Wells Voice December 2022

Launch of bid to save pub for community

AN attempt is being made to save The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, for the community.

The pub has been empty since landlords Rob and Karen Rouse retired in June 2021, and there has been speculation that the site might be redeveloped for housing. Work has recently been undertaken to clear trees from the pub garden.

The Britannia was part of the Wellington Pub Company chain, and is currently being offered for sale by the Caldecotte Group with a guide price of £350,000.

Now Councillor Theo Butt Philip is leading a campaign to have The Brit, as it is affectionately known, registered as an asset of community value by Mendip District Council. Being registered would protect it from being sold or demolished for a period of six months, giving the community time to try to raise the funds to buy the pub.

“It was a very popular pub,” said Cllr Butt Philip, who is a city

New bishop offers symbolic saplings

THE 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, gifted 1,000 tree saplings to guests attending the Service of Welcome and Installation at Wells Cathedral on November 12.

The hazel saplings are a symbol of a commitment to everyone to turn words into action. Preaching on the reading from the Book of Acts, Bishop Michael said in his sermon that his gift was an example of just one of the things people can do to bring about the harvest of God’s life into God’s world.

Attendees also received information on where best to plant the sapling as well as updates on the environmental work of churches in Bath and Wells.

For the service Bishop Michael wore the Coronation Cope; originally commissioned for the Coronation of HRH Edward VII in 1902, and worn by the Bishops of Bath and Wells at the three subsequent coronations, his Oath of Allegiance to the King was taken on Bishop Robert Creyghtone’s Bible which dates back to 1633, and he received the 15th-century episcopal ring.

Representatives from every parish across Bath and Wells attended the service, clergy, lay representatives and guests from local schools, businesses, and civic society. All were encouraged by Bishop Michael to “be people who long for a harvest – a world transformed into a place of peace, fairness, service, justice, loving-kindness”.

Bishop Michael said: “As we’ve heard so much in the last few days, amongst the biggest challenges we face as citizens of the earth is the climate catastrophe that advances upon us. So as an example of just one of the things we can do to bring about the harvest of God’s life into God’s world, I invite you to take home from this place – a sapling. A hazel that

a sapling as a sign that under God each of us, in every place, can play our part in working for change, for transformation, for life. Small actions that when we undertake them together make a big difference.”

Bishop Michael used different modes of transport to get to the service. Starting at Bath Abbey, he set out on foot to catch the bus to Odd Down Park & Ride. From there he travelled by car to Peasedown St John before swapping to an electric bike to ride through the village to the Hive Community Centre. After meeting members of the local community, the local PCSO then took Bishop Michael in his police car to Stratton-on-theFosse, where he then swapped to a tractor to take him to meet staff at the Mulberry factory in Chilcompton. For the final leg of the journey to Wells, local haulage firm Massey Wilcox provided a vintage lorry.

The Rt Rev Michael Beasley was installed as the the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells on November 12

‘People need to believe that Britannia

and county councillor. “What I really want to do is protect it for the community. I think it’s important that that side of Wells has a community facility.”

He will be putting forward a proposal at the Wells City Council meeting on November 24 for the city council to submit an asset of community value application. The city council would not ultimately buy the pub – like it did with the Portway Annexe – but as a parish council, it has the right to put something forward for consideration.

“I’d love The Britannia to be a community pub. No community pub has ever closed – it works because it has the support of the community,” said Cllr Butt Philip.

He added: “If someone wants to buy The Britannia and use it as a pub again, I’ve got no problem with that. There’s a

huge potential catchment area. It closed because the landlords decided to retire, not because it wasn’t a successful pub.”

The Britannia has two bar areas, a large function room with a skittle alley, a car park and a large garden at the rear.

“You could make it into something absolutely

spectacular. It’s got huge potential,” said Cllr Butt Philip. “People want to save it. What the campaign wants now is leadership. People need to believe it can be done.

“When you lose an asset like that in a place like that you’re not going to get it back and that would be a shame.”

Anthony Prakel, the owner of City News on Wells High Street, was once interested in running The Britannia himself with his partner, who used to work there. He is very supportive of the idea of forming a community group to try to buy the pub. He said: “I think it’s a great idea for The Britannia Inn, especially as

Inn can be saved’

up that way it’s the only thing there for most people. I’m sure the regulars would love to see it back open too. I would be happy to be a part of the community buying the pub to restore it to its glory of what it used to be. I hope all goes well for The Brit and things work out and would love to be a part of that.”

The suggestion of applying for The Britannia Inn to be registered as an asset of community value was discussed briefly at the Wells City Council meeting on October 27.

Town Clerk Steve Luck told the meeting that Cllr Butt Philip – who was unable to attend that evening – would like to get the council’s backing for the proposal.

Mr Luck said that unlike the Portway Annexe, which the council had succeeded in getting listed before buying it, the council would not be buying the pub, but listing it would give the

public a chance to try to save it if they want to.

“A lot of people in Wells would like to save it,” he said, but he told councillors that a really good case would need to be made to have the building listed.

James Sturgess, who deals with property sales at the Caldecotte Group, said that there have been a number of enquiries about The Britannia, and he is hoping to arrange a viewing session there in the next week or two. “We have had some developer interest in it,” he said.

He said that he would be happy to talk to a community group if one is formed, and the pub is listed as an asset of community value: “If there’s a community group interested, they can get in touch.”

People who would like to show their support for saving The Britannia can contact Cllr Butt Philip by emailing theo@ buttphilip.com

Mayor picks his Christmas cards

MAYOR of Wells Stewart Cursley had a difficult job picking the winners in his Christmas card competition. The three he chose, that will be used as his official cards this Christmas, were designed by Elsie from Stoberry Park School (4-7 age group), Alana from Wells Cathedral School (7-9) and Safiya from Stoberry Park School (9-11).

“I’m sure the cards will brighten Christmas for the people who receive them,” said Stewart.

All of the competition entries will be displayed in the Town Hall from December 5.

Mayor Stewart Cursley with the winning cards; the cards are also pictured above with the runners-up

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n NEWS

Return of networking meetings

BUSINESS networking in Wells is up and running again with the relaunch of the popular Coffee and Croissants meetings.

Tickets are available via links on the website: www. coffeeandcroissants.net

Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice A member of the Independent Community News Network

Coffeeandcroissants.net has brought together businesses large and small in a relaxed and friendly environment since 2013, there is no membership fee, and no obligation to attend every meeting.

“Business networking is a tried and tested method of bringing your business new contacts and contracts, with the added bonus of keeping local money in the local economy,” said organiser Judith Ludovino.

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Cafe Twenty One in Market Place will be the hosts again on Wednesday, December 14, from 9am to 10.30am, when there will be exclusive use of the upstairs room.

For those who would like to attend, booking is essential.

“Coffee and Croissants is a ‘no pressure’ environment, you will be asked to introduce yourself to the group, but there is no expectation to do a one-minute pitch, or anything stressful.”

For more information, email coffeeandcroissants88@gmail. com

PUBLISHER’S

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

Sale of Old Deanery completed

THE sale of The Old Deanery has now been completed – although no details have been revealed about the purchaser.

The Diocese of Bath and Wells told Wells Voice: “We can confirm that the sale of The Old Deanery has now been completed. Details of the sale remain confidential and as such we are not able to comment further.”

The Grade I listed building on Cathedral Green was put up for sale by the Diocese when it decided to relocate its offices, and was being marketed by Savills earlier this year with offers invited in excess of £1.1 million. A planning application has been submitted to Mendip District Council for the change of use of The Old Deanery from commercial to residential.

Four featured Learning role

FOUR lawyers from Mogers Drewett have been featured in the new Chambers UK 2023 Guide, for their contribution in their respective practices. They include Jonathan Cheal and Victoria Cobham, who are based in the firm’s Wells office.

WELLS & Mendip Museum is aiming to expand its education and outreach programme by recruiting a Volunteer Learning Officer. People interested in finding out more can call 01749 673477 or email curator@ wellsmuseum.org.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

The Samba entry by Wells carnival club Globe CC seen at Bridgwater Carnival on November 5. Wells Carnival was taking place on November 18.

Plea to point visitors in right direction

A LOCAL councillor has asked Wookey Hole Caves to warn its customers against satnav navigation devices as too many visitors are getting lost and confused in village lanes. Parish councillor Paul Cannon, who lives at Lower Milton, said he and his neighbours have to redirect scores of Caves-goers every year.

“Phone-based navigation apps can fail locally as the signal on some networks is patchy. But even those using GPS systems have trouble and many end up at our door or in the farmyard next to us,” he said.

Paul’s wife, Julie, recalls having to calm down a distressed woman taking her children to the Caves. “Her phone signal had dropped out and she had no idea where she was,” said Julie. “It must have been very scary for her having to knock on a stranger’s door in the middle of nowhere.”

A BBC West television crew on their way to do a story at the

Caves also had to be redirected. Reporter Pam Caufield and camera operator Anthony Ward were rescued by Paul. “They had a high-tech vehicle capable of beaming TV pictures to space and back but they still got lost,” he said.

He has now asked the Caves to include satnav warnings on their website and promotional material. “Other rural attractions

do this,” he said. “It can’t be good business practice to have visitors arrive stressed and grumpy from a nightmare journey.”

The two main routes into Wookey Hole lead from the primary road network at Wells and Haybridge. But there are five back lanes, all single track, and the evidence is that these are being used by increasing volumes of Caves traffic.

Local parish councillors and residents have conducted surveys with the aid of cameras supplied by Somerset Highways. As a result one extra sign has been put in to deter Caves visitors from the west from leaving the A371 at Easton and using a narrow back road.

But Cllr Cannon thinks that standard tourist direction signs may not be bold enough in the age of satnav. “I note that Cornwall Council has put up big yellow warning signs on the A30. They say ‘ignore satnav – local

road network unsuitable’. But ultimately I think the Caves could relieve some of the village satnav problems by better informing their visitors before they travel and as they leave.”

He is also worried about safety in the run up to the Christmas peak. “Some backroad routes are steep, untreated and ice up in cold snaps. I fear that some midwinter visitors may suffer a sleigh ride they hadn’t bargained for on their way to Santa’s grotto.”

Chris Goodchild, the General Manager at Wookey Hole Caves, said that the attraction does its best to make it clear to visitors how to get there, with directions on the website, maps, leaflets and other publicity material, and advice to follow the main roads and the brown tourist signs.

“It’s something we are trying to work on,” he said, but added that they are at the mercy of the satnav technology to some extent.

Two vehicles have a close encounter on the back road to Wookey Hole Caves from Wells

Chamber to run loyalty scheme

WELLS Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is to take over the running of Wells Loyalty League – and every business that is a member of the Chamber or joins from now on will automatically become a member of the loyalty shopping scheme as well.

Likewise, all those already in the loyalty scheme will become members of the Chamber.

Wells Loyalty League rewards shoppers who spend with league members by giving them entry into a regular prize draw once they have £100 worth of stamps on their loyalty card, which retailers stamp with the value of their purchases.

Winners of the draw are given five £10 vouchers to spend at businesses run by league members.

The scheme has been administered by a handful of volunteers, but now it is to be run by the Chamber of Commerce, and will continue to

run as usual until next year. The Chamber will then work towards a relaunch of the scheme.

“This is an exciting development for Wells,” said Chamber Chairman Sean Sloan.

“We can bring our expertise to bear in making sure that the loyalty shopping scheme is even better supported and more successful.

“By automatically enrolling businesses that become members of the Chamber into the loyalty scheme – at no extra cost – it also provides a significant extra benefit for joining the Chamber, which is already a powerful voice for promoting the interests of its members, as well as the wider community.

“The monthly meetings are particularly useful as a forum for discussing issues of concern, listening to some interesting speakers, and networking.”

He added: “Thank you to Steve and Alison Luck for running the loyalty scheme so well for the past two years.”

Annual membership of the Chamber costs £50. The next Chamber meeting will be at the Old Mill offices, Cathedral Avenue, Wells, on Monday, December 5, at 6pm.

For more details, contact Sean by calling 01749 673388.

More stalls at festive market

THE Wells Christmas Market will run on Saturday, December 17, from 9am-3pm.

Alongside the regular Saturday market there will be an additional offering of stalls on the Bishop’s Palace Green.

More than 100 traders will fill Wells Market Place and the Bishop’s Palace Green with festive stalls, offering a range of gifts, crafts and food and drink produce, giving shoppers and visitors to the city the chance to pick up some gifts and indulgent treats for the festive period.

Legion AGM

THE Wells Branch Royal British Legion is holding its AGM at The Venue, South Street, Wells, on Monday, November 28, at 7pm. All are welcome to attend, and the branch would always welcome more volunteers.

u Remembrance, pages 24&25

The Chairman of Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Sean Sloan

support during the lockdowns not only from the words of encouragement but also for those who kindly donated through our Just Giving page and sponsoring a seat,” said Sally Cooper. She added that she is delighted that customers are returning since the pandemic, but says that there is still a need of support to get to pre-2020 levels.

Sally said: “The line-up of films for 2023 is the best it’s been in years, we are pleased to be able to continue to offer a range of products and screenings like our popular Tea Matinees which include tea, coffee and biscuits, Autism Friendly Shows and our annual outdoor screenings at The Bishop’s Palace, and cannot wait to reintroduce, in 2023, Event Cinema, Wednesday morning Tea Matinees, Tiny Tuesdays and Saturday Morning family shows.

“Times change but what won’t change is our passion and love of cinema.”

For further information on the Film Centre, including film times, visit www.wellsfilmcentre. co.uk

Cinema’s 30 years of movie magic

WELLS Film Centre is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Over the past 30 years, the Film Centre has continued to supply blockbuster and arthouse films to the City of Wells and the surrounding area.

Derek Cooper and his wife June, along with members of their family, opened a onescreen cinema on November 27, 1992, with the film The Last of the Mohicans, the first time a brand-new film had been shown on release date in Wells for many years.

Since then, the Film Centre

has played host to many different events, from charity gala screenings for local and national charities, Q&As with stars in attendance and not least the local premiere of locally filmed Hot Fuzz in 2007.

During these 30 years, it has grown from a single screen to three screens, and on October 4, 2011, it saw another change when it went from the labour intensive 35mm film to the much more flexible and HD quality digital age.

