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February 2024 Issue 80
www.wellsvoice.co.uk
Community answers school’s call for help THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised by the local community in a matter of days towards a new social space for students at The Blue School, Wells. More than 20 classrooms at the school have had to be closed after a structural engineer discovered significant cracking in concrete floors in Kennion block. The school has also lost a significant amount of social space, said headteacher Mark Woodlock in a letter he sent to parents and carers on January 19 in which he asked for help with funding a project to build a new sheltered area next to Bailey Hall that students can use at break and lunchtimes. The project will cost in the region of £40,000, and after a donation of £10,000 from Glastonbury Festivals, that left another £30,000 to find. Rachel Sherman launched a fundraiser that evening on JustGiving and the response has
Crowds pack Cathedral for Community Day before Lantern Parade lights up city – pages 6&7
Continued on page 9
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Help requested as pavements survey expands THE survey of pavements in Wells to see whether or not they meet the needs of less able users is being extended to the outer areas of the city. Wells resident Theo van Hensbergen and his neighbours Bob Payne and Brian Clarke, who uses a wheelchair, compiled a report on pavement issues in the central part of the city, identifying many problems with pavement surfaces and network design, and launching the Proper Pavements for Wells campaign to demand improvements. Somerset Council has responsibility for pavements, and the report was handed over to Somerset Council councillors at a public rally outside Wells Town Hall on December 21. Theo gave a presentation on the report the same evening at a meeting of Wells City Council. Now he would like to hear from people who might use mobility aids or have restricted vision who can contribute to a survey of areas outside the city centre. “We want to concentrate on the really glaring errors and Continued on page 13
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
n NEWS
Brit accepted as Asset of Community Value
THE Britannia Inn has been listed as an Asset of Community Value. Wells City Council had nominated the pub on Bath Road, Wells, for Asset of Community Value status after local residents made clear their wish to save it as a pub when it was put up for sale. It has been empty for more than two years and is being marketed by the Caldecotte Group with a guide price of £350,000. Somerset Council says that following its assessment, it has accepted that the pub is of community value and details of the property have been entered on to the register of Assets of Community Value, and it has notified the Land Registry. The community now has an opportunity to put together a bid to buy the pub, known affectionately as The Brit. A small group of local residents have volunteered to be part of a
Councillor Theo Butt Philip is heading the project to save The Britannia Inn steering group investigating how this can be achieved. Councillor Theo Butt Philip, a
city and county councillor who is spearheading the project and is a member of the steering group,
said: “This is fantastic news. I’m delighted but not surprised. This demonstrates what we all knew – what an important community asset The Britannia was and hopefully will be again. “To some extent this was the easy part. Now we need to rally together to make sure we can raise the money to buy the pub for the community.” The steering group has recently conducted a consultation about the pub that aimed to see how important people feel it is to have a pub in East Wells, what they would like the pub to offer if it does reopen, and who might be willing to help with the community project. Responses from the consultation questionnaires – which were printed in last month’s Wells Voice and available to answer online – will be collated before a public meeting is held to share the outcome and discuss next steps.
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wellsvoice
February 2024
3
n NEWS
Dresses dazzle at Mayor’s catwalk show A DAZZLING display of dresses had an audience of 180 clapping and cheering all evening at Wells Town Hall on January 13. Thirty-eight models aged from 13 to 81 showed off 60 wedding dresses that have been turned into stunning ballgowns at the Tanys’ Transformations – The Mayor’s New Clothes preview catwalk show. Hundreds of people are involved in Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin’s special charity project that is raising funds for Heads Up, that supports people with mental health needs, and Whizz Kids, that supports young wheelchair users. Many of the dresses were showcased at the Town Hall event, which Tanys described as a kaleidoscope of colour. She said: “I’m overwhelmed with the support from the local community to put this amazing show on. There were models, there were hairdressers.
Tanys Pullin surrounded by models at the catwalk show, and dresses being showcased, above and below left Georgie Robbins made the most incredible canapes. Brothers sponsored the welcome drinks. Montigo Resorts at Charlton House have sponsored one of the dresses, and we have had several other people and companies sponsor the dresses. “A big shout-out to the fabulous individuals who created breathtaking masterpieces. “The most wonderful thing about it is that it has brought Wells together.” The dresses are going on display at various locations in the area, before another catwalk show in Wells Cathedral on August 10, and then the dresses will eventually be auctioned off. Tanys has already raised thousands of pounds for her two nominated charities, and a raffle
at the event on January 13 added more than £800 to the total. Other fundraiser planned include a Valentine’s quiz night
at Wells Town Hall on February 9, and a gala dinner at Montigo Resorts at Charlton House on April 13.
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wellsvoice n NEWS
wellsvoice
February 2024
www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157 Advertising sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 01749 675157 Editorial news@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network
LOC AL INFORMATION
MARCH DEADLINE
Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999
To ensure your news or letter is included in the March issue please contact us by February 14.
YOUR VIE WS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters.
COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.
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Trevor Rogers (Prostate Cancer UK), Mike Curtis (Past Master of the Lodge) and John Law (Lodge Charity Steward) at the cheque presentation
£3,000 donation to cancer charity WELLS Freemasons have donated thousands of pounds to the prostate cancer research, awareness and support charity Prostate Cancer UK. Freemasonry in Wells can be traced as far back as 1785 and Benevolent Lodge, which meets in the city today, was founded in 1837. At a recent meeting of the Lodge, Mike Curtis presented Trevor Rogers of Prostate Cancer UK with a cheque for £3,000. Of that total, £2,500 was raised through a number of social events which took place during Mike’s year as Master of the Lodge and this was topped
up to £3,000 by the Somerset Freemasons charity. Mike said: “We would like the funds to be donated in memory of Chris Shrapnel, a well-loved member of the Lodge for 50 years who died last year of this terrible disease.” Trevor said: “I thank the Freemasons of Wells for this wonderful donation which is much appreciated. It will fund research to help us further understand and treat this disease which affects around one man in eight during their lifetime.” For more information on the Somerset Freemasons visit: www.somersetfreemasons.org
Rec food and drink opportunity WELLS City Council is looking for a local business that can provide food and drink sales at Wells Recreation Ground. It is inviting applications for the award of a year-long contract for a mobile refreshments unit at the Silver Street site, with the possibility of extending the contract for a further two years. It points out that there is direct access to public toilets,
mobile signal (for card payments / contactless) and electricity, and that pedestrian access is available at all times. The council trialled a refreshment kiosk last year to provide coffees, ice cream and hot and cold food to visitors. More information and a tender application form are available on the council website at www.wells.gov.uk
Network Breakfast at Blossom’s WELLS Chamber of Commerce is organising a Network Breakfast that is open to anyone in the local business community, whether they are a member of the Chamber or not. Coffee and croissants will be on offer in the first-floor room at Blossom’s of Wells, 25 Broad Street, on Wednesday, February 7, at 9am.
The guest speaker will be Councillor Tessa Munt, a Somerset Council councillor for Wells, who will be providing an update on the financial situation at Somerset Council. The event is free to attend for Chamber members, or is £5 for non-members (pay on the door, or email wellscofc@gmail.com).
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
February 2024
5
n NEWS
Special night of music for good causes
A SPECIAL concert in Wells Town Hall on January 20 raised more than £3,000 for cancer charities. The Kevin Westwood Concert in honour of former Town Hall Manager Kevin Westwood – who worked for the city council for 34 years until having to retire after being diagnosed with cancer – was a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. Topping the bill was popular local singer Tim Pitman, supported by covers band Junk Male. Music promoter Merv Colenutt, one of the event organisers, said: “Tim Pitman and I have worked together on music shows for over 20 years and on numerous occasions we have put together shows for charity, but for both of us supporting Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support in support of Kevin Westwood was very special.
Singer Tim Pitman “The whole evening proved to be a huge success which drew a full house and for Kevin, who has not only become a firm friend to both of us along with Philip Welch as well, we wanted this to be one special night for a man who has given so much to the city of Wells, but who was forced to retire through ill health recently. “We wanted this to be a very
special evening for everyone who attended and we also wanted to ensure everyone enjoyed a night of music, with music for everyone, ranging from the Sixties to the classical sounds of Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. “Tim had been bed-ridden with flu for four days, but you can never keep a good man down, he was always going to be there despite struggling to reach the very highest of notes. “Junk Male provided the sounds of the Sixties and Seventies and had so many enjoying the evening as they danced the night away. “But the best was kept to last as Tim performed a real tearjerker of a finale with Olha who was making her first appearance in England having come to this country with her family from war-torn Ukraine. “Dressed in a beautiful costume which was given to Olha
by Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin, this was as good as anything seen in the West End as Olha duetted with Tim on Time to Say Goodbye and there was not a dry eye in the Town Hall, including Kevin. This was the perfect sendoff to a man who remains so positive about the future and has given 34 years of his life to the people of Wells.” The final amount raised was £3,040 to be split between the two charities. Kevin said: “I would like to personally thank everybody that so generously attended and supported the event, and a special thank you to Merv Colenutt, Tim Pitman, Philip Welch, John Jefferies and Junk Male and the wonderful Olha for all their performances on the night and organisation behind the scenes. Finally, big thanks to Cherie, Claire, Katherine, Sandy and Sue for running the bar and raffle etc for me.”
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
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1. Claire Axten on the Wells Tuesday WI stall; 2. Vicki and James Packer from Portway Music School; 3. Vicky Flicker and Annie Fudge on the Wells Tennis Club stall; 4. The general scene inside Wells Cathedral; 5. Members of Wells City Band; 6. The Wells City Practice stall with Sue Bingham, left, and Jess Smith, right, and Dr Ruth Donlevy in the parrot costume urging people to get in touch with their surgery to be checked rather than be sick as a parrot; 7. The Wells Health Centre stall; 8. Hilary Waters and Clare Blackmore of the Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery; 9. A performance by the PRP Community Choir; 10. PCSO Samuel White and PCSO Donna President of the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team; 11. Tanya Jones on the Globe Carnival Club stall; 12. A game in progress on the Wells Chess Club stall.
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wellsvoice n COMMUNITY DAY / LANTERN PARADE
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February 2024
‘Amazing’ event a display of how much goes on in Wells
THE Community Day in Wells Cathedral on January 20 attracted thousands of people keen to see what Wells has to offer and to watch the live performances throughout the day. More than 70 organisations had a stall at the event to promote their activities and recruit new members. Emma Lefevre of Wells Community Network and Project Factory, organisers of the Community Day and the Lantern Parade the same evening, said: “It was an amazing day, I think it was really successful and very well attended “Community Day is a terrific opportunity for such a range of organisations and groups to showcase and share what they do. I love to hear all the comments of surprise and
appreciation about just how much goes on. Quite apart from raising awareness of many of the things that happen in Wells, it is a real opportunity for community groups to network and discuss collaborations.” Emma Wheat from the PRP Community Choir, which had a stall and performed at the event, said: “There was such vibrancy and energy to the day and the time just whizzed. It was so lovely to engage with people face to face.” In the evening, the fourth Lantern Parade organised by Project Factory lit up Wells in a cavalcade of colour – led by the Bristol Ambling Band – that made its way from the Cathedral to The Bishop’s Palace, and ended in the Market Place. Emma said: “The Lantern Parade was a lot of fun too and
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really beautiful. We are very grateful to the Dean and Chapter for allowing us to start the parade in the Cathedral, and for the support of Bishop Michael and his family, there can’t be many more beautiful places in the world for an event like this. “We ran two weekends of workshops that Helene Buttifant tutored and she led the parade with an absolutely terrific dragon. “I love this event because it so great to see the incredible creativity that’s possible from a bit of willow and tissue paper, and a diverse community coming together, at least five Ukrainian families took part, and families who are new to Wells, grandparents, parents, U3A. “I’m looking forward to next year already… and we were so lucky with the weather.”
Lanterns seen in Wells Cathedral before the parade set off
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
n NEWS
TV viewers hear about Post Office ordeal FORMER Wells subpostmistress Gail Ward has relived the ordeal she suffered after being falsely accused of stealing from the Post Office. Hundreds of Post Office workers were wrongly convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting when the Post Office’s flawed Horizon computer system showed apparent shortfalls in sub-postmasters’ accounts, in what has been called the most widespread miscarriage of justice in the UK. The scandal has gained more prominence recently with the screening of the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which has led to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing that legislation will be introduced to clear and compensate all the convicted sub-postmasters. Gail ran the post office in Priory Road but in 2005, faulty software on Horizon meant she had shortfalls every week,
Gail Ward reported Points West. Talking on camera for the first time, Gail said: “It was very stressful. You had to press that button to say that you accepted the figures knowing they were wrong.” She put in thousands of pounds of her own money to balance the books, but following
a visit by auditors in 2007, the post office was shut down. She said that she had been relieved when the auditors arrived, thinking that they would help to correct the errors, but instead, she said, “once they walked in the door I was guilty”. She said they asked her: “Where’s the money, what have you done with the money? Where is it? What have you bought? I just replied ‘Nothing, I haven’t done anything’.” She was told that the Post Office would drop the charge of theft if she pleaded guilty to false accounting. Then just before her court appearance, she said, her solicitor contacted her and advised her to pack a bag with some personal items in it “just in case you’re not coming home”. Saying goodbye to her 13-year-old son on the day of the hearing was “horrendous”, said Gail. “He went to school that morning not knowing if both his
parents would be there when he came home.” She was spared prison but was sentenced to 150 hours of community service. Her reputation was ruined. “I was avoided in the street. People would cross over, or if they were coming towards you, there might be two or three of them, you could see them whispering and pointing,” she said. She filed for bankruptcy, and told told reporter Fiona Lamdin: “We went to Cheddar car boot every Sunday and sold our personal belongings, and whatever we made that Sunday that was what fed us for the rest of the week.” Gail’s criminal conviction was overturned in 2021. She said: “I wouldn’t have got through it without my family. I was so lucky compared to some. I’ve still got a wonderful husband, and I’m still fighting. But I’m not on my own because there’s a lot of us.”
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wellsvoice
February 2024
9
n NEWS
Community raises thousands for school From page 1 been staggering, with donations pouring in from hundreds of individuals and businesses, meaning that the target was reached in just four days – and the total continues to grow. “We are truly grateful for the heartfelt actions of the community who have really pulled together to make this happen. The enthusiasm for the project is enormous,” said Rachel, who is an admin with two friends for the Wells Community Noticeboard Facebook group, which has 22,000 members, and whose children have both attended The Blue School. “Wells as a community and the businesses and people donating from surrounding areas have really shown The Blue School just how much it is valued,” she said. “Thank you everyone, so much.” Mark Woodlock said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received from our local community. Our parents and the wider community have been amazing since we first reported the problems in our Kennion building just after Christmas. The messages of support and offers of help have sustained us through these difficult weeks. “The issues with our buildings will take time to resolve and are severely compromising our available accommodation in school. In addition to the strain on classrooms, our social spaces have been affected. Plans to create an additional outdoor space were already in place, but we found ourselves unable to finance this from school funds which have to be diverted for the building works. “We are thankful to the Glastonbury Festivals team for a very generous donation, following which a JustGiving page set up by a parent has
Headteacher Mark Woodlock, second left, discusses the situation at the Blue School with Baroness Barran and Wells MP James Heappey, right elicited support from hundreds of members of our community – current parents, former parents, former students, grandparents, staff, governors, former staff, local businesses – all with amazing messages of support as well as very generous donations. This will enable us to move forward with our plans and give our students some much-needed additional social space. We are extremely grateful to all.” An installation company is ready to carry out the necessary work during February half-term, but the funding needed to be in place first. Donations can still be made, which the school will use for the benefit of students. The link for the JustGiving page is: https://www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/bluesch ooloutdoorsocialspace?fbclid =IwAR13TG76naeKZzdIK5B b7LK9THFza9_Idtrj3xRrX7xAXNRh6pNJdRfntE A few days before the funding letter was sent out, the school was visited by Baroness Barran, the Department for Education Minister with responsibility for school and college buildings, and Wells MP James Heappey, along with officials from the Department for Education involved in the provision of
Meetings to offer eating support ANYONE for whom eating is a problem is welcome at meetings of Overeaters Anonymous. The group is a 12 Step Fellowship – not a diet club – which meets in
undertake some online lessons at home. Mr Woodlock and the Chair of the school’s governors, Jonathan Brown, took the Minister and Mr Heappey around the affected buildings and showed them the potential sites for temporary accommodation. Following the visit, Mr Heappey said: “I am grateful to the Minister for taking the time to come to Wells and see the issues the school is facing. “Parents, teachers, and the Government all share a desire to minimise the amount of time students spend away from school which is why the school’s leadership team and officials from the Department for Education are working at such pace to deliver temporary accommodation. “I will continue to join the weekly update meetings to support the school in accessing whatever resources they need.”
the Portway Annexe, Wells, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm8pm. More information from oagb.org or from local contacts: 07989 474570 or 07498 119862.
