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Sadler Street, Wells BA5 2SE
August 2022 Issue 62
www.wellsvoice.co.uk
Tel: 01749 672029
www.ancientgatehouse.com
Why it can take weeks to see GP Wells City Practice explains the huge challenges that practices are having to deal with Turn to page 9
Arriving in style
Inner Wheel Club of Wells President Liz Hamblin, front, with club members at the Friendship lunch
Fond farewell as club closes after 74 years Friendship lunch is final function – turn to page 3
Students make sure that Year 11 Prom and Year 13 Ball are occasions to remember Turn to pages 28 and 29
Successful season Young players do Wells City FC proud – junior sides round-up and two pages of team photos Turn to pages 43-45
CAN OAKVILLE CARE CENTRE HELP MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER? We stock several types of pill boxes Wells shop opening hours Thursday 10-2 Friday 10-2 Saturday 10-1
Variety of walkers
Selection of Kedley supports
Wide range of continence products available from just £1.95
FREE DELIVERY IN THE WELLS AREA
Pop in to see us at 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, BA5 2AW•01749 670765•www.oakvillecarecentre.co.uk
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wellsvoice
August 2022
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 17.
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 7,000 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.
ORIENT EXPRESS CHINESE MEALS TO TAKE AWAY 22 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SY
01749 679555 Open 5-10pm Tuesday-Sunday
Scan the QR code to order with us or order online at orientexpressofwells.co.uk ~ DELIVERY AVAILABLE ~
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Back row, from left: Nick Barlow as Captain Lombard; Matt Maisey as Dr Armstrong; Dave Palmer as Blore; Kevin Hardacre as Mr Rogers; Caroline Hoare as Mrs Rogers; in front of them, from left: Phoebe Lynch as Vera; Sarah Galton as Miss Brent; Charlie Blanning as General MacKenzie; Simon Birkett as Justice Wargrave; Tom Creswick as Marston
Who is Soldier Island murderer? WHO of the people pictured in the photo above will survive their stay on Soldier Island? And which of them is the murderer? All will be revealed in And Then There Were None, the next production at Wells Little Theatre. In Agatha Christie’s darkest thriller, it is 1939 and Europe teeters on the brink of war. Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, an isolated rock off the
Devon coast. Cut off from the mainland, with their generous hosts Mr and Mrs U N Owen mysteriously absent, they are each accused of a terrible crime. As members of the party start to die one by one, the survivors begin to turn on each other. Only the dead are above suspicion. Show dates are September 13-17, and tickets are available on the Little Theatre website: www.wellslittletheatre.com
Theatre open day a big success THE open day held at Wells Little Theatre on July 2 raised £1,002, most of which came from the sale of excess costumes. Although scheduled to open at 10am, there was a queue forming by 9.15am, and by 9.40am the doors had been opened so that the costume buying could begin. There was also a steady stream of people arriving to look round the theatre to find out more about what goes on
in the building. At least 17 people signed up on the day, all volunteering to get involved with multiple parts of what takes place there. Organisers hailed the day as a great success, and thanked everyone involved. To find out more about the Little Theatre, email the theatre on info@wellslittletheatre.com or contaact chairman Ken Edmonds on kenedmonds72@ gmail.com
Councillors start advice surgeries WELLS city councillors have begun monthly advice surgeries for residents who would like to drop in for an informal chat to discuss any questions, comments or concerns. The surgeries will be attended by at least two councillors on a rota basis, and will take place at Wells Town Hall ten days before any full council meeting, between
6pm and 7pm. The first took place on Monday, July 18. The next is scheduled for Monday, September 12. There is no need to make an appointment. For further information, contact the council via Facebook @WellsCityCouncil, email reception@wells.gov.uk or call 01749 673091.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
August 2022
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Friendship lunch club’s final function IT was the end of an era in July when the Inner Wheel Club of Wells held its final event. The club has come to an end after 74 years due to the difficulty of attracting new recruits willing to take on the running of the organisation. The final function was a Jubilee-themed Friendship lunch in the garden of President Liz Hamblin. There was balloons, bunting and bubbly, food provided by members – including a Jubilee trifle and coronation chicken – and a cake marking the 74 years of the club’s existence. Liz, who has been President for two years, said: “We are all very sad that the club has had to close after 74 years of friendship and providing service to the community. Covid-19 has not helped and times have also changed. As our meetings have always taken place at lunchtime, we are unable to attract younger members to carry on as many people now have to work and have other responsibilities. It is hoped that a new club, meeting in the evening, may be formed by others in the future.” The President’s chain of office will be kept safe at Wells Town Hall in case the club is restarted by new members at a future date. The Inner Wheel is an all-female organisation with three objectives: to promote true friendship; to encourage the ideals of personal service; and to foster international understanding. The inaugural meeting of the Wells club was held at the Bekynton Cafe on April 26, 1948.
There were about 21 members and the subscription for the first year was 12s 6d. The Charter was presented to the club on May 16, 1949, at a dinner at the Star Hotel, Wells. The club had been meeting more recently at The Britannia Inn on Bath Road until the pub’s closure, and then Wells Golf Club. Over the years it has raised thousands of pounds for good causes through its fundraising activities. Many members have knitted items including blankets, baby clothes and hats for premature babies in special care baby units, and Teddies for Tragedies, and have sown cushions given to women to use after breast surgery. They have also helped School in a Bag, and collected stamps for Oxfam, spectacles for Vision Aid, unwanted coins for Save The Children Fund, unwanted clothing and knitted
Diana Keen, who has been a member of Inner Wheel for 50 years and has been the Treasurer several times, with a certificate she was awarded ‘In grateful appreciation and to acknowledge service above and beyond the norm for Inner Wheel including work in the Community’; and the cake marking the 74 years of the club’s existence
‘We are all very sad that the club has had to close after 74 years of friendship and providing service to the community’ squares for Refugee Aid, and pre-loved bras that have been recycled and sent to Africa. Club member Sue Leworthy and her husband Richard spent two weeks with overseas organiser Ann Clarke and her husband, and Wells opticians David and Sandra Millican, aboard The Amazon Hope boat in Peru helping the medical team on board with medical, dental and optical care for the people living in the villages along the Amazon tributaries. Charities nearer to home supported by the club in recent years include the Connect Centre and The Lawrence Centre, Wells.
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August 2022
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Spinathon for good causes raises £8,000 A SIX-HOUR Spinathon in memory of Wells teacher Sam Holland has raised nearly £8,000 for Cancer Research UK and Wells Blue School. About 30 people volunteered to take part in the Spinathon at Kingdom Training in Wells on July 2, giving up all or part of their day to peddle on the rows of spin bikes to raise money for the two good causes. Some of the funds will enable the school to buy new equipment for the sports department, which Sam was head of until her death from cancer last year at the age of 50. The school has renamed the sports hall Holland Hall in her honour. Rachel Rostron, who organised the Spinathon, said: “Sam was head of PE at the
Blue School for many years and taught both my boys and was highly thought of and respected.” The event was sponsored by IFacility based in Waterlip, near Shepton Mallet. It was held alongside an online auction with lots of local businesses giving some valuable prizes, and a cake stall on the day. “I would personally like to thank Paul and Cheryl Curran, Donna and Matthew Hand and Scott Hurley for all their help and support throughout this event,” said Rachel. “There is still some money yet to come in from sponsorships and auction prizes but we’re looking at just shy of £8,000, which is a tremendous amount, and we’re very proud to have been a part of it.”
The Spinathon in progress, top; organiser Rachel Rostron on her bike, left, and with Dan Holland
Brand new Pilates classes starting in Wells Blue Sports Centre Initial 6-Week Term on Monday Evenings From 5th September – 10th October at 5.30 - 6.30pm Suitable for complete beginners but with variations to make it more challenging for those with experience
• Price for the 6-week term is £60 £55 early bird discounted price if booked before 15th August • Plenty of parking, lovely spacious studio and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere • All kit provided and a maximum of 15 people in class To sign up, please email Ali at ali@thepilatesroomwells.com
Other weekly mat classes available Visit www.thepilatesroomwells.com to find out more about mat classes and private 1-1s in the studio
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
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wellsvoice
August 2022
5
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More welcome to join new Bus User Group FOLLOWING the recent changes to bus services from Wells, a group of Wells city councillors and concerned residents have formed a new Bus User Group and are looking for a small number of people to make this a fully representative group. They would be pleased to hear from anyone who is a regular bus user – student, commuter or non-car user. The next meeting for the Bus User Group will be Monday, August 8. In addition, they will be hoping to meet members of the public during Catch The Bus Week from September 3-11 to hear their views. Representatives of the group can be found at Wells Market on Wednesday, September 7. Contact Wells Town Hall on 01749 673091 or email reception@wells.gov.uk for more information. Wells Voice reported last month on the cuts to bus services serving Wells, with fears that
Wells Bus Station. There have been changes to some bus services recently. more cuts will be made later in the year when the Governmentfunded Bus Recovery Grant comes to an end. A spokesperson for First West of England has told us: “As a condition of transitional funding arrangements, bus operators must undertake full network reviews to assess the viability of all routes once funding ends
in the autumn. This is currently taking place but we must stress no decisions have been made and it would be inappropriate to comment on speculation at this stage. “Like all other bus operators in the UK, we must adapt our networks to match the postpandemic demand for services. “The majority of our networks
will be retained, and we will work to match our resources with demand for services in order to provide our customers with the most reliable network. “We are committed to constructive partnerships and have been working with local authorities to provide as much notice as possible of any changes to allow them to support alternative arrangements. “As we head into the end of the Covid-era funding provided by the Governments and back towards a sustainable commercial model, First West of England, like all other bus operators across the UK, will be adapting our networks in line with post-pandemic demand for services. This reset comes at the same time as ongoing labour market challenges and a cost-ofliving squeeze at play. We need to ensure there’s balance across networks, demand, costs and pricing.”
RECENTLY SOLD
A late Victorian and Japanese Shakudo panel bracelet Sold £2600
INTERIORS & COLLECTABLES Tuesday 9 August at 10am Viewing: Monday 8 August, 10 - 7
FINE ART, ANTIQUES & MILITARIA Saturday 13 August at 10am Viewing: Thursday 11 August, 10 - 6 Friday 12 August, 10 - 7
George II mahogany footstool Sold £1900
A ladies 14ct gold Eterna wristwatch Sold £800
MODERN DESIGN, INTERIORS & COLLECTABLES Tuesday 23 August at 10am Viewing: Monday 22 August, 10 - 7
Regular sales of antiques, silver, jewellery, collectables, modern design and militaria. Entries invited.
Russian silver tea caddy Sold £750
Open for valuations between 10am and 3pm Monday to Thursday (no appointment necessary). Free home visits available. House clearances arranged. Probate valuations Lalique ‘Actinia’ glass vase undertaken. Sold £1150 View the fully illustrated catalogues and bid online via www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk and thesaleroom.com
Frank Moss Bennett (1874-1953) The Chess Players, oil on canvas Sold £1100
Rookery Farm, Binegar, Somerset. BA3 4UL. Tel: +44 (01749) 840770 | e. enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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Entries invited as boat race returns AS Monday, August 29, draws ever closer, the City of Wells Lions Club invites entries to the 2022 Moat Boat Race. Joining a race will be on a first come, first served basis, so the quicker entry forms can be completed and submitted the better. Those who do not already have the necessary paperwork can use the City of Wells Lions Club email cityofwellslions@ gmail.com to request an entry form and race regulations. The Moat Boat Race attracts a large audience and the Lions Club would appreciate some volunteers to act in marshalling the car park, assist in implementing safety rules and offer directions. People who would like to volunteer for this role should use the Lions Club website to register their interest
– the club will respond by providing further details about this job. The club is pleased that Allan Trinder will once again act as compere for the Moat Boat Race,
Competitors at a previous event with the sound equipment being provided by Glastonbury FM. The race, an August Bank Holiday tradition, is returning this year after a two-year break.
ANTIQUES l
August 2022
Festival will see church filled with floral beauty A FLOWER Festival is being held in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, in August. The theme for the longawaited festival is To Everything There is a Season. Well, this is the season to fill the church with imaginative floral displays, fragrance and beauty. Flower groups and members of the community are taking part and looking forward to welcoming visitors to the church. Efforts are being made to make this festival as environmentally friendly as possible by not using plastic and putting arrangements in water, thereby restricting the use of oases. Locally grown flowers are also being sourced. Entry is free. A catalogue of entries is available for a small charge. Donations for local charity Heads Up and the church will be welcome. The event takes place on Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, from 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday, August 21, from 12pm-4.30pm. Refreshments are
Beautiful floral displays will fill St Cuthbert’s Church for the Flower Festival from August 19-21 available throughout, with cream teas on the Saturday and Sunday. Ring Jill on 01749 675477 for further details. St Cuthbert’s Church tower trips will be held on Sundays during August, including Sunday, August 21, when the Flower Festival is taking place. Booking is recommended as it proved very popular last year.
l
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DECORATIVE ANTIQUES AND FINE ART SILVER, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS, CURIOS, CHINA, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, GOLD BOUGHT & SOLD
MATTHEW COLES ANTIQUES 25 SADLER STREET, WELLS
FOR APPOINTMENTS, TELEPHONE
07442 499390 01934 416171
OPENING DAYS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
A view from the top of the St Cuthbert’s Church tower
Tours, teas and trips up tower EACH Sunday in August from 2.30pm until 5pm, St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells will welcome visitors for church tours, trips up the tower and cream teas. Visitors can find out about the church, including the unique medieval painted sculptures. They can also climb the tower to see the amazing views, and delicious home-made cream teas will be available. Just turn up for church tours
and cream teas, but tower trips must be booked beforehand by contacting the Parish Office. On Sunday, August 21, there will be the added delight of seeing the St Cuthbert’s Church Flower Festival. There are more details on all these events on the church website St Cuthbert’s, Wells – A Church Near You or from the Parish Office (01749 676906 or office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk).
