Wells Voice January 2019 by Wells Voice

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January 2019 Issue 19

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Views to be sought on pedestrianisation WHAT are your views on pedestrianising Wells High Street? This is the question that Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will be posing when it launches a survey of businesses in January. “Is it time to look again at pedestrianisation? Is it time to look at traffic calming measures? Is it time to restrict traffic on market days? Or are we happy with the way it is?” said chamber chairman Robert Powell. “We would like to open a debate in the interests of making Wells a better place.” He said that the impetus for the move had come from the Wake Up Wells stakeholder conference when – in response to that group’s survey about Wells – it was revealed that a lot of people had expressed the wish to have less traffic in the High Street at busy times. Chamber president Michael Johns said: “Whilst I understand Continued on page 4

Enthusiasts line up fleet of vintage buses and coaches for passengers on New Year’s Day Turn to page 3

New defibrillator presented to city Grandfather buys life-saving equipment after he survives his heart stopping twice Turn to page 5

Special day of celebration Town Crier makes himself heard as Reindeer Parade entertains thousands – page 20

Community gathering will culminate in lantern parade Turn to page 9

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January 2019

n NEWS

Bus service harks back to bygone age BUS passengers travelling from Wells to Bristol or Street on New Year’s Day are in for a treat. The usual First 376 service will not be operating on that day, and is being replaced by a fleet of vintage buses and coaches run by a group of enthusiasts who will not charge the passengers a penny. Buses will operate on an hourly frequency and a selection of buses and coaches will be on display in the bus station for most of the day. “We got together last New Year’s Day to run a skeleton bus service on the 376 route,” said John Hitchings, who will be the conductor on a Bristol double-decker this year. “It was all a bit of fun but we were blown away by the number of people we carried.” Last year there were four buses, this year there are planned to be eight. The oldest Bristol double-decker being used is one of several vehicles owned by a local enthusiast from Dinder, while others will come from as far afield as Chepstow and Hampshire. One of the newer buses being used was operated by Badgerline and for much of its service life was based in Wells. It went on to work for First and has now been restored to the well known Badgerline livery. regularly takes part in the May The oldest bus is a singleDay celebrations, transporting decker - now affectionately people on bus trips around the known as Daisy - that started in city. service in 1948 and has been in The vintage vehicles are the present owner’s family since often seen at transport events 1974. This will be operating the and some have been involved in Bristol Omnibus shuttle from Wells to Street on film work as well as sometimes BRISTOL – WELLS – STREET January 1. Some Wells residents being used for weddings – and Bristol Omnibus will recognise vehicle2019 itonly occasionally funerals. Runs on Tuesday 1st January BRISTOL –this WELLS –asSTREET Bristol, Bus Station Runs on Tuesday Temple Meads Station Whitchurch Pensford, School Bristol, Bus Station Clutton,Meads StationStation Road Temple Farrington Gurney Whitchurch Chewton Mendip Pensford, School Wells, Bus Station Clutton, Station Road Glastonbury, Town Hall Farrington Gurney Street, Crispin Hall Chewton Mendip Street,Bus Oakfield Road Wells, Station

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BRISTOL – WELLS – STREET TIMETABLE ON JANUARY 1, 2019

Glastonbury, Town Hall Street, Crispin Hall Street, Oakfield Road

Street, Oakfield Road Street, Crispin Hall Glastonbury, Town Hall Wells, Station Street, Bus Oakfield Road Chewton Mendip Street, Crispin Hall Farrington Gurney Glastonbury, Town Hall Clutton, Station Road Wells, Bus Station Pensford, School Chewton Mendip Whitchurch Farrington Gurney Temple Meads Clutton, StationStation Road Bristol, Bus Station Pensford, School Whitchurch Temple Meads Station Bristol, Bus Station

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Free service – All vehicles are provided by volunteers. Journeys may be suspended without notice. Free service – All vehicles are provided by volunteers. Journeys may be suspended without notice.

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Three of the vintage vehicles that will be carrying passengers between Wells, Street and Bristol on New Year’s Day

John said of the New Year’s Day service: “It’s run as a proper timetabled bus service but is totally free. All of the owners and drivers are providing the buses, the fuel and their time themselves. “If we see people at a bus stop we will stop although buggies are actively discouraged due to space limitations. We would also ask that passengers do not eat or drink on the vehicles as they are all privately owned.” His own interest in buses was sparked when he lived in Farrington Gurney and caught the 376 to Bristol, getting to know a lot of the drivers from the Wells depot, one of whom owned a vintage coach. This spurred him on to own and drive vintage buses and to organise events around the Bristol area. He said: “Come along for a ride on New Year’s Day for a bit of nostalgia... and it’s all free.”

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January 2019

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Reopening of debate on pedestrianisation From on page 1 that the idea of pedestrianisation is generally unpopular, I am not against the principle on the odd day such as market days and special days such as the food festival. If we had a summer Sunday market like the

Frome Independent then the High Street would need to be pedestrianised as well. “I think that it is very important that everyone is consulted on this as there is a concern that there will be a reduction in parking and churn of customers. On the other

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Businesses are to be surveyed about pedestrianisation in the city centre

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LOC AL INFORMATION

FEBRUARY 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

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hand from a safety point of view there are a number of drivers who often drive too fast down the High Street and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.” The chamber hopes to hold a meeting in the spring at which people will be able to express their views on an issue that is known to divide opinion. Ian Jefferies, director of Visit by Coach, which works to bring more coach visitors to Wells, said: “It’s a bit of Brexit attitude, the city is split. “I ask what is the main reason for pedestrianisation? To me, it’s to make a more enjoyable experience for the consumer, therefore increasing the stay and ultimately the spend. Just closing the roads I don’t see as the complete answer. I’m all for pedestrianisation, but other things must be put in place for it to be successful. “I think a great starting place would be to have part-time pedestrianisation. I would love to see it in place on market days and the market extended down High Street. Make it something not to be missed. This doesn’t have to just be the same type of stalls and must certainly be working with the businesses that support the city all year round. Maybe offer the existing businesses space first. Get some entertainment in to complement the markets. “I’d also like to see parttime pedestrianisation during the warmer months, maybe 2pm-7pm, and again get the businesses involved, bring the cafe and dining culture out into the streets, some entertainment etc. Let’s give people a reason to come to Wells when they have picked the kids up or come