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temporary accommodation. The school is planning for temporary classrooms on site should they prove necessary after additional structural investigations into Kennion are completed, with some year groups currently having to
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wellsvoice
10
February 2024
n NEWS
Top, some of the award winners with Charlie Taylor, Bishop Michael and Mayor Tanys Pullin; and above, Maurice Day and Dawn Payne receive their Mayoral Awards
Awards handed out at joyful celebration THE winners of Civic Awards for service to the community received their awards at an uplifting ceremony in Wells Town Hall on January 12. More than 80 people were seated at tables in the Ballroom to hear stories of kindness, selflessness and long and valuable service. BBC Radio Somerset presenter Charlie Taylor gave
a speech in which he talked about growing up in Wells and attending Wells Blue School, and being given a radio at the age of 11 which set him on the road to his future career. He emphasised the value of volunteering; he began by volunteering at local radio station GFM in Glastonbury, and said: “Through volunteering you get to understand who you really are.”
Awards were then handed out by councillors, sponsors and Bishop Michael, the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Wells City Council had invited nominations from the public for the individuals, groups and businesses that deserved recognition for making a difference in the local area. Those receiving awards were: Young Person of the Year: Archie Sanguinetti; Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Reuben Ashton; Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Thomas Palacio; Business of the Year: Wells Voice; Environmental Champion of the Year: Maddy Milnes; Community Organisation of the Year: Wells Community Network; Volunteer of the Year: Emma Lefevre; Citizen of the Year: Philip Welch; Extra Mile Award: Kevin Westwood. Nick Marshman received a Special Award for his 34 years of work for the city council, and Maurice Day and Dawn Payne each received a Mayoral Award. Maurice has just stepped back from direct involvement with Wells City Carnival after 53 years, and Mayor Tanys Pullin said: “The work he has put into carnivals is beyond belief so we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.” Dawn has given ten years of service to Wells Twinning Association. The Mayor said that she had accompanied Dawn on a twinning trip to Germany where she is loved and was treated like royalty, and said: “She is incredible.” Guests enjoyed a ploughman’s supper following the presentation of the awards. Music was provided by James Packer and Alice Laing.
Awards being presented to some of the winners, from top: Kevin Westwood (by Mayor Tanys Pullin); Philip Welch (by Bishop Michael); Andy Vallis of Wells Voice (by Councillor Gordon Folkard); and Thomas Palacio (by Rob Bevan of Protec)
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wellsvoice
February 2024
11
n NEWS
Pair set out their vision for Palace Farm IF Palace Farm is to be developed then there are local views on what that development should look like. Wells Voice revealed last month that land-owners the Church Commissioners have been consulting with local stakeholders, principally Wells City Council, about a potential housing development on part of the Palace Farm site. The possibility of a housing scheme on this land has been talked about before. Anticipating this current scheme, two local residents, Christopher Jones and Chris Charles, both members of Wells Civic Society, commissioned work from BD Landscape Architects and John Pardy Architects with the intention of helping the city council to give a considered response. In the briefing they prepared for Wells City councillors, based on the advice they received, they wrote “it is a hugely sensitive site, but it also presents a great opportunity to boost the development of Wells”. The key issues they say they identified are that the Church Commissioners have the right to develop the site, once they have planning permission, and that it is highly likely that they will get outline planning permission should this land be identified in the next edition of the Local Plan – to be produced by Somerset Council – as suitable for development. Land-owners such as the Church Commissioners rarely undertake development themselves, they write, often
The entrance to Palace Farm from Silver Street choosing to sell the land they own to a commercial developer, once they have obtained Outline Planning Consent. They continue: “The only effective defence against unwelcome or inappropriate development once a sale of this nature goes ahead is if Outline Planning Consent is accompanied by policies and design codes specific to the site, that restricts the freedom of a developer to pursue profit ahead of the considerations set out in the policies.” The paper they presented to Wells City Council acknowledged “It is likely that a lot of Wells residents will object to any development of Palace Farm”. They go on to say that since development of this land is likely to be some years away, the focus for any local action should be to ensure the site yields benefits to the local community, as well as new housing that fits with the style of older adjacent streets. Their paper was “designed to set out those benefits, as a guide
to local residents so that our response to any plan is reasoned and proportionate – and not just ‘Not in My Back Yard’”. Their hope is that the Church Commissioners will take note of the points they have raised, and be willing to adjust their scheme so as to win the support of local residents. In the event that the Church Commissioners do not work with local interests, they say, the people of Wells will have to insist on a ‘Design Policy’ for the site, that would need to be adopted by Somerset Council. The pair say that much of the Palace Farm area is in a flood zone, and that there are just five acres outside this that could be used for housing development. They say that the advice they received suggests that at least 110 housing units could be built in this area, and the optimum configuration of any housing development would be to follow the pattern of adjacent streets of terraced homes with ‘hollow centres’. They add that the
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greater the extent that the Palace Farm development meets local housing needs, whether market or affordable, the greater the local support is likely to be. In their paper to Wells City Council they set out to identify the possible gains from development of the flood zone area. These include a new public park, and increased parking provision close to the city centre with long-stay provision. As well as relieving pressure on parking in the centre of Wells, they point out, the additional parking could enable a transformation of Silver Street, turning it from an informal parking zone into an extension to the Moat Walk by the opening up of Keward Brook. In conclusion, they say: “Wells cannot afford to have an insensitive development on the Palace Farm site. Major industries have closed and the city’s economy relies on tourismrelated income generation. In order to maximise tourism and retail revenue, the whole-city experience needs be enhanced as much as possible. A welldesigned and well-executed development scheme on the Palace Farm site will improve the visitor experience, with benefits for all involved – the Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, the Museum, publicans, retailers, restaurateurs and cafe owners. Certainly, an excellent scheme on this site would show what can be done on sensitive sites of this nature, providing a template for developments close to important historical sites.”
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
n NEWS
to help Special year for Wells art gallery Singing with breathing THE A2 Gallery will be celebrating ten years in Wells High Street this year. Owners Simon Schachter and Beata Bartkevicha are planning a series of exhibitions in 2024 which will continue to showcase the work of local and UK-based artists. “We continue to have one of the largest varieties of artists, makers and artworks available in the South West displayed over two floors,” said Simon. As part of the exhibitions and events schedule, A2 Gallery will be introducing a dedicated area within the gallery to highlight the work of one particular artist. The ‘featured artist’, who will exhibit an extended collection of their work for six to eight weeks, will either be drawn from A2’s portfolio of regular artists or will be an invited guest artist who may be an emerging talent or an established professional. The first featured artist will be well-known local artist David
The interior of the A2 Gallery; below, one of the new David Parfitt works Parfitt RI, who is the honorary treasurer of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour. The gallery will be showcasing his new work from February 7. Simon said that there have been a number of customers visiting who have confused A2 Gallery with The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen who have just closed their shop in Wells. A2 Gallery is still open six days a week at 80 High Street, Wells.
A NEW initiative called Sing2breathe, run by Kate Lynch, is coming to Wells. Kate is well known in the area for running choirs but she has recently trained and is qualified to deliver singing for lung health sessions. She is holding a ‘Taster Session’ at Wells Health Centre on Thursday, February 29, between 2.15pm and 3.30pm. This is a social group activity where techniques for breathing control and better posture are taught through singing. The session is supported by Asthma and Lung UK. There are limited places. To book a place, email vocalkate@ gmail.com or call 07595 745884. The cost is £3, or what people can afford to pay. Respiratory nurse Paula Messenger will also be attending and can give anyone advice and support regarding their lung health.
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wellsvoice
February 2024
13
n NEWS
Pavements survey extended across city From page 1 we will find a way of presenting those to Somerset Council once the survey of outlying areas is completed. The focus will be on trying to fix the major difficulties that stop people getting into town,” said Theo. “All interested parties should contact me via wellspavements@gmail.com.” The BBC Points West cameras filmed the rally on December 21 for a report on the news bulletin that evening. At the rally, Theo said: “Very few people seem to understand that, for users of mobility aids, the pavements are an essential travel network, just as roads are a network for cars.” He said that the challenge for Somerset Council is that they now have to remedy the situation because the evidence suggests they are in breach of three Acts of Parliament: the Highways Act and Road Traffic Act, and the Equalities Act. Councillor Mike Rigby, the then Lead Member for Transport & Digital at Somerset Council, was at the rally and told Points West: “What we’ll be doing is going through this report looking for quick wins, seeing what we
Dozens of people attended the rally can deliver in a really short timescale and then prioritising the rest of the work.” Councillor Tessa Munt, a Somerset Council councillor for Wells, was also at the rally. She told Wells Voice: “I was so pleased to attend December’s rally in Wells with Mike Rigby and Richard Wilkins, and meet Rob, Brian, Theo and the campaigners and their supporters to receive the report. In my view, this report highlights the number of people who need better access to our city, its shops, services, facilities and businesses. “Over the last month, I’ve
A BBC Points West cameraman films as Theo van Hensbergen addresses the rally outside Wells Town Hall on December 21 worked with Somerset Council officers and they confirm that in the city itself, 1,400 residents have been issued with Blue Badges in the last three years. There are many other Blue Badge holders in nearby villages who come to Wells regularly, along with visitors from elsewhere. The report shows that it is not just the less mobile who are affected by poor accessibility, but many others, including those with pushchairs, prams and young children. To me, this signals an urgent need to consider carefully how we provide better and safer access for everyone in and around our city. “On a personal note, it infuriates me that delivery drivers park on our pavements every day – rather than in the loading bays – breaking paving slabs, causing them to become uneven and rock, the source of many tripping accidents for pedestrians. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues at Somerset Council and with the city council to see what we can do to improve matters.” Councillor Richard Wilkins, the new Lead Member for Transport & Digital, said: “We’re very impressed and grateful for the work carried out in putting together this comprehensive report and are keen to work with the community and Wells City Council to identify areas of concern. “Our team does carry out regular inspections across our network, including pavements in towns and villages, but with 4,172 miles of roads to cover the team has to prioritise, and order maintenance works based on
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need and relative risk. “However, there may be scope to work in partnership with Wells City Council and the community to identify and action some works more quickly when an approach can be agreed.” Brian Clarke has welcomed the reaction that the report has received from Somerset
councillors. He said: “I was pleased to receive a positive response from Somerset councillors that they will look to action the worst of the pavement network problems soon. It will make a huge difference to me and many other disabled people in Wells.” He said he senses that Somerset Council is starting to get a grasp of both the scale and impact of the challenges disabled people face in Wells, and he hopes that it can work with Wells City Council to find solutions. Steve Luck, Wells City Council’s Town Clerk, said: “The city council were grateful to receive the presentation on the report. Somerset Council have the statutory duty for highways / pavements but the city council have agreed to help where we can, for example doing minor repairs. Wells City Council agree investment is needed to improve the pavements in Wells.”
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February 2024
n NEWS
New Dean thrilled at his appointment THE King has approved the appointment of the Reverend Canon Toby Wright, Team Rector of Witney and Honorary Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, to be appointed as Dean of Wells, in succession to the Very Reverend Dr John Davies. He will be coming to the Diocese of Bath and Wells from the Diocese of Oxford, where he is currently Team Rector for the Benefice of Witney. From 2020-23 he was seconded to the Dorchester Episcopal Area team and during part of this secondment served as Acting Associate Archdeacon. The Rev Toby Wright said: “I am thrilled, and humbled, to have been invited to come and serve among such a wonderful group of people at Wells Cathedral in this amazing place of prayer which was built to the glory of God. “The Cathedral has an important role in supporting
New Dean the Rev Toby Wright, centre, with Bishop Michael and Acting Dean, the Venerable Anne Gell the mission and ministry of the bishop and of the whole diocese as we live and tell the story of Jesus. I am looking forward to listening with you, as we discern God’s call for the future, build a culture of hope and discover
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afresh God’s joy in our lives. As we offer hospitality to all in the name of Jesus Christ, I hope to continue to foster a sense for everyone who comes into contact with the Cathedral that they belong and they matter. “I am profoundly grateful for the colleagues and friends in Oxford Diocese with whom I have journeyed, and I look forward to getting to know the people of the Cathedral and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. My family has strong roots in the area and we are looking forward to enjoying Somerset in the years to come.” The Rt Rev Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, welcomed the announcement, saying: “The last year has seen the whole Cathedral community – chapter, staff, volunteers and congregation – working together brilliantly to enable Wells Cathedral to step out onto the next stage of its journey of faith. Toby’s appointment will enable us all to take that work forward. The many gifts Toby brings will add wonderfully to all that is already happening through the contributions of so many different people. His arrival will mark a new page in our life together. I’m looking forward with anticipation and excitement towards all that the future will bring.” Toby spent the day of the announcement in Wells, where he was shown around the Cathedral and met with volunteers and staff, visited Wells Cathedral School, and
attended Evensong at the Cathedral. The Acting Dean of Wells, the Venerable Anne Gell, said: “On behalf of the Cathedral Chapter we are delighted that Toby has accepted the invitation to serve here as Dean. “This is a wonderful Cathedral to be part of with an historic past and an exciting future. I’m sure I speak for the whole community, here in Wells and across the county and diocese, in welcoming this announcement and looking forward to Toby’s arrival.” Toby was educated at New College, Oxford, and trained for ministry at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. He served his title at St Peter with St Mary, Petersfield, in the Diocese of Portsmouth, and in 2002 he was ordained priest. From 2004, Toby served as Priest in Charge at St John Chrysostom with St Andrew,
Toby Wright meets Wells Cathedral volunteers Peckham, in the Diocese of Southwark, and in 2006 he was appointed Vicar, also serving as Area Dean of Camberwell. In 2009, Toby took up his current role as Team Rector for the Benefice of Witney, and served as Area Dean of Witney from 2013 to 2019. In addition, Toby is Warden of the Sisters of the Community of Saint Mary the Virgin, Wantage. Toby is married to Sally, who is also ordained. They have two children, Caspar, aged 15, and Felicity, aged 12. They also have a small Welsh Cockapoo, Libby. Toby has spent a number of years studying Bowen’s Family Systems Theory through the Bowen Centre in Washington DC; he loves music and enjoys cooking, reading, walking and supporting the England rugby team (from the sofa).
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
February 2024
15
n NEWS Swimming feat Children ask for raises £1,100 new equipment A WELLS schoolboy raised more than £1,000 for charity by taking part in a swimming challenge. Samuel Summers swam 22 miles – equivalent to swimming across the English Channel – in just over ten weeks to raise money for Aspire, which provides help to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury. He completed the challenge a week before his tenth birthday, raising £1,160 – twice as much as his target amount. Samuel, a pupil at Stoberry Park Primary School, is a member of Wells Swim Club and a regular swimmer at the Wells Sport & Fitness pool.
Full buses on heritage service
STOBERRY Park Primary School in Wells has recently started an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, which gives children access to exciting, creative outdoor play all year round. At a recent OPAL assembly, the children came up with their wish list for some new equipment. They requested: n Clean tarpaulins n Suitcases n Milk/vegetable crates n Sleeping bags n Wooden planks n Old remote controls/ keyboards n Traffic cones n Clean pipes and guttering n Crutches If anyone can provide any of the above, they are asked to contact the school office on office@stoberrypark.co.uk or 01749 672516.
