Wells Voice August 2020

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August 2020 Issue 38

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Wells Coronavirus Network starts programme to help local businesses – page 9

Key workers celebrate being together again

By Emma James TWO key workers from Wells, Donna and Garry Marke, had an emotional reunion after the coronavirus pandemic kept them apart for more than two months.

The couple, who have been married for eight years, were separated for 70 days when Donna moved into the care home where she works to help look after the residents.

She has been deputy manager at Court House Retirement Home in Cheddar for five years, and moved into the care home on April 12 with some of the other staff.

She said: “I just knew that we had to protect the residents from coronavirus. At the time there was no testing. Court House is a very special place. It’s all about the residents.”

Garry, who works at Tesco in Wells, added: “Donna’s a carer

Spare a minute to help city band Fundraiser invites public to guess time clock stops to be in with chance of winning £200 Turn to page 5

Garry and Donna Marke together again at home in Wells

Launch of coach service to London Berrys Coaches getting back on road from August 1 with stop in Wells added to Superfast route Turn to page 6

Wells cricketers return to action Players pleased to have games again, following what has been busy time for club off the pitch Turn to page 28

Continued on page 3

SHOP ONLINE WITH US FOR ALL YOUR CARE PRODUCTS The Oakville Care Centre team are still operating from the Frome branch (tel: 01373 455415), and all our infection control products that help with containing germs and viruses can be ordered online. These include Alcohol Hand Sanitisers, Surface Wipes and Masks.

Browse products and place your order at:

oakvillecarecentre.co.uk

Please note that the Oakville Care Centre shop at 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, is temporarily closed

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wellsvoice

August 2020

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

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network

LOC AL INFORMATION

SEPTEMBER DEADLINE

Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999

To ensure your news or letter is included in the September issue, please contact us by August 12.

YOUR VIE WS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters.

COMPL AINTS 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 6,800 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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Attractive blooms in Wells Market Place

City council assesses cost of pandemic THE coronavirus pandemic is likely to cost Wells City Council nearly £100,000 in lost income this financial year.

Town Clerk Steve Luck told a Finance Committee meeting on July 9 that he was keeping track of the figures as he worked on a revised budget.

He said money had been lost from cancellations and activities not taking place, such as the fun fair, Town Hall lets, and small classes like dance and yoga. Rent had been lost from Bluebird Care and Mendip District Council, while The Crown had been given a six-month rent-free period.

He also said that Ask restaurant had fallen behind with its rent payments. In all, he said, the council was looking at £99,200 as lost income this financial year.

There had been some savings, he told the meeting, such as with a new insurance deal and in utilities. The toilet cleaning contract had been cancelled, money had been saved by buying a second-hand string of Christmas lights instead of new strings, the bus station shelter had not taken place, there was still grit left from last year, and furloughing staff had saved on salaries. “We’re in a good financial state. We have no worries,” he added.

Committee chairman Councillor Louis Agabani said his feeling was that projects the

council had planned should be delayed until January.

Mr Luck said that the post office in the Market Hall building was closing and moving to Peacocks, though there was no moving in date, and that the council had offered probably ten extensions to the lease to maintain post office services. He said there was a new tenant keen to take over the council-owned premises who would be putting in a planning application to turn it into a restaurant “any day now”. “It looks like Wells will be without its main post office for a short period of time,” he said.

Councillor Agabani said that the post office staff had been managed badly and were very upset. “They have no idea whether they are going back to a new job or not, they have had no consultations and they don’t know who to talk to,” he said.

Councillor Oliver Hartley said: “Steve and the team have put so much effort to make sure Wells had a post office in the centre of town. I think it’s disgusting that the Post Office have acted this way. Wells City Council, particularly the staff, did everything they possibly could to keep it there, and it is the Post Office that have acted awfully, and there’s going to be people who won’t be able to access the post office very easily because of it.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Key worker couple back together again From page 1 by nature. We had spoken about it for a while and we knew how to be apart because I used to be a long-distance lorry driver.”

Court House, registered for 28 residents, was looking after 23 elderly people during the lockdown. Some of the remaining beds were used by the carers who split into groups and occupied different areas of the care home. Donna was living in the chemist’s storeroom.

She remembers: “Everyone was really emotional on the first day. We’d just left our families.

We were 12 carers down and we were working 72 hours a week with no days off. I don’t know how we kept going.

“Luckily, we had PPE from the start. Our manager, Chris Dando, could see things were getting quite bad out there. He was on the ball and he was even making his own visors.”

Back in Wells, Garry, who has worked at Tesco for eight years and is normally to be found behind the meat counter, was recovering from a stroke which occurred in January. This has left him with a loss of vision in one eye.

He said: “I tried to get myself into a routine. Donna and I

Garry and Donna Marke either side of a wall during a visit by Garry to see his wife at Court House Retirement Home phoned each other at 8.30pm every evening. After five weeks, I went out to Court House to see her and stood on the other side of the wall. That was hard, the first time, because we couldn’t touch each other.

“I was desperate to get back to work. I really missed

Work on post office opening plan PEACOCKS is working on an opening plan for the post office due to be opened in its High Street store, but Wells is temporarily without a city centre post office after the closure of Wells Post Office in Market Place on July 24.

Jason Collins, the regional change manager for Post Office Ltd, said that following a period of public consultation and review, the move of the post office into Peacocks at 9-13 High Street would be going ahead, but added that the date of the move into Peacocks and its opening hours are still to be confirmed.

“We are disappointed with the delay,” said Peacocks store manager Alex Williams. The lockdown had had a knock-on effect on the opening of the post office counters in the store.

“We are currently working

on an opening plan and once agreed we will be in a position to provide a full update.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are working hard to restore service to Wells in the near future. In the interim alternative branches include St Thomas Street (Budgens), Westbury-sub-Mendip and Pilton.

“We want to thank Bev and Kevin Truman for delaying their planned retirement to maintain post office services to Wells. We really appreciate the Trumans and their staff providing essential post office services throughout the pandemic lockdown.”

When the Post Office proposed the relocation to Peacocks back in February, it said that the new post office would provide an extra 11 hours of post office services a week.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

interacting with people, but the doctors dealing with me were needed elsewhere so there was no-one to sign me off to say I was fit to go back.

“If it wasn’t for the telly and the X-Box, I would have gone stir crazy. I stuck to the rules and had my own ‘billy-no-mates’ barbecues.”

Donna came home on June 23 to flags and a card from Garry and joined him for a barbecue.

Garry said: “When Donna came out it was brilliant. Although she was not impressed that I went back to work the next day.”

Whilst the team of carers at Court House can now spend time with their families, the hard work and long hours continue.

Testing is taking place every week and visits from family members remain forbidden following government guidelines.

There have not been any cases of coronavirus at Court House to date.

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Old Deanery under offer, as local group promotes own bid THE Old Deanery, which Wells Voice revealed last month had put been put back on the market, is under offer.

The Diocese of Bath and Wells is selling the historic property on Cathedral Green after relocating its offices to Flourish House at Cathedral Avenue.

An offer from a private buyer had previously been accepted but that fell through and The Old Deanery – originally marketed with a guide price of £2.5 million – was temporarily withdrawn from sale. The diocese has confirmed that the Grade I listed building is now under offer again.

A group of people from

across the local community remain keen on buying The Old Deanery. They have submitted their own bid, and have stepped up their campaign to persuade the diocese to sell the building to them.

The Save the Old Deanery group explain their vision on their website and in a leaflet being delivered to households in Wells. They say: “The Old Deanery opportunity is not just about buying a building, it is about finding a suitable building such as the Old Deanery, or another one, to develop ways for the community to come together to meet the needs of the people of Wells and its visitors. After the terrible social and economic

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The Old Deanery, originally home to the city’s deans, dates back 800 years impact of Covid, this hub would not be just an important new tourist destination, it would also give a huge boost to local businesses, create jobs for local people and provide facilities for vibrant local activities of all kinds. Let’s persuade the world that Wells is worth more than a half day stay.”

The group have set up a Community Interest Company and found a property development partner to work with. Their hope is that The

Old Deanery will become an art gallery or museum of international standing, with further areas to showcase local work and events.

Appealing for public support, they urge people to email them on olddeanerywells@ googlegroups.com “to express your view on this key building for all Wells residents. Wells could be an international centre for the arts and have a strong community hub. Its future is very much in your hands.”

Diocese makes new appointment SHARON Kindleysides has been appointed as the next chief executive and diocesan secretary to the diocese of Bath and Wells.

She will replace Nick May, who is retiring after 12 years with the diocese.

Sharon is an experienced leader from the engineering, technology and innovation sectors. Her most recent experience has been as a consultant and adviser to startup businesses and transport projects. Currently living in Ely with her two children, she will be moving to Wells and start work at the new diocesan offices at Flourish House at the beginning of September.

Bishop Peter said he was delighted to appoint Sharon to the role after a rigorous recruitment process. “She brings a wealth of experience from the commercial and not-for-profit sector which, combined with her joyful faith and energy, will be invaluable in steering the diocese through uncertain times ahead.”

Sharon said: “My vision is

Sharon Kindleysides for a Church which is welcoming to everyone and supportive of ministry in all its forms and locations, and I’m really excited to be starting on this new stage of my faith journey in Bath and Wells.”

Nick joined the diocese team in 2008 as diocesan accountant, becoming director of finance and then diocesan secretary in 2014.

He said: “It has been, and will continue to be in retirement, a great privilege and a joy to be part of this wonderful diocese and the Church of England.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Public invited to guess when clock stops WELLS City Band are hoping that people will spare a minute to take part in their fundraising challenge – guessing the time that a clock stops.

Marcus Fisher of Gallery Jewellers in Wells High Street will be winding a clock and placing it in a box.

At the end of August, he will tell the band the time that the clock stopped.

Whoever guesses closest to the right time will win £200.

The next closest will win a £50 voucher for Gallery Jewellers.

There will be additional prizes of £25 and copies of the Wells City Band history book.

Together, the prizes will make up 10 per cent of profits from the entry fees.

The band has played for the people of Wells in times of sadness and joy for more than 180 years.

For the past five months the band’s players have continued

Marcus Fisher with the clock he will be winding for the guessing game practising at home, sharing in the recent Thursday thanks for the NHS and also playing

individually for the VE Day commemorations.

Unfortunately, because of

the Covid-19 restrictions, all the band’s practices and bookings have been cancelled and no events have been held during the spring or summer. In order to keep going the band needs public support.

Each entry in the clock in a box challenge costs £5 and you can enter more than once. To enter, you must provide your name, address/email or band member contact and the time or times you have chosen for the clock to stop (eg. 3.45 or 12.03 – it is a 12-hour clock).

