Wells Voice December 2021

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December 2021 Issue 54

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Poppy Appeal could raise new record sum AS we come to the end of this year’s Poppy Appeal and Remembrance events, Derek Cooper, the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Wells, has thanked all the loyal volunteers who have manned the stalls in Tesco, Waitrose and Lidl supermarkets.

And he has revealed that with some money still to be collected, the amount raised locally could set a new record as it approaches the £27,500 raised in 2019.

He said: “To the mangers and staff of those stores also a very great thank you on behalf of the Royal British Legion for allowing us to set up camp in their stores over the last two weeks.

“To the market manager Graham likewise for giving us three Saturdays in the Market Place. To the many shops and businesses in Wells and the surrounding area, thank you for supporting us with a tin and poppies. On Saturdays, cadets from the ATC and ACF collected in the High Street and at Continued on page 24

Vehicles stopped in waste checks Operation part of crackdown on environmental crime Turn to page 2

Two recipients of Freedom of City Honour for councillor and Wells Branch of Royal British Legion Turn to pages 6&7

Loyalty scheme’s first anniversary Milestone for initiative that benefits shoppers and traders Turn to page 11

Funding boost for skatepark project Welcome back: Delight as King’s Head finally opens its doors again – page 8

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wellsvoice n NEWS

wellsvoice

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

JANUARY 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 January issue please contact us by December 13.

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

December 2021

Exercise in Wells to tackle waste crime A STOP-AND-SEARCH exercise has been carried out in Wells as part of a crackdown on environmental crime in the district.

In a joint operation between Mendip District Council officers and Avon and Somerset Police, the authorities inspected 28 vehicles of interest on Strawberry Way. A quarter of those stopped could not present a valid Waste Carriers Licence, as issued by the Environment Agency.

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents.

Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 6,900 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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Mendip officers and police on joint enforcement operations in Wells to prevent environmental crime

‘Residents will be reassured to see agencies working together so effectively to ensure compliance with environmental legislation’ Mendip officers and the police reported that the majority of vehicle owners were compliant with legislation requirements, but some businesses will now be subject to follow-up action and further enquiries. They could face a potential £300 FixedPenalty-Notice.

Illegal waste activities are dangerous and polluting. They cost the taxpayer millions each year in clean-up costs and have a detrimental impact on local communities, the environment and wildlife.

Educating householders and commercial businesses to understand the ‘legal duty of care’ they have regarding the waste they produce is a priority for the council, as are the enforcement exercises with its partners that help ensure the right waste goes to the right place.

The Wells ‘sting’ follows similar stop-and-search exercises in Frome last month. In one operation at Oldford Hill, one fifth of the transporters inspected were unable to furnish the correct documentation. Two of the vehicles stopped originated from the London and Brighton areas.

Councillor Heather Shearer, Portfolio Holder for Community Health at Mendip District Council, said: “I applaud the joint working of Mendip officers, the police and our partners in their continued efforts to manage the menace of fly-tipping which blights our communities.

Residents will be reassured to see agencies working together so effectively to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

“I understand further operations are imminent.”

Mendip District Council asks that people who spot a fly-tipping incident report it as soon as possible by calling 0300 303 8588 or going to its website: Fly Tipping

Tree of Light tribute to loved ones MEMBERS of City of Wells Lions Club hope that a Tree of Light being placed at the entrance to The Bishop’s Palace from November 30 will help people to remember loved ones and to reflect on their lives.

Palace Pastor Rosey Lunn will conduct a dedication beside the tree at 4.30pm on Tuesday, December 21. Provided there are

no Covid restrictions, the public are invited to this dedication during which the names of loved ones will be read out. The dedication will also be recorded and uploaded to YouTube.

Forms that will record the names of loved ones to be remembered are available at the Palace, the Town Hall, Wells Library and Swan Hotel.

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December 2021

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n NEWS Presentations and carols THE St John Ambulance Presentation Evening and Carol Service is being held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Wednesday, December 1, at 6.30pm.

Wells City Band will be playing at the event, and it will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, Mayor of Wells Philip Welch, and other dignitaries.

Any members of the public who would like to be at the event are very welcome to attend as well.

Carol service The South Lawn at night as it looks when the Christmas illuminations are switched on

Christmas at Palace event to be seasonal highlight again CHRISTMAS is coming, and that means the return of the ‘Christmas at the Palace’ event at The Bishop’s Palace from December 5-21.

The rooms of the medieval Palace building will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from Victorian to Nordic. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will adorn the interiors. Local schoolchildren will be helping to create an eco-Christmas art exhibition by designing their own Eco Angel sculpture, decoration or painting, inspired by angels.

Outside, visitors can explore the inner gardens lit up with Christmas illuminations which were so popular last year during special late openings on December 3 (Members only), 5,

9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19.

Illuminations begin at 3.30pm, last entry time is 6.30pm.

For younger visitors, Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting once again in the Palace itself (pre-booked tickets only).

This year A Christmas Carol will also be performed by Wells Theatre Company on Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 19 (11am, 12.30pm and 3pm). The shows will last around an hour and will involve costumed actors bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way.

Wells City Band will be playing an array of Christmas classics to welcome in the festive season on Sunday, December 19.

Entrance to Christmas at the Palace, including the illuminations display, is included in general admission.

Top prizes on offer in raffle at TIC WELLS Tourist Information Centre is holding a raffle in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

First prize is High Tea for two at the Swan Hotel, and second prize is a High Parts Tour and cream tea for two at Wells Cathedral, with many other prizes besides.

Tickets cost £1 for a strip of five. The winners will be drawn on December 2 when TIC staff will be wearing elf outfits, in support of the Alzheimer’s Society’s Elf Day, when it encourages people to dress up as elves to raise money for people affected by dementia.

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THE Age UK Somerset Christmas Carol Service will take place in Wells Cathedral on Wednesday, December 8, at 11am. All are welcome, and tickets are not required.

During the service there will be a collection to support the work of the charity.

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December 2021

n NEWS

Call for patience as demand intensifies

THERE have been calls for patience and understanding as the GP practices in Wells and elsewhere try to cope with “unprecedented demand” for their services.

With staff under huge pressure, Dr Jeremy Imms, Associate Clinical Director at NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, has urged patients to “be patient and remember to treat everyone with kindness and compassion”.

In October, Wells City Practice reimplemented the intercom system, preventing patients from walking straight in, saying the measure was: “Due to an increase in aggression from patients, and the need to keep our staff and patients safe.”

In an incident since then, a man was arrested, and is due to appear in court, after a window in the entry door was smashed.

A police spokesperson said: “A 55-year-old man has been charged with causing criminal damage relating to an incident in which a window within a door at Priory Road Medical Centre in Wells was smashed on November 1. Raymond Lee, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on December 1.”

Dr Imms said GPs and primary care services in Somerset and across the UK have been under significant pressure over the past few years.

He said: “While they continue to work hard to support the health and care needs of their communities and provide essential services to local people, they have also supported and

A covering masks the window that was broken at Wells City Practice

Figures reveal scale of demand WELLS City Practice has released figures to show how busy it has been. In the three-month period from July to September 2021, there were 16,000 calls handled by Reception, 108 home visits (housebound patients), 2,404 urgent / on the day contacts, 2,089 routine telephone appointments, 435 medication reviews, 131 medical certificates issued, 4,278 routine face-toface appointments, 5,315 patients received prescription medicine, and 486 patient referrals.

continue to support the Covid-19 mass vaccination programme, which is done in addition to their day-to-day work.

“Since May 2021 our GPs and practices have faced an increased and unprecedented demand for appointments, prescriptions and tests. Despite this increase, around 68 per cent of patients in Somerset now have an appointment within eight days and more than half of patients are being seen face-to-face, which is important to both the patient and the doctor. While we all understand the importance of face-to-face appointments, it is also recognised that many of our patients value the convenience of online or phone consultations, which in some cases allows our practices to be more accessible to the communities they serve.

“Calls to practices have always been triaged, which helps them to understand who needs to be seen in person, who would be better supported more quickly by a phone or video consultation and which healthcare professional would be best-placed to provide support. Our practices are made up of more than just doctors with a range of professionals working together to provide a wide range of services, including advance nurse practitioners, mental health workers and pharmacists to name a few.

“In Wells, the Wells City Practice has worked hard to support their patients and local community to get the right care for their needs. Between July and September, they answered 16,000 calls, made over 4,000 face-to-face appointments,

and over 2,000 telephone appointments were handled.

Like all GP practices, they deal with an ever-growing list of healthcare needs; requiring support from a wide variety of healthcare professionals who make up the team.

“We recognise that at times patients may feel frustrated and our staff are working incredibly hard to support everyone to ensure they get the care they need. While we cannot comment on individual cases, we have supported and will continue

‘Everyone working in patient care should not be subjected to abuse or aggression, simply for doing their job’ to support practices like Wells to ensure staff are safe and supported when incidents occur. This may include security assessments, supporting with additional measures to help keep staff safe and the practice open and ensure that the health and wellbeing of staff and patients remains a priority.

“It is important to highlight that primary care colleagues, NHS staff and everyone working in patient care should not be subjected to abuse or aggression, simply for doing their job. We are working hard to support our patients and we hope that the people of Somerset will continue to work with us, be patient and remember to treat everyone with kindness and compassion.”

Practice to close for an afternoon Christmas and New Year GP access WELLS City Practice has an important message for patients regarding an afternoon closure in December.

The practice says: “On Monday, December 6, Wells City Practice will be closed from 1pm to 5.30pm for essential staff training. If you need to see a GP urgently on that afternoon please telephone the practice as normal and you will be given the option to be put through to the emergency line. We will then arrange for a GP to call you back.

If the emergency GP feels that you need to be seen that day we will have limited appointments available, after 5.30pm, for them to book into. We are sorry if this causes any inconvenience but please bear with us whilst we ensure that you can continue to be seen safely.”

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THE team at Wells Health Centre would like to wish all their patients a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday this year, they would like to remind their patients that the surgery will be closed on: n Monday, December 27, 2021 n Tuesday, December 28, 2021 n Monday, January 3, 2022 During the rest of the festive season the surgery will be open

as usual (8am-6.30pm Monday to Friday). After 6.30pm and before 8am, Monday to Friday, at weekends and on public holidays, out of hours cover is provided via the NHS 111 service.

NHS 111 will be able to advise what local service can help.

Further information can be found at www.nhs.uk/nhsservices/urgent-and-emergencycare-services/when-to-use-111 People who require urgent medical assistance that they feel is an emergency should call 999.

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December 2021

5

n NEWS

Trial date for man charged with murder

A TRIAL is expected to take place next May of the man charged with the murder of Sarah Ashwell.

Forty-seven-year-old Sarah’s body was found at her home in South Street, Wells, on November 7.

Antanas Jankauskas, aged 38, of Wookey, was arrested and charged with murder. He appeared at Taunton Magistrates Court on November 13 when, reported SomersetLive, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth through a Lithuanian interpreter.

He was remanded in custody at a hearing in Bristol Crown Court on November 16, at which he did not appear in person, said SomersetLive. They report that a pre-trial hearing is due to take place at Bristol Crown Court on January 18, with May 3, 2022, listed as the date for trial.

Three other men were arrested at the same time as Mr

Gary Haskins said: “This is a large-scale investigation involving over 100 officers and staff from across our service.

“The picture we have built up is of a mother, daughter and friend who was well-known and well-loved and whose loss is deeply felt. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

“We’re grateful for the support of the community in coming forward with information, but it’s important to say that our work to get justice for Sarah and answers for her family is far from over. I’d ask people to continue to support our investigation in any way they can.

“We would however ask the public not to speculate on this case on social media as this could risk prejudicing the legal process now underway.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5221261875, or

Sarah Ashwell Jankauskas but they have been released under investigation, although one of them has been recalled to prison over other matters.

A fifth man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

Detective Superintendent

ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sarah’s family said in a statement: “We are absolutely devastated by what has happened to Sarah, who we all loved so very much. Nothing can prepare you for such terrible news and we are utterly heartbroken. Sarah had so much of her life still to live. It is unbearable for us to think that this has been taken away from her and that she has been taken away from us.

“We are incredibly touched by the many kind and loving tributes that have been posted on social media by friends and loved ones. It is a comfort for us to be reminded how well loved she was and that so many people had such affection for her.”

Avon and Somerset Police have made a mandatory formal referral to the IOPC due to recent police contact with Sarah.

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December 2021

n NEWS

Freedom of City for councillor and Wells LONG-SERVING city councillor Norman Kennedy and the Wells Branch Royal British Legion are to be given the Honorary Freedom of the City.

The honours will be officially bestowed at a Ceremonial Evening in Wells Town Hall on December 4, when the first winners of the City of Wells Civic Awards will also be presented with their trophies.

Norman Kennedy has been a city councillor for 40 years, and has twice been mayor. He has also served as a district councillor, was a magistrate in Wells, and was the first chairman of the literature festival.

When told that he was going to be given the Freedom of the City award, he said: “I was amazed, I had a tear in my eye.

“I’d never given it a thought, it hadn’t crossed my mind. I’m so grateful, and quite proud.”

He worked for EMI when he moved in 1978 from Liverpool to

Councillor Norman Kennedy in Wells High Street Wells, where he was joined by his wife Carol and two sons. Carol worked at Cow & Gate and in a number of High Street shops.

Norman said that he did not set out to be a councillor, and had no idea of doing anything

like that, “it just happened”.

He will be 82 in December, and has had health issues, including stomach cancer, but says that he will continue as a councillor for as long as the electors vote him in.

He added: “I couldn’t do it without Carol.”

The Wells Branch of the British Legion – as it was then – was formed at the end of July 1921 only two months after the Legion came into being nationally.

Jim Parfitt of the Wells Branch said that the organisation felt great pride when it was informed that Wells City Council was going to grant it the “great privilege” of receiving the Freedom of the City award.

“This award in our 100th year is like the icing on the cake for us,” he said.

“The whole committee does an amazing job from our young chairman Aaron Cooper-Collett and wife Becky, our secretary – they work as a well-oiled machine. We have two members looking after the welfare of both members and veterans, they do an amazing job. Not forgetting our Poppy Appeal organiser

Sc h fro ola m rsh Ye ip ar s 7

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wellsvoice

December 2021

7

n NEWS

RBL, and civic award-winners are named

Members of the Wells Royal British Legion branch parade through Wells on Remembrance Sunday Derek Cooper who works tirelessly for the Poppy Appeal, and all his helpers. We have a mixture of members who served in the Forces and quite a few who just want to help the branch remember all those who went before us and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“So we say thank you to the

city council for this great honour, joining the elite people whose names over many years are on the board for all to see in the Town Hall.

“Our scroll will be hung up at The Venue, home of the Wells Royal British Legion branch.

Many years ago the Wells British Legion club was sold, but it’s so

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nice to be back again. Thanks to Tony and Sylvia Robbins for welcoming us back into The Venue.”

Derek Cooper has been named winner of the City of Wells Citizen of the Year Award, for years of outstanding voluntary services to the city.