THE free New Year’s Day heritage bus service on the 376 route from Wells to Street and Bristol was a big success. Bus enthusiasts who preserve the old vehicles provided the service for the public as there were no First Bus buses running on that day. They reported that many of the buses were full, and because they had extra buses available, they were able to operate additional services to Cheddar village and Shepton Mallet, as well as circular trips through Dulcote.
Many more bus journeys made MORE than six million more journeys were made by bus passengers in the West of England in 2023 compared to the year before, according to new figures from the region’s largest bus operator. First West of England, which manages services in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Wells and surrounding towns and villages, says almost 53 million passengers travelled in 2023 compared to just over 46 million in 2022. Its figures also show improvements in bus punctuality and a reduction in the number of journeys cancelled or cut short.
VACANCY:
RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER (RFO) ST CUTHBERT (OUT) PARISH COUNCIL A dynamic and responsible opportunity has arisen to join a busy and forward-looking parish council. The role involves responsibility for the parish council’s finances and positive experience in financial practice, action and monitoring and scrutiny.
Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list, for services to music and charity. The 88-year-old dairy farmer hosted the first music event at Worthy Farm in 1970.
Running festival THE Wells Festival of Running returns to its traditional May slot this year. The festival will take place on Sunday, May 26, with a 10km and 5km road race, as well as a shorter run for 8- to 12-yearolds. The races start in Market Place and finish alongside The Bishop’s Palace moat. Runners can enter at entrycentral.com/wfr
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Financial acumen, skills and experience are essential. Administrative, IT and relationship-building skills are also critical. Genuine consideration of the parish residents, parish council working and the meticulous use of parish precept funds is required from an experienced and careful candidate. The role is for up to 23 hours a week, mostly working from home. Pay Scale is LC2 Scale Point 24-28 (£33,024 - £36,648 per annum, pro rata) Full details available by visiting: www.stcuthbertout-pc.gov.uk/vacancies Further details: Cllr Gill Pettitt on 01749 938104 Closing date: Friday 9th February 2024 Apply to: recruitment.stcuthbertoutpc@gmail.com
16 WELLS VETS CASE FILES
wellsvoice n NEWS
February 2024
Canine lumps and bumps Forthcoming events at library LUMPS and bumps can come in all shapes and sizes on dogs, and some can be more worrying than others, but all should be checked out during an examination in a vet consultation. Often, they will be nothing to worry about and can be benign such as warts or fatty lumps (lipomas) but sometimes they can be more untoward, as was the case with Puri the Weimaraner. Puri is relatively young at six years old, and is still incredibly bright and active, with all the energy of a puppy. The Weimaraner breed can be prone to skin lumps, particularly one called a mast cell tumour, so Puri’s owner was concerned with the sudden appearance of three lumps over his back legs and promptly made a vet appointment. Mast cells are present in large numbers in the skin of dogs, and occasionally things can go wrong biologically, such that mast cell tumours develop – therefore they are a common and important malignancy. This means they are not benign, and shouldn’t be left, as they can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways, ultimately causing cancerous spread (metastasis). However, they are variable in their grade – low grade tumours can be dealt with quite simply, but highgrade tumours are of a lot more concern. Puri’s lumps were sampled with a needle during the consultation and the resulting microscope slides sent to the lab for analysis. Sure enough, mast cell tumours were diagnosed. Normally with tumours that
Puri’s owner was concerned with the sudden appearance of lumps on his back legs
aren’t benign, the action taken is surgical to be curative. Surgery can of course come with its drawbacks – a general anaesthetic, large wounds with stitches, and post-op restrictions. Particularly the last factor was a worry with Puri, as with such a bouncy, active dog having lots of stitches on his back legs, there was a concern there would be complications with his surgical recovery and he would be unable to be rested adequately. However, there was another option available. A relatively recent injection, called Stelfonta, had become available as a treatment therapy. The injection is administered into each lump, and over the course of a few days, the cancerous mast cells within the tumour should die off. This results in the lump falling off – this leaves a wound that is left to heal naturally. This choice seemed most appropriate in Puri’s case, so he was booked in for sedation to have the lumps injected with this therapy. Over the next few days, the injection worked its course and went to plan, as sure enough the lumps turned black and fell off. This process can be a little painful so pain relief along with a few other tablet medications were given during this treatment week. Fairly large wounds remained, but Puri was unfazed by them, and they healed quickly, even despite his active lifestyle. A month on, and all that is left on Puri’s legs are three small scars, and he is now pleasingly clear of lumps after a relatively stressfree procedure! Greg Elliot-Moustache
Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD
Tel: 01749 678420
ACTIVITIES at Wells Library in February will include: n Switch Club: The popular Nintendo Switch Club will take place on Saturday, February 3, and Saturday, February 17, at 10.30am. For children aged 7 and up. Free of charge – booking essential – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk n Ancestry Group: The library is running an ancestry group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm. Email wlslib@somerset. gov.uk to find out more or book a place. The next session is on Tuesday, February 6.
n IT Help Sessions: Need help with a new device? Book a onehour session with the volunteer on Wednesdays at 10.30am or 11.30am or Thursdays at 10.30am or 11.30am. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk for more information or to book a place. n Lego Club: For ages 5 and up. Free entry. Saturday, February 24, at 10.30am. Book a place by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov. uk n Repair Saturday at the Library: Saturday, February 24, from 10am-12.30pm. Take along an item and see if it can be repaired. No need to book.
Virger Tim Jones lights one of the 3,500 candles at a Carols by Candlelight concert in Wells Cathedral just before Christmas
Opportunity to meet employers A JOBS Fair is being held at the Swan Hotel in Sadler Street, Wells, on Friday, March 1, from 10.30am-4pm. Organised by Wells Business Forum, the event will give people looking for a new job or career change the chance to meet employers and industry experts. Earlier on the same day, Wells MP James Heappey will be attending Wells Business
Forum’s Network Breakfast at Wells & Mendip Museum at 8.30am. He is keen to hear about business challenges and visions for the future, and can offer insights into government initiatives to support businesses. The cost for this event is £15 members, £20 non-members, to include breakfast. For more details, call 01749 673388.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill returning THE new Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop is due to open in Wells on Thursday, February 15. It is replacing the Bonmarché store at 9 High Street, and is just a few doors down from the previous Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop that is now home to Trespass. Kate Wasserman, the area
manager, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to our new store to explore our wonderful collections. It’s going to be a great addition to Wells and the local retail mix.” The first 20 customers to make a purchase in the new store will receive an Edinburgh Woollen Mill goody bag.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
February 2024
17
n NEWS
Business celebrates tenth anniversary A BUSINESS that began as a hobby in the garage of a couple’s Wells home is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Billies & Tong started in 2014 when Gerry Koen began producing personalised biltong boxes – dehydrators that allow people to make their own biltong at home, or dry other foods such as fruit and bacon. Biltong is a form of dried, cured meat that originates from Southern Africa, and Gerry, who grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, brought family recipes, methods and culture with him when he moved to the UK. As word spread, the business run by Gerry and his wife Natalie took off, and Billies & Tong moved into a unit at Underwood Business Park where it still remains today. The couple added spices to their portfolio, gifts, chopping boards and even biltong itself which is sold at the Wells Market
Gerry Koen celebrates ten years of Billies & Tong every other Saturday, at local markets and online. They have won awards at the Wells Food Festival in 2022 and 2023, and in 2022 made
the finals in the Muddy Stiletto Awards. Products are now shipped across the UK mainland along with local delivery dropoffs.
Business owner Gerry said: “What a fantastic ten years it has been. Billies & Tong has gone from strength to strength over the years and I am so proud to be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. “We have of course endured some challenging times including Covid and the cost of living crisis as have other small businesses but we are determined and will keep pushing forward with lots of ambition and support from family and friends.” Natalie, who also grew up in Zimbabwe, said: “It has been incredible being a part of this journey, even if small. “Billies & Tong is fuelled with lots of drive, long hours, dedication and passion and I am so proud of Gerry and all of his hard work. “It seems like yesterday we started this journey and looking back I am filled with so much pride and gratitude.”
Open Day Saturday 2nd March Book your place: https://wells.cathedral.school/openday admissions@wells.cathedral.school
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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February 2024
n NEWS
of the Snowdrops bonanza expected Volunteer Year announced THE popular ‘Snowdrop Month’ returns to Wells in February when carpets of snowdrops will be welcoming visitors to the 14 acres of RHS partner gardens at The Bishop’s Palace. The Palace team is expecting another bumper year this year and, to complement the themed weekends, visitors can collect printed Snowdrop Walks to guide them around the Moat banks, then across the Willow Bridge to an Arboretum full of the spring flowers. Each weekend youngsters can also pick up a children’s trail from the Palace Ticket Office with the reward of a small prize upon completion. In partnership with the annual Shepton Snowdrops Festival, the Palace’s Head Gardener, James Cross, will also be leading a Winter Interest Walk and Talk on the morning of Thursday, February 15, sharing his horticultural knowledge and expertise. Amanda Hirst will also
THE Mendip Hills National Landscape Team have announced Penny White as their Volunteer of the Year for 2023. Penny was chosen because of her dedication to and enthusiasm for the Mendip Hills and all of the work done by the National Landscape volunteers. She recently won the drystone walling competition at the Mendip Ploughing Match Andy Chamberlain, Ranger for the National Landscape Team, said: “She loves the area and has really thrown herself into looking after it.”
Carpets of snowdrops at The Bishop’s Palace be talking about James Allen, known locally as The Snowdrop King and the first person to breed new varieties from wild snowdrops. As the Palace’s snowdrops are dependent on the climate there is no guarantee when they will be at their peak, but James says:
“As the growing season can be variable, I’d advise visitors not to leave it until the last day to visit, as you might find they’ve already gone.” Entry, including tours, is included with the 12-month admission ticket and Membership.
Concert date CITY of Wells Lions are organising a Fifties and Sixties concert at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Friday, March 15, with the band Loose Ends. Tickets priced £8 will be available soon at Wells Tourist Information Centre.
Group to host singing workshop
Composer Bob Chilcott
LATER this year, popular composer Bob Chilcott is running a Come and Sing workshop in Glastonbury, hosted by the Wellsbased group the Swan Singers. The workshop is on Saturday, November 2, at St John’s Church, Glastonbury, from 9.30am4.30pm. The workshop will focus on Bob’s work and will include some of his Christmas music. Tickets will be £25 and will be on sale soon. To express an early interest or find out more, contact info@swansingers.com
Molly Podiatry / Chiropody COMFORTABLE FEET Molly
BSc Podiatrist/Chiropodist Accredited member of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
Snowdrop Month at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells Carpets of snowdrops; printed Snowdrop walks and trails; Head Gardener Winter Interest Walk & Talk; 14 acres of RHS partner gardens; medieval Palace building and Bishop's Table café Entry with 12 month Admission Ticket, Membership and Wells Heritage Pass.
Plan your visit at: www.bishopspalace.org.uk
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SERVICES l Corns and Callus removal l General nail cutting l Thickened problem nails l Ingrowing toe nails l Cracked heels l Verrucae l Athlete’s foot l Bunions l Heel and Arch pain l Flat feet l Footwear and footcare advice and many more To arrange a consultation contact Molly: Mobile: 07960 530293 Email: molline01@gmail.com Mendip Court, Upper Breach, Wells, BA5 3DG HOME VISITS ALSO AVAILABLE
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wellsvoice
February 2024
19
n NEWS
Concerns about construction of bund WELLS City Council’s Planning & Environment Committee has recommended refusal of a retrospective planning application by Serious Stages for the construction of a bund and installation of boundary fencing at Tor Hill Works, Constitution Hill, Wells. Committee members discussed the matter at their meeting on January 18, when Committee Chair Councillor Denise Denis said that the application had been submitted after the intervention of Somerset Council Enforcement Officers. She pointed out that a response to the application from the National Trust questioned the boundaries of the Location Plan and described “unauthorised works” that had taken place on National Trust land. She noted that there were several objections from the public and said that she would
The bund and boundary fencing at Tor Hill Works as seen from the public footpath alongside the site like to see the bund removed and waste incorporated in it taken out so that there is a reasonable chance of returning planting back to what was there before. Councillor Louis Agabani said that the application is now quite complex, making a judgement on it difficult. He abstained in a vote about whether to recommend refusal, with four councillors voting in favour. Among other items discussed was an application for two
three-bedroom homes in the grounds of the Cheddar Valley Inn, Tucker Street, Wells. Red Oak Taverns wants to demolish an outbuilding to make way for the semi-detached houses, which would utilise existing access from Westfield Road. The pub would be unaffected. There was some debate about whether reducing the amount of land available for the pub would make it less attractive to potential tenants; about possible
traffic issues at that location; and whether noise from the pub would affect residents of the new houses. The committee eventually recommended approval of the plans if they meet any conditions required by the Environmental Health Officer. They also recommended approval of a planning application to demolish the commercial buildings (South West Schoolwear, and the former Somerset Guild of Craftsmen gallery and shop) adjacent to 25 and 27 Broad Street and redevelop the site to provide three houses. Cllr Denis said that a previous application for the site had been turned down by Mendip District Council, but the new application took into account objections made, and the proposed homes were reduced in height which is less overbearing on neighbours, better positioned and designed for sustainability.
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
n NEWS
Chance for all to be part of history EVERYONE can be part of the landmark Wells in Mosaic artwork. Ruth Ames-White, the Wells mosaic artist, has already immortalised much of the history and many of the people and places of the city in stone, and now has sight of the final section. On her 6m-long workbench Ruth has laid thousands of tiles, one 30cm x 6m strip section at a time, since March 2020. As she packed away and carefully catalogued a completed section last week, the final section of the moat came into view. “This means that it is 75 per cent completed,” she said. “But,” she added, “in some
wells in mosaic
ways there’s still a long way to go. The project team have to raise the money for this last 25 per cent of the Mosaic as well as for the installation. This is a highly skilled job, with a comparable cost.” The project has so far been funded entirely by donations large and small, and sponsorship, from £20 for each tree and cow in the Palace Fields to major buildings like the Cathedral and the City Arms, all from within the community of Wells. Many families and businesses will also be immortalised in the beautiful, carved blue lias stones which will surround the completed mosaic. These are Top, some of the iconic historic buildings of Wells; above, some of the sponsored blue lias stones; and above left, artist Ruth Ames-White at work
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still available to purchase by contacting Wells in Mosaic on contact@wellsinmosaic.org or via the website: www. wellsinmosaic.org. Before making an investment
in the future of the city, wouldbe backers can see the work in progress at Ruth’s studio. To arrange a visit, contact a member of the team on contact@ wellsinmosaic.org
Monthly music nights starting with different flavour to each The Wells Rocks team report on a new regular music fixture for Wells THE first Friday evening of each month will see live events at the White Hart Hotel in Sadler Street in support of our community music facilities. The gigs are being planned to showcase musicians associated with the Wells Contemporary Music Centre in the Portway Annexe. A proportion of the ticket sales will be donated to provide additional music facilities at the centre. Each month will have a different flavour: n March 1: Rock n April 5: Country & Western n May 3: Big Band
n June 7: Folk n July 5: Electronica Local band, The Syndicate, will kick-off proceedings on March 1 with two sets, one of well-known covers, and one an Eric Clapton tribute set. Details of acts for future events will be published on wellsrocks.org and through the White Hart Hotel and the bands’ promotional channels, which will provide ticketing information. Please put the first Friday of each month in your diary and come and experience the breadth of musical talent on offer.
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wellsvoice
February 2024
21
n NEWS
‘Unprecedented actions’ being considered A TEN per cent increase in council tax and the closure of five recycling sites are among measures being considered by Somerset Council to bridge a £100 million funding gap for the next financial year. The council declared a financial emergency last year, one of many councils facing significant pressures on its finances driven by inflation, spiralling costs – notably in social care – and a “broken” system for funding local government. The authority’s ability to respond has been hampered by a historically low council tax rate – 49th lowest out of 63 for unitary councils. Papers discussed at the Council’s Executive meeting on January 15 set out a plan to use reserves, significant savings, a council tax increase of ten per cent and the sale of council assets to set a balanced budget.