After 20 years of running the Film Centre – in Princes Road – Derek and June retired and one of their daughters, Sally, took over the business. She has continued to operate with the help of her sisters and a dedicated team of local staff.

The biggest challenge over the years for the cinema has been to make it through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It really has been a tough few years, we are so grateful to our customers for their

Derek Cooper in the 1990s with a 35mm film projector; a view of the Film Centre when Derek and family members first took it on in 1992; and one of the screens in the Film Centre today

Christmas concerts to be highlights of interesting month

It is a busy time at the Wells Contemporary Music Centre, report the Wells Rocks team

IT is great to see the music scene at the Portway Annexe growing and becoming more diverse. December looks like being a particularly interesting month, with more opportunities for musicians and their families to get involved.

proceeds will be used to provide equipment for the community’s new contemporary music centre.

Creative writing competition

Wells Rocks’ Christmas concert line up

What a great line up of local talent has been brought together for a Christmas fundraising concert to benefit the Wells Contemporary Music Centre at the Portway Annexe. The Portraits are heading the bill, with very special guests, Urban Creatures, Ciara Mill, Rob Bray and the Knott Brothers. The concert will run from 6pm on Friday, December 2. Tickets, including a mince pie and a festive drink, are on sale at www. theportraitsmusic.com/live, for £10 each (+ 70p booking fee). There will be a licensed bar. Wells Rocks thanks the musicians and other volunteers for making this event happen. All

The Portway Music School is running a creative writing competition aimed at young people in education. Participants are asked to write a short poem or text about “what Christmas is” to them. The winner will have the opportunity to perform their text or poem at the Contemporary Christmas Carol Concert. The submission deadline is December 1. All entries should be sent to jamespacker1@hotmail.co.uk

Contemporary Christmas Carol Concert at Portway Annexe

A concert with a difference –the Portway Music School is organising an alternative Christmas carol concert on

December 9. An upbeat

Dixieland band will be performing a selection of Christmas songs for the audience to sing along to with the PRP Contemporary Choir. Pre-show festivities will kick off at 6.30pm. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children. For ticket information contact James at jamespacker1@ hotmail.co.uk

Electronic music makers

A new monthly meeting of electronic music makers is getting going at the Wells Contemporary Music Centre. If you are interested in being involved, drop us a line at info@ wellsrocks.org and you will be put in touch with the organiser.

Wells Djembe Circle

The popular djembe drumming session are benefitting from a grant from Wells City Council that is providing some additional drums for the group. This means you do not need one to go along

and try it out. Sessions are running on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. Go along and give it a try.

What would you like to do?

The range of activities is growing organically. A music school, choirs, drum groups, rock jams, electronic music, band rehearsals, people dropping in to play a real piano or an acoustic drum kit, blues guitar workshops, individual music lessons and even concerts are all happening. If you would like to start something, get in touch through info@wellsrocks.org to develop ideas or get started by contacting comms@wells.go.uk to book a room. Become part of this new and dynamic music scene.

n Wells Rocks is a voluntary, not-for-profit, organisation that supports the development of the Wells Contemporary Music Centre.

Wells Djembe Circle now has some additional drums

Jeremy and Lorraine Millington of The Portraits with their French violinist Vincent Imbert. The Portraits are heading the bill at the the Christmas concert for Wells Contemporary Music Centre on December 2

Cafe owners now provide gym as well

A WELLS cafe now has a new reason for people to visit –thanks to the addition of a gym in the former studio next door.

Danny and Lois Williams, owners of LOAF.bakehouse in Market Street, opened the Pumphouse gym in October.

They have kitted it out in state-of-the-art equipment that can provide an all-round workout, along with enough weights to satisfy an ardent powerlifter. But they have tried to steer away from a macho gym image and make it feel welcoming for women as well.

“We are trying to create this lovely vibe in a gym that you don’t usually get, and make it pretty and boutiquey,” said Danny.

“The idea is to have a comfortable space for people who might not be experienced gym users. We want to appeal to women too and make it accessible to everyone.”

There are pink walls, cool music, neon lighting, and a mural at the entrance painted by Bristol artist Alice Baker depicting ‘The Evolution of Woman’.

Danny says that the gym works well in tandem with the cafe, and gym-users can earn a free coffee by completing

challenges such as climbing to the top of the gym rope or managing 100 miles on the assault bikes. Anyone buying an item of Pumphouse merchandise, which include

New Artist in Residence sought

THE Bishop’s Palace is going to be offering a new Artist in Residence position.

Wells Voice reported last month that stained glass artist Edgar Phillips is leaving the Palace for a new studio at the Portway Annexe.

Now the Palace is offering a 12 months residency and helping hand to grow their business to young creatives at the start of their career. The new Artist in Residence at the historic site will start in 2023.

Chief Executive Jan Wallwork Clarke said: “We’re keen to support young people who work in any creative medium and we’re also interested in supporting community engagement activities that our

new Artist in Residence may be interested in developing. It’s a great opportunity for someone just starting out in their creative career who we hope will be inspired by our 14 acres of beautiful RHS partner gardens and stunning medieval Palace buildings.”

The successful individual does not necessarily have to be permanently on site but the Palace is looking for someone who would be keen to donate some form of artistic installation as part of their residency.

Interested parties are encouraged to contact The Bishop’s Palace via email to info@bishopspalace.org.uk with ‘Artist in Residence’ as the subject.

hoodies and T-shirts, will also get a coffee.

“We are incorporating cafe culture and gym culture together in the centre of Wells,” said Danny.

Stretch and flex classes are held in the gym and an introduction to compound lifting, and post- and pre-natal classes will be starting soon.

Rates for gym use are £5 per day, or £30 per month (£48 for couples), £20 for 16- to 18-yearolds, and £23 for over-55s. One-to-one training is available with Danny or with Shoshannah Lee, who is training to enter the women’s powerlifting championships.

“We are always looking for more PTs,” said Danny.

He credits gym sessions for helping to ease the pain he was suffering from arthritis and dramatically cut the medication he was having to take.

“I’ve been going to the gym for five years. I started it to battle arthritis,” he said.

“Only when I started going to the gym did I combat that pain. My love for the gym comes from that.”

Danny and Lois Williams in the Pumphouse gym that is attached to LOAF.bakehouse

Event’s success allows club to make significant donations

ON October 29, Wells Classic Motorcycle Club held its 21st Annual General Meeting, Presentations and Social Evening at Wells Football Club.

At the end of the meeting they were joined by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tanys Pullin, and Town Crier Len Sweales along with some of the marshals and helpers from the 11th annual Tortoise and Hare Run, who joined with members to present Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with another large donation of £3,000. The Blood Bikes also received a donation of £600.

The donations were made possible by the support that the club again received from its sponsors, brochure advertisers, donations and entrants fees, etc, along with much work by many club members, for which the club is very grateful.

To date, it has donated nearly £31,000 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance from these events, along with £1,550 to the Freewheelers’ Blood Bikes.

The event regularly attracts entrants from various parts of the country to come and ride with club members in some of the outstanding local

countryside. The event caters for motorcycles and scooters of all ages and is currently regarded by some as the best event in the West Country. For next year the date is set for the weekend of July 14-16, 2023.

The club remains very active and tries to arrange events for the benefit of members and guests with bikes and scooters of all ages and people of all ages.

New members are always welcome, and guests are always welcome at any of the club’s events. More details at wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. weebly.com

site: search goes on

POST Office Ltd is continuing to seek a permanent base for Wells Post Office.

The post office moved to the ticket office at Wells Bus Station in Princes Road in July after having to relocate from Natural Pets of Wells in Queen Street.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Wells Post Office is operating on a temporary basis from Wells Bus Station whilst we work towards providing a permanent solution elsewhere. We thank the Postmaster for Glastonbury for providing this temporary service, which is allowing us to maintain post office service in the centre of Wells. The opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am12.30pm and 1pm-5pm; Saturday, 9.30am-12.30pm.”

THE Connect-Ed free inclusive board games and social group meets at The Lawrence Centre in Wells on the last Tuesday of each month, from 3.30pm-5.30pm.

The group is for adults with mild learning difficulties, NDD, sensory impairment, communication differences or Autism Spectrum Conditions.

It offers face-to-face peer and social support in Wells in a friendly, relaxed environment. Support staff are welcome, and refreshments are included.

Covid rules apply. For more information, contact: vaughan_ spruce@hotmail.com

Cheques are presented to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Blood Bikes

Sally Ann Frampton

Literature festival sees record attendance

RECORD audiences flocked to Wells Festival of Literature’s 30th anniversary celebrations in October when the nine-day event drew capacity crowds on several occasions.

Actor Sheila Hancock opened the event in Cedars Hall with a witty and wise talk on her latest memoir, while historical fiction writer Robert Harris brought it to a thrilling end on October 22 with a murderous manhunt.

Speakers ranged from political correspondents, scientists, historians and musicians to award-winning novelists – Costa Novel Award 2021 winner Claire Fuller and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo among them.

Morpurgo received a standing ovation after speaking movingly on why he writes about war for children. He has recently written a foreword for the just-published You Don’t Know What War Is, the gripping diary of 12-yearold Ukrainian refugee Yeva Skalietska.

Popular figures included science writer Gaia Vince on climate change, zoologist Lucy Cooke with a reactionary guide to sex, evolution and the female animal, and historian Janina Ramirez looking back on history through a woman’s eyes.

World affairs were also a big draw, with a full house for the BBC’s international

editor Jeremy Bowen, and lively questions for political commentator Michael Cockerell. Speakers throughout were fascinating, funny, informative –or all three.

There were good vibes from musician Richard Mainwaring. Who knew that each of a rat’s whiskers vibrates to a different frequency, creating a memorable soundscape as they scurry along their runs?

Or that the worlds of criminals and kleptocrats can be

hilariously explained by taking a look at PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves stories? Investigative journalist Oliver Bullough did just that in an informative talk on how Britain has become Butler to the World – the title of his latest book.

But the festival is not just an annual event for the city’s literati. It is also dedicated to supporting a love of reading in local schools.

Surplus profits go towards projects such as subsidising books and talks from visiting authors. As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations 30 local primary schools will each receive a selection of books to the value of £100 chosen by the schools themselves.

The festival also featured a two-day event with Dan Smith, author of stories for young adults, who entertained more than 600 Year 6 youngsters from local schools.

At the Wells City Council meeting on October 27,

were presented to two people who have served the council for many years. Town Clerk Steve Luck started work for the council 25 years ago, in 1997, and was given a picture by local artist Mike Jackson. ‘It’s been an honour and a privilege and hopefully it will be for a few more years yet,’ said Mr Luck. Mace bearer Melanie Goody was retiring at the end of the meeting after nine years, and was given a bouquet of flowers.

Wells Festival of Literature queues, and Sheila Hancock at the festival Pictures: Jo Shepherd

EVERYONE is welcome to the Christmas services and events at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells. During the first weekend of December, the church will be overflowing with crib sets at the annual Crib Festival.

On Saturday, December 17, at 3pm there will be Carols and Cakes with the Swan Singers, and at 4pm on the following day, the church will hold a Carol Service. For those for whom Christmas may not be a time of joy and excitement, there is the quiet and reflective Longest Night Service on Thursday, December 21, at 6.30pm.

On Christmas Eve at 4pm, children and their families are welcome at the Crib Service, with a request to attend in costume if they can. Midnight Mass is at 11pm and there is also a Eucharist service at 10am on Christmas morning.

More details at tinyurl.com/ stcuthbertschurchwells

Anniversary vouchers offer and £1,000 draw

HOLLAND & Odam estate agents is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Wells office with the chance for one lucky person to win £1,000 in a prize draw.

As part of the celebrations, every owner or landlord will be offered a £50 voucher to be spent at The Grape & The Good in Broad Street, Wells, upon instruction in the sale or letting of their property in the BA5/BA4 area.

On top of this will be entry into a £1,000 cash prize draw that will take place at the end of March 2023.

Adam Holland first opened the doors of the Wells office of Holland & Odam – then Jeanes Holland and later Jeanes Holland Burnell – in the High Street in January 2003.

Twenty years have since passed and he and his team have

acted for numerous clients in and around Wells both selling and letting properties.

Adam said: “I can’t quite believe we have been trading for two whole decades, and certainly would not have predicted that when I first arrived in Wells for my first role as a negotiator in 1990 that I would still be here 33 years later.

“However, Wells is a fantastic city to work in with such a wide variety of people and property and I certainly hope to be here for another three decades. There are still a few properties that I have not yet seen.

“I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some great people along the way and to have had very loyal staff. Some of them are still with me now 20 years later.”

Holland & Odam also has offices in Glastonbury and Street.

Cat recovering after right royal run-in with car

Name: Lola

Age: 12 years

Breed: Domestic short hair cat

Likes: Morning cuddles

Dislikes: Not being allowed outside

TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Lola was brought in to see vet Josh on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, after a suspected run-in with a car the night before. She had been quiet and settled when she came back in for the evening –cats are remarkable at hiding their injuries and discomfort –but then didn’t wake her owners up as normal that morning and wasn’t moving her back left leg when walking. She also wasn’t interested in her food and seemed to find being picked up quite painful.

Josh could see Lola’s back end was clearly causing her a lot of discomfort so X-rayed her back legs and pelvis to assess her injuries, finding that her pelvis was intact but that she had a dislocated left hip.

He also noticed that her jaw was quite unstable, with the two sides of her lower jaw (the mandible) moving separately from each other – this is known as a mandibular symphysis fracture, where the two halves of the jaw separate after damage to the connective tissue, usually due to trauma and quite common in cats after an RTA.

Under anaesthetic, a wire was placed under Lola’s tongue, through the skin and wound

under her chin to bring the two sides of her jaw together. This would stay in for the next four to six weeks to allow her jaw to restabilise.

Her left hip was put back into place and held in position with a sling, which would stay on for about ten days. Hips can be difficult to replace and often require reasonable force to get back into position. They are also very prone to repeatedly popping out again and may then require more extensive surgery.

Lola returned home, restricted first to a crate and then to just one room in the house. We removed the hip sling after X-rays confirmed her hip was securely back in place, and a few weeks later the wire in her jaw was removed too.

She has since been using her left hind leg well and, whilst she still has a little longer confined to the house, it won’t be long before she’s back outside exploring again.