home from work. We must have a cohesive plan if we want it to succeed and I’m afraid just the mention of pedestrianisation will split the city down the middle. “This can work and would benefit the businesses, the residents of Wells and the many visitors if all parties work together to achieve agreed aims.” Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride thinks that it is time pedestrianisation is looked at seriously. She said: “Personally I am so pleased that the chamber of commerce is surveying the thoughts of all local businesses about the possible closing of Sadler Street, the Market Place and the High Street generally or, at least, on market days, when the car parking facility is not in use anyway, so that visitors and locals alike can enjoy roaming the main streets of Wells freely without worrying about cars, buses or lorries. “I personally have two main concerns with keeping the road open: the condition of the severely cracked and leaking Conduit, which might cause danger to pedestrians and road-users in the cold weather; underground tunnels criss-cross this part of the city, they might be in jeopardy, or cause danger to road-users with the increase of traffic, especially coaches that still set down and pick up at the Sadler Street bay. “The Cathedral is a medieval site and should be protected and treated with due reverence. We need to encourage visitors to park and come in to see our sights – not drive through and pause to look through car windows before moving on. The Tower of Pisa was built two years before the Cathedral and no traffic gets anywhere near it.”

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January 2019

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Dave pays for new defibrillator after his own heart scare A WELLS grandfather who came close to death when his heart stopped twice has bought a defibrillator that might save other people’s lives. Dave Reed, aged 65, was relaxing at home on a hot afternoon in July when he experienced chest pains and breathing difficulties. The retired prison officer thought he was having indigestion. But his wife, Jenny, decided to call 999 because she was concerned it might be something more serious. South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Community (SWASFT) First Responder John Hill arrived within five minutes to give him routine treatment. But then Dave’s heart stopped beating, and he lost consciousness. John carried out CPR on Dave and used a defibrillator to get his heart restarted. Then Dave went into cardiac arrest again. But with the help of paramedics John managed to resuscitate him for a second time. Dave was taken by ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital where he was given heart surgery. He was able to go home three days later, and has gone on to make a good recovery. Now the defibrillator he bought for £1,800 out of his own pocket had been installed at Huddlestone Court, South

Street. Previously, the nearest defibrillators were at Wells Town Hall – which cannot be accessed when the Town Hall is closed – and the Swan Hotel. “There was nothing round here. I hope the defibrillator will never be used. But if it is needed, it could help to save someone else’s life,” said Dave. The VAT on the defibrillator was paid by the Mendip Casuals skittles team, based at The Venue, for whom Dave is currently playing his 50th season. He personally thanked John for saving his life when they met up in November for the first time since the incident. Dave said: “If it wasn’t for John, I wouldn’t be here. He is my superhero. He deserves a medal. I’m extremely grateful to him and everyone else in the ambulance service who was involved. The first thing I can remember is waking up in hospital afterwards. It’s been hard to get my head round what happened to me. But I’m grateful to be alive.” John said: “He fell sideways and went bright purple. When I brought him back, he was very distressed. “In 17 years of being a CFR, he is only the third person I have treated for a cardiac arrest who I know has survived. It’s one I won’t forget.”

Dave Reed at the site of the new defibrillator in Huddlestone Court, underneath which is a plaque that says: ‘Defibrillator presented to the citizens of Wells by Dave Reed and the Mendip Casuals skittle team 2018’ A cardiac arrest is a lifethreatening event that occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body effectively. Cody Worthington, SWASFT community responder officer for Bristol and Somerset, said: “The incident is a great example of how lives can be saved if the chain is survival is followed. That

involves realising someone has stopped breathing, and calling 999. Then it is vital to begin CPR, and use a defibrillator if one is available. What our professional staff do is useless unless these basic steps are taken, and they are what save lives.” u Award for committed team of life-savers, page 23

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Cody Worthington, SWASFT community responder officer for Bristol and Somerset; Jenny and Dave Reed; Anna Smith, SWASFT assistant community responder officer for West Somerset; and SWASFT CFR John Hill

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January 2019

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Students given stark warning on dangers of drugs STUDENTS at Wells Blue School have received a stark warning about the dangers of drug taking and carrying knives. Every pupil at the school attended one of several talks by former East End gang leader Paul Hannaford. Now a reformed character, Paul visits schools, football clubs and prisons to try to prevent people ending up like he did. With vivid descriptions and images that caused some to faint, he told the Blue School students that he went from smoking weed to taking heroin and crack cocaine, sometimes injecting himself up to 50 times a day. “I used to wake up lonely every day in a crack den,” he said, and told the students: “On your way home tonight you are going to drive or walk past a crack den.” Paul Hannaford

‘If you don’t want to go to prison, stay away from gangs’

Both his legs became infected, and to save one from being amputated, maggots were used to eat away the rotten flesh. He robbed his mother’s home to help pay for his drug habit, and once woke to find himself in intensive care after being stabbed by a drug dealer. Jailed 15 times, he said that he was a gang member for seven years but of the ten gang members, several others are already dead. He said that he had never had a workshop on drugs and knife crime when he was at school or his life might have turned out differently. “You’ve got your whole life in front of you,” he told the students. “I’ve got no magic wand here today. I’d hate to go to a prison one day to do a talk and one of the prisoners is you. If you don’t want to go to prison stay away from gangs. “You cannot stab someone if you don’t carry a knife. A knife will not protect you. “In Somerset a lot of people take drugs. Do they all become addicts? No. Are there risks to smoking weed? There are. “Go out, go to your parties, but just be careful. Go home at night to your mum and your dad and your sister and be grateful.” The Blue School said that it was pleased to work in conjunction with Avon and Somerset Police and Paul Hannaford on the event. At the end of each of Paul’s

Paul Hannaford pictured during one of his talks, in front of a slide showing the sort of syringe he once used to inject himself with drugs

Student reaction on Instagram mario180604 Such a good day with you Paul, you inspired us all!! Your speech was amazing, you helped us understand a lot of things that we probably wouldn’t be able to understand without a real life story! Such a great man. jamhez7 Great talk! Big up this guy. flame_trin Thank you so much! You’ve shown me that I need to keep my life on track and never get into drugs ever! hermioneherlihy Inspirational. Hopefully teaches most to never get illegally involved! talks to every year group in the school, there was time for questions and conversations. Blue School deputy headteacher, Max Harvey, said: “He was an inspirational speaker and the students responded extremely well to his honesty and insight. He has already spoken to over 50,000 young people this

year and we consider ourselves fortunate to have benefited from his experience. Whilst warning individuals about the dangers of drug addiction, gang life, knife crime and prison, he managed to convey the importance of making positive and safe decisions in the future.” Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: “It is important that our students understand the issues that exist in the wider world, particularly beyond the Somerset borders. Paul Hannaford’s experiences were both instructive for our students to hear and educational in the core messages they delivered. We hope that the community, inside and outside school, will benefit from his talks to our students.” Paul’s talk forms part of the school’s programme for students educating them about the dangers of drugs, crime and the implications for individuals and the community. The previous week, parents received a talk from the police officers in Operation Topaz about how to protect themselves against the dangers of child exploitation.

