Wells Voice February 2020

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February 2020 Issue 32

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FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Wells and district Litter pick turns up stolen safe Surprise find being linked to robbery from a house in Wells Turn to page 5

A design by Wells Blue School student Ellise Staple has been chosen as the new logo for Wells Health Partnership.

She is seen holding the design with practice manager Nicky Billing, GP Ruth Donlevy, headteacher Mark Woodlock, Health partnership latest: page 3 head of DT Graphics & Product Design Andy Salvidge and fellow students

Moat Boat Races and May Fair both in doubt Lions and Air Cadets to stop organising the popular annual events DOUBTS have been cast over the future of two major Wells events – the Moat Boat Races and the May Fair – following a decision by the city’s Lions Club and Air Cadets to withdraw from staging them.

The annual May Fair and maypole dancing in the Market Place has been organised by Wells Lions Club for the past 16 years. It was cancelled last year after the club could not meet the safety requirements requested by

Mendip District Council.

The popular Moat Boat Races, held every August Bank Holiday and organised jointly with Wells Air Cadets for the past Continued on page 4

Cake artist wins national acclaim Zoe named as one of the top ten cake artists in the UK Turn to page 11

Work on offices progressing well Bishop makes visit to what will be new home for diocese staff Turn to page 13

Green light for 100 more houses Planning board agrees to new development at Elm Close Turn to page 17

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wellsvoice

February 2020

3

n NEWS Road closure for resurfacing

Panga the Wells Cathedral cat joins vergers in the empty nave. The chairs were removed in January to allow spring cleaning to take place and in preparation for The Promenade Concerts, during which the audience is encouraged to move through the open space of the Cathedral as music fills the building.

MAJOR roadworks are planned for The Liberty and Tor Street in Wells in February.

The planned scheme will involve removal of the old road surface and repairs to the kerbs and drainage system, followed by full carriageway resurfacing.

Preparatory works will take place between Monday, February 10, and Friday, February 14, with temporary traffic lights in place.

There will be a road closure for the resurfacing, planned to take place during half term (February 17-21) to minimise disruption to schools, and the road will reopen overnight outside working hours of 7.30am to 6pm. Somerset County Council say that access to homes and businesses will be maintained wherever possible.

A suggested diversion route suitable for all vehicles can be found at www.travelsomerset. co.uk/roadworks or will be signposted on site.

Health partnership plans advancing PROGRESS is continuing with the formation of Wells Health Partnership, the combined surgery for the whole of Wells.

Plans are being made to write to all the registered patients of both Wells City Practice and Wells Health Centre in February informing them of how to contact the surgery, book appointments and order prescriptions.

Work is also being carried out on the new website, which will be available soon.

The practice is grateful to the pupils of Wells Blue School who submitted designs for a new logo. Dr Ruth Donlevy said: “We were very impressed with all the hard work that went into the designs, and we are delighted with the winning entry.”

The successful design was created by Year 12 A-level Design and Technology student Ellise Staple.

Staff at the practices liked the elegant simplicity of Ellise’s logo, pictured above. It incorporates

Wells Health Partnership two swans, due to their close association with the city of Wells, forming the ‘W’ in the name Wells Health Partnership.

Staff also liked the analogy of the two swans coming together, just as the two current practices in Wells are coming together to form one health partnership. It also creates the shape of a heart, representing both the care aspect and it being central to people’s health.

Patients can find out more details about the plans for combining the two practices by looking at the information boards in the surgeries, on the surgery websites, or by asking to speak to their practice manager.

The practices believe the merger will help them cope better with the increasing demand on their resources.

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wellsvoice

February 2020

www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS

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MARCH DEADLINE

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To ensure your news or letter is included in the March issue, please contact us by February 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.

A large crowd for the maypole dancing at the May Fair in 2018

Invitation to others to take on events From page 1 18 years, has generated more than £200,000 for local charities and good causes, but both organisations feel that now is the time to hand over to other groups or organisations in a position to run these major events and accommodate the increasing numbers of people attending them. They will be offering help, advice and equipment to any potential new organisers who come forward.

Wells Lions vice-president Paul Clegg said: “The public’s safety at these events has always

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

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

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The Moat Boat Races have been an annual highlight in the calendar been paramount in our planning and on the day. We fully appreciate why we’re being asked

by Mendip District Council to take even more precautions but we feel that our own resources can better serve the community through running more health and environmental events, alongside our fundraising for local causes with more easily managed events like the very popular concerts we organise.

“Last year saw the club being praised for organising a number of health-related events involving

prostate cancer screening and diabetes awareness. Both of these health issues are important in preventing life-threatening diseases.

“Also these initiatives form an important part of the health and environmental initiatives at the core of Lions International plans worldwide. Our small team of enthusiastic Lions members have been stretched this year, so we have re-assessed our direction for 2020 and beyond.

“We are proud of the contribution our volunteer members make but feel that now is the right time for a group with more extensive experience in staging large public events to take the reins. We’ll offer our local knowledge and experience of the events, and equipment, to any group that is prepared to give it a go.”

Flt Lt John Blackburn, Commanding Officer of 1955 (City of Wells) Air Cadets, said: “We have been part of the Moat Boat Races, working with the Lions for over 15 years, and it’s a shame we have had to step back from the event. The planning and competitive aspects of the races was a great way for our cadets to gain confidence through teambuilding and interaction with the other people taking part.

“We really hope another organisation comes forward to take on the event, as it is a great day out in the city for the whole family, and our cadets would still love to design a raft and compete.”

Anyone interested in staging either or both of these events can contact Wells Lions by email at cityofwellslions@gmail.com

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wellsvoice

February 2020

5

n NEWS

Safe found during latest litter pick A SAFE believed to have been stolen from a house in Wells has been handed to police – after being discovered during a litter pick around the city.

One of the volunteers taking part in the litter pick on January 17, 18 and 19 found the safe, which had been forced open and still had documents inside, while clearing rubbish from a stream in the Wookey Hole Road area.

The safe is now being linked with a robbery from a house in Wells for which three people have already been charged and appeared before magistrates.

The litter picks are held every three months after being started

by Councillor Celia Wride to keep the city spick and span.

Id Verde pick up the resulting bags of rubbish from designated collection points.

Celia praised the efforts

of those who take part, and revealed some of the other finds on the latest litter pick. She said: “The tipple of choice in one area was gin and tonic in those small cans.

“In another, 30 empty bottles of Lambrusco were uncovered, and the hedge at the bottom of Tucker Street revealed a multitude of scratch cards – all scratched, apparently.”

She said she thought that more rubbish might have been revealed due to the lack of leaves at this time of year, the grass and weeds not growing as vigorously, and the fact that a lot of the hedges and trees have been cut back.

Celia added: “The volunteers did a magnificent job and I am proud of every one of them. The next adventure will be just before Easter, hopefully.”

People of all ages take part in the Wells litter picks. Here, one of the youngest, Xavier Hartley, is pictured with his mother Ashleigh

Fate of post office still unknown THERE is continued uncertainty over the future of Wells Post Office. The Market Place branch remains open but the lease is due to expire at the end of February – though the Post Office has requested an extension – and an expected consultation on a move to the Peacocks store has not been launched.

A Post Office spokesperson, said: “Talks are ongoing with an interested applicant who wants to take on Wells Post Office in their High Street store to provide a permanent solution for the town centre. We are not yet at

Your local legal experts Wells Post Office the stage where we can announce our plans, but we hope to be able to give an update shortly.

“In the meantime, the current Postmaster for Wells is maintaining Post Office service in the town.”

Tickets for play going on sale TICKETS for Wells Little Theatre’s next show, the play Quartet, by Ronald Harwood, go on sale on Saturday, February 15.

The play tells the story of Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred, who reside in a home for retired opera singers in Kent. They frequently worked together during their professional careers and each year, on the tenth of October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday.

Then Jean, who used to be

married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing. But the show must go on in this funny and poignant play.

The show runs from Wednesday, March 11, to Saturday, March 14, and all tickets are £10.

To book, visit www. wellslittletheatre.com or phone 01749 672280 for more information.

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February 2020

n NEWS

Media kept updated on craft effort for Australian animals CRAFTSPEOPLE around the UK have been knitting, sewing and crocheting joey pouches, birds’ nests and blankets for animals left devastated by the bushfires in Australia.

The handmade donations are being collected by UK Crafters United at 45 hubs around the UK, so they can be shipped to Australia where they are desperately needed.

The UK Crafters United emergency effort has captured the imagination of the nation’s media – who are being kept informed by the group’s media liaison, Rebecca Wood, from her home in Easton, near Wells.

“We are connecting crafters around the UK to help create items for the animals being rescued from the fires in Australia,” said Rebecca.

“We formed a Facebook group on January 4 to help UK-based crafters to get their handmade pouches, nests and other items sent to Australia in the quickest, most efficient way possible.

Just four days later we had over 21,000 members and that number is rising.

“The group has really taken off and I have been fielding calls from journalists around the country. It’s become quite a big story.”

Bentley Motors has said it will ship two crates of donations to Australia when it heads over there for the Grand Prix in March, and British Airways has

WELLS has been voted the best UK city for a short break.

It topped a poll of Which? readers, who rated the food, accommodation, sights and attractions and value for money at destinations across the country.

“The Bishops of Bath and Wells knew what they were doing when they chose to build a palace on the edge of the Mendip Hills in 1180. With whole streets of listed buildings and the 13thcentury cathedral, Wells is a compact but perfectly formed gem,” said Which?

The other cities that made the top five were St Andrews, St David’s, Bath and Stratfordupon-Avon.

Event to mark rail line opening Beavers making joey pouches promised that travellers flying to Australia can take extra baggage in the form of donations, which they can load up with at one of UK Crafters United’s hubs.

Two zookeepers from Longleat were taking a parcel of donations with them when they flew to Australia in January.

“A growing joey under the care of a rescue centre will get through 30 outer pouches and 90 inner pouches during the course of its rehabilitation,” said Rebecca.

The craft group’s website, www.ukcrafters.co.uk, was

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Both he and Rebecca, who is a development editor and author coach, are members of Wells Chamber of Commerce and run local businesses in Easton.

The Australian group taking donations was due to conduct a global stock take on January 25 of what craft items are being made for them around the world and to assess ongoing needs.

Close to 30,000 crafters across the UK are standing by and ready to respond if they need further support.

SUNDAY, April 5, is the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Cheddar Valley Railway from Yatton to Wells.

To commemorate this event, the Wells Railway Fraternity is holding an exhibition in Wells Town Hall that will include models, photos and artefacts of the line.

Should anyone have a photo, artefact or story of the line that can be displayed at the event, they are asked to phone the fraternity chairman Colin Price on 01749 675045.

It is planned that the exhibition will be open to the public from 10.30am to 4pm, with free entry.

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wellsvoice

February 2020

n NEWS

Apology after city election mistake

D E N TA L WELLS

Priory Dental are pleased to announce that we are nearing the end of an extensive refurbishment programme, allowing us to offer the very best in modern advanced dental care in Wells.

We are accepting new patients to see our experienced dental team. We do not charge more for new patients, and our dental plans start from only £9.49/month. Please see www.priorydental.com/fees for full details.

measures to avoid mistakes like this happening again.”

The election, which takes place on Friday, February 7, is being held after the resignations of Tony Robbins and Andrew Fawcett.

The candidates standing are: n Peter Harlow, Green Party n Rachel Humphreys, Liberal Democrat n Sebastian Johns, Conservative Party n Joe Parker, Liberal Democrat n Sarah Powell, Wells Independents n David Swain, Conservative Party

Another resignation GEOFFREY Dickson has resigned as a Wells City councillor for St Cuthbert’s Ward for health reasons. He will be replaced in due course either by an election or by co-option.

owner Georgie Robbins, one of the people behind the project, along with Sue Ali, Michelle Rossiter, Kate Ford, Lesley Harris and Karen Dickson.

“We were able to hand out a handful of meals and items of clothes,” said Georgie.

“We were honoured to have BBC Points West and BBC Somerset come down and support us, we hope that this will spread the message far and wide.

“We are here to support the community whether you are homeless or just in need of some company.”

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MEET THE TEAM Dr Helena Morrell

Helena originally qualified in Leeds, and spent over 12 years providing private dentistry in Australia. She has worked for a number of years in both Wells and Shepton Mallett, and has an excellent reputation in the area.

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Dr Ewan Davidson

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Dr Hannah York

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Dr Ryan Hughes

Ryan has worked extensively in the South West, having studied both Dentistry and Medicine in Bristol. He brings considerable knowledge and experience to the care of patients at Priory Dental and oversees the management of the practice.

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Wells Town Hall, where city council meetings take place

TV cameras at soup kitchen launch MONDAY night soup kitchens at Daniels Cafe were launched in January – with TV cameras there to record the occasion.

Wells Voice reported last month on the Wells Evening Soup Kitchen initiative that will give homeless people somewhere to find companionship and have a hot meal.

BBC Points West broadcast live from the cafe in Queen Street at the first soup kitchen on January 20.

“We are incredibly pleased with the launch of Wells’ new evening soup kitchen,” said cafe

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THE Labour Party has apologised after its two candidates in the election to choose two city councillors for Wells’ St Thomas Ward were disqualified from standing.

The Returning Officer decided that the papers submitted on behalf of Charlie Dart and Eileen Webber were not completed properly and were therefore invalid.

A Mendip District Council spokesperson said: “The nomination papers received from two candidates did not comply with the legislative requirements.

Unfortunately, this left the Returning Officer no option but to reject them.”

The Labour Party said in a statement: “The Labour Party would like to apologise for an error on the nomination forms for our two candidates in the forthcoming by-elections in Wells St Thomas Ward. We are sad that voters will not have the chance to elect Labour councillors to represent them on Wells City Council.

“The Labour Party, in the Wells Constituency, is run entirely by volunteers. One of our volunteers made a small mistake on the nomination forms which meant that the nominations were invalid.

“We are keen to make sure that voters across the constituency have the opportunity to vote Labour in all elections. We have implemented

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www.priorydental.com

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Priory Dental is a trading name of Dr Ryan K Hughes, registered with the General Dental Council (registration number 85731) – see www.gdc-uk.org. Priory Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – see www.cqc.org.uk.

wellsvoice

8

February 2020

n NEWS February events at Wells Library

An exhibition of work by Wells Blue School students – More Than the Sum of its Parts – was held at the Andelli Art Gallery in South Horrington in January. The students are pictured at the private view with art department teachers Shilen Tanna, left, and Paul Crocker, front right

Gallery hosts students’ show THE annual mid-term exhibition by sixth-form students at Wells Blue School has been hosted for the first time by Andelli Art gallery.

The school thanked Ellie Jones and Andy Jennings, owners of the South Horrington gallery, for their support.

A spokesperson from The Blue School’s art department said: “The confidence to commit to an endeavour is a great quality to foster in young people. We are proud at The Blue to encourage this confidence in our students.

“The exhibition hosted by Andelli Art is a demonstration of what can be achieved when you provide an environment within which that confidence can grow.

Both the Year 12 work, from

the start of their A-level course, and the Year 13 work, their penultimate piece, demonstrates the creative journey the students have chosen and how their confidence with materials, techniques and skills is evolving.