Need for support greater than ever

THIS year, about 80 households have been referred by agencies such as Citizens Advice and the Job Centre to Wells Vineyard Foodbank for emergency food parcels.

Sue Marland, Pastor of Wells Vineyard Church who runs the Foodbank, said: “Thanks to the incredible support provided by the people of Wells, we have been able to help many local people in desperate circumstances. We are very grateful for the donations of money as well as long-life food and toiletries.

“Each month, we now spend around £1,800 to buy fresh produce and other essential items as the need for our services has now outstripped the traditional donations of tins and packets. Many people are surprised to learn that we don’t receive any government funding, so without the generosity of local people and businesses, we simply couldn’t operate.”

As well as providing food, Wells Vineyard Church also provides good quality, secondhand furniture through its Furniture Storehouse project, which redistributes items such as beds and white goods to people who couldn’t otherwise afford them. This year, their van needed replacing, and thanks to generous donations from a number of local people and The Clarks Foundation, they have been able to buy a reliable new van to ensure they can continue to provide this essential service.

People looking to support the Foodbank over Christmas this year may also be interested in donating gifts for children and families using Wells Vineyard Foodbank, along with several

Demand for Foodbank services has now outstripped the traditional donations of tins and packets

other good causes including Fusion Family Somerset, rough sleepers supported by the Connect Centre and a number of Ukrainian families who have returned to their country.

Hannah Wall from LA Moore Demolition is running the popular Christmas appeal for the third time and is now collecting new and preloved items in excellent condition, so that people in need can have Christmas presents this year.

Hannah said: “We have run the Christmas gifts appeal for the last two years and have been touched by the generous response of local people. As well as good quality books and toys, we also really appreciate gifts of toiletries, nice quality cleaning sets and items to help people stay warm such as warm socks, hats, gloves and thermals.

“Our aim is to ensure that every child wakes up to Christmas presents and that there might also be a gift or two for the grown-ups. 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.”

Anyone with 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.

To learn where to donate food or furniture, or provide a financial donation to Wells Vineyard Foodbank, visit www. wellsvineyard.com

X-rays revealed that Lola had a dislocated left hip

Christmas gifts collected last year by Hannah Wall

Opening of baby shop with a difference

A NEW baby shop has opened in Wells.

Bronwyn’s Baby, run by Kim Fentiman, has taken over what was the Thomas Cook building on High Street.

It has been repaired and decorated, and now offers a range of baby items to buy or hire, as well as providing a safe space for local families.

“Families in Wells have been crying out for a baby shop for a long time,” said Kim, a mother of three, who has named the business after her nan.

“Bronwyn’s Baby has sustainability at its core and because of this our shop is not your average baby shop. All our new items are organic or made from sustainable, ecofriendly materials. We also hire out slings, baby carriers, ear defenders and reusable nappy kits for families to borrow

instead of buying, for as little as £5 a week.

“We also have a preloved section, selling second-hand but

“Our

shop space is the toy exchange, encouraging families and their children to bring in a wooden toy to swap with a toy already on the shelves. No money is exchanged for this, it is purely a toy swap, helping families survive the cost of living crisis whilst allowing children to have ‘new to them’ toys too, at no cost to their parents.”

There is also a small lounge area downstairs with a changing station and a couple of armchairs for a parent to stop and feed or console their baby.

Upstairs is the Snug which is a space for baby and family support groups.

“As we enjoy welcoming customers on our first weeks of opening, we are looking forward to meeting and serving more of our local families as we become a permanent addition to the busy Wells High Street,” said Kim.

organic and eco-friendly clothing and accessories to encourage a sustainable, circular economy.

final section in our

Kim Fentiman with her daughter in the Bronwyn’s Baby shop

Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar is a West Country Farmhouse cloth-bound Cheddar, made by hand in Dorset to a traditional recipe that dates back centuries. The Cheddar is aged for several months in caves, where the year round constant temperature and humidity bestows it with a complex, tangy, earthy and nutty flavour and a deliciously long, lingering finish.

Please help us track down missing pets

Sasha Kenniston explains the work of Search and Scan, the organisation that helps owners of missing cats and dogs, and lists some of the cats that are currently missing

MY name is Sasha and I am a volunteer with Search and Scan.

I joined the team over four years ago following the disappearance of a local Spaniel called Beanie in Maesbury just outside of Wells. Days and weeks were spent ground searching and checking outbuildings within a three-mile radius; unfortunately Beanie was never found but we still look out for him in case someone picked him up off the road and took him home.

I got involved with Search and Scan as if any of my own four dogs went missing I would like to be supported with the useful hints, tips and also ground searchers. We often ask the community to pull together when we have a dog or cat missing. It’s lovely that we have a good community spirit in Wells.

Search and Scan’s main aim is to offer assistance and to help owners of missing cats and dogs and also reunite those who have been found. We love happy endings but sometimes we have to deal with sorrow too. Closure is very important to us

rewilding proposal

MY property backs onto Tor Hill Lane and I am totally against the proposal to rewild this area as proposed by the local council. This is just an excuse to legitimise doing nothing to it which is exactly what is happening now.

It is stated that it encourages wildlife which is true, but it’s the wrong wildlife such as ticks which I regularly have to remove from my dog after it has ventured into the long grass. This grass needs to be kept cut regularly as it encourages dog walkers

volunteers as there is nothing worse than the not knowing what has happened to a lost family

to leave their dog poos in it as it cannot be seen. I do cut the grass behind my property which always looks nice and tidy and any dog poos are totally visible which encourages most dog walker to pick it up and bin it, although occasionally I do find the odd one that is left if the dog owner thinks nobody is looking but they are few and far between.

The track itself is also never maintained and is a mud bath in many places and uncomfortable to walk on. And finally the ditch is so overgrown and neglected it is putting the whole area at risk of flooding which has happened on numerous occasions.

The council unfortunately

animal. We never give up looking and support to the family as best as we can.

Myself and John who recently joined to cover Wells and the surrounding areas alongside me both have work commitments, family and animals of our own to look after but we try to be available as much as we can in the spare time we have.

We need the community’s help with these cats that have been missing from a couple of months to a couple of years from the Wells area:

n Kiki has been missing since September 2022 from the Hooper Avenue area, she is a rescue cat so maybe a bit timid. Chipped and neutered.

n Eric has been missing from Churchill Road East since September 2022, chipped.

n Custard has been missing since August 2022 from Woodbury Avenue, chipped and neutered.

n Smidge is missing from Allen’s Lane off of Bath Road since February 2022, chipped.

n Timba has been missing since July 2021 from St Thomas Street, chipped and neutered.

n Leo has been missing since November 2020 from Lidl.

n Tiger has been missing since November 2020 from Wookey Hole Road, chipped and neutered.

If you have seen, or know someone who is feeding a cat fitting any of the above mentioned descriptions, please call me on 07920 474062, they are sorely missed by their families.

Don’t forget part Sheldon’s played

I ENJOYED reading about the restoration of the Wells Cathedral Clock in the October issue of Wells Voice, and also how Roy Yates was the last surviving member of the restoration team.

I was surprised that Sheldon Engineering were not mentioned. Whilst working in Sheldon’s

in 1959 I was given the job of turning on a lathe a new metal centre piece for the clock which I then went up to the Cathedral and fitted to the clock face. At the same time the two Quarter Jacks were brought down to Sheldon’s workshop where I made and fitted new pivots to their heads and feet before they were taken to W&H Paul for finishing.

Although not mentioned as members of the restoration team, I do hope that Sheldon’s and myself will be remembered for our small but vital contribution to the restoration of the Cathedral Clock back in 1959.

Gordon Radford (87)

Wells

KIKI ERIC

SMIDGE

CUSTARD LEO

TIMBA

I strongly object to

do nothing to maintain any of this part of Wells unless serious damage has been caused by heavy rainfall.

John Board Wells

More good causes to make case for funds

WELLS SOUP! will be back to benefit another four good causes on Saturday, January 14.

At SOUP! volunteers from each good cause explain what they do and take questions from the audience which then votes on which one would benefit most from the money on offer. But all four go away with a share of it and a raised public profile.

“Come along at 12.45pm on January 14 to the Connect Centre in Wells for a memorable light lunch,” said SOUP! organiser Ross Young, “and hear the four speakers tell us how their good cause supports local people.”

The good causes will be: n The Mother’s Union, which helps disadvantaged families. n Wells Community Fridge,

a collection point for sharing surplus food from shops and restaurants.

n The Connect Community Centre.

n Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“Before the four good causes give their four-minute presentations, previous winners the local YMCA will explain to the audience how they are using the money they received at October’s SOUP! and the impact it is having,” said Ross, “and we are grateful to Probusiness Accountants for match-funding January’s event with £350.”

Any local charities or projects benefitting Wells can apply to present at SOUP! during 2023 at www.wellsindependents.org/ soup

Somerset Guild of

Wells Boxing Club has sent £600 to a South African boxing club. Overstated Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in Hermanus township was one of the causes that benefitted from a boxing tournament organised by Wells Boxing Club at Wookey Hole Caves. The OWBC coach thanked the Wells club and said that the money will allow them to enter into the national championship in South Africa. Wells club coaches Graham Kelly and Andy Lovell are pictured with a cheque for £600. The other causes that have been helped as a result of the tournament are the Heads Up charity and Ukrainian refugees.

‘Winter Warmer’ discount day

THE Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Gallery in Wells will be holding a one-off ‘Winter Warmer’ day on Wednesday, December 7, when all of the locally hand-made work will be available with a reduction of 10 per cent on the day. There will even be a personal shopping service if people need any help or advice, and gift wrapping on all items will be free of charge.

Nichola Hanman’s little fat robins will be available along with Dave Appleby’s sustainably sourced Christmas tree decorations – and customers are recommended to ask about the ‘Santa Bods’, all of which need adopting before Christmas.

The gallery’s cabinets are full of tempting designer jewellery, warm winter textiles and a myriad of glass, ceramics and wood.

Robins and Christmas trees at The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen Gallery

The gallery is tucked away behind Pickwicks cafe in Broad Street.

School gains national accolade

WELLS Cathedral School has been Highly Commended in the Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022.

The Awards, which are hosted by the Independent School Parent magazine, consist of

22 categories celebrating the Independent School sector. The Independent Pre-Prep of the Year Award is for Pre-Preps which offer an “outstandingly rich experience for young students” with provision meeting educational, emotional and societal needs.

Win a hamper of products worth £150

THE Bishop’s Eye eatery continues to go from strength to strength – and to celebrate its third Christmas in Wells, it is offering Wells Voice readers the chance to win some great prizes in a fabulous festive competition.

The wine bar and restaurant at 12 Market Place has become a destination venue for those looking to enjoy locally sourced sharing platters of smoked fish, charcuterie and cheese, complemented by hand-picked wines and bespoke cocktails.

It is also a favourite spot to enjoy the award-winning coffee and cakes in the beautiful interior, or alfresco in the market square itself.

The Grade II listed building was originally completed in 1451, and was built as part of the Bishop’s Eye gateway constructed by Bishop Bekynton to keep locals out of The Bishop’s Palace on market days. It has been transformed by current owner Louis Agabani into a stunning art deco interior, whilst retaining many of the original features.

Christmas is always a special time of year at Bishop’s Eye – and it wants to make sure that someone can celebrate the season in style with this month’s cracker of a competition.

The prize for one lucky winner is a selection of products including wine and cheese worth £150.

To enter the competition, answer this simple question: What was the name of the Bishop who constructed the Bishop’s Eye gateway?

Email you answer, along with your name, address and contact details, to competition@wellsvoice.co.uk or write out the information on a postcard or piece of paper which can be left in a box on the counter at Bishop’s Eye.

Entrants must be aged 18 or over, and there can only be one entry per household.

The closing date for entries is noon on Monday, December 5, 2022. After this date, a winner will be drawn from all the correct entries. The winner must collect their prize from Bishop’s Eye, and their name will be published in a future edition of Wells Voice. n Additional competition rules: No cash alternative. The winners may have to provide proof of identity and age. The competition organisers’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Please note that the photograph is only an indication of the type of products that will be in the hamper, not

Hospitality sector’s changes and challenges

Adrian Lawrence has worked in the hospitality industry in Wells for more than 40 years. He first took on The Fountain Inn in 1981, and 12 years later, restored and reopened The Crown. As he prepares to celebrate 30 years at the landmark pub and hotel, he reflects on changes in the industry, and discusses some of the things he would like to see happen in Wells.

You have run The Crown for nearly 30 years. What are the main changes you have seen in the hospitality industry in that time?

The hospitality industry has changed enormously over the past 30 years as customers have become more knowledgeable about food and drink, due to increased overseas travel, which has introduced more customers to different cultures, lifestyles and food, and people enjoy more leisure time now and like to go out more often. The media

has also played a huge part with celebrity chefs, cooking shows, cookery books and food and wine magazines, which in turn has led to a huge increase in the amount of hospitality businesses opening. Also, the growth of chains of restaurants and bars and restaurants which encourage the whole family to come and relax knowing there are children’s menus, high chairs and better facilities all round. The other thing that has changed dramatically is technology within the industry which has revolutionised our booking and accounting systems and the way we operate in a restaurant. This might have speeded things up, but I am a bit old school and think we sometimes need to slow down a bit and remember how enjoyable it is to spend more time talking to one another in a restaurant or pub rather than looking at our phones. But I do feel that today the pressure is

on hospitality businesses to try and keep up and, preferably, stay one step ahead to keep their customers happy. How difficult have the past couple of years been and what challenges do you think your industry will face in the next year or two?

Quite frankly the last two years have been a nightmare for us personally and the industry as a whole. Our savings and reserves have all been spent and if it wasn’t for the furlough scheme, rate reduction, VAT reduction and the bounce back loan (which still has to be paid back) we wouldn’t be here today. Unless hospitality can get assistance with energy bills, reduced VAT and rates and solutions to the staffing problems (188,000 vacancies in hospitality) in the near future I can see many businesses having to close their doors. Many, sadly, already have, but you try to remain optimistic. What do you think of the hospitality offering in Wells in general?

The hospitality offering in Wells is more positive than it has been with new places opening and others being given a makeover and there is certainly no shortage of coffee shops. The Market Place on a sunny day with the outside cafes and eateries looks very attractive and I think that there is a good selection of different menus and prices to suit customers generally in and about Wells.