Runners up are Ross Young, for his continued support in the tourism sector, and Georgie Robbins, for providing meals and services during lockdown.

The other City of Wells Civic Awards winners are: City of Wells Youth Award.

Winner: James Peters, for his service to St John Ambulance.

City of Wells Business of the Year Award. Winner: Daniels Cafe, for their volunteering during lockdown and free meals scheme. Runners up: Andres Kitchen and Queen Street Deli, for their services to the city during lockdown.

City of Wells Community

Award. Winner: Wells Coronavirus Network, for their continued support to those most vulnerable within the city.

City of Wells Sustainability Award. Winner: Sustainable Wells, for campaigning and raising awareness of the environmental crisis.

City of Wells ‘Extra Mile’ Award. Winner: Sasha and Trina Kenniston, for their services to the community including sourcing supplies for those in need and reuniting lost pets with their owners. Runners up: Richard Jones, for his work on the Strawberry Line; Len Sweales, for his services as Town Crier.

The council has thanked the awards sponsors: Harris & Harris, Probusiness, Wells Voice, Cooper & Tanner, Charlie Bigham’s and Peppers Catering.

It has also thanked all citizens of Wells who submitted nominations.

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December 2021

n NEWS

King’s Head reopens after revamp THE long-awaited reopening of the King’s Head on Wells High Street was due to take place on Sunday (November 21).

The pub, which has been closed for five and a half years, was going to be reopened in May 2020 following a £560,000 revamp by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. Covid halted the completion of the project, leaving locals to wait another 20 months before having a glimpse of the transformation.

New licensee Basia (known as Barbara) Tlustochwicz is taking on the pub, relocating from Reigate in Surrey. She has a wealth of experience in hospitality, working for Prezzo and most recently as General Manager of Brasserie Blanc signature by Raymond Blanc in Reigate. The King’s Head is the first pub business of her own.

She said: “The team and I are really excited to be opening at last and are looking forward to welcoming local Wells residents and visitors across the threshold.

It’s been a long time coming, but it will be well worth the wait.

“I have always wanted to run a pub that offers food as you get to know the whole community if you’re serving food and drink.

The King’s Head offers that and the opportunity to appeal to locals and tourists alike.

“At first we’ll just serve barista-style coffee and cakes throughout the day, and food and drink, getting to know regulars.

“Once we’re established we’ll look to introduce live sports

Barbara Tlustochwicz, the new licensee, has been looking forward to welcoming customers to the refurbished King’s Head Pictures: Aaron Geis Photography

and live music, games and quiz nights. My ambition is to create the best pub in Wells.”

The revamped King’s Head features two back-to-back bars

with a midsection with medieval timbered vaulted ceiling where the live music will be shown and a big screen for key sporting events. Above is a raised gallery

with tables and chairs and a sports area. The room will also be available for hire for private functions.

Outside a secret courtyard garden seats 12 under a partially covered pergola with festoon lighting.

The King’s Head will offer four cask ales, premium and craft beers and ciders, including Orchard Thieves, Beavertown, Amstel and Birra Moretti, alongside draught cider, wines and spirits and a cocktail menu.

It will also have Heineken 0.0 for those not wanting to drink alcohol.

Foodwise, the King’s Head will serve pub classics such as cod and chips, burgers and salads, as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes, sharing platters and a children’s menu with special kid-sized cutlery and crockery.

It will open from noon-11pm six days a week and from noon10.30pm on Sundays.

Gavin Perkins, Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Barbara to return the King’s Head to the heart of the community and to improve the look and facilities of the high street in time for Christmas.

“It will be unique on the high street. And with Barbara’s passion for hospitality, high standards and attention to detail driving the pub forward, The King’s Head will become a great meeting place for the community as a whole. I wish her well.”

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wellsvoice

December 2021

9

n NEWS

Fresh start as pub is given makeover inside and out

The Burcott Inn has origins dating back to the late 1500s

Village pub sold for first time in 27 years THE Burcott Inn in Wookey has been sold for the first time in 27 years.

The business has been owned and operated since 1994 by Ian and Anne Stead, who brought up their family at the same time as running the pub.

It has been bought by husband-and-wife team Jeanine and Harish Kumar. They will be relocating to the UK to run the business, after living in Dubai for the past 20 years.

They said: “Together with Harish’s background in the hospitality industry and our love of the West Country, The Burcott Inn in Wookey was the perfect choice for our family of four plus two dogs, to make our new home and start our business at this warm and traditional inn.

“Chef Harrie will be heading up our team in the kitchen, serving modern pub food with an interesting twist. He’s built an enviable skillset working in various world class restaurants over the last 30 years.

“We are excited to bring our passion for good food and good cheer to Wookey and we aim to

support the community by using locally sourced produce.”

The pub has origins dating back to the late 1500s, with some parts of the original building still remaining.

However, the site has been added to significantly over the centuries and now comprises the main pub, large beer garden and four self-catering cottages housed in the original stables.

Ian and Anna said: “We wish the best of luck to the new owners and feel confident our business that we operated for 27 years is in good hands.”

The deal was brokered by Nicholas Calfe, Director in specialist business property advisor Christie & Co’s Hospitality team. He said: “The Burcott Inn attracted a huge amount of interest because of its rural village location, close to the beautiful city of Wells, and the demand for the large grounds on site, which can be used for alternative accommodation such as Shepherd’s Huts.”

Funding for the purchase was secured by Christie & Co’s sister company, Christie Finance.

THE Cheddar Valley Inn in Tucker Street, Wells, has been given a facelift as new landlord Chris Stott makes it more modern and welcoming.

The exterior of the pub has been repainted, and inside there is new flooring, new furniture, new lighting and new toilets.

“It needed refreshing, and the brewery, Red Oak Taverns, has been generous in helping to pay for the refurbishments,” said Chris, who runs the Cheddar Valley Inn with his son Callum and Callum’s girlfriend Stacey.

It was the large garden area that initially attracted Chris to take on the pub.

“I looked at it on Google Maps and when I saw the view of the back, I thought ‘I could do something with that’,” he said.

He has tidied up the garden and added more tables and seating, and built a pergola. He said: “It’s been very popular

Chris Stott behind the bar at the Cheddar Valley Inn outside, and people are surprised at how far back it goes.”

The pub does not yet offer food, although the Fattso Burger van is stationed in the car park each evening from Thursday to Sunday. Customers can play darts or pool, and the pub has BT Sport. There are also plans to start music nights in the future.

“I want to get that community vibe going,” said Chris.

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wellsvoice

December 2021

11

n NEWS

First anniversary of shopping scheme

THE Wells Loyalty scheme is celebrating a year of success since its relaunch last November.

Over the past year £600 has been won by shoppers to spend with retailers in Wells.

Now more retailers are being encouraged to join the scheme to increase the benefit to the local economy. They give shoppers a loyalty card which the retailers stamp with the value of the purchase. When there are £100 worth of stamps on the card it is dropped into a box at the town hall Tourist Information Centre and entered into the monthly prize draw.

Some of the retail members were asked what they feel makes the scheme a success and how they get the best out of it.

Their top five tips for maximising its benefit are: 1. Display the Wells Loyalty scheme window sticker so people know there can be an extra value in shopping with you.

2. Check that customers have a stamp card. If there is space on the cash desk, display some cards next to the till.

3. Stamp, stamp, stamp.

Whenever a customer makes a purchase, offer to stamp their card. Customers can get a stamp for every £5 they spend.

4. Remind customers that the monthly prize is £50 which they can spend in any of the member retailers. The prize does not have to be spent in a single place.

5. It is always worth letting your customers know that they can spend the prize with you.

Karen Bell, who owns Amba in the Market Place, said: “The Wells Loyalty scheme has been

Manager Dale Bray with loyalty cards at the Wells Tourist Information Centre where new cards can be collected and completed ones dropped off a great success for us. We make sure that every customer leaves with a card and will always ask if they have one. We all make a special effort to tell customers about the programme and remind them that if they win they can always spend their £50 prize with us.”

Appeal to salons ALISON Luck, the Wells Loyalty scheme secretary, has been visiting businesses in the city to explain more about the league and the benefits of joining, but it has not always been possible to call in at hairdressers and beauty salons in recent months.

Therefore if any hairdressers or beauty salons would like to join the Wells Loyalty scheme, they are asked to email Alison for an information pack: luckalison127@gmail.com

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 and The Good, The Laundry, 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)

Got News? Call 07906 499655

WELLS LOYALTY

RD W E L L S LO YA LT Y C A

SHOPPING SCHEME

RUNWAY BOUTIQUE Runway Boutique is a small, family-run business consisting of two high street shops in the heart of Somerset. Our first was opened in Street in 2006 and our second in the beautiful cathedral city of Wells in 2016.

Mother and daughter team, Marion and Natalie, have over 35 years’ experience in the fashion business between them and over the years have come to know exactly what our customers want and how best to style them.

With a select small team of close family and friends running the shops you can always be assured of exceptional customer service, friendly faces and all the time to give you the best care and attention you deserve.

During the beginning of 2021 we moved into our larger premises in the centre of Street High Street, just a two-minute walk from Clarks Village which attracts millions of visitors each year.

We aim to bring you timeless

fashion and comfort, and look forward to welcoming new and loyal customers each day.

We have a wide range of footwear, clothing and accessories.

We are official stockists of Joe Browns, Heavenly Feet, Lunar, Ruby Shoo, Italian fashions and lots lots more.

Our opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 9.30am5.30pm; Sunday, 10.30am4.30pm. u Runway Boutique, 23 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RF T: 01749 676381 E: runwayinstreet@aol.co.uk W: runwayboutiques.co.uk

STUDLEYS JEWELLERS It was back in 1895 when Edmond George Sayer opened his first shop in Skegness.

His son, Percy George, was next to take on the family business. Percy had three children, Reginald, Molly and Tony, and in 1952 Tony opened his first shop in Skegness having completed his national service in the RAF. Thirteen years later Tony and his family moved to Westonsuper-Mare and purchased Leonard Couch Jewellers.

Tony’s children Linda and John came into the family business in 1974. In 1980 Sayer & Sons Ltd then went on to purchase Studleys Jewellers in Wells.

Today, as a family business in its fifth generation we still pride ourselves on traditional values, integrity, knowledge and trust.

We offer exceptional service in our experience of the jewellery trade, specialising in precious SPONSORS

Chalmers HB and Wells City Council

gem stones. Our services focus on quality, choice, personal service, and a wealth of expertise.

It may be that your appreciation of jewellery embraces antique in preference to modern, but we hope, even so, you will find virtue in our aspirations.

Sayer & Sons has continued to serve the community for 130 years, adapting to change, and modernising with the times.

One thing however doesn’t alter, and that’s commitment to our valued customers. u Studleys Jewellers, 4-6 Broad Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2DN T: 01749 673548 E: info@studleysjewellers.co.uk W: studleysjewellers.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 right

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December 2021

n NEWS

Bollards to give new look to market place

THE installation will begin soon of new bollards in Wells Market Place to replace the plastic barriers that have been in place there for many months.

Wells City Council’s Open Spaces Officer, Mark Culliford, announced that the work was imminent at a meeting of Wells City Council’s Outside Spaces & Estate Committee on October 28.

He said that the aim is eventually to put planters between the bollards that are heavy enough not to be easily displaced, but can be moved when necessary for events such as the charter fairs.

There will also be new signage for the entrance to the market place.

He said that the Wells in Bloom displays had been a real success this year. Work on them has been taken back in-house, and he said that this year’s displays had lasted well, there had been a good display of

New bollards are due to replace the plastic barriers in Market Place colour, and there had been lots of good feedback.

Regarding the Wells in Bloom budget, he said that the truck used to keep Wells in Bloom going is on its last legs and that there is a desperate need for a newer one. He requested £20,000 for a replacement, and an increase in the maintenance budget from £8,500 to £10,000, and the new equipment budget from £7,000 to £8,000.

The committee took a vote and unanimously agreed to put the requests to the finance committee.

Town Clerk Steve Luck told the meeting that he had just heard that completion on the Portway Annexe would be within two weeks.

He also said that all £620,000 of Public Works Loan money that had been applied for had come through.

Councillor Adrian I’Anson said that following completion, there will be a period where basic refurbishment will be carried out, before groups start filling the rooms, in which there has been a lot of interest.

It was reported that there is

also a lot of interest in renting car parking spaces at the Annexe.

Mr Luck said that there is no completion date yet for the transfer from Mendip District Council to the city council of the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground.

Bev Smith from the Wells Skatepark Community Group gave an update on the skatepark project to councillors. She said that funding had been applied for to develop the skatepark, there was an architect on board, and that the land now needs to be secured in the long term as the project moves forward.

Committee Chair Councillor Louis Agabani said that he would like to work with the group to help push things along. He proposed an increase in the maintenance budget for the skatepark to £15,000 for the next three years, which committee members agreed should be put to the finance committee.

7 Queen Street, Wells BA5 2DP 01749 674896 Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

Christmas at The Changing Room for preloved modern, retro and vintage clothing and accessories for women and men #climatechange #ecowarrior #shopindependent #sustainablefashion changingroomwells.co.uk

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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December 2021

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n NEWS

New destination for coffee and cakes

By Emma James

Maria Bandola in her new shop, and below, an example of one of her celebration cakes

MARIA Bandola’s new venture, Tile Cakery, has already attracted a lot of interest from passers by as they stroll down Wells High Street. The ‘cake shop cafe’ opened at the beginning of November, its name being a nod to the famous tiles of Portugal, Maria’s country of origin. The cake shop, or ‘Loja de Bolo’, aims to provide somewhere to sit and watch the world go by whilst enjoying coffee and cake but also to supply freshly made cakes to take away and made to order.

Maria insists that Tile Cakery is not just a coffee shop. She says: “Cake making is really my thing. Although I have had good feedback about my coffee.”

Maria has been in the UK for eight years, originally moving to London from Portugal to work as a beautician at Harrods.

However, baking was always in the background.

She explains: “Growing up, I used to bake with my mum and dad and, as a teenager, there was no family Sunday without my yoghurt cake. I had a successful career at Harrods but all that changed when I popped into a small cake shop in Brixton near to where I was living and asked if I could work there. It was the perfect training ground. I learned the ropes and eventually became manager.”

Wells was already familiar

THE MORTGAGE CENTRE James & Co Financial Services

Palace receives Gold visitor award THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells has been awarded a Gold Accolade

by VisitEngland.

The awards “aim to recognise and reward those attractions that go the extra mile to create an outstanding visitor experience” and the top Gold Accolade is only awarded to the top scoring attractions in the country. This year 76 attractions are being recognised for the exceptional experiences they provide visitors.

Assessments are based on the scores gained during an annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland and representatives

to Maria: “A good friend lives in Wells and it was always my go to place every time I wanted a break from London. I love the peace and quiet and the people are very friendly. I’m still getting used to the fact that everyone nods and says ‘good morning’. It’s very different to London.

“I used to walk past the shop every day. It had been empty for 18 months and I thought it would make the perfect spot for my own cake shop.”