“One of the greatest joys for teaching and support staff is the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements.

This show is one of those opportunities. We are incredibly proud of all the work on display.”

The exhibition, More Than The Sum Of Its Parts, ran from January 11-17.

Ellie said: “We are committed to championing the importance of the arts in education, which is why we approached The Blue School with the offer of

providing the Andelli Art gallery space to them. As a result, we hosted the 6th form students’ mid-term A-level exhibition, which is an energetic, vibrant and experimental show. From the moment the work arrived we knew it was going to be a strong show.

“There was a real buzz of excitement in the gallery on the opening night. What a pleasure it was to meet the students, who were confident and engaging, and there were some tears of joy from proud parents and grandparents.

“Our congratulations go to all the talented students and to the dedicated art department staff for a fantastic exhibition full of full of originality and creativity.”

Heads Up charity thanks latest fundraisers THE Heads Up mental health charity at South Horrington has thanked a number of recent fundraisers. They include: n The Wells Walking Group, which raised £47 for the Heads Up Memories Workshops at their Christmas lunch. The

group meets at Morrisons every Tuesday at 11am. n TePe Dental Hygiene, which donated £500 to the charity.

This money was raised in lieu of sending out Christmas cards. n Claire Widdall Tai Chi, a class that meets every Thursday at

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

7.30pm at Mendip Court, South Horrington. On December 19, the group raised £100 in aid of Heads Up. Heads Up will be holding a craft stall at the Snowdrop Festival at The Bishop’s Palace on February 22 and 23.

EVENTS taking place at Wells Library in February: n Saturday, February 1: 11.30am-12.30pm, Children’s author Sue Jennings will read extracts from her books and lead a simple workshop of sound, movement, colouring and puppet play for young children. Book a place by emailing wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. n Monday, February 10, and Monday, February 24: 11.30am-12.15pm, Tai Chi – free drop in taster sessions. People are invited to try this gentle form of exercise – no booking required. n Thursday, February 13: 10am, Read & Rhyme – reading and singing activities for preschool children. Book a child’s place by emailing wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. n Tuesday, February 18: 11am-12.30pm, Police Beat Surgery – meet the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Talk to them about issues or concerns and get crime prevention advice. n Wednesday, February 19: 9.45am-12pm, Springtime Writing Workshop for 9- to 13-year-olds with author Beth Webb. To celebrate spring, Beth will be discussing the ancient myth of Persephone, considering point of view in writing and helping people to create their own versions to take home. Cost £1 per child – booking essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk. n Wednesday, February 26: 9.30am-12pm, Action on Hearing Loss five-minute hearing assessment. No booking required.

Extension plan gains approval THE building of a single-storey front extension at Wells Fire Station to accommodate the Neighbourhood Police Team has been approved by Mendip District Council.

The police station on Glastonbury Road is being sold, and the staff based there who are not staying in Wells will be relocated to Shepton Mallet.

The Wells police station is expected to close in the spring.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice n NEWS

February 2020

Group set to discuss control of amenities WELLS City Council is to consider setting up a working group to look into taking over responsibility for the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground.

The move comes after Mendip District Council offered to return control of the amenities to the community.

The Barn and the land around it was gifted to the citizens of Wells for community activity in 1887, and was well-used for many years under the direction of the city’s aldermen who ran the local administration. Local government reorganisation meant the newly created Mendip District Council was handed control of them in 1974. They are currently the responsibility of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust, a charity for which the district council is the sole trustee.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Councillor Ros Wyke, is offering in the first instance a three-year lease arrangement to the city council. She said: “We want to increase the use of this wonderful building both for local people and for tourists and in the longer term return it completely to the community. We are hoping the lease will start in the spring.”

At their meeting on January 16, members of the city council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee agreed to a proposal to set up a working group of councillors to work with Town Clerk Steve Luck on taking things forward. Subject to this

The Bishop’s Barn and the land around it was gifted to the citizens of Wells in 1887 being agreed by the full council, detailed talks will then be held with the district council.

Mayor of Wells Councillor John Osman said: “I am delighted that Wells City Council and Mendip District Council are working together to secure a positive future for the Wells Recreation Ground. The Ground is a jewel in the city and I would like to see more investment and more events so that it will attract more residents and tourists to it.”

The Bishop’s Barn is a 15th century Great Barn – one of only 200 remaining in the UK. Once part of The Bishop’s Palace estate, it was used for storing grain needed for bread and beer making. Today, it is protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national significance.

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February 2020

11

n NEWS

Zoe named one of UK’s top cake artists

By Emma James ZOE Burmester of Sugar Street Studios in Wells, who featured on Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers, has been named as one of the UK’s Top 10 Cake Artists.

Founded back in 2013, Cake Masters is one of the industry’s leading sugar craft magazines, recognised around the world. In 2014, it established the first ever dedicated award for the cake industry.

Zoe was nominated as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at this event in 2018 and is now delighted to be named as one of the top ten artists in Great Britain.

She said: “Given the fact that previous winners of this are cake decorators I have either learnt from or have been heavily inspired by, this is an incredible personal honour. For a young industry such as ours, it is incredibly valuable to have the support and public recognition that an accolade like this brings.”

With an Italian and Turkish heritage, Zoe grew up with baking in her blood: “Cooking alongside my Mum, nans and aunties was an everyday occurrence and I appreciated from an early age the unique and celebratory nature of cake.”

A career in film and television set styling nurtured her creative side but the skills of cake decorating were completely self-taught. In 2016, while still a ‘hobby caker’, she was approached by a cake school to turn one of her cakes, a Christmas design she had made

Zoe Burmester with a gravity defying paint can cake filmed for online cake school Cakeflix, top; the 4ft Emperor Penguins made from Chocolate Oreo fudge and banana and toffee cakes, above right; and pictured at work during filming for Extreme Cake Makers

for her family and posted online, into a step-by-step tutorial for a magazine shoot.

This resulted in the birth of Zoe’s business, Sugar Street Studios which, in turn, has led to commissions for cakes from private clients as well as the continued development of her tutorials for magazines, cake schools and industry shows.

Zoe loves undertaking unusual and challenging cake commissions for clients. A recent order was for a pair of 4ft edible Emperor Penguins in lieu of a traditional wedding cake.

She says: “I really enjoy pushing the boundaries with what can be achieved with cake, and the public appetite for these

sorts of edible showpieces is definitely growing.”

In 2020, she hopes to concentrate more on these ‘one off’ cake sculptures and is also planning some more TV appearances featuring unusual cakes.

Zoe hopes the recent accolade will enable her to concentrate on her YouTube channel and other tutorials as she is keen to get cake craft out to a much wider audience: “It really is a fun and creative hobby for so many of us.

I am constantly blown away for example by how many children adore cake decorating and just how keen they are to learn.

“They are pretty good at it too.”

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

12

February 2020

n NEWS

Public meeting planned to discuss ward closure threat A PUBLIC meeting is being planned to discuss a proposal to close the St Andrews Ward mental health unit at Priory Health Park, Wells.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has begun a consultation on the possible closure of the 14-bed ward, and the moving of the beds to Rowan Ward at Yeovil.

At the city council’s Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting on January 16, Mayor of Wells Councillor John Osman asked that the Town Hall be let for free to hold a public meeting for people to give their views to Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. His suggestion was approved by fellow committee members.

Cllr Osman will be discussing the public meeting idea further with the CCG. “I am deeply disturbed that the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group are considering closing the St Andrews Ward,” he said.

“Nationally and politically there is a big drive to improve mental health services. In the circumstances these proposals are a backward step.

“I hope that the powers that be listen to the residents and drop these plans.”

Adult mental health services in Somerset have been reviewed as part of Fit for My Future, the county’s health and care strategy.

As a result of the review, Somerset Clinical Commissioning

Eating well for dementia talk

St Andrews Ward at Priory Health Park Group, which plans and buys healthcare services, has decided that it would be appropriate to move the beds from Wells to Yeovil.

Dr Alex Murray, a GP and the clinical lead for Fit For My Future, said: “We needed to understand how to provide the best care in the safest possible way. Staff across the service in Taunton, Wells and Yeovil are tireless and dedicated in their support for patients and we recognise and value their commitment very much.

“We’ve looked in great detail at what the best service shape might be and examined all the evidence closely. Our wards in Wells and Yeovil are ‘standalone’ which means there are no wards close by and so no other staff to support in an emergency when a patient is experiencing a medical or mental health crisis.

“At times, patients on acute mental health wards will need acute medical support as well as mental health support.

St Andrews Ward in Wells is 22 miles and around 45 minutes away from the nearest Emergency Department at Bath Royal United Hospital which can be critical if someone is physically ill or has harmed themselves in some way.”

The Fit for my Future team will be holding drop-in events including in Wells to talk to people about the proposals.

The consultation document, ‘Improving mental health services for adults in Somerset: Our proposals for changing acute inpatient mental health services for adults of working age’ and an accompanying survey are available on the Fit for my Future website.

Printed copies are available at GP surgeries; the three sites with acute mental health inpatient beds – Rowan Ward, Yeovil; St Andrews Ward, Wells; and Rydon Wards 1 and 2, Taunton; or by calling 01935 384119 or emailing somccg.fitformyfuture@ nhs.net

A TALK is taking place at The Lawrence Centre in February entitled Eating Well for Dementia.

The talk will be given by Lesley Harper of the Community Dietetic Service, and is aimed at carers and family members of people with dementia.

Carers are welcome to take along the person they care for – there will be refreshments and activities to keep them occupied while their carer listens to the talk, which will be on Tuesday, February 4, from 2.45pm3.45pm.

The address of The Lawrence Centre is 37 Chamberlain Street, Wells, BA5 2PQ (in Union Street car park).

Further information from Maggie Charlesworth, 01749 676839 or mcharlesworth@ thelawrencecentre.org.uk

Retail units may soon be filled TWO empty retail units in Wells could soon be filled.

Contracts have been exchanged on 17 Market Place, which has been vacant since Steamer Trading Cookshop closed its doors 12 months ago.

The shop is being taken on by a fashion retailer.

The unit next to Pets Corner off Princes Road is under offer to a restaurant operator. Wells Voice understands that the operator is not Domino’s Pizza, which was expected take the unit when it was first built.

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wellsvoice

February 2020

13

n NEWS

Good progress being made on new offices WORK is well underway on creating new offices for the Diocese of Bath and Wells at Flourish House in Cathedral Avenue.

The diocesan office staff will move there at the end of March from their current offices in The Old Deanery, Cathedral Green, where 60 staff are based.

Thirty diocesan Multi Academy Trust staff will be moving with them to Flourish House.

Work to get the building ready is being carried out by office design company Interaction.

The Bishop of Bath & Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, went to look round the new offices with diocesan secretary Nick May, who has overseen the move.

Bishop Peter said: “There will of course be some sadness as staff leave The Old Deanery which

has been the diocesan offices for many years. However, there is also excitement about moving to new offices which will provide more suitable, appropriate and accessible facilities.

“I am sure that parishes and visitors will continue to receive a warm welcome when they come to the diocesan offices and that the service, support and resourcing which is offered to parishes, schools and chaplaincies across the diocese will be strengthened and enhanced.”

Bishop Peter and Bishop Ruth, the Bishop of Taunton, will remain in their own office at the Bishop’s Palace.

The Old Deanery is being sold to a private buyer. The sale is said to be progressing well and the exchange of contracts is expected soon.

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Bishop Peter, left, with diocesan secretary Nick May at Flourish House

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

14

February 2020

n NEWS

‘You were an amazing and unique person’ Well known local figure Graham Laws, who ran the Ring O’Bells pub at Wookey and was refurbishing the Cannards Well at Shepton Mallet, was just 53 when he died suddenly in December. Here, his sister and two other people who knew him well pay tribute to him.

MY brother, AKA Graham, Lawsy, Chubbs, Charles, Top fella. Just a few names that you went by...

The face of The Ringer, the pillar of the community, so many people in so many different places near and far knew you.

Wherever you went people would follow you – from Chapels to the snack wagon, Lawsy Cafe to the Cannards Well, to the Apple Tree and to the place you finally called home, The Ring O’ Bells.

So many people loved you; you were such an amazing character. You impacted so many lives from the very young to the older generation for so many different reasons.

You respected and were respected, people loved you and you loved being around people.

Your generosity, you had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

Your crafty ways where you could and would get away with anything.

The fun and the frolics, the only person who could fall asleep on a bar stool and never fall off, the karaoke, the rugby club tours, the daffodil competition in the Cox’s Mill one Sunday lunchtime.

A great supporter of the club, he would suddenly turn up in Cornwall, or Gloucester, after the game had started because of other commitments. He put his hand in his pocket in his support, this season sponsoring the current Wells full-back.

Maybe what he will be most remembered for, however, was his friendly smile. Nothing seemed to faze him, whoever you were, he always greeted you with a big smile on his face and a cheery word of greeting.

Mike England

Graham Laws with his sister Cheryl and his son Charlie Your ability to make people laugh and the stories that we will share in years to come. There was never a dull moment.

The seriousness in the kitchen, your amazing food, and the pride you had in everything you did.

The dreams you had for the future, Cannards Well was your biggest dream coming true, you were so proud to be setting this up.

Most importantly, the love you had for your son Charlie, Charlie was the apple of your eye, there was nothing that you would not have done for him.

Charlie will grow up with great memories of you and will be proud to say you were his dad, as you were proud to call him your son.

We loved you for being you, you believed your own truth and were determined to make your dreams a reality, you were an amazing and unique person inside and out and I am proud to call you my brother.

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I am sure every single person I speak to will have a different memory and a different story to tell, not many people can say that. You have left a big hole in so many people’s lives; you are a true legend. The people’s person, you will never be forgotten.

It has been a privilege to be your sister and for me to call you my brother. I love you and will miss you every day.

You were an amazing Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and friend to so many people; we are all blessed to have known you.

Rest in Peace, Graham.

Cheryl Strange GRAHAM Laws, who sadly passed away just before Christmas, was a great supporter of Wells Rugby Club. He is not so much remembered for his playing prowess, though he did play for the Third and Second teams in years gone by. His great contribution, however, was in the kitchen.

For many years he prepared and cooked the pre-match lunches which the club have served before each home First team match. Numbers ranged from 50 to over 100, but the quality was always the same, excellent, as was the quantity.

Later in the day he would then cook the after-match meals for the players. With two teams at home this could amount to 80 servings. Often this would all be done for just expenses.

He also prepared and cooked the meal for one of the club’s Annual Presentation Dinners.

One hundred and fifty threecourse meals in one sitting.

THE sad passing of Graham Laws brought a wave of shock to the community of Wells and surrounding areas.

If you had to describe Graham in one word, it would simply be character, and Graham was without doubt one of life’s great characters.

Whenever you met Graham in the street or a public house, or even if you were driving your car in the opposite direction, he would spot you very quickly, flashing his headlights in one of his many sports cars, and you would always be greeted by that cheeky smile, and that symbolised Graham.

Graham always made time for you, he was that type of character who would chat for England, if you asked him the time he would tell you how to make a clock. It was rugby that was his great love, although on numerous occasions I did try and convert him to believing cricket and football should have a greater emphasis in life, but that idea failed abysmally, as you would expect.