Is there anything that you think can be done in Wells to improve it and attract

more visitors to the city, and to get them to spend longer here when they do come?

Wells needs to be marketed more aggressively and more coordination is needed so that details of all the interesting things happening in Wells and in the area can reach more people. We already have some super events such as the Food Festival and the literary festival and there is the Carnival, which is making a welcome return this year, and events on at The Bishop’s Palace and the Cathedral, but there is always room for more. The signage in Wells could be improved – there are too many signs in some places and not enough in others – the tourist office is back where it was many years ago, but there is no sign as you come into Wells to tell you where it is. Also parking – if you are a visitor to Wells and you are hoping to have a wander around and go to various places and hopefully stop and have something to eat and drink as well, you need a few hours. So more long-stay parking is required and perhaps an area for larger vehicles, such as motorhomes, of which there has been a huge increase.

Are you planning any changes at The Crown?

There are a lot of changes we would like to make, but don’t have the capital at this time to start any major works. With any old building there are always things that need to be done, but we will continue to make improvements that our budget allows and which, we feel, will keep our customers happy and keep them coming back.

What is your favourite aspect of running The Crown?

When a guest says how much they have enjoyed their stay and/ or their time in the restaurant or bar and they will be back. We have a brilliant team working for us, upstairs and downstairs, and we are very lucky to have a great chef too, Julian, who is determined to use local suppliers and his menus reflect this. He loves planning our menus around the seasons and we hope that our new menu will encourage locals and visitors to come and enjoy some Crown hospitality.

Adrian Lawrence

Centre benefits from climbing exploits

THE Lawrence Centre in Wells has been given £2,000 from money raised by a Three Peaks climbing challenge.

A team from fashion brand Mulberry, based in Chilcompton, climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales over three days in June. They raised more than £9,500 for the Mulberry Somerset Community Fund, administered by Somerset Community Foundation, which distributes money to local charities and good causes to make a difference in local communities across Somerset.

In November, representatives from the company visited two of the local organisations which will be benefitting from funds, including The Lawrence Centre.

During the visit, founder Maggie Charlesworth thanked the Mulberry team for their £2,000 donation, saying: “It’s an amazing achievement climbing

the Three Peaks, and the money is enormously appreciated. We hope to update some furniture, carpets and other equipment that is very tired and in need of replacing.”

The Lawrence Centre is a

community-centred charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues, memory loss and facing social isolation. Alongside this, they also offer education, advice, and guidance

for those caring for an older person. Mulberry also visited the Axe Valley Men’s Shed in Cheddar, which offers practical workshops and activities to build a social environment for men to connect, converse and create.

Rosie Wollacott Phillips, the company’s Head of Sustainability, said: “Our partnership with Somerset Community Foundation and the creation of our own Mulberry Somerset Community Fund in 2021 has been a great way for us to have a broad impact in our community.

“We’re proud to support the excellent work of mental health charities and organisations in the county and thank The Lawrence Centre and Axe Valley Men’s Shed for spending time with us and showing us around.”

The other charities benefitting from the funds raised are Therapeutic Art Group in Somerton and Bath Mind.

Rob Billington, Mulberry’s Supply Chain Director, crafting using leather scraps with a client at The Lawrence Centre

Admiration for depiction in mosaic form of Harry Patch

ON the morning of Armistice Day a small group met at the Harry Patch Memorial at the Wells Museum to pay their own tribute to a local hero.

The Chairman of Wells Royal British Legion, Aaron Cooper-Collett was amazed and delighted when he saw the portrait of Harry Patch (“the last fighting Tommy”) portrayed in mosaic.

This was completed by mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White and is one of the 32 ‘windows’ which will be part of the sixmeter diameter mosaic depiction of Wells and its history.

Aaron said: “It is an honour to see such a fitting tribute to a great man, to hold in all eternity.”

Former chair and now Deputy Poppy Appeal Organiser, Derek Cooper, added: “It is a work of art – beautiful. Harry would have been honoured but would also be likely to say – ‘You shouldn’t have!’”

In his 111th year Harry, a war veteran and Wells resident, was adamant that memorials should be about everyone and were about making a better future as well as remembering the past.

To learn more about Wells in Mosaic see www.wellsinmosaic. org; visitors are welcome to the studio by appointment.

Members of Beckington Bandits – part of Wells City Band – playing for the Remembrance

Clockwise from left, Mayor Wells Stewart Cursley Cuthbert’s Churchyard on Remembrance Sunday; Wells on Armistice Day, November 11; Sheila parading up High Street to the Harry Patch Memorial

From left, Derek Cooper, Aaron Cooper-Collett and Ruth Ames-White at the Harry Patch Memorial

The mosaic portrait of Harry Patch created by Ruth Ames-White

Wreaths laid this year at the Harry Patch Memorial

New date for Tree of Light dedication

THE date for the dedication of the City of Wells Lions’ Tree of Light has been changed.

It will now be a day later than originally planned, and will be given at 4.30pm on Wednesday, December 21, by the Bishop’s Palace Pastor, Rosey Lunn.

The Tree of Light will again be appearing this year in the ‘free area’ of The Bishop’s Palace. It is an opportunity for members of the local community to sponsor a star in memory of a loved one and reflect on their lives.

Application forms for a star with a loved one’s name are available at The Bishop’s Palace ticket office and donations may also be left at the ticket office. Application forms are also available at the Wells Tourist Information office.

Email cityofwellslions@

gmail.com for BACS details to make donation by bank transfer. For email requests, ensure your name, address and telephone number are included and the name(s) of loved ones to be remembered. If making a BACS payment, use the reference ‘TofL’ followed by your surname. For online donations: cafdonate. cafonline.org/18290#!/ DonationDetails

This Lions will use all proceeds to support other groups within the local area. They have thanked everyone who has contributed to this project, particularly The Bishop’s Palace for their support in allowing the Tree of Light to be placed on the right-hand side of the path as visitors enter the Palace, and Wells City Council for supporting the tree with a grant.

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Remembrance service at Beckington

Cursley lays a wreath at the war memorial in St Sunday; observing the two-minutes’ silence in Eady selling poppies in Waitrose, Wells; and Memorial on Remembrance Sunday

Ozzy and Fio

Chance to hear cricketer discuss his fine career

CRICKET-LOVERS in and around Wells are being spoilt in the run-up to Christmas. Following the recent evening with former England cricket captain Graham Gooch at Cedars Hall, there will now be an evening with Somerset cricket great James Hildreth at Wells Town Hall.

Can you give these two beautiful boys a home?

Ozzy and Fio are a pair of beautiful seven-month-old boys who were found dumped in a country lane in the summer. They were with a number of other kittens all of whom have now been homed. They are very bonded and love playing together so they need a home willing to take both. They are very much hunters who need a home in the country or by a field or woods where they can explore to their hearts’ content.

Both boys will be shy to start with – after their traumatic start they are, unsurprisingly, still wary of humans – but when they get to know you they are both loving and affectionate. Ozzy, the white and black cat, is the more confident while Fio is more likely to hide and take his time to get to know you.

Because of their history we are looking for an experienced home with people who understand shy cats and are willing to let them come round in their own time. It will be worth their wait!

No children or dogs, possibly other cats would be OK.

If you can offer Ozzy and Fio a home please call Julia on 07833 634087 or fill in the online application form on our website www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

Hildreth recently retired from the game after 20 years as a professional and is regarded as perhaps the greatest talent not to have represented his country. He scored more than 18,000 runs in county championship cricket, making him the third-highest ever run-scorer for Somerset.

Merv Colenutt is bringing Hildreth to Wells Town Hall on Thursday, December 15, at 7.30pm, when the ex-player will be talking about his career, followed by a Q&A session. People can send questions in advance by emailing mcolenutt8@gmail.com

Tickets for the evening cost

£12.50 and can be obtained from Wells Town Hall, Peggy’s Diner in Street, or by ringing Merv Colenutt on 07710 743642. The promoter will also be selling tickets inside Wells Town Hall on Saturdays November 26, December 3 and December 10.

December events at Wells Library

ACTIVITIES at Wells Library in December:

Lego Club

Lego Club is on Saturday, December 3, at 10.30am. For ages 5 and up. Book a place to avoid disappointment – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

Police Beat Surgery

There is an opportunity to talk to a local PCSO at Wells Library on Wednesday, December 7, between 11am and 12pm. No appointment necessary. Tai Chi Taster Sessions Monday, December 12, at 10.30am. No need to book for this gentle flowing workout, and

it is free. Held outside in the courtyard, weather permitting.

Author Event

A stories and craft event with local author Issy Emeney on Saturday, December 17, at 11am. Based on her new book Billy Brute Whose Teacher Was A Werewolf. For children aged 5-7 years.

IT Help

Need some assistance with a tablet or smartphone? Book a free one-hour session on a Wednesday morning at either 10.30am or 11.30am and get the help required. Email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk

Accolade ‘rewards staff’s efforts’

THE Bishop’s Table cafe, located in the grounds of The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, has been awarded a prestigious Quality Food & Drink Accolade by VisitEngland.

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

Head of Catering at the

Palace Trust, Nick Hampson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Bishop’s Table cafe has been recognised in this way. Our staff always go the extra mile to offer a warm welcome to all visitors as well as delicious, locally-sourced food and drink. But it’s particularly encouraging to see that their efforts have been rewarded in this way after such a challenging few years.”

James Hildreth

Christmas campaign to help foodbanks

MOGERS Drewett is launching a new campaign this Christmas to help support three foodbanks local to their offices in Wells, Bath and Sherborne.

Sean McDonough, Managing Partner of the legal and financial planning firm, said: “Mogers Drewett has a long history of supporting local charities and community activities. This year, we have decided to support our local foodbanks as we can see how deeply the cost-ofliving crisis is affecting our communities and we really want to help.”

The company’s offices are accepting donations of long-life products, cleaning products and toiletries such as shower gel and deodorants, and launching a Christmas raffle.

Raffle tickets cost £1 per ticket and can be bought at the Wells offices on Cathedral Avenue. Prizes range from an overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Dorset, and afternoon tea at

the Bath Spa Hotel, to tickets to The Bishop’s Palace. All proceeds will go to support Wells Vineyard Foodbank, Bath Foodbank and Sherborne Foodbank.

Free car parking

THERE will be free parking at Union Street Car Park in Wells on Saturday, December 3, to support Small Business Saturday.

Mendip District Council is offering free parking at selected car parks across the district to encourage shoppers to visit high streets and purchase locally to support independent businesses. Free parking will also be

available at St John’s Car Park, Glastonbury; Great Ostry Car Park, Shepton Mallet; Cranhill Road Car Park, Street; and Cattle Market Car Park, Frome.

Councillor Simon Carswell, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “Now more than ever small businesses are facing tough circumstances. Let’s do all we can to support them.”

Residents are asked to note that all terms and conditions of car parking within the relevant car parks remain in force –including maximum time limits.

Group releases CD

THE local dementia Singing for the Brain group, which has been attended by Robin Class from Wells Cathedral School for the past eight weeks, has produced a festive CD featuring two songs sung by the children and adults.

Entitled Remembering Christmas, the musical collaboration between the generations should put people in the festive spirit, whilst raising vital funds to enable people within the community

to continue to live well with dementia. Contact emma@ somersetartswell.co.uk to find out how to order a copy (suggested donation £5).

Safari Nativity 2022

CHURCHES Together are organising a Safari Nativity again this year on December 19 and 20, in the afternoon.

Families are invited to start their journey at Wells Cathedral where children can make their own star to lead them on their way. The trail continues with visits to the Methodist Church, Wells United Church, St Joseph and St Teresa’s and finally St Cuthbert’s, encountering those who journeyed to Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago to see the birth of Jesus. Stickers can be collected on the way and there will be a Christmassy gift at the final stop, St Cuthbert’s.

The Safari Nativity is free of charge, but to book spaces visit eventbrite. co.uk/e/458055585587

All are welcome of all faiths and none.

Councillor Simon Carswell

Launch of appeal to keep vulnerable warm

SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has launched this year’s Surviving Winter appeal.

The appeal 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.

The cost-of-living crisis means that this winter will be a tough one, with many older people already anxious about rising bills. Around 11,000 Somerset pensioners will find themselves living in fuel poverty this year, double the number in the same situation last year. The team at SSCF say, from many years’ experience of running their Surviving Winter appeal, that many of the poorest pensioners may not turn their heating on at all or will cut back on food as they are forced to choose between heating and eating.

About 800 older people in Somerset are supported through SCF’s Surviving Winter appeal every year with a cash grant to support their energy bills. This year, the Surviving Winter grants are increasing from £300 to £500, and there will be even more help for people to buy essential items to stay warm and

help make their homes more energy efficient.

For many local people who don’t need their Winter Fuel Payment, donating it to the Surviving Winter appeal is an easy way to make a big difference to the life of one of their neighbours.

Justin Sargent, Chief Executive at SCF, said: “We estimate that at least 5,500 lowincome pensioners in Somerset will not have enough money to afford to heat their homes sufficiently this winter. Cold weather causes hundreds of preventable deaths every year, with older people and those living in older or isolated rural homes most likely to experience the largest degree of fuel poverty.

“Thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, who asked us many years ago if we could get his Winter Fuel Payment to someone who needed it, we can make sure

that hundreds of older people in Somerset are being supported to stay warm, safe and well every winter through our Surviving Winter campaign.

“And we’re delighted to announce that Glastonbury Festival organiser and long-time Surviving Winter donor Michael Eavis has offered his support for another year.”

To donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf. org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949. A donation form is also available to download from the SCF website.

This year, alongside the Surviving Winter appeal, SCF is running the Somerset Costof-Living Crisis Appeal. More information can be found on the SCF website.

Information on which partner organisations deliver Surviving Winter grants can also be found on Somerset Community Foundation’s website.

Wells Lantern Parade on October 22 featured dozens of bright and beautiful creations. Led by the Jamma de Samba band, the parade set off from beneath the Gaia artwork for a couple of circuits around Wells Cathedral until the rain stopped, and then out on to Cathedral Green, and from there to The Bishop’s Palace. Organiser Kirstie Harris said that it was another joyful event, and added: ‘Thank you to everyone who helped and took part.’

Michael Eavis is supporting the Surviving Winter appeal again

Charity receives special royal award

THE Somerset mentoring charity PROMISEworks has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest award nationally for volunteers, equivalent to the MBE.

