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December 2023 Issue 78
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Mass rally to demand ‘proper pavements’ A MASS rally of people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking sticks, are blind or deaf, who push pushchairs, or who struggle in other ways to negotiate the city’s pavements will take place outside Wells Town Hall on December 7. The ‘Proper Pavements for Wells’ rally aims to demonstrate the strength of feeling about the need for civic leaders to take action to make the pavements safer, especially for less able users. The event will see the handing over to local authorities of copies of a survey on the suitability of the pavements for the less able, carried out by Wells residents Theo van Hensbergen, Brian Clarke and Robert Payne. Wells Voice reported last month that Robert, Theo – whose mother-in-law uses a wheelchair – and Brian – who needs to use a motorised wheelchair because of his
CHRISTMAS PAWTRAITS: Take a picture of your pet with Santa Paws – see page 6
‘Westwood Room’ retirement tribute Lovely surprise at retirement celebration for Kevin Westwood as it is revealed that a Town Hall room has been named after him Turn to page 8
Christmas cracker of a competition Chance to win products from Bishop’s Eye including wine, cheese and more worth £200 Turn to page 15
Continued on page 9
PRACTICAL GIFTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS Thermal softop socks
Walkers
Hot water bottles
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Pop in to see us at 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, BA5 2AW•01749 670765•www.oakvillecarecentre.co.uk
Advent and Christmas Highlights at Wells Cathedral Events and services for all ages over the festive season December 1 Primary Schools’ Christmas Celebration* 1.05 p.m. 3 Advent Procession with Carols* 5.00 p.m. 9 Wells Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol* 1.00 p.m. /3.00 p.m. 9 Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society: Handel’s Messiah 7.00 p.m. 11 Somerset County Schools’ Celebration 7.00 p.m. 13 AGE UK Somerset: A Celebration of Christmas* 11.00 a.m. 13 Women’s Institute Carol Service 2.30 p.m. 15 Piccadilly Sinfonietta: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas 7.00 p.m. 16 Wells Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol* 1.00 p.m./3.00 p.m. 17 London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies 7.30 p.m. 18 19 20 Christmas Crafts 10.00 a.m. /11.15 a.m. /2.00 p.m. 19 20 21 Carols by Candlelight 7.00 p.m. 23 Family Crib Services* 2.00 p.m. /3.15 p.m. 23 Cathedral Carol Service* 6.00 p.m. 24 Carols at the Crib* 5.15 p.m. 24 Eucharist of Christmas Night* 11.00 p.m. 25 Eucharist of Christmas Day* 9.30 a.m. 25 Choral Matins on Christmas Day* 11.30 a.m.
Get tickets and plan your visit online at wellscathedral.org.uk/christmas *Admission: FREE with retiring collection
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December 2023
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New talent sought for staging of Macbeth WELLS Theatre Festival, which will take place from June 20-23, 2024, has announced that its next community production will be Macbeth by William Shakespeare, performed in the historic Bishop’s Barn in Silver Street. Festival organisers are looking for new talent to join the now well-established Wells Community Theatre Company which is made up entirely of residents of Wells and the surrounding communities. Those taking part get the opportunity to work alongside professionals and present a performance to a live audience as part of the Wells Theatre Festival. Artistic Director Ros Johnson said: “We are very excited to be staging Macbeth as part of the 2024 Festival. The play is rightly one of Shakespeare’s most famous and most performed works. We will be converting
Members of the Wells Community Theatre take part in a stage combat workshop in preparation for their production of Macbeth, which will be performed in the Bishop’s Barn during next year’s Wells Theatre Festival the Bishop’s Barn into an atmospheric theatre space in which we will recreate Macbeth’s castle. We are looking for new talent to join us, no previous
acting experience is necessary, there are parts for everyone.” Macbeth tells a story of the devastating power of greed and ambition. On a bleak Scottish
moor, three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland, but that after his death, it will be the descendants of his comrade Banquo who will inherit the crown. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth murders the king in his sleep and becomes the new king, but tormented by guilt, paranoia, and an obsession to keep hold of power, he murders again and again. Lady Macbeth also tormented by guilt, descends into madness. A civil war erupts to overthrow Macbeth leading to his downfall. Auditions, which will be in the form of collaborative workshops, will be held on January 7, 2024. People who would like to take part or want to know more should email: rosjjohnson@gmail.com To find out more about Wells Theatre Festival, visit: www. wellstheatrefestival.org
Free New Year’s Day bus service AFTER many requests from both members of the public and local enthusiasts, a free heritage bus service will be running from Wells Bus Station on New Year’s Day. The normal First Bus service 376 will not run on the day, and indeed, there will be no First buses operating on New Year’s Day. Instead, local enthusiasts and vehicle owners will run free bus services from Wells Bus Station to both Bristol and Street, and a
couple of other routes including a circular tour of Wells. These heritage buses are restored and preserved by enthusiasts for future generations to enjoy. Some date back to the 1940s and many have operated for both Bristol Omnibus Company and Badgerline. No fares are charged, but donations are welcome, to support further restoration. Due to their age, some buses are not fully accessible and may have steps.
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December 2023
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SOMERSET Council’s Executive has set out a series of actions after declaring a financial emergency in response to soaring costs and demands on services. Latest budget figures show Somerset Council is facing a funding gap of £100 million for 2024/25 due in large part to an expected increase of £70 million in the cost of adult social care for 2024/25. Without immediate action this could lead to Somerset being forced to follow the likes of Birmingham and Woking councils by issuing a S114 notice – effectively declaring the council bankrupt. Executive members on November 8 voted to declare a financial emergency and noted controls being put in
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Search for savings to close funding gap
Somerset Council has declared a ‘financial emergency’ place across the organisation to limit spending. They also agreed to dispose of commercial investments, and pledged to step up ongoing talks with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
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Councillor Liz Leyshon, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Resources & Performance and Deputy Leader, said: “It is clear we are one of the growing number of councils nationally to be facing a
financial emergency. There is a fundamental structural problem with local government budgets as our costs are rising much faster than our ability to raise income. “While we will continue to call for a national solution to this national problem, we are also determined to do everything we can to reduce our budget gap to ensure we continue to provide support for those most in need.” Officers are drawing up savings proposals which will be voted on by Executive at its December meeting. These could include selling assets and buildings, including offices; increasing council tax, fees and charges as much as possible; reducing staffing levels; and reducing council services to statutory levels. Meanwhile, council Leader Bill Revans has written to all city, town and parish councils in Somerset to ask them to consider taking on greater responsibility for local community assets and services. In his letter, Cllr Revans explains that although no decisions have been made, the financial emergency could impact on the delivery of local services in future. The letter includes a list of potential assets and services which local councils may wish to support, and highlights ways they can do so. This list includes everything from public toilets, theatres and libraries, to bus services, flood prevention measures, grass and hedge cutting, ditch clearing and drain jetting, fly tipping and carnival clear-ups. Cllr Revans said: “We will need to review all our assets and services as we take action to address this financial emergency. “Many city, town and parish councils have already expressed an interest in devolution and we recognise that some may wish to consider taking on community functions which could be at risk if we can no longer afford them. “Transferring ownership and management of services at a local level, means communities can tailor them to meet the specific needs and preferences of their neighbourhoods. Local councils also have access to funding sources not available to the larger authorities.”
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Fami2.5lyor 5Skmanta wellsvoice FunSunday RuDecember n / W10thalk
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am - 2pm Santa run part of10day’s Christmas fun A SANTA fun run – or walk – with a reindeer hunt along the way will be part of the Christmas entertainment taking place in Wells on December 10. Wells Rotary are putting on a special festive event in Wells Market Place that will include a charity Santa fun run/walk on either a 5k or a 2.5k route. People can run the route and enjoy the views along the way, or walk with their family and look out for the reindeer as they go. The route starts in Market Place and then heads through Palace Fields, before returning via the former railway line. It is pushchair-friendly but could get a bit muddy in places. There will be six reindeer hiding along the route and each child will have the opportunity to find the reindeer to claim a prize at the end. Everyone entering the fun run/walk will get a Santa hat, and on completion they will get a
Children's reindeer hunt Raising funds for Winston's Wish
£5 Adults, Children Free
Santa fun run medal. There will also be stalls in The entry fee is £5the for adults, Market Place offering Christmas Leaving from Market Place, Wells and their children are free. items, food, and drink. For at 10am All monies raised will go to children there will be a the Winston’s Wish childhood decorating table where they can bereavement charity. decorate their own gingerbread. Registration for the run on There will be more reasons Sunday, December 10, will start too to get into the Christmas at 9am in Wells Market Place, mood, says Wells Rotary and the run/walk will start at president Angela Cussell. She 10am. said: “People will be able to buy
their mistletoe in readiness for the big day, and we are very lucky to have the Joyful Spirit choir coming to sing Christmas carols which will put us all in the festive spirit. “I have put a personal request in for snow on the day (just in the marketplace) so keep your fingers crossed.” Wells Rotary is also organising a Christmas picture colouring competition this year. It is asking all junior school children to colour in a picture it is providing, with three winners being presented with a prize by the Mayor of Wells, Tanys Pullin, at the Christmas Santa Fun Run on December 10. Schools that are interested in receiving some pictures for children to colour in can contact Wells Rotary via Facebook or the club’s website. People who are interested in having a Christmassy stall at the event can contact Angela at ac.wellsrotary@gmail.com
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First Book. 'Eusebius' 1577, 'The Auncient Ecclesiasticall Histories of the First Six Hundred Years After Christ.' . Sold £1100.
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A pair of early 20th century George Jones Ltd bisque porcelain figures. Sold £900.
Rugby Union collectables. Sold £2200.
VALUATION DAYS AT THE AUCTION ROOMS Silver & Jewellery - every Monday Militaria, Coins & Stamps - Monday 4th December
Open for valuations of all items between 10am and 3pm Monday to Thursday (no appointment necessary). Free home visits available. House clearances arranged. Probate valuations undertaken.
A signed copy of Novello's Original Octavo Lord of the Rings (2001) - a pair of latex edition of Edward Elgar's 'The Kingdom'. make up elf ear tips as worn by Orlando Bloom. Sold £1300. Sold £800.
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www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157 Advertising sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 01749 675157 Editorial news@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157
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LOC AL INFORMATION
JANUARY DEADLINE
Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999
To ensure your news or letter is included in the January issue please contact us by December 12.
YOUR VIE WS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters.
COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.
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December 2023
Chance to photograph pet with Santa Paws THERE is a treat in store for pets and their owners this Christmas in a Wells pet shop. Santa Paws will be visiting Natural Pets of Wells in Queen Street and opening his grotto on two Saturdays in December. The shop’s owners, Nigel and Heather Derrick, are inviting people to call in with their pets to meet Santa, and take pictures of their pets with him. Santa will also give the pet owners a gift to take away with them. “We thought it would be a bit of fun and something different. All friendly pets are welcome to come and see Santa Paws and receive a little gift,” said Heather. “There is no charge for this, it is just a chance to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to any of the many lovely pet owners in Wells who might like to pop in with their pets.” The grotto will be situated at the back of the shop and will be open on Saturday, December 2, and Saturday, December 9, from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. There
Santa Paws will be at Natural Pets of Wells on December 2 and 9 is no need to book, just turn up on the day. “There will be Elves on hand to greet people, and the shop will be looking all Christmassy by then. And of course, there will be plenty of Christmas gift ideas in the shop if people would like to stop and browse,” said Heather. “Merry Christmas from Natural Pets of Wells.”
Craft Guild searches for new base THE Somerset Craft Guild (formerly the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen) will be closing the doors at its current premises in Broad Street, Wells, on Saturday, December 23. After eight years at this location, the Guild has taken the decision to look for new premises in order to showcase the work of its 70 members. At present, it is still searching for the ideal place and would be pleased to hear from any business owners or landlords who would be willing to help. The Guild has a prestigious history and has been in existence
for almost 90 years with members exhibiting high levels of skills and craftsmanship in crafts ranging from woodwork and jewellery to ceramics and textiles. The Guild gallery will continue to offer a wide range of quality handmade items for sale in the run-up to Christmas, and will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm. Customers are promised a warm welcome from the team who will be on hand to offer advice if required. For more information, see the Guild website at www. somersetcraftguild.co.uk
Stalls and carols at coffee morning WELLS Methodist Church is planning a coffee morning on Saturday, December 9, from 10am-12pm with various stalls and including carols round the tree mid-morning. The carol service will be held on Sunday, December 17, at
10.30am. Anyone and everyone is invited to go along, and they will be warmly welcomed. The church, in Southover, is also open each Tuesday morning from 10am-12pm as part of the Warm Spaces initiative, from now until the end of March.
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December 2023
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Old horseshoes used to make reindeer A GROUP of community-minded family and friends are selling recycled horseshoe art including a lucky Christmas reindeer to raise money for Wells Vineyard Foodbank. This is the third year that the Millstream Workshop, at Henton, near Wells, has been making the horseshoe reindeer. It also makes large horseshoe sun wreaths, and recycles donated bikes by servicing and repairing them before distributing them locally via established charities. The horseshoe art came about after a local farrier donated 400 old horseshoes to James Duckenfield, a technical manager for an American wine company. James’ son Toby, a student at Wells Blue School, and a member of Wells St John Ambulance Cadets, began welding them into Christmas reindeer sculptures which they sold to raise money for the Foodbank. So far they and
Peter Roberts, Tony Newton and Toby Duckenfield, part of the 2023 team in the workshop; right, a horseshoe reindeer the friends who work alongside them have raised more than £2,000. “The support of the SW Virtual Lions Club with bursaries as part of the Lions Young Ambassador scheme where Toby was the South West young
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ambassador for 2022/23 has been key to us getting set up and being able to donate both bikes and all the money raised by the horseshoe artwork,” said James. “A big thank you is also due to all the local people who have donated bikes and bought
horseshoe artwork in 2021 and 2022 and are ordering now. It’s a good cause that is recognised by generous people. Seeing all the reindeer on doorsteps every year in December is a great reminder of the support of the local community for our efforts.” James said that the revamped bikes are donated to local charities to find a good home to increase mobility for people that can use them rather than languishing in sheds or going to the tip. “The local YMCA in Wells have taken quite a few and we sometimes recognise them being ridden around Wells,” he said. “Over Christmas we hope to find homes for some children’s bikes via the Wells Vineyard Foodbank, which if it works would be fantastic.” To contact Millstream Workshop, email millstream. workshop@gmail.com or call 07395 204879.