Somerset Council has to close a £100 million funding gap There are a range of options to generate income by raising fees such as parking charges in line with inflation, and efficiency savings such as reviewing contracts and IT. There are also options to spend less by reducing or stopping discretionary services in order to protect its essential statutory services. These include CCTV, public toilets, theatres, leisure services, visitor centres and closing recycling
sites at Castle Cary, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Dulverton and Williton. Where options are to stop services or greatly reduce funding, discussions will continue with parish, town and city councils, and community groups around options for services to be picked up by others rather than stop completely. Council Leader, Councillor Bill Revans, said: “The funding model of local government is broken and our pleas for assistance have not yet been answered. Councils up and down the country are in a similar position and in Somerset we have been hit extra hard by cost inflation in care. “This is what a financial emergency looks like. No decisions have been made, but all of these savings and the ten per cent council tax increase are unprecedented actions that have to be considered if we are to steer
this authority through a period of extreme pressure.” Lead Member for Transformation, Councillor Theo Butt Philip, a Wells Somerset Council councillor, said: “This is an unprecedented situation, one which none of us would have wished for. Our priority now has to be putting Somerset Council into a sustainable financial position, whilst also protecting the services that our communities care about the most. We will work with our partners, such as businesses, other public sector agencies, our city, town and parish councils, and the voluntary sector to seek out alternative methods of delivering and funding those services which are most important to the people of Somerset.” The proposals will be debated by the full council on February 20, when a decision on the budget will be made.
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wellsvoice
22
February 2024
n NEWS
Band and Brass Academy enjoy good start to year Tanya Flagg reports on the latest from Wells City Band The second year of Wells City Band Brass Academy has started extremely well with nine new members and another five hoping to start in the near future. In addition to this, two members have moved from our beginners group to the Academy Band and two Academy Band members have been invited to attend main band rehearsals. This progression is down to the hard work of all our Brass Academy members. It is wonderful to see players improve and move up through the ranks as this is the future of Wells City Band The Academy Band members enjoyed playing alongside the main Wells City Band at the Community Day in Wells Cathedral on January 20. As your community band it is
important to us to be involved in these kind of events. There are exciting changes ahead for Wells City Band as after a lot of work from our treasurer, and members of the committee, we were granted charity status in January with the Registered Charity Number 1206500. This will help us with a number of projects planned for the next few years. Huge congratulations to two of our main band members. Cole, our young Soprano Cornet player, has been accepted into the National Youth Orchestra on trumpet and recently played with them at the Barbican Centre in London. Jessie, our tuned percussionist, has been offered a place to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in September. Both very prestigious achievements and we wish them well with these new ventures.
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WELLS CATHEDRAL - 24 FEBRUARY
the
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TOLGA KASHIF Conductor: Anthony Brown
Frankenstein comes to Croscombe DESPITE floods, flu and Covid, the cast of Croscombe Frolics’ production of Frankenstein the Pantomime by David Swan have continued rehearsing for the February half-term performances. The panto, directed by Jacki Watts, takes place in Croscombe Village Hall on Thursday, February 15; Friday, February 16;
and Saturday February 17, with doors opening at 6.30pm and the show starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 per adult and £6 for those aged 16 and under, available from The George Inn, at https://ticketsource .co.uk/ croscombe-frolics/e-eeddbm (booking charge applies) or contact Howard at h.sleap@ btinternet.com
Group says thank you for support MEMBERS and volunteers involved with the Connect-Ed Inclusive Games and Social Group for adults with autism spectrum conditions and learning differences have said thank you to all of the local organisations and individuals who supported the Connect-Ed Christmas party and raffle this year. They include Cook (Wells), Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Saints Preserve Us, Hauser & Wirth, Costa, Cooper & Tanner, GTH, Philip Welch, Chalmers HB, Tesco, Co-op Glastonbury, Countrywide, Chubb Bulleid,
Flapjackery, Palmer Snell, Roderick Thomas, the Crown pub, Fosso Lounge, Harris & Harris, Tincknell Fuels and Burns the Bread. As well as group meetings, there are also Wells Wednesday Writers free Creative Writing sessions every Wednesday (except March 13, 2024) from 3.30pm-5.15pm at the Lawrence Centre in Wells. Refreshments provided, no experience necessary, and all are welcome. For enquiries, email enquiries@ somersetrecoverycollege.co.uk or call 07342 063735.
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AFTER successfully completing her Training Contract, Tracey McGinley is now a qualified solicitor at Harris & Harris. Tracey works in the Private Client department in both of the company’s offices in Wells and Frome. She is fluent in French and Spanish and deals with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney as well as administering estates.
Tracey McGinley
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
February 2024
23
n NEWS
singing Award for stonemason who has Gospel workshop back carried out work at Cathedral
A STONEMASON who has worked on Wells Cathedral received an award at the Duke of Gloucester Awards 2023 which took place in December at the Mercers’ Hall in the City of London. The Duke of Gloucester Awards are awarded by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester and the Worshipful Company of Masons to individual masons or small teams of masons to recognise and acknowledge significant achievement in the craft of stonemasonry. Stonemason Samantha Peacock, from Cliveden Conservation’s Bath Workshop, received ‘Commended’ within the second category of the awards, awarded to individual masons or teams of masons who have shown high craft skills in
Samantha Peacock being presented with her award by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester Picture © The Worshipful Company of Masons
one or more mason specialisms and have more than ten years’ experience. Samantha’s extensive
portfolio submission included work on Wells Cathedral medieval clock pedestals, the conservation of Wells Cathedral West Front figures along with examples of tracery and glazing repairs. Tom Flemons, Director and Bath Workshop Manager, who nominated Samantha for Duke of Gloucester Awards 2023, said: “Her work to the West Front of Wells Cathedral was outstanding. Working in collaboration with the cathedral architect, Sam strove to keep as much of the original fabric as possible and executed tight masonry and carving which matched seamlessly with the adjacent original fabric. I am thrilled she has won this prestigious award which is testimony to her excellent tool skills and eye for detail.”
FOLLOWING the success of the Going Gospel singing workshop in Wells last year, there will be another gospel workshop this year. This time Jo Sercombe, founder of Bath Community Gospel Choir, will lead the workshop. Organisers say that people can expect an afternoon full of glorious gospel harmonies as well as a lot of laughter; that everyone is welcome; and that Jo makes singing accessible to all, regardless of experience or ability. The workshop will take place in St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Saturday, March 2, from 2pm4.45pm. Attendance is by advance booking only. For more information and to book a place for £20 to include two hours of singing and a prosecco cream tea, visit www.emmawheatmusic. co.uk
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wellsvoice
24
February 2024
n NEWS
Party for Trombone player awarded a Tea Women’s Day scholarship by top orchestra
A TALENTED trombone player who grew up in Wells has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). Jamie Tweed, now aged 27, moved to Wells with his family when he was four years old and is a former student at Wells Cathedral School. He is one of just ten musicians from across the world to have been awarded the new LSO Conservatoire Scholarship. The ground-breaking initiative has been created to ensure that musicians from all backgrounds have access to conservatoire training and to help reduce the financial barriers of those wanting to enter the profession. Jamie will receive £15,000 to help him focus fully on his postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music. He will also benefit from coaching and mentoring from the LSO’s own renowned musicians and ongoing career advice. Jamie’s musical journey began at seven when his parents were gifted an old Boosey & Hawkes trombone and organised lessons with Alan Hutt – a distinguished teacher who has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and various other iconic acts. “I was always a kid looking for the next new thing to do,”
Jamie Tweed grew up in Wells said Jamie. “Alan has been responsible for a long line of very good trombone players, and I was very lucky he was able to teach me too. If it wasn’t for Alan, I don’t think I would have stuck with it and carried on. I didn’t want to disappoint him, so I never gave up.” Now a busy freelancer, playing with many orchestras as well as in London’s West End, Jamie is also the founding member of Slide Action, a multi-award-winning quartet. “We began as a regular quartet, but we’ve evolved to embrace contemporary and experimental music. NMC Recordings has recently approved a project for us to record our debut album, which is incredibly exciting.”
Musical talent runs in Jamie’s family; his parents are music teachers who both have experience performing in saxophone ensembles. His sister holds the position of third horn with the RPO. “Our parents encouraged us to carve out our own musical paths. So, although they are primarily jazz musicians, my sister and I gravitated towards classical music. Perhaps it’s our own form of subtle rebellion,” he said. The LSO Conservatoire Scholarships programme is supported by Alex and Elena Gerko. Mr Gerko is the founder of algorithmic trading business XTX Markets. Jamie said: “I’m thrilled and massively grateful for the support which this award gives, it’s just truly a life-changing amount and has really enabled me to fully focus on my studies. Without it, it would be very difficult, and I would be having to do a lot more work outside the college in order to support myself.” Dame Kathryn McDowell, the Managing Director of the LSO, said: “Jamie is a wonderful talent. We’re so glad to be able to help him study at one of the leading conservatoires in the world and we are excited to watch him develop in the years ahead.”
Store reacts to comments about car parking MORRISONS is reducing the length of time that motorists can park in the Wells store car park because of the difficulties customers have reported in finding a parking space. Drivers will only be able to park for two hours without payment in future rather than three. A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We are introducing a two-hour maximum stay in our Morrisons Wells car park later this month. “This is because customers have been telling us it is hard to find a space during busy periods of the day.”
There has been some speculation locally that the change is a breach of planning conditions, but both Morrisons and Somerset Council say that this is not the case. The council said in a statement: “The Enforcement Team have looked into this matter and wish to confirm the following: “Condition 14 of planning permission (reference number 2012/2205 dated 2 January 2014) confirmed that ‘the parking facilities shall be managed in accordance with the Car Park Management strategy dated 20 September 2012.’
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“The conclusion to the Car Park Management Strategy dated 20 September 2012 confirmed that: ‘It is recommended that initially, the Wells Morrisons car park should be monitored using a two hour (plus 30 minutes grace) maximum stay period that could be reduced down to oneand-a-half hour (plus 30 minutes grace) should the car park develop congestion problems after the opening of the store.’ “Given this, parking times may be reduced at the Morrisons store in Wells to one-and-a-half hours (plus the grace period) and no breach of planning control will have occurred.”
A TEA Party for International Women’s Day will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 3pm5pm in the Lecture Hall at the Wells Museum. A member of WOW – the informal group offering the event – said: “Women of Wells come together on this day to explore what support we can give each other. In these difficult times women often bear the brunt of conflict – from domestic to international situations. By raising awareness through local groups, schools, family, friends and neighbours we may be able to help in some small way.” Everyone is welcome to share tea and cake and to talk and to listen. The event is free but donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. For more details and updates watch www.facebook.com/ WomenOfWells
Mozart tribute on his birthday LOCAL baroque violin virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Bliss Bennett will be joined by the viola player Tom Widdicombe in a concert celebrating Mozart’s birthday at the Wells & Mendip Museum on Saturday, January 27. The programme will include Mozart’s G major duo, music by composers who inspired Mozart, (including Bach and Handel) and some improvised pieces. There will be three repeat performances at 12.30pm, 2pm and 4pm in the Meeting Room. Tickets priced £12 will be available on the door.
Drawing class A MINDFUL Mandala Drawing Workshop will take place in the room above the cafe at The Good Earth, Wells, on Thursday, February 22, from 10am-12pm. The cost is £10, no previous drawing experience required. More from Lyn on 07919 876566 or email lyndutch@hotmail. co.uk View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
26
February 2024
n NEWS
Bus operator and its drivers playing role in saving lives
PEOPLE at risk of suicide are increasingly using buses to travel to the place they plan to take their lives to avoid being detected by emergency services, according to new research. The news comes from Bristolbased Suicide Prevention UK as it joins forces with First West of England in what is thought to be the first partnership of its kind, and at this scale, in the UK. The bus operator and the charity have launched the ‘There is someone…’ campaign which aims to help those thinking about taking their life by offering support and guidance by highlighting that there is someone who can listen, talk and help.
It will also focus on educating bus drivers about the signs to look out for among distressed passengers, and to be aware of suicide risk areas on bus routes. First West of England’s Managing Director Doug Claringbold said: “The research we’re hearing from Suicide Prevention UK is so compelling, and highlights the really important role our drivers have in helping to save lives. “Some take the bus industry for granted and think it’s just about getting people from A to B, but it is far more than that; it’s about our place in wider society, and I’m so pleased that through this partnership we can play our role in providing
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A Suicide Prevention UK patrol help by supporting this hugely worthwhile charity.” Suicide Prevention UK was launched five years ago, and alongside offering a national support helpline, it also provides a team of volunteers who patrol suicide risk areas in the West of England, offering help to those who may be considering taking their own lives. In the past three years, the charity has responded to more than 43,000 calls from people across the UK who are struggling with their mental health or considering suicide. Data from its volunteer patrols shows that at least three in 50 (about six per cent), of those asked, said they had taken public transport to the location where they planned to take their life, but that number could be much higher. Its research also shows that figure has increased over recent years. The charity says some of the reasons given by those in need for taking public transport include being easily accessible and a cheaper way to travel, not being in the right frame of mind to drive their own vehicle, and knowing the bus route goes past or to a high-risk location, which wouldn’t raise suspicion as it would be part of the journey.
Marianne Ramnath, Suicide Prevention UK’s Operations Manager, said: “Our volunteers take numerous phone calls via our helpline from people who may be travelling on the bus, or from concerned members of the public who have advised us their loved ones have travelled by bus to certain locations in order to end their lives. “This campaign with First West of England demonstrates the role the company and its drivers can play in helping to save lives in what is often a taboo area.” As part of the campaign, the current training given to drivers around suicide and mental health will be improved to now include how to spot the physical and visual signs among customers, and drivers will also be advised of potential high-risk areas on bus routes. An on-board ‘There is someone…’ marketing campaign will start in the coming weeks, with up to 1.5 million passengers each week on more than 500 buses in the West of England having access to information about where to get help. n The Suicide Prevention UK helpline number is 0800 689 5652. The Samaritans can also help – call 116 123 for free.
Celebration of support volunteers SOMERSET councillors joined volunteers to learn more about – and celebrate – the special role played by those who come forward to volunteer for Route 1 – the service that supports children’s social care. Route 1 Advocates work alongside individual children in care to ensure their voices are heard and their wishes and
feelings are taken into account when decisions are made which affect them. Route 1 Independent Visitors are volunteers who spend leisure time with children and young people in care. Anyone interested in supporting young people in this way can find out more by calling the Route 1 team on 01749 822801.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
February 2024
27
n NEWS
New section of route could open soon By Daniel Mumby
This new extension will be build up to the same standard as the rest of the route from Wells, with a three-metre-wide path and an all-season dusted limestone surface, making it suitable for all users groups. As with the Westbury-subMendip to Easton stretch, the gradient on this stretch never goes above a one in 20 rise or fall, making it suitable for mobility scooters as well as walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs. Mr Grimshaw said: “All being well we will have the route open by the end of February. This section will be particularly attractive to electric bike users as they will be able to cycle over the hill on very minor lanes to the pub at Croscombe if they want.” Once this new extension is open, the gap between Wells and Shepton Mallet will be reduced to a mere three kilometres (around 1.8 miles) as the crow flies.