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wellsvoice
August 2022
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n NEWS
Children introduced to delights of opera BEFORE the performances of Tosca and The Barber of Seville at The Bishop’s Palace on July 14 and 15, Opera Brava and Project Factory hosted three opera discovery workshops for local primary schools. With the demise of singing classes, assemblies and even an upright piano in most state schools, children have limited opportunities to engage with music. Margaret Marinkovic, from Project Factory, has a wealth of experience in music education, and she was the inspiration behind the workshops. She thought they would be a great introduction to the full-scale operas that Opera Brava was bringing to Wells. Three local schools – Stoberry Park, St Joseph and St Teresa, and St Cuthbert’s Junior – leapt at the opportunity to introduce their children to classical opera, and Opera Brava provided singers and musicians for the
A group of Year 5 children learning about opera at The Bishop’s Palace workshops, which were held in the Palace Undercroft. The words were all in Italian, and the children, all from Year 5, came to grips with the language with no difficulty. For each session they were divided into four groups who did the singing, and another group who formed the orchestra using percussion instruments. The sessions were introduced
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by the singers performing a famous quartet from Rigoletto. The mood and the story were explained and how the music described what was happening. “The children responded with great excitement,” said Margaret. “They loved learning the Italian words, they loved doing the movements and actions that went with the words, they
worked well in little groups and teams, and when they all sang together at the end they made a whole that was bigger than the sum of its parts.” The feedback from the schools was excellent, with St Cuthbert’s Junior School saying: “It was great to have the children exposed to a completely different form of entertainment, one that they may never have had the chance to experience live… The children responded really well to the whole event, and it was a great opportunity for us all – which we would love to do again. And of course, the children were singing the song on the way back to school.” Margaret Marinkovic and Project Factory are keen to expand the project to take in other local schools in the future. Funding for the opera performances and the workshops was raised through sponsorship and opera ticket sales.
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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August 2022
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Wells Blue School Head of Enrichment Chris Wool and pupils in the school’s Garden, Orchard and Conservation Club have planted the trees that were donated to the school following the Wells Jubilee Celebrations. The ten trees will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
Visitors pick up tips on low-waste living DOZENS of people visited the Nifty & Thrifty event held at The Elim Connect Centre in Wells on Saturday, July 16. They were given advice and information on sustainable and low-cost food and living, took part in activities and attended presentations. The event was organised by Sustainable Wells and Wells City Council’s Wells Goes Green initiative. With a range of local organisations showing different aspects of low-carbon, lowwaste ways of living, the Nifty & Thrifty team launched not just the website (Niftywells.com) but the first set of ‘hacks’ for people to use at home that go under the title of ‘The Nifty Instructables’ and can be found on the website. A visit from Frome
The Sustainable Wells Nifty & Thrifty team promoting their instructions for useful items that are easily made at home. See Niftywells.com for more. Community Fridge also provided the inspiration for members of the Nifty team to take up
Trauma Therapy Helping you recover from the effects of Stress and Trauma w Wound up and easily triggered? w Troubled by flashback memories or painful feelings? w Avoiding reminders of past events? w Feeling numb, spaced out or uneasy in your body? w Intense emotions affecting you and your relationships? I provide a gentle and comprehensive approach including Somatic Experiencing and Relational Trauma Therapy Contact Mark Lewis on 07982 819784 Email: info@marklewistraumatherapy.com https://marklewistraumatherapy.com
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the baton on behalf of a Wells Community Fridge. “It was fantastic to hear
just what a difference Frome Community Fridge is making,” said Rachel Humphries from the Nifty team. “It turns out that there are Community Fridges across Mendip but not one in Wells. Given that Wells is such a community-minded place, it would be great to see if there is the enthusiasm for one here, particularly in the current circumstances.” There will be more news on this in the next issue of Wells Voice, but people can register an interest now by emailing niftywells@gmail.com This was the final event for Wells City Council’s Sustainability Officer Emma Jakins before leaving to take up a new job as Sustainability Coordinator at Bath Spa University.
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wellsvoice
August 2022
9
n NEWS
We’re doing our best to meet demand Wells City Practice explains how staff are working hard to cope with the significant challenges that general practices are facing AS many of you will have seen, we have been publishing data over the last year which shows the volume of work we are dealing with each quarter. We do this not only to keep you informed but also to try and explain why we sometimes cannot meet patient expectations, despite our best efforts. All of our staff are working harder than ever and our figures from the last quarter are still reflecting that with over 16,500 calls handled by our reception team, nearly 5,000 routine faceto-face appointments with our clinical team and nearly 3,700 urgent contacts with our duty team. On top of that we did 614 medication reviews, 506 patient referrals and issued nearly 140 medical certificates. At the moment we are struggling to provide enough routine appointments to meet patient demand, and despite recruiting another GP we currently have a four- to fiveweek wait for a non-urgent appointment with a GP. This wait will likely be longer if you prefer to see a specific GP. This may get worse over the summer months as our GPs take some well-deserved time away from the practice to spend with their families and recharge their own batteries. We have used locum GPs to help cover these gaps in the past, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find. At times, our GP team
Priory Medical Centre, where the city’s two GP practices are based will take extra sessions to cover their colleagues, but this is not sustainable long, or even medium, term. Please be assured that it is not just Wells City Practice that is having this issue, many other practices in the area, and around the country, are also in the same position and we are facing the biggest challenges that general practice has faced in many years. This is not only due to a national shortage of GPs but also to do with patients having to wait longer for hospital appointments. If you have to wait longer for treatment for a condition or injury, you are more likely to feel the need to see a GP in the interim. We have actively recruited a new salaried GP to help manage the workload and our Paramedic has taken on extra hours in practice. We are training new GPs, with a new registrar starting this summer, and we have extra phlebotomy hours available for blood tests. Our patient population is increasing by about 10 per cent year on year, and we are working with our landlord to
try and free up some space for more clinical rooms, as we are currently fully utilised. If you feel you have an urgent need to see a GP, then you will be put on our duty triage board and a duty GP will telephone you the same day. If during that call the GP feels that you need to be seen that day, then they will organise that for you. Recently our duty team had more than 90 patient contacts in one day.
We are doing the very best we can for you and our receptionists are dealing with a massive amount of telephone calls, every day, from patients wanting an appointment. Our reception team are extremely resourceful and if they can’t find a suitable appointment for you, within your preferred timescale, they may be able to offer alternative suggestions, such as a pharmacy referral or using the online consultation system, or even the possibility of ringing later in the week as there may have been a cancellation. In recent weeks our reception team have been experiencing more unpleasant treatment from patients during telephone calls. Please can we ask that you treat them in a way you would want to be treated and if you are dissatisfied with their response to a request, please ask to be put through to one of the practice management team.
SUMMER SALE
starting on Monday 1st August
Patients asked to wear face mask WELLS Health Centre is asking all patients to wear a face covering when visiting the practice. The health centre says: “With the recent outbreak of Covid in Somerset we would like to request that during your visit to the health centre you wear a face mask. This will not only protect you from patients visiting the practice who maybe infected with Covid but will also protect the staff too. “Although we understand that this is going against the
current guidelines and cannot be enforced, with the rate of infection increasing and hospitals reverting to wearing a mask, we think it’s only a matter of time before the guidelines go back to stipulate that wearing a face mask is a mandatory requirement. “Therefore, we would like to request that all patients and visitors wear a mask in practice, if possible, please. Face masks will be available at the health centre. We would appreciate your co-operation with this.”
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A dress agency for pre-loved modern, vintage and retro fashion 7 Queen Street, Wells BA5 2DP • 01749 674896 Open Monday to Saturday10am-4pm changingroomwells.co.uk
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
10
n NEWS Court fines firm in waste case A ROUTINE trade waste inspection by Mendip District Council enforcement officers has resulted in Wells building firm AB Building and Clearance being fined for failing to provide the required Waste Transfer Notes. Following reports of an unlicensed waste carrier operating within Mendip, council officers issued the businessman, Alex Branch, of Churchill Close, with a notice to provide Waste Transfer Notes for the last two years. Having failed to provide the requested documents within 14 days as required, he was then issued with two fixed penalty notices which he failed to pay, and was summoned to court. The case was heard at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on July 13 where Branch pleaded guilty. He was ordered to pay a fine of £500, costs to Mendip District Council of £2,703.39 and a Victim Surcharge of £50, totalling £3,253.39.
August 2022
Plans for new homes refused
The Repair Cafe on July 9
Can you help to mend things? Wells Repair Cafe needs you, says organiser Amanda Phillips ARE you good at mending or fixing things? Sustainable Wells needs more fixers to join the wonderful team at our Repair Cafes. We are looking for volunteers with skills in mending the kinds of things that are brought to us – electrical, electronic or mechanical appliances, leather items, clothes and other textiles, furniture, bikes, toys and many more. You will get the satisfaction of helping people by restoring their possessions to
useful life rather than consigning them to landfill. Our Repair Cafes take place on the first Saturday of every other month at St Thomas’ Church Hall in Wells from 10am until 12.30pm. You don’t need to be available every time, but we would be very grateful if you could join us when you’re able. The next few Repair Cafes will be held on Saturday, September 3; Saturday, November 5; and Saturday, January 7. Please contact me by calling 07522 193788 or emailing avjphillips@gmail.com if you would like to get involved.
PLANS for 50 new homes on Wookey Hole Road, next to Underwood Business Park, have been rejected by Mendip District Council. Reasons given for refusing the outline planning application by Land Allocation Ltd included a loss of rural character and the “detrimental impact on the openness of the rural setting of Wells and on the setting of the adjoining Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”.
Excellent report WELLS Blue School has been graded as ‘Excellent’ in a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report. Inspector Rachel Croft visited the school in June to see how effective its Christian vision established and promoted by leadership at all levels is in enabling pupils and adults to flourish.
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wellsvoice
August 2022
11
n NEWS
UN assignment for local entrepreneur
AN entrepreneur who grew up Josh – who was a pupil at St and was educated in Wells has Cuthbert’s, Central, and Wells presented at a United Nations Blue schools and is now living in (UN) conference in New York Wookey – said that he is pleased on issues affecting people with to see that partly through his disabilities. advocacy in aviation, positive Josh Wintersgill has lived changes have been made. Yet with the muscle wastage recent months have shown that condition Spinal Muscular passengers who need assistance Atrophy for 26 years, since he are being forgotten, and the was 18 months old. UK Civil Aviation Authority But he has not let it hold and Department for Transport him back. He runs his own are putting more pressure business, AbleMove, through on the aviation industry to which he sells transfer slings for ensure services are delivered wheelchair users, helping them appropriately. get on and off aircraft. Josh’s Josh is now considering invention won him a UK disabled taking his championing of the entrepreneurs award and Great rights of disabled people into British Young Entrepreneur. politics. He is also a global “A lot of people are telling me ambassador for Leonard to go into politics,” he said. Cheshire, a charity that supports “I think later in my career, disabled people, and as a result I will probably try to get into Disabled People, Chloe Smith, at of this role, he was invited to politics. the British Consulate – and told speak at the UN, where he told “I think it’s important the her some “home truths” about delegates and representatives of Disability Minister role is held by the difficulties with employment member states from around the someone with a disability. Maybe and entrepreneurship faced by world about the challenges and I’ll make a play for that.” disabled people in the UK. barriers he has faced on his path to success. He said that when he entered the UN General Assembly Hall, he was astounded by the size of the hall and the rows of member state delegations, UN agencies, NGOs, and persons with disabilities. There were Pictures of Josh Wintersgill at the more people as well watching No need for an expensive care home United Nations conference a live stream online. But undaunted, he said: “It was a finding employment, and going Stay independent at home with your own live in carer great opportunity to explain to into entrepreneurship.” them about what the charity was No need for an expensive care Many people want to stay in home their own home as they get olde While in New York, he was doing but also explain my lived No need for an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own invited to have a private No meeting experience of all the challenges need for an expensive care home live in carer with the UK’s foryour own live in carer I had in finding internships, Stay independent No need for a at Minister homeMany with people want to stay in their own home as they get older Stay independent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer Featherbed Care has been live in carers since 198 No need for expensive care home No need for an expensive care home Many people want to stay in their own home as they get olderNo an expensive expensivecare care home Stay independent at Noneed need for for an home Many people want tobelieve stay in their own home asvery they get older We in only the best care at an affordable cos Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Featherbed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer Many want to stay Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older believe the people very best at an affordable cost Many want to own as SCENES from the celebrations record something toWe show how in only Many people want tocarers stay in in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they Featherbed Care been providing live into 1986 We believeour in county only the very best care athas an affordable cost want in Wells feature in an official marked this historic
Care in your own home
Care in your own home Care in your own Carehome in your own home Care in y Care in your own home Care in your Care ownhome home Care in in your your own own home
Scenes from Wells in jubilee film
best care at has an affordable cost occasion.” We believe in only the very Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 Featherbed Care has bee has been been live carers Featherbed Care Featherbed Care has providing live in an carers since 1986 1986 The film has been produced We believe believe in only only the very best care care at affordable cost Featherbed Care hasthe been providing live in carers since We believe in 1986 only the v We in very best at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost by former BBC correspondent We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost and now Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, Clinton Rogers, and includes footage from the Wells Jubilee Celebrations that took place on June 5. It can be for viewed on the today Call a brochure Call for a brochure today Somerset Lieutenancy website: 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone:for 0800a 111 4885 brochure today somersetlieutenancy.com/ Call for a brochureCall today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk platinum-jubilee/on-film-the-Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today platinum-jubilee-in-somerset 0117 9860710 9860710 /// Freephone: Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call fo Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Deadline for the September edition: August 17 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed
film that has been produced to give a flavour of how Somerset celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The film was commissioned by the county’s Lord Lieutenant, Annie Maw – and a copy will be sent to Her Majesty. The Lord Lieutenant Annie Maw said: “We are all so proud of what Her Majesty has achieved in 70 wonderful years and we wanted to have on
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wellsvoice
August 2022
13
n NEWS
July winner pleased with vouchers prize THE latest winner of Wells Loyalty League shopping vouchers is celebrating her success. Iris Klim won the £50 worth of vouchers on offer in the prize draw in July, which she can spend with any member of the loyalty scheme. “I’m very pleased to win these vouchers,” said Iris. “I look forward to spending them in the future. Wells is so lucky to have such lovely shops like those in the Loyalty League.” Originally from London, Iris moved to Carlton Court, Wells, 15 years ago and has lived there ever since. To be in with a chance of winning, shoppers should collect a loyalty card from participating retailers, who will stamp it with the value of the purchase. When there are £100 worth of stamps on the card it should be dropped off at the Town Hall Tourist Information Centre. Completed cards will be drawn each month and the
RD W E L L S LO YA LT Y C A
SHOPPING SCHEME
ROCK HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE
Winner Iris Klim with her vouchers
Rock House Dental Practice has been caring for the smiles of Somerset (and beyond) for over 35 years. We offer a caring and friendly service with a stateof-the-art clinic, with the latest dental and X-ray equipment, including an intra-oral scanner, a cone beam 3D X-ray machine, and an in-house dental laboratory. We provide routine dentistry and a range of advanced treatments with dentists with specialist interests including periodontics (gum disease), endodontics (root filling), prosthetics (dentures), oral surgery, implants, facial aesthetics, and sedation, alongside a dental therapist, a team of hygienists, and excellent support from nurses and receptionists. We pride ourselves on providing the kind of individual patient care that has often been forgotten elsewhere. We place emphasis on preventative care
winners given five £10 vouchers to spend in businesses run by league members.