Maria is hoping to become really busy with her speciality: personalised wedding and birthday cakes. She is already receiving commissions. In the meantime, customers can see her at work in the kitchen behind the counter: “I wanted it to be open-plan so people could see me at work. Everything is made from scratch here in the shop.

The lemon drizzle cake is proving very popular. I’d probably say that it’s my signature bake.”

visited The Bishop’s Palace in December 2020 to assess the quality of the site and visitor experience.

Joint Interim Chief Executive of the Palace Trust, Merryn Kidd, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way.

“Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard all year round to ensure that The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens always offers a warm welcome to all visitors, so it’s fantastic to see that our efforts have paid off, particularly after such a challenging 18 months.”

Find news online at www.wellsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Market Chambers 5b Queen Street Wells Somerset BA5 2DP Tel: 01761 492922 david.sinclair@theopenworkpartnership.com CONTACT US FOR:

MORTGAGE / RE-MORTGAGE BUY-TO-LET / COMMERCIAL EQUITY RELEASE LIFE ASSURANCE CRITICAL ILLNESS INCOME PROTECTION Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

Pledge of £42,000 gets project funding off to fantastic start Wells Skatepark Community Group provides an update on the skatepark redevelopment plans WELLS Skatepark is excited to announce the support of Mendip District Council who have committed to supporting the redevelopment of Wells Skatepark with £42,000 from the Section 106 Fund. This is a fantastic start to finding the estimated £300,000 that the redevelopment will need.

Wells City Council continues to be very supportive of the project and Councillor Louis Agabani has stepped forward to focus on the project and help see it to fruition.

Wells City Council have an agreement for a 20-year lease from Somerset County Council on the land. However, bearing in mind the facility will have at

Wells Skatepark Community Group wants to modernise the city’s existing skatepark least double that lifespan, we are asking for them to review this to give guaranteed longevity.

We are also pleased to report that, from tough competition, Maverick Skateparks have been chosen to help us take the project forward. Maverick are keen to meet the riders, get going and design a park bespoke to our

wheeled sports community. For anyone who doesn’t already know Maverick, have a look at some of their previous work here: www.maverickskateparks. co.uk In order to make this project work for the users we would like to engage as many as possible. If you are a rider or skater and haven’t already been in touch please do sign up to our newsletter, contact us on wellsskatepark@gmail.com or follow us on social media @ wells_Skatepark And finally, our JustGiving page has just launched: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ wellsskatepark Please give what you can, every donation really helps and if you would like to be involved in further community fundraising events, let us know.

Launch of fuel poverty appeal SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter appeal, which encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help vulnerable older people in Somerset who are unable to afford to heat their homes to stay warm and well.

Every year Surviving Winter helps around 500 elderly people living in Somerset through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who, last year, donated more than £150,000 to the appeal. And this year, the first £15,000 of donations will be boosted by 50 per cent thanks to matched funding from the Field House Trust, meaning that giving makes an even greater impact.

To donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf. org.uk or call 01749 344949.

See the website for details on how to apply for a grant.

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To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

December 2021

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n NEWS

Rotary event set to create festive buzz WITH no Reindeer Parade again this year, Wells Rotary is organising a Mistletoe and Music event in Market Place on Sunday, December 12.

Visitors to the event will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves, have fun on the Christmas Coconut Shy, and buy a reindeer antler headband and some mistletoe.

There will be a variety of stalls from the Market Square to the conduit, with food and drink available from The Crepe Cart, Thai food and Carwardines Coffee. Also on sale will be books, flowers, crafts and lantern kits.

Proceeds will go towards the valuable work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

There will be potted crocus bulbs, an opportunity to give a donation to Rotary’s own charity, the Foundation Polio

S

Wells Rotary will be selling mistletoe again, and reindeer antler headbands, at this year’s Christmas event Plus campaign which aims to eradicate polio across the world.

years ago as part of treatment for patients with polio, a reminder of how awful that must have been for them. Cases only remain in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but there is still a need to continue vaccinating in those places for five more years to ensure the virus does not emerge again.

Why mauve crocuses?

Because when a child is vaccinated, their fingernail is painted with gentian violet to indicate they have been given the vaccine.

To keep the festive spirit at the Mistletoe and Music event, Wells Jazz Collective will be playing a mix of music throughout. The event will be opened by the Mayor, Philip Welch, accompanied by Mayoress Caroline Welch, at 10.30am, with the event closing at 2.30pm.

The club hopes to display an iron lung which was used many

Somerset

Guild of

Guild’s ‘Christmas cornucopia’ WITH Christmas fast approaching, the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen have prepared a range of gift ideas to suit all budgets.

The Guild say that visitors to the shop in Broad Street, Wells, will find a Christmas cornucopia of locally made, sustainable goods all created by craftspeople from the Somerset area.

The Guild have recently launched an online shop for those who cannot travel to Wells and will be running an Advent Calendar of Craft on their social

media accounts, on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, sharing a maker and one of their favourite things to make, each day up until Christmas Eve. During November, the Guild have chosen Julia Thompson as their Maker of the Month. A special display of jewellery by Julia – who has strong ethical credentials as a Fairtrade registered jeweller – will be featured in the gallery.

The Guild gallery is tucked away on Broad Street, next to Pickwick’s cafe.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Christmas

Julia Thompson was chosen as November’s Maker of the Month

CORNUCOPIA

Craftsmen

01749 671112 10am-4pm Tue to Sat

somersetguild.co.uk

Somerset

Guild of

Craftsmen

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

SGC.EVOLVERXMAS.V.01.indd 1

13/10/2021 11:45

16 WELLS VETS CASE FILES

wellsvoice n NEWS

December 2021

Removing fish hook from lip not so straightforward Name: Rusty Age: 11 months Breed: Boston Terrier Likes: Unexpected packages Dislikes: Fishing Rusty was rushed to see us one afternoon earlier this year, after his owner came home to find him with a fish hook stuck in his lip.

An order of fishing equipment had been delivered through the door while he was out and Rusty had decided to investigate, but as he broke into the parcel he must have got a nasty surprise.

Fish hook injuries can be difficult to manage. They are often swallowed, causing all sorts of trauma, and they can be barbed, making removal problematic, so Rusty’s injury was a big concern. Thankfully we could see that the hook had just speared the fleshy part of his lip and his owner was certain that the hooks were not barbed, so we thought we should be able to simply pull the hook out.

However, this was not the case – the hook wouldn’t come loose and poor Rusty was starting to get upset so we decided to sedate him.

Under sedation we still could not extract the hook. It

was buried in the soft tissue of his gum and would not pull out, despite the lack of barb. In the end we decided to advance it further and out the other side, so that we could examine the pointed end, and then we realised what had happened – with Rusty’s struggles he had managed to bend the hook so that it was folded back on itself, preventing it being pulled back.

After a little bit of straightening we were able to smoothly remove the hook.

Rusty’s sedation was reversed and he was up and about within 20 minutes. He went home happily, maybe hoping to find another parcel waiting for him!

Rusty got a fish hook stuck in his lip after investigating a delivery

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

Tel: 01749 678420

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Steve Wilson with SHOUT on the roof of The Square soft play centre

Playful recreation of Gormley sculpture REPLACING the ball pits at The Square soft play centre in Wells provided the opportunity for a bit of fun – using the balls to create a likeness of the Antony Gormley sculpture currently appearing on Wells Cathedral.

Gormley’s sculpture, which the artist has loaned to Wells for 18 months, is entitled DOUBT. The Square owner Steve Wilson has called his Gormley tribute SHOUT. It took him two full days, dozens of balls and 15 tubes of glue to make his brightly coloured version, that has been fixed to the play centre roof.

“I decided to make SHOUT just for a bit of fun really,” said Steve.

“Gormley’s DOUBT is all about community engagement with art and I love the project myself, but I hadn’t seen any mention of it since it was first installed – and there was a lot of negative reaction too – so I thought why not make my own interpretation that the kids would love, and brightly coloured ball pool balls seemed the perfect

Sir Antony Gormley’s sculpture DOUBT on the West Front of Wells Cathedral medium for something to be displayed on a play centre.

“I’ve already had some children asking me how it was made and the response to it so far has been amazing.”

The Square, in Priory Road, opened in 2016 and is now a well-established indoor play centre in Wells. New features have been added over the years and there are plans for more new spaces in the near future.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

Time was right for change of direction Wells millennial Sadie Palmer explains how she quit her job to go self-employed as a ceramic jewellery maker THE pandemic has been a time of reflection for many, drawing attention to what we value and how precious every day is.

When I got my A-level results at the Blue School in 2010, I thought I was on a linear trajectory through university, a graduate job, life in London, buy a house, settle, retire.

But you never know what life will throw at you; after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a Business and French degree in 2014 my mental health took a sharp decline and I briefly lost the confidence to even leave my house alone.

It was time to reassess my priorities; I eased myself back into work, but a different work to before – a stint of temping in local businesses and then a job at a warehouse in a pottery supplies company in Radstock

Sadie Palmer in her workshop, and examples of her work where I found my feet, selftaught about ceramics through books and YouTube and forged a new passion that felt much more ‘me’.

Then along came the pandemic, a catalyst for many

Work to upgrade gas network WORK has been taking place to upgrade part of the gas network in Dinder. The work, which involves phased road closures along both The Rookery and Riverside, began on November 15 and is expected to be completed

by November 26.

Local people affected by the work will receive information and access will be maintained for residents.

Jake Sami of Wales & West Utilities is managing this gas pipe upgrade work. He said: “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Wells.

Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to

make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.

“We will work as safely and as quickly as possible to finish the work, whilst keeping inconvenience to a minimum for local people and road users.

Our engineers are following all hygiene and social distancing guidelines and we would respectfully ask that you keep a 2m distance if passing our work site.

“To support communities through coronavirus, we’re working hard to keep the gas flowing so local people are safe and warm.”

The Customer Service Team can be contacted with any questions about the work: freephone 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwutilities.co.uk.

Alternatively, contact the team on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities.

Deadline for the January edition: December 13

Got News? Call 07906 499655

in my generation to change job or do something new. I’d been cautiously saving a small

amount of money since 16 and I’ve decided to use it to grow my fledgling ceramic jewellery business.

I feel enormously privileged to be able to do this and I count my lucky stars every day. A small workshop became available at the Waldegrave Estate in Chewton Mendip and I nervously took on the lease at the end of August.

I’ve been documenting my journey setting up the workshop on Instagram and connecting with likeminded craftspeople; I’m hoping to find my feet over the next couple of months and see if I can make a success of the venture.

It’s easy to let life get on top of you but I think all sorts of good can come out of negative experiences.

Follow my journey at @bungalowceramics on Instagram.

City of Wells Almshouses – Trustee Opportunities The CWA is looking to widen the range of skills and experience within its Board and is now seeking applications to join the Charity as Trustees helping to steer the future for these historic buildings in the heart of Wells.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience at a strategic level in fundraising, marketing/media relations, legal, accounting and finance or housing sectors.

Our 33 Almshouse properties are centrally located in the City of Wells and our Charity traces its origins back to 1424. In recent years we have been undertaking the progressive modernisation of our properties.

For more information about the role and how to apply please visit the news page of our website: www.wellsalmshouses.org.uk or contact Martin Thomas, CEO. Telephone: 07460 257103; Email: ceo@wellsalmshouses.org.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 14 December 2021.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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December 2021

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Literature festival earns wide acclaim

AS the organisers of the Wells Festival of Literature begin preparations for their 30th anniversary event in October 2022, book-lovers around the country, even the world, are still enjoying the delights of the 29th festival.

Judged by speakers and audiences alike to be a huge success, the 2021 festival, which officially ended on October 23, is still being watched online by fans who missed out originally.

Tickets to see the speakers in person on the Cedars Hall stage in the heart of Wells were snapped up fast, with capacity audiences for the likes of John Simpson, James Naughtie, Colin Thubron and Gyles Brandreth.

In fact seats occupied in the auditorium itself during the week numbered almost 4,000, while

more than 2,500 additional enthusiasts registered to enjoy events online.

But all good things must come to an end and the 2021 Wells Festival of Literature is no exception. From November 26 the recorded events will be taken off the festival website and the committee of dedicated volunteers will concentrate on putting together a bumper week of entertaining and informative events designed to celebrate 30 wonderful years for the literature-lovers of Wells and beyond.

During those three decades Wells Festival of Literature has also fulfilled its early objective of fostering a love of books and reading in children and young people. Its work in local schools and colleges has grown over the

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

FINAL MONTH

Your last chance to take advantage of our neutering campaign offer, which will end on

DECEMBER 31, 2021

The offer cannot be extended

Owners on low income or income support can request vouchers to help with cat neutering costs. You will pay just £5 per cat and the charity will pay the balance – and microchip your cat for free.

This offer is open to residents in Glastonbury, Wells, Street, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas.

Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Julia on 07833 634087 Emma on 07717 837040 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 and Wells Cats Protection Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Scenes from this year’s Wells Literature Festival: from top, Jonathan Dimbleby in conversation; an audience in Cedars Hall; a literary lunch; and a book signing Pictures: Jo Shepherd years and proved especially vital during the pandemic. The Wells Festival of Literature organisers are extremely grateful to everyone whose support enables them to help fund this wide array of educational projects. The list includes Friends of the Festival, sponsors, helpers, ticket-buyers and of course those who have

donated for live-streamed and recorded events. There is still a small window left to catch a speaker that may have been missed; or indeed one that people would like to watch again: www.wellsfestivalofliterature. org.uk Otherwise they will have to wait until October 2022.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

December 2021

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Two Christmas markets in December A FESTIVE market is being held in Wells on two Saturdays in December to bring some seasonal cheer to traders and shoppers alike.

Up to 100 stalls are expected to line the Market Place through to the Bishop’s Palace Green at the traditional ‘Christmas in Wells’ markets hosted by Mendip District Council.

They will take place on December 11 and 18, from 9am-3pm.

A wide range of Christmas gifts and plenty of food and drinks will be on offer, and there will be music from Priddy Singers. The entertainment will appeal to all the family and get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The market on December 18 coincides with the start of free parking in all council-owned car parks in Wells, and across the district. Charges will be suspended from December 18

until December 24 (although maximum time limits still apply in all short-stay car parks).

Councillor Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing the Christmas markets back to Wells for two days of festivities. It was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, so it will be an extra special return for traders, shoppers and visitors to the city.

“The markets will give the local economy a boost after missing out on one of the busiest and most profitable periods last year, due to the pandemic.

“High street shops and eateries will also benefit, as with free parking available in our car parks on December 18, the whole high street looks set to benefit from our seasonal shopping events.”

Some of the traders at Christmas in Wells 2019

Saturday 11th and Saturday 18th December 9am - 3pm

Christmas

Located at Wells Market Place and Bishop’s Palace Green Handmade gifts and locally sourced, seasonal food and drink

i n We l l s

#wellschristmasmarket mendip.gov.uk/christmasmarket Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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December 2021

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Still time to give gift of Christmas to people in need

DONATIONS of new and preloved items in excellent condition are being collected so that people in need can have Christmas presents this year.