Foodbank sees big increase in demand for meals BY the end of 2018, more than 6,000 meals will have been provided by Wells Foodbank during the year for those in need in the Wells area. In keeping with the situation across the country, the Wells Foodbank has seen a greatly increased demand on its services this year, with a large number of

families going to the Foodbank for help, as well as couples and singles. Christmas and the weeks following can be a particularly hard time for those struggling to make ends meet, and Foodbank organisers say that donations are welcome and can make a big difference to people’s lives.

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Shoppers might want to consider buying an extra item with the weekly shop, and Morrisons and Waitrose supermarkets in Wells provide the Foodbank with convenient collection points for donated goods. The Foodbank is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and can be found at

The Vineyard Centre, Unit 2 Keward Mill Trading Estate, Jocelyn Drive, Wells BA5 1DA. Volunteers who can spare a couple of hours once a month to help vulnerable people are also welcome, particularly on Saturdays. Contact Lynne Hart on 01749 679870 or email at info@wellsvineyard.com

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Sunday Lunch for £10 Sunday Lunch Launches at The White Hart Thank you for all of you who have already visited us last month when we relaunched The White Hart as a pub with rooms. This month sees us launch our traditional Sunday roast. To celebrate this, we are offering all of our main courses at just £10 for the entire month of January. We are also offering desserts for just £1 which we will be donating to St Margaret’s Hospice.

Sample Menu Starters £4.95

Mains £10.00

Cauliﬂower Soup

Roast Somerset Pork Leg

Oak-Smoked Salmon

Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding

Game Terrine

Pan-fried Hake

Desserts £1 (donated to charity)

Sticky Toffee Pudding Vanilla Crème Brûlée Chocolate Brownie

Rosemary Gnocchi

To make a reservation you can call 01749 672 056 or email reservation@whitehartwells.com

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January 2019

n NEWS

New pub a big draw when it opens doors HUNDREDS of people took the opportunity to see the changes for themselves when The White Hart opened its doors to reveal how it has been transformed. The former hotel in Sadler Street is now a pub with rooms, and guests were welcomed with mulled wine and mince pies at a day-long launch party in December. What was the restaurant has become a stylish pub, which also extends into the former reception area, with a comfortable snug at the back. The hotel lounge is now a smart dining room available for private hire, and the function room upstairs has also been given a makeover. “We’ve faithfully brought The White Hart back to its original roots as a pub with rooms,” said managing director Tudor

Hopkins. “We think we have given Wells an upmarket pub offer that we believe has been wanted for some time. “We’re over the moon with it. What designers Concorde BGW have done is remarkable – the remit was to give the impression that we’ve been here for a long time, which they’ve done.” Reclaimed wood and ironwork has been used where possible, and the function room has darker wood than before and a darker ceiling. “It now mirrors a bit more the old-fashioned pub vibe,” said Tudor. Food will be served daily from noon to 9pm: pub classics such as sausage and mash and cottage pie with a few seasonal variations. Tudor also hopes to introduce weekly quiz nights on Sundays.

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Top, Tudor Hopkins in front of the bar at The White Hart with his wife Lucy and their daughter Matilda; left, the upstairs function room; above, the dining room

Launch of Wells Heritage Pass THREE of the city’s major attractions have joined forces for the first time to launch a Wells Heritage Pass. Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Wells & Mendip Museum are offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy unlimited access to these three historically significant sites with one annual pass. The Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral already have annual

pass schemes in place, allowing holders to visit as many times as they wish all year round, but the new Wells Heritage Pass offers a significant discount on these and adds in the museum. The pass starts at £40 for an individual, and also offers joint and family options. To find out more and to buy, visit The Bishop’s Palace Shop, or the Wells Cathedral Donations Desk and Shop.

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Foundation Stage and Year 1 and Year 2 children at Stoberry Park School who took part in this year’s Nativity production, Baubles

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January 2019

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Event will bring community together A DAY to celebrate all that is best about life in Wells, culminating in a dazzling lantern parade, is set to light up the city in January. The inaugural Wells Community Day and Lantern Parade has been organised by Wake Up Wells, founded by Emma Lefevre and Kirstie Harris to bring together different community groups to celebrate and showcase life in Wells. On Saturday, January 26, Wells Cathedral will welcome community groups to a ‘fresher’s fair’ of information stalls, activities and performances. More than 80 groups will be participating, and three choirs, musical theatre, dancers, a jazz group and a number of school music groups are keen to perform. The event is proving so popular that it has spilled over into Wells & Mendip Museum where there will be creative craft activities for the whole family and community workshops including dementia awareness; the barriers and benefits of collaboration; culture and heritage awareness; and leadership for teenagers. Resilience Voyage’s Drugs Bus will be in the Market Place with an innovative ‘escape room’ designed to raise awareness of drugs. The lantern procession, supported by Somerset Skills & Learning, will finish off the day with refreshments in the Bishop’s Barn in Wells Recreation Ground followed by the parade which starts at 6pm from the Barn. The route will take in the Moat Walk, Bishop’s Palace croquet lawn, Bishop’s Eye, Penniless Porch and Cathedral Green before returning to the Barn, via Moat Walk.

Connect, Collaborate, Celebrat e, Communicate

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A Wake Up Wells Community Day is being held on January 26, while a special calendar is now on sale There will be 12 lantern making workshops during January at Somerset Skills & Learning where participants can make a lantern to take on the night. Wake Up Wells This unique community initiative is being spearheaded by Wake Up Wells – a not for profit organisation formed in 2018 to encourage community interaction in and around Wells. Already they have organised a Stakeholder conference, which took place in October, and have ambitious plans for an ongoing programme of events and actions designed to kick-start conversations and collaborations in and around Wells. 2019 Calendar Designed to raise awareness of what is going on in and around Wells and to raise funds for the Community Day, the Wake Up Wells Calendar highlights

Tai Chi taster sessions at library FREE Tai Chi for Health taster sessions are being held at Wells Library on Monday, January 7, and Monday, January 21, from 11.30am-12.15pm. Tai Chi involves gentle flowing movement to improve

wakeupwells@gmail.com. They are especially looking for stewards and marshals for both the daytime event and the lantern procession. This could be a fundraising opportunity for local groups.

