Book captures another slice of history

By Philip Welch

PEOPLE in Wells very rarely create a historic record of their road. Residents of Chamberlain Street have done it twice.

Back in 2012 they created a book to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, photographing residents outside their front doors.

Then in 2022 they produced an updated and enhanced version, pictured right, in memory of the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year, with 46 households taking part compared with 36 in 2012.

The delightful photos of residents were all taken by 87-year-old Ann Cook who lives in the street and is the oldest accredited photographer working at Glastonbury Festival.

She even took aerial photos of the street from a cherry picker which happened to be there clearing house gutters.

Concise and intriguing stories written by the residents themselves are placed next to their photos.

Also in the new book are two pages of pictures of the disastrous fire in 2019 which tore through Robert and Sarah

Powell’s house at No 26.

“While I was walking the dog I received a phone call from a Chamberlain Street neighbour asking if I knew our house was on fire,” said Robert.

The fire brigade took six hours to extinguish the fire and the Powells had to move out for 20 months for the house to be rebuilt.

Ann paid particular tribute to Diana McNulty for organising the new book project.

“While I was taking the photographs Diana would brilliantly hold up traffic, at least twice stopped me being run over by a bus,” said Ann, “and shouting ‘car coming’ because she knows I am deaf, especially when in the throes of artistic endeavour. Then I don’t hear a thing.” n To order a copy of either book email Ann on: anncook819@gmail.com or ann@anncookphotos.co.uk

Nineteen houses or flats have changed hands since 2010 but the 2022 book has built relationships between newcomers and their neighbours, and will be something to show grandchildren.

Launch event at Town Hall

THE new book Chamberlain Street 2022 was launched at a special event in Wells Town Hall on January 13. More than 100 Chamberlain Street residents and invited guests listened to a presentation from Ann Cook, readings of excerpts from the text by Neil Johnson, and were able to look through and buy copies of the book.

Ann said that the 2012 book had become a respected historical document, and that the latest book is another important historical record.

She offered a number of thanks, including to all of the residents who agreed to be photographed on their doorstep. “This is a true community project only made possible with your cooperation,” she said.

She added: “Chamberlain Street has the best collection of front doors in the whole of Wells. Some of them are truly magnificent.”

Busy at festive market

TRADERS who set up stalls for the ‘Christmas in Wells’ festive market in December saw their stock sell out as thousands of people descended on the city for the traditional local shopping bonanza.

The stalls stretched through the Market Place and on to the Bishop’s Palace Green, offering a wide variety of food and drink, crafts and gifts.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Councillor Ros Wyke, and Wells Town Crier Len Sweales cut a ceremonial ribbon beneath the Bishop’s Eye to officially declare the market open.

Wells City Council, The Bishop’s Palace, local community groups and Mendip staff received a special “thank you” for their support, as without them the market would not be possible.

This was the last time Cllr Wyke would open the festivities as Leader of the district council. In a brief speech she said: “In April, a single Somerset Council will open for business. Therefore, as Leader of Mendip District Council, this is the last time I will cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially declare the market open. It’s been an honour and a pleasure to perform.

“The local government landscape is changing, but this ancient city and its 12th century market will endure, and continue to thrive in the new council era, and beyond.”