Send them in an envelope with a cheque made out to ‘Wells City Band’ or £5 in cash for each guess to Jane Hill, Wells City Band, Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, BA52RB. Alternatively, email janehill546@aol.com the times you require and you will be sent the Wells City Band bank details for a direct transfer of the money to the bank account.

Museum to reopen on Saturdays DURING the lockdown Wells and Mendip Museum has embarked on a socially distanced deep clean and remodelling and redecorating of the room that was displaying the now dismantled First World War exhibition.

The Board of Trustees have held regular Zoom meetings, a great technological advance for some, to discuss the way forward after the amazing support and positivity through their Crowdfunding scheme.

Dependent entirely on volunteers, the museum is having a Covid-19 walkthrough for the volunteers to ensure that they feel comfortable with the

preventative measures that have been carefully worked through, risk assessed and put into place with the aim that the museum will reopen for one day a week, a Saturday, at the earliest possible date in August.

A condensed exhibition of the very successful Phillip’s Portraits Exhibition will be put on in the new gallery space and there are exciting developments planned for the future to the city’s much loved museum, on Cathedral Green.

“When you see the front door open on a Saturday in August please come in, we have missed you,” said a museum spokesperson.

Library ‘order-and-collect’ service WELLS Library was due to reopen on July 27 with an ‘order-and-collect’ service for customers, who will not initially be able to browse.

Staff will be available to select books for customers based on popular titles, specific interests and favourite authors.

Other changes will mean the reservations service will not be up and running straight

away, return dates for any items borrowed before March 19 will be extended to September 2020, staff will be unable to accept donations of books, all items will have a four-week loan period, and hire charges for DVDs and Talking Books will be suspended Internet access will be available for those who need it most and people will be asked to pre-book a session in advance.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Back on road with Wells link to London

BERRYS Coaches are getting back on the road from August 1 – with a new stop in Wells added to the London Superfast Service.

The coach company have made a new addition to their SF3 route to include a pick-up from Wells Bus and Coach Station, Princes Road, due to increasing demand.

Serving the city daily, it will pick up at 7.30am Monday to Friday and 8.55am on Sunday, returning at 10pm Monday to Saturday and 9.15pm on Sunday.

Unlike some other businesses, the fares have not increased – proving value for a truly excellent service, say the company.

2020 is a particularly exciting year for Berrys Coaches as it is the 100th anniversary of the family-run business. Started back in 1920, they have become one of the South West’s leading coach businesses.

Centenary celebrations have had to change slightly due to ongoing global issues, but they have been pleased to announce a new addition to their growing fleet of vehicles. On July 21 they welcomed a new luxury double-

decker coach, that was purchased for the London Superfast Service.

Stuart Berry, managing director for Berrys Coaches, said: “As a team, we are thrilled to be back on the road and serving our loyal customers again.

“We’ve been wanting to include Wells and now due to popular demand, we’ve been able to add the beautiful city to our SF3 route. It’s clear from our customers that they are eager to travel to London and return to the ‘new normal’ since the easing of lockdown restrictions.

With London tourist attractions reopening, there is so much to see and do in our capital city.

“We have put in place extensive safety measurements, and are confident that our customers will be happy and safe on board all of our vehicles.

“We thank everyone who has supported us as a local family run business, and cannot wait to see what the next 100 years will bring to Berrys Coaches.”

Before travelling, customers are asked to read through the new safety measures, which can be found on berryscoaches.co.uk

Scott Berry of Berrys Coaches at Wells Bus and Coach Station

Consultation on proposals for new 68-home development PROPOSALS have been unveiled for more houses on the edge of Wells.

Gleeson Strategic Land is seeking public views on proposals for a development of 68 new homes on land between existing houses at Elm Close and Wells Touring Park at Haybridge.

The New House Farm development would be accessed from the A371 and offer a variety of one, two, three and four bedroom homes of differing sizes – 40 per cent of which will be ‘affordable’.

More information and the chance to comment is available online at newhousefarmwells.

co.uk. The consultation closes on August 17, after which the proposals may be revised as a result of the initial comments, before an outline planning application is submitted.

Wells Voice reported last month on concerns at the number of new houses already being built in the area: the North

Ward of St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.

Outline planning permission was granted in January for up to 100 homes on land to the south of Elm Close, with hundreds more in recent years having been built or with permission to be built on land to the north of the A371, and off Wookey Hole Road.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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New measures in place as cinema reopens WELLS Film Centre has started showing films again.

Four months after having to close its doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was reopening to cinema-goers on Friday, July 24.

As she looked forward to the reopening, proprietor Sally Cooper said: “We cannot wait to welcome our customers back to the film centre. This has been a difficult time for many people and businesses but we have had such wonderful messages from our customers.

“With the added support of the UK Cinema Association, we have introduced new measures to help with social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes.”

She said that there are three important changes patrons need to be made aware of when they return to the cinema.

The box office opening hours have moved to Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am to noon.

Allocated seating is one of the changes at Wells Film Centre Sally said: “Due to the size and shape of our foyer we will only be able to have customers coming in for their show and not prebooking, so we decided to have designated box office hours to deal with bookings and enquiries

outside film showing times.’’

Customers will also now book specific seats. “We have not had allocated seating before, but to help with social distancing customers book their actual seats and our system will block

off seats around them to stop anyone sitting next to them,’’ said Sally.

Another change they have implemented is that children under 12 years old now need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old.

Booking is still available 24/7 on the film centre website wellsfimcentre.co.uk. The website also contains up-to-date information on these changes.

There has also been an update about this year’s Wells Festival of Film. With the current climate, Wells Film Centre and The Bishop’s Palace have decided to postpone the festival until April 2021. Customers who have booked for the outdoor screening of Grease have had their tickets automatically transferred over to next year. Anyone with enquiries should ring the cinema on 01749 673195 or pop in during the box office opening hours, or email info@wellsfilmcentre.co.uk.

...WE’RE BACK!

LONDON SUPERFAST SERVICE RESUMES 1ST AUGUST Now picking up from Wells Bus & Coach Station, every day.

N

To book visit berryscoaches.co.uk or call 01823 331356* T Booking office is open Monday - Friday 9am - 2pm

*

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Summer fun at Palace includes family trails and photo contest

THE Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells has announced its revised Summer Family Activity programme to keep families entertained during the school holidays.

Due to the current pandemic, the Palace has had to cancel its busy public events programme, but has now released its plans to help families to enjoy the site in a safe and socially distanced way in July and August.

The Palace will be launching weekly family trails from Saturday, July 25, based on different weekly themes. The themes will include Colour, Dragons, Water, Gardening and Animals at the Palace, and the trails will be available as a download from the Palace website, or visitors can collect a print-out from the shop on site.

The trails will lead families around the Palace & Gardens and, when completed, children will be able to collect a small prize on the way out.

The Palace will also run a Photography Competition for children over the summer holidays. Children are invited to submit their best photo on the theme of My Summer at the Palace. The photos must be taken within the grounds or buildings of the Palace, and there will be three separate age categories for entries: 1-4yrs, 5-10yrs and 11-15yrs.

The winners and runners up will have their work featured in

Special evening picnic event

There will be weekly family trails at The Bishop’s Palace during the summer holidays, based on different weekly themes an exhibition to be held in the Stable Yard Room at the Palace at the end of the holidays, and the winners from each category will also be featured on the Palace website.

To enter, families can post/ tag the image to the Palace Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #MySummer, or email it to info@ bishopspalace.org.uk.

Children who are familiar with the Palace Gardens will be pleased to hear that The Dragon’s Lair play area in the Arboretum has now reopened.

The Lair explores the themes of the Palace in a fun way with

climbing, sliding and pumping water.

Since the Palace Gardens reopened at the end of May, a new People’s Ticket has been on offer costing £15 for adults and £7.50 for children (5-17), which allows the holder to enter for one day and return for the following 12 months, so it is the perfect excuse to spend those long summer days exploring the 14 acres of gardens.

The Bishop’s Table cafe will be open daily for takeaways with outdoor seating, and offers brunch, lunch, cream teas, cake, ice cream, snacks and hot and cold drinks.

ON Thursday, July 30, from 6pm-9pm, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is holding a Picnic at the Palace evening event.

The gardens will be open to any ticket or membership holder, or anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket or membership on the night, to enjoy exclusive access outside of normal opening hours.

The cafe will be open during the event for cold drinks and snacks.

The South Lawn will have tables and chairs set up, but visitors are welcome to take their own chairs and picnic blankets.

In line with Covid-secure guidelines, if the event is extremely popular, priority entry will be given to those with prebooked picnics (which must have been booked, at £18.95 per head, by 5pm on Monday, July 27), and visitors are asked not to take their own food and drink on site.

Homes by pub get go-ahead FOUR new homes can be built behind the Mermaid Inn in Tucker Street.

Mendip District Council has approved plans for the four twobedroom houses with a number of conditions, including that the house nearest the pub is to be restricted for use as the pub manager’s accommodation.

View every issue online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

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A group of Wells artists are to hold an exhibition of the work they have produced during lockdown. Liz de Pass, Ruth Burdett, Zoe Heath, Janet Mchugh, Jocelyn Hare and Irene Dickson started Poetic Licence in Isolation – a lockdown collage project – to keep each others’ spirits up and remain productive while in isolation. Their art will be available to view by appointment from September at Studio 5, 6 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells. For more information, email Irene on neire@live.co.uk. Pictured above are works by, from left, Ruth, Janet, Irene and Jocelyn

Launch of services to help businesses Wells Coronavirus Network spokesman Simon Lawder explains a new scheme to help local businesses in the current uncertain times WELLS Coronavirus Network (WCN) volunteers have been working to relieve the stress and practical difficulties caused by the lockdown emergency.

This work continues, but they are now turning their attention to the Wells economy. The impact of the long lockdown on local businesses, small and large, and on jobs is starting to show itself.

As they see the approaching end of the government’s furlough scheme, many Wells-based people and their employers are facing a nervous time.

WCN Business Services is a programme designed by Christopher Bond, a Wells

Christopher Bond has extensive experience of the business world resident with decades of experience in the City and the business world.

WCN Sympathetic Ear service We are fortunate in Wells to have many recently retired, successful business people living among us. Their experience and

practical wisdom can be exactly what a business owner facing an uncertain future needs. A confidential sounding board, someone to share your worries and your ideas with, can help us to see things more clearly and give us the confidence to go forward. Several Wells residents, from a range of business backgrounds, are already signing up as “Ears”, giving their time and their attention, entirely free of charge, in support of the Wells economy.