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Kevin Westwood with family, friends and other invited guests at the retirement celebration in Wells Town Hall’s Westwood Room
‘Westwood Room’ retirement tribute A RETIREMENT celebration for Kevin Westwood was held at the Town Hall on November 8 to thank him for his 34 years of service to Wells City Council. Kevin retired on health grounds in September having been diagnosed with cancer. But he still goes to work on a voluntary basis when help is required, and is always available on the phone. There was an emotional moment during the retirement event when Mayor Tanys Pullin removed a covering over the doors to what was known as the Old Court Room, to reveal a plaque above the doors showing that the room has been named The Westwood Room in Kevin’s honour. Before a buffet lunch in The Westwood Room, Town Clerk Steve Luck thanked Kevin for his
dedication and hard work during an address to the invited guests, and flowers were presented to Kevin’s wife Debbie. Speaking the next day, Kevin said: “Working at the Town Hall was not a job, but a way of life. Working there is like being part of a big family. We all help each other. We look after each other and make it all work. That’s what I will miss most. “And it was phenomenal that they should name a room in the Town Hall after me. They could not have done anything more special for me.” A former Horrington Primary and Blue School pupil, Kevin got his first job at the then Clares workwear factory behind the Town Hall. He went on to work at the Mendip Hospital in South Horrington before he was employed as a caretaker at
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Kevin at the entrance to The Westwood Room; and addressing guests at his retirement celebration with his wife Debbie alongside him the Town Hall. He took on more responsibilities until he became the Town Hall Manager. His retirement present to
himself is a Mini Cooper, “a type of car I have always loved, and I bought it after my diagnosis because that car makes me smile”. He says that he is “the biggest Lego fan in the world”, and has been collecting it for ten years. Kevin is now planning a fundraising concert with singer Tim Pitman for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Nurses. “Their nurses were amazing, as was the Royal United Hospital in Bath,” he said. And he said: “My family and everyone at the Town Hall have been super supportive, and I am so grateful.” Town Clerk Steve Luck said: “Kevin has given 34 years’ service to the city council and transformed the Town Hall into the modern functioning community building it is today. “He has been a major member of the Town Hall staff family and has always gone beyond to help people.” To show support for Kevin and his fight against cancer, three city council staff members took part in a skipping challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Claire Woodland, Sandy Bristow and Dale Bray each completed 100 skips a day in October, and between them have raised more than £400 for the charity. At Kevin’s retirement celebration, flowers were also presented to Tina Blackwill, whose husband Andy, a member of staff at the city council, died from cancer earlier this year.
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Rally in campaign for ‘proper pavements’ From page 1
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pedestrian prioritised. Whilst allocating more High Street parking bays to disabled use would ease many disabled people’s problematic journeys to the city centre.” Other problems encountered include the lack of a drop kerb at The Rib in St Andrew Street; a poorly fitting and dangerous metal plate crossing in Broad Street; and a narrowing of the pavement and missing drop kerbs in Silver Street. Several other ‘high risk’ zones are also detailed, along with many other more minor issues. Some good news is reported: key services such as banks, supermarkets and medical
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The report, which is still in draft, will conclude that there “appears to be culturally ingrained indifference to the needs of our less mobile citizens”. Examples cited in the report of difficulties the less able encounter include wheelchair users and mothers with young children being forced to step out into traffic in South Street. To alleviate that problem, the report says it “could easily be re-zoned as a pedestrian prioritised street with a 10mph speed restriction”. The report continues: “Or why not go a step further and re-zone all the more problematic narrower central roads as
and Zen ZEST & Z E N Wellness Z Zest Z Z W E L L N E S S
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Theo van Hensbergen working on the Wells Streets Accessibility Survey
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motor neurone disease – were embarking on the survey, assessing issues such as the height of drop kerbs and the condition of surfaces when measured against official guidelines. They have now completed the survey, and Theo said of their findings: “It’s much, much worse than I expected it to be. There are multiple places that are inaccessible, there are pavements with a drop kerb at one end but not the other, there are drop kerbs that are higher than they should be. “We are expecting a number of city and county councillors to be in attendance at the rally and we hope that those we hand copies of our survey to will take it away and study it, and more importantly, act on it.” Pavements are the responsibility of Somerset Council, and Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member, Transport & Digital, and Councillor Tessa Munt, a Somerset Council councillor for Wells, are both due to attend the rally and will be given a copy of the report. The Wells Streets Accessibility Survey 2023, as the trio have titled it, came “in response to the growing realisation that the pavements and streets in central Wells are a major inhibitor to independent mobility and constitute discrimination against people with mobility disabilities”.
services can be accessed (“however circuitously or dangerously”), and some of the more recent drop kerb and pavement installations, such as around the Morrison’s and Waitrose traffic lights, are highlighted as examples of how to do things properly. Somerset Council has said that it is facing a financial crisis. But the report says: “We often hear that budgets for additional works are not available. However, we consider a truly civilised town would prioritise the issues requiring improvement identified in this report.” The full report will be made available to read and download online and at Wells Library. The public rally will take place at 2pm on Thursday, December 7, and anyone who would like to join in and show their support is welcome to attend. A poster to publicise the rally has been designed by Wells resident Hellen Cooke, and posters are being displayed in shops, and leaflets distributed on market days, to encourage participation. Theo said: “We want to show that there are a lot of us out here who are affected by this, please don’t ignore us. “A dedicated Facebook page is shortly to be set up for the ‘Proper Pavements for Wells’ campaign and people wishing to add their support may also contact the campaign organisers by email using wellspavements@ gmail.com.”
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The wreath adorning The Bishop’s Palace Gatehouse in a previous year, and Jen Owen at work on another of her creations
Giant wreath now Christmas highlight ONE of the most enchanting aspects of Christmas is the dazzling display of lights and decorations that adorn high streets and homes. The Bishop’s Palace in Wells goes all-out at Christmas with its illuminations and decorative displays – including the giant wreath that hangs above the Gatehouse. The wreath is the work of florist Jen Owen and her colleague Jess Chant at Goldfinch Floral Studio who take around eight hours to assemble the 8ft-high showpiece. A wealth of foliage, sourced from the Palace’s gardens, is painstakingly gathered and bundled into four large bags. Once pieced together, the wreath is then raised into position with ropes from the roof of the Gatehouse. This is the fourth year that
The 2021 Bishop’s Palace wreath Jen has made the wreath, which is due to be in position this year by November 28. She said: “Making the wreath is an annual highlight for us and really gets us into the festive mood. It’s a
challenge working out how to embellish the foliage with items large enough to be seen from the ground. Last year we used a splattering of metallic ferns, pampas and birch to help it ‘pop’ when high up on the Gatehouse. “This year, we will be featuring the classic Christmas colours of red and gold, which we will create with red berries and sprayed gold branches and greenery.” Merryn Kidd, Interim CEO at The Bishop’s Palace, said: “The hanging of the Christmas wreath from the Palace’s Gatehouse is always a highlight of the Christmas season for us. It’s so striking and eye-catching for visitors, volunteers and staff alike and really marks the start of the festivities here at the Palace.” The creative minds at Goldfinch Floral Studio, based
at Rookery Farm, Binegar, are behind some of the most distinctive floral decorations in Wells and the surrounding area. These include the multicoloured dried flower decoration at Loaf cafe in Market Street, Wells, and many floral wedding decorations at local churches. Jen will be passing on some of her expertise at a number of Christmas Wreath Workshops at Goldfinch Floral Studio in December when adults will be able to learn how to craft luxurious wreaths. There are also opportunities for children to create botanical baubles and decorate Christmas cookies. n Wells Voice readers are being offered 10% off all Goldfinch events in 2023 by using this code at the checkout at www. goldfinchfloralstudio.co.uk: WELLSVOICE10
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December 2023
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n NEWS
Group steps in to put up shed A RESIDENT in South Horrington has a new garden shed she can use thanks to the Wells Community Shed (WCS) organisation. Molly King had been waiting for a builder to remove her old shed and put up a new one, but after several months with no progress on the project, WCS was contacted to see if it could help out. WCS members Chris Hodgson, Steve Whitby, Geoff Cook, David Maxwell and Kevin Moynihan carried out the work, leaving Molly delighted with the outcome. Wells Community Shed, on the site of the Heads Up charity in Upper Breach, South Horrington, is inviting new members to join the regular sessions that are held there. The Shed gives people a safe space in which to pursue hobbies and learn new skills, as well as providing somewhere for companionship. By bringing people together, it helps combat loneliness and isolation.
A WELLS Voice reader has asked people to look out for a silver ring that she lost somewhere in the city centre, in the Market Place and High Street area, on November 11. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “On Saturday, November 11, in the city I lost a misshapen small silver ring, the design being cut out hearts all joined together. It is not valuable but of great sentimental value as it was given to me by my father who died in 2020.” Anyone who finds the ring can email news@wellsvoice. co.uk to be put in touch with the ring’s owner.
Molly King with some of the Wells Community Shed members who took away her old shed and erected a new one Activities in the Shed include woodworking, with members making items such as garden benches, planters, coat racks, shelves, shoe racks, bird boxes and hedgehog boxes, and woodturning. Items are then
sold to help subsidise the Shed’s running costs. There are now places available for more people to attend sessions. To find out more, contact Steve Whitby on 07468 317217.
New Year’s Eve ceilidh back after 20 years THE New Year’s Eve ceilidh in Priddy is returning after 20 years. Following successful events in the past, the Mid Somerset Oxfam Group is bringing back the annual barn dance. There will be music from the popular Backroom Band – with a caller so anyone can join in the dances – together with hot and cold snacks from Wellsbased Fresh and Good. This time, organisers hope to
offer lift-sharing to the event in Priddy Village Hall. This will not only reduce the carbon footprint but make it easier for people without transport, or who would rather not drive, to go along. “This should be a smashing evening in an excellent venue and a way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported our Oxfam fundraising over the past years,” said Jenny Williams, Chair of Mid Somerset
Appeal to look out for lost ring
Oxfam Group. The ceilidh will raise funds for Oxfam, with £10 tickets (cash only) available from the Oxfam shops in Wells and Glastonbury and Anna’s Attic, High Street, Shepton Mallet. Or email NYEPriddy2023@outlook. com Doors at Priddy Village Hall will open at 7.30pm on Sunday, December 31, for dancing from 8pm-midnight. Cash will be required for drinks and food.
• Supply and Installation of Fireplaces and Stoves. • Authorised AGA cooker showroom with live electric ER3 model. (This offers the most innovative AGA cooking yet) • Solid fuel, wood burning, electric and gas specialists. • Custom made flue systems and chimney lining. • ECCO STOVE masonry heater on display. • We have a selection of our Oak beams and shelves on display. • Stockists for Chilli Penguin, Jotul, Stovax, Gazco, Nordpeis, Hunter, Capital Fireplaces, Mendip Stoves, Westfire and more. • Hetas & Gas Safe Engineers. • Insurance work undertaken.
Library hosting interactive trial WELLS Dementia Action Alliance has worked with Wells Library to introduce an interactive mat/projector which can provide motion-activated sensory stimulation through relaxing, stimulating and engaging activities to people living with dementia, autism or learning difficulties. The interactive projector sessions will be trialled in the library, in Union Street, on November 22 (2pm-4pm), November 23 (10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm), November 24 (2pm-4pm) and November 25 (children’s session, 12pm-1pm). It is hoped this will indicate if there is a demand for further sessions at the library.
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December 2023
n NEWS School achieves high ranking THE Blue School, Wells, has ranked highly in tables published recently by the Department for Education comparing school and college performance in England. The Blue School’s Progress 8 score – the academic progress that pupils make from the end of key stage 2 to the end of key stage 4, based on eight qualifications – gives it an ‘Above average’ banding with a score of 0.28. This puts it well above the national average, and makes it one of the best-performing schools in Somerset.
The Moat Boat Race presentation evening was held at The Tramways in Wells on November 5, and winners are pictured above with their trophies. This year’s races on The Bishop’s Palace Moat, organised by City of Wells Lions, took place on August 28. It was the 60th anniversary of the event. The trophies were handed out by Lion Tessa Munt and representatives of the sponsors – which included Wells Voice – who were in attendance.
Wildflowers boost for nature THE National Trust team on the Mendip Hills have recently completed a significant wildflower meadow restoration project at Tor Hill Wood, Wells, giving nature a helping hand in England’s smallest city. The surface of the soil at the three-acre site was disturbed and oversown with a mix of 26 native wildflowers. These species have been selected to suit the thin, limestone soils of the Mendips. The seed mix includes native wildflowers such as Lady’s bedstraw, yellow rattle, oxeye daisies and common knapweed, as well as slow growing grasses that will benefit a multitude of insects, pollinators and butterflies.
As the meadow matures, it will become a ‘donor site’, from which wildflower seeds can be harvested and used as part of other local nature conservation projects. Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97 per cent of its wildflower meadows, mainly due to changes in agricultural practices. This decrease of flowers in the countryside has had a hugely negative impact on British wildlife from insects right the way up the food chain. Nick Heather, Ranger for the National Trust, said: “Tor Hill Wood is such an important greenspace for our community in Wells, which is why this restoration project is so exciting. Not only are diverse wildflower
meadows a vital habitat for our declining wildlife, they are also beautiful places for people to enjoy and get close to nature.” The Mendip Landscape Project is seeking to restore priority and protected calcareous grassland habitats across the Mendips and connect the community with its nature and heritage. Tor Hill Wood is on the eastern fringe of the newly declared Mendip Hills ‘super’ National Nature Reserve, providing an important stepping stone of calcareous limestone grassland habitat within the 1,400 hecatare area of land. u Sites a new ‘super’ nature reserve, page 28
Events due to take place at library in December HERE are some of the events that will be coming up at Wells Library in December: n Switch Club: For children aged 7 and up – book a place at the popular Nintendo Switch Club on Saturday, December 2, at 10.30am. Free of charge – booking essential – wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk n Ancestry Group: Interested in ancestry? The library is running a group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a
one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to find out more or book a place. The next session is on Tuesday, December 5. n Painting with Paper: Recycled art for adults. People are invited to try their hand at collage with a winter/Christmas theme in this free activity with Ros Norton. All materials supplied. On Wednesday, December 6, from 11am-1pm. n Tai Chi: Just one of the two
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regular free taster sessions will take place in December, on the second Monday of the month, Monday, December 11, at 10.30am. No need to book, just drop in. There will be no session on the fourth Monday as the library is closed on Christmas Day. n Lego Club: For ages 5 and up. Free entry. Saturday, December 16, at 10.30am. Book a place by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov. uk
A cycling challenge in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity will see Richard Green, from Wells, cover a total of 335 miles when he rides from London to Amsterdam next year. He intends to complete the route over four days in June 2024, covering between 80 and 90 miles a day, to raise funds for the charity that helps Great Ormond Street Hospital transform the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Donations can be made on Richard’s JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/Richardgreen-2024 View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
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December 2023
n NEWS
Call to take part in vapes consultation WELLS Blue School headteacher Mark Woodlock is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in a national vaping consultation. Wells Voice reported last month on Mr Woodlock’s call for tighter regulations on vapes that was followed up by a number of media outlets, and was echoed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Wells MP James Heappey. Mr Woodlock said that evidence from Avon and Somerset police suggests that children as young as eight are experimenting with vapes and added that “there is increasing concern around criminal activity that creates business models to supply younger and younger children”. The Department of Health and Social Care has now launched a consultation:
Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: your views. In a letter to parents and carers, Mr Woodlock said: “I believe that it is very important that we use this opportunity to robustly set out views that help to protect our young people and so would encourage all families to respond.” He invites them to pass on the details about the consultation to anyone else who might be interested in responding. The consultation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/ creating-a-smokefreegeneration-and-tackling-youthvaping/creating-a-smokefreegeneration-and-tackling-youthvaping-your-views The deadline for responses is December 6.