Calendar 2019

strength, posture and balance, and has become an increasingly popular form of exercise. It is a complimentary healthcare approach for numerous ailments, with both physical and psychosocial benefits.

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events month-by-month throughout the year. It went on sale in early December at venues across town for a recommended retail price of £7.50. Want to get involved? Wake Up Wells are looking for community-minded individuals to get involved in the production of this unique event both in advance of and on the day itself. Those interested should contact:

Lantern Making Workshops These will be held at Somerset Skills & Learning, Portway, on the following dates and times: Thursday, January 3, 1-4pm; Sunday, January 6, 10am-12.30pm/1-4pm; Tuesday, January 8, 6.309pm; Wednesday, January 9, 1-4pm; Thursday, January 10, 6.30-9pm; Sunday, January 13, 10am-12.30pm/1-4pm; Tuesday, January 15, 6.309pm; Wednesday, January 16, 1-4pm; Thursday, January 17, 6.30-9pm; Sunday, January 20, 10am-12.30pm/1-4pm; Tuesday, January 22, 6.30-9pm; Wednesday, January 23, 1-4pm.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Developers urged to honour affordable housing pledge CONCERN has been expressed about any potential reduction in the amount of affordable housing when a new estate is built between Wells and Haybridge. Up to 220 new homes are to be built on land north of the A371 after outline approval was granted on appeal by Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey Ltd in 2016. At their meeting on December 6, members of Wells City Council’s planning committee discussed some of the development’s reserved matters such as layout and landscaping that are still subject to final approval. The application had been discussed the night before at a meeting of St Cuthbert Out Parish Council’s planning committee, and Councillor Jim Reeves gave Wells councillors an update on those discussions. He said that St Cuthbert Out would like to see land being set aside for a GP surgery or community hall, as well as a rethink on some steep steps, more stone fronting on buildings, use made of renewable energy, the preservation of hedges, for travel voucher funding to be spent directly on bus services instead, and for better connectivity to facilities either side of the estate. He said it came down to the alreadyagreed Section 106 agreement being changed. The Wells meeting was then

A plan of the new estate

addressed by two representatives of the developers, Ian Drew and Josh Ashwin, who, in discussions with councillors, raised the prospect of reducing the amount of affordable housing to offset the cost of implementing some of the suggestions. “I’m not happy with that idea of altering the 40 per cent of affordable housing,” said Councillor Gordon Wilson. Committee chairman Councillor David Swain agreed, saying that he did not like the idea of the affordable housing

figure being used as a bartering chip. Councillor Celia Wride said she wondered why a pedestrian crossing was being proposed on the A371, when the nearby pedestrian crossing on Portway was already “the most dangerous pedestrian crossing in Wells. The Speed Indicator Device has shown the speeds there are horrendous.” She said that the Elm Close junction was also notoriously dangerous, and suggested a roundabout there instead of the new pedestrian crossing. Mr Drew said that there was still an opportunity for Highways officers to look at a solution on that stretch of road. It may provide an opportunity to discuss speed limits in that areas as well, he added. The committee agreed to recommend approval of the application, with the comments that they believe the allocation of affordable housing should stay as it is, and that they are in full support of the suggestions from St Cuthbert Out Parish Council. n Among other applications discussed was one for partial change of use of the ground floor from shop to residential at the former City Decorating Supplies premises in Union Street, Wells. There were no objections and the committee recommended approval. City Decorating Supplies is opening a new shop in Tucker Street.

Good causes in pitch for funds WELLS SOUP has benefitted 43 local good causes and another four will come away with money on Saturday, January 12: Wells Macmillan Cancer Support, Wells Lions, Wells Millennium Tapestry and Somerset Mind. The venue will be the Connect Centre at the junction of Chamberlain Street and Portway, Wells. The time for this grantgiving light lunch will be 1pm2pm but arriving by 12.45pm is advised to get a good seat. Chubb Bulleid solicitors have match-funded this SOUP with a cheque for £350.

Bruce Scobie, right, presents Chubb Bulleid’s £350 cheque to Ross Young of Wells SOUP Ross Young of Wells Independents, who organise these events, said: “We extend a huge thanks to Chubb Bulleid for supporting our next SOUP on January 12 which will see four more charities spread the word, make new contacts and raise much needed funds.” Bruce Scobie of Chubb Bulleid said: “We are delighted as a local business to help local charities in need of support.”

Historian puts film into context FOUNDATIONS UP CONSTRUCTION

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AFTER the success of the first Talking Film event at Wells Film Centre in October, local historian and art historian Joanna Cobb is returning in January to give a talk before a special screening of Mary Queen of Scots. Joanna will discuss Mary’s French connection, the longstanding ‘auld alliance’ between Scotland and France, and the often bloody history of the Stuart dynasty before and after the events depicted in the film. She will also analyse key images of both Mary and

Elizabeth I as well as taking a look at some of the locations featured and their actual counterparts. The talk will end with a discussion around issues of historical accuracy in art, literature, drama and film, followed by an interval and screening of the film (certificate 15). A handout to accompany the talk will be available on the night. The Talking Film event will be on Monday, January 21, starting at 7pm. Bookings can be made at the film centre.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

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New garden opens for homeless landscaping services needed. YMCA Mendip reopened Spencer House, previously an accommodation unit for under 25-year-olds, as an Adult Supported Housing Project in September 2016. For some of the vulnerable adults, a safe outdoor space allows them to enjoy social outdoor activities which can help with any mental health issues, as well as providing an opportunity to find new interests such as gardening.

Plans unveiled for 64-bed care home He added: “There is a real need for quality care in the local area, and our new home will definitely meet this, and potentially give a boost to employment in neighbouring communities.” A design and access statement accompanying the application says that there have been two previous approved planning applications for the care home scheme. “The proposed development will provide 24 hours care and accommodation for residents with a range of needs,” it says. “The home will be split over two storeys with a number of communal facilities and services. Communal facilities include day rooms, a cinema, hair and beauty and an activity room.” It is anticipated that 75 people would be employed at the care home.