Local Democracy Reporter
A NEW section of a popular Somerset walking and cycling route could be open to the public by the end of February. The Strawberry Line currently runs uninterrupted between Yatton railway station and Station Road in Cheddar, and will eventually stretch all the way to the eastern edge of Shepton Mallet. Numerous short extensions have recently been delivered over the last 18 months, with Greenway and Cycle Routes working with local contractors and armies of willing volunteers Construction is under way of an extension to the Strawberry Line in to close the gap between different Dulcote near Wells Picture: The Strawberry Line Association towns and villages near the Mendip Hills national landscape its abolition in April 2023. care for both the newly-opened (formerly area of outstanding Greenways and Cycle Routes section and the older parts of natural beauty, or AONB). engineer John Grimshaw said: the route, carrying out regular Following the opening of a “We are on target to complete maintenance and planting new section between Westburywithin that budget. The work whenever weather has permitted. sub-Mendip and Easton in actually started over a year September, attention has turned ago and was commissioned by to closing the gap between Wells Mendip District Council, who and Shepton Mallet, focussing instructed us to proceed and on the section near Dulcote allocated the budget. household waste recycling “The slow rate of progress centre. was dictated partly by the The Strawberry Line Society weather, partly because we could has now confirmed a further only work past the recycling kilometre of the route could open centre on Tuesdays when the by the end of February after No need for an expensive care home facility is closed, and partly plans to remove hedgerows were because we were waiting for the approved by Somerset Council. local farmer to take his cattle off Stay independent at home with your own live in carer The stretch from Wells to the field. Dulcote opened in March 2022, No need for an expensive care “We have been dependentMany providing a safe route from the people want to stay in home their own home as they get olde upon the real goodwill ofStaycare Strawberry Way roundabout to No need for an expensive home independent at home with your own live in carer No need for an expensive care home landowners, including Charlie the Charlie Bigham food campus, No need for a Stay independent atwe home with your own want live into carer Many people stay in their own home as they get older Bigham, and have relied avoiding the busy A371. Stay independent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer Featherbed Care has been live in carers since 198 No need for expensive care home No need for an expensive care home onwant our Wednesday volunteer This latest extension will Many people to stay in their own home as they get olderNo an expensive expensivecare care home Stay independent at Noneed need for for an home people want tobelieve stay in their own home asvery they get older fencing teamMany to install much run from the entrance to We in only the best care at an affordable co Stay independent at home with your own live in carer your own live in in carer carer Stay independent at home with your own live Featherbed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer of the fencing without which Dulcote Quarry, to the north of Many want to stay Care hasnot been live in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older Wewithin believe in only the people very best at an affordable cost Many want to own as we could haveproviding kept the recycling centre, and Featherbed will Many people want tocarers stay in in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they Featherbed Care been providing live into 1986 We believebudget.” in only the very best care athas an affordable cost want terminate at Churchill Batch Weand believe in only the very best care at has an affordable cost Greenways Cycle Routes Lane, closely following the route Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 Featherbed Care has be Featherbed Care has been live carers Featherbed Care has been providing liveat in an carers since 1986 1986 applied in June 2023 to remove of the former Cheddar Valley We believe believe in only only the very best care care affordable cost Featherbed Care hasthe been providing live in carers since We believe in 1986 only the v We in very best at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost up to 30 metres of hedgerow railway line. We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost on the western side of Churchill Volunteers and contractors Batch Lane to allow this new have been working for months one-kilometre extension to to remove unwanted vegetation, be completed – permission install fencing near the which has now been granted by recycling centre and lay the Somerset Council. surface of the multi-user path, Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Mr Grimshaw has welcomed gradually moving eastwards 0117 Freephone: 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone:for 0800a 111 4885 this9860710 decision,/ and said new 0800 with the permission of various brochure today Call for a brochureCall today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk planting along the route would landowners. Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today make up for the loss of this This new stretch will cost 0117 9860710 9860710 /// Freephone: Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 section of hedgerow. Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk £143,000 to complete, with Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call fo Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Strawberry Line volunteers the funding being set aside by www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 have been fastidious in their Mendip District Council before www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 /
Care in your own home
Care in your own home Care in your own Carehome in your own home Care in y Care in your own home Care in your Care ownhome home Care in in your your own own home
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wellsvoice
February 2024
29
n NEWS
Pause to honour woman who always had a smile Debra Turner was a young 65 when she died following a short illness. The family have provided the following tribute. THE life of Debra Turner was celebrated on January 24 in Wells. Debra, who sang with the Cantabile Ladies Choir and latterly volunteered in the Cancer Research shop in the High Street, was well known for her kind spirit and happy approach to life. A former tax adviser, Debra undertook a range of financial administration roles in and around Wells including working for Bath Spa University. The High Street and Wells Market briefly paused at lunchtime on January 24 to honour her passing – the funeral
Debra Turner’s funeral cortege included two early Jaguar E Types, reflecting her love of style and glamour
cortege included two early Jaguar E Types, reflecting her love of style and glamour. Debra, of Milton Lane, Wells, remains strong in the hearts of her husband of 40 years David and sons James (33) and Rob (31). Both boys attended the Blue School and played for Wells City FC. Her love of Glastonbury is recognised by the family’s sponsorship of a dress dedicated to the festival which forms part of The Mayor’s New Clothes exhibition currently on display in the Cathedral. Anyone wishing to make a donation to Cancer Research should visit her tribute page on the charity’s website: bit.ly/beehappy-4-debra
Musician to give talk on female composers AN acclaimed classical musician is coming to Wells to give a lecture and demonstration about neglected female composers. The venue will be the historic Bubwith Chapel at the City of Wells Almshouses and the date Tuesday, February 27. Sara Stowe is one of Britain’s most versatile and inventive performers with a repertoire ranging from medieval song to the present day. She has sung and played at many festivals throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Far East, North Africa and South America and on many classical European radio networks. She has made
recordings for Chandos, Decca, Continuum, Hyperion and Merck. She will present a one-hour lecture on the music of the 18th century written by the burgeoning number of female composers at a time of musical change from harpsichord to piano and from baroque to classical. In Britain, Sara’s performances include work with The Academy of Ancient Music, New London Consort, Sirinu, James Wood and the Taverner Consort, at such venues as the South Bank Centre, Wigmore Hall and the Barbican Centre. She will illustrate her talk
by playing and singing music by Anna Bon, Elisabetta da Gamberini, Elizabeth Jaquet de la Guerre, Marie Antoinette, Maria Teresa d’Agnesi and Julie Emilie Candeille from the period of Louis XIV to that of Louis XVI and the French Revolution. The lecture starts at 7pm and tickets are available for £10 from Eventbrite: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ female-musicians-of-the-18thcentury-with-sara-stowetickets-806445529287?aff= oddtdtcreator All the money raised will go to the restoration of the 15thcentury Bubwith Chapel.
Sara Stowe with her harpsichord
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS CITY PROBUS CLUB AT our January meeting Dr Glyn Hayes came to talk to us about the Weston-super-Mare lifeboat and the RNLI. The RNLI was set up as a charity in 1824 in Douglas, Isle of Man. Since then over 144,000 lives have been saved with the loss of 600 crew. The Institution is 98 per cent staffed by volunteers and never refuses a call for help. Their busiest station is Tower Bridge, London. Prevention of incidents is important so education is key with visits to schools and other places. The simplest way to call
for help is to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. In this area the coastguard in Milford Haven is the co-ordinator. In Weston the crew are called on pagers, and the average time from receiving a call to launching the lifeboat is eight minutes. There are approximately 330 boats costing up to £2.5 million each. Weston RNLI was started in 1882 with the boat stationed on the island off Weston – first on davits on the pier until the station was built in 1885, replaced in 1903, and was still in use in 1962-69 when there were 33 calls saving six lives. Health
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and Safety finally stopped them using the station and they are currently launching from the harbour. The RNLI had been looking for a new site, but the nature of the shoreline at Weston with its huge tidal range and soft mud means that the island is the best place to launch. The council has now implemented a Compulsory Purchase of the area and work has started on rebuilding the pier, hopefully followed by a new lifeboat station. The RNLI receives no government money and is entirely financed by fundraising
and contributions. Recently Weston has saved two lives and rescued 22 people. A family of six from Solihull were stuck in the mud and lifted off by helicopter and a dog was rescued from the shore to prevent its owners getting hurt. The owner came back to say thank you – something that doesn’t happen very often but is always appreciated. This was an excellent and interesting talk prompting questions and discussion. u More Around the Societies reports, pages 42-45
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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February 2024
n MESSAGE FROM THE MP
I am supporting school in any way I can AS I write this column, it has been a couple of weeks since Baroness Barran – the Department for Education Minister with responsibility for school and college buildings – and I visited The Blue School. Most of you will be aware of the building concerns which became acutely apparent over Christmas and the disruption it has caused to students and staff. Following on from weekly meetings with officials at the DFE, the visit was organised so we could discuss plans going forward, but it was also extremely useful to see the potential sites for temporary accommodation. I have written to those who have contacted me with concerns and am supporting the school in any way I can, as I know the city has been concerned about
Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey what this means for the school and – of course – those who are learning in the buildings. I am working with Ministers to resolve any new issues which arise in discussions between the school and the DFE officers, but the meetings have been positive,
and all is moving at the best possible pace. There are – of course – concerns from some about the overall funding of the school. I want to assure you the Department is taking this seriously. It is important to note Capital Funding from the Government – which over the past 10 years has been close to £4 million – has been used for new facilities and refurbishment of buildings with known problems. Unfortunately, until the surveys were done, there was no way of knowing about the structural issues with the buildings affected. However, the main priority for the school, Government, parents and of course students is ensuring students spend as little time learning from home as possible.
The community have also come together on this, and I know Mark and the rest of the leadership team at the school are extremely grateful for that. We all benefit from the brilliant work The Blue School does for the city’s young people and while they are facing challenges which are unique, they are continuing to work hard for the students and ensure there is as little disruption as possible. As ever, they have my full support and I will continue to push for resolution and support them in any way they wish. While it is also frustrating for all of us, it may take time for permanent and temporary accommodation to be implanted. I will keep constituents as updated as I can as the situation progresses.
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February 2024
31
n NEWS
Work goes on to keep site looking good Clare Blackmore from the Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery reports on ongoing work at the cemetery site DESCRIBED by visitors as a “gem in the heart of Wells”, the Mendip Hospital Cemetery – the cemetery for what was the Somerset and Bath Lunatic Asylum, later known as the Mendip Hospital – is closed during the winter months but that does not mean that the work, all done by volunteers, stops. The patient, staff and medical researchers have paid a visit to the South West Heritage Centre in Taunton learning more about the working history of the asylum through the patient and staff records. Now that rain has stopped, garden volunteers have been
A beautiful window, left, in the porch of the chapel, right working so hard despite the cold weather, tidying, clearing the site and doing winter jobs, and the cemetery is looking magnificent. The site has had its winter haircut, scrub cleared, perimeter walls repaired and boundary hedges pruned.
The beautiful chapel is being given some TLC by local NG Barham Building Services. This involves removing the redundant wooden pew platforms at the sides of the chapel (the original pews were taken out 60 years ago when
the cemetery closed in 1974), restoring damaged wall panelling and installing better lighting. New flagstones will be laid to replace missing ones and this will give us better display space for our new and enlarged exhibition ready for our reopening on Wednesday, April 3, at 11am. We are constantly discovering more about this beautiful and historic site and the workings of the asylum, and look forward to sharing it with you when we reopen. If you feel you could make a donation to help fund our chapel repairs, we have a Go Fund Me page. We receive no other funding apart from donations. Please visit: https://www. gofundme.com/.../the-friendsof-mendip... We would appreciate it.
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February 2024
n ON THE BEAT
Let us know about issues you are facing AS a serving member of your Neighbourhood Policing Team, I take pride in my team’s drive to provide our communities with the highest possible standard of policing. Over the past several months, Wells and the surrounding villages/towns have been subject to burglaries, shed break-ins and vehicle theft. Now, whilst these will be under investigation by the appropriate officers/ teams, my team are hard at work providing the appropriate aftercare. This care can range from a phone call, home visit and free crime prevention tools, to further safeguarding referrals with external agencies such as healthcare, housing or the fire service. In some instances, this may result in a follow up visit from our ‘Be Home Safe’ team, a team of skilled carpenters that can provide locks, chains, window alarms and so much more.
The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Samuel White At the end of the day, there is a victim at the end of every call, and it’s this knowledge
that pushes us to go above and beyond what is asked of us. I regularly stop and ask myself, “If this was my mother calling, would I be happy with the service she received?” Being a resident of Wells, this also enables me to gauge the opinion of those I see each and every day, both on and off duty. A chance to see where we are thriving, and areas in which we need to invest some time. But we can’t do this alone, and this is where you come in. Your team in Wells are servants of this city and we implore you to reach out and speak with us about issues you are facing and areas that you would like us to prioritise. It has never been easier to reach your local teams. As well as the 999/101 and online reporting services, our individual email addresses and works mobiles can be found below or in most shops/city buildings such as the
Town Hall. Please do not use our personal contact details to report crime as we may be on rest days. PC 1152 Pearson 07889 659206 darren.pearson@ avonandsomerset.police.uk PC 3600 Williams 07889 658319 dan.williams@ avonandsomerset.police.uk PCSO 8281 President 07889 659254 donna.president@ avonandsomerset.police.uk PCSO 9327 White 07802 874434 samuel.white@ avonandsomerset.police.uk PCSO 6583 Hallett 07933 098237 kayleigh.hallett@ avonandsomerset.police.uk PCSO 9853 Chinnock 07702 113211 leann.chinnock@ avonandsomerset.police.uk
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February 2024
33
n NEWS
Largest grant goes to Art Experience Days STAINED glass artist Edgar Phillips walked away with the largest amount of money following his presentation at the latest SOUP! lunch. He received a grant for £350 for his Art Experience Days after receiving the most audience votes of the four causes that made presentations on January 6. The other three – Trishaws for Wells, Wells in Mosaic and Wells Air Cadets – were each awarded £118. There were about 100 people at the Connect Centre for the SOUP! event, run by Wells Independents. Money collected on the door from lunch-goers was match-funded to the tune of £350 by Probusiness accountants. Edgar explained that he runs Art Experience Days from his studio at the Portway Annexe in Wells, where he is artist-inresidence. He provides a safe and reassuring environment for
Pictured at the SOUP! lunch on January 6, from left: Nicki Hall, MC Paddy O’Hagan, Ruth Ames-White, Iris Marshall-Smith and Edgar Phillips the free one-to-one sessions that allow people with mental health problems or other disabilities to learn about and work on stained glass art. Nicki Hall of Wells Community Network talked
about the Wells trishaw, which takes people who might have mobility issues or be socially isolated out and about in the city. Ruth and Ian Ames-White explained more about Wells in Mosaic, the project to create a
unique 6m diameter map of the historic city centre from 750,000 tiles. Iris Marshall-Smith from the 1955 City of Wells Squadron Air Cadets said that the group instils a sense of responsibility and teamwork in young people, and helps in the community at events such as the Moat Boat Race and the Poppy Appeal. The Strawberry Line won a £350 grant at the previous SOUP!, and volunteer coordinator Richard Jones returned to say that the money had been spent on a giant boulder and large padlock for a gate at Dulcote to help with safety and security, and a hedge trimmer to make the volunteers’ work easier. He said that he expects a new one-mile section of the route from the Charlie Bigham’s food production centre to open at about Easter time. The next SOUP! will take place on Saturday, April 6.
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wellsvoice
February 2024
n NEWS
35
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
Funding initiative to Thinking of buying land for your horses? keep sessions going By Emily Wilson
DUE to a lack of funding, Somerset Arts Well had to reduce their Singing for the Brain sessions for people living with dementia and learning disabilities from weekly to fortnightly. Ellie White, daughter and carer of Garry, who attends both the Wells and Glastonbury sessions every week, sprang into action at once and set up a Crowdfunding page to support the session running costs. Ellie said: “The group is run in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, however it’s a group with a difference. As well as singing familiar songs from the past, we use a mixture of instruments to reawaken memories and offer a fantastic environment for people struggling to thrive.” Emma Wheat from Somerset
Arts Well said: “Our organisation needs to find in excess of £15,000 of funding a year to be able to deliver 40 Singing for the Brain sessions in Wells and Glastonbury respectively. We have to cover costs of room hire, musicians’ fees, refreshments and volunteer expenses. “Our musicians not only accept a fee that falls significantly below the national average for delivering these sessions, they also work tirelessly behind the scenes to generate the funding to keep the sessions going. We are overwhelmed by the response of our Singing for the Brain community to our plight and are delighted to be able to get back to offering weekly sessions for the next couple of months whilst continuing to apply for grants.” To donate to this cause, visit https://gofund.me/cf815760
The Wells Royal British Legion Christmas dinner in the Connect Centre
Legion provides Christmas cheer THE Wells Royal British Legion branch invited 15 of its “old and bold” members for a Christmas dinner in the Connect Centre just before Christmas. These were members who have had a tough year or who have become more or less housebound. The event was hosted by the wider committee and cooked by a team led by Tim Bickerdike who lives in Wells but is a cook at Millfield school. He is also the vice chair and standard bearer for the branch.
