. Follow a treasure hunt to collect beads which will be used to make a cross necklace. For further details and to book a craft workshop, go to wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk

£2 per child / £1 per child if eligible for free school meals. Accompanying adults free. Each child will be provided with materials to make one item to take home. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Unique and original paintings in a variety of media will be offered for sale at affordable prices.

There is no entrance fee, the Cloisters are easily accessible by wheelchair and refreshments are available in The Loft cafe upstairs.

Folk club meetings

MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm. Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome. More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com

Scottish dancing

SCOTTISH country dancing group the Wells Scottish Dancers meet on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm at Portway Annexe, Wells. All ages (over 18) are welcome, no experience is necessary, and no partner is needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is required.

To learn more, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

SEATED exercise classes are taking place in Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm. Carrie Hemmings is delivering the Love To Move sessions, which involve movement to music while sitting down. The cost to take part is £4 per person and £1 per accompanying carer. For more information, contact Carrie: 07818 303956 or email lovetomovemendip@gmail.com

Social Dancing

SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, Sequence, Latin) takes place every Friday evening at Henton village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, from 7pm to 9pm.

People do not have to be good, simply go along and join in. The cost is £6 per hour, and refreshments are provided. For more information, call 07769 603937.

Folk and Barn dance

WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm. Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.

An oil painting of swans on the Moat by Sue Williams of Jesmarie’s Painters

n WHAT’S ON

Family-friendly activities over holidays

LITTLE people will be busy at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells this Easter, with a range of familyfriendly activities taking place over the school holidays.

The holiday fun kicks off with a Let’s Bug Out Trail (April 1-14) where intrepid explorers can explore the 14 acres of gardens in search of bugs, creepy crawlies and a special prize on completion.

On April 6 and April 13 (11am-3pm), families are invited to crafting workshops, and on April 4 and April 11 (11am and 1.30pm), storyteller Beth Webb will be asking if creepy crawlies

are cute or ugly by telling how a lonely bug with six skinny legs and wiggly things on his head found true love. There will be colouring and poetry-writing too. And for the Easter weekend (April 8-10), a special Easter Egg trail will lead visitors through the gardens looking for hidden Easter eggs. The trail can be collected at the Ticket Office and there will be a small prize on the way out.

Raptorcare will be hosting flying falconry displays on Monday, April 10, for the Palace’s popular Medieval Falconry Day. At 12pm and 3pm

Talk on working life at Mendip Hospital

ON Friday, April 28, at 7pm in the lecture hall at Wells & Mendip Museum, Paul Thorner will give a talk on his working life at the Mendip Hospital.

Paul began working at the hospital straight from school as a Clerical Officer in 1969, and worked his way up to patient affairs officer until 1974 when the NHS reorganised local hospital administration and he became the Administration Officer for Mendip, Wells and District and Butleigh Hospitals.

Paul left Wells in 1983 and continued working in health management until 2001, ending up as an NHS Trust Chief Executive.

His talk will be about his memories of working with staff and patients at the Mendip Hospital with some entertaining stories along the way.

The talk is free but donations are requested to support the

Appearance by international dance company

MAKE Me Dance is a dance theatre production from Norway’s acclaimed Panta-Rei Dance Company. With three dancers and a DJ they explore the drives within everybody to create.

Conceived for a multigenerational audience who will feel immersed within the performance space itself, this is the latest in a series of

professional theatrical shows hosted by Croscombe Frolics thanks to the support of Somerset’s rural touring charity Take Art.

Make Me Dance is at Croscombe Village Hall on Saturday, April 15, at 7.30pm with tickets £12 adults, £9 under 25s or low-income and £35 family (2+3) via www.takeart.org/whats-on

Make Me Dance by the Panta-Rei Dance Company can be seen on April 15

Tony, the master falconer, will be hosting flying displays which 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.

The Gardens will be open daily throughout the Easter Holidays (9.30am-5.30pm) and the Dragon’s Lair Play Area is a good place to exercise little legs.

Family Easter activities are all included in standard admission – pay once for 12 months of return visits on any normal sightseeing day.

Folk sessions at two local pubs

FREE folksong and music sessions are being organised in friendly traditional pubs.

The Wells Folk Sessions take place on the second Monday of every month at Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy, BA5 3BA, 9pm till late; and the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Arms, High Street, Wells, BA5 2AG, 8.45pm till late.