RON THOMPSON CARPETS
Wells Loyalty scheme members Amba, Basil Powell Shoes, Bishop’s Eye, Brownes Garden Centre, Gallery Jewellers, London House, Mansfield Opticians, Microbitz Computers, Millicans Eye Centre, Peter Douglas of Wells, Protec, Rock House Dental Practice, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Ron Thompson Carpets, Runway, Scribbles, Studleys Jewellers, The Changing Room, The Crown, The Grape & The Good, The Laundry, Wells Tourist Information Centre, Whiting & Son. To join the scheme, contact Robert Powell (robert.powell2@btconnect.com), Rob Bevan (rob@protec-wells.com), Louis Agabani (louis@bishopseye.com) or Alison Luck (luckalison127@gmail.com)
Greggs hoping to expand shop BAKERY chain Greggs is hoping to expand its shop in Wells High Street into the vacant shop next door that previously traded as Carphone Warehouse. It has submitted plans to Mendip District Council to create two new openings between the units, carry out various shopfitting works, install new signs, repaint the exterior and relocate the air conditioning condensers.
WELLS LOYALTY
It is also proposed to install a fully accessible customer WC on the premises. The planning documents say: “The appearance will not alter significantly, however, by bringing back into use of the vacant number 37 and refurbishment of number 39, it will improve the appearance of these listed buildings and be in keeping with the conservation area.”
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Ron Thompson Carpets is a family concern with son Stephen now running the main business leading a small team of expert fitters, with Ron more in the background. The showroom carries sample books galore from which customers can make their selections of quality flooring and blinds. We are used to working with contractors and other commercial clients on new build, renovation and refurbishment projects including offices, shops and restaurants, nursing homes and hotels, schools and churches, as well as multi-dwelling domestic developments. In addition to contract carpeting and vinyl, we have a particularly strong background in the installation of safety flooring for kitchen, bathroom and other wet-room areas. We offer laminate and engineered SPONSORS
Chalmers HB and Wells City Council
and tooth preservation whether you are 1 or 101, or somewhere in-between. We prioritise accessibility and our patients benefit from evening and Saturday morning appointments. We will always endeavour to treat dental emergencies on the same day and offer an out of hours service 7 days a week. Our 5* Google reviews speak for themselves and many of our patients will continue to visit us even after they have moved out of the area. u Rock House Dental Practice, 5 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SR T: 01749 674250 E: enquiries@rockhousedental. co.uk W: www.rockhousedental.co.uk
hardwood flooring and all types of window blinds. We are also main suppliers for Karndean, Harvey Maria, Alternative Flooring, Crucial Trading, Brockway Carpets, Victoria Carpets and many more. We undertake work across Somerset and beyond. Our small size and local base offer the advantage of a flexible, responsive, customised approach. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you. u Ron Thompson Carpets, 31 Broad Street, Wells, BA5 2DJ T: 01749 678123 E: info@ronthompsoncarpets. co.uk W: ronthompsoncarpets.co.uk Two members of the Wells loyalty scheme will be featured regularly in Wells Voice. A list of all the businesses currently participating in the scheme is given on the left
wellsvoice
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August 2022
n NEWS
Award-winners display their prizes after the Wells In Bloom 2022 Schools Competition presentations
Children collect awards at Bloom ceremony THE Wells In Bloom 2022 Schools Competition Awards were handed out at a ceremony at The Bishop’s Palace in June. Eleven local primary and nursery schools entered the competition, which had to be postponed over the past two years due to the pandemic. Dozens of excited children, teachers, parents and carers packed in to the Undercroft to hear the announcement of this year’s winners, and receive their prizes. They were handed out by the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, who said in his speech: “The judges were very impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the children in sowing seeds, planting and tending plants for the fantastic displays in the school gardens and in the containers that have
AWARDS WINNERS n Wheelbarrow and Container Category: 1st, Trophy and Certificate and £30 voucher: Explorers Day Nursery; 2nd, Certificate and £20 voucher: Stepping Stones Nursery; 3rd, Certificate and £10 voucher: Little Wellies Nursery. n Garden and Allotment Category: 1st, Parkes Trophy, Certificate and £30 voucher: St Joseph & St Teresa; 2nd, Certificate and £20 voucher: Chewton Mendip Primary; 3rd, Certificate and £10 voucher: Tree House Day Nursery. been transported to The Bishop’s Palace Stable Yard for all to see and admire. “Schools do so much to nurture our children’s interests in many ways, and we would like
High quality continence care products for men and women Discreet, reliable mail order service For advice, free samples and a brochure call 0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com Arelle is a family business based in Somerset for over 20 years
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n Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Category: 1st, Trophy and Certificate and £30 voucher: Wells Cathedral Primary; 2nd, Certificate and £20 voucher: Croscombe Primary. n Bonus Prizes Category: Best Newcomer, Certificate and £20 voucher: Horrington Primary; Best Floral Prize, Certificate and £20 voucher: Rockers & Rollers; Best Edible, Certificate and £20 voucher: Wookey Primary; Best Wildlife Friendly, Certificate and £20 voucher: St Joseph & St Teresa. to give a big thank you to the teachers and parents who have supported the learning outcomes of garden clubs.” He added: “We all know how nature is so important in our
lives and what we have looked for in the judging is how the children have learnt how to look at the needs of wildlife as well as learn how to be good little gardeners. “It is so encouraging to see how these schools are helping children to learn to be custodians of the environment as well as develop their gardening skills and green fingers.” He thanked volunteers Aron Clay and Linda Thomas for their hard work and commitment, and the council’s Outside Spaces Team and Councillor Denise Denis. “It was a great team effort,” he said. Brownes Garden Centre were thanked as well for their sponsorship of this competition. The prize-giving for the Wells in Bloom Gardens Competition will take place on October 14.
Feed & Weed • Mowing • Renovation Moss Control • Scarifying • Hollow-Tining Topdressing • Pest & Disease Control Verticutting • Annual Treatment Plans
www.stevecollinslawncare.co.uk 01749 595224 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
August 2022
15
n NEWS
Surge of entries for Festival of Running ORGANISERS of the Wells Festival of Running say that it is proving to be a tremendous success. Entries for the event on Sunday, September 11, are exceeding their expectations, they say. “We have 200 more runners entered into the event than we expected at this stage of July, and we are looking forward to a great celebration of good health and well-being for the people of Wells and surrounding communities,” said Nick Stevens, the Race Director. He added: “It seems that people have had enough of the restrictions of recent times and are motivated to get out running.” The road race is returning to the streets of Wells following a two-year Covid-enforced absence. Previously held at
A large number of runners have already signed up for this year’s races the end of May and known as the Wells Fun Run, the Wells Festival of Running brings the return of the 10k and 5k road races which start at the Market
Place and end with a fast and furious finish along the Bishop’s Palace moat. Rosie Park, marketing volunteer, said: “It is expected
that there will be about 800 runners by September 11 and there are plenty of places available for those who want to have a fun time running with others or want a focus for doing some get-fit training over the summer. “The 10k race is proving very popular and we are pleased to see hobby runners as well as runners from running clubs. We would encourage all those who have not yet entered to join the 10k race or if they think that is too far then enter the 5k or shorter races.” All surplus income from the race entries and sponsorship will go to local charities, and it is hoped that the Festival of Running will become an important part of the Wells calendar. Entries are now open by visiting www.wellscityharriers. co.uk/wells
Artist to give demonstration ARTIST Mo Moncrieff will be demonstrating her pokerwork and painting skills at the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Gallery in Wells on Saturday, July 30. Having spent all her career working with wood as a furniture, interior designer and stylist, after training as an architectural technician, Mo found an outlet for the more traditional artistic side of her abilities by decorating pieces turned by her husband Pete, a professional woodturner. Previously not one for painting she was inspired by the worldwide woodturning community and especially Cynthia Leigh Carden, to explore surface decoration. Cynthia’s delicate work decorating Japanese style kokishi dolls alongside enhancing others’ work was appealing and she was very encouraging to her when Mo started to try and find her own style. Mo’s designs are unique, starting with pencilling lightly onto the surface of the piece, then using a pyrography machine she burns the design permanently into the wood before colouring with a mixture of inks, acrylics and gouache.
Mo Moncrieff at work Her favourite subjects are from the natural world, butterflies, dragonflies, fish, flora and fauna. As a contrast she also designs Zentangles which are often inspired by patterns from Japanese kimonos which are pyrographed but not always coloured. Spending hours and hours drawing as a child she has always been creative, sewing, upholstering, flower arranging and more recently creating, along with her husband, a range of small collectable fantasy creatures, The Bods. The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Gallery is in Broad Street, behind Pickwicks.
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16 WELLS VETS CASE FILES
wellsvoice n NEWS
August 2022
Paw-ly Buddy has grass seed removed – and becomes TikTok sensation Name: Buddy Age: 6 years Breed: Cocker Spaniel Likes: Running around in long grass Dislikes: Grass seeds! Buddy came in to see us with a large lump on top of his paw that was very swollen and painful. There was no obvious cause, he wasn’t limping and he was otherwise quite well in himself. It was possibly linked to a nail infection we’d treated him for a few weeks ago but we couldn’t examine him very well as he understandably didn’t want us to go near his paw – it was obviously very sore. We decided to sedate him to examine the swelling properly. Vet Sarah made a small cut at one end of the swelling and used forceps to explore underneath the skin. She discovered a small track through the tissue which suggested a foreign body had got under Buddy’s skin and travelled into his paw. Sarah got a glimpse of one of the hairs of a grass awn and gently pulled out what proved to be a whole grass awn. Sarah flushed the wound to push out any last bits of the seed and Buddy was put on paracetamol for the pain and antibiotics for any infection and
A video shared on on TikTok of the grass being removed had more than one million views
Young flautists perform at the City of Wells Almshouses open day in June
Enjoyable open day at almshouses
Buddy had a sore paw
DESPITE some very dodgy weather, everyone enjoyed their visit to the City of Wells Almshouses in June. The Wells Cathedral School flute ensemble played some beautiful music, and the lunches and cakes went down a treat. All the donations made on the day were given to the Wells Community Network for their Ukrainian initiatives. Philip Welch, spokesperson for the network, said: “We are very grateful to the almshouses and their visitors for their generosity in raising over £750. These funds will go towards
supporting Ukrainian refugees being hosted in the Wells area, such as helping them learn how to use the NHS, finding jobs, and arranging social occasions for them to meet other Ukrainians.” The almshouses will be open for a third and final time this year on Saturday, September 10, during the Heritage Open Days fortnight, from 11am-4pm with the Simply Uke ukulele band playing in the chapel, as well as a walking guide and refreshments. For more information, ring 01749 675813 or email manager@wellsalmshouses.org. uk
Work starts to renew lights and crossings sent home to recover. Just a few days later, he was feeling much better. We shared a video of the grass being removed on TikTok and it had over one million views! Grass seeds are a common problem, especially during the summer months and – although they are only tiny – they have sharp pointy ends and can cause real pain. Grass seeds can easily brush off onto your dog and get stuck in their ears, eyes or paws. You may be able to just brush any loose seeds away but if it has penetrated the skin or you suspect one is lodged in their ear or eye, you should take them to your vet to have them checked.
Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD
Tel: 01749 678420
WORK has begun on the renewal of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in Wells that will continue until next April. The work is part of an £11.6 million maintenance programme by Somerset County Council. Work started in July on the pedestrian crossing at Mountery Road, near the junction with Milton Lane, and this will continue until August. Work will then take place on the signalised junction of Burcott Road and Strawberry Way from August to November; on the signalised junction of Portway and Strawberry Way from November to March 2023; and on the pedestrian crossing at the south end of Strawberry Way from March 2023 to April 2023. Most of the work will take place under temporary lights. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout.
Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Mike Rigby, said: “This is significant investment in our essential infrastructure which ensures our network is fit for purpose for many years to come. “This needs to happen now because the existing signal equipment has reached the end of its working life and must be replaced, otherwise it is likely to fail causing disruption and extra cost to the public. “The new signals will be more efficient, more eco-friendly, and importantly should improve traffic flow and provide much safer access for both cyclists and pedestrians. “We’ll be working closely with local businesses and the community to ensure they have all the information they need, and disruption is kept to a minimum.”
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wellsvoice
August 2022
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n NEWS
Literary idols to open and close festival TWO giants of the literary world are set to bookend the 30th anniversary of Wells Festival of Literature this autumn – memoirist Sheila Hancock and historical fiction writer Robert Harris. In between these well-known authors a host of speakers, poets and authors will also appear at the nine-day festival that runs from October 14-22. Funny, feisty and doyenne of film, television and theatre, Sheila Hancock opens the festival on Friday, October 14, when she will discuss her acclaimed new book Old Rage. Her latest work is both a vivid portrait of old age and a tirade against the injustices she perceives in a world so different from that of her wartime childhood. And yet – despite age, despite rage – it is also a memoir that is full of joy and humour. Still working, recent adventures have
Sheila Hancock and Robert Harris will be two of the star speakers at this year’s Wells Festival of Literature in October taken her on to the water with Gyles Brandreth in TV’s Great Canal Journeys. Nine days later and bringing the festival to a thrilling close is historical fiction writer Robert Harris on Saturday, October 22. A master storyteller, his latest
work Act of Oblivion embarks on an exciting manhunt across continents for the murderers of Charles I. The writer’s ability to combine historical accuracy with nail-biting suspense has led to 14 best-selling novels, many of
them adapted for the screen. His 2017 novel Munich, set during the 1938 negotiations for the Munich agreement between Hitler and UK prime minister Neville Chamberlain, has recently been made into the film Munich – The Edge of War starring Jeremy Irons. The former journalist and political editor will be in conversation with former Conservative cabinet minister William Waldegrave. Both events are certain to be entertaining and star attractions for book lovers at the festival as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. In that time, and run entirely by volunteers, the festival has grown to become one of the city’s cultural highlights. Booking for festival events opens on July 25. For full details and tickets go to www.wellsfestivalofliterature. org.uk or call 01749 834483 (9.30am-12.30pm).