It is hoped that gifts will be distributed to Wells Foodbank and three other local charities including the Salvation Army, Fusion Somerset and YMCA Wells.

Hannah Wall, who is coordinating the collection, said: “We have been delighted with the response so far. People have been so generous, especially giving

Boxes of gifts that Hannah collected last year things for children, but there are a few things that we are still really in need of. Gifts of toiletries and nice quality cleaning sets are greatly appreciated and will last beyond Christmas. We would also love to have some nice presents for adults. Christmas is an emotional time of year and it is heartbreaking to think that some people who may be having a very hard time might not have anything much to open on

Christmas Day.” People who have any new, unwanted gifts to re-gift, or any ‘as new’ preloved items, can drop them off at LA Moore Demolition, Old Railway Yard, Haybridge, Wells, BA5 1AH. The deadline for donations is Friday, December 10. LA Moore are Hannah’s employers and have been kind enough to provide storage for the items in the runup to Christmas. Alternatively, items can be chosen from as little as £2 on an Amazon wish list, which can be found by visiting the Foodbank’s Facebook page.

Sue Marland, pastor of Wells Vineyard Church who runs Wells Foodbank, said: “Demand for the Foodbank has risen during the last two years and is nearly six times higher than in 2019.

That means there are a lot of families in the area who will find it almost impossible to celebrate Christmas this year without your help. In addition to this year’s Christmas appeal, we are also in need of financial donations which will be used to purchase fresh food stocks and ambient food items in short supply.”

Financial donations can be made to Wells Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s HSBC account; sort code: 40-46-06, account number: 31387170. Use ‘Wells Vineyard Church’ as the reference.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

wells in mosaic

Michael Eavis with Ruth Ames-White in her studio, where he was able to see the representation of The Bishop’s Palace

Mosaic artist’s tilework gives depth and detail to Palace ONE of the most iconic buildings in Wells is now portrayed in mosaic. Cleverly captured as if in 3D, The Bishop’s Palace is the latest piece of this six-meter diameter artistic representation of Wells being created by mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White.

“Perspectives and angles are very difficult,” Ruth said, “and each part of the mosaic brings new challenges, but I am now halfway across the circular map and still enjoying bringing the design to life.”

The project has attracted

many supporters, one of whom called in to check on progress recently.

Michael Eavis, who launched the design in November 2019, said: “Ruth’s project has taken so much of her time and deserves all the support she can get to reach fruition.”

It is now possible to book visits to the studio for small groups by emailing contact@wellsinmosaic.org.

Opportunities for donations and sponsorship can be seen at www. wellsinmosaic.org

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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n NEWS

‘Musical monument’ to lost loved ones WELLS musicians Jeremy and Lorraine Millington are releasing another charity single this Christmas with their band The Portraits.

They reached number 2 on iTunes in December 2020 with their version of Together In Electric Dreams. The track was released alongside a video containing the images of more than 150 people whose lives had been lost during the first nine months of the pandemic.

This year, they are releasing a version of Ed Sheeran’s song Photograph in aid of Cruse Bereavement Support and in conjunction with the Yellow Hearts Facebook Group. A key Covid support network, the group was created by Hannah Gompertz after she displayed a yellow heart in her window following the death of her grandmother from the disease in April 2020.

Once again, the video to accompany the single will feature photos of loved ones lost to Covid that the band made a public appeal for in early November.

Producer Jeremy said: “We really want to convey the enormity of the loss. Covid has taken a monumental toll on the UK, but I think we’ve started to

feel numbed to all the statistics.

We want people to see the thousands of faces: each was a life, a dad or mum or brother whose chair will be empty at the Christmas table. We want to create a musical monument to them all and give something back to those who’ve worked so hard to help the thousands of people who’ve struggled under the weight of loss.”

Jeremy and Lorraine’s 15-year-old daughter Ciara takes the lead vocal on the new song as she did on the 2020 single. In a strange twist, Ciara contracted Covid herself in September 2021 and recorded the new song whilst still in recovery.

She said: “Last year, when we released a song for all the suffering Covid has brought, I had no idea what the disease felt like. When I got it in September, it was like I suddenly knew how terrible the illness is, and I thought: we absolutely have to do a follow-up.”

Somerset County Youth Orchestra and local choir The Skylarks are participating in the project, with all participants donating their time for free.

Photograph will be released

by Lifelines Records on December 17.

Stoberry House & Garden Stoberry Park, Wells, Somerset BA5 3LD www.stoberryhouse.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS

A wonderful Christmas present. We do Stoberry Gift Vouchers for all our teas (which also includes garden entrance). Vouchers are also available for the recipient to spend with us as they wish, starting at £50.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

We would be pleased to welcome you for lunches, dinners, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other functions and special occasions you may wish to celebrate. Please note that these are for a minimum of eight people.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

Stoberry House, with its atmosphere of a family home, set in 26 acres of parkland, is a beautiful, tranquil setting in which to celebrate the life of a loved one. We can host a reception for family and friends following a funeral, and have a number of catering options available to suit various budgets.

CREAM TEAS

Mendip Markets, run by Mendip District Council, supported the national Love Your Local Market (LYLM) campaign which celebrates traditional markets and their dedicated traders, and this year ran from from October 16-30. A LYLM banner was displayed at Wells and the other markets in the district and posted on social media to showcase the variety and quality of traders in Mendip, to highlight their importance to the local economy and to demonstrate how they feature at the heart of local communities. LYLM is organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

(Minimum of two people) Our cream teas start at £15.50 per person Our most popular cream tea menu is £27.50 per person Our luxury cream teas are £37.50 per person All teas must be pre-booked by appointment.

TO BOOK: Contact Stoberry House by phone: 01749 672906, or email: stay@stoberry-park.co.uk

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December 2021

n NEWS Events lined up to take place in library EVENTS at Wells Library in December: Author talk Local author Nikki Copleston is holding a talk in Wells Library on Saturday, December 4, at 11am to talk about the fourth book in

her DI Jeff Lincoln series, The Promise of Salvation. Places are limited so booking is essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk.

IT Help Do you need help with your laptop, smartphone or tablet?

Book a free session at the library – 10.30am or 11.30am on Wednesdays. For more information or to book a one-

hour session, email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk.

For children at Wells Library Tatty Tot stories are on Saturday, December 4, at 10.30am. Come and listen to the adventures of the brave little dog and other stories for ages 2-5. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book a place.

Lego Club is on Saturday, December 18, at 10.30am. Book now to avoid disappointment.

For ages 5 and up – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk.

Website advises on joining celebrations NEXT year will mark 70 years since Her Majesty The Queen ascended to the throne.

There will be year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations as communities and people come together to celebrate the Queen’s historic reign.

To help Somerset play its part in celebrating the Queen’s legacy, a new website has been launched: https://platinumjubileesomerset. org.uk/. The Platinum Jubilee Somerset website features lots of information about how people can get involved in Somerset, either through the Queen’s Green Canopy tree-planting scheme, by registering a beacon, or by organising a street party.

Annie Maw, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, said: “I hope that throughout Somerset all our communities will use and enjoy this new website. This single point of reference will allow us to source all the information we require to work together, as we strive to proudly produce what will be the very best tribute to mark and express our gratitude to Her Majesty, The Queen.”

Christmas at church CHRISTMAS events at St Cuthbert’s Church will include: n December 10-12: Crib Festival. The return of the popular Christmas extravaganza of crib sets, angels and more. n December 19: Carol Service, 4pm. A traditional carol service with music and readings. n December 21: The Longest Night, 6.30pm. An opportunity to celebrate the nativity in quiet reflection. n December 22: Churchyard Carols, 4pm. Sing carols and hear the Christmas story outdoors. n December 24: Crib Service, 4pm. Especially suitable for younger children – with dressing-up opportunities. n December 24: Midnight Mass, 11pm. Celebrate the first communion of Christmas Day. n December 25: Parish Eucharist, 10am. An informal celebration of Christmas Day.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

December 2021

n NEWS

23

Wine Monthly with Bishop’s Eye

2022 will be interesting, exciting and challenging year for wine consumers

Wells toy shop Kids Stuff is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award for the second time. Lee and Sarah Borastero’s Queen Street shop has just been named Best Independent Toy Retailer at the Progressive Preschool Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, beating five other finalists from across the country. The shop won the same award in 2013. Sarah said: ‘We are delighted to win again. Thanks to all our lovely customers for continuing to support us through what has been a challenging 18 months.’

Hampers added to seasonal offerings THE Bishop’s Eye is introducing something new this Christmas by offering its very own seasonal hampers.

The hampers will be full of Bishop’s Eye produce, including wines, spirits, chocolates and cheeses.

It is also selling gift vouchers that could make a welcome Christmas present, and is taking bookings for Christmas parties.

“We’ve had a very busy time since lockdown ended, and we expect to continue being busy over the Christmas period,” said Louis Agabani, owner of the wine bar in Wells Market Place.

“We’ve had lots of big parties over the summer, weddings and birthday parties, and Christmas party bookings are now coming in. We offer people exclusive use of the whole venue or just the upstairs area so it can be tailored to individual needs.

“The gift vouchers would make great presents, and the hampers will contain some of the high-quality produce that customers expect to find when they come here, so people can now enjoy it at home as well.”

With the onset of winter, the Bishop’s Eye has expanded its

menu to include winter warmers of soups and stews with the help of Andre and Sue of Andre’s Kitchen.

“Andre and Sue have been fantastic in their input and helped us develop what we offer,” said Louis. “The new dishes have been very well received, alongside the ever-popular charcuterie boards.”

The Bishop’s Eye has run a number of wine tastings recently that have also been a big hit.

Led by Ed Clarke from Bishop’s Eye supplier Bristol Fine Wine, more than 20 people have been at each sell-out event. These will continue in the new year, and Louis is considering starting similar events such as gin or rum tasting evenings. He is also going to introduce musical evenings, and would like to have a book club.

There is already a rotating gallery of artworks that adorn the walls upstairs – Ruth Piper is the current featured artist – and Louis is always looking for artists who would like to use the space.

“We’re developing the Bishop’s Eye as a venue supporting local culture,” he said.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

THE first and most visible thing consumers will see in 2022 are shortages. This has been caused by several factors but here are the key ones. l Everyone will appreciate that domestic consumption was very high throughout the various lockdowns, especially the first one. The Off Trade, ie. retailers, saw record sales, remember those empty shelves? It would not be too far-fetched to say that this was probably mirrored in other countries. l The UK On Trade (hotels, restaurants, bars) has bounced back better and faster than predicted. Hospitality businesses outpaced the rest of the UK economy for the first time in more than nine years during September, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker. This is showing no sign of slowing down yet. l There have been some very small crops in some wine producing regions of the world in 2021. France’s Ministry of Agriculture is predicting an historically low harvest – severe frosts in April froze vines from Champagne to Provence.

Things went from bad to nightmarish when the unseasonably cold weather was followed by relentless summer rain, hailstorms, and floods. Wildfires tore through parts of Provence in August.

Italy, Spain and Germany (remember that flooding?) have all had a tough vintage. New Zealand could be as much as 20 per cent down.

The second thing we will see is the cost of wine increasing. We have witnessed unprecedented inflationary pressure in 2021 that sadly will flow through into the cost of a bottle. The key drivers are: l Logistics will be the biggest single factor. With the cost of containers increasing between six and ten times, wage rises, especially drivers, and fuel increases, the cost of getting wine from A to B has rocketed. l There is a shortage of dry goods (glue, glass etc) so supply is not meeting demand. l Producer costs – winemakers have

Wines to try: a Cape 1652 Chenin Blanc, and a 2016 Quinta do Vallado Douro red

been very supportive in recent years and wine inflation has been the lowest for decades but this cannot continue.

As with logistics wineries have seen inflationary pressures and with less wine to sell will need to push their prices up. This will be slightly mitigated by currency that has generally worked in our favour recently.

Luckily the Chancellor froze duty rates until 2023!

So, what wine will we be drinking in 2022?

This is a golden opportunity to widen your options. Perhaps look at English Sparkling wine for bubbles or South Africa for Sauvignon Blanc.

There are so many wines out there to be discovered so this is the year to be experimental.

You may need advice as some of your favourites might not be widely available so recommend shopping at independent wine stores as opposed to the supermarket as they have trained staff to help you select.

The need for sustainability will drive innovation so look out for wine in cans, pouches and the return of bag in box.

Countries that offer excellent value and are making increasingly good wine will thrive. Look at the likes of Slovenia, Romania, South Africa, Southern Italy, Portugal and Chile.

Drinking less but drinking better.

12 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RB hello@bishopseye.com • 01749 938180

Taking bookings for Christmas parties.

Book soon to avoid disappointment.

www.bishopseye.com

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December 2021

n REMEMBRANCE

The Last Post is sounded in Wells before the two-minutes’ silence on this year’s Remembrance Day

Poppy Appeal thanks as city remembers From page 1 Morrisons; thank you so much, you all looked so smart and are a credit to your organisation and families.

“To the Town Hall and the Mayor, a very big thank you for giving us a base over the last year and all you and the team there do for the Poppy Appeal.

A special mention to the Town Hall manager Kevin for his continuing help and support.

“Thank you to Maurice Day and his team as well for doing the road closures on the Sunday.”

On November 11, there was a short service of Remembrance in the market place, and on November 14, the annual Service of Remembrance was held at St Cuthbert’s Church attended

Mayor of Wells Philip Welch about to lay a wreath at the war memorial in St Cuthbert’s Churchyard on Remembrance Sunday Picture: Brendan C Doyle LRPS by the Mayor and city council, many organisations and a large congregation. Outside at 11am the silence was held to remember the fallen and for the laying of

The Somerset Poppies have been displayed again at The Bishop’s Palace, this year in the topiary bed in the formal gardens. The Palace has retained 2,000 of the poppies created in a project conceived by Dan Vidler and finished in 2018. Made by local school children, there were originally 7,986 – one to mark each life lost of servicemen from Somerset during the First World War – but some were sold in 2018 to raise money for SSAFA and the Wells Branch of the Royal British Legion.

wreaths on the war memorial.

There was then a march up High Street with the Royal British Legion standard of Wells leading the way in this its

Wells Royal British Legion branch chairman Aaron Cooper-Collett lays a wreath at the Harry Patch Memorial at Wells & Mendip Museum on Remembrance Sunday

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

100th year with the band from the Wells Cathedral School to the Harry Patch Memorial for another short service and wreath laying.

Then a handful of the committee and friends went to Wells Cemetery where each year a wreath is laid on the Memorial stone there containing the names of some more of the local soldiers who gave their lives.

Although some monies is still to come in, the local Poppy Appeal total so far is about £25,000 and heading towards beating the record year in 2019.

“So the biggest thanks of all goes to the amazing public who have been so generous in their donations,” said Derek.

“If I have missed anyone I apologise and I will give a full figure as soon as we have it.”

