Towards a Better Balance between Heritage and Growth

try to fulfil these aims, whilst adapting to contemporary life. We do this through our programme of speakers and visits to places of interest to members, as well as working with other organisations in the city who manage the historic buildings, and with local authorities tasked with developing the city for the future – which can stir up strong feelings sometimes.

“However,” she continued, “contributing to residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment of the city, through projects and events, also helps to bring communities together, and sharing knowledge and information about the long and deep history of the city is great fun too.” u Around the Societies, page 42

Society members have recently celebrated their own Platinum Jubilee, been to Shepton Mallet Prison, heard from The Bishop’s Palace Swan Whisperer Moira Anderson and about the archaeology of a Roman villa recently discovered nearby.

Future events include a talk about sustainable housing and a visit to St Cuthbert’s Church. In the autumn, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath & Wells, will be welcomed in the traditional role of President of the Society.

The presentation of this report will be hosted by Wells Civic Society on Wednesday, 8th February, at 7pm at the Wells Museum.

The event is free and open to the public but due to space limitations please book in advance by calling 07884 236242 or by emailing chris.f.winter@btinternet.com

Future evening events are planned for: l 8th March, on sustainable housing l 12th April, a panel of councillors l 10th May, talk and tour at St Cuthbert’s Church l 14th June, the Summer Social

Such anger when I stick to speed limits

I FEEL compelled to write with regards to some people’s disregard to local speed limits.

Around town it is 30mph (except for some roads where it drops to 20mph). I stick to these limits at all times, day or night, weekend or week day. Not because I am a “goody goody”, or because I don’t want to receive a fine and points on my licence, but because these limits have been set for a reason by people who know what they are talking about with regards to road safety and I don’t want to hurt myself or anybody else.

However, some folk believe road speed limits apply to everyone else but them or only apply at certain times of the day. When they come across me they let me know their anger and impatience by either driving very close behind me, flashing their headlights or trying to overtake me at any opportunity (or a combination of all three).

I do not understand why they are so angry at me when all I am doing is obeying the Highway Code. I expect in all other areas of their lives, these same people would never break any laws. It’s just when they get behind the wheel of a car something alters their moral compass.

I annoy so many people on my way to work along the A39. I do 30mph through Coxley, 30mph through Walton and 30mph through Ashcott. I can almost hear their teeth grinding behind me. Sometimes I do pull over to let them pass. But if I let everyone through I would never complete my journey!

I just don’t get it. Why are folk in such a hurry all the time? Why are they so angry at me?

What is the answer? More speed cameras? Driverless cars? I don’t know. But please, I beg my fellow road users, stop trying to bully me off the road. I am going as fast as I am able.

Paul Wallenberg Wells

Please have rethink on bank closure

Copy of a letter sent to HSBC bank and shared with Wells Voice:

Complaint on the proposed closure of Wells branch. I AM a long time resident of Wells and have banked with HSBC since it arrived in Wells and previously with Midland Bank before it. I am writing on behalf of numerous customers of HSBC. We were appalled to hear of your intention to close the branch in June, as were many other residents. I am also concerned about staff at this branch who will have total upheaval and have served us well.

This is an historic and medieval city, the smallest in England, and as such attracts a great number of visitors throughout the whole year, summer and winter; it has an ancient cathedral with a moated drawbridge, a Bishop of Bath & Wells who will be officiating at the King’s Coronation in May of this year; the Bishop has taken this role for many hundreds of years and stands on the left-hand side of the Monarch for the ceremony.

This city has many attractions including a market twice a week, many other specialist markets throughout the year all so well attended as well as concerts and many other functions – all this means in simple terms that the HSBC branch in Wells has a heavy footfall; queues can often be seen forming outside the bank. Local traders are heavily involved with the bank.

This city has many elderly residents some of whom, to my knowledge, are not even on the internet. The thought of doing online banking just fills them with fear as we hear of much “hacking” going on. I have friends who have been “attacked” online and have lost money. I for one will not be doing online banking as it is simply not foolproof – people I know who are computer literate have been “attacked” and lost money.

I ask you please to reconsider this inappropriate decision and let common sense rule. There is clearly a role for this bank in Wells.

I look forward to a favourable reply from yourselves.

Beryl Fricker Wells

Support for singing can change lives

I AM writing to offer businesses a very special opportunity to improve the lives of people living with dementia here within our Wells community. A number of local businesses have already taken the opportunity to become a Somerset Arts Well Community Friend and we do hope that you will join them.

For as little as £200, your company can become a sponsor, and as part of the sponsorship package, we will include your company logo on our advertising material.

Our advertising strategy includes a dedicated social media campaign, articles in the Wells Voice and Wells Nub News and physical posters in and around Wells. In addition, we will also provide a Somerset Arts Well Community Friend window sticker for you to proudly display.

With so many good causes out there to support, I want to leave you with the impact our Singing for the Brain sessions in Seager Hall, Wells, have already had on our community:

“I enjoy Singing for the Brain so much; I really enjoy the company, I’ve made new friends, developed my confidence with singing and playing with the instruments… It’s very therapeutic.” David, a dementia client.

“The people who run this group are just so inspirational and lovely! It’s hugely beneficial for carers to meet others in the same situation and realise you’re not alone. It’s always a joyful, uplifting experience to attend SftB and there’s always a lot of much-needed laughter.” Melissa, wife and unpaid carer of a client.

“I have been privileged to see first-hand the enthusiasm and commitment with which Somerset Arts Well boosts intergenerational cohesion between young and old residents with their inspirational Singing for the Brain sessions.” Councillor Philip Welch, 647th Mayor of Wells and chair of Wells Dementia Action Alliance. Your support and generosity can genuinely change lives. Emma Wheat Somerset Arts Well, Wells