WELLS
Festival of Literature BE SURE TO BOOK EARLY… Sheila Hancock Jeremy Bowen Janina Ramirez Anna Machin Michael Crick Emma Smith
ANNIVERSARY
Paterson Joseph Justin Webb Michael Morpurgo Claire Fuller William Sieghart Stephen Walsh Mary Wellesley AND MANY MORE…
14 – 22 October 2022 www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk Booking telephone line is 01749 834483 (9.30 am to 12.30 pm)
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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August 2022
n NEWS
Offer of free artist family workshops WELLS & Mendip Museum is working with Somerset Art Works to offer a series of free family events during the summer and autumn of 2022 and next February half-term. The Artist Workshops for Families will take place between 10am and 3.30pm, with no need to book, people can drop in anytime using the museum’s side entrance. Usual entry fees apply for the museum (family ticket £8), which is on Cathedral Green. n Saturday, August 13: Create a cool swan sculpture with artist Fiona Campbell. Learn to mould chicken wire, develop wire-work techniques and use recycled newspaper as a final paper mâché layer. Workshop suitable for ages 8+. Colouring activities provided for younger children.
n Thursday, August 25: Join Wells textile artist Jan Ollis to create a cross stitch sampler ‘hanging’ inspired by the samplers held in the Wells Museum collection. Activities for all the family, simple activities provided for younger children. Parents/carers are actively encouraged to join in, but no unaccompanied children can take part. Further workshops are planned for September 24 and October 28. The workshops are part of the Search & Learn project, made possible with a grant of £194,600 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, showcasing the museum’s ambitions for heritage and its commitment to the community as co-creators of the story of Wells.
Free vegetarian food will be one of the attractions on August 27
Chance to Meet The Sikhs again WELLS Rotary has announced that Meet The Sikhs is coming back to Wells. This popular family day out is returning to Cathedral Green on Saturday, August 27, from noon to 4pm, after a two-year absence due to Covid restrictions. Once again there will be Bhangra Dancing with a chance to take part and learn a fun new
exercise programme, vegetarian food and the opportunity to have a custom-tied turban, all for free. KhalsaAid and Rotary have worked together in various disaster zones around the world, and are currently helping in and around Ukraine. People are invited to learn more about these two organisations, while having an enjoyable day out.
fascinating tours for all ages awe-inspiring architecture and tranquil gardens world-class music exceptional exhibitions and events locally-sourced produce in our shop and café
Scan the QR code to book an experience today! or visit wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk wellscathedral.org.uk
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wellsvoice
August 2022
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n NEWS
Residents keep up pressure on developer RESIDENTS living on the Vicarage Fields development in Wells are keeping their fingers crossed that some of the long-awaited remedial work on the estate is finally going to be completed. But they are maintaining the pressure on developer Crest Nicholson to do all that was promised with the public open space. Homeowners have been told repeatedly over the past three years that work on the estate’s infrastructure was soon to be finished, in accordance with all planning consents. Now they have been given a date of July 25 for the outstanding surfacing of the roads. That will still leave some work to do, such as on sewers and street lights. And they fear that Crest may break the commitment they gave about the condition in which they will leave the public open space – and that the residents could face a hefty maintenance bill for this area in the years to come. Mervyn Nicholas, who lives on Knight Road, said: “They are going to finish the estate, there is a lot of activity. But they seem reluctant to fulfil the obligations of the original planning application on public open spaces. “It’s supposed to be a nice area with grass and flowers and they are looking to omit some of
There is still work to do on the Vicarage Fields estate the steps specified to properly complete the landscaping. We are at a loss. “The residents are angry. They are fed up. They are frustrated. They are annoyed at the couldn’t-care-less attitude of Crest.” In a letter to Mendip District Council’s planning department, Kerr Stirling said that Crest seem intent on disregarding some of the requirements relating to the public open space: spraying the grassed area to eliminate weeds, picking off stones and other rubbish, and planting a specified mix of grass seed. He added that weeds which have broken through the footpaths need to be fully removed to prevent future problems, rather than
the weedkiller and hot-rolling solution proposed by Crest. Mr Nicholas told Wells Voice that the district council should be doing more to hold Crest to account: “I think these big companies are walking all over
the planners. These guys should not steamroller Mendip District Council.” A spokesperson from Mendip District Council said: “We spoke with Crest Nicholson again this week about the works to the public open space and the road network, which are still outstanding, and have been for some time. “Crest Nicholson assure us they have a programme to complete the works, which residents are aware of.” A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “Works are underway at Vicarage Fields to finalise the roads, sewers and footpaths. The public open space area is being maintained regularly and we expect to finalise this by the end of the summer. “We apologise for the delays and appreciate residents’ patience while we complete these maintenance works.”
The latest winner of the Amba Womenswear loyalty draw is Sue Rowley, who wins £50 worth of vouchers to spend in the shop. Previous winner Sarah Wiltshire is pictured drawing the winning name with the help of Wells resident Chris Lee.
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wellsvoice
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August 2022
n NEWS
Memories made at music festival ONE hundred and fifty young musicians were welcomed to Wells for free concerts in Cedars Hall, The Bishop’s Palace, the Cathedral and the Town Hall for the WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend in July. Organisers The International Music Exchange (Wells) also created a community choir of 90 voices to join Bromley Youth Chamber Orchestra and soprano Leila Saleh for a concert in a packed Wells Cathedral on Saturday night. The performance raised more than £700 for the Ukraine Unicef appeal. On Sunday night it was too hot to ceilidh in the Town Hall so
dancing took place on the market square instead. Hetta Falzon was the guest artist at the opening ceremony, introduced by Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley, and musicians and singers from Wells Blue School joined participants for the closing ceremony. Tamsin Smith of WOWFest said: “It was a fabulous weekend, much fun was had and lasting memories made. Thank you to the residents of Wells for supporting the concerts so well and to those who joined the Community Chorus. Plans are already being made for the fourth edition of WOWFest in 2024.”
Dancing in Wells Market Place during WOWFest
Plans set out for decision-making groups SOMERSET councils have set out their plan for developing new Local Community Networks. The LCNs will be established in every part of the county to support decision-making at its most local level when the new Somerset Council replaces the current county and district councils in 2023. They will include city, town and parish councils, voluntary groups, NHS, schools, police, and other interested parties and residents. Leader of Somerset County Council, Councillor Bill Revans, said: “Having inherited the agreed unitary business case, and the LCN model, we must now work with it, and make sure it supports our vision for a fairer, greener, more flourishing Somerset. We absolutely support
Councillor Bill Revans a way of representing people more locally and acknowledge that it must be within a structure that Somerset can afford, as inflation impacts our budgets. “We realise LCNs have been anticipated right across the county. Our plan is to support these new, effective committees of the unitary council with decision-making powers and influence.
“Communities deserve clarity on when key decisions will be made ahead of Vesting Day (the first day in the life of the new council). We are working at pace on the offer. We are feeding-in more options on geographies, on roles and responsibilities, and on timescales.” Three LCN pilots continue to advance in Exmoor, the Frome area and in South East Somerset. A timeline for LCN development is in place: n Consideration of role, geographies, governance and funding of LCNs – July 2022. n Refine governance and financial modelling, linked to medium term financial planning – July to September 2022. n Engagement and consultation on geographies for LCNs –
autumn 2022. n Formal Decision Paper including a resourcing plan – November 2022. A plan on how LCNs are developed will go before the Local Government Reorganisation Implementation Board on July 29. The Board has responsibility to inform and act on behalf of Somerset County Council’s Executive, to ensure delivery of the new council on time and to budget. Cllr Revans said: “LCNs must be effective, affordable, and sustainable. They must suit our geographies and existing infrastructures, and be robust enough to give our communities real responsibility and access to their councillors in the years ahead.”
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BSc Podiatrist/Chiropodist Accredited member of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists SERVICES l Corns and Callus removal l General nail cutting l Thickened problem nails l Ingrowing toe nails l Cracked heels l Verrucae l Athlete’s foot l Bunions l Heel and Arch pain l Flat feet l Footwear and footcare advice and many more To arrange a consultation contact Molly: Mobile: 07960 530293 Email: molline01@gmail.com Mendip Court, Upper Breach, Wells, BA5 3DG HOME VISITS ALSO AVAILABLE
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wellsvoice
August 2022
21
n NEWS
World class art at Wells Cathedral A HIGHLIGHT in the city’s cultural calendar, Wells Cathedral is once again hosting selected works from the Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) international open art competition, from July 30 to August 28. Paddy O’Hagan, WAC chair, says: “Contemporary art is produced by artists who are living in our time. And let’s face it – this is a particularly testing
Paddy O’Hagan in the Cathedral Cloisters, where many of the artworks will be displayed
and fascinating period of history right across the globe. The exhibition reflects that in all its multifaceted glory.” This year’s competition received more than 3,200 submissions from 49 different countries. From these entries 123 artworks have been selected for the exhibition in the Cathedral
Wells Quaker Meeting for Worship
Wells Quakers meet for worship on the second and fourth Thursday each month in the ground floor Council room, Wells Town Hall, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RB. All are welcome to join us. Doors open 1.30pm, Meeting for Worship is between 1.45pm and 2.30pm, followed by refreshments, a chance to ask questions and to get to know each other. We are part of Street Quaker Meeting, which meets Sundays at 10.30am. More information from Madeleine Page in Wells: 01749 674169 or www.quakersatstreet.org.uk (email: streetquakersclerks@gmail.com)
cloisters, including 14 local artists. Ian Chamberlain, who has been selected for the first time with his etching Transmission IV, says: “It has even more meaning that this is a prestigious exhibition in the South West. It feels like a more personal and local connection away from the London shows.” Brian Baxter from Frome is also exhibiting for the first time, inspired by “the international stance and the capacity to gain a wide audience of discerning viewers”. His watercolour and collage, Pigeon et Poussin, pulls together his life-long interest in wildlife, the natural world and art. It was also particularly pertinent for artist Alessandra Alexander whose work is inspired by the local environment. “The piece selected is of a little moth that is obligate – ie. relies totally – on ash trees,” she says. “My current work is on the disastrous disease of ash dieback which has really hit the Mendips hard.” There are also 29 installations situated throughout the Cathedral and its grounds, selected for their synergy to their surroundings. The link between creativity and wellbeing is also acknowledged and this year WAC is bringing together the work of four outreach groups: Heads Up and The Lawrence Centre in Wells, Imagine Learn and Create which runs workshops for adults with learning disabilities, and Creativity Works in Radstock
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Top, Brian Baxter’s Pigeon et Poussin, and above, another Mendip artist, Alessandra Alexandroff, at work in her studio
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which provides creative courses for those facing difficulties in their lives. “This year’s WAC promises to be a truly immersive experience and we urge everyone who lives locally to come along,” concludes Paddy. Wells Art Contemporary is free to visit. A virtual exhibition will also be available to view for those who are unable to visit the Cathedral in person. Visit wellsartcontemporary.co.uk
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wellsvoice
22
August 2022
n NEWS
Charity delighted with extra assistance VOLUNTEERS can make a big impact on a charity and the valuable work it carries out throughout the year. Heads Up, the mental health and wellbeing charity, was delighted to welcome a group of Charlie Bigham’s employees on July 5 to carry out some garden maintenance at its day centre in South Horrington. This is the second year in a row that this local charity has received volunteering help from the company’s initiative. Bridget Harvey, Heads Up Service Director, said: “Charlie Bigham’s has been a huge supporter of Heads Up for a few years now; and everyone is so grateful for their kindness and the commitment that has been given to our charity during that time. “Charlie himself has shown a keen interest in the work we do within our community, and has provided us with both financial
Charlie Bigham’s staff who carried out some garden maintenance at Heads Up pictured with Bridget Harvey, centre and hands-on support. It is truly wonderful that the Charlie Bigham’s organisation takes such a proactive approach to contributing to the community
POPPY POPPY is hoping that a personal appeal to cat lovers will persuade some kind person to look past her age, 13 years and counting, and see her for the lively, healthy and playful lady she is. She would love to be more active as well. She is finding life in a pen, with little to do but eat, sleep and watch the world go by is boring and it doesn’t suit her personality at all. Poppy is a confident cat who likes to get out and about. She has a good appetite and is affectionate but also happy in her own company so not a needy cat. She may live with an older, male cat who knows his place but she doesn’t like dogs. A family with older children who would treat her with respect would be fine, but young children would be too much for her. Given the choice we think Poppy would prefer a quiet home as the only pet. Phone Emma on 01749 346104 to know more about Poppy.
in which they work, as so many people benefit.” The group of volunteers were a mix of staff from both the Charlie Bigham’s Dulcote Quarry site and their site in London. Every year Charlie encourages his staff to team up and spend an afternoon volunteering for a number of local charities, and afterwards they all get together for a barbecue at his house. “Yet again we cannot thank the Charlie Bigham’s volunteers enough; they are always so friendly, hard working and a joy to have around the place,” said Michelle Payne, Operations Manager at Heads Up. “They’ll happily get stuck in and are more than happy to help out doing whatever they can. They did an amazing job assisting us in the garden and
have made such a difference in just a few hours. A true credit to their company.” Heads Up is fortunate to have the facilities that it does, including a big outdoor space. Clients are encouraged to spend time outside and can get involved in gardening and growing vegetables. Recently the charity has had a gazebo built in its main garden by Cheddar firm The Outdoor Timber Company, so that clients can utilise this space for creative activities, or enjoy the quiet spot that overlooks the pond area. Company Director Alan Webb heard about the volunteering that Charlie Bigham’s team were going to be involved in and offered his time free of charge to organise and assist with the garden maintenance project.