WCN Local Professionals service This service is enlisting local specialist consultants and firms, expert business start-ups, business planning, legal, finance, accountancy, technology, digital strategy, and marketing. Each will agree to offer, free of charge, some of their time and expertise

to business leaders and those considering a start-up. There will be a limit on the number of hours they can give but it is expected to be enough to be of considerable value.

WCN is also setting up a Business Support Information website, listing most useful government and advisory services for business and their contact details in one place. “The Wells economy’s survival is everyone’s concern,” says Christopher. “The community came together when lockdown arrived; now Wells needs to get behind its businesses.”

Everyone interested in applying or lending a hand is encouraged to contact WCN by writing, in total confidence, to wcnbusinessrecovery@gmail.com or calling 01749 467079.

THE FULL MOON TRADITIONAL FREE HOUSE IN SOUTHOVER, WELLS NOW RE-OPEN and OFFERING A WARM WELCOME TO CUSTOMERS OLD AND NEW RELAX IN OUR DELIGHTFUL BEER GARDEN; FAMILY and DOG FRIENDLY; COVID-19 SECURE; CASK-CONDITIONED ALES & TRADITIONAL CIDERS; FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT RETURNING VERY SOON.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

10

August 2020

n NEWS

Jo illustrates power of positive thinking with career relaunch

By Emma James POSITIVITY is the name of the game for Jo Godbold, a Wells illustrator who has had to relaunch her career after being made redundant.

She and her husband Andy and their two children moved to Wells four years ago when Jo was asked to head up Accessories Design at Clarks in Street.

Following redundancy from this post in January, Jo was faced with a bleak and uncertain future but she was determined to find a way forward: “At the worst of times you need to believe in yourself. I didn’t know what was going to be next. I had to think of something different.”

Illustration and textile design had been a continuing theme throughout Jo’s career so she looked for a way to use her skills to benefit the community. Jo approached the Wells Coronavirus Network and volunteered to undertake the artwork for the network’s logo, postcards and posters. “We were all in the same boat and we had to help each other.”

At the same time, Jo has been working hard on her paintings which centre around her love of animals. She has launched a blog on Instagram and now has an Etsy shop which features her illustrative work, prints and pet portraits. She is also working on a range of Wells-related prints and greetings cards.

Jo Godbold with some of her art; a ‘Wells’ example is shown top right Jo has had support in building the business from Andy, who lends a hand with marketing and by collecting prints. She has been amazed and delighted at the response to her work: “I’ve developed great relationships with customers online. I love being able to talk to the people who are buying my work and they have been as far afield as Minnesota, Iowa, Boston, Vancouver and Hong Kong.”

Jo’s latest designs are what she calls ‘positivity’ posters which convey hopeful messages such as ‘Stop wishing start doing’ and ‘Be wild and free’.

“I’m all about positivity,” says Jo, “I don’t really know what lies ahead, but I just think we can deal with everything. You have to find something in yourself that makes you feel good and has a good effect on other people and go with it.”

Hand-weeding pilot project LAST year, Mendip District Council’s new administration took the decision to try to stop using glyphosate weedkiller because it is a known carcinogen and damaging to the environment. The council’s contractors, Idverde, are now weeding by hand instead, but it is labour intensive and it means that some areas of Wells are not being maintained as frequently as the council would like.

In common with other authorities, the council is having difficulty finding a safe, costeffective alternative solution.

Communities elsewhere have embarked on hand-weeding schemes using volunteers to prevent the necessity of returning to glyphosate use. The council is trying to gauge whether Wells residents would be interested in volunteering to help with a pilot of a similar community handweeding scheme, allowing more time to find a suitable effective and safe alternative product.

Anyone who would be interested in giving up a couple of hours to help is asked to email wellsweeders@gmail.com

Online activities WELLS Library is encouraging people to visit it on Facebook (@WellsLibrarySomerset). It says that people can expect to find Summer Reading Challenge crafts and activities, storytime every Wednesday, an online Lego Club on the 1st of the month, book recommendations, author readings, quizzes and more.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

11

n NEWS

Store’s illuminated signs in spotlight MORRISONS is facing opposition to its plans for new illuminated signs at its store on the edge of Wells.

The company has applied to Mendip District Council for the erection of signage including 14 illuminated and non-illuminated signs, which will replace the existing signs as part of a national refurbishment programme.

A number of local councillors are backing a petition that opposes illuminated signs visible from Palace Fields and Tor Hill because they spoil the “spectacular view”. Lois Rogers, a Wells district councillor, and city councillors Oliver Hartley and Rachel Humphreys have all said they will be signing the petition. Cllr Rogers added that the current signs are being illuminated in breach of consent, which expired nearly three years ago, and are often left on all night.

She said: “The breathtaking view of the Cathedral, the Levels and Glastonbury Tor as you come into Wells from Dulcote is generally regarded as the most spectacular view of the city. It is completely wrecked by this garish brand advertising plastered across the middle of it, particularly at dusk.”

An illustration of a new-look Morrisons sign Cllr Humphreys said: “There is no need for the lights to be on at night. It also ruins the view of our beautiful city as you drive in to Wells from Dulcote.”

The district council confirmed that advertisement consent for an illuminated sign at the store expired in 2017, and says it has received a complaint about the lighting arrangements. The original consent said that there should be no illumination earlier then 30 minutes before opening hours or later than 30 minutes after unless agreed in advance with the planning authority.

Morrisons signs as seen at dusk from the road between Wells and Dulcote Morrisons say that the illuminated store sign is turned off at 10.30pm – the store closes at 10pm Monday-Saturday – and the petrol station sign at 11pm.

The petrol station closes at 11pm Monday-Saturday.

But Cllr Rogers said: “The lights destroy the view of the sunset and are routinely left on all night. They simply should not be there at all.”

A Mendip District Council spokesperson said: “Advertisement consent for an illuminated sign at WM Morrisons, Wells, was granted on November 23, 2012, and expired five years from that date which was November 22, 2017. Technically this means the signage across the store building and associated petrol filling station is no longer authorised. It can be confirmed that the council has received a complaint about the lighting arrangements given the terms of the consent as it was issued in 2012 which restricted the timing when the lighting could be in operation.

“It can also be confirmed that a recent application has been submitted by an agent acting for WM Morrisons for a new scheme of advertising across the site.

This application will be assessed and determined in accordance with national and local planning policy frameworks and the council’s adopted scheme of delegation for decisions on planning application.”

A Morrisons spokeswoman

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said: “We recently submitted a planning application to renew the consent for the illuminated signs at our Wells store to Mendip District Council.

Picture: Garfield Kennedy

“We are listening to customers’ and local community views about lighting at the store and also await comments from the council.”

Freckles & Boo is a new farm shop, bringing you the very best produce fresh from the farms and fields of Somerset and beyond.

Our shelves are packed full of the finest local fruit & veg, dairy and meat products are delivered daily from our partners in the region. We also have a fantastic range of artisan bread and a great selection of local wine, beer and cider.

We look forward to welcoming you through our doors.

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09/07/2020 13:14

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12

August 2020

n NEWS

Big names covering wide range of topics

IN these uncertain times, fans of Wells Festival of Literature can now confidently put October 1624 into their diaries.

Festival organisers are determined to mount a festival full of wide-ranging topics and exciting and challenging speakers. Acutely aware of their responsibility for safeguarding contributors and audiences, the festival committee is listening to experts and watching developments before making final decisions about delivery; will it be ‘mask to mask’ and live-streamed from Cedars Hall, online from writers’ homes or even a combination of all?

The committee is delighted that so many of the writers have firmly committed to contributing to the festival in whatever form, meaning that wraps can be removed from more names.

Poet laureate Simon Armitage and book group event novelist Max Porter are now ‘out there’

Rachel Johnson will be discussing her candid memoir and AC Grayling his history of philosophy at this year’s Wells Festival of Literature

alongside two big, and perhaps contrasting, names.

Unlike her brother, who recited Homer’s Iliad on a Glastonbury stage with Billy

WELLS

20 Festival of Literature

Bragg in 2000, Rachel Johnson may never have been to the Glastonbury Festival. She, however, will be appearing alongside festival inspiration and creator Michael Eavis at Wells in 2020 to share her memoir, Rake’s Progress: My Political Midlife Crisis, indiscreet, witty, brutally honest memories of her disastrous quest to become an MEP and transform herself from journalist to politician. Michael’s book, with daughter Emily, Glastonbury 50, celebrates 50 glorious years of the festival – from free milk and £1 tickets to the largest green fields festival in the world.

So what other delights are there? Something for everyone, from history and psychotherapy to travel, science, politics, philosophy, arts, fiction and food.

The festival poster’s 13 book covers display a rich menu; rules of contagion, spies and thrillers, the story of China, Oliver Cromwell, unconscious bias, food, rewilding, Jane Austen’s Bennett sisters…

Add to this household names like newsreader Tom Bradby’s espionage novel, junior doctor Rachel Clarke’s take on the NHS, Charles Spencer’s story of the 1120 sinking of the White Ship, AC Grayling’s history of philosophy, Charles Moore’s whodunit gig on the fall of Margaret Thatcher… and there are still more to come, including a special ecological event, in partnership with Somerset Wildlife Trust, exploring rewilding and secret havens.

About two per cent of every ticket sold funds the festival’s life-changing creative projects and literacy support in local schools, events which have been continuing, despite lockdown, and will be even more needed in the wake of these strange times.

For more on the festival, see wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

Case advanced for single council

Booking soon...

20

...watch this space wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

16 – 24

October

A BUSINESS case for a new single council for Somerset has been approved by Somerset County Council’s Cabinet.

The county council is developing plans to replace all five existing councils – the county council and four district councils – with a new single council for Somerset. It says that benefits will include one point of contact for all local services, expected savings of £18.5 million per year, and 15 to 20 new Local Community Networks across Somerset to give local people the chance to shape their own communities, with constitutional powers to scrutinise, impact and take decisions.

The One Somerset business case will now go to Full Council on July 29 for a final decision on whether to submit it to the Secretary of State.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Wells Voice 120x87.indd 1

Earlier in July, the leaders of the district councils – Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council and South Somerset District Council – put out a statement saying that they can offer a better future for the people of Somerset than a single council.

In it they said: “We want to make it clear that the district councils of Somerset do not support ‘One Somerset’ and the proposals for a single council for Somerset.

“We know we can offer a better future for the people of Somerset that reforms local government and is ambitious for our communities and their quality of life. Somerset does not deserve the cheapest local government. Somerset deserves the best local government.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 10/07/2020 13:28

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August 2020

13

n NEWS

Duncan DeLooze with his faithful companion Gibson

a black Labrador called Gibson.