About 35 people attended a Horrington Remembers ceremony at East Horrington Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday. Nine villagers from East and West Horrington took part in the readings, poems and prayers. Pictured are Tanya Flagg, who was born in East Horrington and is a flugel player with Wells City Band, who played the Last Post at the ceremony, and organisers Jane Hill and Kevin Russell from East and West Horrington.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

December 2021

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25

Kate achieves three new world records A WELLS resident has achieved three back-to-back world records on a static bike, cycling more than 430 miles in 24 hours.

World champion triathlete Kate Strong is the first woman in the world to complete a 24-hour cycling marathon on a static bike, which saw her pedal 433.09 miles in a day and travel a further distance in one, 12 and 24 hours than has previously been achieved by any other female athlete. Taking place at Clifton Observatory in Bristol over a 24-hour period, Kate’s challenge started at 3pm on May 26 and saw her cycle a distance of 24.2 miles in the first hour and 232.1 miles in 12 hours, exceeding the 21.93 miles and 216.24 miles achieved by Slovenian athlete Tina Ternjak in 2012.

Wells-based Kate is also the first female athlete ever to achieve a record for a woman cycling on a static bike for 24 hours – although a male record exists. Kate’s intention with this challenge was to level the playing field and demonstrate that there is a place for women to pioneer and lead in sport, business and life.

The records have now been confirmed by Guinness World Records, and Kate said: “Earning three world records is a huge privilege. Being a 42-year-old plant-based woman cycling on a bamboo bike, most people would think what I attempted was impossible. I’m proud to be

Kate Strong on her cycle challenge redefining what’s possible. Since I took up sport alongside my professional career, I have kept finding new ways to demonstrate that we are far greater than we could imagine and to, hopefully inspire others – especially women – to step up and strive for greatness.”

Kate only started training for athletic success in her mid-30s and within two years was crowned age-group world champion in long-distance triathlon. Since then she has regularly participated in extreme sports and is already planning to undertake the Limitless Challenge over two months in 2023. The never before attempted feat will see her cycle 3,000 miles around GB, swim the English Channel and climb the Three Peaks. Throughout the two months, her partner, Kieren Windsor, will join her and they both will stop to talk at local schools as well as inviting communities to join them for sections of the challenge.

Moon proves a major attraction

Groups parading past the civic party on Remembrance Sunday

Got News? Call 07906 499655

MORE than 50,000 people visited Wells Cathedral during the three weeks that the Museum of the Moon was installed there – an additional 36,000 people compared to the same period in 2019.

Cathedral officials have been so pleased with the success of the installation and the Festival of the Moon events that they are now making plans along similar lines for next year and the year after. Wells Cathedral Chancellor Dr Rob James said: “We were really delighted with it.

“It was good to see how many

people came to see the Moon. It obviously touched something in people – they wanted to see the Moon in this space.”

He said that the events – which ranged from highwire walker Chris Bullzini to Fairport Convention and a Pink Floyd tribute show – were superb, and have shown that the Cathedral can do a much wider range and variety than has normally been the case.

“We absolutely would do it again and we are actively working on something for 2022 and 2023,” he said.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

We’re recruiting!

Due to rapid business growth, Bigham’s is now recruiting more people to join our Friday to Sunday shift (34 hours per week).

Here are just some of the reasons our Friday – Sunday Shift might be the perfect fit for you: • A 3 day working days with 4 days off • Starting salary of £12.74 per hour* • An increase to £13.11 per hour* following 3 months training Team members working the weekend shift will also receive all our other Bighams Benefits including:

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Annual bonus Paid breaks

28 days annual leave And much more…..

To find out more or apply to join our team visit www.bighams.com/all-jobs or email your CV to people@bighams.com *including premiums

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n NEWS

Repairers wanted for more fiddly items Repair Cafe news from Julie Wright THIS update comes with a plea.

We have some brilliant fixers who help with the repairs of all sorts of items for local people.

They have so many talents, but none profess to be adept

A treasured item in need of repair in tackling jobs in ceramics, pottery, glass, jewellery, or things which are particularly fiddly.

One client sent us this picture

of an item (below left) which has sentimental value and is in need of some TLC. Do you have the skill, time and patience to take on a job such as this? We have people who would be so pleased to have a treasured item put back to one piece, even if you don’t have quite the expertise of Repair Shop’s Kirsten Ramsay.

Please contact me, Julie Wright, on 01749 675490 or email juliebentleywright@ hotmail.co.uk if you would like to join our team of fixers.

Our next Wells Repair Cafe is on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the St Thomas’ Hall. If you can’t wait that long, Green Wedmore is holding their next event on Saturday, December 4, between 10am and 1pm at the Wedmore village hall, and they would love to see you.

The Safari will be a journey around the central churches in Wells

Follow the star on Nativity Safari THE Churches of Wells are inviting people to join the Wells Nativity Safari 2021.

This will be a star-led trail through the city to find the stable. Adults and accompanied children who book timed tickets will set out on a nativity trail, following the Christmas star around the central churches in Wells. As they go round, children will collect stickers from each stopping point.

The Safari is planned for

December 21 and December 22, and a group will set off from Wells Methodist Church every 20 minutes between 12.45pm and 3.05pm.

Tickets (which are free) can be booked through Eventbrite: www.tinyurl.com/ wellssafarinativity or www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/safarinativity-tickets-209667399837 If it is not possible to book them online, they can be booked by calling 01749 6793009.

CAN YOU GIVE A CAT A HOME?

Introducing Barney...

Car club chairman Roger Dollins presents the £500 cheque to Philip Welch watched by Mark Tobin, Macmillan volunteers and car club members

Charity appeal total driven up GENEROUS classic car fans have driven the Mayor of Wells Charity Appeal beyond its latest target.

The charity is the Wells branch of Macmillan Cancer Support whose fundraising is all spent on care for cancer patients in Somerset.

“My original target was £3,000,” said the Mayor, Councillor Philip Welch. “Once that was passed with the help of the wonderful Macmillan volunteers we aimed for £5,000 and have now topped £10,000 thanks to this £500 donation from the Classic and Historic Motor Club.”

The cheque was presented at the Swan Hotel in Wells, where the Wells branch of Macmillan’s

co-chairman Mark Tobin is a non-executive director, by car club president Roger Dollins who said: “We are delighted to give continued support to this valuable charity. Covid and the lockdowns have increased the need for cancer care while making fundraising by charities like Macmillan much more difficult.”

The Mayor’s next fundraising event will be a Gala Night with wine at Wells Film Centre on the evening of Friday, December 10, for the local premiere of Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. u From the Town Hall, page 33

Got News? Call 07906 499655

BARNEY is a handsome black and white long-haired cat who is 5 years old.

This fellow has had a stressful life for some time and it has taken its toll on him. When he first came to us he had scabby skin due to a flea allergy, and his back and back legs were almost bald where he had been over grooming due to the stress. He is an anxious cat but has the potential to be a loving companion for someone.

Once he starts to trust he seeks affection and human contact. He is settling well in our care, the fur is growing back and he eats well and is starting to play.

Barney needs a quiet, settled forever home well away from busy roads and with no children, other cats and definitely no dogs however cat friendly they are.

Given the right conditions he

will soon blossom and show his loving nature, although he may always be cautious of strangers and unexpected noises.

We are hoping to find him a new home now as soon as possible. He needs now to be back in a home and getting TLC and companionship. Phone Gill on 01749 850660 if you could give Barney a caring home.

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Email: gill@straymoggie.co.uk Telephone: 01749 850660 www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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December 2021

n NEWS

Some of those who gathered outside Wells Cathedral on October 30 for a vigil organised by Mid Somerset Quakers to express concern about the climate emergency. A second vigil was held on November 6.

Bus plan sets out overhaul of services AN ambitious blueprint to transform bus travel and make a big contribution to tackling climate change was approved

by Somerset County Council’s cabinet in October.

Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) drafted in partnership with local operators sets out a radical overhaul of services in the county and is being submitted as the bid for a share of a £3 billion funding pot made available under the Government’s ‘Bus Back Better’ initiative.

The aim is to make bus services greener, more attractive, more affordable, easier to use, as well as faster and more reliable, and it forms an integral part of the Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy by getting more people out of cars and on to public transport.

The bid is for £163 million

Broken railings WORKERS involved in the recent resurfacing work at Wells Bus Station identified a problem with railings alongside the footpath; when they were removed during the project, some were found to have rotted away, and broke on removal.

Mendip District Council is waiting for the delivery of replacement railings. from Government – potentially a huge contribution to tackling climate change in the county.

The BSIP details a wide range of measures which would be delivered by a new legal partnership between bus operators and the council if the funding bid is successful.

These include: n A better network between

Somerset’s 15 key towns which offers more frequent services running later into the night and at weekends. n A minimum hourly core network by 2023 with guaranteed services 7am to 7pm. n An affordable fares system. n Electrifying the network as soon as possible and exploring alternative fuels with the industry such as hydrogen. n An overhaul of information for passengers which includes a new Somerset ‘Think Travel portal’ and real time information at key locations. n A new Somerset Bus Passenger Charter to help the council and operators understand people’s needs. n Working with district partners to upgrade bus stations across Somerset.

“This is an ambitious plan but the Government asked

for that in order to qualify for funding, so we’re aiming high,” said Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor John Woodman.

“This plan is so important for when it comes to tackling climate change – it has the potential to make a massive difference.

“Somerset is one of the most difficult places in the country to run commercial buses in, and we have to subsidise more services than most other counties.

“That’s why it’s vital we get a share of this money to enable us to transform bus services in the county and make it possible for more people to use public transport, rather than driving their private car.”

The plan is available to view at somerset.gov.uk (Public and community transport; Transport Strategy, Policies and Plans).

Molly Podiatry / Chiropody COMFORTABLE FEET Molly

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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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

December 2021

29

n ON THE BEAT

Please contact us if you have concerns IN writing this I must first start by mentioning the terrible event that has recently occurred in South Street.

At the time of writing this is an open and very much a fast moving investigation so I can’t say too much other than our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. Any further developments around this will be given out on the various Avon and Somerset social media outlets.

I know that hearing of a crime such as this will worry some of the readers of this publication, but we live in a safe part of the country and thankfully crimes such as this are rare, however if you are concerned at all about these events please contact us to discuss your worries.

Please also rest assured that the everyday policing of Wells is unaffected by this.

News from the local policing team with Sergeant Simon Lancey

As the end of the year approaches like most people, I reflect on the past and look to the new year.

This year we have seen the pandemic continue with the team having to deal with ever changing regulations and laws and the challenges this presented, followed by the return to pre-pandemic policing and a move to a new base at the fire station in Burcott Road, with the accompanying video which is still on the Facebook page for those who have not seen it yet.

All of which the neighbourhood team have dealt with in a way they should feel proud of.

Looking forward to next year I hope that finally all of the community events that have been put on hold can be held and we will see more tourists in the city to support the local businesses that have been so

badly affected over the last two years.

The team will be as visible as they can be, attending as many community events as possible and trying new ways to engage with you as a community. Please look for our Mendip Twitter and Facebook pages for ongoing news and events that we will be attending.

Please remember the usual crime prevention this time of year, ensuring all doors are locked when going out, keeping personal possessions secure when Christmas shopping and if enjoying the season with a glass or two of mulled wine, keep the car keys safely out of the way.

Finally, I hope that we can enjoy a festive period free from restrictions, and from the team and I, have a very merry Christmas and happy new year to you all.

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wellsvoice

December 2021

n NEWS

31

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid A guide to the Recycle More system

Divorce and the older couple

By Judith Rouse and Tracey Cook

Year has seen tonnes more items recycled RECYCLE More has celebrated its first anniversary in Mendip, with the district’s trail-blazing residents using it to recycle thousands of tonnes of extra material.

At the end of October 2020, Mendip became the first part of the county to get the expanded Somerset Waste Partnership collections.

It is estimated that in its first 44 weeks – ten calendar months – Recycle More saw around 4,600 extra tonnes of recycling collected in Mendip.

That equates to more than 100 extra tonnes per week, with the extra materials and three-weekly rubbish collections now part of the Mendip recycling routine.

After Mendip, Recycle More was introduced in South Somerset at the end of June and has just been launched across Taunton Deane.

Recycle More collections were introduced in Mendip last October Councillor Sarah Dyke, Chair of the Somerset Waste Board, said: “Mendip has clearly taken the new service to its heart and residents can be really proud of the results.

“People are recycling more, protecting the environment and helping tackle climate change.

The Waste Board looks forward to seeing SWP bring the new service to the rest of the county.”

3D rooms scan and acoustic survey THE planning of the proposed music wing in the Portway Annexe is advancing.

David Miller Architects (DMA) have carried out a 3D scan of the rooms and are currently producing an architectural model to evaluate options.

This has been followed with an acoustic survey by the Wells Rocks team behind the project, guided by DMA. The survey measured the background noise and sound isolation performance of the building as it is today.

This will enable specifications to be developed for costing its adaptation to minimise any sound impact on the surrounding residents and other users of the community hub.

Anyone who would like to get involved with music in the Portway Annexe can contact the team through www.wellsrocks. org.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

THERE is a trend in the UK for divorces to be between older couples with adult children.

Financial settlements in these cases often pivot around very different factors than those of a younger couple with dependent children.

There may be a mortgage-free family home, inheritances, and substantial pension funds.

Without advice and guidance pensions are often overlooked or offset against the family home as if the two assets are similar, potentially leaving one party with inadequate financial provision in retirement. If one of the couple stopped working or worked part time to care for the family then even their state pension could be less than the other.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about pensions on divorce: I built up my pension before the marriage, why should I give that up?

A person who has built up a proportion of their pension prior to the marriage may feel that it is unfair for this to be shared on divorce. However, if it is a long marriage, the couple are coming closer to retirement age and the pensions built up during the marriage are not sufficient to cover both their needs, then it is likely that the court will take this pension into account irrespective of when contributions were made.

What are the options for dealing with pensions?

The most common method of dividing pension assets is a Pension Sharing Order. This transfers a percentage of one spouse’s pension

to a pension for the other. This is done by the pension scheme. A pension cannot be shared in this way without a court order.

There are other orders that can be made relating to pensions but they are cumbersome and, since pension sharing orders became available, are only used on rare occasions where a pension sharing order is considered unsuitable.

Can pensions be offset against other assets, such as the family home?

An alternative to pension sharing is “Offsetting”. This option is not recommended without advice from a pension expert. It is like comparing apples and carrots. The pension value is likely to increase, and importantly, will provide an annual income in retirement. In the absence of sufficient pension provision, the person without a pension may end up having to sell the home to provide an income in later life.

When is it best to get expert advice?

Advice from a pension expert is highly recommended, in particular in the following situations: l The cash equivalent values exceed £100,000 and are not simple defined contributions pensions l One of the pensions is a defined benefit pension (often called a final salary scheme) l There is a significant age gap between both parties l Where one spouse is approaching eligibility to take a pension freedom l Offsetting is being considered How can I get information about my state pension?

A State Pension Forecast can be obtained through the government website at https://www.gov.uk/ check-state-pension n Judith Rouse & Tracey Cook work for Chubb Bulleid Solicitors, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

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wellsvoice

32

December 2021

n NEWS

Meeting about move to unitary council A NEW Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Joint Committee has met in Somerset to steer the move to a single unitary council for the county.