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wellsvoice
August 2022
23
n NEWS
City’s musical dynamism getting noticed Wells Contemporary Music Centre features in BHF’s HeartFest The newly established community music centre in the Portway Annexe served as the setting for an interview and performances by local artist Rick Payne in June. The event was broadcast online as part of the British Heart Foundation team’s HeartFest 2022. The insightful video of it, “In conversation with Rick Payne”, can be seen on YouTube. His performance of his song Bluebird is particularly moving. In the interview Rick recounts how he suffered a cardiac arrest while performing on The Pilton Stage and how the quick actions of those present, and the use of a defibrillator that had recently been donated by Michael Eavis, helped to save his life. Rick will be returning to the Portway Annexe from September 28 to run a series of workshops for blues guitarists. More information on this may be found at www.rickpayne.co.uk/ blues.html More sessions coming for Wells Djembe Circle The daytime djembe sessions on Tuesdays are proving popular at the Portway Annexe, with an additional evening option planned to start in September. This is a voluntary initiative by Chrissie, raising income for the community centre. With the sessions growing, she would welcome any donations of un-needed djembe
Rick Payne in action for HeartFest 2022 drums. Anyone who has one to spare is asked drop it into the Portway Annexe reception. Jam sessions at Wells Contemporary Music Centre After a pilot run over the last two months, the 70s Rock ’Till We Drop jam sessions are taking a summer break and will restart in September. To get involved with this, contact info@wellsrocks.org
Picture: Nigel Fraser
the AV Studio has now got a large, wall-mounted green screen that has been donated by a local business. People are invited to book a session and see what they can do with it
Wells, ‘A Great Music Place’ Wells’ great reputation for music was again recognised in June when it was nominated as a Great Music Place by the national Make Music Day organisers. Make Music Day is an international celebration of music that happens on June 21 each year. A programme was put together involving Wells Cathedral, Wells Cathedral School, The Blue School, Strode College, Portway Music School and the Wells Rocks team. During the day, eight free events were held in the Cathedral, Quilter Hall and the Portway Annexe community hub. It was a fun day, with a performance by The Portraits being streamed by the national organisers prior to them heading off to Glastonbury for a series of gigs.
New video facility at the Portway Annexe community hub For people who have wanted to create a video using the green screen (Chroma Key) method,
The Portraits at the Portway Annexe
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Picture: James Packer
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
24
August 2022
n ON THE BEAT
Learn these parking rules to avoid fine News from the local policing team with PC Dan Williams WELLS Neighbourhood Police Team always like to listen to residents’ problems and take action where they can. Recently the residents of Wells have asked the Neighbourhood Team to help tackle the issue of dangerous parking across the city. In order to combat this issue, Wells Police have been lucky enough to obtain funding from the High Sheriff of Somerset for a number of ‘Parking buddies’ which you may have seen being used across the city. Parking buddies can be utilised across Wells to help promote key messages to road users about the dangers of the road. The buddies have already been seen recently outside of
Stoberry Park Junior School as well as St Cuthbert’s C of E Junior School; they have been well received by both parents and teaching staff. There is a whole range of rules, regulations and laws concerning where (and how) you can park. These must be obeyed if you are to avoid coming back to the dreaded penalty notice stuck to your car’s windscreen. Below, I’ve listed the most common areas where people of Wells (without a disabled badge) get their parking rules wrong, and end up with a fine.
PC Dan Williams with his ‘Parking buddies’
Double yellow lines: If you see double yellow lines at the side of the road, the inference is ‘nothing to see here, move along’. Parking and waiting are forbidden. Single yellow line: Single yellow lines also mean no parking, but between certain
PAUL and JAM PAUL (black) and JAM (tabby and white) are a pair of 7-yearold brothers who are looking for their new forever home together. They both have very sweet, friendly personalities and are a joy to be around. Paul is missing one of his back legs, having lost it in a car accident a few years ago, but he doesn’t let that slow him down. He enjoys hunting and finding nice sun spots to lounge in. Jam can be a bit shyer at first but once he’s decided you are one of his favourite people he is such a little lovebug. He’ll happily demand attention by squishing his face into yours for kisses or climb up onto you to demand some love. We’re looking for a quiet rural home for this sweet pair, away from any busy or main roads and with lots of space that they can explore and enjoy. They’d be happiest as only pets but would be okay with an older, slow-paced family. If you think your home might be the right one, please visit the Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection website to fill out an online application or contact Nikita on 07867 140339 for more information.
Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection
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times. These times will be clearly displayed on an accompanying sign. Yellow zig-zags: You will typically find yellow zigzag lines outside buildings such as schools, bases used by the fire, ambulance or police services, and of course, hospitals. They denote an area in which you must not park, either because you could delay the emergency services in an emergency, or because you could end up putting children at risk as they leave or enter school. White zig-zags: White zig-zags are located on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, be it a zebra crossing, a traffic-light crossing, or a pelican crossing. You must not park in this area, because your car will quite likely block the view of anyone crossing the road, which can put them in danger as they step off the pavement.
Near junctions: You must not park within 10 metres of a junction, unless you are within a clearly marked and authorised parking space. Clearway: A clearway is exactly what it says – a way that must remain clear. There are more restrictions across the city. May I remind you to keep your knowledge up to date with current rules by reading the Highway Code. As always I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the Wells Neighbourhood Police Team are incredibly dedicated to keeping you safe and feeling safe. We are keen to meet as many of you as possible, if you have an event, club meeting spot or a group where you would like your police team to attend then please contact me. Tel: 07889 658319 or contact 101 ex 44516; email: dan.williams@ avonandsomerset.police.uk
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wellsvoice
August 2022
25
n NEWS
Wells Carnival wins biggest slice of funds WELLS City Carnival walked away with the biggest sum of money handed out at the latest SOUP grant-funding lunch. Tony Frazier, judge convenor for Wells Carnival committee, told the audience about the difficulties that Covid had caused for the past couple of years, with carnivals cancelled and fundraising curtailed. He said that the carnivals attracted huge crowds that are worth an estimated £50 million to the local economy, and benefitted many good causes, but funds are currently in such short supply that Wells cannot announce how much prize money there will be for this year’s event. Lunch-goers voted to give the lion’s share of the money available at the SOUP lunch to Wells Carnival, and Tony was handed a cheque for £350 by the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley. The other
From left, Gayle Foreman and Ann Bunney from Dogs for Health with Hero and Meg; Tony Frazier of Wells City Carnival; Mayor Stewart Cursley; Julia Bedford and Rosie Mgbeojikwe of Herbal Brue; and James Glendinning from Wells Skatepark Community Group causes that presented, Herbal Brue Wells, Wells Skatepark Community Group, and Dogs for Health, each received £118.
Herbal Brue deliver herbal workshops and medicine making, and would like to bring the generations together so
that old herbal remedies can be passed on; Wells Skatepark Community Group want to build a safer modern skatepark in Wells; and Dogs for Health take dogs to people and groups that would benefit from cuddling and interacting with them. Before the four causes made their pitch for funds, Denise Denis explained how the winner of £350 in April, Wells Dementia Action Alliance, spent the money. She said that it was predominantly used to help fund the singing and music sessions that take place at the monthly Memory Cafe meetings in the Methodist Church Hall. The July SOUP lunch was sponsored by Rod Major of Wells Funeral Services, who was thanked by organisers Wells Independents for his contribution of £350. The lunches take place at the Connect Centre. The next event will be on Saturday, October 15.
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‘Making funerals less of an undertaking’ WHEN you turn on the TV today you will see lots of adverts for ‘Direct to cremation’, but it is not for everyone. It is easily swept away with the latest fad and trend. Perhaps we can forgive David Bowie for making ‘direct to cremation’ funerals fashionable as he didn’t want anyone at his funeral. ‘Direct to cremation’ is a funeral that has no service, no flowers, no minister or celebrant and certainly no congregation. Such funerals are an option to be considered where money is an issue or very few people can attend a service. Lack of available finance can sometimes be an important factor too. However, given the choice, I still believe that most people see a final farewell as a way to recognise and honour someone’s life and the difference they made in ours. At Wells Funeral Services we like to make funerals less of an undertaking, it is our goal to ensure that we reflect the person lost in a celebration of their life, enabling family, friends and colleagues to move forward in a dignified and respectful way. As I reflect on the past few
months, our records show that Somerset does not have many David Bowie funeral followers. Money hasn’t been a deciding factor. A ‘direct to cremation’ funeral costs somewhere between £997 and £1,499 and we have only delivered eight such funerals. Ninety-five per cent of our funerals have been traditional funerals. A hearse, limousine, flowers and order of service. The cost of this can be anywhere from £3,695. Funerals are changing and funeral director/undertakers are a service, and you the client always comes first. Here at Wells Funeral Services, we are always looking to deliver a personal service, with a theme that echoes the deceased, the personality, the image and style, so people know we are talking about their loved one. Maybe the trend towards ‘direct to cremation’ will increase here in Somerset if finances tighten. The jury is still out. What I am sure of is that our departure from this world will be just as it has always been. Respectful and with love.
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wellsvoice
August 2022
27
n NEWS
‘We want Dairy House to be place of hope’ By Philip Welch
NOT many people know about the Dairy House but it is a very special place. Quiet, peaceful and committed to ending rural homelessness. “The underlying problems include isolation, debt, family breakdown, other traumas and substance abuse,” said Suzanne Addicott of Dairy House, “which causes a revolving door of homelessness which we are trying to stop.” Dairy House is an innovative project based at Manor Farm and forged out of a partnership between the Elim Connect Centre in Wells, Mendip District Council and Manor Farm which launched in 2015. Suzanne and husband Rob, who have five children, live in their own home adjacent to Dairy House on Manor Farm, near Stratton-on-the-Fosse, which their family has worked for 50
Growing vegetables in a Root Connections garden at Manor Farm years. Suzanne said: “We act as the welcoming family for Dairy House, which has its own staff. It is set up as a community house so the residents feel at home. We want the Dairy House to be a place of hope.” It is officially known as Direct Access Accommodation (DAC) and is the only one based in Mendip for rough sleepers, providing up to two short-term assessment beds and four pre-
move-on beds to help Mendip citizens on their journey to a sustainable home of their own. The rural location provides about 1,000 acres of explorable farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens. The majority of people sleeping rough in Mendip are self-isolating, living outside of the built-up areas – and rural Dairy House offers a supportive transition from that lifestyle.
Transforming Dairy House into a community house was spearheaded by Suzanne who had worked helping heroin addicts at a pioneering project in Hong Kong with St Stephen’s Society. The residents cook and eat together, and take part in structured activities including art, pottery, animal care and hedge-laying to help prepare them for life after the farm. They can also help grow chemical-free food in Root Connections’ large gardens on the farm which is sold in fresh veg boxes to help finance Dairy House. Dairy House has a ‘virtual’ front door which is Elim Connect Centre’s services throughout Mendip. Residents are fully integrated with other activities and services provided by Elim and partner agencies – providing the opportunity to leave the farm on a daily basis.
Protect your family's inheritance Wells City Band played in Market Place on July 2 for the first time since the Covid outbreak. ‘It was a joy to be back and feel the support of the people of Wells,’ said Jane Hill. Picture: Ruth Coles
Call to join fun-filled day of music SINGERS and instrumentalists are being invited to join a music workshop at the Portway Annexe on Saturday, August 20, from 11.30am-4pm. Pop at the Portway promises to be a dynamic and uplifting fun-filled day of music-making, say organisers. During the day, singers and instrumentalists will learn several well-known pop songs under the guidance of four local musicians: James Packer (of Portway Music School), Verity Stoffell, Kate Lynch and Emma Wheat.
The workshop sessions will culminate in the opportunity for singers and full orchestra to combine their efforts and immerse themselves in the unique sound. Singers of all abilities are welcome. Instrumentalists need to be at Grade 3 standard or above. Places cost £20 and include lunch and refreshments, as well as all course materials. Contact James Packer for more information and to book a place: jamespacker1@hotmail. co.uk or 07500 420140.
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wellsvoice
28
August 2022
n NEWS
Wells Blue School students and staff who celebrated the end of Year 13’s time at the school with a Ball at The Bishop’s Palace
Departing students say farewell in style Wells Blue School Head of Year 13 Sheila Jamieson reports on the recent 6th Form Ball ON Wednesday, June 29, in spite of the torrential rain, Year 13 celebrated the end of their time at The Blue School with a celebration at The Bishop’s Palace.
The students arrived in the Market Place and braved the elements to make it to the event. They all looked amazing, despite some being rather damp. The event was inside the Undercroft to begin with, where students were served drinks and canapes by the catering and teaching staff. After some
speeches, and food, the students had fun at the silent disco. As the weather began to improve, the students were able to get outside, and were able to enjoy dancing round the glorious gardens. It was a really special event, and we spent a glorious evening with our lovely Year 13s.
We would like to say a special thanks to The Bishop’s Palace who made the venue available to us for free because of the enormous disruption these students had faced during their GCSEs and A-levels due to the pandemic. It was fantastic to share this event in such an iconic venue.
Students dressed smartly for the occasion, at which they were served drinks and canapes inside the Undercroft before having fun at the silent disco
Bowley’s Garage
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Call 01749 674554 Westfield Road Trading Estate, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2HS www.bowleysgarage.co.uk
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At the Heart of England’s Smallest City City of Wells Town Hall Various rooms to hire for: Conferences, Seminars Fairs, Shows, Exhibitions, Marriages, Receptions, all types of Meetings and Local Group Classes Very reasonable rates
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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
August 2022
wellsvoice
n NEWS
29
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
The FENSA scheme allows window installers to certify that the windows they install comply with Building Regulations without the need for the Local Authority to inspect, while a FENSA Certificate or Building Regulation Completion Certificate is required if 50 per cent or more of a replacement door is made from glass
Keep replacement doors and windows certificates safe By Sharon Stevenson
WHAT is a FENSA certificate and when do I need one? FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. This scheme allows window installers to certify that the windows they install comply with Building Regulations without the need for the Local Authority to inspect. A FENSA certificate or alternatively a Building Regulation Completion Certificate will be required for any windows installed since April 1, 2002.
If you are considering replacement doors you would require a FENSA Certificate or Building Regulation Completion Certificate if 50 per cent or more of the door is made from glass. You must make sure you retain any certificate obtained for future reference. If you were to sell your property in the future you will need to provide this certificate and if you have misplaced it you will incur a charge for obtaining a duplicate copy. n Sharon Stevenson is a Residential Conveyancer with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk
Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100
Students arrive for the Wells Blue School Year 11 Prom held at the end of June at Wookey Hole Caves
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wellsvoice
30
August 2022
n MESSAGE FROM THE MP
Two serious politicians for serious times I AM writing this column just as we have found out the result of the final ballot for the leadership contest and the election of the UK’s next Prime Minister. One thing to mention first is that, with Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss now confirmed as the final two candidates, we are sure to elect either our third female Prime Minister or first British Asian Prime Minister – something we should all be very proud of. The diversity of the contest reflected the diversity of the country, and every single person who put themselves forward should be commended. It is not an easy thing to do, and I admire colleagues who have worked to campaign to lead the country and take over Number 10. Each one of them is talented and has something to offer, and I am sure we will see more of
Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey ‘I am looking forward to working with whoever is chosen to lead our country’ them in the coming months. It has been a tumultuous few years in politics to say the least, but this is now an important moment with lots to work on to continue to deliver for the British
people, but now with a slightly different direction. As many of you will have seen, I have endorsed Liz Truss to be our next Prime Minister and many colleagues have agreed in the past few days, with her votes from MPs having steadily risen. I took careful consideration on this choice. I have worked closely with Liz on one of the biggest Defence, Security and Foreign policy challenges we have faced in decades. She has been fearless in making the right decisions, and she makes the right decisions on big national security issues. I have been in meetings with her which you will not know about for 30 years, so I very much know what she offers. I continue to be very proud to support her ahead of the membership election which will ultimately decide between Rishi
Sunak and Liz Truss. They are both very serious politicians for serious times and have invaluable experience at the highest level of Government. There are huge challenges for them to face including the cost of living, the war in Ukraine, not to mention the wider economy as we look to bounce back from the pandemic. It is very important we continue to deliver good on that majority, which was handed to the Government in 2019, no matter who is elected. That must be the priority going forward. Of course, we all have differing opinions – and that is democracy – but I am very much looking forward to working with whoever is chosen to lead our country. I have no doubt Liz or Rishi will do a brilliant job and work tirelessly to deliver for the British people.