They hit it off immediately and quickly formed a strong bond.

The bond is now so strong that Duncan said: “Quite often before I’ve even said the words ‘fetch my meds’ Gibson’s halfway there already. I then encourage him by telling him to ‘fetch meds bag’ and he’s back in a flash with it. The earlier I get my meds the better, as this can stop the hemiplegic migraine from happening. Gibson’s got my medication dozens of time to prevent me having an attack.”

Gibson helps Duncan get dressed and undressed, fetch his shoes and slippers, lift clothes from the floor, and load the washing machine.

Duncan said: “The less I have to move around and bend and twist the less pain I have. When you live with chronic pain it also affects your mental health a lot, it wears you down being in pain all the time.

“Gibson has an incredible amount of empathy for me, he makes my life calmer and more bearable. It’s amazing how just

the act of being with Gibson, cuddling and stroking him, can reduce my pain levels.”

Before Gibson arrived Duncan didn’t like leaving the house alone because he was worried about having an attack in public.

He said: “I didn’t want to leave my house on my own because I’ve had attacks in public and you feel very vulnerable.

Now I have Gibson next to me, looking after me, I feel much safer.

“When I’m having a good day we go into town and go round the stores, up the high street and sit outside the Cathedral, which is as close to a ‘normal’ day as I could ever get.

“I feel calmer and safer when Gibson’s with me, he’s helped my mental health tremendously.

“If I’m having anxiety, his presence calms me down and relaxes me.

“At the beginning I was only thinking of having a dog to help me with my physical needs but he helps just as much mentally.

I’ve gone from existing to living.”

Duncan: dog’s help has changed my life A WELLS man has revealed the life-changing impact that his assistance dog from charity Dogs for Good has made.

Duncan DeLooze, aged 51, has suffered with chronic pain for most of his life and now uses a wheelchair and crutches to help him get about.

Several stomach operations as a teenager caused back problems and he has shoulder and wrist injuries. To make matter worse, a bad fall 15 years ago, from more than 10ft high, caused chronic nerve damage to his groin and legs and exacerbated his back problems.

Duncan also has fibromyalgia and a rare type of ‘hemiplegic’ migraine, which mimics having a stroke and paralyses the right side of his body.

These migraines can cause seizures which leave him unable to speak or swallow and he can have as many as 20 to 25 seizures a month which leave him paralysed for a few hours to a couple of days. In rare cases these attacks can be life

threatening if his tongue is affected.

He also has arthritis and PTSD after experiencing a childhood trauma, and struggles with depression.

When he saw a news item on TV about Dogs for Good’s assistance dogs, he thought a dog might make all the difference to his life as it could carry out everyday tasks for him that he was struggling with.

Every assistance dog is specially trained to help with practical tasks that many people with disabilities find difficult or impossible to do, such as opening and closing doors, helping with dressing and undressing, retrieving items such as mobile telephones or dropped articles like keys or a bag, loading and emptying the washing machine, pressing a pedestrian crossing button and reaching up to shop-counters with items such as a wallet.

Duncan applied to Dogs for Good for an assistance dog and a year later he was matched with

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wellsvoice n NEWS

14 WELLS VETS CASE FILES

August 2020

Roxie pain-free after stones are removed Name: Roxie Age: 9 years Breed: Bolognese Likes: Home comforts Dislikes: That ouchy feeling when having a wee!

ROXIE is a rescue dog that came to her loving new home with a history of urinary problems.

Knowing this, her new owners were hyper-vigilant when it came to monitoring her and, at 4am one morning, they could see that she was in a lot of pain. Roxie was brought in as an emergency and her owners were correct – not only was she sore but, when her tummy was palpated, there was a very unusual feel.

An X-ray left no doubt – Roxie was suffering from bladder stones – literally mineral stones that had accumulated in her bladder – and there were a lot of them! We informed Roxie’s worried owners and advised that surgery to remove the stones was the only thing that would give her quick relief.

Roxie proceeded to surgery, in which her bladder was opened and the stones removed before her bladder was flushed and closed. The stones and urine samples were then sent for analysis. This confirmed that a urinary infection had likely initiated the problem, by altering the pH of her urine, along with her producing urine with a high mineral concentration, providing the ideal environment for stone formation. So Roxie received an extended course of antibiotics, was placed onto a special diet, is encouraged to drink lots and regularly has urine tests to monitor for signs of stone recurrence.

Through all of this Roxie’s owners took tremendous care and diligently tend to her needs to try to prevent her bladder problem recurring, because life is better when it flows freely!

Aldi is targeting 12 new locations in Somerset

Supermarket chain wants store in Wells AN Aldi supermarket could be coming to Wells.

The company says the city is one of 12 new locations it has identified in Somerset where it is looking for freehold town-centre or edge-of-centre sites suitable for development.

It says each site should be around 1.5 acres and able to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store with around 100 parking spaces, ideally on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access.

Aldi currently has more than 880 stores across the UK and wants to increase that to 1,200 by 2025.

Ciaran Aldridge, national property director at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi is growing rapidly and we are welcoming around a

million new customers into our stores every year.

“But there are also hundreds of towns across the UK where there is not an Aldi, meaning there are hundreds of thousands of people who can’t easily access the high quality, affordable food our customers love.

“We are willing to explore all opportunities, including developer-led schemes or existing retail units.”

The other locations in Somerset being targeted by the discount chain are Midsomer Norton, Frome, Keynsham, Weston-super-Mare, Bath, Nailsea, Taunton, Wellington, Wincanton, Chard and Yeovil.

The company already has stores in Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury.

Travel agent unable to recruit An X-ray revealed that a lot of mineral stones had accumulated in Roxie’s bladder

Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD

Tel: 01749 678420

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

HAYS Travel has said it was unable to recruit enough staff to open a shop in Wells High Street.

The company had intended to open a branch in the former Thomas Cook premises.

A Hays Travel spokesperson said: “We did intend to open the Wells branch, but unfortunately we just weren’t able to recruit enough staff and after a few months of trying, we took the decision just before the lockdown to merge with the branch in Shepton Mallet which

is not too far away. Shepton Mallet is a sizeable branch, with experienced staff who have already welcomed and looked after customers who previously used the Wells branch. Customers can also phone the branch or book a video appointment – whatever is most convenient for them.”

Hays Travel acquired all the former Thomas Cook shops in the UK after the long-established holiday company’s collapse last year.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

15

n NEWS

Play therapist busier since lockdown

By Emma James WELLS play therapist Elaine Hutchinson helps children to consider and acknowledge their feelings, teaching them to cope with big emotions in a safe and constructive way.

Since lockdown, she says, there has been an increase in demand for her services – and she expects to get busier still when more children return to school in September.

“Lots of children have found that lockdown has amplified their concerns and fears around a whole host of issues, including staying safe and also going back to school generally,” said Elaine, who runs therapeutic service Creating Calm.

“I’ve found myself more in demand than before lockdown and I expect this will increase when schools go back more fully in September.”

Elaine has worked with children and their families for more than 25 years. “I love being able to support children and teens. It’s really rewarding to see a client become happier within themselves,” she said.

Elaine’s first teaching job was in Midsomer Norton. She used to come to Wells at the weekend in search of some anonymity: “I loved visiting Wells. When I wanted to move out of Bristol, Wells was the natural choice. I’ve been here since 2001 and really enjoy the friendliness of the city.”

Elaine Hutchinson with her therapy dog Orca However, Elaine’s connections with Wells go back a lot further. An ancestor, George Henry Law, was Bishop of Bath and Wells and is buried in the Cathedral. She said: “I was telling my children that they were related to him one rainy day in the Bishop’s Palace and a passer-by told them I was lying which was quite funny.”

In March this year, Orca, Elaine’s therapy dog, half-collie, half-miniature poodle, came to live with the family. The last of the litter, Orca had been on her own for a while and won their hearts instantly.

Elaine said: “She has been working in my therapy room for a while and loves being with my

Pub ready to make fresh start POPULAR pub The Full Moon aims to become a hub of the local community again after reopening following the lockdown.

“We are looking forward to welcoming customers back,” said John Bowles, who owns the pub in Southover, Wells.

Having spent nearly 40 years in the pub trade, John bought The Full Moon in 2011, when it had become very run down, and spent ten months refurbishing it.

Although he had to leave in 2013 due to ill-health, he continued to take a keen interest in The Full Moon, and has now

taken back control, assisted by manager Judy Clark who hails from Midsomer Norton and will be known to many customers.

John said: “It is hoped to reintroduce a food offer in due course, and a programme of live entertainment is planned as soon as permissible. Sports TV channels will be shown in a dedicated area of the pub.

“Undoubtedly one of the greatest assets of The Full Moon is its large garden, and by next summer it is hoped the pub may again be in line for an award from the Wells in Bloom judges.”

clients. She found lockdown hard as she clearly missed seeing them and the change in her routine.

She’s only in the playroom if the client and their family are happy that she’s there. Sometimes she

plays with clients, sometimes she’s an audience for them, sometimes she cuddles up with them and sometimes they chat with her.”

In the playroom, children and young people who are struggling with friendships often connect to Orca because they know that no-one wanted her before she joined Elaine’s family. Elaine said: “Orca has been known to go to clients who are sad and sit with them with her head on their knee to try and make them feel better.”

But Orca also has a fun side.

She loves to pop bubbles and play games with clients. When it comes to dinner, Elaine said that she has some unusual preferences: “Orca’s favourite food is cheese but she also loves broccoli, kale, peas and sweet corn. If I put veggies in her bowl, she will throw out all her dog biscuits to get to the veg before eating the biscuits.”

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16

August 2020

n NEWS

Statement of intent on social housing PLANS to provide social housing across the district have come a step closer.

The Mendip District Council scheme – the first for two decades – promises to create jobs and boost skills and the local economy, while leaving a lasting legacy of social homes offering fair rents for residents.

The council has looked at Mendip-owned sites and identified numerous potential plots. Five of these could be shovel-ready within months.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Councillor Ros Wyke, said: “I feel this is something to really celebrate here. Mendip is moving forward on social housing provision after a 20-year gap, and we promise to deliver, to meet the urgent need.”

At a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on July 6, members

voted unanimously for viability work to be undertaken, with immediate effect.

The council will work with a registered provider during the first stages. As the programme progresses there will be engagement with city, town and parish councils, plus organisations such as Community Land Trusts.

Councillor Liz Leyshon, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Projects, said: “What we have here is a statement of intent to build social rental housing.

“There will obviously be consultation on the sites, as and when they come forward. The whole point of doing the viability work is to find out whether or not a parcel of land is appropriate.”