The two-hour public meeting was hosted by Mendip District Council at their offices in Shepton Mallet on November 5.

The committee consists of nine members from both district and county councils, including the five Somerset council leaders, plus four Somerset county councillors. Councillor David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council, chaired the meeting and Councillor Val Keitch, Leader of South Somerset District Council, was unanimously elected Vice-Chair.

They discussed terms of reference, programme governance, budget, future meetings and agreed a work programme. The committee also agreed that the name of the new unitary authority, as proposed

The Local Government Reorganisation Joint Committee: from left, Cllr David Fothergill, SCC; Cllr David Hall, SCC; Cllr John Woodman (substitute for Cllr Faye Purbrick, SCC); Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, SW&T; Cllr Ros Wyke, Mendip; Cllr Duncan McGinty, Sedgemoor; Cllr Clare Paul, SCC; Cllr Val Keitch, South Somerset; Cllr Mandy Chilcott, SCC by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), would be ‘Somerset Council’ as of April 1, 2023 (vesting day).

Some matters regarding the draft Structural Changes Order (SCO) – the basic operating and governance principles for transition from five existing councils to the new unitary

council – were deferred to allow for further consultation within individual councils. They included the date of the next elections (either May 2022 or May 2023), plus the proposal that Somerset County Council will be the “continuing authority” for the new council.

Cllr Fothergill said: “This was an historic day for public services

n LETTERS

in Somerset and I’m both honoured and proud to be a part of it along with my county and district colleagues. Collectively we can now focus our efforts on developing a new council that will deliver first rate services for our communities.”

In July of this year the then Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, confirmed that Somerset would move to a single unitary council from April 1, 2023. Since that announcement, the five existing councils in the county, Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset District Councils and Somerset County Council, have been working together on plans for the new council.

All five councils supported the creation of the LGR Joint Committee at their Cabinet or Executive meetings during October.

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk

Respiratory virus to be alert for in young THIS winter doctors predict that more babies and toddlers than ever will catch RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and the latest information from the UK’s public health protection agency, UKHSA, shows that cases of RSV in the South West are on the rise.

RSV is a common, highly infectious virus that usually circulates at this time of year

and causes coughs and colds.

It’s the main cause of breathing difficulties in younger children and while most will only experience mild symptoms, it can lead to more serious respiratory problems in very young children with health conditions or complex medical needs. Now we are mixing more, very young children are at particular risk of getting RSV because they won’t have been exposed to this virus yet, or had the chance to build up a natural immunity to it.

As a charity supporting families with disabled children Contact wants to make sure that all families in the area recognise the signs and symptoms of RSV, how to reduce the risk of their child getting respiratory infections in the first place and to take action early by seeking advice and help from your pharmacy or GP if your child develops breathing problems as a result of the virus. You can find out more about RSV and other winter viruses on our website

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wellsvoice

December 2021

33

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

Film to premiere at charity gala night THE original West Side Story is 60 years old and the new version promises to be even better.

Why? Because it is directed

by Steven Spielberg, who gave us ET, Jurassic Park, three Indiana Jones movies and much more.

His West Side Story premieres in a Gala Evening at Wells Film Centre on Friday, December 10, which is raising money for the Mayor’s Charity – the Wells branch of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tickets are £12.50 via wellsfilmcentre.co.uk or in person at the cinema and include a glass of wine or orange juice, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm performance. n On Christmas Day I am hosting a festive lunch for clients of the Heads Up charity at South Horrington.

The food, drink, presents and crackers are being donated by local businesses or individuals.

But we need more volunteers on the day and beforehand to cook, serve and clear up. If you can help for an hour or two please

email me on p.welch@wells.gov. uk or phone 07715 770454. n Two major transfers of Wells assets back to the city will take place in the next few weeks.

First the sale of the Portway Annexe by Somerset County Council to the city council will be finalised so it can become a community centre for Wells.

Many local organisations are keen to use it.

Second will be the return from Mendip District Council to the city of the Wells Recreation Ground and Bishop’s Barn. The end is in sight following flurries of letters between solicitors and the Charity Commission arranging the transfer of the almost £500,000 trust fund from Mendip to Wells. n Replacement “heritage style” bollards are on order to replace the large, ugly red and white ones laid along Wells Market Place by Somerset County Council.

Philip Welch Mayor of Wells Email: p.welch@wells.gov.uk

There will be a screening of West Side Story in aid of the Mayor’s Charity on December 10, and a festive lunch at Heads Up on Christmas Day

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wellsvoice

December 2021

n NEWS

35

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

A little kindness can go a long way

By Jenny Atkins

The new service was launched at Wells Town Hall in October

Good attendance at business hub launch DOZENS of local businesses attended the launch of the Mendip Business Hub at Wells Town Hall.

The Mendip Business Hub is a new online Mendip District Council service which works with businesses in the district by providing expert advice, guidance, and support. It is a one-stop-shop for information, networking opportunities, consultancy, and events.

Mendip businesses were invited to the launch event to meet the Hub team, network with other businesses, listen to guest speakers and feed back on what they might want and need out of the service.

Guest speakers included representatives from Glastonbury Spring Water, Strode College and the Heart of the South West (HOTSW).

Councillor Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “I was thrilled to see so many businesses taking time out of their day to be at the launch event.

“It was the perfect opportunity to listen and engage with organisations whilst promoting the new council service.

“We are looking forward to prosperous working

relationships with Mendip organisations moving forward.”

Guest speaker David Tucker of Glastonbury Spring Water said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the Business Hub; it’s a great initiative.

“It’s helpful to have a central place for businesses to access support from Mendip District Council.

“Collaboration and working together is so important and the Business Hub facilitates this, which is really promising for businesses like mine.”

Beverley Nash of Nash Marketing, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the launch of the Business Hub. It was well organised and explained perfectly how the Hub is going to benefit all local businesses.

“Having a central point of contact for help, advice, training and support will fill a gap for many businesses. And as business owners, we can all learn faster, smarter and with greater confidence, when we have the support and listening ear of a friendly and engaged business community.

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting more businesses at the next event.”

For more about the Hub, see www.mendip.gov.uk/ businesshub.

Deadline for the January edition: December 13

Got News? Call 07906 499655

NOVEMBER is a month where we celebrate World Kindness Day. Kindness is a type of behaviour marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward.

Kindness doesn’t take much effort but the impact can be incredibly meaningful.

World Kindness Day was created so you could celebrate good deeds on this special day and inspire others to follow your example. On November 13 each year, people from around the world come together to create a chain reaction of compassion by performing random acts of kindness for total strangers.

You don’t even have to leave your house or spend any money, just do something nice for someone else.

In the UK, Kindness Day UK is organised by Kindness UK, a not for profit organisation. Kindness Day UK was launched on November 13, 2010, and has continued to grow in popularity every year with increasing numbers of individuals, schools, charities, institutions and businesses taking part.

A kind person considers the feelings of others, tries to help them and avoids actions that do harm.

When we practice kindness either to other people or towards ourselves we can experience positive mental and physical changes, for example: lowering stress levels and increasing the body’s production of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. When

we show our kindness it has been known to help others to feel good.

Showing kindness allows those in need to know someone is there, for example, taking time to listen, we all need that shoulder to lean on and for some that shoulder is hard to find. Showing kindness helps reduce isolation, which in these present times is a concern. Being able to recognise everyone is different and unique and being kind to a person who is different to you, being kind to a person who perhaps is having a difficult time, not watching someone struggle on alone.

For some, kindness is easier to give, there is an element of learnt behaviour along with expectations and understanding what kindness means. There are times we hope to find kindness, especially when things are not going smoothly and we feel in need, or when we feel in doubt. We can all reflect on how have we shown kindness and who we have received kindness from, and I am sure we can all identify times when we could have shown more kindness.

We can never know what kind of day someone is having, feelings are not visible so shown kindness could have a positive impact when someone is having a bad day. An act of kindness can be small such as holding the door for someone or letting someone go to the till first. Helping someone else can be remarkably rewarding. You never know when you are going to need it yourself. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare.co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

01749 37 21 97

wellsvoice

36

December 2021

n NEWS Free boost to staff training

Words and sound stirring memories PENSIONER Brian Reader has gone back to college at the age of 66 – and loves his new life.

The retired electronic engineer from Wookey Hole is doing a degree in English Literature and Community Engagement at Bristol University.

“It is the most wonderful experience,” said Brian.

“Everyone is very friendly and helpful.”

As part of the course he is reading poetry to clients

Top, Simply Uke! play for free at Heads Up, and above, poetry time with Brian Reader at Heads Up, the mental health charity based at South Horrington. “I was keen to do this as my Mum had dementia and it stimulates memories,” said Brian.

Also stimulating memories at Heads Up are Simply Uke! – a ukulele sextet led by Sue Walker of Wells who get the clients singing along with old favourite songs.

Milestone in delivery of booster and third vaccines in region ONE million people across the South West have now received their Covid-19 booster vaccination or third dose as the roll out continues to protect the country against the virus.

Eligible people have come forward for extra protection offered by the booster since the programme launched just over six weeks ago.

Third doses of the Covid-19 vaccination are given to immunosuppressed individuals 12 years and over who require the additional dose to reduce the risk of them getting seriously ill.

There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies and GP practices.

All eligible care homes in the region have now hosted a vaccine

clinic or have it booked in for the coming weeks, allowing this priority group of people to get their top-up.

Dr Michael Marsh, Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement South West, said: “It is wonderful to see the number of boosters and third doses increasing as we hit another big milestone.

“The booster programme is prioritising the most vulnerable this winter – and so it is vital that anyone who received their second vaccine six months ago come forward as soon as they can.”

Those eligible can now book their appointment five months (152 days) after their second dose. This means that people can pre-book the vaccine for the day they reach the six month

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

milestone. To book visit the national booking system website or call 119.

Walk-in sites are also available for those who received their second dose at least six months (182 days) ago. Visit the NHS website to find a walk-in clinic.

Clinicians have been identifying patients who need a third primary dose due to immunosuppression. The NHS is also writing to patients who may be eligible, so they can talk through their options with their GP or consultant if they have not done so already.

The patient would then take the letter from their consultant or GP to a walk-in vaccination site. Vaccinators will not be able to administer the vaccine without this letter.

SMALL and medium size businesses in Somerset can boost their staff training for free thanks to a new £265,000 project being launched by Somerset County Council in partnership with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN).

Contracts have just been signed with four training providers – Aspire Training, Bridgwater and Taunton College, Hair Academy South West, and Somerset Business Agency – to deliver Skill Up Springboard. It offers businesses in Somerset access to free short courses for employees who are over the age of 18 to improve their skills and potentially climb the career ladder. Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the courses can provide a taster of a new topic area, or gentle (re)introduction to formal learning, via an accredited unit of a full qualification.

The county council successfully bid for around £3 million of ESF funding as part of the wider Somerset Skills for Growth programme and Springboard is the first project being delivered.

For further information on eligibility and the units that are available, contact: hello@ skillupsomerset.org.uk Businesses based in Mendip can also contact Nikki Blackwell: n.blackwell@skillupsomerset. org.uk, 07857 670806.

Last chance to buy memoirs A FORMER shopkeeper in Wells has nearly sold all the copies of his memoirs.

John Barkle is on to a third reprint of Memories of a Village Grocer, and says that there will be no more.

With stocks running low, he has urged people to order a copy of the book – perhaps as a Christmas present – before it is too late. Email villagegrocer2021@outlook.com The cost is £10 + £2 postage, with all profits being donated to Children’s Hospice South West.

John ran Barkle’s Foodstores in Tucker Street and Bath Road with his wife Elizabeth. He now lives in Westbury-sub-Mendip.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

December 2021

37

n NEWS

Glimpse into online routines

Mentors charity awarded £337k

A NEW survey commissioned by Bath-based Truespeed reveals that adults living in the South West will spend on average the equivalent of more than four years of their lives streaming TV shows and films online and just over three years on video calls for work.

According to the national Lifetime of Internet survey of 2,000 adults conducted

by OnePoll, checking emails amounts to a total of two years and four months over the average adult lifetime, while checking social media accounts a further three years.

The survey on behalf of the company – which provides full fibre broadband, and has recently been working in the Wells area – also found that 45 per cent of adults in the South West are already online by 8am on an average day, while 20

PROMISEWORKS, whose volunteer mentors support vulnerable children and young people across Somerset, is celebrating the award of £337,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. This money will enable the charity to help many of the 200 young people currently on its waiting list following a dramatic increase in referrals since the Covid crisis.

Robert Peto, Chair of PROMISEworks, said: “We are thrilled that the importance of our work has been recognised by The National Lottery Community Fund. National Lottery players can feel proud their contribution will help less fortunate families and young people across Somerset. We will also reach out to our local communities to encourage their generousminded volunteers to train with us as mentors.”

The survey showed that mobile phones are used most regularly to access the internet per cent don’t log off until after 11pm.

Although mobile phones (68 per cent) are most regularly used to access the internet, 53 per cent use laptops and 41 per cent opt for their smart TVs.

Top 10 activities an average person spends doing in years on the internet in their lifetime n Watching TV shows/films – 4 years and 2 months n Live streaming sports – 3 years and 3 months n Playing video games – 3 years and 2 months n Online dating – 3 years and 1 month n Making work video calls – 3 years n Listening to podcasts and audio books – 2 years and 9 months n Downloading music – 2 years and 9 months n Online classes and tutorials – 2 years and 9 months n Using social media – 2 years and 9 months n Watching YouTube videos – 2 years and 5 months

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

38

December 2021

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Strides being made on climate issue AS I sit and write this column, COP26 has just arrived to its close. Following two weeks of influential presentations, urgent negotiations and collaborative efforts on an international scale, it is clear the Glasgow Climate Deal is one that will no doubt be crucial to tackling the climate crisis.

Climate change and the environment are topics of great importance to my constituents here in Wells. Due to the high amounts of correspondence I receive on these pressing issues, I regularly engage with fellow Ministers about the steps we are taking as a country as well as the impact on Somerset.

The UK’s commitment to ensuring a game-changing agreement and its desires to reach the best deal possible was showcased by the summit’s extended agenda. More

News from Wells MP James Heappey ‘This climate deal is the first to mention plans to reduce coal’ ambitious targets must now be set by countries to reduce their emissions for 2030, and the crucial part about this pact is that these climate action plans will be published next year.

This accountability is vital if

globally we are going to achieve change.

The Prime Minister admitted the summit’s outcome left him “tinged with disappointment” due to some countries being less willing and ambitious on their climate action plans. Whilst this is true, it is important to note that strides are still being made. For instance, this climate deal is the first to mention plans to reduce coal which is a momentous step.

It is not a secret that some nations are affected disproportionately by climate change, and I believe larger countries and economies have a responsibility to help. The UK is leading the way in this respect; with £55.5 million of new funding for climate change in Pakistan and – of course – the commitment from G7 countries of $100 billion in finance to help

support countries’ transition to net zero. There has also been a lot of discussion about ensuring we reduce the warming of the planet to 1.5 degrees. Whilst this may be challenging, that target is still very much alive and Ministers, scientists and climate experts will work together to do all they can to halt the rate at which our planet is warming.