All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune, join in a chorus or just listen and enjoy.

For more, contact: Richard 01761 412797, richardlm397@ gmail.com

Headliners named

THE headliners have been announced for this year’s Priddy Folk Festival.

Topping the bill will be The Jeremiahs and Dervish from Ireland, Fara and Kris Drever from Orkney and Tim Edey.

This year will be the 30th festival, and it will take place from July 7-9.

To buy tickets and to find more about the musicians and the line-ups, go to www. priddyfolk.org

Board game nights

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 26, from 7pm-9.30pm.

An image of the former Mendip Hospital Picture courtesy of Wells Museum work of the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery which is all done by volunteers, and the chapel, the only remaining mortuary chapel

attached to a preserved asylum cemetery in England, is in need of some tender loving care to make it a better visitor space and to display the exhibition.

There will be falconry displays from Raptocare at The Bishop’s Palace on April 10

n WHAT’S ON

Trio of artists to showcase work

THREE Somerset artists will be showcasing their work at the Wells & Mendip Museum from April 18-29.

Jan Brame is an etcher from Taunton who has exhibited widely in the South West. She draws her inspiration from the Somerset countryside and will often start an etching whilst out on location.

Gillian Flack paints largely ‘en plein air’ in oils. She has enjoyed great success since moving to the area two years ago; her painting is largely figurative and seeks to capture the essence of the scene in front of her.

Wendy Lovegrove likes to work small in her preferred medium, oil.

Pictured is work by, from top, Jan Brame, Gillian Flack and Wendy Lovegrove, who will be displaying their art in the Three Views exhibition at Wells & Mendip Museum in April

Exhibition of newly imagined art forms

HERITAGE Courtyard Gallery and Studios have invited a number of artists and friends to collaborate in the Transform exhibition, where objects are reimagined, paintings revisited or reworked and left over scraps are reinvented, creating a brand new art form newly imagined.

Everything in Transform will be created with the idea that the viewer will see the object in a totally new way. Presented and reimagined in an array of materials including ceramics which can be used and reused, transformed from their clay beginnings through the magical firing process.

Transform opens on Saturday, April 15, at 11am, when people are invited to call in for a glass of fizz whilst viewing some creative transformations.

Many of the items in this exhibition have been donated to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios is at 6 Heritage Courtyard, Wells.

Professional sailor to tell of his life on the ocean wave

PROFESSIONAL sailor Sam Haines has spent half a life at sea, and will be giving a talk on his adventures in his home village of Henton, near Wells, in May.

Sam was brought up on and around fishing boats in Cornwall. Initially held back from going fishing himself by the tragic drowning of his uncle, Sam instead decided to pursue his passion for sailing and set off to explore the world.

After 85,000 nautical miles sailed, including 11 Atlantic crossings and a circumnavigation, Sam returned to dry land and now lives in Henton with his family.

His talk, Around the World and Back Again: Adventures From the High Seas, will take place at Christ Church, Henton, on Thursday, May 18, 7pm for

drinks. Tickets are available from jennycrossley@mbzonline.net

Profits will go to the Christ Church Re-ordering Fund which

daily, closed Sunday.

Sam Haines will give a talk in his home village of Henton

The exhibition runs from April 15-22, open 11am-4.30pm

Two exhibits in Transform

What

our customers say:

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Direct cremation: what it is and what to think about

break away completely from any form of traditional funeral.

A funeral ceremony does have several benefits. The first stage of grief is denial, with people feeling shocked or numb, sometimes carrying on as though nothing has happened. A funeral helps acknowledge that the death has occurred and can help counter some of the feelings of shock and numbness.

CREMATION currently accounts for approximately 75% of funerals in the United Kingdom. Around 24% of these are direct cremations. This figure has risen significantly over the last couple of years with the figure being only 3% prior to the Covid pandemic.*

Sometimes known as a basic cremation, cremation without ceremony, or simple cremation, a direct cremation takes place without a ceremony or anyone present to say goodbye or celebrate the life of the person at that moment as happens with a traditional cremation. The body of the deceased is simply collected and disposed of by cremating. Following cremation, the cremated remains or ashes are returned to the family or friend of the person who has died.

As humans we grieve, and that grief needs to come out, it is essential to our wellbeing. A funeral ceremony provides us with the opportunity and a safe space to do so, with others around who are also grieving whilst giving and receiving support from all those who have gathered at the ceremony.