Graham, away from sport, was a brilliant and natural chef, and he was a character that was truly loved.

No matter who Graham would talk to, he had so much knowledge about everything and every subject, never once did he get stuck for words.

I, along with so many hundreds of local people, would have cherished those memories over several decades, Graham Laws would have played a part at some stage in all of our lives, a massive character who will be sadly missed.

Merv Colenutt

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

15

n NEWS

Plaque honour for store’s proprietor A COMMEMORATIVE plaque has been presented to the proprietor of City News to mark his years of service at the longestablished shop.

Philip Welch, vice-chair of Wells Civic Society, handed over the plaque to Graham Fulkner at the newsagent in Wells High Street.

“These indoor plaques are part of our campaign to support the long-standing independent family businesses that give the city its unique character as a shopping centre,” said Philip.

City News opened in 1974, and Graham has a copy of the Wells Journal page that reported on the opening, under the headline “A new venture for Wells”.

He used to work as a machine operator for the Cow & Gate

baby food factory on Glastonbury Road, taking charge of City News as well in 1996.

His working day normally starts at 5.30am and he continues until 6.30pm without a break.

“I am not planning to retire, just cut down on the hours I work – it was 91 last week,” said Graham, aged 67, of Balch Road.

“But I enjoy what I do, serving the community of Wells.

People come back after 20 years and say they are pleased that I am still here.

“People like to see things that remain the same and not much in Wells has stayed the same in my time.”

Other businesses given indoor plaques by the civic society include Leon the Barber, Wells Film Centre and Protec.

Graham Fulkner holds a copy of the Wells Journal page about the opening of City News as Philip Welch presents him with the plaque

NATURAL PETS OF WELLS 18 Queen Street, Wells, BA5 2DP 01749 673513

From left: Richard Mansfield (optometrist), Barbara Lusby (receptionist), Marion Sarjant (receptionist) and Kate Pritchard (dispensing optician)

Opticians with reason to celebrate A WELLS opticians celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 9.

Mansfield Opticians, in High Street, marked the occasion with cake, balloons and bubbly to greet the dozens of customers who called in to join the celebrations.

Richard Mansfield first opened the doors of Mansfield Opticians in 1995, in what had been a sports shop.

He originally qualified as an optometrist in 1984, and settled in Wells with his wife after working in Cornwall, New

Zealand and Cambridge.

The receptionist he employed back in 1995 is still with him now – trained up as a dispensing optician – and a further three staff members have been taken on as the practice has grown.

“We’ve seen steady growth year on year,” said Richard.

“We’ve got a lot of loyal customers but we’re also getting a lot of new people as Wells grows.

“Being in Wells has been fantastic, and the 25 years have flown by.”

Got News? Call 07906 499655

As well as a full range of treats, feeds and accessories for your pets – all at sensible prices – we also sell a huge selection of top quality wild bird feeds and feeders

Wild bird feeds available in any quantities from small weighed up bags to whole sacks Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

16 WELLS VETS CASE FILES

wellsvoice n NEWS

February 2020

Digger’s day of fun ends in surgery Name: Digger Age: 6 Breed: Terrier cross Likes: Adventure Dislikes: Sore knees!

Recently at the surgery we saw Digger, who had decided to go on a little adventure. Unfortunately whilst out having fun he suddenly went lame.

Digger’s visit to Wells Vets confirmed that he had a painful knee and, later that day, further examination and X-rays by vet Polly showed he had ruptured his cruciate ligament – a vital ligament that gives the knee stability.

With Digger’s knee unstable, and his continued lameness, it was evident that intervention was required for him to be pain-free and mobile for the years to come. With multiple surgical treatments available we discussed the options for Digger and decided on a Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CCWO) – an operation where a wedge of bone is removed from the shin, creating a more stable knee by altering the angles of the joint.

Vet Martin used Digger’s X-rays to pre-measure the angle of the wedge to be taken

The civic party at the Conduit

Picture: Sarah Wride

Bishop’s generosity remembered and where the cuts in the bone should be made, so the whole team were prepared for the day of surgery. During the procedure the wedge of bone was removed and the bone secured with a metal plate and screw.

Digger’s post-operative X-rays looked good and he commenced a period of structured rehabilitation over the next 12 weeks.

Six weeks later Digger had repeated X-rays to confirm the bone was healing. The great news was that not only was his knee healing well but that Digger was feeling so well he was ready for his next adventure!

Martin Law BVSc MRCVS

The adventurous Digger, and an X-ray showing the metal plate used to help stabilise one of his knees after he ruptured a cruciate ligament

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

Tel: 01749 678420

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

WELLS mayor John Osman and city councillors remembered Bishop Thomas Bekynton and his gift of water to the city in the traditional ceremony held this year on January 12.

Led by Town Crier Len Sweales, the councillors processed from the Town Hall to

the Conduit in the Market Place, where the mayor’s chaplain gave thanks for Bekynton’s life and gift. They then went on to Evensong at the Cathedral and the annual commemoration at Bekynton’s tomb where, as is customary, the mayor placed a posy.

Event to explore how businesses can thrive WELLS Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is organising an evening of networking and discussion aimed at creating a new vision for business development in Wells.

The Better Business for Wells meeting will take place in Wells Town Hall on Monday, February 3, starting at 6.30pm.

Every business in the area is invited to send a representative to the meeting to talk about the issues that matter to them.

There will be a short networking session followed by a presentation by Karl Tucker, chairman of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. Business people will then have the chance to raise problems affecting their business and these will be put to the floor for support from chamber members and speakers.

It will also be an opportunity for businesses that are not already members of the chamber to find out more about the benefits of joining the organisation.

“The objective of the meeting

is to find out how Wells can be a better business environment, and for businesses to get involved in the chamber of commerce,” said chamber chair Robert Powell.

Registration for the event should be made in advance at eventbrite.co.uk/e/ better-business-for-wellstickets-89081329655 The chamber is the voice of the local business community, linking together businesses, keeping member businesses informed of local business schemes and engaging with local councils on issues that affect traders.

The committee’s achievements include obtaining new parking signage; creating Wells Business School; partnering with tourist attractions to engage with Visit

by Coach, with Wells winning best coach destination in the UK; and running a number of networking events.

Meetings are usually held monthly at the Old Mill offices at Bishopbrook House, Cathedral Avenue, Wells.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.ukoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

17

n NEWS

Approval for 100 houses to be built UP to 100 new houses are going to be built on the edge of Wells.

Mendip District Council’s planning board has approved an application for outline planning permission for up to 100 homes on land off Elm Close.

A decision had been deferred in November to allow the applicant, Gladman, to address a number of issues that councillors raised then.

The application came back before the board on January 22, when eight councillors voted in favour of it, and four against.

Among measures agreed by Gladman after the deferral are a second access point to the new development, a footpath along the front of the site, and money towards local open space provision and the number 67 bus.

As before, a number of board members expressed concerns about the additional strain on the local infrastructure with so

Land off Elm Close is to be the site of a new housing development much new housing in the area.

“I’m amazed how much housing is being built in Wells and I think how on earth are they going to cope with the schools and the surgeries? This is just going to add to the problem as far as I can see,” said Councillor Steve Henderson.

“I don’t want to see green fields and wildlife destroyed just to build houses that we don’t need,” said Councillor Lucie Taylor-Hood. She said that

there was not the infrastructure to support 100 new families in Haybridge, plus those who would live in the 220 new homes about to be built on the other side of the A371.

“I wonder if we are not just hitting Wells with this big housing stick all the time. It doesn’t all have to be in Wells,” said Councillor Matt Martin.

Councillor Francis Hayden said that the reason these developments are taking place in Wells is because the sites were identified by Mendip council in the first place, and developers have come forward to develop them.

“We’re going to end up with houses that can’t be sold and sites that can’t be developed,” he said, but pointed out that central government had dictated that extra housing has to be built above the requirement calculated

by Mendip.

He said that if the application

was refused, the developer would win an appeal and the council would be left with extra costs.

St Cuthbert Out Parish Council, Wells City Council and Wookey Parish Council had all raised objections to the application.

The district council has allocated the site for development in its Emerging Local Plan, and the planning officer’s recommendation was to approve the application.

Councillor Nigel Woollcombe-Adams said that he had not heard a valid planning reason for turning down the application, that heads had to rule hearts, and that he had to support the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.

Forty of the 100 homes will be affordable housing, and some land on the site has been allocated for an extension to Wells Cemetery.

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wellsvoice

18

February 2020

n NEWS

Annual business awards open for entries ENTRIES are being invited for this year’s Mendip Business Awards, which were launched in style at an event on January 20.

Sponsors, past winners, councillors and chamber of commerce members were among those at the launch at Shepton Mallet’s new Pillars 501 gin bar.

The Mendip Business Awards, now in their sixth year, are a unique opportunity to showcase local entrepreneurial talent and outstanding businesses across the Mendip district.

Being part of the event can add credibility to companies, raise their profile through valuable media coverage, inspire staff and provide an exclusive networking opportunity.

Mendip District Council and Strode College, Street, are key sponsors for the event that recognises, celebrates and promotes local business excellence. Further sponsors are

The launch of the 2020 Mendip Business Awards being sought for the individual award categories.

Councillor Peter Goater,

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development at Mendip District Council, said: “We’re very

excited to start planning the 2020 awards and are looking forward to seeing which of our remarkable Mendip businesses enter this year.

“We’d like to thank Strode College for showing their commitment and support to Mendip’s business community by sponsoring this year’s awards.”

Katy Quinn, principal at Strode College, said: “Our local businesses are at the very heart of our communities, contributing to economic prosperity, opportunities and success. We are delighted to be sponsoring this very important event.”

More than 200 people celebrated Mendip’s business talent at the awards ceremony at the Royal Bath and West Showground in 2019.

Entries for this year’s awards can be made until March 27 at www.mendipbusinessawards. co.uk

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

19

n NEWS

County and district councils diverge on visions for future THE leaders of Somerset’s four district councils are moving forward with plans for greater collaboration – while the leader of Somerset County Council is advancing the case for a single unitary authority in the county.

Over the past 18 months, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council and South Somerset District Council, together with Somerset County Council, have been exploring future options for local government in the county.

The district council leaders said in a joint statement issued on January 8: “Change is necessary to not only deal with the financial challenges within the county council but also to meet increasing demands on services and in particular, to deal with the big challenges facing our communities including child poverty, older people living in isolation, the climate crisis, housing and infrastructure.

“Our aim therefore is not to simply cut costs. Our intention is to find a way, through the better use of our resources and working with our residents, to sustain vital services now and for the future to help secure a better quality of life for communities in Somerset.”

The councils have agreed to collaborate and integrate in a number of new ways – though they point out that this is different to the creation of a unitary authority, and do not believe a unitary council is right for Somerset.

They claim “there is no evidence that the unitary councils that have been created have produced the financial savings they were forecast to save and many have left a ‘democratic deficit’ being distant from the communities they are meant to serve”.

The county council says that an independent report commissioned from external consultants by the district councils and county council

as part of discussions has concluded that all councils working more closely together would make a predicted saving of £10m-£32m, while creating a single unitary authority would make a predicted saving of £35m-47m.

County council leader, Councillor David Fothergill, said: “I have said many times I believe the way forward is a single authority for Somerset. Even if it only saves half of what the report suggests, that’s more than £23m extra to spend on residents, every year. Just imagine what we could do to improve lives across Somerset with that sort of investment – to me it’s a no brainer.

“It makes sense for our residents to deal with just one authority, it makes sense to our businesses who will find it easier to grow the economy, and makes sense for councillors to speak with one voice to Government.

“Just look at our neighbours – North Somerset is a unitary; BANES is a unitary; Wiltshire is a unitary; Dorset is a unitary; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, a unitary, Torbay, Plymouth, Cornwall, they are all unitary and they are all benefitting from huge savings.

Somerset’s residents deserve to have the same.

“I know there will be differences of opinion but I am more than happy to work with my district colleagues where we have common ground. It would be easier to keep the status quo and leave this report but I want to do what I believe is best for this county and its residents.”

As set out in the report, the creation of a single authority in Somerset would mean one new council replacing the existing county council and the four district councils, with a reduction in councillors from current levels of around 300 to around 100-125.

Town and parish councillors would remain outside the reorganisation.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Kate Doodson from Cosmic, left, who gave a presentation on the future of digital at the enterprise centre event in Wells Town Hall, with Harry Morris, right, Somerset County Council’s economic development officer, and the Somerset Enterprise team

Business information session BUSINESS people learned more about the Wells Enterprise Centre at a networking and information morning in Wells Town Hall.

The centre, being built at Cathedral Park, will provide 12 offices and two meeting rooms, and there will be five light

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industrial units. Like the other enterprise centres in the county, it will be operated on behalf of the county council by TDA. Ges Green of TDA said that there are already several businesses on the waiting list for the Wells centre, which it is hoped might open in April.

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wellsvoice

February 2020

21

n NEWS

‘Risk factor’ to affect second fire engine THE second fire engine at Wells Fire Station is going to remain available ‘dependent on risk’.

That was one of the outcomes of a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority meeting on January 10 to decide changes to how the service operates.

Recommendations to be implemented following a public consultation over the summer include the closure of one fire station (Budleigh Salterton) and the removal of the second fire engines from several others.

One of Wells’ two fire engines will still be crewed 24/7 with ‘on call’ staff, while risk-based availability will initially be introduced for the second appliance at Wells and ten other fire stations.

The fire authority recommendations say: “The second fire appliances at these fire stations are often not reliably crewed during the daytime due to on-call staff leaving the communities where they live to undertake their primary employment.

“The service proposes to increase the use of these fire appliances by crewing them when required during the daytime hours with roving crews that will undertake preventative activities whilst providing immediate additional emergency response capability.

Wells Fire Station in Burcott Road, where two fire engines are based “Where these vehicles are not being used as roving fire appliances, they will remain available at their fire stations and can be crewed by firefighters at these fire stations if they are available to do so.”

Councillor Sara Randall Johnson, chair of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “We had a long and detailed consultation period over the summer during which people made it very clear how much they value the fire service.

Although there were difficult conversations at times, I was pleased to hear how strongly the public and staff felt connected to their local fire stations.

“Members have considered all these proposals at length and have thought very carefully about the impact our decisions may have on the service, staff and the public. These changes will enable the service to move resources to the areas where they are most

needed. Importantly, they will also enable greater investment in prevention and protection work to try to prevent incidents occurring – keeping people safer in the places they live, work and visit.

“It is important for people living near one of the affected fire stations to remember that they will continue to receive a response from fire crews in the unlikely event that they need one. We now need to work with Service staff and our local communities to implement these changes in the most effective way.”

During the consultation, the service held 27 drop-in sessions, including one at Wells Library.

In total, 3,818 responses were received: 3,232 completed questionnaires, 205 written submissions and 381 email responses. In addition, five petitions were submitted with a total of 43,644 signatures.

Festival funds put to good use NEARLY 30 schools in the area have benefitted from activities funded by the 2019 Wells Festival of Literature.

Every £10 ticket sold for last October’s event has contributed £2.66 to projects in local schools.