Detailed proposals of specific sites will be brought forward later this year.

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FINDING homes for the homeless and helping former drug addicts keep clean are part of the Connect Centre’s role. But it does not end there. The next aim is to help them get paid work so they can support themselves.

With this in mind the Connect Centre at the junction of Portway and Chamberlain Street in Wells is launching a project to get former drug addicts and homeless people into jobs.

Leading the project is Ryan Wynn, a father of four with a postgraduate diploma in sculpture from the Royal College of Art, who said: “The lockdown has adversely affected some of our service users in terms of potential employment.

“Before the lockdown there were just under two unemployed individuals per vacancy, that will soon increase to eight people per vacancy. Our clients of course face additional potential barriers such as long periods of unemployment, lack of recent references, health issues, criminal records, etc.

“I know some of our service users have been very keen to enter into employment again as soon as possible, this course can

Having fun with one of Ryan’s sculptures at an exhibition provide work experience and a reference, getting into a routine and boosting self-esteem. We will offer a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card on completion of the course which would enable them to apply for various jobs that only require experience and a reference, which they would have.”

Ryan is a support worker at the Connect Centre and three of his children go to Stoberry Park school. He says anyone interested in employing someone from the course should ring the centre on 01749 677097.

Philip Welch

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

17

n NEWS

Virtual ingredients part of this year’s mix

WHILST the viability of a 2020 physical Wells Food Festival is still under discussion, plans are full steam ahead for an exciting and interactive virtual festival.

This will either operate as a standalone or will accompany the actual event.

With Wells-based Charlie Bigham’s as headline sponsor, the food festival has been taken to another level. The virtual festival will be a unique 48-hour online shopping experience on October 10 and 11, hosted by UK magazine Country Living with promotional support from Good Housekeeping magazine.

“Our top priority this year is to support our artisan producers and local traders,” said festival director Jon Abbott.

“Collaborating on this scale with these national magazines and Charlie Bigham’s to deliver a virtual festival will provide our stallholders with an incredible reach, and allows us to extend

Gerry Koen of Billies and Tong

our invitation to potential new artisan producers creating a great shopping experience.”

Gerry Koen from Wellsbased company Billies and Tong said: “We always look forward to Wells Food Festival so we’re delighted that it’s still going to be taking place this year, even if it’s a different format.

“We’ve been lucky with fantastic support locally over the last few months but it’ll be exciting to extol the virtues of biltong to a wider, national audience.”

Details of the virtual festival are yet to be revealed but in addition to providing a shopping platform, it is hoped that demonstrations, talks, videos and live streaming will all be in the mix.

“Our aim is to turn this challenging time around into

A scene from last year’s Wells Food Festival something really positive,” said Charlie Bigham.

“And what better than a virtual festival with Country Living with their wealth of experience. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the West Country’s fantastic produce and producers in a creative and inspirational way.”

Visit www.wellsfoodfestival. co.uk for more information.

Virtual Visit

You are invited to take a tour of our School at a time that suits you Please register to visit: http://wells.cathedral.school/virtualvisitreg Tel: 01749 834441 http://wells.cathedral.school/openday

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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18

August 2020

n NEWS

The cast doing a read through of Comedy of Errors on Cathedral Green, Wells, on what would have been the last day of this year’s Wells Theatre Festival (Sunday, July 12). Like so many of this year’s events, the festival had to be cancelled following the coronavirus outbreak. Comedy of Errors cast members had been rehearsing over Zoom throughout lockdown.

Good reasons to extend path

67 bus service back in action

Strawberry Line Association committee member Richard Jones discusses plans for an extension to the Strawberry Line path

MENDIP Community Transport was aiming to restart the 67 bus service on July 23, subject to the road reopening after work by Bristol Water at Bleadney. The Saturday service was also due to restart from July 25.

The 67 route connects Wells and Wookey Hole to Burnhamon-Sea and the villages in between. The timetable will be as it was before, with a connection in Wedmore.

Due to government guidelines on social distancing, the vehicle will only be able to operate at around 50 per cent of its normal capacity and face coverings will be required.

THE Strawberry Line East group has recently submitted a planning application to extend the popular shared-use path from Wells to Dulcote onwards to Charlie Bigham’s food production facility at Dulcote Quarry. This allweather, sealed surface path will be 2.5 metres wide, follow a wheelchair-friendly gradient throughout, and be open to walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

It would connect the city of Wells with one of Mendip’s largest employment sites in a sustainable and picturesque way.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the need for more traffic-free paths is more important than ever. Not only will these encourage healthier lifestyles, improve air quality

and reduce the strain on the NHS, but the recent lockdown has also highlighted the need for alternatives to shared transport by car or bus. For this reason the Department for Transport recently announced a financial commitment to a “new era of walking and cycling” – an ambition that is in perfect alignment with this planning application. In addition, Mendip District Council recently adopted an ambitious project to “reduce the volume of commuter related car journeys in Mendip”. What better way than to create trafficfree access to one of Mendip’s busiest commuter destinations?

From the Dulcote end of the present path, the proposed route would utilise the existing underpass, safely crossing under the A371, then cutting into the verge almost immediately and gently ramping up to the old Dulcote-Worminster road (now a bridleway) before exiting at the quarry’s access road.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

The dismantled track-bed between Cheddar and Shepton Mallet is protected as a corridor for sustainable transport in Mendip District Council’s Local Plan, and so it is hoped that the path will soon be extended beyond the quarry all the way to the recreation ground at Shepton Mallet and Collett Park, closely following the flat and direct route of the old railway line. This would enable people to commute between Wells and Shepton without any need to get in a car.

St Cuthbert Out Parish Council planning committee considered this application at a recent meeting and voted unanimously in favour of recommending that Mendip approve it.

The planning application documents can be seen at publicaccess.mendip.gov. uk/online-applications/ applicationDetails.do?activeTab =summary&keyVal=QB1AD3K PM2J00

Event called off ORGANISERS of the annual Mendip Rocks! festival that celebrates the geology of the Mendip Hills have announced the postponement of this year’s events that were due to take place in September and October.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

19

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

Reopened Town Hall now has free wi-fi FREE wi-fi is now available for the public in the reopened Wells Town Hall.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Truespeed to provide superfast broadband to the Town Hall,” said Town Clerk Steve Luck. “Our council offices are now connected and we can also offer all our visitors and hirers access to free wi-fi, so the whole community can benefit from this service.”

The Town Hall reopened on Monday, July 27, but maintenance continued through lockdown at Wells Cemetery and on the green spaces for which the city council is responsible.

The Tourist Information Centre will reopen on July 29 but the Citizens Advice Bureau remains closed and making phone appointments only on 03444 889623.

Small classes and meetings can now take place in the Town Hall and 60 weddings are planned this year and next. Email Kevin Westwood for enquiries or bookings at thm@Wells.gov.uk. n During lockdown Wells City Council set up two working groups:

Councillors Joe Parker and Louis Agabani with some of the one-way arrows installed on High Street by the city council to increase pedestrian safety Covid Recovery It has been working with residents and organisations to

help develop safe and secure plans as we move out of the Covid-19 lockdown to enhance community

n LETTERS If only Square could always be traffic-free IN the last few days, I have been able to enjoy a coffee at a cafe, sitting outside in the sun and in a traffic-free Wells Market Square.

Most enjoyable!

Wouldn’t it be great to have the Square permanently traffic free?

With the increased number of cafes, bars and restaurants located in the Square and another soon to join in, it would be possible to create a Cafe Quarter, similar to many European towns and villages.

These establishments would then be able to increase the number of seats they provide, spreading further into the Square.

I accept that there would have to be provision for access by delivery vehicles, but maybe restricted hours for these.

Also, access will be needed for essential vehicles to the Bishop’s Palace and Crown Hotel, and of

resilience and sustainability. It has been concentrating on trying to maintain social distancing and reducing vehicle traffic in the city centre. This has not been easy as the county council is responsible for the highways and Mendip for the Market Place, but non-essential vehicles have been banned from the latter.

Local Government Reorganisation Its purpose is to work with Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council to ensure the city council is fully consulted during the county council’s unitary authority proposals, and to seek the return of assets lost to Wells in the 1974 local government reorganisation.

Both working groups of councillors are inviting a range of interested parties and experts from Wells to bring their thoughts to the table. n New cycle racks have been installed at the front of the Town Hall and those in the High Street repaired with a bollard installed to protect them from reversing cars.

Councillor Philip Welch p.welch@wcc.wells.gov.uk

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk course for emergency vehicles.

Maybe even, say, three ‘disabled parking’ spaces immediately adjacent to the conduit.

Mendip District Council may lose a few parking fees, but there are plenty of other spaces in the other car parks.

Also, the reduced traffic will reduce wear and tear on the cobbles.

The essentially traffic-free environment would encourage residents and visitors to visit the Square, patronise the hospitality establishments and access the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, all in a pollution-free space.

The Square is regularly closed to traffic for Wednesday and Saturday markets and has recently been closed for a few weeks, so to make the closure permanent would not seem to be a major change.

I am urging the council to make the traffic-free Square permanent.

Chris Borrison By email

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Maybe it’s time for pedestrianised trial ON Saturday, market day, I was in town from 11am to 1pm and although the one-way pavement system is more obvious now, it was being almost totally ignored. The town was extremely crowded, it was impossible to socially distance, mask-wearing people were in the minority.

The traffic was really heavy, noisy and the fumes unpleasant.

This made it even harder to socially distance or keep to the one-way system because to do so would mean walking in the road.

The knock-on effect was people shouting at others to be heard above the traffic noise, telling them to keep to the one-way system. Shop staff were hearing complaints from the public because they’d been shouted at. I overheard families saying they wouldn’t be coming to Wells again.

Whilst I appreciate that

businesses are concerned about the effect a pedestrianised Wells would have on their businesses, I think the opposite could be the case.

Maybe now is the time for a workable compromise and to trial a pedestrianised Wells for market days and Sundays.

During the early days of lockdown it was noticeable how our pollution and noise levels dropped giving nature a chance to heal and we could breathe cleaner air again.

Mendip District Council and Wells City Council agreed to make climate breakdown a serious issue to address. By allowing traffic-free market days and Sundays this could be a small contribution towards that.

I’m hoping this is well received and given serious consideration for a cleaner greener Wells. I’m also writing to Mendip District Council and Wells City Council.

Sophia Frances By email

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

WELLS, ULTRAFAST BROADBAND IS COMING

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wellsvoice

August 2020

n NEWS

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Golfers taking on 72-hole challenge TWO keen golfers are taking on a marathon challenge on July 31 – playing four 18-hole rounds one after the other.