When the UK took on the COP26 leadership role nearly two years ago, only 30 per cent of the world was covered by net zero targets. This figure is now at around 90 per cent. Over the same period, 154 Parties have submitted new national targets, representing 80 per cent of global emissions.

This should not be underestimated and while there is still so much to do, it is certainly a step in the right direction.

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wellsvoice

December 2021

n IN DAYS GONE BY

With Clare Blackmore

The Claver Morris memorial tablet and bust in the Cathedral cloisters

Records give plenty of food for thought DR Claver Morris was born in 1659 in Dorset. He came to Wells in 1686 having become a doctor in 1683 and practising initially in Salisbury. In 1699 he began building his house in The Liberty in Wells; it took three years to build.

Claver Morris kept a diary and accounts in which he detailed clothes he bought, books he read, journeys he made and everything to do with his household. Within these accounts we can see the daily life of a moderately wealthy man and learn of the types of food and drink that were available and enjoyed in Wells in the 17th century.

His accounts show that his annual bill for liquor was considerable and his food, though simple in character, was ample in quantity.

BREAKFAST was an early meal and Claver Morris often took friends back to breakfast after Matins at 6am. Breakfasts consisted of cold beef or other cold cuts of meat.

DINNER taken at midday rarely went beyond one course and was usually a dish of mutton, beef steaks, a quarter of lamb, a stewed rump of beef, or chicken.

Venison or other types of meat were often sent to him by his country friends: July 6, 1710: “Mrs Cook brought me a roasting pig for a present and she dined with me.”

July 22, 1709: “The Bishop

39

sent me a large, fat haunch of venison from his deer park. I gave his cook 5s who brought it up.”

“Mrs Leigh, Mr Mattocks, Mr Wiltshire and his wife dined with me on an haunch of venison sent to me from the Palace Court and my wife later put it in a pastie.”

FISH was a dish for supper and Morris had a well-stocked fish pond in his country property at Baltonsborough. Morris supped on sturgeon, trout and occasionally “broiled white herrings”.

He provided “Six Mackrels” for which he paid 4d a piece for his friends at a supper which were washed down with “a bowl of the finest punch made after my manner”.

February 2, 1720: “A present of half a Bushel of Oysters went sent to me from Mr Symes of Bridgewater.”

June 1723: “I came home with 12 brace of small carps.”

SUPPER was a more substantial meal. After a “Consort of Music” at his house in July 1726, Morris offered his guests “a cold side of mutton, a cold breast of veal a couple of ox tongues and a ‘gelat’ (jelly) with a bowl of punch, a bottle of claret and many bottles of October ale.”

Morris mentions eating stewed hare, potted venison and a “peck of snails”.

DRINK: Morris’ food was simple as a rule but his liquor was varied, strong and plentiful.

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He made his own beer in his brewhouse and he produced about 700 to 1,000 gallons of strong and light beer a year.

In his diary he mentions: Red Streak Sider brought from Herefordshire; French Claret bought in barrels (one consignment he ordered was seized by customs officers in Crewkerne); Lisbon Wine; Sherry; Sack Wine; Black Cherry Brandy; Brandy and Lemon Juice; Cowslip Wine; Primrose Wine; Mulled Claret.

“I received 40 gallons of French Claret. It was brought to me in ten gallon Rundlers in my nephew Bragges coach.” (Morris’ relations the Bragges were fined £1,200 in 1726 for smuggling.)

“I gave them 3 bottles of my beer which were 9 years old and 8 years in the bottle, it was good and mellow.”

“I sent to my daughter 6 dozen quart bottles of Red Streak Sider, the rest were put in my wine cellar.”

“I put to each pint of the lemon juice squeezed from 7 lemons thrice strained through a flannel bag, 4 pints of French brandy and bottled it being 16 quarts.”

“I pressed out the juice of the lemons I had bought at Somerton and mixed it with twice as much French brandy.”

Tea, Coffee and Chocolate

‘There was rarely mention of nonalcoholic drinks, the only mention being of lemonade and citron water with “lemons brought from Bristowe”’

were infrequent luxuries and often drunk at the coffee houses and meeting places in Wells. His favoured inn was the Mitre Hotel in Sadler Street.

There was rarely mention of non-alcoholic drinks, the only mention being of lemonade and citron water with “lemons brought from Bristowe”.

Morris may have had lime juice as he writes, “I brought 2 lime trees and had them set up in the ovals in my court this evening.”

“I made lemon water mixed with a syrup of violets.”

On June 14, 1724, Morris wanted to “draw” his fish pond and re-stock it, and sent before him a picnic for those who were doing the work.

“I sent thither early a large leg of mutton and a ten penny worth of colliflowers and cabbage and a piece of rough beef, boiled yesterday, a large loaf of bread, a cheese, mustard, vinegar, salt, butter, 3 dozen quarts of bottled October beer, 12 quarts of barrelled October beer, 6 quarts of small beer.”

Claver Morris died on March 19, 1727, aged 67. In July 1726 he began to be seriously ill but continued his ordinary work and practice.

On August 9, 1726, he writes: “I continued ill with my cold and eat only this day a dish of herb porridge and in the evening a dish of chocolate and milk with bread.”

The last dairy entry reads: “I continued kept within doors with my severe cough.”

He was buried in Wells Cathedral behind the High Altar, a slab with CM marks the spot. An elaborate memorial tablet with a bust is now in the Cathedral cloisters.

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

For Prices and Bookings contact the Town Hall Manager- Tel: 01749 673091. e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk

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December 2021

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast welcomes men of all ages to a good English breakfast and a talk by a guest speaker. We meet on the first Saturday of every month except August. There is no formal membership – just book in by answering the monthly email, or by telephone. Meetings are at the Connect Centre and start at 8am, ending at about 9.30am. The cost is £10.

‘The Amazing StreetCred Band’ – our Christmas feature for December 4 – is unfortunately no longer available. Do not despair – there will still be a musical theme and carols to sing.

If you are interested, send an email to wmb.bookings@ btinternet.com or telephone 01749 675312.

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB MORE than 100 members, friends and guests including Councillor Philip Welch, Mayor of Wells, and his wife Caroline met in the Little Theatre on Tuesday, November 9, for the first open meeting in two years.

Floral artist, Arnaud Metairie’s arrangements filled the stage with a variety of designs and colours to make a Winter Wonderland.

A good time was had by all.

Jenny Jones WELLS WI MORE members were in the meeting room at the museum this month, albeit wearing warm coats with windows open to aid ventilation. Others are still joining via Zoom.

President Anne said she would be attending the Somerset AGM the following weekend and collecting programmes for the Christmas Carols at Wells Cathedral. More craft workshops are being booked at Keepers, and the board games night was such a success it will be repeated.

Some members were looking forward to a walking tour of Glastonbury murals.

Our speaker this month was Molly, a local Druid. Molly explained that Druidry is not a religion, but a dynamic spirituality rooted in nature and a love of the earth and creativity.

A small group of Druids becomes

Top, Pamela Egan about to give a talk on The Remarkable Doctor William Turner at the Wells Men’s Breakfast in September 2021; and above, the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, Philip and Caroline Welch, attended the November meeting of Wells Floral Art Club a grove, reflecting a tradition of gathering in forests, participating in meetings knows as moots.

The Glastonbury grove meet at the Glastonbury Tor Avalon orchards. Sometimes they go on pilgrimages to sacred places, like St Agnes Well and the ancient stones at Stanton Drew.

Molly says a Druid’s three main tasks in life are to live fully in the present and try to help others with whom we share the world; to honour our ancestors and traditions; and to hear the voice of tomorrow by being aware of what we are leaving for our descendants.

In her daily life Molly connects with nature by acknowledging sunrise and sunset on rising and retiring and tries to buy local. Other Druids’ way of life varies dependent on their work and family commitments.

Molly answered lots of questions from which we learned that she does wear a robe sometimes to mark the difference between a spiritual time and place, and daily life, and that she is vegan (many Druids are vegetarian, but some eat meat

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occasionally). She ended by reciting the Druid prayer: here in peace and love we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand, mark oh spirits and hear us now, confirming this our sacred vow.

Molly had introduced herself by saying that her idea of the WI was probably just as ill-informed by inaccurate expectations as was ours of the Druids. But, by the end of the evening, we felt privileged to have gained some understanding of Druid philosophy which, with its emphasis on caring for the planet, living sustainably and respecting traditions, seemed eminently relatable and consistent with modern concerns.

Our next meeting will be on December 7. More information can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/Wellssomersetwi Veronica Howe WELLS U3A THE Annual General meeting of Wells u3a was held in November attended by many of their

members who represented the 61 groups available. After the official business, members were able to socialise with each other over coffee, cake and even a glass of fizz.

Just to remind people that u3a stands for the University of the Third age but it welcomes everyone, in particular semiretired or retired people with a bit of spare time who are looking to meet like-minded people or just looking to making friends, especially if they are new to the area.

Our motto is ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’ which sums up what all the groups aspire to. If you join there are activities for all, even if you are not a member of a particular group. All members can attend a monthly talk which we hold at the museum with a vast variety of fascinating speakers – in December members are looking forward to a talk by Adrian Targett on Cheddar’s Saxon Places. In November the speaker was Martin Lloyd, author and broadcaster, whose talk was entitled Passports, Assassins, Traitors and Spies. Wells u3a also offers accompanied annual holidays to a variety of places in the UK, a treat that not all u3as offer.

Many groups are back to meeting in person but taking sensible Covid precautions.

Book Club 2 reports that most of the members of the book group became quite accustomed to meeting on Zoom, but all were looking forward to meeting face to face again once we had found a suitable venue. To help pay for our meeting in the Town Hall we had expanded our group numbers to 12 so our ‘first’ meeting in October included some new members. We had been reading Salley Vickers’ The Cleaner of Chartres, but whether it was the strangeness of the place or the arrangement of the seating, we did not explore our feelings about this book with our usual energy. In November we will be discussing our reactions to A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, but rather than have a whole book to concentrate on over the Christmas period, we are reading a collection of short stories by acclaimed authors of this genre, Murder in Midwinter!

Local History – The November talk was by James Crowden, author of Ciderland (2008), Cider – The Forgotten Miracle (1999), Cider Country

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December 2021

41

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES (2021) among many other titles, James has been making, drinking and exploring cider for decades.

The origins of cider aren’t what you might expect – James traces it from the Almaty Mountains of Central Asia, westward along the silk-road to Asia Minor and into the orchards of ancient Greece and Rome.

Today, cider clubs and smallscale makers keep many local traditions alive in the face of modern industrial commodified cider.

The Theatre Group has started up again now that all the theatres are up and running again. Trips to all the local theatres are being arranged; Bath Theatre Royal, Bristol Hippodrome, and even the Playhouse in Salisbury or to wherever the group fancy a play to see.

Art appreciation studied Anthony Van Dyke’s portrait of Sir John Suckling at the Frick Collection, New York, at their November meeting.

There really is a lot to do if you join Wells u3a. Find out more on our website https:// u3asites.org.uk/wells/home.

Ann Brown and some group leaders WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE NATIONAL TRUST WELLS & District Centre National Trust would like to invite non-members to a lecture

by Paul Atterbury entitled 40 Years of The Antiques Roadshow: A Personal View.

This is being held at Henton Village Hall on Saturday, December 11, at 2pm – £5 per person.

As numbers are limited please contact Diana Keen to reserve your place. Email dianastaceykeen@gmail.com or mobile 07702 658946.

Graham Mottram discussed the evolution of the aircraft carrier in his Wells Civic Society talk. This picture shows Squadron Commander Edwin Dunning landing his Sopwith Pup on HMS Furious in August 1917 penguins and polar bears. It becomes a small challenge to locate a packet of sweet peas or a pair of gardening gloves.

Quite why a blanket of whiteness should be the dominant and obligatory colour demanded by the commercial sector seems a little puzzling. After all, the climate is warming up and the danger is to swelter selfindulgently in front of the cosy fireside.

Enough of whiteness. Let us peer into the garden for the real winter colours. Winter is becoming greener and fruits are getting redder. Those are the real Christmas colours which we can see through the window. Time, then, to bring the winter garden into the house.

Last year I complained that the cotoneaster watereri in the front garden bore very few fruits. This season it is excelling itself in providing a hugely decorative backdrop outside the window outclassing any further attempts to enliven the festive season.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Christmas comes… but once a year… is enough.

HAVING behaved quite sensibly throughout the previous three seasons, garden centres at the end of the year throw off all appearances of reality and dress up in baubles and flashing lights amid a landscape of snowstorms,

A bright display from the cotoneaster watereri

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Perhaps just a touch of bling.

After all, Christmas would not be Christmas without a bit of vulgarity.

What happens after the fun is still anybody’s guess. On paper the Gardening Club has an event pencilled in for January but things still look uncertain. There is a first rate series of lectures and events waiting to be given the go-ahead. All I would say is to ask you to be patient and keep on gardening. All good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

But know the best season to laugh and to sing Is summer, is winter, is autumn, is spring.

Old song Pip Harwood WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY “NOW is the winter of our discontent.” It may well have been for Richard III, according to the Bard of Stratford, but not for Chris Winter, chair of Wells Civic Society, who was pleased to welcome members not only to their first meeting of the winter season, but to their first meeting for many a long month, thanks to the pandemic.

The speaker’s first slide would have puzzled many people. It was Fly Navy. No doubt this could sound a contradiction in terms, but us locals, of course, know at least something of the Fleet Air Arm, and its museum at Yeovilton. Not only that, the

presenter was Graham Mottram, former museum director and now chair of the Friends of the Museum. His theme was essentially the history of the concept and practicalities of enabling aircraft, particularly ones that were heavier than air, to take off from and land on a moving vessel at sea, something which in the early 1900s had never been done; indeed, the aeroplane had only just been invented. The First World War increased the impetus, and the strategy grew that aircraft could work with the fleet at sea, and ships and aircraft could combine operationally.

Following experiments with flying boats and sea planes, 1917 saw the advent of the first aircraft carrier: that is to say, the converted battle cruiser Furious became recognisable as an aircraft carrier, although its funnel and bridge remained in the centre of the deck. But this was the start, and the Royal Navy gave the aircraft carrier to the rest of the world.

And so things progressed, with aircraft carriers proving invaluable in war and also in peace, guarding our trade routes.

Technology was experimented with. There was even an aircraft carrying submarine, with a film to prove that such a thing did exist. There were different methods tried so that aircraft could take off from the decks more effectively and safely; there was a steam powered catapult, so that a plane could take to the air from only a 75m deck, where it achieved 100mph at take-off.

The aircraft changed dramatically. By 1945, jet aircraft could utilise aircraft carriers.

Then came fighting helicopters, then vertical take-off planes until, within only 100 years, we now have the modern aircraft carrier, the remarkable HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The next meeting will be at 7pm on Wednesday, December 1, which will, in fact, be the annual Christmas social event.