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NEW plans have been submitted to Mendip District Council for a care home on the former Nutricia site on Glastonbury Road, Wells. Mark Bennett, director of property services at Barchester Healthcare, said: “A planning application has been submitted for a new 64-bed Barchester care home in Wells that we are very excited about. The new luxury home will provide 64 single en-suite bedrooms with shared lounges and separate dining areas, an activity space for the home’s lifestyle enrichment programmes, as well as secure, landscaped gardens that will provide peaceful, beautiful outdoor spaces for our prospective residents. “Subject to planning approval, it is hoped to start on site early in 2019 with completion and opening at the beginning of 2020.”

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A NEW garden has been unveiled at a house in Wells that provides accommodation for homeless adults. An appealing outdoor space, with seating and planting areas for the residents, has been created at Spencer House in Chamberlain Street thanks to funding from Wells Tesco Bags of Help Scheme and Wells Waitrose Community Fund. Joe Taylor from Mendip Trees and Landscaping donated his time to provide the

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Tesco Wells Community Champion Ellen Altoft about to cut the ribbon to open the new garden at Spencer House

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Esme an example for others with cancer A YOUNG girl from Wells who has completed two years of gruelling cancer treatment wants to turn her own experience into a positive one to help others. Esme Deacon was five years old when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Now, at the age of seven, she has just finished treatment and celebrated with ringing the bell on the Oak Ward at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton on her last day of treatment. Mum Tiffany said: “She loves Wicked the Musical so she dressed up for the occasion as did all the nurses and doctors. Then the next day we had a lovely big picnic with bouncy castles, face painting and dancing.” The family are now encouraging anyone who knows a young cancer patient to nominate them for an awards scheme that recognises the courage of children with cancer such as Esme. The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, celebrate the strength shown by youngsters who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer. There is no judging panel for the awards because Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens believes every child diagnosed with cancer deserves special recognition. All children nominated receive a unique trophy, £50 TK Maxx gift card, T-shirt and a certificate signed by a host of famous faces, including Strictly Come Dancing’s Dr Ranj, Dame Emma Thompson, Una Healy and Aston Merrygold, as well as children’s favourite entertainer Mister Maker. Their siblings also receive a certificate. “A friend nominated Esme for

Esme Deacon was nominated for a Cancer Research UK Star Award the award and we were so happy to see her open her star trophy, it was a time when we were so fragile and in shock at all that was happening to Esme,” said Tiffany. “Esme was just five when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a cancer that affects the white blood cells. “She is very bright and wanted to know everything about her condition and to this day Esme can name every single drug she has taken and the medical names of the drugs. “She is very keen to become a medical researcher or work in the field of science when she is older, she is very determined and I am so proud of her.” There are around 400 new

diagnoses of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia every year in the UK affecting children aged 0-14. Tiffany said: “Before her diagnosis Esme was very rarely ill and had 100 per cent attendance at school, so when in the Easter of 2016 she went down with infections and complained of tiredness and headaches, we knew something wasn’t right. “We had been back and forth to the GP a number of times over about two months and she was then referred to Musgrove Park Hospital for tests. At this point Esme was clearly ill and needed to undergo a blood transfusion and we were told that it was highly likely she had leukaemia. “It was a huge shock and although we knew she was ill, you never expect to hear the words

that your child has cancer. It is something that happens to other people, but not to you.” Esme was treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital where she underwent chemotherapy treatment leading to hair loss and making her feel withdrawn from all that she knew. Steroid treatment took its toll as well and Tiffany said that she lost her smile and became inwardlooking. “It was really tough for Esme, she looked drained and withdrawn. We really didn’t know if we were going to get her back and how she would progress in this fragile state. But we will always remember the first time she smiled after months of treatment and it felt amazing.” Tiffany, also mum to Nora, aged five, spent many nights by her daughter’s bed making sure she was comfortable and being there for her night and day. Esme has always enjoyed school and is now a pupil in Year Three at St Cuthbert’s Junior School, where swimming and gymnastics are just two of her favourite sports. Alison Birkett, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens in the South West, said: “The Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens Star Awards recognise young cancer patients who have survived cancer or are currently being treated for the disease. “Cancer can have a devastating impact on their lives. We want to bring forward the day when every child and young person survives cancer and does so with a good quality of life.” To nominate a child for an award, visit cruk.org/ kidsandteens. The awards are open to all under-18s who have cancer or have been treated for the disease in the last five years.

Hall fundraising event raises hundreds of pounds HUNDREDS of pounds were raised at a fundraising event at Wookey Hole Community Hall in November. Visitors enjoyed homemade cakes, teas, coffees, and impressive displays of work produced by two groups who use the hall on a regular basis

– the Community Hall Sewing Group, which meets monthly, and the Painting for Pleasure group, which meets on Monday mornings to paint in watercolour with tutor David Simmons. The hall was festively decorated for the well-attended fundraiser, with visitors from as

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

far afield as Scotland and France. Funds of just over £300 were raised, one possible use for them being new insulation for the building. Use of the hall is provided free of charge by the owners, Wookey Hole Caves, the only cost to the groups being electricity use.

The painting group currently has space for a small number of new members. If anyone is interested they can call Alec Lewis on 01749 670772, or David Simmons on 01749 672199. To find out more about the sewing group, call Jenny Lewis on 01749 670772.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Reminder to apply for school places PARENTS whose children need school places next September are being urged to get online and apply before the January deadline. The last day for applications for primary admissions is January 15 – this includes children starting school for the first time or moving from Infant to Junior and First to Middle schools in September 2019. Applications should be made through the Somerset County Council website. As well as linking to an online application form, the www.somerset.gov.uk/ admissions webpage has related information including a directory of schools, catchment areas and school admissions policy. Confirmation of places will be sent by email on April 16. Paper application forms can be requested by calling

Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 or downloaded from the website. Anyone using paper application forms will receive their confirmation of places by post which will arrive several days later than the emails sent to those who have applied online. Although ‘reminder’ texts and letters will be sent to parents on the council’s database who have not yet applied, the responsibility for getting applications in on time lies with parents and guardians. Councillor Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “We do our very best to meet parents’ preferences when it comes to school places and it’s very important that we get their applications in before the deadline. “If they don’t they risk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Ban on banners

Councillor Frances Nicholson missing out on a place they would like and it’s always best to include their local school as one of the preferences, too.” Infant and First schools have been reminded of the application deadline and asked to send information to parents in school newsletters. Of the 5,665 children starting school in 2018, 93.8 per cent of them received their first choice primary school, a slight increase on previous years. 98.4 per cent of children were given one of their top three choices.