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The Tea Party by Richard Collins
Picture: The Goldsmiths’ Company
Volunteers needed so painting can be borrowed for exhibition WELLS & Mendip Museum hopes to display a valuable painting as part of its Smashed in the Cellar exhibition next year. The Tea Party was painted by Richard Collins in about 1727, and the Goldsmiths Company in London will allow the Museum to borrow the painting if it has in place a team of volunteers who can ‘mind’ it while it is in the Museum gallery. Smashed in the Cellar will feature 500 years of pottery that was excavated from the museum
garden in the 1990s, along with a contemporary response to the collection by local artist Duncan Cameron. The show will run from February 16 to April 13. Volunteers are being asked to sign up to one or more two-hour slots while the exhibition is on; slots are available from 10am12pm, 12pm-2pm and 2pm-4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays. To find out more, email exhibition manager Vicky Dawson at vickym@ dawsonheritage.co.uk
Six-year-old sells toys for charity SIX-YEAR-OLD Archie is normally shy, very shy. But not when he was raising money for The Lawrence Centre charity in Wells. Archie sold his old toys, his mum’s homemade chutney and a few vegetables from the garden all displayed on a kitchen unit at the front of the family’s home in the city. “He really came out of his shell and was not our usual shy boy,” said mum Alice. Archie chose The Lawrence Centre to benefit from the £40 he raised because the charity is run by his best friend’s gran, Maggie Charlesworth.
Archie the salesman raising money for charity outside his home “What a wonderful achievement for someone as young as Archie,” said Maggie. “We are so grateful to him.”
Deadline for the January edition: December 12
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December 2023
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n COMPETITION
Win a selection of treats worth £200
THE Bishop’s Eye, a contemporary wine bar and coffee shop, continues to go from strength to strength – and to celebrate its fourth 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 awardwinning coffee and homemade cakes in the beautiful interior or alfresco in the historic market square. The Grade I listed building was originally completed in 1451 and was built as a gateway to The Bishop’s Palace. On the front face of the building are heraldic shields that were carved into the stonework. These shields remain to this current day. The interior has been transformed by owner Louis Agabani whilst making sure to retain many 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, cheese and much more, collectively worth £200. To enter the competition, answer this simple question: What heraldic objects are carved in the stone on the front of the Bishop’s Eye? Email your 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 4, 2023. 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. A selection similar to that which can be won in our great competition
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 necessarily the identical products.
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16 NEWS AND ADVICE FROM WELLS VETS
wellsvoice n NEWS
December 2023
Training centre for bell ringers opens
The work of the VOCAL charity on Crete includes neutering and microchipping cats
This time, it’s not all Greek to me DURING a week’s annual leave, I was very lucky to have been given the opportunity to spend some time at a Greek cat charity, based on the Island of Crete. VOCAL (Voice of the Cats Alliance) is run by a team of volunteers, where their main objective is to run trap, neuter and return programmes. The aim being to reduce the number of stray cats and feral colonies on the island. At the time of my visit, VOCAL was in the middle of a three-day neutering programme, the second programme to have taken place in September. Whilst at the clinic, I met Bernie and an array of volunteers from different countries. VOCAL reply purely on donations and volunteers to assist them. Unfortunately, as it stands, the charities receive no money from the Greek government. Every cat that comes into the clinic is assigned with a sheet of paper, identifying the location of where the cat was trapped, date of trapping, colouring, markings, contact name and number and whether the cat may be male or female. At the time of neutering, every cat will also get a microchip, and have a health check (during my visit to VOCAL the vet techs were performing a dental and one cat needed further treatment for a minor wound). All cats are treated with Praziquntel (wormer) and Ivermectin (used for parasite control) and given pain relief and antibiotics post operatively. Similarly, to the UK, to avoid the same cat being caught twice, every cat has a ‘V’ shaped nick out of the left ear. Some cats may also be marked with a tattoo. Tattoo marking is usually used if the ear is deemed to be already damaged. During the threeday programme the clinic managed to neuter 213 stray and feral cats, with a further 214 cats being neutered during October. For the team at VOCAL, the trap, neutering and return campaign is a never-ending task. However, the effects of the dedication and hard work of the team is starting to pay off. A case in point is a cat called Pongo. Pongo recently came into the clinic
as he needed treatment for an ear polyp. As it transpires, Pongo had been neutered and microchipped nine years ago. So, what to do if you find a stray cat in or around your local area? Our advice would be: if you believe the cat is injured, then please bring the cat to the vets so we can scan it for a microchip. If you feel the cat is ‘lost’ then we recommend that the cat also be scanned for a microchip. This can be done by either bringing the cat into the practice or by contacting Cats Protection. If you are unable to bring the cat to the practice, then you can also put a paper collar on the cat. We can provide these for you or, contact Cats Protection. Of course, neutering will help prevent cats from straying and wandering too far. Microchipping will also help us reunite you with your pet if he or she does get lost or injured. At the practice, we neuter male and females between 4-6 months. A microchip can also be implanted when the patient is under a general anaesthetic. Please note that the government have recently changed the law about microchipping cats. By June 10, 2024, it will be compulsory for all cats to be microchipped (please see www. gov.uk for more information). If you have any questions about neutering or microchipping then please contact the practice (via email, WhatsApp, or phone) and make a free appointment with the nurse. Nurse Faye Dart
Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD
Tel: 01749 678420
A NEW bell ringing training centre for the local area, including Wells, has opened at Holy Trinity Church, Street. Learners can develop their skills without disturbing the neighbours because muffles are attached to clappers to silence the sound of the bells outside of the church. Inside, the ringing recruits receive feedback provided through sensors attached to the bells so that they can hear, through a simulator, the outcome of their efforts but only in the tower itself. There is a need for more ringers in the country as a whole and in the Glaston branch in particular, covering Wells, Glastonbury, Street and surrounding villages, with 18 operational towers in all. Branch secretary and tower captain at St John’s, Glastonbury, Mike Palmer said: “This will provide a wonderful opportunity for people, young and old, to learn a skill exercising mind and body – and make a real contribution to the community.” The Glaston Ringing Training Centre at Holy Trinity Church was officially opened on Saturday, October 14.
Marilyn Backhurst cuts the ribbon to open the new bell ringing training centre for the local area About 30 people were present for the launch, with Marilyn Backhurst, Deputy Master of the Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers, cutting the ribbon to mark the opening. For more details about the training centre, contact Mike Palmer, tel: 07793 812968 or email GlastonBranch. Secretary@bath-wells.com. For full information on ringing in the area, visit the Bath & Wells Diocesan Association of Change Ringers’ website: bath-wells.org
Caves aglow with 100,000 lights
Caves lit up for Christmas at Wookey Hole
LOCAL attraction Wookey Hole is to transform into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas. From November 25 until January 1, 2024, visitors can expect a blend of enchantment, festive cheer and magical moments. More than 100,000 lights will illuminate the underground caves, there will be a traditional Santa’s Grotto where children can meet the man himself and receive a special gift, there will be a Christmas-themed circus show in the Wookey Hole Theatre, and a Christmas film in the 4D cinema. All of the Christmas entertainment is included in the standard ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online, and prices start from £17.95 for children, £22.45 for adults and £21.45 for seniors. See www.wookey.co.uk
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December 2023
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n NEWS
Funding awarded to help with pool costs THE Wells Sport & Fitness centre at Charter Way is to receive £25,908 from Phase 1 of the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, designed to help swimming pool operators with the increased costs of utility bills and swimming pool chemicals. The money is part of the £211,208 in funding awarded to Somerset Council that will be divided across five swimming pool facilities in Somerset. The other four are Frome Leisure Centre, Shepton Mallet Lido, Brean Splash and Burnham-onSea Swim and Sports Academy. Councillor Federica SmithRoberts said: “We are delighted to have received funding from Phase 1 of the Swimming Pool Support Fund. These funds will provide welcome support to the operators of these five sites at what is a financially challenging time for swimming pool operators and will support
of the application for Phase 2 is expected in the new year. Across the country, more than 100 local authorities were awarded a share of £20 million to keep their swimming pools and leisure centres open. Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Leisure centres and pools are vital for millions of people to stay fit and healthy, and we know that many public swimming pools are experiencing greater pressure due to increased operating costs. We have heard their concerns and have stepped in to help them make ends meet with £20 million immediate relief, and a further £40 million to help improve sustainability of public swimming pools over the long term. “This is part of our support for grassroots sports facilities with more than £400 million in order to achieve our ambitious target of getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030.”
The swimming pool at Wells Sport & Fitness them to continue to provide public swimming, positively contributing to residents’ health and wellbeing as well as providing a place for local school children to learn to swim.” Somerset Council has also
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submitted an application to Phase 2 of the Swimming Pool Support Fund which will provide grant funding for capital investments to help swimming pools become more energy efficient. The outcome
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December 2023
n NEWS
We Will Rock You in a symphonic way IN the world of music, there are few bands as iconic and influential as Queen. Their timeless melodies, operatic harmonies, and the magnetic presence of Freddie Mercury continue to captivate audiences around the globe. But what happens when the symphonic world pays homage to these rock legends? The answer lies in Tolga Kashif’s The Queen Symphony. Kashif’s composition, The Queen Symphony, is a fusion of classical orchestration and Queen’s greatest hits, a tribute to a band that transcended genres and pushed the boundaries of music. It takes Queen’s classics and weaves them into a grand narrative, bringing a new dimension to their music, and a Wells audience can experience it for themselves when The
Fulltone Orchestra bring it to Wells Cathedral on Saturday, February 24, at 7.30pm. The symphony comprises six movements, each dedicated to a different phase of Queen’s career. From Bohemian Rhapsody to We Will Rock You, Kashif orchestrates these rock anthems, turning them into intricate and emotionally charged symphonic pieces. The symphony not only pays homage to Queen but also serves as a bridge between two seemingly disparate musical worlds. A firm favourite in Wells, conducted by Anthony Brown, The Fulltone Orchestra are returning with this special evening of music, with an orchestra size of 60 and more than 80 singers. Tickets are available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/fulltone
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The path alongside The Bishop’s Palace moat is hidden under snow in this picture from the Wells & Mendip Museum archives thought to have been taken in the early 1900s
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December 2023
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n NEWS
Picture: Matt-Stronge
First acts unveiled for 2024 comedy festival
JAMES Acaster, John Kearns and Jessica Fostekew are the first names announced for next year’s Wells Comedy Festival. The event returns for an eighth year in 2024, bringing dozens of comedians to Wells across the bank holiday weekend of May 24-26. The first shows announced for 2024 include James Acaster (Off Menu, Hypothetical, Taskmaster), who returns with his solo show Hecklers Welcome – a show he is very proud of, with interruptions encouraged. Others announced to appear at the festival are double Edinburgh Comedy Award winner John Kearns (Taskmaster, Guessable, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown) with his critically acclaimed show The Varnishing Days, and Jessica Fostekew (QI, Live at the Apollo,
Travel Man), bringing her new stand-up show Mettle as part of a national tour. As well as solo shows, the festival’s four gala performances are now on sale, each featuring a surprise line-up of comics from across the festival. Ben Williams, Festival Director, said: “We’re thrilled to already be announcing our first few shows for 2024, and welcoming back some festival favourites. We can’t wait to add more names to the line-up very soon.” All shows are on sale at www. wellscomfest.com Wells Voice is once again official media partner for the event. Editor Andy Vallis said: “We love to get behind Wells Comedy Festival, it’s such an enjoyable event and it brings something different to the city.”
James Acaster, top left, John Kearns and Jessica Fostekew will all be appearing at Wells Comedy Festival when it returns next May
OPENING 13TH JANUARY 2024
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December 2023
n NEWS
A wreath about to be laid on behalf of St John Ambulance at the war memorial in St Cuthbert’s Churchyard on Remembrance Sunday
Wells Royal British Legion members pass the Mayor, councillors and other civic dignitaries during the parade up High Street to the Harry Patch Memorial at Wells & Mendip Museum
People gather for the Remembrance Sunday event at East Horrington, where Tanya Flagg of Wells City Band played the Last Post
Above: Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin (left) and Tina Blackwill wear poppyadorned dresses in a Remembrance photoshoot at Wells Cathedral. They are joined by standard bearer Tim Bickerdike, Alistair McBride and Pat Fabiano from Wells Branch Royal British Legion. The dresses have been created as part of the Tanys Transformations Mayor’s New Clothes project. Right: Bill MacKay, Becky Cooper-Collett and Gil Harding selling poppies at the Wells Branch Royal Legion stall at Wells Market on Remembrance Day
Christmas Eve choir to perform again by popular demand BY popular demand, the Wells Christmas Eve choir is performing in the market square again this year. At 6pm in front of the Town Hall they will be singing a programme of loved carols old and new to raise cash for local charities. With live music in a historic
setting, spiced with mulled wine and mince pies, it is a heartwarming way to get into the Christmas spirit, and people are invited to join the festivities and help some good causes. The choir is largely made up of former Cathedral choristers, now adults, who come back to Wells each year to be with
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their families for Christmas. The choir’s conductor, Peter Kingston, said: “For years we sang at a midnight service in a local church but when that came to an end two years ago the choir wanted to continue. “We decided to perform outside the Town Hall, passersby stopped and soon we had an
enthusiastic audience. “There was an even bigger crowd last year when we repeated it and we raised a considerable sum. “We’ll be back again this year for what is clearly becoming a Wells Christmas fixture. It’ll be great to see an even bigger crowd.”