Wells Golf Club members Simon Harris and Steve Guy have organised the event to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. They will tee off at 6am, and hope to sink the final putt by 8pm. With a golfer walking about six miles during the average round, four rounds of golf will see them almost cover the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

“We’re looking forward to the day,” said Simon, who has lived in Wells for ten years and is account manager for a timber company. “The club has been very supportive, in particular Paul Deeprose, the golf services manager.”

The pair hope to raise £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK from their Big Golf Race 2020. Steve’s father-in-law died from the

Simon Harris and Steve Guy hope to raise £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK with their golfing marathon disease five years ago, and they want to help fund research into life-saving treatments.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/ Simon-Harris25121968

New funding to help hardest hit A NEW multi-million pound initiative will focus on supporting people hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis in its first year.

The Wessex Water Foundation is providing dedicated funding for projects across the Wessex Water region in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation, as well as Wiltshire, Dorset and Quartet Community Foundations, and is prioritising those worst affected by the pandemic.

From 2021 the foundation will provide at least half a million pounds of funding every year to support community projects,

debt advice and charities dealing with those suffering the consequences of poverty through poor mental and physical health, hunger, housing or unemployment. To find out more about the Wessex Water Foundation visit wessexwater. co.uk/community.

Somerset Community Foundation recently launched the next phase of its Somerset Coronavirus Appeal in a bid to raise £1.5 million for communities across the Somerset. To donate to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/ appeal or call 01749 344949.

Theatre’s shows moved to 2021 WELLS Little Theatre has confirmed that there will be no performances this year, and all shows scheduled for 2020 will be moved to 2021.

The intention is for shows to be performed at roughly the same time: Quartet in March, Big Fish in May, And Then There Were None in September

21

and Cinderella in December.

Specific dates will be provided at a later time. The current plan is for rehearsals to start again in January 2021, as long as it is safe to do so.

The committee is also looking at how it can make the theatre Covid-secure and will continue to monitor government advice.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Enduring Power of Attorney

By Lauren Smart

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

It covers financial matters, similar to a Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs but it does not cover decisions in respect of health and welfare. Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced

by Lasting Powers of Attorney from October 1, 2007. However, if an Enduring Power of Attorney was created prior to October 1, 2007, it is still a valid Power of Attorney and can be used.

What does the Enduring Power of Attorney enable the Attorney to do?

An Enduring Power of Attorney enables the attorney to assist with financial decisions for the donor depending on the donor’s (that is the person who has made the Power of Attorney) instructions and preferences when they have capacity. This could be help with paying bills, managing bank and building society accounts, dealing with property and investments, pensions and any benefits the donor might receive.

When can an Enduring Power of Attorney be used?

As long as the donor has mental capacity and gives permission for the attorneys to act, the attorneys can act without the need for the Enduring Power of Attorney to be registered.

However, registration of the Power at the Office of the Public Guardian must take place when the donor starts to lose mental capacity. It is recommended that this process is started as soon as possible, once the donor starts

to lose mental capacity. The difference between the Enduring Power of Attorney and the Lasting Powers of Attorney is the Lasting Powers of Attorney need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use, regardless of the donor’s mental capacity status. A Lasting Power of Attorney can either be registered as soon as it has been made which we would strongly recommend, or by the attorneys once the donor no longer has capacity.

How do you register an Enduring Power of Attorney?

When the donor starts to lose mental capacity it is important that the attorneys register the Enduring Power of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian.

An application form must be completed by one or all of the attorneys.

Notices must also be served on the donor, along with at least three family members, starting with the closest family members.

The application is then submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian and the fee of £82 is required. The registration process usually takes between six to eight weeks but due to Covid-19 it is taking significantly longer. Once the Enduring Power of Attorney has been registered the attorneys can then step in and act on the donor’s behalf for all financial matters subject to any restrictions listed in the individual’s Power of Attorney document. Our private client department is able to offer assistance with the registration process if required. n Lauren Smart is Private Client Manager with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

Personal legal services for you, your business and your family www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

22

August 2020

n NEWS

Jack out in front in walking challenge WELLS Army Cadet Jack BakerChaplin was the best by some distance in a fundraising walking challenge.

Fifty-five Army Cadets from across the South West – 19 of whom were from Somerset – and 33 adults signed up for the event to raise sponsorship to send two cadets from the South West on an expedition to Kenya next year.

The aim was to complete as many miles as possible in four weeks once the restrictions on exercise were lifted.

During the four-week period in June, Wells Blue School student Jack walked 319 miles, averaging 11 miles each day, covering more distance than anyone else. The walking was done on his own and tracked via an app on his phone.

On one day he set himself the challenge of walking his own Somerset version of the three

Wells Army Cadet Jack Baker-Chaplin pictured during his four-week walking fundraiser, that saw him cover 319 miles

peaks, Brent Knoll, Crooks Peak and Glastonbury Tor. In all, the 14-year-old walked for 92 hours, while managing his time so he did not miss school work.

Between them the walkers covered 3,650 miles and raised £3,000, more than £350 of which was contributed by Jack.

During the lockdown, the Wells Army Cadets group has been keeping members engaged setting challenges, doing online training and adapting awards for the new way of working. Cadets have been camping in gardens, creating their own training videos and competing in online fitness tests. Wells Army Cadets would like to invite anyone aged 13-18 to get involved. It is keen to have potential new members connect to the meetings being held on Tuesday nights (Zoom meeting ID 818 3620 5257, Password 1212) starting at 7pm.

Tincknell Fuels & Tincknell Heating Home Heating Oil Deliveries Gas Boiler Servicing & Installation Oil Boiler Servicing & Installation Oil Storage Tank Installation Please stay safe and together we will stop the spread of Covid-19.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

n IN DAYS GONE BY

23

With Clare Blackmore

Inmates punished for refusing tough task BEHIND the walls of the Wells Union Workhouse in Glastonbury Road, now the Priory Medical Centre, the inmates were set to work to earn their food and lodging.

One of these allotted tasks was oakum picking – the picking out of fibres from old ropes, that could then be used to seal gaps such as between ship timbers, or joints in pipes.

“Experts tell us that at first it is torture and that a beginner will continuously lacerate the fingers.

A practised performer can finish three pounds without pain or effort in three hours.”

Many inmates of the workhouse often refused to perform this task and consequently were sent before the city magistrates.

February 1855 James Oxley an inmate of the Wells Workhouse was brought up before the Mayor for refusing to pick oakum. Sentenced to 14 days hard labour.

September 1857 Thomas Church an inmate of the Wells Union was brought before the Mayor with refusing to work at oakum in the Workhouse.

On being found guilty he was sentenced to 21 days hard labour in Shepton Mallet Gaol.

September 1862 Sarah Coles was brought up in custody charged with wilfully breaking a window in the Union Workhouse.

The porter said that he was on duty in the hall when Mr Teek the Workhouse Master told the prisoner that her work was badly done. She said it was not and was saucy and violent. Witness on the instructions of Mr Teek locked her up and when locked up she threw her boot and broke the window pane valued at 3d.

Mr Teek said the prisoner had three pounds of oakum to pick which she did not half do. When he told her she was abusive and was very often so.

Committed to Shepton Gaol for 14 days hard labour.

March 1869 Charles Allen brought up for refusing to pick oakum.

The master said he had been

had broken two panes of glass and damaged the door. Only one pound of oakum had been picked.

He told the court she had been in and out of the Workhouse for the past few months and would not do her work.

Simmons was sent to prison for 14 days with hard labour.

Oakum picking was a common task in Victorian workhouses Picture: © National Archives

disorderly and uncooperative.

The prisoner said he may as well swap one prison for another.

Committed for seven days with hard labour.

October 1873 George Stone an old man was charged with refusing to pick oakum at the Workhouse.

Committed for three weeks.

November 1875 James Smith, a tramp, was charged with damaging the door to a cell at the workhouse costing 10s.

The master gave evidence that after working some time at oakum picking the defendant refused to continue with the work and became violent. He also kicked the porter. The prisoner said it was cold in the cell and that it was hard to work.

Sentenced to 10 days hard labour.

November 1894 Mary Simmons was charged with refractory conduct at the Workhouse. Simmons was admitted on Thursday evening and given bread and water for disorderly conduct. The master put her in solitary confinement as she was abusive and gave her two pounds of oakum to pick but when it was weighed there was only one pound and he ordered that she be given three meals of bread and water.

She told him he had no right to give her three pounds of oakum to pick and that she

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should only be given two pounds.

He left her in the cell and for the rest of the afternoon she either kicked the door or shouted abuse out of the window.

He sent for the police as she

August 1895 Ann Moore was brought up before the magistrate charged with refusing to do her allotted task in the Workhouse.

She had been tried in various parts of the house but only abused the officers and as a result she was set to pick oakum.

Of three pounds she only picked one and a half. The doctor had seen her and said she was fit to work. She told the court she did as much as she could.

Prisoner sent for 14 days hard labour.

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wellsvoice

24

August 2020

n ON THE BEAT

So proud of behaviour by people of Wells News from the local policing team with PC Dan Williams YOU may have seen me out on the police bike? I have tried to engage with as many of you as possible.

I am so impressed with how upbeat everyone in Wells has remained. It’s been strange times over the last few months with this unprecedented public health emergency. It has taken a huge national effort to fight this virus and I am so proud of the part that the people of Wells have played.

Crime in Avon and Somerset has been down by more than 30 per cent. There has been a fall in burglary, vehicle crime and shoplifting but this doesn’t mean that the police haven’t been busy.

PC Dan Williams, left, and colleagues have been out on their bikes, while police have also been out in the area with the speed detection device Officers have been learning new Covid legislation and in some areas crime is up.

It has been scary times for us all, there have been times where my colleagues and I have been nervous and scared. Not only are officers dealing with potential violence but throw in the risk of a virus and it can make the job even more challenging. However

I would like to reassure the people of Wells that you have a fantastic local police team whose training was second to none.

The lockdown advice is being eased now and people are slowly starting to enjoy the things that they have missed over the last few months. Now that there are more vehicles on the road the people of Wells have asked us to

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look at the issue of speeding. We have listened to you and acted, officers have been around the area with the speed detection device. This is not an attempt to gain money or even enforce the law. The majority of drivers stopped were educated about their speed and the dangers of the road.

I would like to reassure the people of Wells that every officer is dedicated to keeping you safe and feeling safe. We have increased patrols in the area and are keen to show that we are still operating to full capacity and it’s business as usual during this difficult time.

If you see me or my colleagues out and about please say hello or we are easily contactable via 101 or Avon and Somerset website, thank you for your continued support.