In addition to supporting the living a funeral ceremony honours the person who has died by giving their family, friends, everyone they have spent time with and created memories with the opportunity to gather and reflect on and celebrate their life in a way that is right for them, before saying a final goodbye to them. When someone dies, the funeral is not for them, it’s about them.

For some, direct cremation is exactly what they want and suits their needs, but it isn’t for everyone. When requesting a direct cremation people often think of the family members or people who will be left to deal with the arrangements, no doubt wanting to make it easier for them both financially and with no fuss. It is also important, though, to take into consideration the needs of family members and friends, they are the ones who need to grieve and say goodbye.

- James M.

“It has been so refreshing to deal with a business that listens to its customers and delivers a personalised service above and beyond expectations. I have unfortunately had to arrange 3 funerals in the last decade and Rod and the team have been head and shoulders above what I have experienced before. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Wells Funeral Services.”

“I would like to say how professional Rod and his team are. From our initial meeting through to the Funeral Service, every process was made as easy as possible. What could have been a very stressful experience was made less so by the way Rod and the Celebrant, Nicky paved the way for myself and my family. I would highly recommend Wells Funeral Services.” - Liz R.

With direct cremation the family or friend of the person who has died is not involved in any of the arrangements and the company dealing with the cremation decides the date and time of the funeral. There is no hearse to transport the body, no flowers, and no ceremony.

One reason people choose direct cremation is the cost saving; because of its simplicity, direct cremation is the cheapest way of disposing of someone who has died. A direct cremation costs around 30% of the cost of a ‘traditional’ funeral.

Some specify this is what they want before they die, they don’t want any fuss, or to leave their family or friends with the stress of having to arrange a funeral. Others choose this option as they wish to

There are alternatives to the ‘traditional’ funeral; if a direct cremation does take place, you may consider having some form of farewell ceremony, a gathering, a tribute, or a send-off.

There are several options whereby you can honour the wishes of the person who has died while also taking care of your own needs. Talk to us about what is possible, we can help combine the request of the person who has died with your own wishes.

* Source: Sunlife (2022) Cost of Dying Report.

Nicky Sutton, an Independent Civil Celebrant who leads funeral ceremonies on behalf of Wells Funeral Services, discusses direct cremations

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS U3A

AT the end of February Wells u3a held a quiz at Wells Golf Club along with a cream tea. There were 50 competitors, which is possibly the most that can comfortably meet in the space provided at the golf club. Alan Precious and his team provided a hearty tea. The event was organised by Liz Lee who also set the questions. They were able to present Bridget Harvey from Heads Up with a cheque for £200 simply from the sale of raffle tickets.

Wells u3a continues to encourage new groups to start up. The Rock Band is established and meeting and members look forward to being entertained by them at one of our many events. With spring on its way, the Wildflower Walks group is established and will have its first walk soon.

The bird watching group has continued throughout the winter as then there are birds, especially ducks, that come here from colder places to spend the winter,

after having been breeding in or near the Arctic or in Eastern Europe. The bird watching group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. They have vacancies for a few more members if anyone else would like to join them.

A Spanish Conversation group is in development. Having contacted all members this generated 15 positive responses. This is more than an informal conversation group can manage, so we may try to form a second group with a different leader.

At the end of March, Wells hosted a full day’s conference for members of the Northern Somerset u3a network at the Town Hall, comprising of members from Weston-superMare, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet, Winscombe, Burnham and Norton Radstock. All delegates enjoyed inspiring talks by leading members of the national organisation, Third Age Trust and after a buffet lunch heard a fascinating talk by Georgia Stokes, CEO of Somerset Wildlife Trust, followed by talks from Somerset and Bristol Butterfly Conservation Trust and the Bath & Bristol group of the RSPB, then views of young people on climate change from Wells Cathedral School were heard and questions asked.

On March 25 Wells u3a had a stall at the Open Day at the Portway Annexe with a photograph display of many of the groups available and a chance for visitors to learn more.

New members are welcome at any time for a small membership fee and then there are over 50

groups to choose from. If you cannot find a group that you are keen on, we always welcome people to set up new groups where all the help you need is available. First log on to our website u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home and see what is on offer.