There have been visits from poets and writers alongside storytelling, theatre events, small school book club conversations around books and visits to Waterstones with excited young readers.

Festival-goers have helped purchase books for Wookey School’s book club; funded Years 1 and 2 at Baltonsborough School to go to Glastonbury Library for an author event; brought illustrator and author Robin

Etherington to St Paul’s and to Hugh Sexey Middle School; allowed Emma Carroll, author of adventures Sky Chasers and When We Were Warriors, to visit Elmhurst Junior School; and enabled storyteller Michael Loader to work with all the pupils at Hemington School for a day.

Committee members hope that eventually they can outdo 2018 to 2019’s total of 43 schools that were helped in this way.

Entry fees for the Wells Festival of Literature poetry, short story and children’s book competition also support the education work, so writers are urged to start writing in time for this year’s submission start date in April.

C A L L : 0 17 4 9 6 7 6 2 4 6

ensemblewells.co.uk

March issue deadline: February 12 Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

22

February 2020

n NEWS

Hairdresser has Shanghai hopes

In celebration of snowdrops

A HAIRDRESSER from Wells has a chance to represent the UK at an elite skills competition in Shanghai.

Erica Czerny, aged 20, has been selected to Squad UK for the international WorldSkills Competition.

She was invited to join the prestigious WorldSkills UK Talent Development Programme after excelling in its national skills competitions, the finals of which were held last month at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.

The WorldSkills Competition, which will next be held in Shanghai, China, in 2021, takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’.

The competition will feature more than 1,000 of the world’s most talented apprentices and students competing in over 50 different skills as they battle it out to be named the World Champion in their chosen skill.

Erica was a hairdressing student at Strode College, Street, and now works at Sense hair and beauty salon in Coxley.

She said: “This has been one of the biggest achievements of my life to date. I’m so proud that I work full time at Sense Hair Skin and Body, running a full column of clients and still made time to train every week and kept my passion alive this whole time.”

Erica will undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK, supported

by Strode College, and will face the ultimate selection test in

THE Bishop’s Palace’s Snowdrop Celebrations are set to return in 2020 – this year for three consecutive weekends.

Begun in 2018, visitors have enjoyed the carpets of snowdrops around The Bishop’s Palace Gardens in February, and last year, more than 1,600 people visited to see the spectacle.

For 2020, three weekends will be offered to cover the peak of the snowdrop-flowering season: February 8 and 9, 15 and 16, and 22 and 23.

Each weekend, there will also be a range of children’s crafting activities in the Undercroft, based on a snowdrop theme, and a children’s trail to lead them around the site, while a variety of craft stalls and spring plants and snowdrops will be for sale in the Stable Yard and free area.

Top, Erica Czerny with college tutor Paula Bailey, and above, competing at the WorldSkills UK finals spring 2021, when the team that will compete at WorldSkills Shanghai will be named.

Paula Bailey, Erica’s tutor and trainer from Strode College, said: “Erica has shown astonishing work ethics over the last three years as a full time student and then as an apprentice to realise

her dream of making Team GB. It has been a pleasure to work with her to achieve her goal and I look forward to working with her on the road to competing at Shanghai 2021. She is an exemplary role model to our students at Strode College.”

Ben Blackledge, deputy chief executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Erica Czerny. This is a life-changing moment for her.

“Erica has already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now the finalists are facing an even tougher test as they look to secure their place to represent the UK on the world stage.”

The previous WorldSkills Competition was held last year in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 medals.

Choir raises £2,400 for air ambulance THE Wells Good Afternoon Choir raised £2,459.65 in 2019 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Good Afternoon Choirs across the region between them raised more than £22,000 for local groups and charities during the course of last year.

Grenville Jones – well known through his many evening choirs and the award-winning GoldenOldies Charity – started the first Good Afternoon Choir in Bath 11 years ago.

“I remember talking to a choir conductor friend. We

were discussing the problem that comes when older people find it difficult to travel to their evening choir, especially in the winter months when the roads can be treacherous and weather unpredictable,” he said.

“It occurred to me that choirs in the afternoon could have a great appeal and that has certainly proved to be the case. There are now ten Good Afternoon Choirs.

“We will be starting more choirs in 2020 with Yeovil set to burst into song on Friday, February 28, at The GateWay,

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Yeovil Community Church, from 1pm-3pm, and plans for Cardiff, Stroud, Chepstow, Swindon and Chew Valley.”

All the choirs were nominating their charities and local groups for 2020 when they started back in January.

Wells Good Afternoon Choir meets at Seager Hall in Union Street from 2pm-4pm on Tuesdays.

The 2020 Big Sing, when all the choirs get together, will also be held in Wells this year; it will take place at Wells Cathedral on Tuesday, July 7.

Guide to living a happy life ANOTHER Happiness Course is starting in Wells in February.

The course draws on scientific research, ancient wisdom and real-life experience to give people practical tools for a happy life.

There will be four weekly sessions of discussions, short films and exercises designed to get participants thinking about how they could become even happier.

Course dates are February 27, March 5, March 12 and March 19, between 7.30pm and 9pm at St Thomas’ Church, Wells.

A one-off donation of £10 is requested to cover costs.

Advance booking essential via nicolebowman05@btinternet. com

Sounds of Sixties and Seventies A SIXTIES and Seventies Music Night is being held at The Swan Hotel, Sadler Street, Wells, on Saturday, March 21, from 8pm11pm.

The event is in aid of the Mendip Society.

Tickets priced £6 are available from Gill (Cheddar), 07788 676261, and Paul (Wells), 07792 766994.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

23

n NEWS IN BRIEF New travel agent A BRANCH of Hays Travel is to open in Wells High Street following the travel agent’s acquisition of former Thomas Cook shops.

Danny Marish, regional sales manager, said: “We are so excited and grateful to have our shop here in Wells.

“We have re-employed two of the former staff and are currently recruiting others. Once recruitment has been completed in the coming weeks we will reopen the shop. We are looking to employ four more people in Wells including a dedicated Foreign Exchange role which is new to the branch. We are also looking for a branch manager.

“Now the temporary sign is up it is one step closer to opening for us and we cannot wait to start trading in the area.”

Making things better WELLS Repair Cafe will be part of the nationwide Big Fix 2020

treat airborne bacteria. It says the technique is commonly used in hospitals and in the food and drink industry where surfaces have to be free from all harmful micro-organisms.

Carollers raise £150

The former Thomas Cook shop is to become a branch of Hays Travel event on Saturday, February 15, at St Thomas’ Church Hall in St Thomas Street between 10am and 12.45pm. The Big Fix 2020 will see up to 109 repair cafes across the UK being held simultaneously to make the “biggest Repair Cafe ever held”.

The goal is to fix as many broken, worn and once-loved possessions as possible in a single morning. Repair cafes also have a valuable role as meeting places where anybody can sit down and have a chat over a cup of tea and slice of cake.

For more information,

contact Julie Wright on 01749 675490 or juliebentleywright@ hotmail.co.uk

WELLS Christian Aid carollers collected £150 for Christian Aid in the Market Place on Wednesday, December 11.

Wells Christian Aid committee is very grateful both to those who sang and to all who gave so generously.

‘Fog’ at play centre

Ceremony of Carols

A SOFT play centre at Farringon Gurney, near Wells, is striving to be England’s cleanest soft play area – by ‘fogging’ the equipment with medical grade disinfectant.

Every month, the Cowtastic Playbarn at Farrington’s will be ‘fogged’ in a process that sees a fine disinfectant mist sprayed to cover the play equipment and

A CEREMONY of Carols is being performed by the Choristers of Wells Cathedral, with harpist Ruth Faber, in the Cathedral’s Lady Chapel on Saturday, February 1, at 1.05pm.

Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.

Tel: 01749 834441 http://wells.cathedral.school/openday

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

24

February 2020

n NEWS

Robot revolution in region’s classrooms SOMERSET County Council is taking a trail-blazing lead in the use of robot technology to help poorly children back into the classroom.

In the biggest initiative of its kind in the country, the council has invested in 50 AV1 robots to support children who can’t be in school – whether it’s because they are sick or overcoming physical or mental health challenges.

The AV1 robots take the place of the child in the classroom, letting them see, hear and contribute to lessons while they are out of school at home or in a hospital bed.

Schools and colleges can request use of the robots to work alongside or instead of traditional home tutor support.

The 50 robots come at a cost

of £145,000 and schools pay a rental fee that covers running costs with any ‘profit’ being reinvested in more of the robots.

“It’s great to be at the cutting edge and this investment certainly puts us there,” said Councillor Faye Purbrick, Cabinet Member for Schools and Transformation.

“No other local authority has committed to this technology in the way we have, and that reflects our desire to embrace technology where the evidence shows it can improve lives.

“The response we have had already shows that across education there is an understanding that technology like this can be an important part of the support for children in our schools.”

The robots are carried from

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Robots join pupils in a Somerset classroom lesson to lesson by a ‘buddy’ classmate. The child watches a livestream of their lessons on a tablet or phone – being able to ask questions, hear answers and move the robot’s head to look around the room.

This means they can carry on learning and stay in touch with their friends and classmates while making the difficult journey back into the classroom.

Cllr Purbrick said: “Staying connected in with the classroom helps academic performance, but it’s about more than that.

“Staying in touch with your peers and feeling part of school

life when you are unwell is just as important.”

Originally developed in Norway, national research in schools and hospitals has shown how successful this innovative technology can be. So have initial trials in Somerset and the authority expects to see the investment lead to increased attendance and attainment.

Nationally, there are an estimated 72,000 pupils who are frequently absent from school due to long-term illness.

In Somerset, 35 children are referred for extra support for medical reasons every year.

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk n LETTERS Scandalous to dig up road again THE A39 from Wells to Glastonbury is a Class A road, and a busy one; however, it is rarely without traffic control due to various utilities digging up the road.

Over the past 25 years, the users of this busy road have suffered enough. We have recently experienced long delays for close on five months of traffic lights, only to be told that the same company are coming back to give us another session of delays. It is quite scandalous.

Traffic queues are sometimes as far back as Wells, and on the Glastonbury side well past the old Camelot Inn. The amount of pollution caused by hundreds of static cars ‘ticking over’ must be considerable.

The traffic queues are sometimes longer on weekends, these are days when the workers don’t turn in for work, it is too expensive for the utilities to

pay ‘double time’, they have ‘shareholders’ to consider, so the public line up in mile-long queues instead.

It is quite incredible how people put up with it. They certainly don’t in France and Germany where the utilities have to pay rent for digging up public roads. In those countries utilities have to get on with the work and get the roads back in the shortest time to their rightful owner; the public.

Vehicle owners pay for our roads through taxation, they also have to get to work or to take children to school etc. Enough is enough.

It is time to stop giving our roads away to companies who will take just as long as they like to complete a job. It’s time to change the rules in favour of the proper road owners, The Public.

Haydn Davies Wells Reclamation

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

25

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

Wide-ranging action on climate issue WELLS is a small place in a small country and the climate breakdown is a big problem for the whole world. The Committee for Climate Change, our national advisory body set up by the UK Government, has recommended actions that we need to take in 2020 to keep the global temperature rise as low as possible.

These are actions for all of us, so unsurprisingly Wells City Council has taken its responsibilities seriously. Here is a brief summary of what we have done since May 2019: n Formed a Climate Emergency committee with both an agreed plan of work and a requirement to involve as many residents as possible. n Established working groups on a range of issues including

Some of the 12 members of the public at the last Climate Emergency Committee meeting in the Town Hall join councillors at the end Energy, Transport and Cycling. n Begun to develop Wells as a truly cycle and pedestrian

friendly city including working towards the completion of the Strawberry Line. n Worked with Project Factory, Sustainable Wells and Somerset Climate Action Network to develop the Wells CAN Do

project for community carbon reduction. You can book a place at the launch evening on Friday, February 7, through the Town Hall reception. n Initiated the Wells Solar Streets project which provides Wells residents with the chance to install discounted solar panels. A 14kw system for under £4,000. n Begun the process of appointing a Resilience Officer to ensure that our community benefits from all opportunities available to develop low carbon projects, especially those that bring resources into the city. n Continued to do our best to make sure that the Town Hall and other city-owned buildings are as energy efficient as possible.

If you have ideas to help on our journey to low carbon living please email us.

Councillor Philip Welch p.welch@wcc.wells.gov.uk Councillor Sarah Briton s.briton@wcc.wells.gov.uk

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We welcome children from 2 to 7 years The city council has formed a Cycle Group of volunteers to tackle issues facing bike riders

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Wrap-around care available before and after school hours for all children at the Academy (8am to 5.30pm) We are confident you will be impressed with our school and what we can offer your child at any stage. Our friendly, nurturing Pre-school accepts children from ages 2 to 4 from all local areas. We offer an enriched and exciting learning environment and the children can make a smooth transition from Pre-school and settle easily into the reception classes. You are welcome to visit at a time to suit you – just give us a call.

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

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

26

February 2020

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Wells streets ahead with new solar initiative

SINCE its launch in late 2019, the Solar Streets Initiative has proved popular with residents with 10 homeowners already part of the scheme and 40 in progress enquiries.

Offering reduced price solar panels to homeowners in Wells is just part of the campaign backed by Wells City Council and Mendip District Council.

IDDEA Ltd, a local installer, have more than 800 projects under their belt and following the declaration of a climate emergency by local authorities in the area, decided to work with local communities to tackle the issue.

By concentrating installations in particular locations, costs such as scaffolding can be significantly reduced for homeowners.

Ian Dunstone, owner of IDDEA, said: “We are right to be concerned for the future of our environment but with recent technological advances,

A house in Wells with solar panels fitted by IDDEA individuals can make a significant difference. My aim is to make the information as accessible as possible to help inform the people of Wells on the options they have.”

Not only will the environment

benefit from the scheme, but the initiative will raise £50 per installation for community projects in the city.

An early adopter of the initiative said: “Just had a 16 panel PV system fitted by

IDDEA, as part of the Wells Solar Streets initiative. The whole process was very efficient from estimate, planning to completion taking only four weeks including the removal of the scaffolding.

“IDDEA have a small well motivated team which means flexibility and good communication. With their menu-based transparent pricing there is no hard sell, allowing my wife and I to choose the best system for our house. So it’s all done, and generating power even in these dull winter days.”

Councillor Philip Welch, Deputy Mayor of Wells, said: “Solar Streets is an innovative project which you can learn more about at the Wells CAN Do event from 7pm-9.30pm on Friday, February 7, in Wells Town Hall.”

Installations will continue into 2020 and interested residents are encouraged to make contact with the IDDEA team to find out more.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

27

n NEWS

Project to promote lower carbon living FOLLOWING reports of the floods in Jakarta, and the horror of the fires in Australia, people may have wondered about what they can do individually to make a difference given the climate crisis. It can seem a daunting task.

Wells City Council is hoping that through the launch of its Wells CAN Do project it will support individuals, businesses and organisations to make progress in the journey to lower carbon living.

The project, which launches with a community event on Friday, February 7, at the Town Hall, will aim to support everyone in: n Becoming more knowledgeable about reducing individual carbon footprints. n Deciding where to make reductions. n Building community links by working together.