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December 2023
21
n NEWS
Tags warn residents of recycling fire risks RESIDENTS across Somerset have had fire safety tags added to their recycling bright blue bags. Somerset Council and its collections contractor, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, have used the tags to warn residents about the dangers of putting certain fire-starting items such as camping gas canisters out with their recycling. To help prevent fires, keep crews safe and raise awareness, the tags (which warn of the dangers of flammable items) have been added to every household’s recycling bright blue bag. SUEZ staff have found a record number of gas canisters in the recycling collected from Somerset residents, with 2,500 found since May 2023. Each one of these could have started a fire. Crews are not allowed to
rummage through bright blue bags at the kerbside in case they contain any broken glass which could harm them. In the last year there have been six incidents of fires/small explosions in trucks and at depots. Although extra manual checks are done by staff during the sorting process, each canister is a potential explosive fire risk when it gets to the depot. Even though gas canisters pose a danger, aerosols like hair sprays and deodorants do not and should be put in the bright blue bag – gas canisters have a higher pressure and contain more flammable gas which makes them a fire risk. Vapes can be recycled, put in an open bag alongside or on top of recycling boxes. If it is reusable, the battery can be removed and recycled.
Artist Ruth Ames-White has completed the latest window for the Wells in Mosaic, depicting Vicars’ Close. More on the project at wellsinmosaic.org
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22
December 2023
n NEWS
Spook-tacular trail of witchy scarecrows THE residents of Wookey Hole embraced Halloween this year by creating a witch-themed scarecrow trail through the village. Co-ordinated by the Wookey Hole Residents Forum, there were 20 witchy scarecrows to be discovered around the lanes, each handcrafted by local residents of all ages. Jo Plimmer, of the Wookey Hole Residents Forum, said: “The idea for the witchy scarecrow trail came from a village coffee morning in September where we asked local residents what they’d like to happen in Wookey Hole. “With the village’s famous legend about a reclusive witch living in the caves, it seemed a great idea to connect with that story, and give the village an opportunity to unleash its creative Halloween spirit. “We’ve been bowled over by the response, and how local
The winners of the competition with the Wookey Hole Witch, and Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin; and right, their winning entry businesses have got behind the project by offering great prizes. We’re really hoping this becomes an annual event.” Witchy scarecrows on display outside village homes included flying (and crash landing) witches, scary crones, recycled and even crocheted witches. All of the scarecrows on
display were entered into a competition which was judged on October 30 by Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin, with help from the Wookey Hole Witch. The winner received a free family weekend break at Mendip Hot Tub Lodges in the village. Second and third prizes were a meal for two at Wookey Hole Inn
and a family Souldough pizza voucher. The winners were: 1st prize, Lion, Witch and Wardrobe, Glencot Lane (Tamsin, Sam, Stan and Mo Smith); 2nd prize, Ladies’ Night, Upper Milton (Sian and John Grange); 3rd prize, Flying White Witch, High Street (Claire and Glen Register).
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wellsvoice
December 2023
23
n NEWS
Tireless worker for Amnesty International THE long-serving member of Wells Amnesty Group, Anne Minns, has passed away, aged 95. Having already been involved with the work of Amnesty International before she came to live in Wells in the 1980s, she witnessed the formation of the city’s own Amnesty group, quickly becoming involved in its campaigns and activities.
‘Anne’s commitment to the aims of Amnesty International ran deep while she lived in Wells’ Anne’s commitment to the aims of Amnesty International ran deep while she lived in Wells, whether it was organising the annual street collection for Amnesty, which she did since 1987, only relinquishing the role
of organiser very recently, or speaking to students at the Wells Blue School about the work of Amnesty International. There is always a candle burning in St Katherine’s Chapel in Wells Cathedral to invite people to pray for a prisoner of conscience, and for many years it was Anne who chose who that prisoner of conscience would be, carefully composing the text that would highlight the person’s plight. She would take the same care in composing her own letters to various dictators and brutal regimes, usually to politely demand the release of someone who was unjustly imprisoned, or who was being tortured. Anne’s letters were always hand written. She never used a computer. In the 1990s, Anne could be seen at the Wells Amnesty stall at the Glastonbury Festival, often enduring the infamously bad weather, such as in 1998 when the stall nearly sank into
the mud. The Wells group would campaign for specific prisoners of conscience to be released and one of the group’s ‘adopted prisoners’, Ali Aarrass, was released in 2020. Anne was able to meet him via a Zoom meeting. The Wells group also campaigned for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anne was able to meet her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, when he gave a talk in Wells. Her campaigning work did not stop with Amnesty, and for many years she was a regular and devoted volunteer in the Wells Oxfam shop. But her commitment to the work for Amnesty International in Wells ran wide as well as deep. She sold Christmas cards for Amnesty, organised stalls, and regularly attended the Amnesty AGM. At the time of her passing she was, by far, the Wells group’s longest serving member.
Anne Minns pictured with Richard Ratcliffe, when he came to give a talk in Wells
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wellsvoice
24
December 2023
n NEWS
Cheques were presented to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Freewheelers EVS Blood Bikes
Award-winners given trophies AWARDS were presented to members of Wells Classic Motorcycle Club at the 22nd Annual General Meeting, Presentations and Social evening
at Wells Football Club on October 28. Following the AGM, members were joined by Wells Town Crier Len Sweales along with some of
the marshals and helpers from the 12th annual Tortoise and Hare Run. The Town Crier presented the annual club awards to this year’s winners, before guests joined with members to present Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with another large donation of £3,250. The Freewheelers EVS Blood Bikes also received a donation From top, Club persons of the year of £1,000. Both these donations Chris Weeks and Adrian Kidd; John came from the club’s Tortoise Clarke receiving the Male Runs and Hare fund, and were made No need for an expensive care home Attendance cup award, that was possible by the support that shared between him, John Stower the club again received from its Stay independent at home with your own live in carer sponsors, brochure advertisers, and Stephen Cox; Female Runs Attendance award-winner Jany donations and entrants’ fees, No need for an expensive care home Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Scott; and the ‘Cock-up award’ is along with much work by many care home yneed independent at home with own live in carer handed to Nigel Sturgeon club members. for an expensive careyour home To date the club hascare donated No need for an expensive home r own live in carer eople want to stay in their own home as they get older endent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer more than £34,000 to Dorset and tries to arrange events for Featherbed Care has been livehome in carers since 1986 No need for an expensive care home No need for ome as they get olderNo expensivecare care home Stay independentand at Somerset home with your own live inthecarer Air Ambulance benefit of members and Noneed need for for an an expensive expensive care home ant to stay in their own home as they get older We believebeen in only the very care affordable from cost Stay independent at home homebest with your your ownat livean in carer carer these events, along with guests of all ages, with bikes and Stay independent at with own live in bed Care hasStay providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home with your own live in carer Stay independent home with your own live in carer Many people want to £2,550 stay intotheir ownBikes. home as they get older the Blood scooters of all ages. e in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older eve in only the people very best at in an affordable cost Many want to own as The Tortoise and Hare Run New members are always Many people want to stay in their as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home as they re been providing live into carers 1986 athas an affordable cost want regularly attracts entrants from welcome, as are guests only the very best care at has an affordable cost Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 1986 Featherbed Care hasvarious been parts providing live in carers who since 1986 of the country. might like to join the Featherbed Care has been live carers Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 We believe believe in only only the very best care carelive at an an affordable cost Itvery is duebest to take placeat next club at any of its events. Featherbed Care hasthe been providing in affordable carers since 1986 We believe in only the care an affordable cost We in very best at cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost For more details, see www. We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost year over the weekend of July 19-21, 2024. wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. The club remains very active weebly.com
Care in your own home
Care in your own home nrehome in your own home Care in your own home Care in in your your own own home Care ownhome home Care in your
Mix of tunes at annual concert
oday Call for a brochure today WELLS community choir, the along with some more offbeat 800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800a 111 4885 Chorus of Disapproval will be Christmas tunes, with plenty of Call for brochure today Call for a brochure today omecare.co.uk holding their annual Christmas carefully worked out harmonies Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / for Freephone: 0800 111 4885 860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 e.co.uk Call a brochure 0800 today concert on Friday, December 8, added for good measure. 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 // Freephone: 9860710 Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 eatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk at St Thomas’ Church, Wells. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk There will be a mixture of Tickets are £5 (£4 concession) www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 traditional seasonal favourites, on the door. Children are free. www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk
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wellsvoice
December 2023
25
n NEWS
Work under way to add music capacity There should soon be more music facilities at the Portway Annexe, report the Wells Rocks team WHEN the Portway Annexe community centre was opened by Wells City Council in May 2022 it included two music rooms that the Wells Rocks team had redecorated and equipped for rehearsals and teaching. This was the creation of the Wells Contemporary Music Centre, which has enabled the establishment of multiple music activities, including the establishment of the Portway Music and Performance Schools, regular jam sessions, clubs, groups, collaborative music composition and production projects and band rehearsals. As a result of this success, demand for rehearsal spaces now exceeds capacity, particularly in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Several amateur music producers have also expressed an interest in having a larger room in which they can make and mix their music. Wells City Council is keen to meet these needs and the centre’s management is collaborating with Wells Rocks to equip another room. Interior System Specialists (ISS) who are now based in the new Cathedral Park development The Sidings have generously offered to help with the acoustic treatment of the room. Brian Wallace, MD of ISS South West Ltd, says: “We would be delighted to work with the Portway Annexe and the Wells Rocks team to help set up this new facility for the community.
We have been based in Wells for many years, but given the specialist nature of our work, we may not be known to many. This is a great way for us to use our specialist skills in soundproofing and acoustic treatments to make a contribution in the city we are based in.” The project will be implemented progressively over the coming months so as not to disrupt existing activities. Most of the equipment needed is already available from prior donations. The Wells Rocks team are now busy filling the gaps. We want to make this a
‘This is a great way for us to use our specialist skills to make a contribution in the city we are based in’
great place to make music and build an inclusive community of musicians, young and old, students and teachers, leaders and their followers, aspiring professionals or anyone who just wants to have fun with music. Contemporary Christmas Carol Concert returns to the Portway Annexe Get ready to jingle all the way at the Contemporary Christmas Carol Concert hosted by The Backstreet Stompers. Join them for a night of festive cheer on December 8, with singalongs, solos and readings in a contemporary style that will be sure to have you singing and dancing in your seat. Doors will open at 6pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 (plus booking fee) from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT
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wellsvoice
26
December 2023
n NEWS
Record attendance at literature festival
WELLS Festival of Literature has just celebrated its best ever year with record attendance figures. The nine-day festival, which ended on November 4, welcomed around 6,500 people through the doors of Cedars Hall to hear a variety of speakers, enjoy meetthe-author lunches or attend a prize-giving for the festival’s international poetry and writing competition. Festival chairman Richard Manning said: “We have received universal praise from speakers, audiences and volunteers alike. I wish to thank all those involved, from the volunteers who make it happen to the contributions of Friends and sponsors, including our principal sponsor Chubb Bulleid, champions of the festival for many years.” The festival also funded 850 Year 6 pupils from local schools to attend four separate talks led by well-known children’s author MG Leonard. Several events sold out, including a new literary quiz night at the White Hart, and a Book Group session featuring novelist Donal Ryan. Waterstones’ on-site pop-up shop did a roaring trade in signed books. Authors included several wellknown names – arts director Will Gompertz, former Hong
Stephen Moss at a literary lunch, top; Kimberley Wilson signs a book; and Anthony Joseph on stage at Cedars Hall Kong governor Chris Patten and local bird expert Stephen Moss among them – along with a host of speakers renowned in their professional fields but with lower media profiles. Popular topics included
childhood memoirs from Labour MP Wes Streeting, journalist Polly Toynbee, and a poignant tribute in sonnet form by poet Anthony Joseph to his father. Caregiving and health proved another area of interest, and
there was a big turnout for an early Saturday morning slot featuring psychologist Kimberley Wilson who spoke on the link between diet and an increasing mental health crisis. Talks on politics in various guises were also well attended with Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, giving his trenchant view on the impact of political instability on the economy and public services. Hein de Haas spoke on migration, one of the most divisive issues in politics, and Tim Marshall on developments in space exploration that he believes will lead to a drastic change in global politics. Serious stuff – literary audiences like to be informed – but they also like to be entertained. And there was plenty of that from comedian Robin Ince, co-presenter of radio’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, from author Marion Turner on her amusing fictional biography The Wife of Bath, and from theatre director Dominic Dromgoole on the triumphs and pitfalls of theatrical first nights. The festival ended with a true tale from Ukraine by BBC foreign news correspondent Andrew Harding on the bravery of a ‘Dad’s Army’ of pensioners who fought off invading Russians.
Pupils entertained at special events for youngsters THE excitement was palpable as dozens of youngsters filled Cedars Hall on a Thursday morning to be entertained by a well-known children’s author. More than 800 Year 6 pupils from local schools were bussed in to one of the four school events, all funded by Wells Festival of Literature. While the festival has become famous in its 31 years for bringing inspiring authors to the city, it is perhaps less well known for its charitable work with local schools and colleges. Profits from the sale of tickets go towards promoting literacy year round. This year’s special festival guest was children’s author MG Leonard, best known for her book Beetle Boy. She bounced on to the stage and promptly engaged the youngsters with
Author MG Leonard with pupils from West Pennard School tales of how dreadful her own grades were at school. You don’t need to be good at English to become a writer, she said, but it helps to read lots and have a head full of stories. A natural performer with
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a background in theatre, she was a riveting speaker, full of fascinating facts about the rhinoceros beetle that features in Beetle Boy. She went on to explain how she had also come to write 18
more books including a series of train adventures and birdwatching mysteries. What skills in common might both bird watchers and the detectives who feature in her stories have, she asked. A forest of hands went up as the youngsters vied to answer. They also knew all about fairy stories, how they began and how they ended happily ever after, and sat gripped as she read from her latest book, her own fairy story called The Ice Children. This was published on November 2, one of the days she was at Cedars Hall, and in celebration the publisher Macmillan donated a competition prize of a stack of books for a school library. Wookey Hole Primary was the lucky winner.
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wellsvoice
December 2023
27
n NEWS
Exhibition opens in busy month for band Wells City Band provides the latest update on its activities NOVEMBER has been a busy month for Wells City Band. Our cornet players were in demand to play the Last Post over the Remembrance weekend, playing in Beckington, Glastonbury, Somerton, Street, Wells, Wincanton, Woolverton, and at a number of other local services and parades. It is an honour to pay our respects in this way. November also saw the official launch of The Band Plays On, an exhibition about Wells City Band. The Band would like to thank Wells & Mendip Museum and the Heritage Lottery Fund for this opportunity, particularly Victoria Northwood and Richard Lovegrove. Also thanks to Jonathan Chivers, Wells City Archives Manager. Tanya Flagg has put in hours of work curating the exhibition with help from Jane Hill, Geoff Baker-Hytch,
Uniforms and musical instruments on show as part of The Band Plays On exhibition that can be seen at Wells & Mendip Museum until January 20 Sue Kerton and Marlene Craig. This exhibition is running in Wells & Mendip Museum until January 20.