In total 30 people attended, enjoying a three-course meal of home-made tomato soup, turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. This was all washed down with the guests’ favourite tipple. It is the mantra of the legion to “remember them” and for the 15 guests it was a day of cheer and support in meeting that aim. Geoff Procter Wells branch community support officer
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IF, like me, you have a horse (or a collection, as you can never just have the one), the dream is to own your own field and do what you want, when you want, with your horses. You scour the countryside looking for the perfect parcel of land to buy, usually from a local farmer. If you are lucky enough, you manage to agree to purchase the land. Fantastic, it’s actually going to happen. So you buy the land, move your horses in, put up stables, and you may even build an arena. Why not add floodlights, really useful in the winter months? What you may not realise is that you might be unable to do any of these things without looking into the planning use of the land. If the land has previously been used for agriculture, as is so often the case, it is likely that the planning use of the land under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is agricultural. If land has an agricultural planning use, it can only be used for “horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land), as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the farming of land for other agricultural purposes”. There are some instances where horses can fall under agricultural use. However, these are limited and include keeping horses for working the land (for ploughing, for example); or
grazing without supplementary hay or hard feed. If you ride your horses, or even rug them or give them hard feed or hay, then the use will be classed as equestrian and not agricultural. You will then need to obtain planning permission for change of use to equestrian. If you want to build stables on the land or convert an existing agricultural barn into stables, you will also need to obtain planning permission. A riding arena will require planning permission, and potentially any floodlights that you may want to install. There are some situations where you may not need planning permission to build stables. For example, if you are keeping a reasonable number of horses compared to your household for personal use only on garden or curtilage land. You may also be able to have a mobile field shelter on the land without the requirement for planning permission, if the shelter meets various criteria (such as it being temporary, lightweight and moveable). So, it is important to establish the current planning use of the land before you buy as you may need to obtain planning permission for change of use to equestrian purposes if the land is currently classed as any other use, before you move your horses onto the land and start living the dream. You don’t want to be handed an enforcement notice. If you are unsure as to whether planning permission is required, your local planning authority should be able to provide guidance. n Emily Wilson is a Chartered Legal Executive with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk
Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100
Personal legal services for you, your business and your family www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk
wellsvoice
36
February 2024
n LETTERS
Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk
No need to ruin the green, historic areas
Please volunteer as part of Youth Team
I RECENTLY moved to Wells from Bristol and so am new to the Vodafone mast issue and the proposal to build on the Palace Fields. In a historic and green area such as Wells, both these developments seem utterly disgraceful to me and a desecration of the nature and character of Wells. Can I humbly suggest that at this late stage the only avenue of action with regard to the mast is to write to Vodafone in protest as I have done and refuse to be their customer? No customers, no need for a mast. I have also written to the Church Commissioners to protest against building on the Palace Fields. This is a greedy, short-term profit endeavour when the council has already identified more suitable areas for development that would not impinge so greatly on the historic areas and views. Wells is not so short on
AS one of the country’s largest youth organisations, we at St John Ambulance are incredibly proud of our young people and their achievements. In 2023 alone, 2,000 of our Badgers and Cadets (aged 5-17) gave an astonishing 54,000 hours of their time over 12 months, covering events, training, teaching first aid and helping their communities. That works out to over six years of volunteering in just 12 months. We want to continue helping our young volunteers thrive and would like readers to consider volunteering, themselves, as part of the Youth Team. They’ll be instrumental in helping the next generation of first aiders develop their skills and help save lives. They can find out more and apply via our website at www. sja.org.uk/youthteam. We have opportunities all over the country and they don’t need any previous first aid experience. Readers can also help us with a donation. A generous gift of £15 could help us cover the cost of one first aid lesson, enabling St John to empower young people with essential lifesaving skills. And a gift of £50 today could contribute to training a Youth Leader who could learn how to equip hundreds of young people with crucial first aid knowledge and leadership skills that last a lifetime. Those who wish to help us in this way can visit www.sja.org.uk/donate/. We’re immensely grateful for whatever amount they can spare. Matthew Atkinson National Youth Operations Lead
The Palace Farm site, which is being considered for development fields that there is any need to permanently ruin the character of the main historic and green areas. Coming from Bristol I am used to built-up areas and new housing estates. It would be a terrible shame to see a small, beautiful, green and historic area like Wells be destroyed by unsympathetic developments. Jill Millard Wells
City facilities already overstretched as it is I READ with interest in the Wells Voice about the proposed
development in Wells. The facilities we already have (or don’t have) are overstretched as it is. For example, I telephoned for a GP appointment and was given one that was more than three weeks later. Since 2020 I’ve been trying to find an NHS dentist with no success. I’ve spent a lot of money on toothpastes claiming to remove plaque, special toothbrushes, dental tools, sonic plaque removers, etc, purely because I cannot find a local NHS dentist. I’m pretty sure not all the new residents will be able to afford to go private. Wells resident Name and email address provided
Grateful to carollers and those who gave ENGLAND’S SMALLEST CITY HOSTS A BIG WEEKEND OF STAND-UP
JAMES ACASTER / HARRY HILL RICH HALL / SOPHIE DUKER / JOHN KEARNS NICK HELM / KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN / DESIREE BURCH JESSICA FOSTEKEW / AMY GLEDHILL / IAN SMITH / MICHAEL ODEWALE ALISON SPITTLE / PAT CAHILL & MANY MORE...
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WELLS Christian Aid carollers collected £113.56 for Christian Aid singing in the Market Place in Wells on Wednesday, December 13. Wells Christian Aid Committee is very grateful both to those who sang and to all who gave so generously. Anthony Tibbs Secretary
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wellsvoice
February 2024
37
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Dealing with the rising costs of funerals
INSURANCE company SunLife have been tracking funeral costs over the last 20 years and publish a yearly report with their findings. According to their recently released annual report, the cost of dying has reached a record high in the UK as people struggle to afford to provide an appropriate funeral for their loved ones amid soaring bills. Looking at the growing expenses for the bereaved, the average cost has risen to £9,658. This figure, which includes the price of a funeral, professional fees and other send-off costs, is the highest in the 20 years SunLife has been tracking them. They state that a basic funeral in the UK, which includes a burial or cremation, all funeral director fees, a mid-range coffin, one funeral limousine, as well as doctor and celebrant fees, has increased to £4,141 from £3,953 last year, a rise of 4.7 per cent. On top of that are what they refer to as the send-off costs, which include all the optional extras which make a funeral
year on year leading to 59 per cent of people being forced to cut back on certain aspects of the funeral to keep expenses low amid the cost of living crisis. Just under 20 per cent of people said they spent less on flowers for their loved ones, while others chose a cheaper coffin or had a home wake.
People are looking for ways to cut back on certain aspects of a funeral to keep expenses low, such as by spending less on flowers more personal such as flowers, orders of service, a specific type of transport and the wake or catering costs, that have also risen. Their report notes that a rise in send-off costs and in professional fees means the overall cost of dying is up £458
Who is paying for the funeral? According to SunLife, 70 per cent of people are making provisions specifically to pay for their own funeral before they die. But only 54 per cent of those people put enough aside to cover the whole cost of the funeral. As a result of this, whoever is responsible for organising the funeral may have to fund the funeral through their own or alternative means. The pressure of rising funeral costs has left one in five families experiencing “notable financial concerns” when paying for a funeral. On average, they have to find almost £2,716 to cover the costs – £116 more than last year.
How are loved ones making up the funeral costs? Most of them find the money by using their own savings and investments (35 per cent), using a credit card (25 per cent), or borrowing from a friend or relative (25 per cent). The number of people selling belongings to cover the cost has risen by three per cent to 18 per cent. Among these, three-quarters of people reported that paying for the funeral impacted their mental health, and two-thirds experienced an impact on their physical health. In light of these findings, we at Wells Funeral Services can reassure you that our prices have not increased. While some costs are out of our control, particularly the ‘send-off costs’, we can work with you to provide you with the funeral you wish for and one that suits your budget while maintaining our professional, personal, sympathetic, and friendly service to all our clients. Find out more by calling 01749 670100.
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wellsvoice
38
n IN DAYS GONE BY
February 2024
With Clare Blackmore
Rooftop Romeo revealed when legs got stuck THE story below was recorded by Willliam James Tate, one of the influential Tate family of Wells. His brother, James Arthur Tate, was Mayor of Wells in 1897 and the family ran a very successful wines and spirits business in the High Street where Forever England is now located. William was a journalist and historian and wrote Scenes in and Around Old Wells, a fascinating column for the Wells Journal in the late 1800s and early 1900s which recorded the street characters and their lives of the city for the 1800s. One of the most exciting discussions which have ever stirred Wells to its utmost or inmost depths, was… The Sadler Street Mystery, which took place in the 1850s and was recorded by William Tate in one of his columns. William died aged 75 in Tooting, London in 1915. The whole affair was so amazing and ludicrous and yet so hazardous and indecorous that one marvels and wonders at it nowadays. An apprentice or young assistant at an establishment nearly mid-way up Sadler Street had become enamoured of a young lady assistant at the corner shop (then Vonberg’s Drapery, now Parson’s Bakery). He was wont to visit her bower nightly by clambering over the roofs to his fair Innamorato’s window. Romeo, as we shall call him,
could not move and had to call for help and be extricated. He confessed that he had some perilous adventures, and as the affair looked to some like attempted burglary and he ran the risk of arrest and imprisonment he “owned up” and confessed that he had been indulging in nocturnal visits. Once he had only saved his neck by making a grab at a rain chute and holding on until he managed to regain his footing on the tiles. He had smashed some tiles when clambering over the roof and distinctly heard Journalist old Billy C, who was polishing a paragraph for the next issue of one of the county papers, shriek: “Murder, thieves.” The affair stirred Wells to its utmost but it was quietly,
A view of Sadler Street as it was many years ago Picture: Wells & Mendip Museum
‘She was a rather tall, voluptuous looking girl with a pink and white complexion, sunny hair and flower-like blue eyes’ ‘Weird and strange, unexplained, and unaccountable were the noises heard by the residents of that ancient street’ was a youth of great agility who could take a five-barred gate with a flying leap and in the dead of night he negotiated the gabled
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and other roofs on his amatory quests, returning just before or just after the break of day. Weird and strange, unexplained, and unaccountable were the noises heard by the residents of that ancient street. Some of the residents said rats, some cats, others thieves and burglars, others ghosts and goblins. It was nothing of the kind, not even an earthquake, although we had a slight shock around that time. It was the agile and lovesick Romeo, the spring-heeled Jack of the period, proceeding or returning from his nocturnal visits. Half the residents of the eastern side of Sadler Street were in a high state of consternation and ardent discussion as to the cause of these frequent late night and early morning noises. But presently the mystery was solved. “Romeo” was detected one fine morning with his legs stuck so fast in one of the roofs that he
expeditiously, and neatly arranged, for Romeo and Juliet were sent packing from the city by an early train. I recollect the fair Juliet very well. She was a rather tall, voluptuous looking girl with a pink and white complexion, sunny hair and flower-like blue eyes. I used to gaze at her with admiration at church and wonder at the earnestness of her piety and the seeming depth of her devotions. She would demurely close her soft, pink, shell-like lids over her cornflower-like eyes and look quite saint like. Romeo was slightly built and of striking visage. I do not think that the lovers were ever united in marriage. Perhaps Juliet was fickle in love. Every time I walk along Sadler Street I look up at those sloping, angled, ancient roofs and imagine “Romeo” clambering over them to meet with his “Juliet”.
Deadline for the March edition: February 14
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wellsvoice
February 2024
39
n WHAT’S ON Band’s music given a classical twist TOLGA Kashif’s The Queen Symphony, a fusion of classical orchestration and Queen’s greatest hits, can be heard in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, February 24, from 7.30pm. The Fulltone Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Brown, is bringing the composition to Wells with an orchestra of 60 and more than 80 singers. The symphony comprises six movements, each dedicated to a different phase of Queen’s career. From Bohemian Rhapsody to We Will Rock You, Kashif orchestrates these rock anthems, turning them into intricate and emotionally charged symphonic pieces. Tickets are available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/fulltone
Sing along to songs from sporting world PEOPLE who might be fed up with the cold, dark days and want to get out of the house
Music sessions in two local pubs
Brunel’s SS Great Britain: tickets that last a year, memories that last a lifetime
Anthony Brown, The Fulltone Orchestra’s Musical Director and Conductor for a couple of hours and try something new are being invited to join what is described as “a seriously relaxed music session”. Led by Niamh McGrogan and Emma Wheat, the Singing in a League of their Own event will be an opportunity to sing wellknown songs from the sporting world – with tea, coffee and cake on offer as an added inducement. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. It takes place at Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells on Saturday, February 3, from 2pm-4pm. Tickets £5 in advance / £8 on the day at https://buytickets.at/ grow/1106649
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Value for money is more important than ever this year, especially for families. At Brunel’s SS Great Britain, buy tickets once and visit as many times as you like for a whole year. With two interactive museums and a Victorian steamship to explore, there’s more to experience than you think. There are hundreds of sights, sounds and smells to discover along with new activities for each school holiday, meaning no two days out are the same. This year’s theme of botany explores the vital role of steamships like the SS Great Britain in the global migration of plants in the Victorian era and the lasting impact on our world today. It kicks off in February half term with Victorian paper flower-making and bookmarkmaking, with many more family activities to come throughout 2024.
FREE folksong and music sessions are being organised in friendly traditional pubs. The Wells Folk Sessions take place on the second Monday of every month at Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy, 9pm till late; and the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Arms, High Street, Wells, 8.45pm till late. All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune or just listen and enjoy. More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com
Folk club meetings once a fortnight MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm. Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome. More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com
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wellsvoice
40
February 2024
n WHAT’S ON
New immersive light show offers unique encounter with history THE splendour of Coronations and the Crown Jewels will be brought to Wells in a new immersive light show arriving at Wells Cathedral this February. Crown and Coronation will bring the spectacle, significance, and shared experience of Coronations to life, demonstrating the pivotal role of the Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, within the ceremony. Following its launch at the Tower of London in November 2023 the show is embarking on a UK-wide tour of famous landmarks and locations, including Wells Cathedral. Crown and Coronation has been created by Historic Royal
The show opens in Wells on February 27 Picture: © His Majesty King Charles III 2023 / Royal Collection Trust / Luxmuralis
Palaces – the charity that cares for the Tower of London – in partnership with Luxmuralis, as part of an artistic collaboration between artist Peter Walker and composer David Harper. The show will feature stunning imagery spanning more than 1,000 years of history. The Crown Jewels, the objects at the heart of the Coronation ceremony, will be projected into Wells Cathedral through detailed footage and an emotive musical score, evoking the sensation of having a private audience with the collection. The Crown and Coronation light show launches just months after the world witnessed the Crown Jewels in use at a Coronation for the first time in 70 years. The show will be in Wells from February 27-March 2. Anne Gell, Acting Dean of Wells, said: “I am delighted to welcome the awe-inspiring Luxmuralis light show, Crown and Coronation, to Somerset this February. This immersive experience will be the first of its kind at Wells, and a fantastic opportunity for local visitors – normally at least 100 miles
Crown and Coronation has been created by Historic Royal Palaces in partnership with Luxmuralis Picture: © Historic Royal Palaces / Luxmuralis from the Crown Jewels – to experience their splendour closeup, in the sacred context of this beloved Cathedral. Not only this, but it is a fabulous opportunity to explore the space anew, and to revel in the juxtaposition of medieval beauty and modern ingenuity. It promises to be a unique encounter with history in which light, sound, and heritage converge.” Charles Farris, Public Historian for the History of the Monarchy at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The Crown Jewels hold deep religious, historic, and cultural significance, and we are really excited to be bringing this magnificent collection to people around the UK following a historic Coronation year. Crown
and Coronation will immerse visitors to Wells Cathedral in the rich history of the British monarchy, Coronations, and the Crown Jewels.” Peter Walker, Sculptor and Artist at Luxmuralis, said: “We are delighted to be working with Historic Royal Palaces on this spectacular light show, which will transform some of the UK’s most remarkable buildings into a display of historic images, awash with light and accompanied by compositions which chart changes to music over the period.” Tickets are available to book in advance via the Cathedral website and Eventbrite. Admission starts at £8 for under 16s, and is £12 for adults.