“As a parish council we are focussed on reducing the city’s

carbon consumption. While sometimes it feels as if our impact is small, we know that the collective impact of small changes can be big,” said Sarah Briton, chair of the city council’s Climate Emergency Committee.

“We want to work with the enthusiasm of local organisations and residents so that together we create that big impact. The project launch will be a celebration of local food, culture as well as providing an accessible guide to lowering our use of carbon.

“The city council is delighted to be working with three other local organisations to promote Wells CAN Do: Somerset Climate Action Network, Project Factory and Sustainable Wells. We welcome any others that want to join.”

Free places for the launch event can be booked through the Project Factory website, through Facebook/Wells Climate Action Network or at the Town Hall.

Ceilidh fundraiser well supported NEARLY 100 people attended a fundraising ceilidh organised by Extinction Rebellion Wells.

The event was held at the Elim Connect Centre on Sunday, January 12, and featured toetapping music from Frome band Black Velvet. Guests aged from four to 84 enjoyed an afternoon of dancing traditional English and Scottish dances.

Caller Phil Preen provided expert instruction before each of the dances and guests were

delighted whether they got the steps right or hilariously wrong.

The event raised £342 to help Extinction Rebellion combat the climate crisis. Organisers would like to thank everyone who attended or supported the event.

To get involved in the environmental movement locally, contact Sophia Frances on 07415 494548 for Extinction Rebellion Wells or Julie Wright on 01749 675490 for Sustainable Wells.

Views sought in online surveys ONLINE surveys are giving residents the chance to help shape a Climate Emergency Strategy for Somerset.

The survey at surveymonkey. co.uk/r/Somerset-ClimateChange-Survey-2019 closes on February 25. A survey for 11- to 18-year-olds can be completed by going to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ Somerset-Climate-ChangeSurvey-2019-Young-People and is open until February 18.

To complement the surveys,

a series of drop-in events is being held to give people the opportunity to get involved and find out how the county council and district councils are working together on their approach to the climate emergency and how they aim to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. One takes place at The Council Chamber, Mendip District Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, on Saturday, February 15, from 10am-4pm.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Wells Blue School hosted a first eco-conference for pupils from primary and secondary schools across Somerset on January 23. The event aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues, and work out ways that students can collaborate on environmental schemes and policies. Pictured above at the conference are Blue School students Lyla Sealy and Nyssa Hills.

Let’s grow our

LOW CARBON COMMUNITY

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Wells CAN Do! Wells Climate Action Network launch evening

Friday Feb 7th 7:00pm–9:30 pm Wells Town Hall Find “Wells CAN Do” on Facebook �� ���� ���� ���� ������ �� �all ��� ��wn Hall �n 01749 673091

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

28

February 2020

n ON THE BEAT

On way back to city AN update regarding myself: I will be returning to Wells as Beat Manager in March this year, so I look forward to seeing everyone when I am out and about on foot patrol in the city.

The following is a crime summary for the past 28 days (as of January 15): n 56 Criminal Damages n 20 Violence Against a Person n 11 Thefts n 7 Public Order Offences n 2 Dwelling Burglary n 2 Business Burglary n 4 Vehicle Offences n 3 Drug Offences n 1 Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society There was a large number of Criminal Damages; 50 of these were part of a series which occurred overnight, in the early hours of December 27, 2019, whereby vehicles were damaged, having door mirrors broken off and other damage.

The investigation is still

News from the local policing team with TPS Darren Pearson ongoing into these vehicle damages and a number of persons have been arrested and released under investigation while further enquiries are being conducted.

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WELLS PCSO Donna President has been praised for reuniting a stolen bike with its 13-year-old owner, who had been given it as a Christmas present.

The bright orange and black Carrera mountain bike had been taken from a property in Glastonbury Road in Wells.

Entry had been forced to a garden building and the bike stolen on December 29.

After seeing an appeal by the family on social media, Donna’s enquiries resulted in the bike being returned anonymously to a street near to where it had been taken.

A scooter which had also been stolen a couple of months ago was also found by the PCSO. The bike and scooter have since been security marked.

Mendip neighbourhood policing Inspector Mark Nicholson said: “This was an excellent piece of investigative work by Donna, who showed tenacity and determination to find and reunite the stolen bike with its owner – a grateful 13-year-old boy. And it was a double whammy because Donna also managed to find the boy’s scooter that had been stolen several weeks earlier.”

PCC decides not to seek re-election AFTER serving two terms as Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens has decided not to put herself forward for reelection in May’s PCC elections.

“I make this decision with mixed emotions but absolute conviction that, after eight years of working with the police as well as key partners, this is the right decision for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Constabulary and, most importantly, local people,” she said.

“I feel fortunate that I have been able to be part of decisions and projects that have found solutions and pushed boundaries of innovation for the Constabulary and within shared work with our partners in the criminal justice system, local authorities, health service, charities, community groups, businesses and local residents.

Sue Mountstevens “We will not be taking our foot off the pedal between now and the elections. I am still your PCC until May and I will be doing everything I can to push forward crucial policing matters to improve the lives of local people in our area.”

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

n NEWS

29

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Living with someone? Then think about the financial implications

By Judith Rouse

From left, Dean of Wells the Very Rev Dr John Davies (Friends of Wells Cathedral), Ruth Knagg (We Hear You), Dianne Ramsey (Age UK) and Peter Hopwood (Somerset Prostate Support Association)

Cancer support group wins hearts A SERVICE that offers counselling to people affected by cancer was the biggest winner at the latest SOUP lunch.

Ruth Knagg from We Hear You, which provides support across the region, left with a cheque for £400 after making a pitch at the Connect Centre on January 11.

She said that cancer is people’s number one fear, and that the psychological aspects can be just as hard for people to cope with as the physical

ones. We Hear You offers free one-to-one counselling for up to 16 weeks, as well as group counselling.

The sizeable audience voted for the charity to receive the lion’s chare of the funds on offer from takings on the door and match-funding by Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Three other good causes all left with cheques for £150: Ageing Well, Friends of Wells Cathedral and Somerset Prostate Support Association.

Children set new Bloom challenges SCHOOLS and pre-schools are being invited to enter the 2020 Wells in Bloom Gardening Competitions.

New competition categories to encourage new entrants and novice gardeners include the creation of a pot or container garden to go on public display in the Bishop’s Palace Gardens in June and July. There will also be a free visit to the Bishop’s Palace Gardens for all entrants, including a gardening workshop, for up to 30 children and staff.

The categories are: Novice Award, for those entering for the first time within the last three years; Small Planter Award for planters measuring max 40cm x 40cm or 40cm diameter; Best Recycling Garden for any garden or pot/planter etc that makes good use of recycled materials; Best Pre-School garden or Best

Primary School garden; Best Vegetable Area; and the Bishop’s Palace Award for a small pot or container.

Judging will take place in mid-July during the school term.

The judges will be looking for good ideas, enthusiastic ‘little gardeners’, colour, variety and a display of basic gardening skills.

The main criteria, they add, is that it should be fun, and be seen to be fun.

They will also be happy to visit schools and pre-schools and discuss ideas with teaching staff or run a short workshop with the children to get things started.

To take part, and to register interest in the free visit to the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, email Gwen Mackenzie, gmackenzie713@gmail.com, or Linda Thomas, sarkolark@ hotmail.com

Got News? Call 07906 499655

FOR many it appears that the law is out of sync with what is going on in the real world.

The nuclear family has evolved over the years. More couples cohabit, an increasing percentage separate then remarry or live with someone new. Families are now made up of a wide range of relationships which has led to legal complications that were not considered when the main legislation about marriage and finances was created in the 1970s.

As of the beginning of December 2019 a new layer has been added – it will be possible for heterosexual couples to have a civil partnership registered.

There is now the possibility of confusion as people could think they are already entered in a civil partnership when in fact they are simply cohabiting and have not gone through the formalities.

First things first. There is no such thing as a common law spouse. Unless a couple have gone through the correct formalities for marriage or a civil partnership they are simply cohabiting and there are no automatic rights for cohabiting couples.

This means that people have to look to various areas of the law to protect their interests when a relationship ends. This can be complex and expensive.

With that in mind, it makes sense to think about the

financial implications of living with someone and the effect this will have on other members of the family as well as business and family assets.

I say when, because there are potential pitfalls even when a couple live happily ever after.

One of that couple has to cope with the death of the other or support the other during ill health. There could be legal problems even then.

Careful consideration should be given to the impact of any will you have (and the effect of not having one) not only on your partner but any children from a

Legislation has not kept up with today’s wide range of relationships previous relationship as well as your pension and other assets.

Cohabitation agreements are not very common, yet – possibly because so many people believe they have “common law rights”. There may be problems with enforceability but, at the very least, they are designed to help a couple think about their situation, discuss important issues and avoid misunderstandings. n Judith Rouse is a Solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

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

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February 2020

n NEWS Band’s album rated highly

Singing together at the Daytime Singers choir

Spreading benefits of singing A CHOIR that started in Wells three years ago for mothers and babies to sing together is set to expand and become an inclusive wellbeing choir.

The Daytime Singers choir was started in Wells Town Hall in 2017 by Eliza Wylie. It began as a small group of mums and babies singing with each other.

The choir has since moved to the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury, and has recently been given funding by Somerset Skills and Learning to expand and become an inclusive wellbeing choir. The group’s aim is to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together, socialise and sing songs in harmony.

n IN DAYS GONE BY

“There is extensive research to show the many benefits that singing brings to people’s physical and mental wellbeing,” said Eliza.

Somerset Arts Well, Music For Wellbeing is a non-profit Community Interest Company set up in 2019 by Eliza and Amy Hardwick.

“We are both musicians who are passionate about bringing musical opportunities to the local community,” said Eliza.

Their projects so far include the wellbeing choir and musical play work with parents and young children, including a drumming workshop as part of family learning week at St Cuthbert’s Junior School, Wells.

They are looking to develop further projects to include intergenerational music projects and music with older adults and those with impairments.

The choir meets on Wednesdays at 10am at the Red Brick Building and everyone is welcome at a subsidised cost of £2 per session.

The musical play group, Hop, Skip and Sing for parents with their 0- to 5-year-olds was set up in Wells by Eliza in 2011.

It meets on Friday mornings at 10am in Wells Town Hall, and on Thursdays at 10.30am at the Red Brick Building.

More details on the play group and the choir are available from Eliza on 07887 683856.

AN album released in September

by Wells band The Portraits was chosen as one of the top albums of 2019 by BBC radio presenter Johnny Coppin.

Johnny named The Portraits’ For Our Times as one of his best four albums of 2019 in the West, along with albums by The Drystones, Elles Bailey and The Black Feathers.

The Portraits – husband and wife duo Lorraine and Jeremy Millington – launched For Our Times with a concert at the Andelli Art Gallery at South Horrington, and were returning there for a sold-out second concert on January 25.

Nursery given ‘Good’ report A WELLS nursery has been rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.

A report on Rockers and Rollers Day Nursery at Priory Health Park, Glastonbury Road, following the inspection in December, rated The quality of education ‘Good’; Behaviour and attitudes ‘Outstanding’; Personal development ‘Good’; Leadership and management ‘Good’; and Overall effectiveness ‘Good’.

The overall effectiveness at the previous inspection in June 2019 had been rated ‘Inadequate’.

With Clare Blackmore

‘One of the most enchanting places in the world’ ARTHUR Christopher Benson was an English essayist, poet, author and academic. He may be best remembered for having written the words to Land of Hope and Glory commissioned especially for the coronation of Edward VII, and he edited the correspondence of Queen Victoria in 1907.

In his work The Silent Isle written in 1910, described as “a little piece of life observed and experienced and written down”, he includes a piece on a visit to Wells, although he says that he had previously “deliberately avoided visiting the city because

so many people upon whose taste and judgement I cannot rely upon told me that I should go”.

Wells, he writes, “Is beautiful and almost impossibly romantic.

It is an almost perfectly medieval place with the enormous advantage that it is also old. I do not think that when Wells was first built it was more than just beautiful but it has all now grown old together and undisturbed. It has crumbled and weathered and mellowed into one of the most enchanting places in the world.”

The Bishop’s Palace he

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

describes “with its moat full of swans, its fantastic oriels and turrets, its bastions and towers wreathed with ivy and creepers is a thing that fills the mind with a sort of hopeless longing to possess the secret of its beauty”.

Mr Benson did however wonder why this “Palace should be in the hands of a few simple ecclesiastical persons”.

He concluded that the beauty of Wells “Seems to have no particular effect on the people who live there. It really is little more than a village and so far as I know has produced no great man.”

He was not totally full of praise for the city as he regarded Vicars’ Close as being “Foolishly extolled and has by restoration been made to look like a street in a small watering place,” and the choir of the Cathedral he called, “An outrage. The low stone walls like a row of arbours designed by a child.”

He concludes that, “Century by century Wells has lived a little quiet provincial life and it seems a curious wastefulness that the Power who rules the world should have heaped in this tiny place among the hills such a treasure of delicate beauty”.

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31

n NEWS Music nostalgia night for charity HITS of the Twenties, Thirties, Forties and Fifties will have people dancing at A Night of Nostalgia 3 in February.

The event is being organised

by Tina Blackwill in aid of Marie Curie. She said: “They hold a very special place in my heart as they looked after my father before he passed away. Although it’s almost three years since he passed, we all love and miss him dreadfully, so if I can do something that means someone else can have the special care that a Marie Curie nurse can give, then I will do my best to make it a huge success.”

The Silver Levels Jazz Band and singer Lin Phelps will be performing at the event, being held on February 29 in Wells Town Hall from 7.30pm10.30pm.

Tickets are £10 to include a free glass of fizz on arrival, and can be bought from Tina, tina. blackwill@live.co.uk, or the Town Hall.

St Cuthbert’s Church emerges from the fog in this atmospheric photo taken on a chilly January morning

Free temporary heaters available MENDIP homeowners who are currently without heating can request free temporary heaters from Somerset Independence Plus (SIP) while their heating is being repaired or replaced.

In addition, those who cannot afford to repair or replace

the heating may be eligible for a council grant or loan. In partnership with Mendip District Council and Wessex Resolutions, SIP can support a homeowner in arranging a loan or grant, and managing the work. For more, call SIP on 0300 303 7794.

Will Writing & Estate Planning A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out – if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

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There is also an additional benefit of private healthcare.

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February 2020

n NEWS

Festive market judged success SHOPPERS, stall-holders and businesses declared the festive street market in Wells a big success.

The outdoor event attracted a record numbers of traders to the city – with crowds to match.

More than 130 stalls featured, offering a feast of food and drink and gift ideas for seasonal shoppers.

Held on two Saturdays in December (14 and 21), the Christmas in Wells market experience was organised by Mendip District Council, in collaboration with Wells City Council, The Bishop’s Palace and local community groups.

The remodelled market was different to previous years as it connected the street market in the city centre to Bishop’s Palace Green, creating a bigger market for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Stallholders at Greys Liqueurs said: “This year’s

Shoppers out in force at one of the markets in Wells Christmas Market was brilliant.

We had very successful trading days and we would definitely want to participate next year. It was exactly the right mix and in keeping with the spirit of Wells.”

Traders at Matney’s Shed said: “It was a great market, well organised, and a gorgeous location.”