As always the band are delighted to be part of Wells Carnival, such a vibrant and colourful event in the city.
This year it is fantastic that members of the Brass Academy are able to join with the main band for their first ever march. Thanks to our friends from other bands in the area for helping with this event. The band is now busy rehearsing for our Christmas Concert which is on Sunday, December 17, at Cedars Hall, Wells, at 3.30pm. Tickets are available from the Cedars Hall website or from their ticket office. We will also be out and about in the local area playing Christmas Carols throughout December. See us at Glastonbury Frost Fayre on November 25, and in Wells on December 2, 16, 22 and 23. We will also be bringing Christmas cheer to some of the local care homes, a disability support group, and for some village events over the festive period.
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wellsvoice
28
December 2023
n NEWS
Groups come to rescue of cemetery pond THE Wells and District Wildlife Group, led by Eric Lewis, and the Reptile and Amphibian Group Somerset, led by John Dickson, have come to the rescue of the pond at the Mendip Hospital Cemetery in Wells. Created 20 years ago by volunteers, the pond sprung a leak earlier in the year and the water levels dropped to almost nothing, leaving plants and amphibians struggling. Wessex Water kindly gave the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery a grant for a new lining, and the Wildlife and Amphibian groups joined forces to move the plants, reptiles and amphibians in the pond to new homes, and volunteered to undertake the project of replacing the liner. The weather on the chosen day was in keeping as it rained incessantly, but the enthusiasm of the volunteers was not dampened and they worked
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Left: the pond before work started; rescuing pondlife; and almost ready; above: volunteers pictured clearing vegetation during work on the pond hard to get the lining placed and installed ready for new life and regeneration before the reopening of the cemetery in spring 2024, its 150th anniversary year.
Gratitude has been expressed by the committee and all the friends of the cemetery site for the dedication of the two groups who worked so hard on such a muddy, but fulfilling project.
Sites a new ‘super’ nature reserve A NEW ‘super’ National Nature Reserve (NNR) has been declared across the Mendip Hills, bridging together the existing Ebbor Gorge and Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserves, along with 29 nature-rich sites, many of which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty area. Encompassing 1,413 hectares of land, the new ‘super’ NNR will stretch from woodlands in Wells to across the southern
Mendip slopes and Brean Down in the Severn estuary. Nine organisations will be working together in partnership on the new site – Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, Mendip Hills AONB, the National Trust, Longleat and Cheddar Gorge Caves, the Butterfly Conservation, the Woodland Trust, and the South West Heritage Trust – enabling land managers to work together to maximise the benefits for nature, science and people.
Tree being lit up on December 1 THE Tree of Light, organised by City of Wells Lions in conjunction with The Bishop’s Palace, will be illuminated from Friday, December 1, in the ‘free area’ of the Palace as part of the Palace’s Christmas lights display. Members of the community can reflect on the lives of a loved one by sponsoring a star in their memory that will be hung on the tree. Application forms for a star are available at The Bishop’s Palace shop, where donations
may also be left, and Wells Tourist Information Office. To make a donation by bank transfer, email cityofwellslions@ gmail.com The Bishop’s Palace Pastor, the Rev Doris Goddard, will give the dedication at 4.30pm on Wednesday, December 20, at which the names of all the loved ones will be read out. The ceremony will be by the tree unless the weather is inclement, when it will take place in the Bishop’s Chapel.
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wellsvoice
December 2023
29
n NEWS
approved Book relates women’s stories Plans for derelict pub SEVERAL women from Wells feature in a new book that will reveal little-known information about women who lived in Somerset in years gone by. Unsung Women in Somerset by Helen Pugh is being released on November 20, and will tell the stories of a variety of women from pre-Roman to modern times. Among them are sections on a Wells landowner mentioned in the Domesday Book; a noblewoman buried in Wells Cathedral whose husband died at the Battle of Castillon during the Hundred Years’ War; and two women from Wells who were members of the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) and are buried in Wells Cemetery. Most women in the book are introduced through a short
The cover of the new book story, followed by historical notes about the woman and a chapter bibliography that shows the research that has gone into the book. Most chapters also
include a Quick Tribute section that briefly mentions other interesting women from the same century. Unsung Women in Somerset will be available as a paperback, hardback and ebook. The ebook can be pre-ordered using the link: https://books2read.com/ unsung Helen grew up in Chilcompton, went to secondary school in Bath, then attended the University of Bristol. After more than eight years living abroad, she returned to Somerset in 2018 and lived in Shepton Mallet with her family for four years before moving to Midsomer Norton. She is currently working on a Junior Edition of her latest book and has already published books about South America, including Jungle-tastic Tales and Incatastic Tales.
SOMERSET Council has granted a planning application for change of use of the derelict Camelot Inn pub on the Glastonbury to Wells road, Polsham, to a mixed-use site providing two holiday lets, a cafe/shop and staff accommodation. It has also approved plans for change of use of land at the site for the stationing of five lodges to provide holiday accommodation.
Festive beers YONDER Brewing at Rookery Farm, Binegar, has released some confectionery-inspired beers for Christmas. They include sours Marzipan Fruit, Kirsch Choc Liqueur and White Choc Strawb, and stouts Coconut Florentine, Dark Choc Ginger Biscuit and Espresso Martini Truffle. More at www.brewyonder.co.uk
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wellsvoice
30
December 2023
n NEWS
Launch of appeal to help provide warmth
LOCAL charity Somerset Community Foundation has launched its annual Surviving Winter appeal to raise vital funds for low income pensioners this winter. An estimated 10,000 pensioners in Somerset are living in fuel poverty – almost double the figure from just a year ago. The team at the charity know, from over 10 years’ experience of running the appeal, that this winter many of the poorest pensioners will avoid putting their heating on, or they will cut back on food to save money. Laura Blake, Philanthropy Director at the charity, said: “We’re gravely concerned about the number of older people who will be too frightened to put their heating on. If you can afford to help, your donations will be an absolute lifeline for hundreds of older people in the county.”
Around 800 older people in Somerset get help from the Surviving Winter Appeal every year, with a cash grant of up to £500 to support their energy bills. A Surviving Winter grant can also provide help for people to buy items to stay warm and access specialist support. Surviving Winter encourages local people to make a personal gift, or donate their Winter Fuel Payment to help older people in need. To donate, visit www. somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call: 01749 344949 (donation lines are open Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm). A donation form is also available to download from the Somerset Community Foundation website, where information on which partner organisations deliver Surviving Winter grants can also be found.
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This life-sized Nativity scene complements the hundreds of smaller sets displayed at the Crib Festival in St Cuthbert’s Church
Festival bringing feelgood factor PEOPLE are invited to visit St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells between Friday, December 8, and Sunday, December 10, for this year’s Crib Festival, and experience that feelgood factor. There will be hundreds of worldwide crib sets on display, all with a story to tell. Twinkling stars, music, colour, angels and a stable will add to the Christmas spirit. In addition, the Flower Group, Wells Cathedral City Miniaturists and the Textile Club are adding to the display. There will be something for everyone including seasonal
refreshment and mulled wine. Organisers look forward to welcoming visitors on Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 9, from 10am-4pm, and on Sunday, December 10, from 12pm-4pm. Anyone who would like their crib set to be included should take it to the church on Thursday, December 7, and collect it on Monday, December 11. They are asked to write a few words about the set on a card and put their name and details on the back. There will be stewards throughout the festival.
Grant opportunity for good causes CHARITIES and other local good causes are being reminded that they can apply to give a presentation at one of the quarterly SOUP! lunches organised by Wells Independents, when they would be guaranteed to leave with a sizeable grant. At each SOUP! lunch there are four presentations, with one of those presenting receiving
half of the money on offer, after an audience vote, and the other three sharing the remainder. More than 80 good causes have already received funding at one of the events, held at the Elim Connect Centre, Wells. The next will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024. For more information about giving a presentation, email soup@wellsindependents.org
Two places for unwanted phones CITY of Wells Lions Club continues to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s mobile phone initiative to recycle unwanted mobile phones to benefit their essential public service. Now there is not only a secure box in the reception area at Wells Town Hall where unwanted
mobile phones can be left ready for collection, but also a second secure box in the reception area at Wells Health Centre, Priory Health Park. The component parts from the collected phones are removed by asset recovery specialists Reciproc8 which helps generate funds for the air ambulance.
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December 2023
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n NEWS
Gritters ready when temperature drops SOMERSET Council has said that its fleet of 23 gritters is ready to be mobilised across 900 miles of road as soon as the temperature drops below zero this winter. Last year the gritter fleet went out on 67 occasions when freezing temperatures were forecast. There were 2,058 route actions in total, said the council, helping to prevent the formation of ice across 83,200 miles of Somerset’s roads. Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said: “As the winter season approaches, it becomes even more vitally important that road users travel according to the conditions. All the preparation of our depots, and all the filling of our salt barns, has taken place throughout the summer, so that everyone is good to go when the temperatures drop. “The team are checking the
Josh, Jordan and Rich are ready to go out gritting the roads when required forecasts every day; as soon as they get the call, the gritters are ready to go.” Road users are being warned that they should drive according to conditions – ice can still form on roads that have been gritted
and extra care needs to be taken in winter weather. It is important too that drivers do not try to overtake gritters while they are treating roads – this happens on a regular basis in icy, hazardous conditions, the council says.
Gritter driver Josh Russell had this advice: “Please be patient and take care. Allow us to do our job so you can get to yours safely.” Last year, Somerset’s farmers were very helpful in supporting the council’s winter services, by taking on snow ploughing duties when conditions became challenging. Daily gritting updates will be posted on Travel Somerset’s Twitter and Facebook channels throughout winter. The council treats more than a fifth of Somerset’s roads. The gritting network covers all last year’s routes plus it has been increased slightly this winter. The main priority is to keep the busiest routes clear whenever ice or snow is expected. The priority is roads that link major towns, villages and communities on high ground and the important routes across the county for long-distance travel.
01934 830 111 info@clevedonsalerooms.com Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
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Thursday 7th December Winter Specialist Sale to include the principal contents of Gatcombe Court, North Somerset Visit our website to browse & bid Clevedon Valuation Days at Clevedon Salerooms, each Monday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Bristol Valuation Day Tuesday 13th February, 10am -3pm Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Rd, BS9 1BN Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT
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December 2023
n ON THE BEAT
Don’t risk drink or drug driving WITH the jolly festive season fast approaching and many people out enjoying Christmas meals, parties and family get-togethers, Wells Neighbourhood policing team would like to remind motorists that they may still be over the drink/drug drive limit in the morning after their social event. There is no safe way to drink and drug drive, so please don’t take the risk. We 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
The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Leann Chinnock 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 Drinking at home can make it
more difficult to judge measures, so don’t drive. We are asking members of the public to support us by making responsible choices and reporting information to the police if they suspect anyone to be drink or drug driving. Reports of drink/drug drivers can be made online at: Report drink and drug driving/ Avon and Somerset Police or by calling 101. Alternatively reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and useful information is available on their website: Drink and drug driving/ Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org). If someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs, always call 999. From the whole policing team at Wells Police Station, we would like to wish the whole community a very Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year.
n NEWS Focus on issues businesses face AVON and Somerset PCC Mark Shelford recently hosted a Business Crime Forum to discuss policing issues affecting businesses. The event, held at Bristol’s Cabot Circus, brought together members of the business community and partner organisations. As part of this focus on business crime the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has also surveyed almost 150 local business owners asking for their feedback. The top three issues identified in the results were anti-social behaviour reported by 77 per cent of those who took part; shoplifting (57 per cent); and violent crime/ public disorder (35 per cent). The PCC will now write to all local authorities and other partners to request their support and to put in place practical and tangible actions designed to support business owners and reduce the criminality they face.
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December 2023
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n NEWS Diocese school governors call
James Preston of Sally Strachey Historic Conservation is pictured left (and inset) carrying out the annual check of St Thomas’ Church spire. The company restored the tip of the spire after it was blown down in a storm in February 2022. Wells Cathedral can also be seen in the distance in the photo on the right.
THE Diocese of Bath and Wells has launched a campaign to find more volunteers to become school governors. Called Come on Board, the campaign aims to encourage more people to take an active part in the life of their local school. Come on Board is aimed at anyone over the age of 18 who may have a little time to spare each month and would like to use it to support their local school community. Volunteers are wanted for church primary or secondary schools. Ed Gregory, Director of Education for The Diocese of Bath and Wells, said: “You don’t need to have any teaching experience, or be a parent to volunteer, all you need is a willingness to use your skills and experience to support the children and young people in your community.” More details at bathandwells. org.uk/come-on-board
Unwins Independent Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons
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We provide a 24-hour personal service. Private Chapel of Rest. Dignified low-cost direct cremations. We also offer Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans authorised and regulated by the FCA. The Firs, Underwood, Wookey Hole Road, Wells, BA5 1AF Email: becky@unwinsfunerals.co.uk Tel: 01749 679927 www.unwinsfuneraldirectors.co.uk Got News? Call 07906 499655
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December 2023
n NEWS
35
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
An introduction to commercial leases By Claire Tofts
The Bishop’s Eye cafe has started offering customers returnable cups
Cafe makes switch to returnable cups THE Bishop’s Eye cafe in Wells Market Place has stopped using disposable cups for takeaway hot drinks. It now offers customers returnable cups that can be borrowed for a £1.50 deposit and taken back to the cafe for a refill or a refund. “People in the UK get through at least 2.5 billion disposable cups each year. Switching to a returnable eliminates billions of cups from landfill,” said cafe owner Louis Agabani. Bishop’s Eye’s returnable cups are made by Cornwallbased company Circular&Co that are designed to last more than 500 wash cycles – or 1.5 years if someone has a coffee every day. After just 2.5 uses, the
CO2 emission of the Circular Returnable Cup is offset versus a single-use alternative, so huge amounts of CO2 never reaches the atmosphere. “Working in collaboration with Circular&Co we are leading the way, in Wells, towards a circular future,” said Louis. “We believe in the power of scale for good, and that each small change, each coffee you drink in a returnable, can add up to big change for the better of our planet. “Pioneers of circular design for 20 years, Circular&Co are driving the returnable packaging revolution. We are using their Circular Returnable Cup because we know it is the solution to the single-use coffee cup problem.”