WELLS City Council has decided to withdraw permission for advertising banners to be displayed on the cross-street wires in the town centre. It has written to organisers of events in Wells saying that banners have been damaging the wires and fixings – which are provided for hanging the Christmas lights – and that the risks associated with loosened wires and fixings present an unacceptable hazard to the public.

Free parking THERE will be free parking in Wells on New Year’s Day. Mendip District Council’s Cabinet agreed to suspend charges in council-run car parks on January 1, as well as during the Christmas Market, but warned that the time restrictions will still be enforced in areas where parking is only allowed for a specified time.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Help with new gadget gifts

Figures show crimes down

HELP is at hand for anyone struggling to use the new gadgets they have been given for Christmas. A team of technology experts is ready to offer advice at a special Cyber Cafe in Wells. They will be able to guide people on some of the features of their new devices, and on how to stay safe online. The Cyber Cafe will be held at St Thomas’ Church on Saturday, January 19, from 10am. Vicar the Rev Tobie Osmond said: “We will be offering a warm welcome, coffee, tea and cakes and many tech savvy people to help you with the basics of some of the new technology that is around and that you may have been given or acquired over Christmas. “Maybe you want to understand how to send and receive emails, how to use your devices more efficiently and understand the great features,

NEW figures from the police show that reported crimes in Wells fell from 104 in September to 90 in October. There was a sharp rise in shoplifting, up from three offences to 11, and an increase in anti-social behaviour, but there were falls in other categories including burglary (down from 12 to two), criminal damage and arson, and public order and drugs offences.

The Rev Tobie Osmond gets to grips with new technology share a photo on Facebook, keep in touch with family, use texting or WhatsApp to send messages and photos. “Maybe you want to understand how to purchase goods and services safely online, or how to keep your personal details safe and what to look out for to protect yourself and

your devices from unauthorised access. “At St Thomas we are very aware that among our congregation and out in the wider community there are many people who might benefit from using new technology yet may not feel confident enough to get the full benefits that are available. “As a growing church we are using technology more and receive a large number of our contacts through our social media feeds, Facebook, Twitter and email. We want to improve the way we communicate and use online media, offering anyone, who might be frightened by the technology or unsure how to use it, a helping hand. “If the cafe is a success and there is an obvious need in the community, we will consider running it on a regular basis. Wifi will be available in the church. We look forward to seeing you.”

Road to close MOTORISTS will be diverted when roadworks close a street in Wells for several days. A section of Southover is expected to be closed from January 28 for five days, from 8am-5pm, to enable patching works to be carried out. The stretch affected is from the Falck Depot north-eastwards for a distance of 40 metres.

St Cuthbert’s C of E Academy Infants & Pre-School Keward Walk, Wells

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

School Office: 01749 672591 Pre-School Office: 01749 675995 Email: sch.395@educ.somerset.gov.uk www.stcuthbertsinfantswells.co.uk

St Cuthbert’s Academy children performed a Christmas play called The Little Fir Tree

We welcome children from 2 to 7 years New for January 2019 Wrap-around care before and after school hours for all children at the academy now available (8am to 5.30pm) We are confident you will be impressed with our school and what we can offer your child at any stage. You are welcome to come and visit us at a time to suit you – just give us a call. Our friendly and nurturing Pre-school accepts children from ages 2 to 4 years from all local areas. We offer an enriched and exciting learning environment and as we are one school the children can make a smooth transition from Pre-school and settle easily into the reception classes.

Retailer disappointed at departure THE Original Factory Shop in Wells High Street was expected to close its doors for the last time on Christmas Eve. The company, which is closing stores around the country, said it had been in a consultation process with nine members of staff, and that the Wells closure related to a clause in the Company Voluntary Arrangement that enabled the landlord to serve notice. A spokesperson said: “It’s a

great disappointment to have been served notice on this store. We tried really hard to come to a suitable agreement; especially as this is a store that has been performing well.” A spokesperson for another company, WH Smith, said rumours that the Smith’s store in Wells High Street was to close were just that – rumours. “We have no plans to close this store,” the spokesperson said.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n GOOD HEALTH

2019: a year to feel good about yourself Make a fresh start in the new year say local health advisers GoodnessMe in the first of a series of wellness columns OVER the coming months we would like to share with you some useful tips on how we can make a difference to our health and wellbeing and potentially reverse conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and depression by making some lifestyle adjustments. No need for diets, calorie counting, gruelling exercise regimes or gym memberships, and in many cases, no need for medication. We just need to incorporate the following simple steps into our lives: l EAT a healthy diet of REAL food O Eat only REAL food, read every label and make sure your food contains only ingredients you recognise. l MOVE and get outside

Get outside more, and eat a healthy diet O Leave your car at

home or park a short distance away, take up new interests, have phone free time – these small changes will have a massive positive effect on your physical and mental health. l RELAX – take a step back to review your lifestyle and make small gradual changes O Don’t just carry on regardless with a fast paced existence.

l SLEEP – an important time for the body to repair – a deep clean! O Catching only a few hours and constantly running on empty will make you feel low on energy and eventually ill. Many medical professionals are moving away from their conventional medical training. They quite rightly feel the ‘sticking plaster’ is no longer the solution. It’s no surprise to any of us that the NHS is struggling to cope so what do we do? We start making simple changes, one step at a time. l Check out our real food ideas. l Invest in a journal and keep track of your new eating plan. l Keep track of each exercise session – simply walking to shops, at lunchtime, or with your dog. l Add another activity such as

Pilates, yoga or weights class or dancing, make movement a way of life. l Look up our tips on emotional wellbeing –make those long overdue changes. Sometimes it is the smallest of changes that can make the biggest difference. If you’d like to share ideas or want us to cover any specific topics – please just email us on hello@goodness-me.co.uk or visit our website www.goodness-me.co.uk Throughout 2019 we are going to provide you with monthly information to keep you on track. Come along to one of our workshops and meet other likeminded people. Supporting better health and wellbeing locally.

Millfield Minis Sports Clubs Millfield Minis Sports Clubs are open to all boys and girls, aged 1-9, in the local area. The clubs are held at Millfield Prep, Glastonbury, during term time.