It was presented by Annie Maw in one of her final duties as Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Mrs Maw, Wells county councillor Tessa Munt, and the Mayors of Glastonbury and of Wells came together to congratulate PROMISEworks on the award of the QAVS.

The Award was received by Chair Robert Peto and Deputy Chair Kev O’Donnell along with more than 50 volunteer mentors.

Presenting the Award, Mrs Maw said: “I am presenting this award on behalf of, now, His Majesty to an important group of people looking after our young who are, after all, our future. This is a serious duty for me but

also a privilege and an honour.”

Mr Peto said: “A massive thank you to Annie and her team

of only two charities in Somerset chosen to receive the QAVS in 2022.”

The award is a crystal obelisk supported by a citation signed by the late Queen Elizabeth II, one of the final awards given during her reign.

Cllr Munt said: “I salute all you volunteers who provide an amazing service to support families across Somerset, a service unique to Somerset. I am very grateful for all you do to help our young people.”

The QAVS recognises the exceptional commitment of the PROMISEworks volunteers who provide one-to-one support to children and young people across Somerset.

PROMISEworks has been chosen by Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley as his nominated charity during his term of office.

Development of Connect Centre’s service provision

A START has been made on extending the services provided at the Connect Centre in Wells, and the possibility of upgrading the internal fabric of the building is going to be explored.

As a result, the Connect Community Church – as the Wells Elim Church has been renamed – is no longer looking to generate income from hiring out the premises, and some groups that meet there regularly will no longer be able to do so from the end of the year.

“We are looking for more

space for us as a church within the premises, because it is a church denomination that leases the premises,” said David Smyth, who took over as Lead Pastor in May.

“We want to create greater flexibility within the use of the premises, and we also want to explore the upgrading of the premises.”

Groups that will be affected as a result have been given two months’ notice, he said – but will not be charged for their use of the Connect Centre during that

time. He said: “All the things we are currently doing, like Dairy House and Evergreen House, are staying. Our community connect team is still working in the building. We’re still doing the Wednesday lunch and we’ve added a Sunday lunch. We are looking at the possibility of starting a parent and toddler group. We’re looking into things like a CAP (Christians Against Poverty) job club.

“Rather than just having this blanket approach of letting out the building we’re looking to try

to put things in the building that connect up.”

Wells Independents have been running the SOUP! grantfunding lunch at the Centre for a number of years – and because that only takes place four times a year, that will probably be able to continue.

Organiser Ross Young said: “Wells Independents are delighted that the January SOUP! is going ahead at the Centre – and it’s looking possible for April, July and October.”

for supporting PROMISEworks and recognising the commitment of all our volunteers. We are one

Presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to PROMISEworks

be looking to carry out a project that would benefit from one of

Milestone birthday a celebration of music

ST Thomas’ Church in Wells was filled with joy and celebration on October 29 as people gathered to celebrate the 50th birthday of music teacher and musical director Tracey Hansford.

Tickets were available to friends and family and the audience were treated to a musical extravaganza. Tracey had invited her musical friends

from past and present to perform and they combined in a fabulous finale, ‘Music’ by John Miles, which she had arranged involving all of the 80 musicians that had taken part.

The evening raised more than £1,500 for St Margaret’s Hospice and Tracey is hoping to reach her target of £2,022 this year – well, it is 2022 after all – by

adding any proceeds from the forthcoming Cantabile Christmas Carol Concert on December 5 at St Thomas’ Church.

Tracey would like to thank everyone who took part as well as all of the audience members for their support and for helping to raise such a substantial amount of money, and she hopes that they enjoyed their champagne.

Gathering herbal remedies

AN organisation that offers monthly foraging and herbal medicine making workshops is heading out into the local community to gather herbal memories.

Herbal Brue is a co-operative based in Glastonbury that launched in April. It currently offers workshops based at the Red Brick Building Community Garden and is planning to open a low-cost herbal clinic in the next few years.

It has also set out on a ‘Remembering Remedies’ tour of Wells and the surrounding villages, kick-started by receiving funds from a Wells Independents’ grant-funding SOUP! lunch.

Already Herbal Brue has held an informal tea and chat session at the Portway Annexe in Wells and Wookey Church Hall. The next destination is Priddy

Village Hall on December 12 from 10am-12pm, followed by Dinder Village Hall on January 9 from 2pm-4pm and finishing the tour at Coxley Village Hall on February 7 from 10am-12pm.

Julia Bedford and Rosie Mgbeojikwe are leading the project. They say they want to learn from the elders of the community, to hear herbal remedies and natural household tips. They would like to know what remedies were used when

people were little or what is made in their household for illness, accidents and anything else. This knowledge will be archived and made into a ’zine for future Somerset generations to learn from.

The sessions are drop-in, so there is no need to book. However anyone who has any questions or needs for the sessions can email Julia on julia@herbalbrue.org.uk or Rosie on rosiegathers@googlemail.com

Experience of life as Chorister

ON November 5, Wells Cathedral hosted a free ‘behind the scenes’ day during which children were able to experience the life of a Cathedral Chorister.

Forty girls and boys aged between seven and nine came from schools across Somerset and beyond for the annual Be a Chorister for a Day event where they met the Cathedral Choristers and participated in fun singing workshops.

The day culminated in singing Choral Evensong in the Quire of the Cathedral with the worldrenowned Choir. There were also events for the children’s parents.

For information on the 2023 Be a Chorister for a Day event, contact the Cathedral Music Office via musicoffice@ wellscathedral.org.uk

There is also Wells Cathedral Song Squad, the Cathedral’s un-auditioned choir for children aged 7-13, or Wells Cathedral Song Squad Minis, for children aged 4-6, both of which meet on Tuesday afternoons during term time. Contact Naomi MacLeodJones via wellssongsquad@ gmail.com for more details.

Appeal for help following fire

STRODE College in Street is reaching out to the Wells community for help and support after a fire in the college’s Drama Studio.

The fire on November 1 destroyed all the technical production equipment and musical equipment, as well as the staging and props that were being built ready for the college production of Grease in February, which involves more than 70 students from across the college. The college is also in the middle of practical Drama A-level assessments, and ongoing Performing Arts BTEC performances.

The college is asking for materials, props, set, tech production equipment and musical equipment to help it replace what has been lost.

A Just Giving Page has been set up as well if people would like to donate: justgiving. com/crowdfunding/strodegrease?utm_term=QXQD7Wpg2

Tracey Hansford and singers at the event in St Thomas’ Church

Julia Bedford and Rosie Mgbeojikwe want to hear herbal remedies and natural household tips

Acts of Remembrance mean so much to me

Remembrance in Westminster. As a former soldier, it means so much to me to be able to mark this important weekend to thank those who gave their lives so we could have the life we do today.

With Christmas around the corner, it is also great to see so many events returning following the aftermath of the pandemic.

his official instalment as Bishop of Bath and Wells following the service of welcome at Wells Cathedral.

It has been quite a year representing the Wells constituency and – of course –in Westminster. But it feels like

stability is returning and I am very much looking forward to spending time in the constituency over the Christmas period. With the return of Christmas markets, and local businesses preparing for the festive season, it feels like we are finally in a place where we can enjoy some normality.

AS you read this, we will be heading into December, but as I write this it has just been Remembrance weekend –something I wanted to reflect on.

I was honoured to be able to attend two parades in the constituency this year, as well as represent Wells in London by visiting the Garden of

At the time of writing, Wells is getting ready for carnival on Friday, and the excitement felt by the city is wonderful to see. It is such a great occasion which has been so missed over the past three years. There are so many people who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure it is so spectacular and the way the city (and other places across the county) come together to celebrate the event.

I also want to congratulate the Rt Rev Michael Beasley on

I am – of course – acutely aware there are still many challenges to overcome for us as a country, and for so many living in this constituency. There is help available, and I have put together a cost-of-living guide on my website, which may help those who are unsure as to the Government interventions which apply to them. Your local councils are also here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact them – or me – if you are struggling.

Tour to Edinburgh goes well

THE Choristers of Wells Cathedral have recently returned from a well-received tour to Edinburgh, their first tour since a visit to The Netherlands in 2019.

The first stop for the 28 children, aged from 9-15, was St Giles’ Cathedral where they gave a Saturday lunchtime concert to a packed audience of locals and tourists.

The Choristers then sang the Sunday Eucharist service at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, which was co-designed by George Gilbert Scott (designer of the asylum hospital at the Horringtons, near Wells). After the service, the congregation thanked them with a stirring round of applause.

Before heading off to Edinburgh the Choristers worked hard to raise funds for their trip. As well as giving a concert in Wells Cathedral, each Chorister was given £20 with a challenge

to turn it into as much money as they could over the summer holidays. The enterprising ideas included triathlons, a lemonade stand, gardening, making and raffling teddy bears dressed as Choristers, a car-boot sale, selling unwanted items online, an ice cream stand, splat the rat, taking on extra chores at home, and busking with their musical instruments.

Two commissions to make Wells films

SOMERSET Film and Fabian’s Films are bringing a street cinema project, Kinokotch, to Wells.

‘Kino’ in Europe means cinema. ‘Kotch’ is a Jamaican slang expression for hanging or chilling at a location for a temporary amount of time.

Somerset Film and Fabian’s Films are offering two filmmaking commissions for local people, supported by Mendip District Council and Arts Council England.

Individuals or groups may apply but they must live or work in Wells or the immediate surrounding areas in Mendip. There is no need to have any experience in filmmaking, and there is no minimum or maximum age limit, though under 18s must be supported by an adult (parent/carer).

The aim is to make two short films inspired by and placed in the city of Wells. The successful applicants will be required to spend time between December 2022 and March 2023 walking around a specific/ designated area (on the street,

in cafes and public spaces, etc) in or near Wells, acting as ‘Kotchers’, making connections with communities, researching and recording their experiences of the built and natural environment using mixed media (sketch book, iPad/iPhone, digital camera/audio, etc). The final film should directly respond to this experience.

There are two commissions available. Those successful will be supported by a mentor (Dr John Sealey of Fabian’s Films), given access to Somerset Film equipment and a fee of £1,000. The films must be made during December to March, and completed by April 2023. They will be showcased as part outdoor film screenings during 2023.

To apply, complete an online application form by 5pm on Friday, November 25, at: form. jotform.com/222962264587062

Shortlisted applicants will be notified on December 2 and informal online interviews will take place on December 9.

For further information, visit somersetfilm.com/community

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

What is new in new-build?

The four main elements of the Code are:

By Maxine Heal

New Homes Quality Code

The New Homes Quality Code was released in December 2021. This introduces a broad range of additional requirements for developers. In summary, the code aims to fill in the gaps in current protections to ensure that every aspect of a new home purchase from beginning to end is covered.

Developers are required to register with the New Homes Quality Board by the end of December 2022. So it is important for those applying and those buying from a Developer to be aware and to understand what the new code requires. What is the New Homes Quality Board?

The Board is the independent body created to oversee a framework that aims to improve quality and service standards in the house building industry. The new homes code requires builders to have comprehensive aftercare and complaints procedures in place. As a result, they can address any issues customers may have with their new home after they have moved in.

The Board has appointed a New Homes Ombudsman Service (NHOS) which will provide independent compensation for any customers not satisfied either by their builder or their new home.

Why is the Code required? Housebuilders have been the subject of almost daily criticism for past practices. It has been perceived that existing consumer protection for buyers of new homes have proven to be ineffective/ ignored leaving individual consumers high and dry. New home buyers are faced with the unenviable choice of engaging in lengthy and expensive litigation and/ or enduring ongoing problems with their new property.

Press and social media reports of individual horror stories and MPs’ case books have all contributed to the conclusion that greater protection is needed for consumers.

Problems are not confined to small-scale developers with limited resources and financial pressures driving inappropriate behaviour, but it seems that even large national plcs are not immune from failings in their systems which result in poor quality build and/or poor quality service.

One: Selling a new home; Two: Legal documents, information, inspection, and completion; Three: After sales, complaints management, and new homes ombudsman; Four: Solvency, legal, and jurisdiction.

The principles of the Code are: Fairness, Safety, Quality, Service, Responsiveness, Transparency, Independence, Inclusivity, Security Compliance and Opportunity for Property Inspection before Completion.

Section 2 of the New Homes Quality Code makes mention of pre-completion inspection. A qualified inspector of the purchaser can carry out these inspections. This is an important improvement as it will assist in the improvement in the quality of new homes at the point of handover.

The new homes code states that there is now an opportunity for the customer to visit a new home before legal completion. Additionally, the customer can arrange for a suitably qualified inspector to carry out a Pre-Completion Inspection, using the Template Pre-Completion Inspection Checklist before the Legal Completion date. (Legal Completion is when the home ownership is transferred from the Developer).

The code only allows visual inspections of the property. Therefore professionals are viewing the inspections as limited. As a result, inspectors are unable to use a wide range of aids such as levels, drones and thermal imaging equipment.

Furthermore, any issues with the property that fall under this are usually the ones that can cost more for new buyers.

As the Code runs through its transitional period, developers are required to make it clear to customers whether they are applying the provisions of the new code or any other legacy code (such as the Consumer Code for House Builders) to their new property.

Developers will need to ensure their sales and marketing teams and external selling agents include this information in their communications to prospective buyers.

Those additional requirements introduced by the Code are to address gaps that are overlooked in the current protections. This ensures that every aspect of a new home purchase is covered to the benefit of a new home buyer.

n Maxine Heal is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid, which has offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Choristers at Edinburgh Castle

Steer clear of drink or drug driving

News from the local policing team with PCSO Donna President

Drink/drug driving awareness this festive period

Avon and Somerset Police are sharing the following tips to keep drivers safe:

n Do not drink or drug drive –and do not let anyone you know do so either. Your reaction time will be slower and you are more of a risk to yourself and others.

n Plan travel arrangements in advance and arrange a designated driver who won’t drink or take any drugs and will take responsibility for getting everyone home safely.

n Be aware of the risks of getting behind the wheel, not just on the evening of drinking, but also the morning after.

n Having a large cup of coffee won’t clear the body of alcohol or dull its effects. The only thing that can sober you up is time.

n It’s safest not to drink at all if you are driving early the next day.

n When drinking at home it can more difficult to judge measures, so don’t drive.