And the team at Herbes et Epices thanked everyone for a “fantastic Christmas Market in Wells”.

Councillor Nick Cottle, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We’ve seen traders and local businesses thrive as a result of our remodelled market, and customers have been delighted with the range of goods on offer.

“The changes have seen a significant increase in footfall to not only the event, but also the High Street shops.”

Planning is starting early in the New Year for Christmas in Wells 2020. People who have an experience of the market they would like to share, or any suggestions for improvements, are invited to email markets@ mendip.gov.uk

Launch of Heart Hero Awards THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is launching its Heart Hero Awards 2020 and calling for people across the South West to nominate their heart hero.

There are three categories: Healthcare Hero, Young Heart Hero and the Inspiration Award.

Nominations are open until February 29. The winners will be announced at a dinner in London in September. More at bhf.org.uk

Grants available GRANTS are available up to the value of £1,500 from The Somerset Fund for grassroots community groups.

Somerset Community Foundation manages the fund and is encouraging applications from smaller groups that run on less than £50,000 per year. The deadline to apply is February 14. Visit www.somersetcf.org. uk/somersetfund or call the foundation on 01749 344949.

Unwins Independent Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons

An independent family-run business in the City of Wells.

We provide a 24-hour personal service.

Private Chapel of Rest.

We also offer Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans.

The Firs, Underwood, Wookey Hole Road, Wells, BA5 1AF 01749 679927 Email: becky@unwinsfunerals.co.uk www.unwinsfunerals.co.uk To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Father Christmas put in an appearance at the Heads Up Christmas lunch

Christmas Day companionship PEOPLE who would otherwise be by themselves for Christmas Day celebrated in style at Heads Up. They started arriving at noon at the charity’s base in South Horrington to be greeted with a glass of bubbly and a warm welcome.

“I’ve had this idea for a while, and this year, with the help of some friends from Rotary, we’ve done it,” said Jean Moakes of

Wells Rotary Club. Local shops and hotels donated food, drink and decorations, while members of Wells Rotary Club, staff at Heads Up and their families gave up their time to prepare a delicious Christmas lunch and provide entertainment.

Local chef Paul Jeffrey and his son, Max, prepared the food.

Even Father Christmas heard about it and took a sack full of presents for everyone.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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February 2020

n NEWS

33

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

Roles available at local radio station

By Jenny Atkins

Ian Liversidge, chair of GFM, urges more people from Wells to get involved with the radio station, and explains some of the opportunities available YOU may know of Glastonbury FM, the local community radio station for Glastonbury, Street and Wells. There is some idea that the station only focuses on the area of Glastonbury but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The station has volunteers from all over the area and covers all areas of the local community.

The station is representative of the volunteers who want to produce shows and we are an outlet to facilitate this. GFM could do with more volunteers from Wells to produce shows that are more representative of that side of the community. You can look to produce shows about books, gardening, music, theatre, your community, the arts or whatever interests you.

The station has two community shows which cover the local area, dance music, a children’s story time, local music shows, a movie show, youth show, jive show, world music, blues and many more.

Glastonbury FM is based at The Red Brick Building between Glastonbury and Street and is easily accessible from Wells as the bus stops directly outside the station. There are two studios at GFM and we can train people up to present a show. If you aren’t keen on

Supporting safety in our community

Ian joined GFM as a volunteer presenter many years ago in response to an article in the paper asking for volunteers. He became a volunteer director in 2015. His passion is supporting local musicians and being part of the community radio station.

He brings his experience and expertise in local live music events to the board of directors, raising thousands of pounds for the station. being a presenter the station needs engineers, fundraisers and admin volunteers; we are also on the lookout for a bookkeeper and would welcome people from any background.

If you feel that you would like to be involved with the station, please email admin@ glastonburyfm.org.uk or fill in the volunteer form on the website at https://www.gfm. org.uk/

SAFEGUARDING is a term used to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.

Everyone has a responsibility to ensure adults and children are able to live a safe and comfortable life.

Abuse can happen anywhere, any time. It could happen in your or someone else’s home, at work, at your care home or in the street.

There are signs and symptoms that could indicate abuse is occurring such as withdrawing or being more emotional. Be prepared to listen and respond effectively.

Care professionals are trained to spot signs and symptoms of abuse, but you don’t need special training to raise a concern if you feel something is not right and someone could be at risk.

Some people are more at risk

than others. They need support to raise concern and therefore need an advocate in these situations.

Just because your feelings and beliefs are not the same as someone else does not mean you are abusing them. But you need to respect their beliefs and not treat them in an unfair manner that could restrict them making their individual choices.

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations.

You may be scared to speak out. The person who is abusing or neglecting may make it hard for you to report it. But if abuse happens to you or someone you know it is important to speak out and tell someone you trust. Do this as soon as you can.

Somerset County Council have a local safeguarding board which can provide information and support, as can your GP or care company. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare. co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

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February 2020

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS WI NEWS from our groups this month: the skittlers are aiming to repeat last year’s top form by winning an imminent fourthround match at Crossways; our crafters will be decorating ceramic plant pots with decoupage; the book group have chosen their next novel; and the walking netball group will be eating out together after their first session of 2020.

Thirty-eight members have booked for our New Year’s dinner which, following the popular cookery demonstration they gave us last year, will be at Goodfellows who have devised a delicious three-course menu for us.

The main event this month was a demonstration of Greek dancing from Yiannis, who dazzled us with his solo skills before getting us up to join him in different group dances.

Yiannis has lived in the UK for decades but entertained us with tales of his childhood in mainland Greece.

Dancing was always a big part of his life. Before the days of television everyone listened to the same lone radio station and, when a particularly popular song was played, everyone would rush out into the streets to dance to it together. Yiannis taught us some moves and steps and we danced in lines and circles to traditional Greek music. In a spectacular finale three members knelt and clapped along to the music while Yiannis whirled around them and performed some impressive high kicks over their heads. He assured us that in his youth he could kick high enough to clear the heads of people standing up, but is rather too prone to injury to risk that now.

The day of our meeting happened to be the celebration day for everyone named Yiannis, so he was presented with a traditional WI gift of a jar of jam. We all felt energised by the music and dancing, and thanked Yiannis for bringing a sense of Greek sunshine to cold dark Wells in January.

We are planning another one of our coffee mornings to raise funds for a charity working in a field important to WI members.

This year the issues shortlisted as potential national campaigns are: helping victims of modern slavery; using female crash test dummies in vehicle safety

Durkheim from October 15-19, 2020.

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB WELLS Floral Art Club members will meet to welcome Pam Lewis on Tuesday, February 11. Pam is a National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies national and international demonstrator.

Her demonstration is entitled The World Awakes to the Sound of Spring.

Why not come and join us?

We meet at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, at 2.15pm.

We also meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month for a practice afternoon. Same time, same place.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Yiannis in high-kicking action at Wells WI, top, and the Wells Twinning Association ‘Dinner with a Difference’ testing; encouraging discussion about death and end of life care; a call to increase stem cell donor registration; and raising awareness of the need to conserve helium. Members will cast their votes at the February meeting.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 4, at Wells Museum, from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Our speaker will be Norm Longley, author of books including the Rough Guides and Slow Travel Somerset. There will also be an opportunity to swap any unwanted Christmas presents, so don’t forget to bring them along New women are always welcome at Wells WI and can attend as guests before deciding whether to join. More details are on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi/ Veronica Howe WELLS TWINNING ASSOCIATION WELLS Twinning Association held a Christmas ‘Dinner with a Difference’ at the Seager Hall

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

on Saturday, December 14. It was well attended with music from Weston Mutineers who sang shanty songs, many of which members were able to sing along too, and Alex Anthony who played classical and popular music.

Wells Twinning expresses their thanks to Teresa Stoodley, Rose Holdsworth and Terry Millard for a fantastic roast with all the trimmings, and to Tony D’Ovidio and Tony Guidi for all their effort with organising another successful Twinning event.

On Friday, February 7, there will be a Quiz Night with Fish and Chip Supper, this takes place at Godney Tea Rooms, at 6.30pm. Ticket £12.50 (to include supper) - please contact Dawn Payne, dawn_payne@ hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01749 675858.

The Annual General Meeting of Wells Twinning Association will be held on Monday, March 23, 7pm for 7.30pm at Wells Town Hall.

It is confirmed that Wells Twinning Association will be visiting our twin town of Bad

THERE are some speakers for whom it is worth taking a long trip to hear. It is not simply a question of the subject involved, though that is an important factor. Sometimes it simply boils down to the eloquence of the presentation which makes it a delight to be present.

Alan Power, head gardener of Stourhead Gardens, is one such speaker.

The fact that he comes from County Cork may have some bearing on the matter. Over many years he has overseen and guided through many necessary changes to these great gardens without ever losing sight of the original design and history behind the plantings, which make this place so special, always ensuring that what he calls the genius of the place is never lost .

So we shall be in safe and lyrical hands as Alan takes us on a visit to some special and great gardens of his own choosing when he gives a talk entitled A Journey Through Great Gardens at Wells Town Hall on Thursday, February 13, at 7.30pm. An evening to remember.

Everyone is welcome .

Members £1, visitors £3. For more details tel: 01749 679182.

Pip Harwood INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WELLS THE month of January got off to a sociable start when a coffee morning was held on January 10

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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES at the home of president Sheila Coggan to mark International Inner Wheel Day. There was a successful Bring and Buy of unwanted gifts which raised a significant amount for the district president’s charities.

A couple of days later our monthly meeting was held at the Britannia Inn when we were pleased to welcome two new prospective members. President Sheila updated members on events and we were delighted to be joined by Maureen Nethaway, the district president, who was accompanied by Pam Brewster, 1st vice president, who takes over from her next year.

Following the meeting and lunch Maureen spoke to us about the Inner Wheel in general, her aims for the year and also gave us a potted history of her life and journey through the ranks of the Inner Wheel. Her charities for the year are School in a Bag and District 20’s 20/20 Mission.

As it is 96 years since the formation of the Inner Wheel, Maureen hopes to raise sufficient funds during the year to pay for 96 school bags for the charity. To aid in this endeavour, president Sheila presented her with a donation of £272 which was raised at the coffee morning and from money donated by members in lieu of Christmas cards.

Liz Hamblin

A photograph taken at the WI Christmas Carol Service in Wells Cathedral showing the WI choir, which consists of ladies from WIs throughout Somerset. Included in the picture are Wookey Hole WI’s musical director and two of the Cathedral vergers tea and cake on the first Monday of the month.

We meet at Wookey Hole Community Hall at 2.30pm. For further details, ring Jill on 01749 675477.

WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast will be meeting on Saturday, February 1, at The Connect Centre, Chamberlain Street, Wells.

Our speaker will be Susan Tanner who will be giving a talk on Raising Rare Breeds on Mendip – specifically, pigs.

We welcome newcomers and, if you would like to join us, please ring 07974 879902 before Thursday, January 30.

Doors open at 7.30am, breakfast is at 8am and we finish by about 9.30am. The cost is £9.

WELLS U3A

Inner Wheel Club of Wells president Sheila Coggan, right, presents a donation to Maureen Nethaway WOOKEY HOLE WI ARE you new to the area? Have you ever considered joining the WI? We are a friendly group of ladies who meet during the afternoon. You are most welcome to come along as a visitor and will receive a warm welcome.

The WI offers a chance to get to know people whilst enjoying interesting speakers, trips, coffee mornings and activities. If any of this appeals to you, join us for

DR James Buckle gave a talk to Wells U3A in December.

Dr Buckle graduated from Bristol University and spent the bulk of his career as a GP in the South Petherton / Martock practice, with time also spent doctoring in the Shetland Islands. As a student he assisted the medical officer of the Chicago Bulls basketball team, and was an international badminton champion.

In his retirement he now travels to the Akamba Aid Fund clinic twice a year, for which he provides medical help, with his wife, a nurse, and his physiotherapist daughter.

One of the major medical problems has been the HIV virus, which has been decimating the population.

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The clinic is situated 100km north east of Nairobi, where the nearest hospital is situated. It serves a quartermillion population, and it is not uncommon for patients to walk for days, some invariably over 30 miles. The clinic was built in 1980 by the World Presbyterian Mission. Dr Buckle says that,

by African standards, it is well built. In addition to him and his family, there are also 10 Kenyan nurses, and a teacher.

The medical problems are not enhanced by the fact that the area occasionally experiences five years without rain.

The way of life is primitive, Dr Buckle describing it as that of Stone Age man; the people live in mud huts, cultivate their land with wooden ploughs pulled by bullocks, and donkeys bring back water from the river on their backs.

Malaria is also endemic in the region and teachers visit schools to enact a play which increases the children’s, their teachers’ and head teachers’ understanding of the condition.

Nets are emphasised as a good preventative measure while sleeping.

Dr Buckle’s slides showed memorable images; the limbless girl who wrote with a rudimentary foot, his ascent of Mount Kenya to 15,000 feet to raise £10,000 for a school boarding house and the 125 pupils who now attended the school, and the little two-yearold girl who didn’t walk because she’d been slung on her mother’s back all her life.

Every time Dr Buckle opened the clinic door there would be 40 people waiting to be seen.

He’d also helped set up The Ruby Cup project, which dealt with

menstrual problems and family planning. The most dramatic photo was possibly of Dr Buckle himself, exhausted, after a long day’s work.

This was indeed an inspiring and humbling talk from an indefatigable and visionary man.

There was a collection for the Akamba Aid Fund which raised £400.

John King

Founder members Angela Marsh and Nigel Cox cut Henton Gardening Club’s 20th anniversary celebration cake HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB HENTON and District Gardening Club recently celebrated its 20th birthday. This successful and friendly club, which meets in Henton Village Hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, has planned a wide range of talks (including Matthew Biggs of Gardener’s Question Time fame in March), visits, trips and social events this year. Visit the website www. hentongardenclub.weebly.com for further details.

Our February meeting will be on 19th at 7.30pm when Professor David Thomas will be presenting an illustrated talk, Walking in Paradise Gardens.

Visitors are most welcome.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice n SPORT

36

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Belrose find opponents too strong in cup encounter

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY WHAT would the good people of Wells think if they awoke one morning to find the West Front of the Cathedral painted in a multitude of colours as gaudy as a modern fairground ride? That was the gist of one of the questions posed

by Jerry Sampson, buildings archaeologist, in his talk to the January meeting of Wells Civic Society. But that is indeed how this magnificent frontage would have looked in 1250, when its main construction period of 75 years reached its glorious conclusion.

Painters were but one section of a complex work force, numbering up to perhaps 120, that would have been engaged on this monumental construction.

There would have been a range of labourers and skilled men: hod carriers, mortar mixers, lime burners, a surprisingly large number of carpenters, blacksmiths, glaziers and, of course, the masons.

At the pinnacle was the

February 2020

FOOTBALL

Speaker Jerry Sampson master mason. There were also baker masons, who cut the stone, and fixing masons, who put the stone in place.

A large audience had sat in rapt attention as, along with his numerous and effective slides, he had effortlessly drawn upon his immense knowledge to recount the amazing story of the birth of this amazing cathedral.