This Spring choose from:

Minis Football Thursdays 4.00-5.00pm, for ages 5-8 Minis Tennis Saturday mornings, for ages 2-7 Minis Trampolining Wednesdays 10.15-11.00am, for

ages 2-4

With access to specialist facilities and equipment, our clubs are run by friendly, expert staff and provide the perfect introduction to your child’s chosen sport in a safe and caring environment.

Book now at millﬁeldschool.com/clubs Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Festival honour for John Lennon artist A STATUE of John Lennon by Wells artist Laura Lian is going on show at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. The John Lennon Peace Statue depicts John leaning against the CND logo, a universally recognised symbol for peace. “I wanted to help spread John and Yoko’s message of Peace and Love to the world with this statue concept,” said Laura. Michael Eavis, founder of the Glastonbury Festival, has invited Laura to take the statue to the festival at the end of June where it will be sited alongside the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) tent. “We are really excited to have the opportunity to bring John’s message of peace to so many

A small prototype showing what the finished statue will look like

people at the world’s biggest festival,” said Laura. Kate Hudson, general secretary for CND, said: “CND is delighted that this magnificent statue of John Lennon with the CND peace sign will be joining us at Glastonbury in 2019. It is a beautiful piece of art that will help us in our campaign to promote a more peaceful world. “Musicians and artists have a long tradition of supporting CND’s aims and this is only the latest example. “The symbol was originally designed for the first anti-nuclear march in 1958 by Gerald Holtom and is the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament’s logo to this day.” The life size sculpture represents an iconic image of John taken in 1974. The clay model is nearly completed, with the bronze castings to be finished in spring 2019. Laura is currently looking for a temporary launch site for the sculpture in 2019 in Liverpool, John’s place of birth, and is keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help make this happen. “We plan to have the statue touring for some time in the UK and maybe Europe before it becomes a permanent feature in the right place in the UK, preferably in John’s home city,” said Laura. “We are looking for sponsors to support this project who have a passion for Peace, whether they be individuals, Beatles fans,

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Michael Eavis with Laura Lian and her John Lennon statue corporate organisations, small businesses etc,” said Laura. “The most important element is for anyone who believes in what we are doing, as it is important to have the right energy. Any donation, no matter the size, will be great to help fund this project and so spread John’s message of peace.” Money that is made as a result of the project and the tour will be donated to War Child, the charity supporting children who have become victims of war. Professional artist Laura has had works of art bought by an impressive list of clients,

including Sharon Osbourne, Bernie Ecclestone and Bill Wyman. She hopes that a second statue, endorsed by Julia Baird, John’s sister, will be launched later in 2019. This statue, which will feature a New York T-shirt and shades, will be touring the Americas and Canada, again spreading John and Yoko’s message of peace, before being sited somewhere in New York city, the place where John died. Laura is crowdfunding to help pay for the project at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ johnlennonpeacestatue

NEW FOR SPRING IN WELLS

Three monthly art history lectures with a difference with Somerset art historian and lecturer JOANNA COBB MA

Lecture 1: Fashioning brand Tudor – Holbein, his predecessors and successors

Thursday 7th February 2pm-4pm, Seager Hall, Wells

For more details or to reserve a place, contact Joanna on 01458 832178 or ericjoanna@waitrose.com Or come along on the day. All welcome Tickets £10 per person/£18 for two people for one lecture or £25/£45 for the series. Includes fully illustrated lecture, light refreshments and comprehensive handouts

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

wellsvoice n BUSINESS VIEW

January 2019

n NEWS

Church hall to host new Memory Cafe A MEMORY Cafe is being launched in January to help people with memory problems and their carers. The project follows an invitation from Wells Methodist Church to Wells Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) to use their hall for the purpose. The church, in Southover, also offered volunteers to serve refreshments each time. The DAA accepted the invitation and the Wells Memory Cafe will now be open between 2pm and 4pm on the last Wednesday of each month, starting on January 30. “A memory cafe provides advice, information and companionship for carers of people with memory problems,” said the DAA’s Claire Chettoe. “Carers will be able to decide whether they want talks from

experts on aspects of their caring role or on dementia or on totally unrelated topics. “The person they look after will have the chance to join in appropriate activities, then after refreshments everyone can join in singing familiar songs if they so wish. “This is not respite care. Carers stay in the same room as the person they look after but the two groups do separate activities. “We are very grateful to the Methodist Church. “We are also grateful for the support and advice of Health Connections Mendip through our local health connector, Cheryl Stevens.” Anyone wanting more information or who would like to volunteer should contact Claire on clairechettoe@gmail.com or 01749 676248.

17 With Rosie Stevens

Plan ahead for hiring success in 2019 AS 2018 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the highs and lows of the year. A chance to think about what went well and areas we can improve upon. Perhaps you found yourself consistently on the back foot in terms of recruitment, stumbling around at the eleventh hour to desperately find an elusive candidate, your business bursting at the seams to cope with the extra work – but not enough staff to service it. Here are my three top tips to forecast your recruitment and stay one step ahead in 2019: n Be clear on your projected growth. Line it up with your cash flow forecast, your sales pipeline and the opportunities that lie ahead of you. n Consider natural attrition. Who could be retiring? Who have you heard on the grapevine is looking for something else? Plan how you will cover the gaps. n Succession planning. Every

business should have a plan to ‘succeed’ key staff, managing both those leaving and those moving up through the business. It can be challenging to take an outside perspective on your own business, so it might be helpful to pull in a professional to devise your forecast and subsequent strategy. Mployable offer strategy days to work with you to build that plan – the perfect start to a forward thinking 2019. Contact us for more details on how to book a complimentary 45-minute discovery consultation, our Christmas gift to you for 2018. We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2019. Rosie Stevens Mployable. Take control of your hiring

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n ON THE BEAT

‘Help! A seagull has eaten my sandwich’ THIS month, I’d like to make readers aware of a few facts and figures which may be of interest to them. Over the course of a year, our Communications Centre based at Portishead receives approximately 242,280 ‘999’ calls (emergency calls) and approximately 616,920 ‘101’ calls (non-emergency/enquiry). They also deal with several thousand emails and online reports. These requests for service are all graded at source to provide the most appropriate response with the resources that are available and on duty at that time. We rely on calls made to us to be as accurate and factual as possible, and to be appropriate for the police to deal with. Our call centre is the highest performing in the UK and must answer 90 per cent of 999 calls in 10 seconds, but in real terms actually answer 99.8 per cent in 10 seconds or less. The dedicated

News from the local policing team with PCSO Bev Searle call centre staff need to be ready for all eventualities – taking a call from a suicidal person on a bridge one minute to another person ringing to complain that they have only got five packets of crisps when they bought a pack of six. Obviously this latter type of call is not appropriate and will tie up our operators unnecessarily.