Cafe concerts start up again after successful 2023 SOMERSET-BASED Trio Paradis’ first-Monday Cafe Concerts at St Thomas’ Church, in Wells, were a great success in 2023, with audiences enjoying 11 monthly concerts (FebruaryDecember) and a wide range of music, including both wellknown and unfamiliar pieces. “Among them, a couple of world premieres,” said Jacquelyn Bevan, organiser and the trio’s pianist. “Our strapline is ‘Friendship through music’ and the atmosphere is informal with plenty of humour. “Cafe Concerts are for all music-lovers, but especially those who find it hard to access high quality live chamber music performances, for example because of difficulty driving at
Linda Stocks, Jacquelyn Bevan and Lisa Betteridge of Trio Paradis night, or for economic reasons.” The informal 45-minute concerts continue in 2024 on the first Monday of the month with pop-up cafe open at 10.30am
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and music starting at 11am. They remain pay-what-you-feel with a small charge for refreshments: tea, coffee and home-made cakes.
The first Cafe Concert of 2024 at St Thomas’ Church takes place on Monday, February 5. It will be Iberia: a collection of music by Spanish composers to bring some warmth and sunshine during February, including Turina: Circulo (dawn to dusk under the Spanish sun), and works by Manuel de Falla, Enrique Fernandez-Arbos, Albeniz, Pauline Viardot and others. The concert lasts about 45 minutes. All ages welcome, including children. People might like to take a cushion for the pew. Artists are welcome to sketch or paint during the concert. For more information about 2024 Cafe Concert programmes, visit trioparadis.com or @trioparadisbath on Facebook.
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wellsvoice Wookey Hole Cinema presents
February 2024
41
Past Lives(12A)
n WHAT’S ON Wells performances of a theatre classic
each month at the Methodist Church Hall, 24 Southover, Wells, BA5 1UH, with Al and Annie Whitley. From 2.30pm3.30pm, with tea and coffee from 2.15pm.
WELLS Little Theatre is presenting The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams from March 6-9. Amanda Wingfield dominates WELLS Scottish Dancers hold her children with her faded classes on Thursday evenings gentility and exaggerated tales from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the of her Southern belle past. Her Blue School Sports Centre, Wells. son plans escape; her daughter The Scottish country dancing withdraws into a dream world. group welcomes all ages over 18, When a “gentleman caller” no experience is necessary, and appears, things move to crisis no partner is needed. However, point. Past Lives is being screened at Wookey Hole Club on February 11 a reasonable level of mobility is A drama of great tenderness, TH required. charm and beauty, The To learn more about Glass Menagerie is one of Scottish dancing or to register the most famous plays of the WOOKEY Hole Cinema will be one fateful week, they confront upstairs at interest in joining, call Ann on modern theatre. Tickets are showing Past Lives (12A) on notions of love and destiny. 01934 740065 or email ann. available on the website: www. Sunday, February 11, at 7.30pm. The venue is upstairs at wellsdancers@gmail.com Nora andfilm, Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood wellslittletheatre.com In the Nora and Hae Wookey Hole Club. Tickets on n New members are always Sung, two deeply connected the Nora’s door: Wookey Holeemigrates Club friends, are wrested apart after family welcome at Wells Little Theatre. childhood friends, are wrested Members £6, Guests £8. Korea. later, reunited People are invited to get in touch from apartSouth after Nora’s familyTwenty years More information at for one PILATES AND BARRE if they would like to take part in TUESDAYS emigrates from they South Korea. wookeyholecinemaclub.weebly. fateful week confront notions of love and destiny. acting, singing or dancing. For Pilates 9.15am Twenty years later, reunited for com those who do not want to be in The five star Guardian review by Peter Bradshaw said “a Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am the limelight, there are plenty of WEDNESDAYS must-see story of lost loves, childhood crushes and from 7pm to 9pm. People do not Trustees, said: “In order to ways to get involved backstage Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm changing identities” have to be good, simply go along secure a Nave seat (unreserved), such as lighting, costumes, THURSDAYS and join in. The cost is £6 per we recommend that tickets make-up and set construction. Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am Tickets on the door Wookey Hole Club Members £6 Guests £8 person, and refreshments are are obtained via https://www. Contact info@wellslittletheatre. FRIDAYS provided. For more information, wcct.co.uk/a-ceremony-ofcom for more information. Pilates 9.15am call 07769 603937. carols or call the office on 01749 Location Wells Town Hall. 684738 or on the door (cash Small, mixed ability classes. T a h i t l C a hi and contactless), for a suggested He To apply, contact Sally at: minimum donation of £10 per zest2zen@gmail.com IRISH Set Dancing takes place adult and £5 per child.” on Thursday evenings in Dinder Village Hall from 8pm-10pm, from September to June. FRIDAY, February 9: The Beginners are welcome, and no MUSICIANS from Wells Mayor’s Valentine Quiz at Wells partner is necessary. Cathedral School, singers from Town Hall. 7pm for a 7.30pm £3 including refreshments. across the wider community, start. Teams of up to six, £5 per More information from Paul P i l o g a Fi t guest speakers including team member (cash only). Raffle Harper: 01458 210051 or Professor David Watkin and on the night, prize donations paulharper@btopenworld.com Essential Mindful Exercise choirs from across Somerset welcome. Bar and nibbles. Core & More are combing for a 12-hour To book, phone Terry Ricketts Functional Fitness Classes celebration of all things Bach on 01749 672342 or email WELLS Board Game Group will in Wells Cathedral on Tuesday, www.healthtaichi.co.uk terryricketts1948@gmail.com meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory February 6, from 9.30amwww.pilogafit.co.uk Road, Wells, on Wednesday, 9.30pm. John Beasley 01749 672482 February 7, and Wednesday, The Bach Through the WELLS Folk and Barn Dance February 21, from 7pm-9.30pm. Seasons day is open to everyone, Club meets on Wednesday with admission free to daytime evenings between September and activities and an afternoon July at St Thomas’ Church Hall, performance. GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along Wells. Doors open 7pm, dancing sessions for older people take THE Choristers of Wells 7.30pm-9.30pm. No experience place on the first Wednesday of Cathedral, conducted by or partner necessary. Alexander Hamilton and THE Smashed in the Cellar For more, call 01749 674920 accompanied by Ruth Faber exhibition will open at Wells & or see www.wellsfdc.co.uk TAI CHI on the harp, will perform Mendip Museum on February 16 Benjamin Britten’s much-loved A and run until April 11. Wells Blue Sports Centre Ceremony of Carols in the Nave It will showcase a collection Mondays SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, of Wells Cathedral on Saturday, of 500 years of pottery that was 6pm – 7pm Sequence, Latin) takes place February 3 (12.45pm for a excavated from the museum £5 per class every Friday evening at Henton 1.05pm start). garden in the 1990s. Bob 07791 291886 village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, Arnold Wills, Chair of Museum entry fees apply.
Scottish dancing
Sunday February 7.30pm Film tells of11friendship rekindled
Wookey Hole Club
Irish Set Dancing
Mayor’s quiz event wookeyholecinemaclub .weebly.com Bach celebration
Board game dates
Weekly dance nights
Ceremony of Carols in Cathedral Nave
Sing-along sessions
Pottery exhibition
Social Dancing
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
42
February 2024
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY IMMEDIATELY prior to the recent local government reorganisation and the formation of Somerset Council, in 2022 Wells City Council willingly accepted the return of ownership from Mendip District Council of the iconic Bishop’s Barn, which is situated in Silver Street and is adjacent to the Recreation Ground. As it is a Scheduled Monument and a Grade I listed building, this brings with it a heavy responsibility for the preservation of the barn, which was built in the mid-1400s, and for plans to be made as to how it is to be used in the future. Hence, it was an extremely relevant topic to come under the spotlight of the Wells Civic Society, as was reflected in the large audience, including a number of city councillors, who attended their January meeting on a very cold night. To assist in the debate and to place the whole issue in a more general context, the society was extremely pleased to welcome Dr Jeremy Ashbee, Head Properties Curator, English Heritage. After outlining how English Heritage cares for some 400 historically significant places and properties, including the tithe barn at Bradford-on-Avon, Jeremy immediately said that pragmatically English Heritage could not take responsibility for our barn, although one would have to have a heart of stone (an appropriate metaphor for a man whose life is looking at buildings) not emotionally to wish to do so. Before thinking of a sustainable use for the barn, there are practical difficulties such as: inadequacies in the kitchen; strong competition from nearby and already established hospitality venues if events such as weddings and receptions were proposed; question marks as to how to accommodate convenient parking. Although Jeremy recognised that the barn might yet have potential to become a vibrant community asset, he could not at present see how it could be staffed and engage volunteers in line with English Heritage models. This places the onus on the local community and so ideas and questions were invited from the floor. In response to a question as to whether Historic England might become involved, Jeremy thought it
Dr Jeremy Ashbee speaks at the Wells Civic Society January meeting would be a good idea to ask one of their inspectors of ancient monuments to visit. It was generally agreed that varied use of the building should be considered. The actual situation of the barn was discussed, both in immediate terms with regard to, for instance: the nearby tall trees, possible access from the moat walk, the creation of a sensory garden; to a wider perspective and linking it as an added attraction to those already existing, such as the Cathedral, Vicar’s Close, The Bishop’s Palace, whose historical linking the barn shares. Even the future development of the fields of Palace Farm was mentioned as something that might impact on the general setting of the barn. Should, once appropriate work has been carried out, the barn simply be there, accessible, with no staff and no charge for visiting, which is certainly the case with many English Heritage properties, or should its antiquity be capitalised upon as an appropriate setting for a modern, interactive, hands-on museum? It was pointed out that there has already been a good deal of thought given locally to the barn and its future and, indeed, some interior work actually is under way. Jeremy had been very sympathetic to the sentiment engendered because the barn is part of the history of Wells, dating back to when in medieval times it was, indeed, the bishop’s store, and he had offended no one with his message, so charmingly put, that English Heritage was not willing to take responsibility for it. The audience thanked him most
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appreciatively for his attendance, and probably their overall reaction to the evening could be summed up in a communal, “We value the barn. We do not want to just let it go. We do not want it to subside into neglect.” The next meeting of the society is on Wednesday, February 14, at 7pm in the Wells Museum, Cathedral Green, when Chris Charles and other recent self-builders in Wells talk about their experience and ask, “Why not build it ourselves?” Drinks will be available beforehand. Please go to chris.f.winter@ btinternet.com or www. wellscivicsociety.org.uk for more details or to learn more about the society in general. Richard Hanks WELLS TUESDAY WI JANUARY is the time the WI select their resolutions to go forward to the AGM and we started the year with a good old-fashioned debate. Four brave ladies championed a potential resolution each and a lively conversation followed. Our chosen cause was ‘improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system’ which narrowly beat ‘dental health matters’. This month we are donating to the local Foodbank as we count our blessings and enjoy a belated Christmas meal (we were all too busy in December) at the Station Cafe in Cranmore. This month Mary (one of our members) is taking us round the Cathedral. It’s startling just how many fascinating details you miss without a guide. Similarly
the Shepton Prison tour was excellent and we’re really glad to hear it will remain open at least for a while. This month we have ‘The Mayor’s new clothes’ to look forward to, and a cookery demonstration at Goodfellows. Plus of course our regular groups restarting for the year such as Crafties, the book clubs and knit and natter groups. We’ll need to be out and about with the walking groups to combat the serious amount of cake that seems to accompany WI events. Walking netball continues to attract a fun crowd and a group of us are starting pickleball after an excellent taster session from Wells pickleball club. Good to have something new to challenge ourselves with. WELLS & MENDIP ASTRONOMERS WELLS & Mendip Astronomers’ February meeting will be on Saturday, February 10, from 7.30pm-9.30pm, in Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall, Zion Hill, Oakhill, BA3 5AN. Visitors are very welcome. Hugh Allen will give a talk entitled: Reaching Across the Gulf of Space – a celebration of William Huggins’ 200th birthday. In the 1860s, Sir William Huggins was the British pioneer of astronomical spectroscopy. By spreading the light from stars into rainbows with a prism, William revolutionised our understanding of the Universe and helped lay the foundations of modern astronomy. The talk will celebrate William’s life and work, just a few days after his 200th birthday. Hugh is WMA Chairman and a passionate amateur spectroscopist. Weather permitting, we will observe afterwards on the rec ground under the dark skies of Oakhill. Members: free. Visitors: Adult– £5; Family rate – £7.50; Students – £3. WELLS U3A WELLS u3a has started the new year with a new Chairman, Donald Branch, and a refreshed committee of members taking up new responsibilities. There are exciting events being planned
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wellsvoice
February 2024
43
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES and some new groups starting up, two of these being Creative Writing and Visiting Somerset Churches, although the latter will not get going until the spring. For music lovers, Wells u3a covers many aspects of this from Rock to Opera. Although our members are retired, their love of Rock never leaves them. The Rock group currently have a guitarist, drummer, singer and keyboard player. They primarily play rock songs from the Seventies, but will try anything they all agree on. Having new people join them would be great. They meet at the Portway Annex which is incredibly well equipped and has a number of guitars and keyboards, so you would be welcome, even if you don’t have an instrument at the moment. Maybe you are a Jazz lover and this passion is also covered by Wells u3a by their Jazz, Swing and Crooners group who meet at Wells Museum but do not play instruments, only enjoy listening to their favourite music along with discussions. A similar format is followed by the Opera group but watching recordings of operas. Their last four meetings have covered works from the most celebrated operatic history: late works by Donizetti and Offenbach, middle period Verdi, and early Puccini. Details of each performance are sent out in advance. In addition to a basic synopsis, these notes put each opera into a broader context. Another group that actually play their instruments is the Making Music group. They meet twice a month to play a varied selection of tunes, mostly, but not exclusively, in the folk genre. They also play at some local events, mostly in churches or on occasions for Wells u3a gatherings, such as the 30th anniversary in the Town Hall. Finally, there is a Music Appreciation group who meet in a member’s home twice a month, and listen to and discuss classical music. At the end of January, Wells u3a were represented at the Community Day in the Cathedral where they were able to talk to the public in detail about of all the groups available and hand out brochures with their contact details. In the evening they joined in the Lantern Parade with their hot air balloon lantern made with difficulty by four
when we will all laugh at the challenge of a board game a member was given at Christmas. We meet from 10.30am12.30pm. For more information about our group (that also covers long Covid and anyone with constant pain) do contact Tanya Flagg: tanya@mendipfmsg.org WELLS NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
The Wells u3a Making Music group performing at the group’s 30th anniversary at the Town Hall members of Wells u3a. Groups looking for new members are Petanque; both Cycling groups, which includes easy cycling; Walking group; Table Tennis; Tai Chi; the Saturday and Sunday Lunch groups; the Theatre Group who go to many productions at local theatres, and Wildflower Walks who will start again in the spring to observe the earth coming to life once more after our horrible wet winter. It’s never too late to find a new interest and make new friends so just go to our website for more information: https:// u3asites.org.uk/wells/home Ann Brown, Bleddyn Davies, Richard Hathway, Colin Bowen THE SUNSHINE CLUB THE Sunshine Club was formerly Wells Arthritis Club and was renamed in honour of Nancy Dodd, as on our trips out she’d say welcome to the sunshine express. We have had a busy year with all our monthly meetings well attended. For our autumn holiday we went to Eastbourne with Daish coaches, our first, the hotel was so well organised and checking in was so fast. Our first trip was to Worthing, what a lovely town. Next day we had a free day to explore, good bus services. On Thursday we went via the scenic route to Canterbury, what a beautiful city, we would have liked longer, always another time, a good holiday was had by all. We held a reverse Harvest Festival and all food donated was
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taken to the Connect Centre. Our Christmas party was held at Wells Football Club. We had an amazing buffet and entertainment, the raffle raised £333, it was donated to Wells Foodbank. Thanks to all who brought prizes and purchased raffle tickets. This year’s calendar is full of trips and speakers. This year’s holiday is a trip to the Isle of Wight in March with 50 members going, and Turkey and Tinsel sometime in November. Happy New Year to you all. MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP OUR January meeting was hosted by one of our members. We all joined in trying simple cooking tips and enjoyed sampling our hard work, including melting moments, sausage rolls with extra flavours, mince pies, Somerset apple cake and quick cheese straws. The smell of home cooking is so special for those who have ready meals. One gentleman was thrilled to have made his first biscuit. A third of our members are now men who are sometimes forgotten as also coping with fibromyalgia. Members helped with the practical challenge of the meeting, from putting away tables and washing up to ensuring the food was cooked; and all shared the joy of being together and sharing quality time. Our next meeting will be at Binegar and Gurney Slade Memorial Hall on February 7
AT the next meeting, on Friday, February 2, at 2.30pm, Clare Blackmore will give a talk entitled: The Mendip Hospital and its Patients – The Victorian/ Edwardian history of the Somerset and Bath County Pauper Asylum 1848 to 1923. Clare is Vice Chair of the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery, a three-acre plot of land off the Bath Road in Wells, which is the last resting place of some 3,000 souls who were patients at the asylum, later the Wells Mental Hospital and latterly the Mendip Hospital, which closed in 1991. The talk will tell some of their stories and the ethos of their treatment and care. The meeting will be held in the Lecture Room at Wells Museum. Non-members of the Society are very welcome (£2). HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB AT our February meeting on Wednesday 21st, we meet Howard Burnett whose retirement hobby has grown into a love of orchids and their propagation. So if you have a question about this lovely houseplant or an ailing bloom in need of some TLC then bring it to Howard’s illustrated talk, Orchids – an Orchid Doctor’s Surgery, for advice. We meet at 7pm in Henton Village Hall for coffee and the talks starts at 7.30pm. Raffle, sales table and a warm welcome to visitors (£5) awaits you. Our keynote speaker on March 20 is none other than Nick Bailey of Gardener’s World inspiring us to create 365 Days of Colour in our gardens. Tickets (£10) from Sue Thorne, 01749 674767, or Susie Spragg, 01934 713339. Visit our website www. hentongardenclub.weebly.com for further details.