Manager hails pub’s hygiene rating THE Quarter Jack, in Wells, has gained the top rating for its levels of hygiene in Somerset Council’s Scores on the Doors programme. The pub, on Priory Road, was awarded a five-star rating by the council’s inspectors. Scores on the Doors aims to highlight hygiene standards in pubs, restaurants, take-aways and clubs. Inspectors judge outlets on how hygienic and wellmanaged the food preparation at the premises is and each business is benchmarked against the same criteria namely: hygiene, structural and
confidence in management. The pub’s manager, Gavin Edden, said: “We are delighted that we have gained the top rating and I’m sure our customers will welcome the news too. “Standards of hygiene at the pub are of paramount importance. “All of the staff work hard to ensure that the pub offers its customers the highest levels of hygiene at all time and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised with the fivestar rating.”
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MANY people have experienced being a tenant of a house or flat under a short-term residential tenancy. However if you want to rent commercial premises, is it different? What are the key terms? Extent of the premises It is important to be clear about the extent of the premises. There is usually a plan annexed to the lease and signed by the landlord and the tenant. If the premises are a part of a building then a detailed definition sets out whether or not features such as floorboards, ceilings, walls, window frames and doors are part of the premises. Things which are part of the premises will be the tenant’s responsibility. Rights granted and reserved The lease will set out any rights which the tenant needs to use things outside of the premises, for example access routes, car parking or bin store. The landlord may also need to retain access to the premises, for example to read utility meters or to carry out works to other premises. Lease term The length of a commercial lease is fixed, rather than having an initial fixed period and then rolling on until one party gives notice. They are usually granted for a period of several years as a minimum and often for five or ten years or more. Sometimes a ‘break clause’ is agreed where one or both parties can choose to exit the lease early at particular points in time, and on certain conditions. Security of tenure A commercial lease is either a secure business tenancy or ‘contracted out’. A secure business tenancy will give the tenant a right to renew the lease on very similar terms and the landlord only has limited statutory grounds for refusing. A contracted-out tenancy will come to an end at the end of the lease term. Then both parties can choose whether to enter into a new lease and on what terms. Rent Rent is usually set at a starting rate and then reviewed at set intervals, but on the proviso that the rent can never reduce. The reviewed rent may be the then open market rent at perhaps three-yearly or five-yearly intervals, or the rent may be index linked on an annual or less frequent basis. Rent deposit or personal guarantee A landlord may require a rent deposit or personal guarantee where the tenant is a limited company without a significant trading history, or if they
are concerned about the financial standing of individuals as tenants. Other costs and payments The tenant will usually pay all outgoings of any kind relating to the premises. This will include business rates, utilities and the landlord’s buildings insurance premium. Where the lease is of part of a building or estate there is often a service charge payable to the landlord. This is a proportion of the costs which the landlord incurs for repair and maintenance of the building or estate, as well as other shared costs. Repair The tenant must usually keep the premises in good and substantial repair and condition. A survey should be carried out to see if there are structural or other defects which the tenant could be inheriting. If there are concerns about the condition of the premises then a tenant would want to have their responsibilities limited to an agreed photographic schedule of condition. Alterations The tenant would often be able to make non-structural alterations to the premises, subject to the landlord’s prior consent (acting reasonably). The tenant would usually be required to reinstate the premises before the end of the lease term, unless the landlord wishes to keep the alterations. Assignment and underletting Assigning the lease (transferring it to someone else) or subletting the premises is often allowed. This would be subject to the landlord’s consent (acting reasonably), detailed conditions, and the tenant guaranteeing the new tenant. Permitted use The tenant will be restricted to using the premises for particular purposes. There may also be restrictions on activities carried out at the premises. Compliance with laws The tenant will need to comply with all laws relating to the premises at their own cost. These would include planning and building regulations, fire regulations, asbestos regulations and many others. Registration and Stamp Duty Land Tax Leases of more than seven years need to be registered at the Land Registry. Stamp Duty Land Tax may be payable on the grant of a commercial lease depending on the level of rent and the length of the lease term. Before entering into a commercial lease it is important to take detailed advice and to carry out searches and enquiries. We have a number of specialist solicitors who can guide you through this process. n Claire Tofts is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubbbulleid.co.uk
Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100
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December 2023
n MESSAGE FROM THE MP
Important to support Royal British Legion AS I write this column, I am back in Westminster following a weekend marking Armistice Day and attending Remembrance services both in London and the Wells constituency. As a former soldier, Minister for the Armed Forces and an MP, it is extremely important to me that the Royal British Legion gets as much support as possible, with donations spiking at this time. It is a chance for us to pay our respects, wear a poppy and reflect on those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. It almost seems even more poignant following the recent events in the Middle East and is a stark reminder of the atrocities which have occurred in our history and we are dealing with now.
Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey ‘I am pleased to see a return to Government for David Cameron’ I was honoured to sell poppies in Brent Knoll in the week, as well as in Shepton
Mallet, and from speaking to the wonderful volunteers, it was clear that their fundraising was going extremely well and, in most cases, better than previous years. The unique nature of this constituency means there are many Remembrance services across the patch and I am honoured to be invited to them. However, I can only attend two, so I want to thank those that laid a wreath on my behalf and to the organisers in both Shepton Mallet and Cheddar, where I was able to attend. The services and parades were special – as they always are – and it is humbling to be a part of. So many people in the community attend, and it puts everything into perspective. I am so proud to be a veteran,
and so proud to be a part of the wonderful Somerset community. I cannot finish this column without mentioning the reshuffle. As I write this, it has just happened and while of course there will be lots of talk over the next few days, I am pleased to see a return to Government for David Cameron. His extensive experience provides everyone – and those around the world – with stability in what is a crucial time for foreign affairs. I am very much looking forward to working with him, and am honoured as ever to continue in my role as Minister for the Armed Forces. Continuity in the role has been hugely beneficial and I am so glad to continue the work of the past three years, alongside my constituency responsibilities.
Tincknell Fuels Keeping you warm and cosy this Winter Order your Heating Oil from your Local Company Oil & Gas Boiler Servicing & Installation Make sure your Boiler is Winter ready!
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wellsvoice
December 2023
37
n NEWS
Eligible people urged to get vaccinated
MORE than half of the 255,000 people in Somerset eligible for a Covid-19 booster have had their top-up dose ahead of winter, NHS Somerset announced on November 9. Somerset began its autumn booster campaign two months ago and has already given maximum protection from Covid-19 to 137,000 people and from flu to 170,000 people. As the weather turns colder, respiratory viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors. They usually reach their peak towards the end of December. NHS and public health bosses in Somerset are urging people to get their jabs now to ensure maximum protection throughout the festive and New Year period. Those who are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine include those aged 65 and over, frontline health and social care workers, and those deemed at
Thousands of people have already been given Covid-19 and flu vaccinations ahead of winter risk because, for example, they have either a weakened immune system, a learning disability or severe mental health problems. To make it easier than ever to get a Covid-19 vaccination in Somerset the NHS is offering walk-ins at local pharmacies,
vaccination centres and pop-ups at community hospitals and GP practices. Details of walk-ins can be found on the NHS Somerset website. The public can book flu vaccinations as usual through their GP practice or by visiting one of the many participating community pharmacies. There are also plenty of locations offering flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time, so there will not be a need to book separate appointments. The schools flu vaccine programme has been running in Somerset since the start of term with children aged four years up to those aged 16 years (school Year 11) being offered a nasal spray vaccine, or an injection if this is unsuitable. Parents of children aged two and three years (August 31) can book a nasal spray flu vaccine for their child at their local GP surgery.
Shona Turnbull-Kirk, Associate Director for Health Inclusion for NHS Somerset, said: “Covid-19 is still out there, and flu is a concern for the NHS every winter. These viruses are more serious in people aged 65 and over and those with a weakened immune system. Make sure you stay up to date with your vaccines for the best possible protection and to keep yourself and others safe. “As we head into the busy social season of Christmas and New Year, the vaccine will provide important protection and peace of mind for yourself and loved ones, so if you are eligible for the booster and yet to come forward, we would encourage you to do so as soon as possible.” For more information on eligibility and where it is possible to receive the free flu or Covid-19 vaccine this year, visit nhs.uk/ wintervaccinations
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OVER 30 PRODUCTION OPERATIVES OVER A RANGE OF SHIFTS Join the Saputo family in Frome Hourly rate up to £13.28 + up to £4750 bonus At the meeting of Wells Civic Society on October 11, members heard about the project to conserve buildings in Vicars’ Close and open two of them to the public, from project manager Crystal Johnson. This was followed up with a tour of the location on October 24 when Crystal was able to explain more. Picture: Ian Robinson
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Wells shop aids fundraising effort THE Wells Flapjackery shop has contributed to the company’s nine outlets raising nearly £2,500 for charity. The business rewards its nominated charity in each shop when customers choose to forgo bags or boxes with their purchases. It donates 20p to charity, and for every purchase of one of its charity boxes, 50p is donated.
The initiative has prevented more than 10,000 cardboard boxes and carrier bags from going into recycling facilities. The donations collected will be distributed among its 2022 nominated charities, which for the Wells store was Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance. Flapjackery remains unique, as all its flapjacks are handmade at its Tavistock premises.
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December 2023
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
A Compassionate Christmas: Bereavement Support with counsellor Jill Edmonds AS we head into December, everywhere we go reminds us that Christmas is fast approaching. For many this is a happy time, with an atmosphere of joy and togetherness as family and friends get together, but for others it is a time of sadness and loneliness. Coping with grief leading up to and during the Christmas period when someone you love has died can be exceptionally challenging. Whether it has been a few months or a few years, the festive period can be a reminder of absence, amplifying feelings of grief and loneliness. It is during times like these that specialised support becomes invaluable. Wells Funeral Services is proud to introduce Jill Edmonds as our new associate bereavement counsellor, offering a compassionate approach to those in need during this emotionally charged period.
Why trust Jill Edmonds with your emotional well-being? Jill Edmonds is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of qualifications and life experiences that make her exceptionally suited for bereavement counselling. Jill spent 22 years as Head of Music at Wells Cathedral Junior School. Through her career in education Jill has acquired a profound understanding of the emotional complexities that humans face at different stages of life. Jill is a qualified grief and bereavement counsellor and well-being coach who works with all people of ages. With a holistic approach to mental health Jill addresses the emotional and physical aspects of well-being, offering a comprehensive counselling service. Perhaps most compelling is Jill’s personal journey through grief. Having lost her husband to cancer, she navigated the
Jill Edmonds is a qualified grief and bereavement counsellor complexities of loss firsthand. While Jill understands everybody’s journey through grief and loss is different, this deeply personal experience gives her the ability to connect with others on an emotional level, with genuine understanding and compassion to truly understand the struggles and challenges they face. A new chapter with Wells Funeral Services Jill’s appointment as the associate bereavement counsellor for Wells Funeral Services marks a new chapter in
our commitment to providing comprehensive care for those dealing with loss. Jill’s approach to counselling mirrors the care, compassion and dedication that we consistently offer our clients, her services are the natural extension of our own, flexible, adaptable to the unique needs of each individual and able to make strong connections with people from all walks of life in their time of need. Jill has a genuine love for helping others, she is compassionate, easy to talk to, patient and understanding. If you are struggling to deal with your mixed emotions and challenges that arise as we head into the festive period, you may benefit from some professional help from Jill. Jill’s role will involve providing a confidential space where you can freely express your feelings without judgment. Jill can also offer guidance to help you find a delicate balance that suits your unique needs and circumstances during this demanding and emotionally charged time of the year. n To be put in touch with Jill, please call Wells Funeral Services on 01749 670100 or email rod@wfs.me.uk
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wellsvoice
December 2023
n IN DAYS GONE BY
39
With Clare Blackmore
Competitive edge to Christmas displays AT Christmas in 1888 there were 15 butcher’s shops listed as trading in the High Street, Broad Street and Queen Street in Wells. Some were specialist pork butchers, Charles Lewis, A Wilkins, R Board, and others specialised in beef butchery, M Boulton. The Barnard family were all butchers and they had two shops in the High Street and a slaughter house in Guardhouse Lane. Where Griffiths the butcher now is in the High Street was Thomas Nurse, followed by E Porch. Queen Street had four butchers: A Haggert, J White, R Hill and W Hamblin, and Broad Street had three butcher’s shops: W Brooks, J Collings and R Board. The Christmas meat display in these shops was highly contested and the various proprietors very competitive in showing off their wares. The Wells Journal of December 20, 1883, reported that: “The town itself presents quite a gay appearance with the tradesman’s shops being handsomely decked with goods and ornamented profusely with holly and plants. “The show of meat at the various butcher’s shops was exceptionally good. The display of prime beef and capital mutton reflected unmistakable energy on the part of butchers providing for public wants. “Indeed the tradesmen did their best to remind us it is Christmas and it is to be hoped that the poor as well as the rich shared in some manner of the good things provided.” In slightly earlier times, the Wells Journal would list the best joints available and the provenance of the meat available, locally bred, fed and slaughtered. In 1856, Mrs White of East Wells, for example, had “a 4-year-old short-horned heifer weighing 50 score, bed and fed by Mr Robert Lax of Godney, two very fine lambs grazed by Mr T Fry of the Bath Road and 8 wether sheep averaging 26lb per quarter”. Mr Josiah Parker of the High Street had “two 4-year-old Devon Heifers, bred and fed by Mr Welch of Melsbury, weight 42
Wells butcher’s shops were praised for their Christmas meat displays Picture: Wells and Mendip Museum
‘The streets were crowded with spectators, especially in front of the butcher’s shops, which were, as usual, the chief places of attraction’ score each, ten 2-year-old South Down sheep by Mr Cock of Red Lake and five from Mr Parker of Penhill, two lambs and one pig by Mr Adams of Red Lake. Weight of sheep 18lb per quarter, pig, eight score.” At Christmas, ducks, geese and turkeys were added to the display. In 1878 it was noted that: “The streets this Thursday evening were crowded with spectators, especially in front of the butcher’s shops, which were, as usual, the chief places of attraction.” In 1863 “the various butchers dressed in their best aprons were standing in their shops and seemed to look at their meat with pride and cast exulting looks at the lookers-on as much as to say ‘You will not find equal in this county’.” In 1877 “there were the usual preparations of the
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purveyors of Christmas fare. The butcher’s shops were crowded from floor to ceiling with prime carcasses of beef and mutton. The poulterers and fishmongers provided equally liberally for their customers during the festive season and the grocers, confectioners and other tradesmen made attractive displays of seasonable goods. The streets were thronged with purchasers and observers.” In 1860, in the grocers shops it was “especially noted displaying heaps of raisins, currants and sundry other tempting articles”.