Tincknell Fuels Great time to book your Annual Boiler Service Oil & Gas Boilers Pay Monthly Maintenance Plans Your Local Heating Oil Specialists Reliable Deliveries Planned Payment Scheme Automatic Top Up Service
Tel: 01749 683911 To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
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wellsvoice
August 2022
31
n NEWS
Councillor Stewart Cursley officially became the 648th Mayor of Wells at a Mayor Making Ceremony in Wells Town Hall on July 3. His wife June was appointed Mayoress, and new Deputy Mayor Councillor Tanys Pullin was invested with the chain of office. They are pictured above with other councillors, the Mayor’s chaplain, the Serjeants-at-Mace, the Town Clerk and the Town Crier.
Mentoring group to be Mayor’s charity WELLS’ newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Stewart Cursley, has announced that his nominated charity for his term of office will be PROMISEworks. At the recent ceremony in the Town Hall, he invited Ali Hart, General Manager, to talk about the charity which recruits, trains and supports volunteers to provide one-to-one mentoring to help improve the mental health and well-being of some of Somerset’s most vulnerable young people, aged from five to 25. Ali said: “We receive referrals from schools and other professionals including the police and voluntary groups.
Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, and Mayoress June Cursley with John Chambers and Ali Hart of PROMISEworks, the Mayor’s nominated charity for the year
Children are referred for a variety of reasons which might include mental and/or physical health problems. With careful matching, training and support, a long-term, trusting relationship with a mentor can help the young person to develop resilience, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing. “Currently 120 young people have a PROMISEworks mentor. But with the consequences of the Covid crisis and the worsened situation for many vulnerable families, PROMISEworks has had double the normal rate of referrals, and currently has a waiting list of around 250.”
“We need more mentors,” added Joanna, a local mentor, who is happy to talk about her experience. “A mentor is simply someone who has time, who cares, who wants to communicate and to have fun. They are normal people who bring their life experience to the role, offering a different and supportive perspective for the young person.” People who might be interested are invited to contact PROMISEworks via the website promiseworks.org.uk or contact Joanna at joanna.davey@ promiseworks.org.uk for an informal chat.
Considered Volunteering? Find a role that suits you. Volunteering Taster Day Wells Cathedral Saturday 13 August 2022 Register today at
wellscathedral.org.uk/volunteers
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wellsvoice
32
August 2022
n NEWS Wells groups feature on local radio station
Somerset Sight volunteer visitors at a meeting in Coxley Memorial Hall in the spring
Charity seeks volunteer visitors A LOCAL charity would like to hear from people interested in joining a friendly team of volunteer visitors in Mendip. Somerset Sight continues to look for volunteers to visit sight impaired people across Somerset for friendship and company once a week or fortnight. For example, it has a gentleman in Wells who would very much enjoy the regular
company of a volunteer visitor for conversation and an occasional walk or local trip out. The charity receives regular referrals so if someone cannot visit in Wells but could do elsewhere within Mendip, they would be pleased to hear from them. Volunteer support reduces the risk of isolation and loneliness for people with sight
loss. The 300 volunteers say that they also benefit from helping people within their local communities and enjoy volunteering for Somerset Sight. The charity would provide full support and pay out of pocket expenses including mileage. To find out more, contact the main office on 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight. org.uk
OVER the past few weeks, roving reporter Martin Cooke has been interviewing a variety of Wells people and groups for local radio station Gfm. They include Wells City FC, Wells Bowls Club, Wells Repair Cafe, Wells Community Shed and Wells Chamber of Commerce. “We are very lucky to have a community radio station,” said Martin. “If any readers have an interesting story please let me know, so I can arrange a coffee and chat with my microphone. “Some of my pieces go to air on Monday evenings between 5pm and 6pm.” To contact Martin, call 01749 675115 or email martincooke94@ gmail.com or admin@gfm.org.uk Gfm covers Glastonbury, Street, Wells and surrounding villages. It broadcasts on 107.1 FM and streams online at gfm. org.uk
GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION
NEUTERING CAMPAIGN
NOW EXTENDED to 30th November 2022
the charity will offer vouchers to help with neutering costs of cats whose owners are on low income or income support benefits. We are repeating the special price we offered in our last campaign. Owners will pay £5.00 per cat and the charity will pay the balance and also microchip your cat for free. This offer is open to residents in Glastonbury, Wells,Street, Cheddar and Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas. Contact a volunteer for your voucher:
Julia on 07833 634087 Emma on 07717 837040 Holly on 07855 075962 Gill on 01749 850660 A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher. Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be issued for participating vets.
Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)
www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Dozens of people enjoyed a concert and afternoon tea in a joint project between Wells Cathedral School and Wells Community Network on Community Action Day (June 30). The Concert with a Cuppa event took place in a marquee on the lawn near Cedars Hall, where the large and appreciative audience included a number of residents of Abbeyfield House in Wells. Caroline Lowndes-Northcott, who was a facilitator, assisted by Claire Chettoe and Carol Cox, said: ‘It was a great event and really embodied the spirit of community in the best possible way.’
Deadline for the September edition: August 17
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
August 2022
n NEWS
33
Focus on health with Bluebird Care
We all have right to have a safe life By Jenny Atkins
The umbrellas symbolise that these members of the Wells Dementia Action Alliance are working to support people living with all forms of dementia
Chance to take steps to boost health, and health charity WALKING is good for you and can benefit a Wells health charity. An opportunity has arisen to try a choice of two walks along attractive routes in the countryside around the city – one of 3km and the other 5km. “Families and children are more than welcome to join us on these gentle walks which will be a much-needed fundraiser for the Wells Dementia Action Alliance,” said Philip Welch, a trustee of the charity. They will be started by Bishop Ruth, the Bishop of Taunton, at
10.30am on Sunday, September 18, by the drawbridge of The Bishop’s Palace. Entry costs £10 at the Registration Desk which will be open just inside the Palace from 10am on the day and includes refreshments afterwards in Wells Town Hall. All entry fees and any donations will go directly to the Wells Dementia Action Alliance to support those living with dementia in Wells. For more information or questions, email admin@ wellsdementia.org.uk or phone 07812 206693.
Charities helped by mini art raffle WELLS has been home to the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists for 40 years, since its first exhibition at the former Burwood Gallery in Union Street. To mark the occasion, its current President and cofounder, Roz Pierson suggested a raffle of paintings for charity. Four charities were chosen – Marie Curie, World Land Trust, Conservation South Luangwa and St John Ambulance Wells. As befits a miniature art
SAFEGUARDING is everyone’s responsibility. It means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. There are many types of abuse such as: Physical, sexual, emotional abuse and Mate Crime, as well as abuse of things that belong to you, neglect, discrimination, or abuse of your financial and mental health. Abuse can happen anywhere, any time. It could happen in your or someone else’s home, at work, at your care home or in the street. Care professionals are trained to spot signs and symptoms of abuse but you don’t need special training to raise a concern if you feel something is not right and someone could be at risk. Some people are more at risk than others. They need support to raise concern and therefore need an advocate in these situations. Just because your feelings and beliefs are not the same as someone else does not mean you are abusing them. But you need to respect their beliefs and not treat them in an unfair manner that could restrict them making their individual choices. The Equality Act 2010
legally protects people from discrimination. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It lists what is known as the protected characteristics: Age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. You may be scared to speak out. The person who is abusing or neglecting may make it hard for you to report it. But if abuse happens to you or someone you know it is important to speak out and tell someone you trust. Do this as soon as you can. If you receive care or attend services there will be safeguarding policy and procedures in place. A safeguarding policy is a statement that makes clear what an organisation or group will do to keep people safe. Somerset County Council has a local safeguarding board which can provide information and support, as can your GP or care company. Abuse is not your fault. You have a right to have a safe life without being abused or neglected. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare.co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.
society, the size of many of the paintings was around 40mm following the size of Nicholas Hilliard’s self-portrait of 41mm, a copy of which is on the President’s badge of office. That goal was surpassed, and during the exhibition held in June, all the prizes – 60 tiny paintings – were on show. The raffle draw took place on the last day of the exhibition, and a total of £2,000 was raised for the charities.
Winning names in competition THE ten lucky winners of last month’s competition were Amanda Slight, Karen Clark, Margaret Allen, Jane Flanders, Marianne Murray, Terry Ricketts, Annie Fudge, Bridget Watts, Jon Jefferies and Zoe
Tatham. They each win a family ticket for two adults and up to three children to watch the Magique magic and illusion show at Wookey Hole, being performed every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays.
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wellsvoice
August 2022
n IN DAYS GONE BY
35
With Clare Blackmore
Endless appetite for drinking and feasting THE ancient city of Wells loves a corporate get-together and there are records from early days of the great and the good of the corporate body coming together for a feast. In 1538 Mr John Godwyn was mayor and he established that: l “The articles I promote shall abyde in full power and strengthe forever.” l “He that thereafter shall occupye the office of the mayor of the said City of Wells shall be allowed yearly for his fee, 40s.” l “If the said Mayor shall keep a breakfast at Christmas for the Burgesses of the said city, 30s.” l “If the said Mayor keep a dinner once a year for the wives of the Burgesses he is to be allowed for the said dinner, 40s.” l “The said Mayor shall be allowed for his charge at the recreation of the vigil for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, 13s 4d.” In 1562 the following allowances were given to the mayor: l “For the Mayor’s dinner, 40s.” l “For Saint Stephens Day feasting, 30s.” l “For Midsummers Night, 10s.” In 1605 a great commotion in the corporate body was caused by protestations of Walter Bricke and John Cox, the General Receivers of the city, when the mayor laid out £11 on feasting for the mayor’s dinner. Complaints were made that: “Diverse persons that are not Burgesses do rudely thrust themselves in to dine”, and it was ordered that thenceforth the dinner should not exceed 12d for each Burgess or £8 for the whole. Fines for breach of municipal laws in the city were often paid to the corporate body in wine. In 1621, a William Nurton paid a gallon of wine to be admitted in the place of a Burgess and this desire to become a member of the city corporate body, if accepted after fulfilling the necessary requirements, was always followed by a presentation of wine to the corporation. The city accounts show numerous charges for different kinds of liquors.
Wells has always loved an excuse for a feast 1653 “for burned wine when Judge Wyndham was here, 3s 8d”. 1660 “paid for one quart of sack on Candlemas day, 2s 2d”. In 1664, when the charter was brought back to Wells (the restoration of the City Charter by James II of the City Charter which had been unconstitutionally taken away by Charles I), the accounts show that: l “6 bottles of sherry when the Charter was carried to the exchequer 12s.” l “Four bottles of canary 10s, four bottles of claret 4s, two bottles of white wine 2s, bread and cheese 1s 6d, sugar 6d, nuts 1s.” 1685 “three bottles of redstreak cider, pipes and tobacco, 3s 9d, a hogshead of beer £1 10s, for wine £9 5s.” The drinking and feasting also applied to national events and when this happened the poor of the city also enjoyed being able to come together to celebrate, not with wine but with ales and strong beer. On the occasion of the accession to the throne of Queen Anne (1707 to 1714), the loyalty of the citizens of Wells was exhibited. l “A feast shall be given to the poor with plenty of strong beer and ale.” l “At a public dinner for the gentry and the clergy, seventeen quarts of wine were drunk (at a cost to the city of £1 14s 6d) besides many other liquors.” On May 11, 1710, an address was sent to the Queen from the corporation on the occasion of peace between England and
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France being proclaimed. A Hogshead (approximately 300 litres) of ale was ordered to be given away “to the common soldiers in the city” in the Market Place which cost the corporation purse £2 10s 1d. “A bonfire of 60 faggots was made and the health of her Majesty was drunk while the corporators looked on and drank a dozen hogsheads of wine while looking on at the fire and listening to the ‘Hurrahs’ of the populace.” On August 4, 1711, King George I was proclaimed king. There was, “a great ceremony attended by the Corporators in their robes, the Civic Officers and the City Trading Companies and most of the inhabitants of Wells.” A dinner was given by the mayor at which the Judges of the Assize and the Dean and Chapter were present and “a great feast was made for the poor”. In 1760, George II died and the city sent an address to George III condoning with his Majesty on the death of his grandfather and congratulating George III on his accession. The corporation and the townspeople enjoyed themselves: “By drinking the new King’s health in wine and punch with plenty of good ale, bread and cheese.” On September 22, 1761, the city again showed its loyalty and joy on the coronation of George III. “This day having been appointed for celebrating the coronation of our most gracious Lord, King George III and our most gracious Queen Charlotte, the mayor desired the corporation to meet him
at 6 o’clock this evening at the Council House and also the principal gentlemen of the town to drink their Majesty’s health.” The Banquet which followed was: “Of the most sumptuous kind and among the Bill of Fare was Venison in abundance furnished from a noble buck presented to the corporation by Lord Digby.” His Lordship’s keepers were rewarded with one guinea. “The Town Hall was brilliantly illuminated by means of candles stuck in clay.” The victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was met with great rejoicing. “A great public feast was held in a field called Waterleaze on the south side of the city.” Cathedral Green was the site for much public rejoicing on the occasion of the coronation of George IV in February 1820. l “A public dinner was given to the inhabitants of the city in the Cathedral Green.” l “A great public procession was got up and the mayor and his corporation, the clergy and the gentry and the city companies took part.” Each new mayor was expected to hold a lavish dinner for the council and other eminent citizens, usually in the Swan Hotel or the White Hart Hotel. The Mayor’s Feast held at the Swan Hotel in 1894 saw: “At the foot of the stairs leading up to the dining room, a light arch of trailing greenery, interspersed with candles held in clay had been arranged and presented a bright and festive experience. The tables were resplendent with plate, glass and flowers and carried to the centre of the room where the table in front of the mayor was arranged with taste and appropriateness with the municipal symbols of authority the loving cups, one a recent gift from Mr Dickenson, MP for the division, and the other a gift from the late Dr Livett. “The general effect was brilliant and charming and did great credit to the hotel whose consideration for the comfort and convenience of the guests was everywhere manifest. The menu and the wines maintained the excellence for which the Swan is famous.”