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wellsvoice

August 2020

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

I hope scheme will boost hospitality ACROSS the country, the effects of coronavirus have been felt in economic terms, as well as in public health.

The furlough scheme has protected tens of thousands of jobs, including 13,600 in the Wells constituency and I know it has brought financial relief to many. As well as this, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, business grants and bounce back loans have kept many businesses afloat while they have not been trading. Now the virus is under control, some are open in a Covid-secure way, and I want to pay testament to all their efforts to adapt to this new normal.

However, it is clear the taxpayer cannot continue to pay people’s wages forever.

That is why the Chancellor has put together a host of interim economic measures to kick-start the economy ahead of the budget in the autumn.

‘It has been good to see pubs, cafes and shops here in Wells adapting so well to new guidelines’ The Treasury is focused on creating more jobs for those who have found themselves in difficulty as a result of these challenging times – including so many young people – and it is so important businesses have the confidence to retain and create work for employees.

Incentives to bring back furloughed workers, VAT cuts for hospitality and tourism businesses and apprenticeship and young workers grants were just a few of the eye-catching announcements designed to kick-start our economic recovery as a country from this crisis.

Furlough may be coming to an end in October – and it is clear every job cannot be saved – but this will undoubtedly give small and large businesses hope

News from Wells MP James Heappey to be able to bring back as many employees as possible and create opportunities for graduates and young workers.

It has also been good to see pubs, cafes and shops here in Wells adapting so well to new guidelines and seeing people enjoying dining both outside and inside safely, has been very much welcome.

I am sure many of our great food businesses will have also now signed up to the Chancellor’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme for which we can all enjoy 50 per cent off up to £10 at our favourite restaurants Monday-Wednesday throughout August.

I hope this will both help businesses and encourage us all to play our part in supporting them while they had no choice but to close. I do hope it is successful in getting hospitality back up to a safe and profitable capacity.

Cases of coronavirus remain very low here in Mendip but it is still important not to take this for granted. If we keep our distance and follow the guidelines, we can continue to enjoy some normality, while getting our economy back up and running.

There is no doubt there are still difficult times ahead – both economically and with the virus still in circulation. But the Government is right to have a jobs-focused plan to get our country back up and running, while continuing to suppress the virus so we can enjoy summer safely.

25

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

Reach out if you are feeling unsafe

By Jenny Atkins

SAFE can be defined as free from harm or hurt. So, feeling safe means you do not anticipate either harm or hurt, emotionally or physically.

We all have a right to feel safe. Feeling safe, stable, and secure is central to our health and wellbeing.

Many people assume that unhealthy behaviour in a relationship would be obvious to other people, as it’s often thought to be only physical violence.

However unhealthy behaviour can be present in a number of ways, such as emotionally, financially, sexually or socially, leading to many people feeling unsafe.

When we feel threatened, our biology steps in. Hormones are released that increase the heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow, small airways in the lungs expand, our vision narrows as our other senses sharpen. We can’t control any of this. This response is millions of years old and happens without thought.

Having a sensitive personality could also make you feel unsafe.

When you are sensitive, many situations can trigger a feeling of danger, for example, you can

feel unsafe when you feel judged or rejected, finances are unstable or a situation reminds you of an earlier situation that felt unpleasant or unsafe.

There are ways to help you feel safe, for example: surround yourself with people who care about you, those people who enable you to be seen and heard.

There are also differences as we age, when young a hug or kind word can do the trick, while as we get older a friendly voice on the phone, a special meal or location. We also can seek unhealthy methods such as alcohol or over-indulging with food.

Think back to the time when you didn’t feel safe. What helped you? What works for one person may not work for another.

Look out for those close to you who will offer a listening ear, listening without judgement can make a real difference. This means not giving your opinions and respecting how the person is feeling.

If you are not feeling safe there are people to reach out to and it’s very important to use support services as needed.

They are there to support, not to judge. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare. co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

01749 37 21 97

September deadline: Wednesday, August 12

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

26

August 2020

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES MID SOMERSET OXFAM GROUP WITH festivals and events cancelled, Oxfam needs our support now more than ever.

The Mid Somerset Oxfam Group is not able to offer our usual Over the Hills sponsored walk, our One World Fair or even our summer-time street collections, but we want to give you the opportunity to continue to support Oxfam in a way that is safe, easy and fun.

A lot of us have found pleasure and relaxation in walking in our beautiful countryside over the last weeks and months. So we are asking you to dedicate your next walk to Oxfam, by taking part in our Over the Hills, walk in your own time, with your own companions, sponsored walks.

If you head to our website, www.midsomersetoxfam.co.uk, you will find details of the Justgiving page we have set up, and of the two routes that we have suggested. One is an easy four-mile circular walk from Wells, and the second is a moderate seven-mile walk from Butleigh. Or you can walk or cycle your own favourite route.

Then make your donation through our Justgiving page, safe in the knowledge that the money you donate will be made available to Oxfam within a few days, helping it to respond to Covid-19 situations and to people in need.

Jenny Williams INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WELLS IN common with every other organisation, the Inner Wheel Club of Wells has not been able to meet since the beginning of lockdown. The executive committee has met on Zoom and members have been contacted by phone and email, and uplifting poems have been written by member Margaret Haslam and circulated to our members. Other members have been making face masks, scrubs, scrubs bags and breast care cushions for the NHS. Sadly events we had planned for outgoing president Sheila Coggan’s charity, the Connect Centre Youth Section, had to be put on hold but it is hoped to reinstate these under incoming president Liz Hamblin. The handover of the president’s chain of office took place in Liz’s

to thrive on neglect – which is up my gardening street.

There is always something of interest in the garden since it never stops growing and changing. Now the local nurseries are open anyone can still, at this time of year, go and buy a plant and watch it grow.

It is a time to remain optimistic and keep grubbing on.

Pip Harwood WELLS WI Outgoing Inner Wheel Club of Wells president Sheila Coggan, left, hands over the chain of office to incoming president Liz Hamblin garden when some members of the executive were present and enjoyed a distanced picnic lunch.

The weather was fine and the picture above shows Sheila on the left passing over the chain.

A rather different picture to the one we usually have where the chain is placed around the incoming president’s neck.

WELLS LIONS ROD Major has succeeded Paul Clegg as president of Wells Lions. Rod, who runs Wells Funeral Services and has been in the Lions for nearly four years, is keen to encourage new members to join the club.

“Through the Lions you can make a big difference to the community and to other charities,” he said.

To find out more, call him on 01749 670100 or email rod@wfs. me.uk WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB AUGUST upon us and to be perfectly candid, meetings of this or any other club on a normal basis are a long way off. In fact at present the realistic view is that we as a club will be resuming regular meetings next year and not before. The splendid autumn programme which Wendy had organised has been postponed.

We’ve all had sufficient doubt and bewilderment this year. I have felt like the hippopotamus wallowing in the mud who turns to another hippo and says: “Do you know, I keep thinking it’s Tuesday.”

On the other hand, the garden is accustomed to plants and seasons coming and going. That’s

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the nature of the affair. Some favoured item is given heaps of tender care and rewards you with disappearing overnight.

Other bits of vegetation pop up unheralded and often unwanted.

Friendly weeds are occasionally tolerated. In this category go Herb Robert and Enchanter’s Nightshade. I consider them pretty and I like their names while war is declared on pet bugbears such as wood avens and soapwort. The National Trust may wash their priceless curtains in soapwort but it holds no place in this garden.

I do have a soft spot for rose seedlings which are scattered around the place by the resident and visiting winter thrushes.

These hybrid youngsters all stem from various ramblers such as R moschata and R multiflora The Garland, Blush Rambler and Frances E Lester which all put on a great display this year though very short. I pot up the offspring, then sit back and wait. They are pretty unstoppable once they get going; multiflora ramblers are not on the invasive species list for nothing. They are not welcome in the wild. Most are too thorny for garden purposes, others are too modest in bloom.

The odd one is worthwhile showing good white blooms full of a musky fragrance followed by a profusion of hips. They do not resent heavy pruning and seem

Multiflora rambler garden hybrid

WELLS WI had another online meeting this month, with 24 members attending via Zoom. We learned that annual subscriptions, normally payable in January, won’t be due until April, in acknowledgement of recent disruption that has prevented normal meetings.

Denman College, which provides training courses for WI members, has been offering a series of online one-hour £5 talks during lockdown on a variety of topics from history to crafts and cook-alongs. Some Wells WI members had enjoyed a virtual guided tour of Bloomsbury.

There was further news on the resolutions front. Following the earlier announcement that the next two major campaigns will be: increasing the number of people registered on the UK stem cell registry, and tackling modern slavery, this autumn’s meeting to consider and shortlist the next round of resolutions will be opened up to more members because it is to be held online.

Our speaker was Sue Marland who joined us virtually to tell us about Wells Foodbank, a Vineyard Church community project run for 11 years by volunteers, serving people referred to them by agencies.

Coronavirus has had a dramatic effect on operations. Appeals for help escalated as more people found themselves facing hardship and reduced income due to furlough, redundancy and unemployment. Donations from supermarket collection points dwindled as fewer people shopped (members were surprised to learn that only Morrisons and Waitrose send directly to Wells Foodbank).

Many volunteers and clients were unable to attend due to shielding so Wells Coronavirus Network volunteers stepped in, delivering food parcels to the most vulnerable. Some people

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

August 2020

27

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES in receipt of government food parcels passed them on to the food bank.

Sue told us that in June alone the food bank supplied 2,076 individual meals and, during lockdown, as many meals as they did during the whole of 2019 – just over 8,000. In June, 75 parcels of food (each consisting of three meals a day for four days) were given to 41 single households, six couples and 27 families, the fastest growing group in need. With no immediate end to the crisis in sight, the food bank needs constant donations to keep up with demand.

The opening hours for donations are 12.30pm to 1pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at Wells Vineyard Church, Keward Mill Trading Estate, Jocelyn Drive, BA5 1DA. Discussion then turned to ideas for appropriately socially distanced opportunities for socialising and exercising together, as lockdown restrictions ease. Four members are planning to lead walks for groups of up to six, in wide open spaces, and it is hoped to organise a games evening in a public space, if members can pool enough equipment, probably involving croquet, and boules, since indoor skittles is currently out of the question.

The book group are reading Girl, Woman, Other and planning a Zoom discussion.

Our president, Anne, encouraged members to use the WI Zoom account for activities like virtual coffee mornings. Her daughter then gave us a brilliant online visual quiz which involved her dancing to music only she could hear while we tried to guess the song.