There were complaints from some of the shoppers and observers as the hung meat outside the shops dripped and seeped blood on to the pavements, which sometimes got on their Christmas finery, but the butchers’ boys brushed the seepage into the gulleys at the side of the High Street on a regular basis to keep the pavements clean. Mr Way, who was a grocer, and wine and spirit maker, had a bit of a disaster in 1896 with his window display of “bon bons and fancy sweets. The window was also dressed with brightly coloured shavings which accidentally caught fire when the gas was lit. The window was immediately ablaze but owing to the promptitude of the manager, Mr Hitchen, who used water freely, the flames were soon got under. The goods in the window were entirely spoilt but we learn that the damage was covered by insurance.” A recipe for Christmas Cutlets a la Surprise from 1889: Cut some slices of cold plum pudding. From these carve a sufficient number of pieces into the shape of small mutton cutlets. Egg and breadcrumb these. Cut some fine blanched almonds into the shape of cutlet bones. Now fry the cutlets in hot lard, stick the cutlet bones into them and serve hot. This looks well and eats nice. Happy Christmas. Clare Blackmore
Molly Podiatry / Chiropody COMFORTABLE FEET Molly
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wellsvoice
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December 2023
n WHAT’S ON
Palace to light up festive season
Swan Singers set to delight
VISITORS to The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells will once again be celebrating the magic of the Christmas season this December with garden Illuminations, festive decorations, workshops, Father and Mother Christmas, music and delicious food on offer. The rooms of the medieval Palace building will be decked out in their Christmas finery with seasonal foliage from the Palace gardens creating fitting adornments to complement the historic interiors. Visitors to the Entrance Hall will be greeted with a roaring fire and invited to explore the rooms of the Palace, which will also include the return of the popular local Schools EcoExhibition. Outside visitors can explore the magical inner gardens which will be illuminated with festive decorations and lights during special late-night openings including December 1 (Members only), 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. The Illuminations begin at 3.30pm and continue until 7.30pm on those dates, with the last entry at 7pm. The Glastonbury Male
AT lunchtime on Saturday, December 16, the Swan Singers will be at The Bishop’s Palace to delight visitors with a selection of Christmas treats. Between 1pm and 2pm, the choir will be performing in the Bishop’s Chapel. Entry is free (though donations are welcome). On the following day, the choir is giving its popular annual Carols and Cakes concert which, this year, is being held at the church of St Michael and All Angels at Dinder. As the finale to a day of Christmas fun in the village, the Swan Singers will perform a wide variety of Christmas music from the absurd to the traditional with opportunities to sing along. And all that musical enjoyment will be rounded off with mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal goodies. The event starts at 3pm and tickets cost £10 which includes the refreshments. Children are very welcome and can attend for free. Tickets are available from janethorne13@gmail.com or on the door. Further information from info@swansingers.com
The Bishop’s Palace’s inner gardens will be illuminated with festive lights and decorations again during special late-night openings in December Voice Choir will also be on hand to entertain visitors at a Christmas Carol Concert within the beautifully decorated 13thcentury Chapel on Tuesday, December 5 (6.30pm), and creative types may be tempted by two festive workshops – Folk Carols on Saturday, December 9, and Wreath Making on Sunday, December 10. Storytellers will be sprinkling some Christmas magic with
Folk twist on Christmas story THERE will be a creative retelling of the Christmas story with songs, stories, swords, and spiders, at the City of Wells Almshouses’ Bubwith Chapel, Chamberlain Street, Wells, on Saturday, December 9, at 7pm. Follow, Follow, Follow is a tapestry of folk tale and song, telling the birth of Christ from Mary’s point of view with storyteller Beth Webb and singer-songwriter Fiona Simpson. The performance weaves folk tales and songs from across the world to fill in some of the gaps in the Christmas story: How did Mary feel when she realised she was pregnant? Who was the baby’s midwife? How did spiders help the family escape from Herod’s soldiers? Fiona Simpson sings versions of old carols as well as some of her own new songs. The narratives are woven together
festive tales and seasonal stories on December 8, 19, 20, 21 and 22. Great for big and little kids alike, no booking is required. 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 details at www.bishopspalace. org.uk
Christmas concert by ladies choir THERE will be a Christmas concert with the Cantabile ladies choir at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Monday, December 4, at 8pm. Carols with Cantabile will feature guest Lucy Robbins. Musical Director is Tracey
and told by Somerset storyteller and author, Beth Webb. There will also be a performance at St John’s Church, Glastonbury, on Sunday, December 10, at 3pm. Almshouses tickets are available at: eventbrite. co.uk/e/follow-follow-followtickets-737886848427 Tickets are free, but a donation of £10 at the door is suggested, some of which will go towards raising funds for the two venues. These performances are not suitable for children.
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Hansford and the accompanist is Shelley Prior. Tickets are £10 to include a glass of wine and a programme, under 12s free. Tickets are available on the door or from Jane Savery 01749 670527, St Thomas’ Church or Cadeaux & Co, High Street.
Exhibition offers gift possibilities THE new exhibition at the Andelli Art gallery in South Horrington aims to provide some inspiring and unexpected gift ideas for Christmas. Wishlist will have on show 19th and 20th century and contemporary art, ceramics, folk art, studio pottery,
jewellery, works on paper, cards and collectibles – with prices starting from £2. The exhibition runs from November 28-December 14. Open Tuesday-Saturday, from 10am-5pm, and other times by appointment.
Crafty Christingle creative session THERE will be a Crafty Christingle at St Thomas’ Church on Sunday, December 10, from 3.30pm-5pm, when people
will be able to make their own Christingle and other Christmas crafts. It will be followed by a Christingle service at 5pm.
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n WHAT’S ON Drawing workshop
Display of group’s art at museum
A MINDFUL Mandala Drawing Workshop will provide an opportunity to learn a new skill and calm the mind at the same time. The two-hour workshop (10am-12pm) will be held on Thursday, December 7, in the room above the cafe at The Good Earth, Wells. The cost is £10. No previous drawing experience is required. For further information or to register, contact Lyn on 07919 876566 or email lyndutch@ hotmail.co.uk
WELLS & Mendip Museum on Cathedral Green is hosting a multi-media exhibition by a group of professional artists from Shipham until November 25. The artists have been exhibiting as ‘Shades of Shipham’ for more than 18 years. The current exhibition encompasses painting, print making, fabric collage, sculpture, photography and jewellery. There will also be greetings cards and prints for sale, and a chance to meet the artists as they will be taking it in turns to steward the exhibition.
Board game dates WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 20, from 7pm9.30pm.
Quiz challenge AN Oxfam Quiz Night will take place at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, December 3, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £4 per team member. To book, phone Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com. Raffle prizes very welcome.
th Tai Chi Heal
P i l o g a Fi t Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482
Black perspective BRITISH-NIGERIAN banker Gb Ladipo will explain his experience and take questions on the difficulties of being black in a white society at an event in Christ Church, Henton, on Saturday, January 13 (7pm for 7.30pm). Free tickets for the talk – entitled Life as a Black Person: The daily fight against an unfair system – are available by emailing jennycrossley@ mbzonline.net Donations for wine and soft drinks, and there will be a
Textile artist Jacqui Parkinson pictured in front of one of the 12 giant embroidered silk panels that make up the Threads through Creation exhibition in Wells Cathedral. The panels retell the creation story in the book of Genesis, and the exhibition continues until November 27. retiring collection in aid of the £250,000 needed for the church.
Comedy hypnotist WELLS City Football Club is hosting a comedy hypnotist show by Chris Doc Strange on Saturday, December 2, starting at 8pm. Admission is by ticket only and strictly for over 18s. Tickets cost £10 and are available by contacting a committee member or calling Mark on 07860 606408 or Roseanna on 07540 621819.
Pub music events FREE folksong and music sessions are being organised in friendly traditional pubs. The Wells Folk Sessions take place on the second Monday of every month at Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy, 9pm till late; and the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Arms, High Street, Wells, 8.45pm till late. All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune or just listen and enjoy. More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com
Sing-along sessions GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along sessions for older people take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, 24 Southover, Wells, BA5 1UH, with Al and
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Annie Whitley. From 2.30pm3.30pm, with tea and coffee from 2.15pm.
Barbie screening WOOKEY Hole Cinema will be showing Barbie (12A) on Sunday, December 10, at 7.30pm. Dressing like Ken, Barbie, a Christmas character festooned in pink, red, a surf vibe or any bling thing that takes your fancy is not compulsory but will add to the fun. The venue is upstairs at Wookey Hole Club. Tickets on the door. Wookey Hole Club Members £6, Guests £8. More information at wookeyholecinemaclub.weebly. com
Irish Set Dancing IRISH Set Dancing takes place on Thursday evenings in Dinder Village Hall from 8pm-10pm, from September to June. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. £3 including refreshments. More from Paul Harper: 01458 210051 or paulharper@ btopenworld.com
TAI CHI Wells Blue Sports Centre Mondays 6pm – 7pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886
TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am FRIDAYS Pilates 9.15am Location Wells Town Hall. Small, mixed ability classes. To apply, contact Sally at:
zest2zen@gmail.com
Scottish dancing WELLS Scottish Dancers hold classes on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. The Scottish country dancing group welcomes all ages over 18, no experience is necessary, and no partner is needed. To learn more about Scottish dancing or to register interest in joining, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann. wellsdancers@gmail.com
Folk club meetings MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm. Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome. More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com
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December 2023
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY AN unusually full house reflected the considerable interest in the subject of the Wells Civic Society’s November meeting: Wells and the legacy of slavery in the West Indies. First, professor of history at Exeter university, James Clark, explained Wells Cathedral’s complex historical links with slavery between 1750 and 1900. He showed how slaveryderived wealth helped fund the cathedral’s repairs to and maintenance of its medieval architecture, this being beyond the cathedral’s own finances. The cathedral did this by reaching out to the plantation owners who were settling in this part of the country, wishing to be close enough to the port of Bristol but to live in pleasant and prestigious areas, such as Wells. The cathedral might offer them leases on cathedral land or sell this land, or simply write what were little short of begging letters. In fact, it could be that cathedral clergy themselves might be from such families. John Hothersall Pinder, for instance, was actually born in Barbados into a white plantation owning family. But he became the cathedral precentor and the first principal of Wells Theological College from 1840, and actively spoke and wrote in favour of slavery. On the other hand, Bishops Beadon and Law were vocal supporters of abolition in the House of Lords and from the pulpit. The second speaker was Jessica Witchell, Wells Cathedral learning manager, who explained how, largely provoked by the Black Lives Matter initiative, a group of institutions and individuals from, or linked to, the city have come together to explore how Wells is connected to slavery. The aim of their project, Wells and Transatlantic Slavery, is to make these histories visible across the city and to consider the enduring legacies of slavery in Britain and the Caribbean. Institutions involved so far are the cathedral, the museum, St Cuthbert’s Church, The Bishop’s Palace, the city archives, Somerset African Caribbean Network and Wells Cathedral School. A number of individuals are also members, and James is one of the mentors to the group.
website www.wdwg.org.uk or you can phone Jean on 01749 677600. Graham Allen CITY OF WELLS PROBUS
Professor James Clark speaking at the Wells Civic Society The group has produced a free trail leaflet illustrating historic local sites which had links to slavery. They have held a successful one-day conference and organised workshops. They plan to show the film After The Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation, and, among other things, to run education initiatives showing the story of slavery as it was connected to The Bishop’s Palace, the museum, the cathedral, and other local buildings. James made the point that their job is to uncover history and represent it, not to sit in judgement. Much more can be found at www. wellstransatlantic slavery.com James and Jessica’s expositions had been clear and well organised. The audience was rapt. A subject which may have seemed remote had been put into a current context and a potentially delicate topic had been explained in a sensitive way. As the chair, Chris Winter, said in her summing up, we had all learnt so much and had had an amazing evening. The next civic society event at 7pm on Wednesday, December 13, in the Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, is the annual Seasonal Celebration, when members and guests can enjoy festive food and drink. For further details of this or the work of the society, please contact Chris on chris.f.winter@ btinternet.com or ring her on 01749 673610. Richard Hanks WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP DECEMBER is the month when we start to think about Christmas and who will be visiting. It is
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Picture: Philip Welch
the same in the natural world. Many are aware of birds such as redwings and fieldfares which have flown from Europe and visit our gardens in search of berries. But if you see blackbirds in your garden these too may have made the same journey but may be missed as they blend in with our resident birds. If you have mountain ash trees you may be visited by waxwings who have a passion for the berries. Waxwings have been known to get a bit drunk eating frostbitten berries but have very efficient livers so recover quickly. Elsewhere in the garden it is a good idea to leave tidying until the new year to let wildlife in the garden make good use of it. Our piles of garden rubbish are food and lodging to insects, mammals and birds at this time of year. Our next meeting takes place on Tuesday, November 28, at 7.30pm at the Wells Museum (entry by the side entrance) off the Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE. Richard Jones will talk on the progress of the Strawberry line. The ‘Strawberry Line’ was the nickname of the Cheddar Valley Line, a Great Western Railway branch line that ran through Wells until the late 1960s. Since the 1980s, the route has been in the process of being transformed into a beautiful greenway suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility scooters, and on some sections, equestrians. Come and hear about the latest developments and sections which will shortly be coming ‘online’. Admission £5 payable on the door (under 16s free). Tea / coffee and biscuits served in the interval. Details of this and other events can be seen on our
MID-OCTOBER saw a group of 25 City of Wells Probus friends visit the Peak District for a few days, enjoying excellent weather until coming across serious flooded roads at the start of the return journey. They were based in the excellent Royal Victoria Crowne Plaza hotel in Sheffield, co-owned by a delightful handson amiable Irish host. A guided tour of the fabulous Chatsworth House headed the programme, with the very knowledgeable attendant contributing immensely to the group’s understanding and appreciation. High on the list too was a thrilling cable-car ride up to the Heights of Abraham over the Derwent Valley at Matlock to the tourist attractions there clustered around the old lead mines and caverns. Of significant industrial historical interest was Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet on the outskirts of Sheffield where steel was first made in England using the crucible process. The site is on the bank of the river Sheaf from which Sheffield derived its name. The Anglican Cathedral of Sheffield proved a popular place of interest with its unique huge goblet-shaped font made of steel. Equally stunning was the Nativity scene made up of steel sculptures. Including visits to the Coventry Motor Museum and Coventry Cathedral on their outward journey the Wells travellers had an enlightening and fulfilling autumn holiday. The next holiday will be to Cornwall in April 2024. Membership of the City of Wells Probus is open to retired professional men and businessmen. More information can be found on www. probusonline.org/city-of-wells/ WELLS NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY THE Rev Dr Mark Hutchinson will give a talk entitled Battling Bishops with Medieval Weapons and Duelling Demonstration at the meeting on Friday, December 1, at 7.30pm.