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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August 2022
n WHAT’S ON
Chance to take tour of garden
Recreation of medieval life
THE NGS (National Garden Scheme) Garden for the Month in August is Stoberry Garden at Stoberry Park, Wells. With breathtaking views over Wells and the Vale of Avalon, the garden has wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture, a walled garden with sunken garden, gazebo, potager, lime walk, interesting borders, and several seated areas to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Recent additions to the garden include wild flower circles, a spring and summer flower meadow walk, a ‘luxury’ bug hotel, and a fernery. Owners Frances and Tim Young started gardening at Stoberry in 1997. Frances said: “We decided to design the garden with three different areas. The first area is planted in a relaxed naturalistic manner, and a pond. The second area is the walled garden on the east of the house divided into two areas: as
THE Bishop’s Palace will be bringing the summer holiday to a dramatic close this August Bank Holiday weekend by joining forces with medieval reenactors and combat specialists Bowlore Medieval. The historical re-enactment group and medieval weapons experts will be encamped in the ruins of the Great Hall from August 27-29. They will be giving lively displays throughout the day, with demonstrations, and choreographed combat. They will be using longbows, pallaxes, dane hammers, falchion and langmesser, to name but a few. At The Black Dog, Bowlore’s weapons and armour tent, people will be able to get a glimpse of medieval life, and members of the Bowlore troupe will be on hand to share their expertise and answer questions. Entrance to the Medieval Weekend is included with general admission.
The Stoberry Garden is planted for year-round interest you enter the walled garden, the right of the driveway is an open part leading you through to the potager. The third part is the sunken garden. “I am trying to garden in a balance with nature, which requires a lot of patience. For me a successful garden is one that has interest throughout the year.” The garden will be open on
Monday, August 22, and Sunday, September 4, from 12pm5.30pm. Light refreshments will be available, and there will be plants for sale. Admission is £5, children free. Tickets can be reserved through the NGS website (ngs. org.uk), or pay at the gate using cash only. The entrance to Stoberry Park is on College Road.
Fletcher House
Well regarded Wells Wells considered Well Wells established Well Offer your loved ones the best in care with our short-term Respite Care at Fletcher House, Wells. Whether you’re a carer in need of a break, your loved one needs temporary care, or you want to experience one of our services before making a longer-term commitment, we can help. Please get in touch today.
Short-term Respite Care. Long-lasting memories.
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www.somersetcare.co.uk
0800 817 4990
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wellsvoice
August 2022
37
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Ticket to taste dishes from around world
The SS Great Britain is serving up dishes from around the globe
READY to embark on a global voyage of taste without going further than Bristol? Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells experienced by visitors every day, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer with a new activity, Dishes of Discovery. They are inviting visitors to taste the world, offering them the chance to sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship in the 18th century. From July 23 to September 4, visitors who step aboard the SS Great Britain will taste historic recipes from Mumbai, Cape Town and Crimea – discovering how the world’s first great ocean liner connected people and places around the world. The dishes have been created by Bristol-based social enterprise, Travelling Kitchen,
whose team worked with the ship’s archivists to explore historic recipes from around the globe. The dishes created include a zingy Melon and Ginger Jam from Cape Town, traditional Borsch from Crimea and a tropical green coriander and coconut chutney from Mumbai – and are typical of those that passengers would have encountered as they
disembarked in the faraway destinations. Your usual favourites at Brunel’s SS Great Britain are open all summer long, too. Don’t forget to visit the two hands-on museums, historic dockyard, dramatic dry dock and the ship herself. And remember – you can enjoy coming back time and time again with your ticket. It’s valid for a year!
Use your tastebuds to explore the world this summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain as you discover flavours from the ship’s lesser-known destinations. Plan your adventure at ssgreatbritain.org/summer2022
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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August 2022
n WHAT’S ON Three daytime Cafe Concerts in August THERE will be three Trio Paradis daytime Cafe Concerts in the Wells area in August, entitled Songs of Travel. They will take place at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Monday, August 1, at 11am (cafe open 10.30am); Priddy Village Hall on Monday, August 1, at 2pm (cafe open 1.30pm); and Croscombe Village Hall on Friday, August 5, at 10.30am (cafe open 10am). The programme is a collection of pieces inspired by places, familiar and exotic, one might visit for a holiday, and includes Kashmiri Song by Amy Woodforde-Finden, Orientale by Cui, Bolero by Ferdinandez Arbos, Dvorak Hungarian Dance in E minor, Veneziana by Sternberg and Grieg Wedding Day at Troldhaugen. The concerts last about 45 minutes and entrance is free with pay-what-you-feel donation invited. No booking required.
from 2pm-3.30pm. Anyone interested can just drop in to enjoy listening to a story and poems. There is no charge, no booking needed and no pressure to talk or read.
Dracula seen anew BRITISH Touring Shakespeare are bringing a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic horror tale Dracula to The Bishop’s Palace. The open air performance takes place on Sunday, July 31. Tickets at bishopspalace.org.uk/ event/dracula
A Trio Paradis concert at Westbury-sub-Mendip in April Dishes of Discovery at Brunel’s SS Great Britain – From 23 July until 4 September 2022. Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer. Embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol as you sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship.
Board game nights
Calligraphy work
WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, August 10, and Wednesday, August 24, from 7pm-9.30pm.
AN exhibition of work by Mendip Calligraphy Group has opened at Wells & Mendip Museum. It continues until July 29.
Reading group
Folk and Barn dance
PEOPLE are invited to “be part of a bigger story” by attending sessions of the Shared Reading group that meets on Fridays at Wells Library in Union Street
WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm. Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.
*Free Bristol Valuation Days* Tuesday 13th September
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
St. Mary’s Church Hall, Mariners Drive, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1QJ
A Trusted Presence Since 1860
(The Hulbert Room)
FREE VALUATION DAYS
Free, No Obligation Valuations, No Appointment Necessary
Held at the salerooms
10am - 3pm
Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Valuers for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Somerset & Wells www.clevedonsalerooms.com
01934 830 111 info@clevedonsalerooms.com Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Small collection of autographs, to include John Lennon (1963) with photograph Sold for £2,600
Consigned at one of our regular Bristol Valuation Days
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
August 2022
39
n WHAT’S ON
Exhibition will showcase works by endlessly productive artist
An exhibition celebrating the work of Derek Nice will take place at Heritage Courtyard Gallery from August 19-27
AN exhibition of work by a fertile and productive British artist, whose last years were spent in Wells, is being held at Heritage Courtyard Gallery in August. Derek Nice grew up in Essex, studying Art & Design at Southend Art School, and after his National Service, taught at the Royal Naval School in Malta. Later working in sculpture, photography, painting and as a designer for film and television, whether creating titles for Ken Russell’s Debussy, building a Saharan Sand Fort for Beau Geste or conjuring up a replica Viking boat, he was ever inventive. In later years he developed a fascination for reusing found
Top comedy talent on way for outdoor stand-up at Palace THE team behind the Wells Comedy Festival are returning to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells this September for three nights of outdoor stand-up: The Palace Comedy Experience. The Festival – which returned in May for the first time in three years – is bringing some of the biggest names in live comedy to the South Lawn of the Palace. On Thursday, September 1, Bafta and Perrier award winning Dylan Moran – star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Calvary – headlines. Edinburgh Comedy Award winner and BBC Radio 5 Live host John Robins, Taskmaster superstar Mike Wozniak and Mock the Week’s Athena Kugblenu will also appear.
Milton Jones will be one of the headliners Picture: Andy Hollingworth The headliner on Friday, September 2 is David O’Doherty – Edinburgh Comedy Award-
winner and star of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and Would I Lie to You. Also on the bill will be Live at the Apollo and The Last Leg star Rosie Jones, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club star Fatiha El-Ghorri and Mock the Week’s Thanyia Moore. And on Saturday, September 3, star of Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and BBC Radio 4, Milton Jones headlines. Plus there will be Mock the Week regulars and Live at the Apollo stars Rhys James and Ivo Graham and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central star Yuriko Kotani. Shows start at 7pm. Tickets priced £27.50 + booking fee are on sale now from www. wellscomfest.com
August activities due to take place at Wells Library EVENTS lined up at Wells Library, in Union Street, in August include: n Lego Club is on Wednesday, August 10, at 2pm. This will be a special Summer Reading Challenge session to make gadgets. For ages 5 and up. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk.
n Creative Writing Workshop for 8- to 11-yearolds with Beth Webb – How to Write a Great Story. Saturday, August 6, 10am-12.30pm. Learn top tips on how to make stories really work and best of all, how to write a brilliant ending. Book a place at the library or email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n Police Beat Surgery: A
Got News? Call 07906 499655
PCSO will be available to listen to concerns, comments and compliments on policing in the local area. Wednesday, August 17, 11am-12pm. No appointment necessary. n Tai Chi Taster Session – Monday, August 22, at 10.30am. People can treat their body to a gentle, flowing workout. Free, no need to book.
materials: washed up timber from old boats were transformed into angels and multiple imaginative forms – his work never strayed far from the sea. Endlessly productive until the last few months of his life, work poured out of his meticulously organised studio, combining the best of the artist and the craftsman. The exhibition at Heritage Courtyard Gallery, Sadler Street, Wells, will run from August 19-27, from 11am-4pm. Proceeds will go to Ukraine Relief UK. In the spring of 2023, there will be a memorial exhibition at St James Cavalier in Malta, where Derek had spent much of the last 20 years.
th Tai Chi Heal
P i l o g a Fi t Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482
PILATES AND BARRE
TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates seated seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am Pilates 6pm All above classes at Wells Town Hall FRIDAYS Pilates 9am. Online via Zoom All classes mixed ability and prebooking only. Contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com
TAI CHI Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 6pm – 7pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886
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August 2022
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS TUESDAY WI
WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY
WHAT a busy few months it has been. Wells Tuesday WI wish to thank everyone who supported us with the teddy bear tombola at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, we sold out and raised over £100 for Ukraine. We hope everyone enjoyed the treasure hunt (the answers are on our Facebook page), and hope your sunflowers are thriving. If you were lucky enough to find a ‘WInnie corgi’ you can register your find on a national map. Members also enjoyed a murder mystery party and delicious picnic. President Anne and Secretary Val travelled to Liverpool for the National Federation AGM and had a wonderful time. The resolution calling for earlier diagnosis and support for girls and women with autism was successfully adopted and they enjoyed meeting women from around the country and exchanging ideas. Two teams went to Taunton for the County quiz and came first and third. The various subgroups have been out and about socialising and enjoying being based in Somerset…. There are just so many lovely gardens and places to see. July’s meeting was in the Museum gardens with SMUG, the Shepton Mallet Ukulele Group, who entertained us with their wide repertoire of songs. We were lucky that it turned out to be a balmy evening, and we reflected upon how lucky we were to have such wonderful surroundings and such lovely company. The ladies brought donations of underwear for the National WI collection of underwear for Ukrainian refugees. Next meeting is a boules evening and photo treasure hunt. Sadly, we are currently full and not accepting visitors. We have however reinstated our waiting list and can direct interested ladies towards other excellent local WI groups.