Tell us if you suspect drink/ drug driving is happening. Your information will help us make targeted arrests and inform our patrols. Together we can get dangerous and irresponsible drivers off the roads this Christmas.

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Reports can be made online or by calling 101. Alternatively

reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers. If someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call 999.

Be aware while Christmas shopping Unfortunately, during the festive period there can be an increase

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Twas the night before Christmas And all through the streets of Wells The Neighbourhood Team are driving and cycling Patrolling their beats.

While we snuggle down In our socks and our sweaters. Each officer wears All their gear, boots and body armour.

We sit by the fire All cosy and warm, And think of our officers Out in the storm. And even the officers Who aren’t on this shift, Know what it’s like As they’ve given that gift.

The gift of protection

While we’re safe inside, Drinking mulled wine and hot chocolate, Celebrating with family and friends.

Tonight may be joyful But it won’t be for all, As our officers in blue Go to answer their call. The calls from the vulnerable

in purse, wallet and handbag thefts, this can happen in all areas and not just here in Wells.

The Wells Neighbourhood Team are urging shoppers to be vigilant at all times, especially in busy areas and while standing in queues.

The following advice can be helpful:

n Be aware of your surroundings and who is standing by you, try not to become distracted by your mobile phone or listening to music through headphones.

n Don’t leave valuables on display and avoid keeping items in your back pocket as these can easily be taken.

n Keep handbags fastened up and pockets zipped or buttoned up. Try using a handbag that can be worn across your body and not just over your shoulder.

n The Neighbourhood Team have some purse bells available, please ask us if you feel you may need one.

The hurt and afraid, Our officers answer With knowledge and aid.

And though you would think This would be a bad way, To spend Christmas Eve Or to spend Christmas Day. Our officers work it With pride and with skill, So that we, safe at home, Can enjoy some goodwill. Merry Christmas, Dear Neighbourhood Team We thank you, safe night!

From all the Neighbourhood Team at Wells Police Station, have a wonderful and safe Christmas.

Avoid the temptation to drink and drive

More live music with jazz trio

THE White Hart hotel in Sadler Street, Wells, has been presenting live music acts every Thursday evening from 7pm-9pm since June. Its aim is to deliver top quality musical entertainment across a range of genres – free at the point of enjoyment.

December’s highlights include the Ed Leaker Trio on Thursday, December 8. This soulful jazz group features sax supremo Ed with virtuoso support from Jerry Crozier-Cole on guitar and Adrian Smith on bass.

Grants chance

MENDIP District Council has opened the Shape Mendip Lottery Community Fund for local organisations to apply for grants of up to £1,000. Interested groups can find out more at mendip.gov.uk/communityfund. Applications close on January 15.

Fletcher House

Wells regarded Wells considered Wells established

Well Well

Wookey Theatre Group staged six sell-out shows of musical Oliver – based on Charles Dickens’ dark tale of Victorian child poverty, petty thieving and violence – during the first week of November. The show was directed by Polly Carroll and produced by Ann Gouldney. Cast members are pictured above.

Alms given to distressed and destitute

A COMMUNAR was the administrator of a monastic or ecclesiastical community, a layman responsible for the financial administration of a cathedral.

The Communars Cash Book of Wells Cathedral is an interesting document of social history and shows how the various Cathedral communars distributed alms in an early form of ‘Help for Heroes’, and how events in the rest of the country and other parts of the world entered into the daily life of Wells despite there being no forms of communication other than an oral tradition.

1636 to 1637

l 6s to diverse poor lamentable captives that came this way.

l 1s 6d to three poor seamen.

1667 to 1668

John Sellecke, communar l 2s to 6 French seamen.

l 2s to a poore cavalier that hath been sold as a slave at Constantinople.

1668 to 1670

John Sellecke, communar l 1s to a poor man that had been captive at Salley.

l 3s to a poor old man that hath been captive.

l 10s to two Hungarian gentlemen that hath been captives in Buda. (Buda the early name for Budapest. The Siege of Buda was fought between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire.)

l 1s to four poor French seamen. 1670 to 1671

William Piers, communar l 2s to two poor seamen lately prisoners in Algiers. (In 1670

England and the Dutch Republic sent a joint naval expedition as pirates were harassing Christian ships along the Barbary Coast and the naval force sank six ships in the port and shelled the city of Algiers, much of which was destroyed by fire. The state of war between England and Algiers lasted until 1672.)

1675 to 1676

Robert Creighton, communar l 11s to the repair of the suburbs of London called South Work lately destroyed by fire.

1677 to 1679

Dr Thomas Holt, communar

l 1s to a soldier wounded at Tangier.

l 1s to a seaman taken lately by the Turks. 1681 to 1682

William Piers, communar l 2s to 18 seamen taken by the Turks, rescued by a French man-of-war and set ashore at Liverpool.

1682 to 1683

Henry Dutton, communar l 1s to a poor shipwrecked Genoese.

l 5s to the redemption of captives.

l 1s to a poor Swede.

l 2s to four shipwrecked Spaniards.

l 8s to a poor woman to redeem her son from Algiers.

l 11s towards the losses by fire at Newmarket.

1684 to 1684

Henry Dutton, communar l 1s to three Barbados men, planters, wrecked at sea. 1689 to 1690

l 10l to Irish protestant exiles. 1694 to 1695

Richard Healy, communar l 2s to five poor men took prisoners at Brest. (Dutch and English ships and troops attacked the city of Brest in June 1694. They suffered huge losses with over 1,200 soldiers and sailors killed and 466 taken prisoner by the French.)

l 1s 6d to a man and his three children “fired out”. 1695 to 1697

Richard Healy, communar l 10s for redemption of poor men of Chester from slavery. l 2s to a minster’s son a slave in Salley.

1703 to 1704

l 10l for the relief of poor distressed protestants of the principality of Orange.

1709 to 1710

Richard Healy, communar l 1s to a woman and four children her husband killed on board the Kent in taking the Superbe, a French ship. (The Superbe was captured by HMS Kent off Lizard Point in 1710.)

l 1s to two women, a minister’s widow and three children took by the French going to New England, re-took and put in at Yarmouth.

1732 to 1733

Lawson Hudleston, communar l 2s to two priests from Constantinople begging alms for the redemption of Christian slaves in Turkey.

1740 to 1741

l 15l to the ringers on the occasion of the news of taking Carthagena. (The War of Jenkins Ear primarily fought between Spain and Britain in the Caribbean over trade routes.)

Also listed in Hudleston’s accounts but not related to the payment of alms are the items: l 13s 8d for Powder and Shot for destroying the Cathedral jackdaws.

l 10s to the dog whipper.

l 2s 6d to the morris dancers. l 16s 8d for the washing of 100 pair of vestments.

I leave to the reader’s discretion to come to any conclusion they may have about the amounts given to help the poor and the amounts for ridding the Cathedral of bird and animal nuisances.

Clare Blackmore

A funeral should be as individual as the person themselves

should hear from any funeral director worth their salt. The arrangements were made, the field was chosen, and the family started in their quest to turn the field, in the middle of nowhere on the Somerset Levels, into a festival-type place.

What a job they did too, a huge stretch tent was erected, adorned with bunting, garlands and fairy lights. The sound system was set up with a mic for the ceremony and D’s playlist blasting through the speakers.

Nicky Sutton, an Independent Civil Celebrant who leads funeral ceremonies on behalf of Wells Funeral Services, says that the family’s wishes should be paramount when it comes to funeral planning:

CAN we have a funeral in a field?

This is a question that you don’t get asked every day, but the answer was wholeheartedly yes!

When it comes to funeral planning the priority is to deliver what a family want, not what tradition states.

Gone are the days when the choices are church or crematorium, but sadly, these are the only options given to the majority of grieving families, and they have no idea that other options and possibilities are available to them. The approach should always be “What would you like to happen?” Not “This is what will happen”.

The family of D wanted something to match his personality and character. A quirky, unconventional man, always looking for a new adventure and who loved the outdoors and nature.

Religion never played a part in his life, he requested there was none included at his funeral. Not a problem, this is becoming a more regular request. Can we have the ceremony in a field, with the coffin there? Of course you can, let’s discuss what you would like and how we can make it work for you.

This is the response you

After weeks of hot, dry weather the rain came. It started the day before the funeral, and the day of the funeral was very, very wet. The hearse rolled cautiously into the field avoiding the slippery mud track, followed by the limo. Family and friends, with guidance from bearers, carried his willow coffin into the tent.

The Celebrant-led ceremony had structure, as the family requested, and the focus was D, his life and achievements, and tributes were made from family and friends, each one sharing a different perspective on his life. There was music played and a slideshow of images of his life through the years.

The ceremony ended and it was time to head to the crematorium for a private family committal. Hearse, limo and back-up vehicle left the muddy field without incident and D was bid a final farewell.

His family later returned to the field where they continued the celebration of his life with extended family and friends.

D’s family were happy their wishes had been carried out and they had been able to give him the send-off he wanted.

A funeral should be as individual as the person themselves. If you would like something different or just some guidance in giving your loved one the funeral they deserve, please get in touch, we’re always happy to help. Call 07966 383587 or email nickyfuneralcelebrant@ gmail.com

n WHAT’S ON Illuminations, workshops, music and more

THE Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells will once again be providing visitors with the chance to celebrate the magic of the Christmas season with festive events, outdoor illuminations, festive workshops, Father and Mother Christmas, music and food throughout the month of December.

The rooms of the medieval Palace building will be decked out in their Christmas finery with seasonal foliage from the Palace Gardens used to create adornments to complement the historic interiors. Visitors will enter the Entrance Hall with its roaring fire and explore the rooms of the Palace, which will also include the return of the popular local Schools EcoExhibition.

Outside visitors can explore the inner gardens which will be illuminated with festive decorations and Christmas Illuminations during special late night openings, including December 1 (Members only), 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. The Illuminations begin

at 3.30pm on the late opening evenings and last entry will be 6.30pm, with the inner gardens open until 7pm.

The Bishop’s Table cafe will be serving its festive menu and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Denela’s Bakery will also be tempting visitors with their hog roast.

Father and Mother Christmas will be returning to meet local

families (very limited tickets available). Storytellers will also be sprinkling some Christmas magic with tales of Christmas past on December 11, 18, 19, 20 and 21 (11am and 1.30pm). Great for big and little kids alike, no booking is required.

On December 10 and 17 (11am, 12.30pm and 3pm), Wells Theatre Company will perform an epic reading of the classic

Exhibition to showcase wide range of art

A NEW exhibition at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios in Wells will display a collection of paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints all selected by Mary Nice and Annie Menter.

The Bigger Picture opens on Friday, December 9, and continues until Saturday, December 17 (11am-4pm daily, closed Sunday).

With a wealth of experience in the arts, Annie and Mary bring their discerning eye to this eclectic show, which offers largescale, small-scale and something in between.

Proceeds from the exhibition will be going to Medicin sans

Table Top Sale and Craft Fair will benefit homeless

THE Connect Centre is holding a Table Top Sale and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 17, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The centre is at the Elim Church, Portway Avenue, BA5 2BE.

There are still tables available

for individuals or groups to hire for a minimum donation of £10.

Contact Janee on: 07714 271795.

Entry will be £1 and refreshments will be available. Payment must be by cash.

All the money received from

this will go towards Evergreen House, a step-up housing scheme for homeless men and women to help them rebuild their lives.

The house is one part of the church’s Community Outreach projects.

Dickensian tale A Christmas Carol within the atmospheric Undercroft. Again, no booking is required.

The ‘Swing into Christmas’ concert on Saturday, December 3 (7.30pm), welcomes John Prescott back to the Palace. John and the Capitol Band will perform a wide repertoire of songs from the great American songbook, a good way to kick off December and get into the Christmas cheer. Tickets are £17.50 for the 90-minute concert (including interval) and available via the Palace’s website.

And creative types may be tempted by two festive workshops – wreathmaking on Saturday, December 3 (10am1pm or 2pm-5pm), and candle making on Sunday, December 11 (11am-2pm).

Entrance to all events and activities (excluding the concert and workshops) is included with any standard admission to The Bishop’s Palace which allows for 12 months of return visits on any normal sightseeing day. More at www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Still time to add to Nativity sets

ORGANISERS of this year’s Crib Festival in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, have thanked those who have responded to the request to include their Nativity sets in the Festival from December 2-4.

It is not too late to join in –people can take their set to the Church on Thursday, December 1, and it will be included in the Festival, which is stewarded at all times. They are asked to write details on a card and a few words about their set and what it means to them.

Some of the proceeds of the event are to be donated to the Foodbank which it is hoped will help to bring some joy to those in need.

There are angels, stars, crafts, a raffle and refreshments, including mulled wine. Open 10am-4.30pm Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am-4.30pm on Sunday, £2.50 for adults, children free, and re-entry is free

Further details from Jill on 01749 675477.

Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace

Frontieres which is working across the world in war-torn areas for humanitarian relief.

Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios is in Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street.

An eclectic mix of art will be on show in The Bigger Picture exhibition at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios

n WHAT’S ON Christmas music and home-made cakes

FOR the first time in several years, the Swan Singers of Wells present ‘Carols and Cakes’.

The title speaks for itself: Christmas music old and new, followed by a cup of tea and home-made cakes. It is a fun afternoon, family-friendly and full of angels, sleigh bells, holly… and a hippopotamus. The choir will sing some familiar and some less familiar music and the audience get to join in too.

It will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Saturday, December 17, at 3pm.

Tickets are £10 (school-age children free), and children wearing Christmas jumpers, silly hats or outrageous seasonal outfits are also in line for a special treat. More details from: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk

items for sale, as well as jewellery and handbags, and homemade jam, marmalade and chutney.

There will also be a bottle tombola and a chocolate tombola; Santa’s Grotto; hot lunches and mulled wine; a silent auction full of items donated by local businesses; and a draw with a first prize of £500, second of £300 and third of £100. The event runs from 9.30am-3pm.

Art gift inspiration

ANDELLI Art at South Horrington will be offering unique and inspiring gift ideas with its Christmas Wishlist exhibition. Items range from 19th and 20th century and contemporary art to ceramics, folk art, studio pottery, jewellery and collectibles, with prices starting from £15. Artists/ makers include Jill Tate, Judith Jones, Kathy Dalwood, Keith Vaughan, Constance Anne Parker, Margaret Lovell, Mark Entwisle, Aude Van Ryn, Penny Price, Stuart McHarrie, Joella Wheatley, Edward Rogers (19111994), Vic Wright and David Storey.