The head master of Wells Cathedral School, Alastair Tighe, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting, on February 12, in the Wells museum on Cathedral Green at 7.30pm.

Richard Hanks

IN a quiet festive period the lack of football caught up with Belrose as they were put in their place by Bridgwater Sports Reserves to be knocked out of the Somerset Intermediate Cup. An even start to the game occurred but it was the visitors who took the lead through a ruthless goal. Bel responded admirably as a lovely move culminated in Max Culpin heading strongly home.

However, another clinical finish meant the boys from the Blue had to react again; they did thanks to player-manager Dan Barker’s accurate free kick.

At half time it was all to play for but the second 45 belonged to only one team. The away side proved their higher status, Belrose not being able to contain their attacking intent. Despite trying to build again they could

Action from a Belrose game not sustain enough meaningful possession and were regularly bombarded by Bridgwater.

Rustiness and poor organisation were two of the traits shown, leaving plenty to work on in training.

Nevertheless, the team will digest, absorb and go once more, realising their talent and morale will hold them in good stead for the remainder of the season.

Alex Fudge u More Sport, pages 44 and 46

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The Whiteley Clinic is a private medical facility specialising in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous conditions.

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February 2020

37

n NEWS

Landlords Q&A

with Stuarts Residential

answered by Stuart Nash

Event will provide guidance on changes in legislation Mendip council staff with CLIC Sargent representative Jenny Mullen

Thousands raised for charity of year MENDIP District Council staff have raised thousands for their Charity of the Year, CLIC Sargent.

More than £4,000 was collected during 2019 for the national good cause, which cares for children diagnosed with cancer. The cash was raised through staff-led initiatives such as bake sales, sweepstakes and dress down days, as well as sponsored activities like the Prudential RideLondon 100 Mile Challenge, Mells 10k and the team-based obstacle course and mud run, Tough Mudder.

Council chief executive Stuart Brown said: “It’s been a recordbreaking year and wonderful to witness. The dedicated staff at Mendip should be very proud of their achievements.”

Jenny Mullen, CLIC Sargent fundraising manager, said: “We are so grateful to the Mendip District Council staff for raising such a fantastic amount in

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support of children and young people with cancer, and their families.

“The money raised could pay for a family to stay at a CLIC Sargent ‘Home from Home’ for four months, providing free accommodation close to where their child is receiving cancer treatment.”

Every year, council staff nominate a new cause to support for 12 months. Previous beneficiaries have been YMCA Mendip, Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK and We Hear You. More than £8,000 has gone to these good causes in recent years.

The chosen charity for 2020 is Time is Precious, set up by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son Ben who died from cancer in 2010.

The charity aims to create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for children and their families in hospital or at home.

restrictions, caps the amount of deposit a landlord can now ask for.

The dawn of a new decade is likely to see further changes including Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and changes to Capital Gains Taxation in April.

The Renters Reform Bill announced in the Queens Speech will include the abolition of the Section 21 notice. A significant change to the current legislation.

It is simple to see therefore how landlords can easily “get it wrong”.

To help local landlords navigate their way through these changes, we will be running a Question and Answers seminar on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at The White Hart in Sadler Street, Wells.

I will be on hand along with my team, a local Accountant, Solicitor and Mortgage Advisor to answer questions and provide advice.

‘It is simple to see how landlords can easily “get it wrong” ‘ The Private Rented Sector is a hot political potato right now and Parliament is keen to provide a fairer housing system for both tenants and landlords.

This inevitably means an increase in legislation and regulation and many landlords simply cannot keep up to date.

Last year we saw the introduction of new legislation which included the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and notably the Tenant Fees Act which, amongst other

The event is free although places are limited so to reserve your space please call us on 01749 672678 or by sending an email to qanda@stuartsresidential. com. We look forward to seeing you!

TO LET

WELLS BEDSIT

To advertise properties for sale or to let, email sales@wellsvoice.co.uk or call 01749 675157

THOSE of you who have been following our articles over the last few months will know that each month we do our best to provide a concise answer (within the confines of our allotted word count!) to a question that has been sent to us by a local landlord.

To say we’ve been surprised by the positive feedback to these articles and the volume of questions received, would be an understatement! Importantly it also demonstrates how many landlords out there want to get it right.

Furnished room. £85 per week.

Bills included.

Wifi, central heating.

Would suit working person.

01749 939068 or 07761 141167

Got News? Call 07906 499655

stuartresidential.com

Landlords Q&A Seminar

Wednesday 25th March 2020 6:00pm to 7.30pm The Private Rented Sector is changing!

Are you managing to keep up?

Come along to our Q&A seminar to learn more about changes to legislation, proposed regulation and much more.

To reserve your free space please contact us on 01749 672 678

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN WELLS

Here’s to your new lifestyle From dance classes, to simple afternoon teas, the great thing about Churchill is that there’s always something going on, to join in with as much or as little as you like. There’s always someone to talk to and it’s equally as easy to take time out for yourself in your own safe and secure apartment. With Churchill, the choice is yours.

ST ATHELM LODGE West Street - Open Tues to Sat, 10am to 5pm.

CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE

01749 987592 Visit churchillretirement.co.uk

• Lodge Manager • Owners’ lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors

wellsvoice

February 2020

39

n PROPERTY

Call to register interest in buying

Opportunity to seek donation

THE first homes at a new housing development on the edge of Wells are expected to go on sale in the next few weeks.

Persimmon Homes is going to be building a range of 110 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes at its Foxglove Heights development on Portway, north of the A371.

Carly Spear, head of sales at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said: “This is a muchneeded development which will deliver a range of house types to suit all.

“Foxglove Heights is in an attractive location and we have already taken a number of enquiries from interested househunters.

“We are expecting to release the first houses for sale in the coming weeks so would urge people to take a couple of minutes to register their interest to be kept up to date with progress.”

PERSIMMON Homes is inviting local groups and charities to apply to become its next Community Champion.

Each month it donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region through its South West Community Champions fund.

Stacey Harris, head of sales at Persimmon Homes South West, said: “Persimmon Homes South West has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme.

“If applicants were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to try again. We are always keen to support the communities in which we build.”

Age UK Somerset, based in Taunton, has just been handed £1,000 after a successful application to the fund.

Organisations can apply for funding by completing an online form at www.persimmonhomes. com/charity

Work has started at the Foxglove Heights site People can register an interest at www.persimmonhomes.com or by calling 01749 467143.

Foxglove Heights is part of a wider 220-property development with Taylor Wimpey.

Carly said: “This is an exciting development. We have worked hard to make the house designs attractive and in keeping with the surrounding area. We look forward to starting work.”

killens.org.uk | 01749 671172

The Property Professionals Let Us Let Your Property

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Find A Tenant Full Management Tenancy Deposit Protection Rent Reviews

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Referencing & inventories Extensive marketing Comprehensive advice Experienced friendly staff

We never forget it is your home Wells | Chew Magna | Ston Easton | Knightsbridge | Mendip Auction Rooms

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

40

n THE PROPERTY MARKET

February 2020

With Roderick Thomas of Roderick Thomas Ltd

A market on the rise I’M a Chartered Surveyor, a member of a professional body called the RICS, and I have to admit we’re generally a stuffy old bunch. Whilst I’m a great optimist, most of my colleagues are not! Every month we submit our market forecasts to the RICS who publish the consensus and for a long time the conclusions have been pretty dour.

However, the times are changing. The RICS are now forecasting house price rises over the next three and the next 12 months. This is supported by Halifax B.S. announcing a 4% rise in prices last year (2019) and since pre Christmas I’ve been tipping a 5% rise by this Easter.

I’m not backing down.

Interest rates are still low (and may get lower), sales agreed are up by nearly 10% and London agents are reporting a huge increase in demand.

In short, if you’re considering buying don’t wait, and if you want a property in Wells, come and see me. We’ve always got a few properties tucked away, which don’t hit the open market.

As an example I’ve just sold a house in central Wells for

towards a million. It didn’t go on the market. I showed it quietly to three buyers and they all wanted it.

One property we’ve just put on the market will tick lots of boxes for lots of people. It’s got great living space with nearly 2,400 sq ft including four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a 26ft x 25ft kitchen/dining room, a big sitting room with a balcony with a great view of the Cathedral plus plenty of storage, a garage, parking and a walled garden.

Also, it’s within about 400 yards of the Cathedral. A brilliant opportunity at £450,000.

CASTLE CARY 01963 351993 WEDMORE 01934 710220 WELLS 01749 670079 Mobile 07791789954 www.roderickthomas.co.uk rdt@roderickthomas.co.uk

The property in Wells pictured here has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen/dining room, a big sitting room with a balcony, is within 400 yards of the Cathedral – and has an asking price of just £450,000

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

February 2020

41

n WHAT’S ON February 3 n Wells Fountain Poets meet at The Globe Inn, 18-20 Priest Row, 7.45pm for 8pm. This month the guest poet will be Tom Sastry. Plus open-mic; no need to book. For information, ring Ama Bolton on 01749 672911. n Talking Film with Joanna Cobb: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG), Wells Film Centre. Doors open 6.30pm, talk 7pm, interval, film 8.15pm. Information and bookings at wellsfilmcentre.co.uk, by phone on 01749 673195 or in person at the cinema. n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n Better Business for Wells meeting organised by Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Wells Town Hall, 6.30pm.

February 5 n Wells Health Walk starting at Morrisons, East Somerset Way, 10am for a 10.15am start. A walk in and around Wells using paths, tracks, possibly fields and stiles if suitable. Can be muddy/slippery if wet. Lasting 1-1.5 hours. Free. n DO YOU WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT? We try to print as many listings as possible for free, but if you want to ensure your event is included and gets attention, we will print it with a colour background like this for just £5 + VAT. Find out more by emailing sales@wellsvoice.co.uk February 7 n Wells CAN Do Community Climate Action launch, Wells Town Hall, 7pm. n Wookey Hole Cinema at the Community Hall: Meeting Gorbachev (PG). Doors open 7pm, film show starts 7.30pm. More at wookeyholecinemaclub.weebly. com February 9 n Oxfam quiz at the Britannia Inn, Wells. 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £2.50 per team member. Raffle prizes welcome. To book, phone Terry on 01749 672342.

February 11 n Wells Circle Dance, Wells Methodist Church, Southover, 7pm-8.45pm. £4 per session.

Gentle dances from around the world to a variety of music. No experience or partner needed.

Rowena 01749 679300.

n Wells Partners and Communities Together meeting, Wells Town Hall, 7pm.

February 12 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm.

February 15 n The Big Fix Repair Cafe, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 10am12.45pm.

February 17 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome.

February 19 n Modern Calligraphy Capital Letters, Loaf Bakehouse, 6.30pm-8.30pm, £36, www. mirabellemakery.com/shop n Wells Health Walk starting at Morrisons, East Somerset Way, 10am for a 10.15am start. A walk in and around Wells using paths, tracks, possibly fields and stiles if suitable. Can be muddy/slippery if wet. Lasting 1-1.5 hours. Free. n Henton and District Gardening Club talk by Professor David Thomas: Walking in Paradise Gardens. Henton Village Hall, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

February 20 n Children’s Society Soup and Pud Lunch, Seager Hall, noon2pm. £7.50. There will be a warm welcome for all.

February 26 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm.

February 27 n Continuation of new series of talks with local art historian Joanna Cobb, MA: Over the hills and far away: cultural journeys through Somerset, Dorset and beyond.

Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm. £10 for one person/£18 for two people.

More from Joanna on 01458 832178 or ericjoanna@waitrose. com February 29 n Fitz of Giggles comedy show at the White Hart, Sadler Street, 7pm.

Limited number of tickets available from the bar. n Music Quiz 4 MS, Tramways, West Street, Wells, 7.30pm for 8pm start.

Teams of up to six, £5 per person.

To book: Sally Morgan on 07975 529950 or Linda Bolton on 07713 097588. n A Night of Nostalgia 3 music night, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm, in

Got News? Call 07906 499655

aid of Marie Curie. Tickets on sale at the Town Hall.

REGULAR EVENTS Every Monday n Wells Breakaways Short Mat Bowls Club, meet every Monday except bank holidays, Kennion Hall, Blue School, from 6.45pm.

Four mats available, try for three weeks for free, beginners welcome, equipment available, refreshments. n Small group physio-led Pilates ideal for pre and post-surgery and recovery from injury, Pilates Body Aligned Studio, BA5 3DG, 10.30am. £105 block of four sessions and initial assessment. £20 PAYG. Email info@pilatesbodyaligned.uk. n Wells Zen Group (Dogen Sangha). Zazen, The Drawing Room, Unit 4, 10 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells, 7.45pm (please arrive 7.30pm).

For more details tel: Paul 01749 670193.

Every Tuesday n Soda Art Group, 1.30pm-3.30pm, in term time, Learning and Skills Centre, Portway. This term starts January 7. Special welcome for

people with a disability. Tutorials, chances to exhibit, and expeditions out for workshops. More from 01749 673755 or 673334. n Wells Good Afternoon Choir, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm.

‘Singing in the Afternoon’ with Grenville Jones. Everyone welcome. gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk n Coffee Stop, St Thomas Church, Wells, 9am-noon. All welcome.

TAI CHI Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 7pm - 8.30pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886 n Smashup badminton for all abilities with music and your mates. Ages 11-18. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 7pm-8pm, £2.50 per session. n Pilates mat class 9.15am, Wells Town Hall. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877.

Turn to page 42

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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February 2020

n WHAT’S ON From page 41 n Zumba Gold. Lower impact, easier steps, Wells Leisure Centre.

10.45am-11.10am, £5 a session. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up (no membership required). n Zumba. Latin-based cardio dance exercise, Wells Cathedral School dance studio, 6.45pm7.45pm. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up (no membership required). n Wookey Choirworks (ladies choir), 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Wookey Primary School hall, no auditions, singing for fun, £4pw. Contact wookey.choirworks@gmail.com n Ceilidh and Scottish Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30-9.30pm. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7pm-9.15pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea. Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137.

Every Wednesday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Movement on the Roller with Corali: Pilates Body Aligned Studio, South Horrington, Upper Breach, BA5 3DG, 11am. £10. To book, email info@deeperbalance.co.uk n Wells Bridge Club: Rubber Bridge, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 1.45pm-5pm. Improvers and experienced players welcome, contact 01749 939515 or 01749 674729. n Wells Table Tennis Club, Seager Hall, Union Street, 6.30pm-9pm. n Wells Chess Club, The Globe Inn, 18-20 Priest Row. Juniors 6-7pm, Everyone 7-9.30pm. Improve

What a great Feb line-up!

Feb 1st: Seedy Saturday at Glastonbury Town Hall, 11am6pm. The Sust Wells stall will be there so pop in, say hello and pick up some stuff to grow!

Feb 7th: Wells CAN Do at Wells Town Hall, 7pm-9.30pm. Book a place via sustwells@gmail. com for the launch of this great project.

Feb 10th: Sust Wells Gathering, Wells Little Theatre, 7pm-9pm.

Everything we want to know about housing developments.