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wellsvoice
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February 2024
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB THE first meeting of 2024 took place on Tuesday, January 9, in St Thomas’ Church Hall. The Club Chairwoman welcomed returning members and new ones as well as visitors. Our demonstrator, Melanie Smith, was making a second visit to the club. This time she was taking us Off to the Dolomites. Her first arrangement was in a wicker basket which represented her suitcase. While filling her basket with foliage and delphiniums and dark red chrysanthemum blooms, Melanie related a tale of how all her clothes in the suitcase were wet on arrival as it had been strapped to the outside of the car. Her first view of the Dolomites she depicted in a hand-tied bunch. Using a wired structure for her base she added white avalanche roses and chincherinchees to represent the bold white rock of the mountains. The next visit on her tour was to a botanical garden where she was able to spend a day. Her design consisted of cymbidium orchids, red chrysanthemums and Monmouth pink hellebores as well as some dried and sprayed artichoke heads to represent the vast variety of plants in the garden. On completion she placed the design in a chair which had been covered to represent a fairy chair which was part of a dell tucked into the garden. When Melanie then moved on to Lake Garda her lasting memories were of masses of pink flowers. She placed a wreath ring covered in pink and blue wool over her container before filling it with pink Canterbury bells and spider geminis. Her final design took everyone by surprise as she had made a stand of spare parts to represent a car. On to this she arranged roses, alstroemerias and spray carnations to represent her love of Formula 1 and especially Ferrari, as she told us of her visit to the factory. Non Hobson gave the vote of thanks. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13, at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church, Wells, BA5 2UZ. The title will be Anniversaries and will be demonstrated by club members. We welcome new members, maybe you have a wedding in the family, would like to arrange flowers in your church or just
Melanie Smith, who gave a demonstration to Wells Floral Art Club in January want the joy of picking flowers from your garden for your own home. If so, we have practice classes on the fourth Tuesday of each month. We’re a friendly bunch. Jenny Jones WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE FOR NATIONAL TRUST THE January talk was given by Susanna van Rose and gave us some interesting facts about the Chaingate Mill in Glastonbury. Susanna herself lives in a very old house nearby with water running under it. When visitors started asking about the house and its origins, Susanna thought she should educate herself on its history and possible connections with any surrounding buildings. We were then shown old maps and censuses to build up a picture of a man who became the miller at Chaingate – Joseph England, who was born in 1782 and died aged 58 in 1841. He had a son, Abraham, who was a baker living in Shipham, and another son, Joseph (the 2nd), married to Emily. We were shown some photos, one of which was taken in 1865 of Joseph and Mary’s house called Chaingate Mill. Susanna showed us more documents that even detailed that Joseph employed seven men and two boys, and in 1865 bought a second-hand steam engine for the mill. He died in 1885 and left a probate valuation of £1,083. A census showed Emily was still living in 1911 but then died in 1912 leaving
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probate valuation of £3,684 so the business had continued to flourish. Another interesting photo was of a book belonging to Emily showing some entries relating to the mill business – lists of how many loaves delivered to what houses and who owed what, so she must have been quite involved with the business. Susanna has spent several years tracking down all this fascinating history. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, February 8, at 2.30pm in Henton Hall when we will have an update on the Strawberry Line for pedestrians and cyclists by Richard Jones. If you are a member of the National Trust and would like more details please contact Peter Malarby: 07908 469887.
Evolution is happening right around us and right in front of us. Birds of prey are one of the modern-day experts in evolution – from the Peregrine hunting by streetlights, to the kestrel nesting in a planter or the Sparrowhawk haunting the suburban network. The talk will take place at Wells Museum (enter via side entrance) off Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE, at 2.30pm on Tuesday, February 27. Full disabled access. Admission £5 payable on the door (under 16s free). Tea / coffee and biscuits served in the interval. Details of this and other events can be seen on our website www.wdwg.org.uk or you can phone Jean on 01749 677600. Graham Allen
WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP
WELLS TWINNING ASSOCIATION
DESPITE the recent cold weather, the natural world is already showing signs of coming to life. Snowdrops, aconites, daffodils and primroses (so called because they are the ‘prima rosa’: first flower) are already showing. If the temperature rises above ten degrees bees will appear to visit these flowers. Nest boxes should now be checked and cleared out as birds begin to prospect early for nest sites. If you have a bird feeder in your garden keep it well stocked as the period January to March is when natural food gets low. The added bonus of feeding in cold weather is that you may be rewarded with visits by less common species such as bullfinches, yellowhammers and wintering blackcap. Extra peanuts may encourage squirrels to feed on them rather than dig up your tulip bulbs! Our next event will be an afternoon talk by Naomi Johns entitled: The modern bird of prey and urban evolution. The topic is a really interesting one, particularly for modern day bird watchers and gives a better insight of how wildlife has adapted to a wider variety of habitats. You don’t have to be able to access the best of British countryside to be a raptor watcher anymore, as urban environments are becoming just as dependable as traditional areas.
2023 was a very busy year for Wells Twinning Association. We hope you all read about our very successful 40th celebrations between Bad Durkheim and Wells in Wells Voice last month. This event took place with the culmination of a very hardworking committee raising funds to entertain our guests. We have been very lucky that so many people come and take part in our fundraising activities. We also thank the many firms that sponsored the event. The Association will be holding the Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 4, at Wells Town Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm start. This year there are vacancies for Chairman and Secretary together with anyone wishing to join the committee. If you are interested in just joining as a member or wishing to join the committee please contact Dawn Payne, email dawn_payne@hotmail.co.uk or by phone 07977 627443 for more information. All citizens of Wells and in the BA5 area are all ‘members’ of Wells Twinning. Those who pay a membership are privileged to twinning information first. Please come along and see what we do. There will be a Quiz Evening with food, and this will take place on Saturday, March 23, at St Thomas’ Church Hall. Ticket priced £15 per person. Please contact Tony D’Ovidio, phone 07770 994652, for tickets.
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February 2024
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB THE Wood Pigeon is no longer confined to the woods, as those of us who have grown berried plants well know. This year the roses, the hollies and the cotoneasters have been ravaged by these aggressive and voracious asset strippers, leaving the resident thrushes and the odd cross-faced Redwing to quick snacks between onslaughts. Smaller birds, too, have been pushed aside. The result of these bellicose intrusions is likely to provoke an uncomfortable tendency to murderous thoughts. In the Fifties and Sixties the American songwriter and satirist Tom Lehrer celebrated the murder of pigeons in public places along the lines of: (it only takes a smidgeon) To poison a pigeon in the park. Open warfare on unwelcome aspects of garden visitations is almost a tradition. The decades after the Second World War were particularly lethal with indiscriminate slaughter from tins and bottles easily purchased. Garden sheds were, until recently, arsenals of unforgiving means of brutality of all sorts. When very young, in sandals, grey shorts and snake belts, my brothers and I were shown the sinister dangers of the Top Shelf – never to be touched. The weaponry was taken down with care and a cautionary tale. The Red Lead (for rats). The bottle of Cyanide (available at all good chemists). The Tar Oil (for fruit trees). The Nicotine Spray (for apples) and then, of course, the DDT. Now you would have thought that anything with a
A resident garden pigeon. The birds are voracious asset strippers
wellsvoice n SPORT
name which requires 31 letters should have been avoided at all costs. But apparently not. By the way, for information only, DDT is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. These were then followed by stuff ending in xyl or ion, all just as bad. We have learnt our lesson or at least one hopes so and the fat pigeons strut about the garden in complete safety apart from an occasional blast from my water pistol. The next meeting of the Wells & District Gardening Club is nothing like as lethal. Last month a jolly crowd enjoyed an evening which included a quirky quiz. February will see a return to the routine of talks and a welcome return visit from Hilary Little of Westbury. Hilary has covered most of the globe in search of floral treasures, and not only her speciality which is alpine flora. Hugely knowledgeable and her illustrated talks are always immensely interesting and informative. This time she will be taking us on a visit to Ecuador, a place which most of us would be hard put to place on the map. Hilary’s talk, Ecuador – Journey to the Centre of the Earth, will take place during the meeting at Wells Town Hall on Thursday, February 8, at 7.30pm. Everyone is very welcome. Members £1, visitors £3. Refreshments. More details: 01749 679182, wellsgarden.club Pip Harwood
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Leon Nelson, Greg Roome, Jon Rossi, Ed Farms and James Holdstock in action during the Wells v Glastonbury match
Club’s players make good start to 2024 CHESS IT has been a lively start to 2024 for Wells Chess Club. The first match of the season was a home game in Division 2 against local rivals Glastonbury. In a five-board contest Wells fielded two of their rising juniors, Leon Nelson and James Holdstock. It proved to be a closely fought contest. On board 4 Ed Farms picked up an early advantage which he converted
ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP FOR our January meeting we again welcomed the delightful Pamela Egan. We are so lucky to have her come to talk to us on the history of Wells. It is really a history lesson come to life telling us of people who have lived in our city and had such an influence on it. It was a talk filled with anecdotes and told with great humour. We are again indebted to her for such an interesting evening. The next meeting is on Wednesday, February 7, at 7pm when we look forward to hearing Councillor Tanys Pullin speaking about her charity and the clothes she has remodelled. We would welcome anyone who is interested to come along and join us. Pat Dyer
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Sasha Matlak with Camden Lovelace as part of the Under 9 winning side at the Junior Jamboree in Chepstow clinically. Leon carried on where he left off in 2023 as he sealed a victory in a tactical battle on board 1. Jon Rossi clinched victory by finding a bishop fork in an even endgame to win on board 3. Both James on board 5 and Greg Roome on board 2 had games which ebbed and flowed and could have gone either way but unfortunately both lost out
at the end. Nevertheless, it was a 3-2 victory for Wells which leaves them top of Division 2. The Junior Championship of South West England and Wales 2024 took place in Chepstow with 43 Somerset juniors, including James Holdstock, Camden Lovelace, Hector Gardner and Henry Kilroy from Wells Chess Club. Wells members Chris Strong and Sasha Matlak were also part of the Somerset coaching team. They played three matches each and there were more than 200 juniors attending the event. Camden had a great day and was part of the Under-9 side that won their category for Somerset. James, Hector and Henry also performed well in their sections. In the Clevedon Chess Congress Leon Nelson represented Wells in the Intermediate section. He had a flying start with three points from the first four rounds leaving him in contention in the final round. A narrow loss left him in sixth place which is still a fantastic result against good opposition, he continues to impress with each new challenge. Wells is also hosting its Inaugural Chess Congress on the weekend of March 8-10 at the Town Hall. It is an exciting opportunity for the city and the club to host such an event with around 150 players in three sections. Anyone interested in playing can find details at wellschess.co.uk along with other information about the club. They can be contacted at wellschessclub@outlook.com.
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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February 2024
n TAKE A BREAK
The FIEND
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
For younger readers
NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!
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Theme: Music
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wellsvoice
February 2024
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眀眀眀⸀琀栀攀愀攀爀椀愀氀洀愀渀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 簀 椀渀昀漀䀀琀栀攀愀攀爀椀愀氀洀愀渀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 Striker Steve Murray has rejoined Wells City FC, and scored the winning goal in the 2-1 home win against Bitton on January 20
COMPUTER SERVICES
THE Pro Shop Stableford at Mendip Golf Club saw a remarkable best score of 48 points recorded by a new Junior Girl, tenyear-old Georgie Powell. Georgie has been playing at Mendip as part of the Millfield Junior Coaching Group and has now joined the club. Stephen Cox was second with 39 points. Twelve couples played in the Mixed Social Golf event which was won by Clive Copp and Pippa Brown with 41 points. Lilian and David Peel were second with 38 points on count back from Susy Rudkin and Tony Logan. The Ladies held their annual Christmas lunch and a full clubhouse enjoyed an excellent meal prepared by Steve and his team, with plenty of bonhomie evident. Lady Captain Aimee Sawyer led the proceedings and even had the Ladies playing bingo at one stage. Mendip ended the current season with two Somerset County Champions. In May, Ladies Captain Aimee Sawyer won the Somerset Ladies Championship with an outstanding level par 36 hole score. Then in early October immediate past Seniors Captain Steve Davis won the Somerset Seniors County Stableford Championship with a fine 40 points, thus becoming the first Mendip Senior to win this competition in 15 years. One hundred Seniors played in the Christmas Turkey Trot Competition. With a 1000 Shotgun Start and 20 prizes to be won, this ensured a very full clubhouse after the golf, the competitors being greeted with mulled wine and mince pies to start proceedings. An outstanding 46 points saw a win for Nigel Cheshire in a round containing four birdies in the last 10 holes. Simon Brand was second with 43 points.
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Ten-year-old records remarkable best score in Stableford GOLF
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Are you looking for a time-travel solution for face or body? We can help at our 5 Star Wells Clinic. What an amazing experience. Worth travelling an hour and a half for, will definitely be returning. Experience matched some of the top spas I’ve visited. Holly is an absolute delight and has magic hands! It’s absolutely the best part of my week. Ahh my face loves it! I have had many treatments over the years but Holly is definitely the best. Never afraid to give that bit extra.
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