Ann Brown, Liz Lee, Jean Mantle

WELLS ANALYTICAL PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY

OVER the past 12 years or more, a participating audience of about 25 has gathered in the lecture theatre of Wells Museum, on the first Monday morning of each month at 10.30. We have discussed topics ranging from rational scepticism to the limits of empathy, from the nature of personal identity to scientific method, from French Existentialism to the foundations of mathematics, from abortion to Machiavelli. Everyone is welcome and no prior familiarity

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Bridget Harvey of Heads Up, centre, with Liz Lee and Sue Revell of u3a

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

with academic philosophy is expected.

Our next debate (on April 3), kicked off by Nick Axten, is entitled What Philosophy Can Achieve. Just pop in for a friendly and open discussion, or contact Alan Hobbs on 01749 677949 for further information. The topic for each month will be posted a fortnight in advance on the Wells Library noticeboard.

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

THE March meeting of the Wells Railway Fraternity featured a talk entitled The History of the British Transport Police.

The speaker, Bill Rogerson, was a long-serving officer in the British Transport Police who has served in all four countries of the United Kingdom.

The British Transport Police is the second oldest police force in the UK having been preceded only by the Glasgow Police Force. The Metropolitan Police Force then followed. It now has jurisdiction covering the whole of the National Railway Network, including the London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway and Emirates Cable Car, Glasgow Underground Railway and the Channel Tunnel. Land no longer used by the railway for railway purposes but still owned by them is also under their jurisdiction.

It has a very successful policing model working closely with the railway companies. The number of crimes investigated has increased in part because of the tannoy announcements on both trains and stations encouraging the reporting of incidents. The roots of the Transport Police lie with the early signalling of trains before the advent of the telegraph when a policeman was stationed every mile to regulate the flow of trains in order to prevent collisions and to change the points when necessary.

As the railway companies, with their own police forces, merged at Grouping in 1923 and Nationalisation in 1948 so did the police forces. From 248 separate forces they eventually became one, the British Transport Police.

Wells Railway Fraternity meets on the second Tuesday of the month in Wells Town Hall at

19:30 hours when talks covering a wide variety of railway subjects are given. New members and guests are always welcome.

April’s meeting will be a presentation given by Michael Clemens with subject, To North Wales for Steam, including the Penrhyn and Dinorwic Quarry systems. For further information about Wells Railway Fraternity see the website Railwells.com

The annual Railwells Model Railway Exhibition will be held in the Town Hall on the weekend of August 12 and 13.

WOOKEY HOLE WI

WOOKEY Hole WI are moving back to the village. Following the closure of the Community Hall in Wookey Hole due to deterioration, we moved to the Church Hall at Wookey and were made most welcome. We have now been offered a meeting place at the Wookey Hole Caves complex.

Our WI was formed in 1947 and it seems fitting to return to the village in our 76th year.

We are celebrating our birthday with lunch at the Ring O’ Bells in Wookey, a village that helped us when we needed it.

Our first meeting in our new venue will be on Monday, April 17, at 2pm. Our guest speaker that day is our Area Adviser Sandra Ford. Visitors and new members most welcome. For further details and directions contact Jill on 01749 675477.

Jill Deane

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

OUR speaker in March, Andy Bluffield, amazed us with his demonstration of dog training. It was so calming to be able to touch the two dogs. It was a joy to watch an expert at work.

On April 5 our speaker at Binegar is Dave Greenway, the Town Crier from Glastonbury. May 3 will be our AGM with a quiz.

For more information about our group (that also covers long Covid) do contact Tanya Flagg: tanya@mendipfmsg.org

WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

OUR second meeting of the year hosted a presentation by Laura Batt from the Prickles Hedgehog Centre in Cheddar. She outlined the work of the centre which takes in hedgehogs in need of help and supports them back to health and eventually releases them back into the wild.

She also highlighted the serious decline of hedgehogs in recent years and showed ways in which the audience could help in their own gardens. Measures included putting out food and water (but not milk), and

providing gaps in fences between houses so hedgehogs can move freely between gardens. The overuse of slug pellets should be avoided to reduce the danger of poisoning to hedgehogs.

April is the month when nature starts to get going for the year. Local rookeries will be very busy and noisy. Bats can be seen on the warmer evenings feasting on increasing numbers of months and insects. Birds such as thrushes, robins and blackbirds will be singing to establish territories. Look out for the tell-tale signs of nest building as birds carry leaves, moss and mud to potential nest sites in your garden.