Dates for Wizard of Oz at Little Theatre

THE much-loved story of The Wizard of Oz is this year’s Christmas production at Wells Little Theatre.

It is the 1987 musical version, based on the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum and the 1939 film.

Show dates are: Saturday, December 10, 2.30pm; Sunday, December 11, 2.30pm; Tuesday, December 13, 7.30pm; Wednesday, December 14, 7.30pm; Thursday, December 15, 7.30pm; Friday, December 16, 7.30pm; Saturday, December 17, 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

For tickets, see the website: wellslittletheatre.com

Christmas Bazaar

THE St Joseph and St Teresa Christmas Bazaar is returning for the first time in three years on Saturday, November 26, in Wells Town Hall.

There will be stalls from a number of churches in Wells, Wells Community Network, Reaching the Unreached, Fairtrade, a cake stall and a used book stall. There will be craft

The exhibition runs from November 28 to December 17. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-5pm (other times by appointment).

Annual exhibition

CHILCOMPTON Art Club is once again holding its annual exhibition at Wells.

A selection of paintings and

THERE is a chance to welcome in the festive season with a beautiful telling of the Christmas story – Handel’s Messiah at Wells Cathedral. Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society is delighted to welcome back the Music for Awhile orchestra, with their leader Maggie Faultless, and a line-up of world-class soloists for their annual performance of this great work. The conductor is Jeremy Cole.

cards by members is on display and for sale in the Cloisters at Wells Cathedral. The exhibition started on November 17 and finishes on November 24, open from 10am until 5pm.

Entry is free of charge and each day some members will be on hand to help with sales or discuss the art with visitors.

Singers in concert

PRIDDY Singers will be taking part in a Christmas Concert featuring Squeeze, Fiddle, Pluck at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Saturday, December 10, at 4pm.

Tickets are £8 adults, £2 children, and can be booked online at priddysingers.org or contact priddysingerstickets@ gmail.com, tel: 07984 966860.

Christmas Parade

FATHER Christmas is making an appearance at the Christmas Parade in Wells on Sunday, December 18.

Children in fancy dress will be parading at 10.30am from the Recreation Ground to the Market Place led by musicians

Messiah was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

The oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

The performance at Wells Cathedral will take place on Saturday, December 3, at 7pm. Tickets: www.wcos.org.uk

and Father Christmas in the city’s new trishaw. In the Market Place there will be a number of stalls, music from the Pop Rock Pub Contemporary Choir, the Grey Dogs Jazz Band and ZZ Birmingham band, circus performers from Wookey Hole and a solo act from Flying Seagulls.

There will also be mistletoe for sale.

Folk and Barn dance

WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

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

Reading group

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

Anyone interested can just drop in to enjoy listening to a story and poems. There is no charge, no booking needed and no pressure to read aloud or talk.

Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society Performance of Messiah at Cathedral

Paintings by members of Chilcompton Art Club

n WHAT’S ON

Paintings to go on show at Museum

A CHRISTMAS Exhibition by Wells u3a’s Painting for Pleasure group will take place at Wells & Mendip Museum from December 6-16, from 10am to 4pm.

The group is again exhibiting some of the works achieved both at home and at its bi-monthly meetings at St Thomas’ Church Hall.

Although small in number the range is wide, covering pastel through watercolour, acrylic, oil and collage. Many members have exhibited before yet for some this is a whole new experience. Much of the work will be for sale but some will be for display only.

It is free to visit the exhibition room. Members will be stewarding all the time.

Chances to see and hear Wells City Band

WELLS City Band is due to take part in a number of events in December:

n Sunday, December 4, 1pm3pm: Carols at The Bishop’s Palace.

n Wednesday, December 14, 6.30pm-7.30pm: Carols at Easton Green.

n Saturday, December 17, 7.30pm: Annual Christmas Concert at Wells Town Hall. Tickets £10. To reserve for collection on the door, call Jane on 01749 675668.

Everyone (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2009-10), a ground-breaking book that highlights ‘inequality’ as the key determinant in almost every aspect of life. Andy will introduce the key elements of the research with slides provided by the Equality Trust and lead the discussions they will hopefully provoke.

Members and non-members are equally welcome.

Two Bingo nights

This new ‘Teen Edition’ version is a shorter and more content-appropriate version of the original for younger performers and audience members.

Tickets are available at strodetheatre.org.uk

Oxfam Quiz Night

THERE will be an Oxfam Quiz Night at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, December 11, starting at 7.30pm.

Teams of up to six, £4 per team member. Raffle prizes welcomed.

To book, phone Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com

Scottish dancing

PEOPLE are being invited to dance into the new year with friendly Scottish country dancing group the Wells Scottish Dancers. Beginning on January 12, this new group will meet on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm att Portway Annexe, Wells.

All ages (over 18) are welcome, no experience is necessary, and no partner is needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is required for this lively and sociable activity.

To learn more about Scottish dancing or to register an interest in joining, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann. wellsdancers@gmail.com

Coffee Morning with talk on equality

FOLLOWING a successful and well attended first-after-Covid Wells Labour Party Coffee Morning on October 1, people are being invited along to the next one. This will be at the Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, Wells, on Saturday, December 3, from 10am-noon.

There will be tea, coffee, cake, and a presentation by Andy Merryfield, a well known Wells community and Labour activist. He will introduce The Spirit Level – Why Equality is Better for

GLOBE Carnival Club is holding two Bingo nights in December. The first will be on Monday, December 5, at Croscombe Village Hall, and the second on Friday, December 16, at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Doors will open at 6.45pm for both events, with eyes down at 7.30pm.

Staging of Chicago

WELLS Cathedral School is presenting five performances of Chicago at Strode Theatre, Street. They will take place on November 30 (7.30pm), December 1 (7.30pm), December 2 (2pm and 7.30pm) and December 3 (7.30pm).

Chicago tells the story of chorus girl Roxie Hart who murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap... until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie.

Folk club meetings

MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA51PN, from 8pm.

Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome. More at punchsfolkclub.yolasite.com

Board game session

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, December 14, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Social dance night

A CHRISTMAS Social dance will take place at Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD, on Friday, December 9, from 7pm.

Ballroom / Latin. Beginners welcome. For more information, call James on 07769 603937.

Wells u3a’s Painting for Pleasure group will be exhibiting pictures at Wells & Mendip Museum

WELLS TWINNING ASSOCIATION

A VISIT that should have taken place in October 2020 to Bad Dürkheim finally took place at the beginning of October 2022 for members of Wells Twinning Association. The visit had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

Thirteen members received outstanding hospitality and friendship, all of which is the ethos of twinning. The party was invited to a Champagne Reception by the Burgermeister Christoph Glogger in the Council Chamber at City Hall, Bad Dürkheim. Each member received a glass with the new emblem of Bad Dürkheim etched on it.

The programme that was organised for our visit included a guided tour of the city, a meal in the Durkheimer Barrel with our hosts, visits to a winery and to St Michaels Chapel, which is dedicated to twinning, a visit to Trifels Castle where Richard The Lionheart was held, a walk around the Isenach lake and finally, a covered ride around a vineyard with music and more wine tasting. It was a very actionpacked five days.

Travelling home from Bad Dürkheim with the party was a young man who had contacted the association asking if he could come to Wells to improve his English and perhaps attend school. Wells Twinning made the arrangements for him to attend Wells Blue School, and Simon enjoyed it so much that he attended an extra day. Thank you to Wells Blue School for accommodating our request. Simon also enjoyed visits to Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Wookey Hole Caves. Wells Twinning Association would like to thank all those who made his visit memorable. We must also thank Deputy Mayor Tanys Pullin for meeting Simon in the Mayor’s Parlour and Kevin Westwood who both gave him a guided tour and history of the Town Hall.

Simon was hosted by Allan Koop and Elizabeth Legge, who entertained him and took him to many other attractions in the area. A very big thank you.

Next year, 2023 will be the 40th anniversary of twinning between Wells and Bad Dürkheim. Discussions have started between the cities as to how we will celebrate this occasion and where we will be

WELLS BRIDGE CLUB

WELLS Bridge Club was set up in October 1984 and has continued ever since. Members play Rubber Bridge as opposed to Duplicate and it may be that it is the only one in Somerset. The Club members meet weekly on Wednesday afternoons at St Thomas’ Church Hall at 1.45pm and play until around 4pm. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with a range of abilities and it is a time to practise and try things out. Some members generally play with the

same person, others change their partners regularly. There is always a spare person to play the first Wednesday of every month so that is the time to come and try us out if you don’t have a regular partner. I am frequently known to say – it’s Wednesday, give it a try as it really doesn’t matter if you don’t make your contract!

Please come and join us –the first visit is free. If you are interested and want to give the Club a try, please contact me –Natasha Smith at tashasmith. wells@gmail.com or ring me on 07816 675812.

However, he or the Chair of Wells Twinning Association were unable to attend, therefore, two members and their partners of the Wells Twinning Association committee attended on behalf of the Mayor and enjoyed the kind hospitality of Fontanellato. The visitors to Fontanellato were most pleased to see the swan that was gifted by members of Wells on display again.

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

able to repay the hospitality and kindness which was shown to us on our visit.

Earlier in the summer the Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley received from Fontanellato, Wells’ Italian twin town, an invitation for five people to attend their celebrations marking 50 years of twinning between their other twin town Kiblegg in Germany.

WHAT a hubbub there was before, during and after the October meeting, when members of the Wells Civic Society, members of the public, and the Mayor and a number of city councillors not only learned more about the draft of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan, but had the opportunity to record their reactions, suggestions and recommendations. Led by Adrian l’Anson, who has been much involved over a number of years

in compiling the plan, and who showed himself to have a very considerable local knowledge of matters highly pertinent to the built and green environments, this meeting was one of four official consultations, and the society was pleased that it had specifically been asked to host it.

With clear maps and diagrams, Adrian first detailed a number of the local areas particularly mentioned in the plan, as well as describing how the plan can and should eventually achieve a statutory weight and have to be taken into account by the Somerset Unitary Council which will be taking over from Mendip District Council in the near future, although there are several procedures to go through first. Perhaps his main message was that the plan is a community plan, and it is imperative that the general public now make their views known before things go further and become finalised.

Then everyone really got down to business as they were put into groups of about six and given items and proposals from within the plan to discuss and react to. These embraced the main themes of the plan: heritage and the built environment; housing; moving around; retail and commercial buildings; tourism; and the environment. Then came the sharing with everyone else by each group of their conclusions, recommendations, approvals, and disagreements. The noise level suddenly dropped and you could have heard a pin drop, except when anyone was moved to interject a question or seek clarification. Crucially, all the notes made by the groups were collected and passed to Adrian, who will collate them so that they then form part of the official feedback to be taken into account before the plan is finalised.

Adrian was thanked for and congratulated on his running of the evening, which had been a stimulating one with a truly local flavour.

Richard Hanks

WELLS ANALYTICAL PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY

Over the past 12 years or more, a participating audience of about 25 has gathered in the lecture theatre of Wells Museum, on the first Monday morning

A Wells swan on display in Fontanellato

Members of Wells Bridge Club pictured mid-game at the meeting in St Thomas’ Church Hall on November 9

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

of each month at 10.30. We have discussed topics ranging from religion without belief to illusions of democracy, from the nature of truth to euthanasia, from Camus to Wittgenstein, from political fairness to the moral traps of empathy, from scepticism to the philosophy of education. Everyone is welcome and no prior familiarity with academic philosophy is expected. Our next debate, on December 5, tackles The Varied Nature of Human Emotions.

Just pop in for a friendly taster, or contact Alan Hobbs on 01749 677949 for further information. The topic for each month hereafter will be posted a fortnight in advance on the Wells Library noticeboard. No January meeting.

WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST

TRADITIONALLY, our December meeting has a musical theme, and this year is no exception. We will be joined by trumpeter and conductor Paul Denegri with four members of the Wells City Band who will entertain us and play a few carols to join in with. A full English breakfast will be served at 8am.

To book a place at breakfast, you need to ring 07376 715671 by noon on Thursday, December 1, and respond to the instructions you will hear. Alternatively, send an email to wmb.bookings@ btinternet.com by the same time. The cost is £10.

WELLS & MENDIP ASTRONOMERS

ON the morning of Tuesday, October 25, members of Wells & Mendip Astronomers gathered on Wells Cathedral Green to show off a partial solar eclipse to interested passers-by. Star of the show was the group’s new Lunt hydrogenalpha telescope purchased for public outreach with the help of a grant from the Somerset Community Foundation. The telescope gave superb views not

Avon and Somerset’s first female Chief Constable Sarah Crew, who talked about her work on improving outcomes for women who have experienced rape and assault; and Gogglebox’s Reverend Kate Bottomley on her journey to becoming a TV vicar.

just of the Moon as it grazed the Sun’s disc, but also of the Sun’s boiling surface and arching prominences.

The group had other safely filtered telescopes to hand along with specially darkened eclipse glasses that all gave beautiful views as the Moon took a bite out of the Sun. Watch out for further public outings by the Wells & Mendip Astronomers solar outreach team – astronomy in the sunshine! More at wellsastronomers.org.uk

and cranberry or d) bacon and maple syrup. So we will all be saving some money this year, and the tastings provided a welcome chance to spend more time talking with friends than is normally possible. We finished with a game of handbag bingo.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 6.

Veronica Howe

COXLEY & DISTRICT WI

THE ladies of Coxley WI met on November 1 at Coxley Memorial Hall. Hilary gave us a report of the walking group’s effort around Littern and its lake… the weather was lovely for the 5.5 miles. They next meet at Midsomer Norton on December 9.

Cathy and Margaret reported on an eventful visit to Somerset County Federation AGM. Names were taken for those interested in our lunch club Christmas meal on December 8. The tasty brunch at Hartleys Kitchen in October was enjoyed by those who went.

The book club met on November 4 at Peggy’s and are due to meet again on December 2 at Jenny’s. We will be reading Pillars of Light by Jane Johnson.

The craft club were meeting at Peggy’s on November 16. The plan was for knitting this month.