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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES Mark is a member of the Society and has stood at the speaker’s rostrum before. This time he is talking about the intense rivalry between the Bishop of Bath and Wells’ men and the Abbot Bishop of Glastonbury’s men between 1173 and 1493. The meeting will be held in the Lecture Room at Wells Museum. Non-members of the Society are very welcome (£2).
educational it is a very lighthearted and happy evening. If you would like to join us you would be made very welcome on Wednesday, January 3, in St Thomas’ Church Hall at 7pm. Pat Dyer MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP
WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB EVERY year Christmas seems to catch us on the hop. As if we hadn’t already been warned there’s much scurrying around and scrummaging about for the usual festive paraphernalia. The garden is neglected and expected to look after itself. We only venture out to grab a twig or two of greenery from a neighbourly overhang. For the rest of the year the evergreens are pretty well shunned or ignored. In Roman times holly came into its own during the end of year Festival of Saturnalia, a time of licensed disorder and misrule. Some would probably argue that times haven’t changed. Holly, being what it was, became a symbol of eternity for the early Christians. Ivy, on the other hand, was associated with Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine. Dressed in a panther’s skin he would set off to war in a chariot drawn by panthers. It is told that after his conquest of India, Bacchus entered Thebes in a chariot drawn by elephants. Pink ones probably. Nevertheless, ivy was garlanded about his person. Because of all this, ivy was reputedly a preventative for drunkenness. How this actually worked remains a mystery but it’s possibly lurking somewhere in a medieval herbal. Nor is it recorded whether Edward III availed himself of it when he spent a merry Christmas entertained in the Great Hall of The Bishop’s Palace in 1331. There’s plenty of ivy in the precincts though there is a doubt as to whether we are talking about the same plant. With so much going on there is no meeting of the Gardening Club in December but we shall reconvene in the new year with an informal
Greenery from the garden forms the basis for many a Christmas decoration evening when members may renew membership and new members can join. Everyone will be welcome and the admission will be free. This will take place in the Town Hall on Thursday, January 11, 2024. More details will follow. In the meantime I would like to express my thanks to the small and cheerful committee for all the assistance in the past year. And to everyone who has a garden or not, all good wishes for Christmas and a productive new year. Pip Harwood WELLS TUESDAY WI IN November we were entertained at the main meeting by Emma Britton, ex-radio presenter and current celebrant. A charismatic speaker who told us about her work leading up to her current post, “a job like no other”, via her fat and fit exercise classes, to Radio Somerset and Radio Bristol. In a hilarious talk she took us through the joys of “Emma tries…”, almost anything it seemed. A couch to 5k for charity, and some very poignant moments of discovery and self-worth. As a celebrant Emma described how she marks those life cycle moments, the births, weddings and funerals in bespoke ceremonies. A truly inspirational and thoughtprovoking talk. In other news this month there are several walks of various lengths to accommodate all our ladies. Cinema club are planning two trips (it’s so
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important to support the local cinema). Crafties are exploring pottery – some throwing on a wheel, others choosing to paint. A brave group are venturing out on a ghost walk. Supper club are going to Rugantinos. Blooming fun have been to Brownes for a master class in lasagne planting and had a lunch meeting with soup at an indoor planting version Ladies are looking forward to carnival and diaries are filling up with Christmas events. ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP IN November we were pleased to welcome Sally Beasley to our meeting and hear about her early life and how it led her into teaching and to the so worthwhile domain of helping disadvantaged children and those with emotional problems, which became the driving force in her future life and still is an area of interest. Although a very serious subject the talk was interspersed with humour providing an evening enjoyed by all. Our next meeting is a Christmas celebration where we have a buffet supper followed by entertainment and ending up with group singing of favourite carols. We begin 2024 with a favourite friend, the delightful Pamela Egan, who is always able to tell us things about the area in which we live that we have not considered or even realised happened. She is such a mine of information, so besides being
OUR November meeting was found to be very helpful as members discussed the gadgets and tips that made their lives easier. The support of families and pets to cuddle came high on the list. Halogen ovens saved on electricity and were on the worktop so no bending to put food into the usual oven; croc shoes had no laces; a pregnancy long pillow gave a more comfortable sleep; wear gloves to drive. Different therapies suited different people. We all forget to do one thing at a time, and be our own best friend. We look forward to a trip to Montacute in March to enjoy the gardens. Our December 6 meeting will have a Christmas feel with carols from a small group from Wells City Band. On January 3, a member will give a few cooking tips to produce cheap nourishing meals with little effort which will help members who are struggling to bother to produce a meal when they are in pain and lack energy. We meet at Binegar and Gurney Slade Memorial Hall from 10.30am-12.30pm. For more information about our group (that also covers long Covid and anyone with constant pain) do contact Tanya Flagg: tanya@mendipfmsg.org WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE OF THE NATIONAL TRUST WE had a captivating talk showing copies of some of the photos from the Phillips Photography Shop on Saturday, November 11, at Henton Hall. The photos were found in some boxes in the Wells Museum. These have been painstakingly catalogued and saved digitally by Steve and Anne-Marie over three years. The shop was at 10 Market Place on the corner near The Crown. Continued on page 44
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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES From page 43 This informative lecture was presented by Anne-Marie Wilkinson from Somerset & Dorset Family History Society. The collection included photos of weddings, babies, children, gentlemen, ladies, houses, gardens and rallies in the Market Place. One photo had a date of 1857. Most were sadly not dated. Others have been researched from censuses and other sources to reveal dates of births, deaths and names of children in families. The next talk, Murder in Marrakesh, will be on Saturday, December 9, at 2.30pm, Henton Hall. For more details, please contact Peter Malarby, 07908 469887.
Sue Revell, left, retiring Chair of Wells u3a, receiving a gift from Jenny Williams on behalf of the members WELLS U3A WELLS u3a held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 2, when several officers of the committee resigned their positions, the main one being the Chair, Sue Revell, who has been in this position since 2019. She has been a very positive, enthusiastic, supportive chair over these last four years. She will be a hard act to follow but this position has been taken up by Donald Branch who has for a while been the group co-ordinator, another important position. Fortunately, Sue, who never gives up, has offered to continue to do the good work Donald had started, and take up the position of
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group co-ordinator. There will also be a new minute secretary, membership secretary and talks organiser. Sue thanked the resigning trustees who were presented with gifts in appreciation of the work they had done over the past years. The Secretary, Jenny Williams, presented Sue with flowers and “a bottle” on behalf of all the members of Wells u3a in thanks for everything she has done for them since she took office. There are many opportunities for the members to mix with other members apart from those in their own groups. One of these was a coach trip to Avebury Stones and Manor. More than 30 people enjoyed this trip on a sunny autumn day and on arrival were met by a guide who took the group for a fascinating tour of the Neolithic stones known as Avebury Henge which dates from around 4,600 years ago. Part of the tour took the group to the Barber Surgeons stone where a skeleton was discovered underneath, along with scissors, which helped with detecting the profession and age of the person, when the stone was lifted at some time past. The Manor House is better known for the television series To the Manor Reborn presented by Penelope Keith and Paul Martin in 2011, where rooms were converted to reflect the lives and times of the people who lived and visited there throughout the 500 years of its history. A Harvest Supper, ably organised by Marion Harding, held at Wells Museum, was another opportunity for members to get together and enjoy a wonderful spread of cheeses and cold meats along with salad followed by delicious desserts. The evening concluded with entertainment given by the ukulele group called Simply Uke, playing many songs that the audience could participate in. There is never an excuse once you reach retirement to sit at home and feel sorry for yourself, just get in touch with this enthusiastic group of people and join in with like-minded people. New members are welcome at any time and will be given a warm welcome to any of the groups you wish to join. The best way is to go onto our website https://u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home or just Google ‘Wells u3a’. Ann Brown
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December 2023
Action from the Les Phillips Cup game at Wells on October 24 between Wells City FC, in blue, and Street FC. Wells won on penalties after the game finished 1-1.
Three win championship medals ARCHERY ON Sunday, November 12, 18 Wells City Archers competed in the Somerset County Indoor Archery Championships at Hutton Moor Sports Centre, Weston-super-Mare. The club had the highest number of competitors of all the clubs in the county with a total of 128 archers taking part. Wells also came away with three medals: Clare Hudsmith won gold for Junior (U14) Ladies Recurve; Sue Matthews won silver for Ladies Recurve; and
Louis Dugdale won bronze for Gents Recurve. Sue Matthews, Secretary of the club, said: “We all had a fantastic time. It was the first external competition for several of our members, and was quite daunting for them to be surrounded by so many archers. We were all very proud to be representing Wells.” Wells City Archers are always looking for new members. Courses for beginners are run regularly and details are on the website www.wellscityarchers. com
The Wells City Archers team
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n SPORT
costumes Charity event raises £2,200, and The impress at Lady cups presented at ladies AGM Captain’s Day GOLF GOLF FIFTEEN Wells Golf Club ladies competed in the October Stableford competition. It was a closely fought contest with three ladies equal first on 31 Stableford points. The winner on countback was Andrea Staples. The final of the summer 4BBB knockout cup was played at last, having been rained off three times. The winning pair were Philippa Gowen and Katrina Foote winning 6&5. The annual ladies AGM saw Philippa Gowen installed as the new ladies’ captain. As well as the formal business all the season’s cups were presented. On October 7, the Avalon League group held their end of year event – a day to celebrate a successful year in the league where they managed to finish a creditable third but also to announce their player of the season. Eighteen of the 22 people who represented the club ventured out. Peter and Veronica Cherry had sponsored a number of bottles of wine for the closest to the pin prizes (Bryan Ashton
Wells Golf Club cup winners pictured with their trophies (5th); Ben Barnett (10th) and Nick Poore (12th)) as well as the winners on the day of Ian Burr, John Cooksley and Glen Crocker. After winning 71 per cent of the games he played and amassing 11.5 out of a potential 17 points, Ian Burr was deservedly crowned as the Avalon Player of the Year and received the trophy from captain Peter Cherry and Rory Passmore. On October 20, Wells Golf Club held a 4-Ball Bowmaker Stableford in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.
This was the fourth year the club has run the event with an aim to beat the total of £1,900 from last year. Thirty teams took part with the majority wearing pink (including hair). They generously purchased raffle tickets for a wide selection of items donated by club members, and there was also a silent auction for a hamper and a £100 voucher, with £2,233 being raised in total. The overall winners were Scott Finnegan, Andrea Staples, Daniel Staples and Peter Hill.
Chance to play BADMINTON PLAYED before but want more practice? Looking to get back into badminton after a break? Wells City Badminton Club plays on Wednesday evenings at Wells Leisure Centre from 7pm-9pm. Standard is intermediate and above. For more details, email enquirieswcbc@gmail.com or see the website at www. wellscitybadmintonclub.co.uk
Weekly meetings TABLE TENNIS WELLS Table Tennis Club meets every Wednesday at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, from 6.30pm-9.30pm. For more details, email paulhambleton2@ btinternet.com
City of Wells Bowls Club Ladies play in the local Wilds League. After winning 16 of their 18 games this season, they won the league again this year, for the second year running. The Ladies were presented with the Wilds League Shield and Winner’s Salver after hosting the League AGM at the club. Pictured, back row from left, are Pam Green, Oonagh Michelmore, Sheelagh May, Angie Churches, Carolle Skeates, Linda Sykes and Cilla Gadd; front row, Jane Rossiter, Trudy Bishop, Rachael Allen (Vice Captain), Emma Morley (Captain), Heather Willerton and Peggy Eley. Team members also included Christine Pringle and Shirley Baxter, who were unavailable for the photo.
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A VERY successful Lady Captain’s Day at Mendip Golf Club saw excellent support for Lady Captain Aimee Sawyer. Theme of the day was ‘colour’ and the Ladies competing certainly took Aimee’s request to heart with a stunning array of costumes. Winner of the dress competition was Allison Rumming after a close vote. Team award went to Jan Padfield/Allison Kay/Julie Doyle. As is tradition there are individual Cups played for on this day. The Optimists Cup was won by Vicky Hicks, The Gladys Shepherd Trophy by Lyn Jones and The Cooper Goblet was won by Edwina Willis. Ninety-three competitors took part in the annual running of the Coronation Cup. Div 3 went to Adam Deverill with a net 71 after count back from Eric Jordan. Div 2 was won by Tim Crew with a fine net 67. Div 1 was won by Phil Leadbeater with 69. The Gross Winner was Nick Cox with an excellent 71 but the Cup Winner was Wayne Dryburgh with a net 66. Ninety-four Seniors played in the latest monthly qualifying event. Div 3 went to David Jackson with 38 points. Div 2 saw a win from Paul Godwin who recorded the best score of the day with 39. Div 1 went to Nick White with 37 after count back from Gary Quinn. The Club Mixed Foursomes was won by Alison and Alan Kay with a net 74. The Mixed Team had a fine 4-1 win when visiting Kingsdown with wins coming from Lynn and David Cox, Lillian and David Peel, Pippa Brown and Clive Copp, and Suzy Rudkin and Tony Logan. The final Open event at Mendip was the 3-man Bowmaker which attracted a large entry of visitors. Winning with an amazing 91 points were a team from Mendip Spring, 11 shots ahead of the second team from Thornbury/Malborough/ Frilford Heath. The Mendip prize went to Clayton Merrett supported by visitors from Farrington with 76.
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Down 1 46228483 (8) 2 37323 (5) 3 633333 (6) 6 236473 (6) 9 749 (3)
Txtpert
I
8
Rules the same as the Fiend, but only four numbers in each box, row and column
I
7
Across 1 47533 (5) 4 7243 (4) 5 24273 (5) 7 2843 (4) 8 84643 (5) 9 723 (3) 10 3689 (4)
Easier sudoku Solutions
M
6
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www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy
I
5
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Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
R
I
4
E
T
3
N T
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2
6 9
H
1
R I N T
V
Theme: Feelings
T N
N
Txtpert
h
I W
E
9 2 7 5 8 6 3 1 9 5 7
Every row, column and mini-grid must contain the letters W I N T E R. Don’t guess - use logic
R
3
4 5 7 5 7 1
h
Winter Sudoku
10
9 6
7
8
n
E
4
For younger readers
V
The FIEND
SAFELY DELIVERED
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wellsvoice
December 2023
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