Resident bird numbers will be supplemented by the arrival of migrants. One to look out for is the chiff-chaff which advertises its arrival and intention to set up a territory and breed by singing out its name. The sighting of the sulphur yellow brimstone butterfly is a sure sign spring has arrived. The increasing temperatures will encourage slow worms to be encountered in areas of long grass while grass snakes may be seen swimming in ponds.

From April we are starting our programme of outdoor events. On April 18 between 7pm and 9pm Bett Partridge will be taking a group along local country lanes to identify useful plants which have various uses including: herbal cures, dyes, flea powders and air fresheners. Numbers are limited so booking is essential.

Details of this and other events can be seen on our website www.wdwg.org.uk or you can phone Jean on 01749 677600.

We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free.

Graham Allen

WELLS NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

SINCE 2020, the Westbury Society Archaeology Group has been excavating a recently discovered Romano-British building. It is believed to be the owner’s home of a farmstead, and the size of the house, plus finds so far, indicate a degree of wealth, though not sufficient to afford a mosaic floor.

Despite being fairly modest compared to some Somerset villas of a similar period, it is

The Wookey Hole WI banner which was made to celebrate 100 years since the WI was formed and in the Suffragette colours to honour the women of the past

Andy Bluffield took gundog training dogs Olive and Nellie with him to the March meeting of the Mendip Fibromyalgia Support Group

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

revealing useful information about the lives of local people 1700 years ago.

An illustrated talk about it by Andrew Buchanan – Westbury ‘villa rustica’– an excavation in progress – will take place at Wells & Mendip Museum on Friday, April 14, at 7.30pm.

Members free, Visitors £2.

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

On Tuesday, March 14, Chairman Sylvia Ingham welcomed one of the area’s newest demonstrators, Ellie North. Her demonstration was entitled Let’s Celebrate.

She began with a delightful arrangement of lilac stocks and peach roses in a doll’s wicker pram. This was followed by a design on a block of books and a mortar board. Ellie used green chrysanthemums, as well as tulips and roses and even feathers to celebrate a graduation.

The next design was for a wedding. A circular stand was decorated with pink and cerise roses and white lisianthus. To mark a retirement, Ellie’s arrangement represented red, white and rose wines by using white lilies, red carnations and pink roses in a wine box. Her last design celebrated Mother’s Day and consisted of a basket of spring plants as well as a box of chocolates decorated with flowers.

Throughout the demonstration Ellie regaled her audience with amusing tales of her own family growing up. The vote of thanks was given by Pat Squire and teas were served by Elaine Lewis and Janet Avery.

Before closing the meeting, members were reminded that tickets are now on sale for our charity cream tea. National demonstrator and prize winner Coral Gardiner will celebrate Midsummer Madness on Saturday, June 24, at 2pm. It will be held in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, BA 5 2UZ. Tickets which are limited are £15 and are available from Suzy on 07966 654307.

Our next demonstration will be held on Tuesday, April 11, when yet another of our talented national demonstrators, Lucy Ellis, will present Limelight. It will begin at 2.15pm at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells.

This is our platinum year of flower arranging in Wells and

from August 10-13 we will be celebrating with a festival in The Bishop’s Palace when both the above demonstrators and more will be arranging flowers for your delight. Look out for details.

Jenny Jones

WELLS TUESDAY WI

AT the March meeting, we talked more about our plans for the Coronation Sunday event on Cathedral Green, and members volunteered to form teams of three for the human fruit machine which will give away teddies as prizes, as a fundraiser for Voices, the domestic abuse charity we support.

They are now offering weekly free legal advice clinics and the only Freedom Programme in our region. In the last 12 months Voices has directly supported 160 people and 90 children and won funding to help clients through winter with energy advice and electric blankets. They said they value our partnership and support.

Our speaker this month was Tom of County Asylums, whose volunteers run a website packed with historic information and photos about county asylums.

The movement can be traced back to the 13th century and Bethlem Royal, although the York retreat was the first to offer a therapeutic setting in 1792. Legislation including the 1774 Madhouse Act and the 1808 County Asylum Act attempted to regulate dangerous asylums. It was not until 1845 that the County Asylum Act and the Lunacy Act accelerated change by obliging counties to build asylums and appointing commissioners to monitor conditions.

Mentally ill people were now considered patients. They lived in huge, segregated wards and were encouraged to work, perhaps growing food on the asylum farm, or in the kitchens and laundries.