Feb 15th: Wells Repair Cafe, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 10am12.45pm. Part of the Big Fix celebration. www.sustainablewells.org.uk

YOGA FOR ALL Wells Town Hall

l Thursday 17.50 to 18.50: mixed ability class l Thursday 19.00 to 20.15: intermediate class l Friday 11 to noon: beginner class l Friday noon to 1pm: mixed ability class Friendly classes, all welcome

More at www.YogaInWells.uk

your chess skill in a friendly environment. Any level welcome. n Mendip All Drummers community djembe (African hand-drumming) group. Meet at Croscombe Village Hall, Fayreway, from 10am-1pm. Beginners and learners welcome; drums available. £4 per session. Ring Charles on 07881 304609 or just turn up. n Wells Kettlercise, Town Hall, Market Place, 6pm. First class free.

Pre-booking essential. Contact Sally Ann Frampton, zest2zen@ gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 7.15pm. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Wells Folk Dance Club, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. All welcome, no need to bring a partner. Contact: 01749 674920. n Modern Line Dance classes at Coxley Memorial Hall. Beginners 6.15-7pm, Improvers 7-8.45pm, Intermediates 8.45-10pm. Beginner class £4.50, or pay £5 for the whole evening and stay as long as you like. No need to book. FFi: 07863 725555 or 07498 504558.

Every Thursday n Knitting and Natter, Wells Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Learn knitting, crochet and cross-stitch.

Open to men and women, no need to book. n Tai Chi: Pilates Body Aligned Studio, South Horrington, Upper Breach, BA5 3DG, 7.30pm. Trial class £3, then £7 a class. All welcome. To book, email Claire Widdall at cmwiddall@gmail.com. n Tai Chi For Health & Vitality, Westbury Village Hall, 12-1pm. Any age or ability. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n Mid Somerset Wargamers, Seager Hall, Wells, 7pm. Role play and board games. Members must be 18 or over; juniors (12 or over) can attend with adult member. facebook.com/

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

groups/1395072510738529/ n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea.

Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. n Pilates mat class, Wells Town Hall, 9.15am. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Trigger Point Pilates, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 10.30am. For more informtion contact Sally at zest2zen@gmail.com or 07946 310877. n Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF, 8pm-10pm, £3. For more details call 01458 210051. n Pilates, Wells Town Hall, 10am11am £5, drop in. Ffi: jo.webb@ mbzonline.net, 07730 397396.

Every Friday n Wells Country Market, Seager Hall, Union Street, 10am-noon. All home-cooked food plus craft and produce table. n Live music, The City Arms, High Street, 8.30pm. n Hop, Skip and Sing; Singing games and rhymes for parents and babies/toddlers, Wells Town Hall, 10am. Musical play sessions with instruments, fun and sociable, £6 per session. More info from Eliza 07887 683856. n Wells Refugee Aid collection at Wells Town Hall, 10am-11.45am.

Collecting donations in Wells for refugees around the world, distribution via RAFT in Taunton.

Quality warm clothes, waterproof shoes, blankets and sleeping bags always needed. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 9.45am; and seated and standing Pilates class for older adults, 11am. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Tai Chi for Health class, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm3.30pm. Very gentle exercise, can be done seated if necessary.

Suitable for all. Everyone welcome. £3 donation. n Wells and Wookey Scottish Dancers, Wookey Village Hall, 7.15pm-9.45pm. All abilities welcome. For more information call 01749 672672 (all day), 01749 677548 (daytime), 01749 672805 (evening) or go to wellsscottishdancers.btck.co.uk n Shared Reading Group, Wells Library, 11am-12.30pm. A place to relax, make new friends and share stories with others every week. n Beginners level yoga classes, Blue School Sports Centre, 5pm and 7.15pm. £5 per session.

Contact Jane on 07951 313917. n KMA Dance, ‘Feet & Beat’ Dance Fitness, Centrespace, Market Street, Wells, 9.30am. See KMADance.com or kaye@kmadance.com, 07799 814204.

Every Saturday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Pay and Play badminton for all abilities, teenagers and adults, Wells Blue Sports Centre, 9am10am, £3 per session. n Badzone – Wells Junior Badminton Club for all abilities – ages 7-15. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 10am-11am, £3 per session. n KMA Dance, ‘Feet & Beat’ Dance Fitness, Centrespace, Market Street, Wells, 9.30am. See KMADance.com or kaye@kmadance.com, 07799 814204.

Every Sunday n Wells Zen Group (Dogen Sangha). Zazen, The Drawing Room, Unit 4, 10 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells, 9am (please arrive 8.45am). For more details tel: Paul 01749 670193.

WELLS TOWN HALL DYNAMIC FLOW YOGA Mon and Wed Evenings 6.00 -7.00pm intermediate 7.05- 8.05pm Mixed Ability Saturday 9.00-10.30am Mixed Ability FFI: Paul 07866 265828 First Tuesday of each month n Wells WI, Wells & Mendip Museum. Start 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. n Wells Carers Group, Wells Fire Station Community Room, 10.30am-noon.

First Thursday of each month n Wells Bipolar UK Support Group, East Room, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Confidential, informal, drop-in basis. Open to all individuals affected by bipolar disorder, including family members and friends.

First Sunday of each month n Irish Set Dancing at Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am-1pm, £3. Bring and share lunch 1pm-2pm. Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3. For more details, call 01458 210051.

Second Tuesday of each month n Wells Floral Art Society demonstration, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome. Ffi: Janet 01934 712809.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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n WHAT’S ON PILOGAFIT Pilates Yoga Fitness Fusion for Spine & Core Stability St Thomas Church Hall Wednesdays 5.30 - 6.30pm Drop in - Pay as you go - £5 John Beasley 01749 672482 www.pilogafit.co.uk www.taichi24.co.uk

PILOGAFIT – STANDING Additional exercise class Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 12.45 - 1.45pm Details as above n Wells Circle Dance Group, Wells Methodist Church, Southover, 7pm-8.45pm. £4 per session. No experience or partner needed. Each dance taught. From traditional dances from the Balkans and Greece to choreographed dances to modern music. All welcome. Rowena: 01749 679300, revrowenafrancis@ gmail.com

Second Wednesday of each month n Wells Civic Society meets at Wells & Mendip Museum at 7.30pm for interesting and entertaining talks. Refreshments served and guests welcome. wellscivicsociety.org.uk n Henton WI, Henton Village Hall, 7.30pm. More information from Barbara Sprague (01749 677935).

Visitors most welcome.

Third Monday of each month n Mendip Postcard Club meets for interesting talks, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Guests welcome.

Refreshments provided. More details: Francis 01458 831242.

Third Wednesday of each month n Wells Memory Cafe, Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 2pm-4pm.

Relaxed drop-in for anyone with memory problems and their carer or family. Ffi: Claire 01749 676248 or clairechettoe@gmail.com n Henton and District Gardening Club, Henton Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Full programme on our website: www.hentongardenclub.weebly. com

PRINCES ROAD, WELLS, BA5 1TD

Third Friday of each month n Goldies Sing&Smile in Wells, Elim Connect Centre, Portway, 1.30pm2.30pm. We’re not a choir but we love music. We sing along to popular hits of the Fifties onwards and socialise together. £2 donation requested.

Third Saturday of each month n Focus on Photography Camera Club meeting, Wells Methodist Hall, Southover, 9.30am-11.30am.

Aimed at all abilities from beginners, everyone with an

Advertise your event in our What’s On section with a 5cm x 1 column display advert like this

Just £15 + VAT

Find out more by emailing sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

interest in photography welcome.

More details: Gwen, 07712 206578.

Third Sunday of each month n Gorgons Carnival Club quiz, Britannia Inn, Bath Road, Wells.

Quiz starts at 7.30pm, teams of up to four people, £2 a player. There is also a raffle. More information from Shelly Ford on GorgonsCC@aol. com or 07894 078999.

Last Monday of each month n Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club meets at the Quarter Jack, Wells, for an informal social get-together at 2pm. Coffee etc available.

Last Tuesday of each month n Wells Floral Art Society practice meeting, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome.

Ffi: Janet 01934 712809.

First and third Mondays n ‘Clickety Click’ knitting group, Wells Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 10am-noon.

First, third (and fifth) Wednesdays n Open Mic Night, The Full Moon, Southover, Wells, 8pm.

OPEN 7 DAYS DISABLED ACCESS IN ALL 3 SCREENS A WEEK 01749 673195

wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

UPCOMING EVENT CINEMA KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL

TUE 4TH - 7.30PM & SUN 9TH FEB - 4.30PM

CYRANO DE BERGERAC - NT LIVE THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY - 7PM

FEBRUARY FILM RELEASES

DANCES AT A GATHERING - ROYAL BALLET TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY - 7.15PM

BIRDS OF PREY: AND ONE HARLEY QUINN (TBC) - 7TH FIDELIO - THE ROYAL BALLET VOYAGE OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE (TBC) - 7TH TUE 17TH - 7.15PM & MON 23RD MARCH - 2PM EMMA (TBC) - 14TH GREED (15) - 21ST JONAS KAUFMANN MY VIENNA SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (TBC) - 14TH TUESDAY 24TH MARCH - 7.30PM THE CALL OF THE WILD (TBC) - 21ST ______________________________________________________

SWAN LAKE - THE ROYAL BALLET

WED 1ST - 7.15PM & MON 6TH APRIL - 1PM

MILITARY WIVES (12A) - FROM 6TH MARCH CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA - ROYAL OPERA - BOX OFFICE NOW OPEN TUESDAY 21ST APRIL - 7PM

PLUS MANY MORE, A WORLD OF CINEMA AWAITS! Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

44

February 2020

n SPORT

City close gap with impressive win against league leaders FOOTBALL WELLS City 1sts kept up their promotion push with a 4-0 win against Longwell Green under the floodlights on January 21.

Longwell Green arrived at the Athletic Ground as leaders of the Toolstation Western League Division One. Wells moved to within a point of them with an impressive display that saw them score three times in the first half before adding a fourth two minutes from time.

Harvey Hadrill grabbed the opener following a corner, bundling the ball over the line after a Craig Herrod header from a corner was delivered back across the face of the goal.

The advantage was doubled midway through the opening half when Hadrill was bundled over in the penalty area and Tom Hill stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way with his spot kick.

Hadrill was on the scoresheet again himself on 37 minutes, out-muscling two defenders and then rolling the ball into the net when the Longwell Green goalkeeper lost possession in a challenge.

The visitors improved in the second half, but they rarely threatened Harley Wilkinson in the Wells City goal. The only time they came close was midway through the second half when substitute Samual Crumb had two efforts comfortably saved by Wilkinson, and on the one occasion when he was beaten, the evergreen Mark Randall came to the rescue.

Wells wrapped the game up as a contest on 88 minutes when the impressive Hadrill was brought down in the visitors’ penalty area and substitute Harry Foster, returning from a one-match suspension, sent the keeper the wrong way for his 26th goal of the season.

Man of the match went to Hadrill for his relentless work rate, hunger and desire.

Wells had ended 2019 on a high with a 1-0 Boxing Day victory over Bishop Sutton.

The goal came on 24 minutes when Harry Foster worked some

A Street Reserves player on the ball during the game against Wells Reserves at Wells on January 18, which the visitors won 4-1 space for himself in the box and rifled the ball into the top right corner.

They carried their good form in to 2020, winning the game at home to Sherborne on January 4 by five goals to one.

Craig Herrod opened the scoring on 11 minutes, running on to a ball over the back line from Harvey Hadrill, and with the keeper rushing out to thwart him, brilliantly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net from 20 yards.

Sherborne equalised before the break when a clever reverse pass picked out an unmarked Josh Williams who calmly slotted the ball under Harley Wilkinson.

Herrod restored the lead on 53 minutes, and from then on Wells did not let up, with a goal from Hadrill and two from Foster giving them an emphatic victory.

Wells travelled to Portishead on January 11 and despite plenty of chances, had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Both goals came in the second half, a spectacular overhead kick from Foster after a Herrod shot was parried being cancelled out when the Portishead No 8 poked in from close range.

Foster was sent off five

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

minutes from time for a second yellow after a late clumsy tackle.

Wells put in a professional performance in a 7-1 win on January 18 away at Lebeq – who finished the game with eight players.

Tom Hill gave Wells the lead from the penalty spot when a Lebeq player was shown a straight red card after an overzealous two-footed challenge in the middle of the park.

Alex Camm doubled the lead following a corner, before the Lebeq keeper was also shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area.

Undaunted, the home side hit back with a stunning break down the left wing and a fine cross finding their No 9 who placed the ball into the far corner to make it 2-1 to Wells at the break.

The home side had a third player dismissed 20 minutes into the second half. The No 9 was initially sin binned for dissent but as he made his way off the field he aimed another comment at the referee, who then had no choice but to send him off.

From then on it was all Wells, who scored five more times before the end through Charlie Crook, Herrod, Hadrill and Camm, who scored twice to complete his hat-trick.

A-team run riot in second half FOOTBALL Wells City A 7 Chew Magna Reserves 0 AFTER a prolonged break Wells City A team were back in action on January 4 and hoping to carry on their fine form from the end of 2019.

Wells started the first half strongly and instantly had Chew Magna Reserves on the back foot, and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening minutes with Ryan Pledger and Toby Thompson both being denied by fantastic saves from Chew Magna’s keeper. Wells continued to dominate the rest of the first half but were unable to break the deadlock, creating chance after chance but being repeatedly frustrated by goalline clearances and more brilliant goalkeeping.

With the score still somehow 0-0 at half time the Wells City management team decided to turn to their bench for a solution, bringing on Tyler Cornish and Tom Pledger. This change brought almost instant success.

A dangerous cross from Cornish caused confusion among the Chew Magna defence who failed to clear the ball and Tom Pledger was the quickest to react, poking the ball home from close range.

Ten minutes later Cornish almost grabbed a goal for himself hitting a fierce shot from the edge of the box that the Chew Magna keeper could only parry into the path of Harry Davidson, who doubled City’s lead.

A third goal was added less than a minute later. Tom Pledger put a great cross in to the box which was finished with a cool first-time volley from Davidson.

Davidson soon completed his hat-trick, running on to James Russell’s defence splitting pass and dinking the ball over the onrushing keeper.

Goal number five came from Jordan Bazley, who gave the keeper no chance with his calm finish.

Hard-working Reece Cornish added Wells’ sixth of the game, and substitute Toby Clark stepped up to fire in City’s seventh of the afternoon, and his first goal of the season, from the penalty spot, capping off a faultless second half display from Wells City A team.

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wellsvoice

February 2020

45

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February 2020

n SPORT

Wells 1st XV players and coaches pictured before the game against Minehead Barbarians that Wells won 7-5

Picture: Paul Nicholls

Wells involved in some close encounters RUGBY THE new year started with a minute’s applause for the late Graham Laws, a club stalwart who had passed away just days before Christmas, and then it was down to business against high-flying Minehead Barbarians.

On a very heavy pitch and with the Wells pack in fine form they prevailed by just two points, Will Greenman’s excellent conversion kick from wide out proving the difference.

Next up was Weston-superMare Seconds at the seaside and an excellent display by the home team saw Wells go down by 33 points to 26. At least the

Wells making the running in the win against Old Redcliffians Seconds consolation of two points. One for four tries and another for losing by less than seven points.

Home again for Old Redcliffians Seconds. Bottom of the table and a game where Wells

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