Non-members and friends are also very welcome to come for light seasonal refreshments.

There is no charge and it will be in the large room of the Wells Museum, Cathedral Green. For more details of this or the civic society, please contact Chris at chris.f.winter@btinternet.com or go to www.wellscivicsociety. org.uk.

Richard Hanks

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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42

December 2021

n WHAT’S ON

Attraction offering chance to experience Victorian Christmas

THIS December, visitors to Brunel’s SS Great Britain are being invited to celebrate a very festive Victorian Christmas each weekend.

They can step back in time and experience the historic dockyard in Bristol transformed with seasonal greenery and even falling snow for the festive season.

They will be able to meet characters from the Ragged Victorians living history group, pose for a photo with Mr Brunel and discover the delights of a Victorian Christmas.

There are plenty of surprises on board, too. As they wander, they can take in the smells of marzipan and Christmas pudding and admire

the traditional handmade decorations which adorn the saloons and cabins. They might even spot a very special guest as they explore the ship. For the first time ever, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is welcoming Father Christmas to the site. If they wish, visitors will be able to stop him for a story about Victorian Christmas traditions, or perhaps want to find out why he is dressed in green.

The Victorian Christmas Weekends will take place on December 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19.

Tickets can be bought and time slots booked online at ssgreatbritain.org The SS Great Britain is at Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY.

Visitors to the SS Great Britain will be able to meet Father Christmas on the site for the first time as they are transported back to the Victorian era

4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 DECEMBER

MEET

FESTIVE

VICTORIAN

SCENTS

IN THE

BESPOKE

DOCKYARD

DECORATIONS

ENJOY

SPOT OLD

FOOD &

CHRISTMAS

CHARACTERS

SNOWY

FESTIVE

DRINK

AND

HANDMADE

FATHER

AND MR BRUNEL

Buy tickets and book your timeslot online to avoid disappointment

ssgreatbritain.org/christmas

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

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wellsvoice

December 2021

43

n WHAT’S ON Traditional family entertainment WELLS Little Theatre is presenting the traditional family pantomime Cinderella this year.

Cinderella is trying to earn enough money to move out of Hardup Hall, so she can escape her horrible stepmother Malaria and two unpleasant stepsisters, Rubella and Scarletina. When she meets a very Charming stranger in the woods, things start to look up, but will she ever make it to the ball?

Tickets are now on sale on the website www.wellslittletheatre. com and will be online only until the week of the show. Tickets are £14 for normal and £11 for concession.

The physical box office will also be open from 6.45pm on performance nights and 1.45pm for matinees.

The show dates are December 11 (2.30pm), 12 (2.30pm), 14 (7.30pm), 15 (7.30pm), 16 (7.30pm), 17 (7.30pm) and 18 (2.30pm and 7.30pm).

Craft sessions for children at museum

way to return to the concert platform.”

Entrance will be free with a retiring collection.

Christmas concert THE Wells City Band Christmas Concert will take place in Wells Town Hall on Saturday, December 18, at 7pm. Tickets to be picked up on the door – ring Jane Hill on 01749 675668 to reserve.

The band will be performing carols at Crandon Springs on Glastonbury Road on Friday, December 3, from 6.30pm-7pm, and in the chapel at The Bishop’s Palace on Sunday, December 19, from 1pm-3pm.

Bingo evening From left: Zoe Davis as Prince Charming, Elisha Webster as Cinderella, Adam Lanfranchi as Rubella and Jonathan Miller as Scarletina Picture: Greg Trezise

to book, just come along on the day.”

Admission prices apply: adults £4, children £1.

Society to perform Handel’s Messiah

THIS Christmas, the Wells & Mendip Museum would like to welcome children and their families back to rediscover the collections and join in with its Christmassy craft sessions.

Family Christmas Craft Days are being held on Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, from 10am to 4pm.

The museum says: “There is nothing more enjoyable than making seasonal decorations and keepsakes together so no need

WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society is singing again, and is preparing for an afternoon performance of Handel’s Messiah.

The concert will take place at Wells Cathedral on Saturday, December 4, at 1pm, featuring as soloists Natalie CliftonGriffith (soprano), Simon Clulow

TAI CHI

th Tai Chi Heal

Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 6.30pm – 7.30pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886

(countertenor), Matthew Minter (tenor), and William Drakett (bass).

The choir will be accompanied by the Music for Awhile String Quintet, with the society’s accompanist, Adam Wilson, playing continuo organ.

Jeremy Cole, Musical Director of WCOS, said: “The last 18 months have been trying and difficult for the Oratorio Society, and the members have been so patient in waiting to return to their singing.

“I’m thrilled that we are back rehearsing together again, and this afternoon performance of Messiah will be a wonderful

Jan

GLOBE Carnival Club is holding a Christmas Bingo evening at Croscombe Village Hall on Wednesday, December 15.

There will be some super prizes and a £100 Prize Bonanza game. Doors open at 6.45pm, eyes down 7.30pm.

Festive exhibition ANDELLI Art’s annual festive exhibition Wish List opens on Thursday, December 2.

The South Horrington art gallery will be showcasing a range of work from contemporary and 20th century art to ceramics, collectibles and sculpture.

The exhibition runs from December 2-23. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (other times by appointment: 01749 572373 / 07790 030506).

2022 YOGA CLASSES

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE TRENDY, BENDY OR ZEN FOR YOGA Wednesday, Easton Village Hall 5.30pm Gentle Yoga & 7.00pm Everyone class Thursday, Methodist Church, Southover, Wells 9.30am & 5.30pm Beginners classes

n DO YOU WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT? If you want to ensure your event is included and gets attention, we will print it with a colour background like this from just £7 + VAT. Find out more by emailing sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Friday, Blue School Sports Centre, Wells 5.30pm & 7.00pm Everyone classes

£ 7.00

per 1 hour class

TO BOOK A TOPLACE BOOK A PLACEJANESTATONYOGA@GMAIL.COM JANESTATONYOGA@GMAIL.COM 07951 313917 07951 313917 WWW.JANESTATONYOGA.CO.UK WWW.JANESTATONYOGA.CO.UK

JANE STATON YOGA

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December 2021

n WHAT’S ON Church displaying crib sets and angels

at uk.patronbase.com/_ WellsEvents/Productions/3SG/ Performances

THERE is a Crib Festival taking place in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, in December, and once again organisers would welcome crib sets and angels to add to the display. Many sets have a story to tell. People may remember the baby on the biscuit, which was shown on TV. The event will be a spectacle of colour, music, seasonal refreshments and children’s activities. There is ‘dressing up’ for children so that parents can take that special Christmas photograph. A new layout has been designed to assist the wellbeing of visitors.

The Crib Festival will take place from Friday, December 10, to Sunday, December 12, 10am-4pm, with a later start of 11.30am on Sunday.

Admission £2.50 per adult, children free. For further details contact St Cuthbert’s Church, 01749 676906, email office@ stcuthbertswells.co.uk

Christmas Fair A CHRISTMAS Fair is being held at Wookey Church Hall on Saturday, December 4, from 9am-noon. There will be lots of stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas trees for sale, refreshments and a raffle on what will be a very festive morning.

Return of PilogaFit PILOGAFIT with John Beasley will start back at the Connect Centre on Friday, December 10, from 11am to noon, and will be simultaneously Zoomed.

The price for this class is £5, drop in, pay as you go.

A Health Tai Chi class is also being being planned for Henton Village Hall in the near future.

The Crib Festival at St Cuthbert’s Church will take place from December 1012, and organisers would welcome more crib sets and angels to display

Night to get festive celebrations started

Your advert could be here!

To advertise in your local publication Contact Andy on

01749 675157 Or email

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To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

THE Wellensian Consort will be giving their third annual Christmas Concert at St Cuthbert’s Church on Saturday, December 18, at 8pm.

The Consort will be performing traditional choral favourites that evoke memories of Christmases past, juxtaposed with contemporary arrangements to get the festive celebrations started.

There will be free festive refreshments after the concert from the Wellensian Association and Wells Cathedral School Foundation.

To buy tickets (priced £15), see uk.patronbase.com/_ WellsEvents/Productions/3SH/ Performances

ABBA music special THE ABBA Sensation Christmas Show is taking place at Cedars Hall on Wednesday, December 15, at 7.30pm. From Waterloo to Dancing Queen, it provides a chance to experience all of ABBA’s greatest hits with plenty of audience participation and sing-a-long moments.

Tickets are £20. More

Shared reading PEOPLE are invited to “be part of a bigger story” by attending sessions of the Shared Reading group that meets every Friday at Wells Library in Union Street from 2pm-3.30pm.

Anyone interested can just drop in and enjoy listening to a story and poems – there is no need to book in advance and no pressure to talk or read.

More information is available online at www.thereader.org.uk

Table tennis nights 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

Board game dates WELLS Board Game Group will meet at the Globe Inn, Wells, on December 1 and December 15 from 7pm-9.30pm.

Dance club sessions WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club sessions will take place at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm until December 15.

Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.

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December 2021

45

n SPORT

Lifetime membership for dedicated player TENNIS BRIAN Smith, aged 80, has been granted a lifetime membership of Wells Tennis Club for his years of dedication to the club.

Brian started playing as a teenager in London on public courts and then for The Royal Dental Hospital when he was a student. He took up the sport again in his 40s, joining the club in response to an advert for coaching. Brian and his wife Tasha have been members ever since and Tasha has been the club’s president since 2015.

When Brian started, the club had 60 members. Today, 360 people play at the courts on Rowdens Road, both socially and for league competition.

Brian said: “I think that the best thing about tennis, apart from the usual ‘keeping you fit’, is that it is a sport that can be played for most of your life, so long as your knees hold out.

“I simply keep playing

because I enjoy it and enjoy the company of the people I play with. I don’t like sports heroes but I do have tremendous respect for Arthur Ashe, who overcame huge obstacles to become the first black player in the US Davis Cup team and the only black man to ever win Wimbledon.

“To have been awarded the lifetime membership is very humbling and I am very grateful and hope that I shall be able to continue to be of some use to the club.”

Club chair Colin Blatchford said: “Brian has been involved with so much in the club over the years, it’s difficult to list everything he has done for the members. He is still as friendly and helpful as ever, and certainly helped me when I first started playing tennis at Wells.

“Thanks Brian, you deserve this recognition. Keep drinking the red wine and it’ll be good to keep playing with you for many years to come.”

Brian Smith: ‘I keep playing because I enjoy it and enjoy the company of the people I play with’

Juniors come out on top in close-fought Cyder Cup battle GOLF THE Cyder Cup is a trophy presented to Mendip Golf Club by Director of Golf Stuart Disney. This year it was played for by four teams of six, each representing a section of the club. It was a stableford event with all scores counting. A very closely fought battle resulted in a win for the Juniors by just two points from the Men with the Seniors third by another two points with the Ladies fourth.

Mendip held another very successful Open Bowmaker which attracted a full house entry of 93 players, the majority of whom were visitors. The winning visitors team with 78 points came from Yeovil.

The winning Mendip team with a best score of the day of 79 were Nigel Jarvis/Kelvin Lum/ Derek Strudwick.

The Men’s Texas Scramble

The Mendip Junior Team, recent winners of the Cyder Cup competition: Connie Cox, Henry Lewer, Grant Jeffrey, Junior Captain John Seviour, Alec Roberts and Thomas Richardson saw 90 competing and an incredibly tight finish. A triple count back on net 58 saw a win for Chad Patel/Robert Ware/ Andrew Wells.

The Ladies Arizona Shuffle saw 40 Ladies competing. The clear winners were the low handicap team of Jenny Merrett/

Edwina Willis/Lyn Vowles who were supported by young Ffion Richardson who had a fine 78 points.

The Alliance B Team completed their fixtures in what has, for various reasons, been a very challenging year. Their last match was away to Saltford

where they gained a fighting halved match with wins for Anita Butcher and Lulu Carolan and a half gained by Elaine P Richardson.

Ninety-nine Seniors played in the last of the OOM competitions for the season and were faced with their first taste of real autumnal weather, temperatures in single figures and a swirling wind. However a few coped better than the majority. Division 1 went to Simon Brand with 38 points. Divison 2 saw an excellent 42 points from Justin May. The Veterans Division was won by John Sewart with 33 points.

The Seniors entertained Yeovil and in the main managed to dodge the heavy showers.

However the visitors were victorious 4-2 with the home points being secured by Steve Davis/Norman Squire and Alan Snow/Martin Sutherland.

Send your local sports reports and photos to sport@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

46

December 2021

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.

2 4 3 4 7 9 1 6 8 5

For younger readers

5

1 8

3 6

2 2 4 9 9

Theme: Christmas 2

3 4

5

6

7

9

8

10

Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

Across 1 6279 (4) 4 7827 (4) 5 466 (3) 6 2223 (4) 7 63779 (5) 9 347 (3) 10 4659 (4)

Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

Down 1 6244 (4) 2 73463337 (8) 3 8733 (4) 6 24784 (5) 8 489 (3)

3 1 4

Txtpert

M A R Y T E S T A R A I E G B A B E I N N D I M E R R Y I E T V H O L Y R

Txtpert

I

2

1

Christmas Jokes Cards These little Christmas joke cards are designed to be tucked into home-made Christmas crackers but you can use them in all sorts of ways. Pop them into a lunch box, perhaps? Make a treasure hunt and see who can collect the most. Punch a hole in one corner and use them as an original gift tag? Or just hand them out in the classroom for some reading practice with a giggle!

F

7 3

9

2

The free community newspaper at the heart of everything local

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wellsvoice

December 2021

47

n NEWS

AERIALS

local

services

Affordable Prices - Reliable Service

Somerset County Council’s fleet of 23 gritters is ready to be mobilised, and salt barns across Somerset are fully stocked Picture: Will Badman Photography

Gritting teams on standby for colder weather AS days become shorter and nights chillier, Somerset County Council’s fleet of 23 gritters is ready to be mobilised as soon as the temperature drops below zero in coming months.

Salt barns across Somerset are fully stocked and the team is on standby to treat 900 miles of road when the mercury plummets.

Last year the fleet of nearly two dozen gritters went out on 66 occasions when freezing temperatures were forecast, covering 70,200 miles help prevent ice forming with 1,842 route actions in total – a significant increase from previous years.

This year the fleet is being bolstered with 20 new snow blowers, four new snow ploughs and there are three extra weather stations to signal cold weather warnings.

“Our dedicated teams are ready to spring into action when needed after working hard throughout the year to make sure our salt is stocked and our equipment is checked,” said Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways.

“Be assured they’re checking the forecasts every day to ensure gritters go out whenever road surface temperatures drop, and frost or snow is anticipated.”

More than a fifth of Somerset’s roads are treated. The council’s main priority is to keep the busiest routes clear whenever ice or snow is expected. The priority is roads that link major towns, villages and communities on high ground and the important routes across the county for long-distance travel.

Gritting is carried out when road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below 1C and ice or snow is expected.

Precautionary gritting normally takes place before the formation of ice – so that generally means the teams are out in the evening or early morning.

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5-21

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