Treatments varied but included drugs to keep patients docile, and padded cells for the violent. An 1890 Act limited use of restraints like straitjackets and by the 1930s treatment included ECT and lobotomies. The real breakthrough came with the advent of anti-psychotic drugs like Largactil in the 1950s. Talking therapies came later.

Our local Somerset Asylum at Horrington has been through many name changes, becoming Mendip Hospital between 19481991. Somerset Justices bought the 50-acre site for £6,000 in 1844, and it was built by William Moffat and the eminent architect George Gilbert Scott. The first patients were admitted in 1848, under superintendent Dr Robert Boyd, who pioneered research into mental illness and was considered enlightened and compassionate. Admissions expanded so rapidly, from 284 in 1848 to 864 by 1889, that a new Western Joint Asylum had to be built near Taunton.

The last asylum was built in 1938. When the 1983 Mental

Health Act ushered in care in the community, many of the old buildings became redundant.

Tom’s talk was thoughtprovoking about the history of treating mental illness, illustrated by photographs that brought to life the fascinating and sometimes sad histories of the asylums and the people they housed. We will be following up what we have learned with a visit to Mendip Hospital Cemetery in the summer.

Our next meeting will be on April 4.

Veronica Howe

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

HOW would you like to buy a city house for, say, £110,000?

Well, it must be in a rough old area, then.

No, it’s within a particularly friendly community, actually.

Then it must be a dilapidated old place, needing lots of renovation.

Not so. It’s brand-new. With fully fitted kitchen and bathroom. And it’s eco-friendly and highly energy efficient.

This begins to sound interesting. I’d like to view it. Well, it’s not actually built yet.

OK. I’ll meet with the builder then.

Ah, you are the builder. Well, that’s entirely out of the question. I couldn’t possibly take that on.

But you’d have loads of help: manpower, because all your neighbours are also building their houses, and everyone helps each other; and there’s loads of advice, including financial, and skills training available.

How do you arrive at £110,000?

£35k for the plot and £75k for build costs.

Has anybody ever done this?

Certainly have. Quite a lot of people in Bristol for instance, at Fishponds Road, and Merry Hill in Lockleaze, and Ashley Vale in St Werburgh’s.

So might a conversation go between anyone, especially someone who was having difficulty with the finances of buying his or her own home, and the speaker at the March meeting of the Wells Civic Society. He was Jackson Moulding, a director of SNUG Housing, which “creates

Continued on page 44

Floral art demonstrator Ellie North

Excavation work at the recently discovered Romano-British building

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

carbon positive homes that benefit people and the planet”. Highly qualified and a much travelled researcher, Jackson has been deeply involved with and led housing projects focussing on environmental sustainability, practical design, energy efficiency and, last but by no means least, affordability.

At Ashley Vale about 100 people now live in 41 self-build or self-finish homes, at Merry Hill there are 50 properties of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, and at Fishponds Road there are 12 homes in a mix of ownership and affordable rent.

Twenty years on, 50 per cent of the original occupants of Ashley Vale still live there, Jackson still lives in the house he built 20 years ago, and an assessment in 2012 indicated that residents of the new community had more friends and acquaintances on average than those in Ashley Vale in general.

Accompanied by splendid

pictures, Jackson had spoken with both expertise and enthusiasm throughout. Further context was given to Jackson’s presentation in the concluding comments and questions. It was said that quite recently in Somerset there were 9,540 people on the affordable housing waiting list, while chair Chris Winter posed the so-pertinent question, “What is happening in Wells?”

How neatly that ties in with the next meeting of the society, entitled The Future of Wells. This will be a panel discussion with a number of Wells city councillors, focussing particularly on the newly acquired Bishop’s Barn, Recreation Ground, and Portway Annexe, more generally on planning matters, and more broadly still, the new unitary authority. This will be held on Wednesday, April 12, at 7pm, at the museum on Cathedral Green. For more information, contact the chair, Chris Winter, on chris.f.winter@btinternet.com or see wellscivicsociety.org

Richard Hanks

WELLS PROBUS CLUB

IN March we welcomed Adrian I’Anson who talked to us about his experiences as an International Election Observer. The purpose of an observer is to make people aware that the election process is being watched, seeing polling stations and encouraging the election process. Short-term observers are typically in the country for about a week, leaving the day after the election.