Bethany expertly busted some moves to Agadoo, Gangnam Style, YMCA, Let’s Do the Time Warp and the Birdie Song among others, as well as a very impressive impression of Beyonce performing All the Single Ladies. Kimberley was the winner, guessing an impressive nine out of ten correctly.

Veronica Howe WELLS U3A ON July 12, Wells U3A was able to enjoy, via the internet, an inspirational talk by Pen Turner, Travels with a Penguin.

Pen described it as “a talk about

MENDIP AND DISTRICT ROUND TABLE

Margaret Wright, left, the new Wells Rotary Club president, presenting a cheque for £500 to Sue Marland of the Wells Vineyard Foodbank. The foodbank has seen a 100 per cent increase in requests for help and every donation is gladly received. Wells Rotary Club has also donated £500 to both the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Rubicon organisation who do such valuable work in the community. wishes,” based on the dream “one day I’m going to...”

In her 50s she was living in London in her own house. She was the librarian in a further education college and walked to work. She had lots of hobbies and a dog which she loved to bits. The years sped past and she decided she had achieved little.

Her dog died and she split up with her partner. Her job was on an insecure footing, and all in all she thought life offered her nothing more.

But one day in the gym she had a Eureka moment dreaming about friends who lived in Southern California and New Zealand. We all have dreams which we say we can’t realise, but she did. She had no obstacles in her way, so gave up her job and sold her house to go travelling around the world for six months.

The impetus for all this came from feeling really low.

Pen decided to visit countries nearest our own culture, and then move on to the more exotic, from America to Japan. She didn’t fly, but travelled by rail and coach wherever possible. She travelled light with just a small case, a rucksack and a stuffed penguin, Scot, which she used for scale in her pictures, not liking to take selfies.

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Pen said her experiences had made her more confident, self-reliant, able to cope with problems and bring out “plan B” if things went wrong.

The previous month we were able, through the wonders of modern technology, to view an online talk by Neil Sadler on the pleasures of canal cruising.

Neil had been a police officer in Sussex for 30 years, and for a change, decided to set about discovering the 2,500 miles of Britain’s waterways. To do this he joined a syndicate in 2008 which jointly purchased a narrow boat. He bought a share, ie. 58in of a 58ft boat.

She is the Ryebank, 6ft 10in wide, accommodating a 4ft 10in bed. This would have been the total area in which to bring up a family on a canal working boat, from the 1750s on.

Neil talked about some of the potential hazards of canal cruising, including swans and weeds fowling-up the propeller, which have to be removed manually from the weed-hatch.

He enjoyed the quiet and proximity to nature, and the fact that when you were travelling, it was at no more than 4mph and one saw places which were never accessible by road.

John King

I AM chairman of the rebranded Mendip and District Round Table – formerly Norton Radstock Round Table, up until May 2020 – and we are hoping to broaden our catchment area over the Mendips to include Wells, Shepton Mallet and Frome.

Norton Radstock Round Table was founded in 1970 by a group of 33 men wishing to get together, socialise and put something back into the community, that is still very much relevant today.

Over the years numbers have reduced due to the pace of modern life and the recruitment process not being as good as it maybe should have been. We are hoping to take advantage of the wider catchment of former Round Table towns of Frome, Wells and Shepton Mallet to start.

In normal times we would meet up in an evening within the first week in the month for a ‘business meeting’ where we usually have a meal at a different location to discuss upcoming events, fundraising, donating and general chit chat, and then meet again on the third week in the month to hopefully attend an event. This is a taste of what we would have been doing this year had Covid not struck: ten pin bowling, archery, go karting, paintballing, brewery tours, vineyard tours, axe throwing, locked in rooms, Bath rugby visit.

Round Table is about doing something different, something that you would not have done if you had not been in Round Table, socialising with likeminded friends that you make through Table and giving something back to the local community. Our fundraising has only come from our annual fireworks display held at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club although we are keen to consider some kind of charity sporting event, beer/cider festival, carnival collection, Santa sleigh and generally getting out and about.

There are a number of ways to make contact: email info@ MADRT.co.uk, message through our Facebook page, or visit the Round Table website at www. roundtable.co.uk Matt Escott

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

28

August 2020

n SPORT

Wells cricketers were pleased to return to action with an inter-club game on July 18, left; work to fell the dead and dangerous ash tree, right

Play resumes amid spirit of togetherness CRICKET THERE have certainly been times when it has seemed as if it would not be possible to play cricket this season, but Saturday, July 18, saw the return of cricket for Wells. During the lockdown period the community have pulled together and supported the club. Together, a true community spirit has been built, and the club is incredibly thankful for all the support.

The generosity of South Horrington residents and local business Benji Enterprises resulted in the donation via Crowdfunding of £1,400 to replace and install four new benches. The benches, made from recycled plastic milk bottle tops, provide a comfortable viewpoint to enjoy the views of

One of the new benches the local area. It is really nice to see them all in use and being enjoyed by everyone in South Horrington.

A dead and dangerous tree on the boundary needed removing and the cricket club just did not have the funds. Joe Taylor and team at MTL Group stepped in and made sure the ash was removed safely and professionally. The club will

plant a replacement tree in the autumn.

Following the renovations to the outside of the club, the inside has been updated to create a clean and bright space for hire post-Covid. This would not have been possible without the elbow grease and encouragement of Jackie, Sue and Ray. A crowd reminiscent of Lords (albeit socially distanced) gathered on the boundary hill to enjoy the return of cricket. To get used to Covid playing measures, Wells started with an inter-club senior fixture. Ollie Smart’s Team Gold was the eventual winner over Jack Moore’s Team Haze, but it’s safe to say cricket was the real winner. Wells have entered the Somerset Bubble League for the remainder of the summer and will be playing mid-

week fixtures too. Details will be shared via the club’s Facebook page.

Junior training is now able to return and will be on Friday evenings (split by age group) with some friendly inter-club matches on Sunday mornings.

Whether a child has played before or is completely new to the game, the club would love to see them. Email wellscricketclub@ hotmail.com for more details.

New for 2020, Jack Moore Coaching will be running summer club on Monday daytimes. Y4/Y5/Y6 9am-noon and Y7/Y8/Y9 1pm-4pm.

These sessions have limited numbers and need to be booked in advance directly. Email jackmoorecoaching@live.co.uk to find out more details and book a child’s place.

Buzz about club with influx of new members and visitors GOLF WELLS Golf Club, which reopened for golf on May 13, has been busy with more than 120 new members and increased visitor footfall when compared to previous years.

The golf manager, Paul Deeprose, said: “We have worked very hard to ensure that everyone that comes to the club is as safe as possible.

“On the whole, golf is a naturally socially distanced sport, but there are pinch points

where it was difficult to keep our customers spaced so we invoked one-way systems and it’s worked very well.

“We have seen a great increase in members, especially from younger age groups which has given the club a new lease of life. Also, we have seen new visitors coming in to give golf a try on the course and driving range, which again is fantastic, the place has had a real buzz about it.

“Throughout lockdown we thought it was important to

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support the local community and offered a delivery service, not only of our home-cooked food, but also when it was difficult for everyone to get out we were delivering fresh fruit and veg as well as other groceries.”

The club has been working hard in anticipation of the bar and restaurant opening.

Alan Precious, the food and beverage manager, said: “As well putting many safety precautions into place we have also introduced an app for ordering your food and drinks from your

table, which has gone down very well.

“We soon hope to be able to open up our regular curry evenings, but we are also conscious that there are many people that aren’t ready to go into venues yet, so we will be running regular barbecues and we will continue our delivery service for the foreseeable future.”

To find out more about getting into golf or visiting the club for a meal, call 01749 675005.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice n PROPERTY Just six houses still available

August 2020

n SPORT

Prop forward runs into history books RUGBY THE name Tom Palacio is now surely written into Wells Rugby Club history as the first prop forward from the club to complete a marathon since the club was first formed in 1876.

Wells’ rugby season ended prematurely in the middle of March with the onset of Covid-19 and a number of events had to cancelled. Among them was the annual James (Pud) Pullen event which raises funds for Brain Research. James was a popular member of the club who sadly passed away at Christmas 2015 from a brain tumour. Just 28 at the time of his death, James had undergone five years of treatment.

Into the breach however stepped Tom, three months training and off he went with his running mate, Jake Smith.

He may not have broken any records, but he has raised over £3,300 for the charity.

The club have announced that pre-season training will start on Tuesday, August 4, at 7pm at the Charter Way ground. It will of course comply with the then current RFU regulations. There

Tom Palacio raised more than £3,300 by running a marathon is no news of the season starting, but a refurbished clubhouse is waiting to welcome players and spectators.

News that former Wells junior player Ewan Richards has now been signed into the senior Bath Rugby Academy. Ewan, who has already represented England under18s, mentions Wells club chairman Nick Heath as haven given him a good understanding of the game when he was coaching him at Wells.

A new coach for Wells Colts next season, Dan Meehan. He is a coach with the Bath Developing Player Programme and has also worked at Saracens. With his experience he will be an asset to the club.

Green keeper returns full of ideas GOLF IT is now seven weeks since golf at Mendip recommenced and the club is delighted to announce that members can now bring their guests to play at Mendip and that visiting golfers may book tee times, after midday, subject to availability, by ringing the pro shop on 01749 840570.

During the lockdown, head green keeper Richard Gregory supported by his team of Paul Cooper and Dan Brewin did a magnificent job preparing the course for return to play.

The team have recently been strengthened by the return of Tom Small.

Tom first joined Mendip as an apprentice green keeper in 2016 and over the following three years gained his Level 2 qualification in green keeping

after attending Cannington College. In April 2019 after a series of online interviews and presentations he was accepted onto the Ohio State Programme where he joined 30 other green keepers from all over the world.

Tom’s first Internship was at the prestigious Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. An exclusive club of no more than 200 members, it boasts former USA president Barack Obama as a member. From October 2019 until his return home in March, Tom was based at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, home to many top players including Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Tom regards his year on the programme as a great ‘life’ experience. He has returned to Mendip brim full of ideas and enthusiasm.

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NINETY five per cent of the houses on David Wilson’s Bishop’s Green development in Wells are now sold.

Only six houses of the 121 for sale are still available, ranging from the three-bedroom Ashurst to a couple of larger detached three and four-bedroom family homes.

Construction work re-started on the development off Wookey Hole Road in May, after the Government lifted restrictions on the housing market, with the new homes set to be ready to move into by the end of the year.

A range of safety measures and new working procedures are in place in the sales office including protective perspex screens and retractable barriers, plus smart video-doorbell intercom systems to enable customers to engage with sales teams before entering offices.

Call 0330 057 6000 to make an appointment.

29

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August 2020

n TAKE A BREAK

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