IT was one Bernard Williams who said: “If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.” Well, it wasn’t June but July, and as for romance, one couldn’t possibly comment, but it was certainly a beautiful evening and a lovely location when members and friends gathered for the Wells Civic Society Summer Social, their final event before the annual break. The chair, Chris Winter, welcomed everybody to the garden of Wells Museum. She reminded everyone that the society was actually celebrating its own Platinum Jubilee this year, and announced that there will be an additional and special event in September, quite possibly with an eminent guest speaker. She also said that, of course, regular meetings with a speaker will, as always, resume on Wednesday, October 12, at 7pm and continue monthly on every second Wednesday. These are in the museum, Cathedral Green: members and non-members are welcome and a glass of wine or a soft drink are available beforehand. Further details of both events will be available at www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk or by emailing Chris at chair@ wellscivicsociety.org.uk Later the guests indulged in strawberries and cream and even more in convivial chatter which buzzed around the garden like the friendliest swarm of bees. But before this, Chris spoke of the transformation that is occurring to this hitherto overgrown garden, and welcomed Marianne and Norman Adams, who were the prime movers in this ongoing restoration and are the leaders of the team of volunteers so actively engaged in this significant project. Visitors to the museum now also have access to the garden, and Marianne and Norman have, as this event amply proved, already created a delightful location fit to host many a function. But they have great plans for further developments, not least three remarkable ceramics which will transform an uninteresting wall and which are already being worked on by volunteers under the tutoring of Philippa Threlfall. The Civic Society has supported this lovely
The Rotary Club of Wells 75th Anniversary and Presidential Handover Dinner took place on July 8 at Wells Golf Club. Pictured from left are Alastair Martin, Secretary and Keeper, Duchy of Cornwall, who was the speaker at the event, outgoing President Wendy Ray, and Mayor and Mayoress of Wells Stewart and June Cursley. The new Rotary Club President is Alan Webb. about Wells, and especially St Cuthbert Street, the people who had lived there and how they moved up and down the road according to their wealth at the time. It was a real insight into how the area had developed over the past 250 or so years. She is such an entertaining speaker that the time just flashed by. It was nice to see a good group of members including some new to us. So if you would like to come along, our next open meeting is on Wednesday, September 7, when Michael Malaghan will be joining us. Pat Dyer SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST THE Wells Area Group will shortly be coming to the end of its season of summer wildlife walks. It has been rather a
ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP FOR our July meeting we again welcomed Sarah Villiers who we had last seen pre-Covid. This time her talk was entitled A Street Through Time. We certainly learned a lot
A Lesser Horseshoe Bat
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mixed season this year with unpredictable wildlife and weather. But the wildlife is pretty reliable on our last event and so it is one not to be missed. There are plenty of bats around The Bishop’s Palace moat after dark and our bat expert Dave Cottle and members of the Somerset Bat Group will be leading us on a walk around there so that we can see and identify the different species using bat detectors. Bats are amazing little creatures; completely harmless and the ‘slightly creepy’ persona that they have acquired in some quarters is totally unjustified. The tiny pipistrelle bat for example is only about 4cm long and weighs in at a mere 3-8g which is less than a £1 coin. They eat small insects, such as moths and gnats. A single pipistrelle can eat 3,000 gnats in one night. ‘Bats Galore’ is on August 23. Places are limited so if you would like to join us, please book in advance with Jean Mantle: jaye.mantle@btinternet.com, telephone 01749 677600. We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free. Jean will also be able to provide you with details of all our other events. Alternatively check out the SWT website at somersetwildlife.org/events. In September we are hoping to recommence holding wildlife themed talks at the Wells Museum – watch this space. Eric Lewis
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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES initiative and local resource, and Marianne was keen to acknowledge that. And so it seems appropriate to conclude this summer social and this Civic Society year with the words of Marcel Proust: “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls bloom.” Richard Hanks WELLS U3A MEMBERS of Wells u3a are enjoying the summer weather with many groups having outdoor activities. The wine group held a patio party in the garden of one of the group members. On a beautiful warm summer evening all were greeted with a glass of cooling Cava with seven other wines on offer, white, rose and red to accompany the savoury buffet, and to finish with a Moscatel to accompany the desserts and birthday cake all contributed by the members. All the wines were available at local supermarkets and to cover all tastes. It was a social evening where members could chat and compare the wines between themselves instead of a formal tasting. The Out & About group held a Bring & Share lunch also in the garden of one of the group members. A wide variety of savoury, salads and desserts were on offer with members providing the drink of their own choice. This group is looking forward to outings in the autumn to Shakespeare glass and the book studio in Langport and a visit to Hinkley Point. Pizza and Pud lunch for all of Wells u3a members is planned for the middle of August where it is hoped for good weather as it will be held in the grounds of Wells football club. Everyone will enjoy a selection of freshly baked pizzas made at the event along with delicious puddings. The Chess group, who meet on second and fourth Thursday mornings of each month at the George Inn at Gurney Slade, have exclusive use of the restaurant which has patio doors leading into the garden, where there are picnic tables which they use on the beautiful warm summer days. There is always time for a chat and coffee which enables time to arrange
Wells Civic Society members enjoying their summer social in the garden of Wells Museum South of France. If any of these groups appeal to you just go to our website u3asites.org.uk/wells/home where you will find many more groups to join which we hope will suit your interests. If not, we are always looking for people to start up new groups where you will get full support in setting a group up. Ann Brown
Two members of the Wells u3a chess group enjoying a game in the garden of the George Inn pairings. The first hour is given over to coaching where more experienced players help the less able to improve their game. New members are always welcome once you become a member of Wells u3a. The Garden Visits group were able to enjoy a relaxed visit to Sherborne castle and gardens, a Grade I listed garden being one of Capability Brown’s first commissions giving us a magnificent English landscape garden which survives largely unaltered today. The large lake with all the wild fowl living in a space where some members brought a picnic to enjoy the breathtaking views. Most of the group walked amongst the paths and gardens of the 42-acre estate. Other groups that have been able to enjoy the fine weather in July are the cycling groups, walking groups and the petanque groups who could imagine they were playing in the
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WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB A chrysanthemum by any other name would be easier to spell. Anon. THERE’S an old story of a chap with a garden filled with wonderful flowers who was asked the names of several plants. “Oh, I don’t know… I just call ’em all Amnesias!” Garden visitors in general divide themselves into various camps when it comes to plant names and going around with specialist groups is always fun from the sidelines. A mislabelled plant or nameless variety sets them off. They love a challenge to get their knowledgeable teeth into,
Rosa Gallica Jenny Duval
changing spectacles to peer more closely into the botanical context, humming and hawing contentedly among themselves for minutes on end. On a visit to a private garden full of wonderful roses one group of rose enthusiasts was faced with a spectacular display cascading over a tree of a white rambler in all its summer glory. “That’s Wedding Day,” declared our hostess. Much polite throat clearing, tactful teeth sucking and shaking of heads on the part of the rosarians. Was it a multiflora? It’s certainly got brunonii in there somewhere. What about Seagull? Or Bobbie James? La Mortola perhaps? Could be. Everyone proffered an opinion to the point when my wife threw a playful spanner in the works by suggesting American Pillar, that vibrant pink rambler which shouts for our attention at this time of year. “Ooooh no, no...” Finally, off we all trooped with someone saying, “At least we know what it’s not, and that is Wedding Day.” Of course, inevitably, our hostess ignored all this expertise and stuck to her guns by calling it Wedding Day. Which, for most of us, is the crux of the matter. In our garden we grow an old Gallica rose purchased from David Austin Roses of Shropshire. It’s named Jenny Duval, “a subtle mixture of rich purple, violet and grey with outer edges fading to lilac”, said the catalogue. However, it has been identified by wiser gardening heads than ours as President de Seze, “purple crimson, lilac pink at the circumference”. Spot the difference. We call it Jenny Duval. Having studied Romeo and Juliet for a national exam in English Literature, one pupil brought out the quotation: “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweat.” Yes, it has been a hot summer which has benefited some plants more than others, ourselves included. The Gardening Club has successfully visited Compton Acres near Poole and the lovely gardens of Stogumber in the Quantocks. Both splendid days. The new season of talks will kick off in September with Timothy Walker of Oxford University, one of the best lecturers on the circuit. Mark September 8 in the diary. Pip Harwood
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n WHAT’S ON Yes to changes to practice area
August 2022
Games in progress at The Bishop’s Palace
GOLF WELLS Golf Club has been given permission to carry out improvements to the driving range and practice area. Mendip District Council has approved plans to level and extend the area, used by the club’s professional players to teach and by members to practice certain golf shots. The club said that the current design means that balls are driven in the wrong direction, towards the car park, yard and road, and that players had complained that the practice area was uneven and too small.
Weekly meets TABLE TENNIS WELLS Table Tennis Club meets every Wednesday at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, from 6.30pm-9.30pm. For more details, email paulhambleton2@ btinternet.com
Fun Tournament a chance to socialise CROQUET MEMBERS of the Palace Croquet Club enjoyed the first social event of the summer when they took part in a Fun Tournament on the lawns of The Bishop’s Palace. This event had been postponed from earlier in the year due to bad weather, but on
Monday, July 4, the event was able to go ahead. The croquet game that is played at the tournament is Golf Croquet and the fun part of it is that players try to score as many hoops as they can in the time allowed for each game. Play can sometimes be fast and furious. The social side of the tournament is that each game is
played with a different partner. Members enjoyed a picnic lunch together and closed the day with tea and cake. The winner of the John Clogg tankard was Les Cater. New members are always welcome at the club. Anyone who would like to have a free taster session should contact Jonathan on 01749 345355.
Clinic helps players improve wedge shots GOLF SAM Scriven from the Mendip Pro Shop team has recently passed his first year’s exams towards gaining his PGA Qualification. Sam, together with Stuart Disney, Mendip’s Golf Director, held a successful Golf Clinic concentrating on wedge play. The 12 participants were very complimentary regarding its content. A fine field of 122 competitors played in the Jubilee Cup medal event. Whilst conditions were favourable, only 3 players managed to better par, a reflection of just how testing Mendip can play. Division 1 went to Paul Lewis with a net 70. Division 2 was won by Matt Blackmore with 69, and Division 3 was won by Jamie Rushton with 71 beating Andy on count back. The best Gross score came from Neil Onslow with a fine 76 but the overall Cup winner was Alan Clarke, playing off 10, who scored a net 68.
Pro Assistant Sam Scriven, centre, with participants in the Wedge Clinic The Ladies held an Arizona Shuffle Team event. Winning with 80 points were Lynn Cox/ Hilary Rowdon/ Jinhee Page/ Anne Hopkins. The Ladies Alliance A Team visited Bristol & Clifton and came away with a fine 9-5 win. Successful for Mendip were Aimee Sawyer, Marian Speed, Vi Hayes and Lynn Cox, with Jenny Merrett gaining a half.
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The Junior Mendip Vase, an Open event, was only resurrected two years ago after a lengthy absence. This year it attracted a fine entry of 32 youngsters and saw some staggering performances. Winning with an amazing 51 points was Maisie Dezis from Farrington. Best placed Mendip player was Henry Lewer with 35 points. The Seniors Invitation event
at Mendip saw a good entry even though there were late withdrawals due to never-ending Covid problem. Winning with 44 points after count back were Gary Quin and his partner from Orchardleigh. The Seniors Avalon Team had a excellent win against Wedmore 8½-6 with wins from David Jukes/Kevin Carmody and Bryan Lewis/Simon Atkinson. Mendip was delighted to host the Somerset Girls Championships. With the course in top order and gaining compliments from the county organisers, the scoring nevertheless proved difficult with the continuing strong northerly wind. The winner with an outstanding 5 over par for the 36 holes was Frankie Dezis from Farrington Golf Club. There were two Mendip girls competing, Ellen Reakes who came 3rd and Ffion Richardson 7th. Polly Jones also from Mendip came 4th in the 18-hole event.
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August 2022
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n SPORT
Juniors represent club with distinction training headquarters at St George’s Park, as well as spending their usual end-ofseason weekend on Exmoor. Paul Roberts
FOOTBALL YOUNG footballers in Wells are enjoying a well-earned summer break after another fine season representing their city. Wells City FC has a proud record of developing local players in a welcoming, fun environment and 2021-22 was no exception. Hundreds of boys and girls represented the club’s 10 junior age groups with distinction, bringing plenty of silverware back to the city from their exploits in various local leagues, cups and tournaments. Below is a summary of each age group’s season, in the words of their coaches. U7s The club can be very proud of being represented by this group in the Midsomer Norton League this year. The U7s enjoyed an impressive introduction to playing league football, developing as players and people throughout the season. Their effort and listening in training has been rewarded as their individual skills and understanding of teamwork has improved dramatically, culminating in a strong showing at the Wells City tournament, taking a narrow loss in the final. With the effort and application shown so far they’re sure to be more than competitive again next season. Sam Beasley U8s Wells City Under 8s were fortunate enough to field three teams in the Yeovil League this year, with all three teams performing very well in their respective divisions. The Blues team were winners of the fiercely competitive Yeovil Champions Cup, beating Pen Mill in the final on their own turf. The win was a fitting send-off for U8 player Archie Roberts, who will leave the team after signing an academy contract with Southampton FC. Oli Hartley U9s The U9s completed a robust season in the Midsomer League. All players are developing to
U14s The U14s have two really strong teams. The Blues claimed their second successive Yeovil Youth League title, unbeaten throughout the league season, scoring 68 goals and conceding just six. The Whites, meanwhile, finished runners up in the MSN Youth League, winning 14 of their 16 league matches. Mark Baggelaar
The Wells U13 Blues team. More pictures of the Wells City FC junior teams on pages 44 and 45 build the future of Wells City. On top of football, our group benefits from lots of community events and enjoyed our yearly highlight: a tournament in France, near Paris. Gregory Casseleux U10s After two years of not winning a match, the City U10s are now the strongest team in the league. After finishing the league with a 60 per cent win rate and coming third in the League Cup, this year’s massive effort was topped off by lifting the Wells Tournament winner’s cup. The Wells Palace team were newly formed and held their own against tough league opposition, coming away with two very impressive away wins to top off a great start to football in the MSNFYL. Jake Wilson and Lee Trippick U11s Following the disruptive last few seasons due to Covid, it was great to have a full uninterrupted league season. Playing in the MSNYFL Division 2, the U11s team have really developed and progressed well, which showed in their results: played 17, winning 13, drawing two, losing two and scoring 89 goals along the way. Miles Conner and Stuart Vaughan U12s 2021/22 was another positive
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and productive season for both U12 teams, the Blues and the Colts. The new faces quickly settled and gelled with their new teammates. Our squad’s core principles of ensuring all individuals are engaged, motivated, possess the right attitude and have the desire to work hard and learn, allowed us to rapidly develop as a tightknit squad. Both teams worked hard in training and took what we learned into our games on Sundays, always with a big focus on teamwork and fairness, as well as progressing individual growth and advancement. We’ll be taking that energy and confidence into next season. John Widdall U13s A fine season for the U13s, whose three teams each won a league title. The Colts took Division One of the Midsomer Norton League with a 100 per cent record, while the Warriors won Division Two. The Blues, meanwhile, emerged triumphant from a bruising Taunton League campaign to complete an incredible hattrick of league titles. The Colts also won the Midsomer Norton League Cup to complete a superb double, with the Blues unluckily losing 1-0 in the Taunton Cup final. The U13s also came first and second in the club’s annual summer tournament to cap off a tremendous season. The age group also enjoyed a visit to the England team’s
U15s The U15s were competitive in a strong Yeovil Youth League, losing just four of their 14 matches. They also reached the semi-final of the Yeovil Cup and quarter-final of the Somerset Cup. Dave Wiltshire U16s The U16s competed in the Yeovil and District Youth League for the 2021-22 season. Despite numerous long-term injuries the team still came runners-up. Their very last game together as a team was played on the club’s first-team pitch, a 4-1 win the perfect send-off for a talented group. Gino Nicodemi Contacts (based on the 2022-23 school year) If you are interested in starting your son or daughter out in football, or switching from another club, then drop one of the Wells City coaches a message and they will be happy to provide you with all the information you need. n Reception/Y1: Must be five years old, Oli Hartley, juniorsecretary@ wellscityfc.org.uk n Y2: Allan Barnard, 07828 452029 n Y3: Sam Beasley, 07590 602954 n Y4: Lee Chard, 07791 904786 n Y5: Greg Casseleux, 07495 623208 n Y6: Jake Wilson, 07495 358196 n Y7: Miles Conner, 07896 677913 n Y8: John Widdall, 07767 791111 n Y9: Paul Roberts, 07957 540204 n Y10: Mark Baggelaar, 07515 198710 n Y11: Dave Wiltshire, 07811 491011
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44
wellsvoice
August 2022
n SPORT U7s
U8s
U10 Palace
U9s
U11s
U10s
U12 Blues
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August 2022
wellsvoice
45
n SPORT U12 Colts
U13 Warriors
U14 Whites
U13 Colts
U15s
U14 Blues
U16s
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August 2022
n TAKE A BREAK
The FIEND
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
5
For younger readers
2 7
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Txtpert L
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Easier sudoku Solution
Rules the same as the Fiend, but only six numbers in each box, row and column
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1
A
Theme: Fruit and veg
Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
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Txtpert
8 1 6
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8 4 2 9
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August 2022
47 CLEANING SERVICES
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