Observers are divided into teams and assigned a driver and car. Most elections in Europe happen on Sundays, so the Friday before polling day teams visit their assigned area and choose which polling stations to visit on polling day. On the day the teams watch the voting, looking at identity verification and other parts of the process. Any problems or discrepancies will be reported back.

Pre-match entertainment was mainly provided by the Welsh supporters. Red and white scarves in abundance, as were the leeks. To cheers from all around the ground, stocky Welshmen raced on to the pitch, hacked a hole in the turf, planted a leek and endeavoured to complete the conversion in front of the posts. How we cheered a successful kick. It had to be a leek, daffodils being out of season.

At our last meeting Chris Sperring spoke enthusiastically about the Tenby daffodil, Narcissus p. obvallaris which he had planted in verges around his Portishead home. It seems that this subspecies is unique to south Wales and grows in profusion in the Tenby area. Many of us have it thriving in the garden.

To everything, they tell us there’s a season. A time for leeks and a time for daffodils, magnolias and cherry blossoms. Definitely out of season are hydrangeas. On the other hand, now is a time to plan ahead and maybe think of those blowsy, sumptuous blooms which carry us right through to winter. Sally Gregson will be our next speaker in April talking with knowledgeable authority on hydrangeas. An informative and engaging speaker with a fund of experience, Sally will be warmly welcomed back to Wells Gardening Club on Thursday, April 13, at 7.30pm in Wells Town Hall. There will be refreshments available.

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On the Monday after the election there is a press conference before departure. Most countries in Europe have sophisticated systems and electronic voting is common. Observers need stamina and energy, to have an open mind and dedication and to be curious. Adrian’s first experience was in Bosnia and he has since observed many elections in Eastern Europe.

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WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

ON Wednesday, April 19, Steve Fry from Castle Gardens, Sherborne, will be entertaining us with his talk Slightly Naughty Plants. Intrigued? Come and find out what has been misbehaving in your beds and borders.

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Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

IN the late 1950s Scotland were home to Wales in the 5 Nations Rugby Championship. Rugby was a different game in those days. Murrayfield a different stadium. Jane and I went through the turnstile and took our places on the concrete terraces in an atmosphere of the utmost jollity.

We meet at Henton Village Hall (B3139) at 7pm for coffee and the talk begins at 7.30pm. Raffle, sales table, refreshments and a wide range of talks, activities and visits. Visitors most welcome (£5).

Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Further information on this year’s talks, visits and activities from our website –hentongardenclub.weebly.com or 01749 674767.

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Jackson Moulding explains the work of SNUG Housing to Wells Civic Society Picture: Philip Welch

Strong performances in dramatic finale

CHESS

IT has been a busy month or so for the Wells Chess teams. All three teams had a lot still to play for. In Division 2 East Wells played two matches in quick succession. They won a convincing 3-1 match away at Trowbridge and followed that with a very impressive 5-1 home win against top of the table Yeovil. Chris Strong secured an impressive win on board 1 and Paul Humphreys produced a similarly strong performance on board 2 to seal victory, both against strong opponents. Wins for Solomon Hayes and Ben Jukes on boards 4 and 5 gave Wells a very impressive home win against the strongest team in all the leagues. Unfortunately, it was not enough to close the gap at the top of the table and Wells had to make do with second place in the final table.

In Division 3 East, Wells produced two very strong performances. A 4-0 away win at Trowbridge meant they were snapping at the heels of a Bath side who were top of the table. Bath stumbled with a draw at Trowbridge which brought them within sight with one match to play. Despite having never beaten Bath, Wells went to Bath on a cold, wet evening and put on a very strong team performance to win 3-1. Matt Goatcher won a very tight match on board 1 while captain Solomon Hayes turned around a difficult position to win

on board 2. Ben Jukes picked up another dynamic win on board 3 to bring home the points. Unfortunately, despite finishing level on points at the top of the table Wells finished second by virtue of their head-to-head record with Bath. Nevertheless, this was a very impressive end to the season.