Paul

WELLS TUESDAY WI

PRESIDENT Anne and Secretary Val took 21 Christmas gifts in shoeboxes to the Somerset County Federation WI AGM, where they enjoyed talks from

In other news we now have two groups catering for different walkers: one exploring the Mendips, and another doing shorter local walks without the stiles and hills. Some members had been on a wild foraging walk, and another on a Ranger-led walk. The cinema group had seen Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and were planning to see The Lost King, and the singles diners are looking forward to a Christmas party meal at The Swan Hotel to coincide with some special birthdays. Some members had enjoyed a craft weekend at Dillington House, making large willow reindeers. We got through to the second round of the WI knockout skittles cup in Puriton thanks to top scorer Debbie. Tickets for the WI Christmas carol service at the Cathedral

were distributed, and Alison told us about some Sustainable Somerset events including the Repair Cafe, the freecycle swap at Priory Road, and the Tor Lane rewilding project consultation. Members of our three book groups attended the Wells Literature Festival talk given by novelist Claire Fuller.

Instead of a speaker, the November meeting’s main event was a blind tasting of festive food. We were given samples of smoked salmon, mince pies and cheese with cranberries and invited to guess which was the premium product, and which the budget offering. Lidl generally came out on top, usually beating Waitrose whose unusual mince pies by Heston Blumenthal left most tasters underwhelmed. Next we were invited to guess the flavours of four varieties of crisps marketed as Christmas specials. Our noses and tongues were assaulted by various chemical smells and sensations, but nobody correctly identified a) pigs in blankets; b) turkey and stuffing; c) French brie

Our New Year annual meal has yet to be arranged.

We have collectively decided to give YMCA Christmas gifts in shoe boxes again this year, could these be brought in at the next meeting please?

After the business of the meeting we were well entertained by Jenny Collins. She showed us how to press flowers and displayed some of her lovely art work, made from pressed flowers. She also explained how she originally became interested in flower pressing. It was a lovely evening, Jenny thanked her for us all.

The competition of a favourite flower artefact was won by Alison, Margaret coming first with her flower of the month.

Next month’s meeting is our annual Christmas social at Coxley Memorial Hall on December 6 at 7pm. Members are asked to bring a plate of food for sharing. Also if possible an anecdote or poem for us all to enjoy. Visitors most welcome.

Ursula Dann

u More reports on pges 44&45

Members of Wells & Mendip Astronomers are keen observers of the partial solar eclipse on October 25

Denegri, who will be at the Wells Men’s Breakfast meeting in December

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS U3A

WELLS u3a continues to be very active. They were pleased to have a stall at the One World Fair in the Town Hall at the beginning of October where they were able to display a board with all the groups available if you join Wells u3a. Several members and group leaders were there to explain the many advantages of joining an organisation such as ours.

At the end of October there was a Harvest Supper for all members held at the Museum with a wonderful buffet with a selection of cold savoury and sweet dishes. The members that attended were entertained by a light-hearted presentation by John Craig, a retired chief fire officer.

The following day Wells u3a joined in the lantern parade along with around 100 others with their dolphin shaped lantern made by several members who had had no idea how to make this delicate object with fairy lights inside. They joined others organised by the Project Factory to learn how to make it. The parade dodged the showers, starting in the Cathedral before parading outside and ending at The Bishop’s Palace.

Our Painting for Pleasure group is proud to present an exhibition at Wells Museum from December 6-16. Do go along and see the great talent of this group and talk to the members who will be happy to talk about the pleasure they get from being a member of Wells u3a.

The Out and About group organised a visit to Hinkley Point at the beginning of November. They were a group of 31 on a cool damp afternoon for a trip to see Hinkley Power Station. It was a fascinating trip, nothing like long enough for us, who were full of largely unanswered questions about the impact of this vast site on the environment and the consequences of its activity.

The tour started in the Visitor Centre, which is free to any individual wishing to see progress with the bringing on line of Hinkley C, now that Hinkley B has been closed. It’s hoped that Hinkley C will be commissioned by 2027. However, to visit the site itself, security is very tight and only open to guided tours.

This year’s functions open to all members, concludes with a Christmas lunch at the Golf Club

WELLS MACULAR GROUP

THE Wells Macular Group is a local branch of the National Macular Society charity. The group meets monthly offering friendship, support, exchange of information and outings. There are visits by representatives from Social

where members from all groups can get the chance to talk to one another about their group’s activities.

If you are still intrigued to what Wells u3a has to offer, please look at our website https://u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home where you can also obtain an application form to join. No need to sit at home and feel lonely during the short cold days of winter.

Ann Brown and Liz Lee

SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST

WE have had good attendance at our wildlife talks since we restarted them in September, with excellent speakers talking about bats, owls, climate change and things we can do as individuals to help.

Our last event of the year will be a talk by Barbra Lakin at 7.30pm on Friday, December 9, at the Wells Museum.

Barbra is a Biodiversity and Landscape Officer for Mendip District Council. She is in the process of organising the

Services, the Macular Society, RNIB and Somerset Sight, and agents from technical companies making optical aids. For further information contact Terry Shawe, tel: 01749 679759, email: terryshawe@gmail. com, or Jenny O’Callaghan, tel: 01749 679235.

surveying of veteran trees in the Wells and Glastonbury area and is looking for volunteers that she can train to help with the work.

Citizen Science is growing in popularity and along with providing useful data, helps to increase awareness of our environment. It provides a focus for us when we are out walking and personally, I find that if you can identify some of the species that you see, whether they be birds, plants, insects or whatever it adds an extra element of enjoyment to the walk, and if that data can be put to use, then so much the better.

There will also a chance to catch up with other members and reflect on the changes that are being imposed on us by the Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT). You may already know that SWT no longer wish its area groups to continue in their current form and most are being shut down in the new year.

In Wells however we feel that there is sufficient interest in wildlife and our environment for us to carry on independently of SWT, and so our group will

gradually transition into the Wells & District Wildlife Group (WDWG).

Along with the usual refreshments, this time there will also be mulled wine and mince pies to help us to get festive in the run up to Christmas.

If you think you might join us for this event, please book in advance with Jean Mantle: jaye.mantle@btinternet.com, telephone 01749 677600. This is just so we will have some idea of how many mince pies to get.

Eric Lewis

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

WE had a very interesting evening on November 2 when Mike Chipperfield joined us to show photographs and tell us of his four-month tour of the USA. He did this solo trip on his vintage motorbike using minor roads throughout. During the journey he met up with so many friendly people, some of whom were also motorbike enthusiasts who rode with him for a few miles.

Unfortunately we had torrential rain to accompany our arrival at the meeting, but the members who braved the elements, plus two husbands, enjoyed a really good evening, and our thanks go to Mike who also struggled through the downpour.

In December we look forward to seeing our members to celebrate Christmas with a buffet supper, some entertainment and the singing of carols.

Pat Dyer

WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE NATIONAL TRUST

THE Wells & District Centre National Trust group meets in Henton Village Hall on the second Saturday of the month from September to March. In the summer months there are trips out. This year they included Hinkley Point, Minterne House, Coleshill Estates and Buscot Hall, to name a few.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, December 10, 2pm for a 2.30pm start, when John Barkle will give a talk on Memories of a Village Grocer.

New members and visitors are welcome. Entry fee £3. Annual joining fee £10.

Members of Wells Macular Group pictured on a recent day out in Weston-super-Mare

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

ON Tuesday, November 8, our festive season began with a demonstration entitled Quintessentially Christmas by national demonstrator and renowned judge Alan Beatty.

Alan made the journey from Northern Ireland to join us. The club chairman, Isobel Cameron, welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, the South West area chairman, Pat Cook, club members, their family and friends to sit back and enjoy an evening of Christmas flowers and fables. President, Sylvia Ingham gave the vote of thanks.

There is no demonstration in December so our next meeting is on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, when Nicky Heal, area demonstrator, will be joining us for Spring Inspirations. It will be held in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, at 2.15pm.

Jenny Jones

including standard, three feet, two foot six inches and an unusual two foot three and half inches. The sugar mills were all nationalised and renamed after the revolution with locomotive stock being renumbered in bands according to power.

During this period the amount of steam engine activity and sugar production has declined but there has been a strong move to preserve many of the locomotives on heritage lines, in museums and restoration parks. The decline in the sugar trade can be ascribed to reduced exports to formerly the USSR and Russia in exchange for steel and lorries and the application of western sanctions.

Many photos of steam engines, in a variety of conditions, were shown, from pristine working locomotives to total wrecks. Some of the latter would surprisingly be later restored to good cosmetic condition for display. The majority of steam locomotives were of American construction from ALCo, Baldwins, HK Porter and Rogers. Later diesels came from a variety of sources including Brush Traction in the UK. Passengers were either carried in box cars or demotored railcars. On the sugar cane lines coaches and minibuses converted to run on rails were common passenger transport.

Wells Railway Fraternity meets on the second Tuesday of the month in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm. New members and guests are always welcome. December’s meeting will be the AGM followed by a quiz.

n SPORT

Juniors win Somerset KO tournament final

MENDIP Golf Club’s Juniors won the final of Somerset Junior KO tournament. The club has congratulated all the Juniors who have played for it in the various rounds, with a special mention for Alec Roberts and Ffion Richardson who won their matches in the final.

The Juniors were also involved in the final of the Somerset Junior Golf League held at Burnham and Berrow. After a fine effort the team of Thomas and Ffion Richardson, Connie Cox, Sam Hughes and Alec Roberts just lost out on count back.

The club’s Mixed Foursomes Cup saw a win for the husband and wife pairing Paul and Jenny Merrett with a fine net 71.

Mendip had a fine entry for their Open Autumn Bowmaker event. The winning Visitors Team with 81 points came from Lansdown/Broome Manor/ Kingsdown. Best Member/ Guests Team were Tony Williams and his partners from Knowle and Taunton & Pickeridge with 71 points. Thanks to all those Members who purchased a copy of the Mendip Golf Club History Book, the target of £1,000 was achieved and donations have

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

THE Wells Railway Fraternity’s November meeting was a presentation by Mike Walker on Cuba during the Sugar Harvest.

Mike is an honorary member of the Fraternity who has made around a dozen visits to Cuba between 2002 and 2017, to witness railway activity during the sugar harvest season between March and April, known as the Zafra. Outside this time the mills’ railway systems would have little running while maintenance was carried out to both the mills and their railways.

Cuba has a mainline of around 750 miles with branches and a network of lines serving the sugar cane mills of which there were around 700. These latter are of several gauges

The annual Railwells model railway exhibition will be held in the Town Hall on the weekend of August 12/13, 2023.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

THERE will be no meeting in the Town Hall in December but the Club will reconvene in January when we gather for a friendly social event with festive refreshments, an opportunity to join and an amiable gardening quiz, if there is such a thing. The meeting is in the Town Hall on Thursday, January 12, at 7.30pm. Admission will be free and everyone is very welcome.

Warm wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Pip Harwood

now been made to each of the Captain’s charities.

Delayed from the middle of the summer heatwave, the annual Centenary match v Worlebury took place. This time the teams were left with wet and windy conditions. However as always the match was played in good spirits and ended in an honourable half at 4-4. Winners for Mendip were Tony Scott/ Mark Necker, Tony Taylor/ Peter Rumming and Anita Butcher/Elaine P Richardson, with a halves coming from Steve Davis/John Ellis and Allison Rumming/Anne Collins. So Mendip, as holders, retain the trophy for another year.

u More Sport, page 46

Concert will be special occasion n

WHAT’S ON

THE Chorus of Disapproval will be staging its annual Christmas concert in St Thomas’ Church, Wells, this December and it will be a special occasion, because this year will be the choir’s tenth anniversary.

Very much community-based, members of the choir have been turning up regularly on Monday evenings at Stoberry Park School to rehearse for their twice-yearly concerts (usually in June and December) since 2012.

Although this year marks the official tenth anniversary, the origins of the choir go back a bit earlier. Two teachers from Huish Episcopi Academy, who were both new to the area at the time, decided that they wanted

to put something back into the community. And so it was that Andrew Brooke and Verity Stoffell came up with the idea for the Chorus of Disapproval, posting hundreds of invitations through doors in the North Road / St Thomas Street area of Wells, inviting people to join their new project. About 30 people came through the door on that first evening in June 2010, and some of those original members still sing with the choir today.

The choir has roughly 60 members now who turn up regularly for rehearsals. This year’s Christmas concert is at St Thomas’ Church on December 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door.

Alan Beatty gave a demonstration entitled Quintessentially Christmas to Wells Floral Art Club

GOLF

Mendip’s Men’s Captain Alan Roper, right, receiving the 1908 trophy from Worlebury’s Captain Barry Saunders

A cheque was presented to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice for the sum of £1,082 raised at the Martin Coppell memorial cricket match at Horrington Cricket Club in September between Wells Wanderers Cricket Club XI and Horrington and Wookey Hole Cricket Club. Pictured, from left, are Paul Banwell, Steve Coppell, Fliss and Craig Coppell. Wells Wanderers, captained by Steve Coppell, won the game by one wicket.

Annual 29-mile relay race raises £1,500 for charity

ATHLETICS

THE Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers held their 13th annual relay race from Uphill beach near Weston-super-Mare to Wells Cathedral Green on September 24. The route follows the West Mendip Way footpath and covers 29 miles of the beautiful Somerset countryside. The relay can be run as an ultra-marathon or in teams of up to five runners; entries were up this year and saw 25 teams take on the challenge.

The event is non-profit making and all monies raised

are donated to the club’s chosen charity, which this year was Boys in Mind. It was particularly poignant as one of the club’s members had tragically lost their son earlier this year.

The overall winners were from Clevedon Running Club and the ladies prize went to Burgess Salmon Solicitors. The mixed relay was won by Burnham and the ultra by Avon Valley.

The total raised this year from race entries and tea and cake sales was £1,500, Mark Allemby, the Hash’s Grand Master,

As winners of the Ladies Wild League this season, City of Wells Bowls Club ladies held the annual AGM and presentation of trophies. The photo shows captain Emma Morley with the Wild League Winner’s Shield and ViceCaptain Rachael Allen with the Winner’s Salver together with the ladies who played during the season. The team won 14 of their 16 games with an overall shot difference of +397.

was pleased to report. He also wanted to thank Morrisons for donating water and Rugantinos Restaurant for providing power for the tea and cake stall.

The race start, above, and finish

Rita Powers

Pictures: Rita Powers