In Division 2 West there are still a couple of matches to play and any one of three teams could win the Division. Wells defeated Sedgemoor 2.5-1.5 with wins for Jamie Eales on board 2 and Matt Goatcher on Board 4. A draw for captain John Waterfield on board 1 was enough to seal the victory on the night. A follow up match away at Glastonbury proved to be a whitewash for Wells. Strong performances from captain John Waterfield, Jamie Eales, Chris Strong and

Paul Humphreys gave them a 4-0 victory and closed the gap on the top of the table. With any of Weston, Wells and Yeovil able to win the league the away match to Yeovil was crucial. Wells could not afford to lose. Unfortunately, losses for John Waterfield and Jamie Eales meant that looked unlikely. However, a couple of last-minute wins for Matt Goatcher and Chris Strong meant that Wells came away with a 2-2 draw and were still very much in the race. Wellington had to forfeit their recent match with Wells which gave them a 4-0 win. This leaves Weston on top with 14 points and Wells and Yeovil on 13 points but each of them has one match left to play.

In their online matches Wells A Team have had two wins to lift them up to third in their division while Wells B Team after a poor start have won three matches in a row to leave them in fourth. There are still several rounds to go but both teams are fighting for promotion.

Wells has a thriving chess club playing both competitive and social chess. Club nights on a Wednesday evening at the Globe Inn on Priest Row are a great opportunity to meet other players and enjoy a vibrant and growing club. Anyone interested in joining for social or competitive chess can find them on Facebook or at wellchessclub@outlook.com

u More sport on page 47

The local rugby derby between Wells 1st XV Men and Tor attracted a big crowd for the game at Charter Way on March 4. Wells, in black and white, won the Counties 2 Tribute Somerset of South West Division fixture 62-7.

Pictured top after the win at Bath are, from left, Ben Jukes, Solomon Hayes (c), Ed Farms and Matt Goatcher; and the Division 2 West game against Sedgemoor – Wells on the right hand side from closest, Chris Strong, Jamie Eales and John Westfield

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between the pictures then colour them in

n SPORT

Nearly 100 take part in Texas Scramble

NINETY-TWO competitors took part in the Pro Shop Texas Scramble event at Mendip Golf Club. In 4th place after count back came Charlie Barber, Charlie Pike, Brad Pike and James Brake with a net 56. In 3rd place were Jack Harrington, Alan Padfield, Chad Patel and Andrew Wells with 54, just beaten on count back by Louise and Tony Scott and Alan and Pauline Williams. However, the Winners with a net 53 were Phil Bendall, Cameron Elliot, Tim Flagg and Stephen Smith.

Forty ladies played in the American Foursomes competition. Winning with 21 points were Maggie Brain playing with Annette Jobbins. Elaine P Richardson playing with Debbie Godwin were 2nd with 19 points. Annette and Debbie were both playing in their first competition. Very new to the game they have progressed under the watchful eye of PGA Professional Alex Todd, who is now Head of Coaching and Development at Mendip and are now ready for competitive golf.

The mixed social golf event was won by Martin Osborne and Allison Rumming with an excellent 43 points with Hilary Rowdon, back on the course in fine fettle, playing with Peter Rumming in 2nd place with 41 points after count back from Clive Copp and Fiona Judge.

One of Mendip’s Juniors, 12-year-old Ffion Richardson, now playing off a handicap of 3.8, has been selected as part of the Wales Under 16 Squad to play in a Quadrangular series of matches against Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, the matches being played in April in the Netherlands.

The Seniors held a Stableford qualifying event that took place on a bitterly cold day but nevertheless saw 109 entrants. Winning Division 1 with 40 points was a resurgent Chris Bryant after count back from Andy Frampton. Division 2 went to Philip Bissett.

Group has chance to expand membership

TABLE TENNIS

WELLS Table Tennis Club is enjoying meeting on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm in the Seager Hall.

With space for three tables, there is a chance to expand membership. Players of all abilities go for an enjoyable opportunity to meet others and be part of a thriving group. Some played at school and have now returned with retirement giving them time.

Anyone else who is interested in joining is invited to contact Paul Hambleton, email paulhambleton2@btinternet.com

GOLF

Easter Holiday family fun included!

Pay once for 12 months of return visits to The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

On any normal sightseeing dayincluding this Easter school holidays!

a year-round programme of events* school holiday craft activities, storytelling and trails

the Dragon's Lair play area

Christmas

Illuminations

14 acres of RHS

partner gardens

medieval Palace award winning café

£16 adults

£8 child (5-17)

£12.50 student/Blue

Light Card

Under 5s FREE!

Plan your visit at

www.bishopspalace.org.uk

*some ticketed events excluded

Crafting: 6th & 13th April

Medieval Falconry: 10th April

Storytelling: 4th & 11th April and Easter Family Trails