Unbelievably they have also received calls requesting police to deal with “a seagull who has eaten my sandwich” and “Can you get me a helicopter to fly me to Kingswood?”… just a couple of examples of inappropriate calls. Some people have approached me while out and about on patrol to state that they are never sure whether to ring 999 or 101 with their problem or enquiry. In an attempt to clarify, generally a 999 emergency call is one where there is a threat to life or property or a crime is in progress and offenders are nearby, which will require an immediate police response. Anything that is nonurgent or of an enquiring nature can be classed as a 101 call. It may be difficult to know if what you are trying to report would fall into which category so an example of a 101 call would be to report a crime that has already occurred. If the crime is in progress it will be a 999 call.

When making these calls it is of great help to be as accurate as possible with the nature of the incident, descriptions of persons, vehicles, direction of travel, etc. Also, be led by the call handler as they are trained to ask the most appropriate questions in relation to what you are reporting. Visits to our Comms Centre in Portishead to see exactly what goes on can be arranged for groups that may be interested. Visit our website to request a visit via the RIDE ALONG scheme and under Communications Centre.

PCC in Wells RESIDENTS can raise concerns with Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens when she holds a public drop-in session in Wells Town Hall on Monday, January 14, from 1.15pm-3pm.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Christmas cheer for charity

Special concert for bass master

WELLS United Church was packed to capacity on December 11 for the Christmas celebration staged by the Wells Good Afternoon Choir. The choir was started by Bath Music Man Grenville Jones in January 2018, and now has more than 60 members. They meet every Tuesday afternoon at Seager Hall in Union Street, Wells, from 2pm4pm. Special guests at the Christmas celebration were the Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride, Mayoress Sarah Wride and children from St Cuthbert’s Primary School. The service included carols from the choir and the children, and at the end of the celebration, Grenville announced that throughout the year, the choir had raised £2,750 for the Bumble – Hope For Tomorrow Charity. Members chose the charity

A SPECIALIST Double Bass Tutor at Wells Cathedral School for more than 20 years will direct a concert to mark the centenary of the birth of the man who taught him. David Heyes studied with František Pošta – who was Principal Bass of the Czech Philharmonic for over 40 years – in Prague firstly in 1986 and until his death in 1991. Songs My Mother Taught Me: A Tribute to František Pošta will take place at the Cathedral School’s Quilter Hall on Friday, January 25, at 6pm. It will feature the school’s talented young bassists in repertoire from the late 19th century to the present day. Admission is free, and there will be refreshments before and after the concert.

Grenville Jones, left, with Sam James, Wells-based Hope for Tomorrow Nurse; Christine Thomas, volunteer representative of the charity; mayor Celia Wride; and Dave Thomas, volunteer representative of the charity which has benefitted from concerts and fundraising events throughout 2018. The total was achieved with support from Lloyds Bank who doubled the amounts raised at two of the fundraising events. Grenville thanked all the members of the Wells Good Afternoon Choir for their support – they start singing

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again at Seager Hall on Tuesday, January 8, at 2pm. “If you enjoy singing and have afternoons available, then please come along and discover the Wells Good Afternoon Choir,” said Grenville. n Grenville will again be one of the 100 judges on the second series of All Together Now when it returns to BBC1 in February.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Thousands of people lined the streets, top left, for the 12th annual Wells Rotary Reindeer Parade on Sunday, December 9. Father Christmas and young competition winners, top right, were pulled by reindeer from Market Place down High Street and back again, via Queen Street. They were led by Wells Town Crier Len Sweales and the City of Wells Band, middle right. There were a number of stalls In Market Place selling festive food, drink, seasonal goods and gifts, including an Inner Wheel Club of Wells stall. Members Anne Mitchell, Jean Wright and president Anthea Freemantle, bottom right, were raising money for the Lawrence Centre. Jean and Anne knitted most of the items that were for sale. Entertainment included Joyful Spirit Gospel Choir, left

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Roles up for grabs in Bard’s romance WELLS Theatre Festival organisers have announced that the 2019 community production will be Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Following the sell-out success of the festival’s community performance of Romeo and Juliet last summer, the search is on for the stars of 2019. Much Ado About Nothing, set in Italy, has parts for everyone from the leading roles to the ensemble cast. Festival patron Dame Judi Dench, who played the part of Beatrice opposite Sir Donald Sinden as Benedick in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 1976 production, said: “I am so delighted to be patron of the Wells Theatre Festival. “Last year’s community production of Romeo and Juliet was a triumph not only because it delighted packedout audiences but because of the opportunity it gave the local community to work with professional directors

and designers in their own community. I have no doubt that this year’s production will be equally as exciting and successful.” Ros Johnson, artistic director, said: “We are looking for people from Wells and the surrounding communities to play all the parts in this next production. Last year’s production of Romeo and Juliet proved to us that no experience is necessary and we are after that raw talent again. Just a passion for theatre and a desire to take part is all you need. “There are parts for leading men and women of all ages as well as the ensemble cast of soldiers, servants and locals. We can’t wait to get started.” Auditions will be held in Wells on Sunday, January 20. Anyone who would like to audition for a part or to be a member of the ensemble cast should contact ros@ wellstheatrefestival.org Wells Theatre Festival will take place from July 11-14, 2019.

Abbeyfield House in New Street, Wells, held a Christmas Fair that featured a range of Christmas gifts, cake stalls, a raffle, and coffee and mince pies. Administrator Isobel Panton is pictured above, right, with Amelia McKenna, who was helping on the sweet stall.

Pupils aged two to seven from the Wells Cathedral School Nursery and Preprep classes put on three performances of Nativity musical Follow the Star. Niki Davies’ engaging script, adapted by Wells’ own Penny Lambert, and vibrant music was brought to life by the children with charm and twinkling good humour in a beautiful retelling of the traditional Nativity story.

Teaming up to offer personalised Pilates programme HEALTH specialists from two Wells companies have put together a personalised Pilates programme to help people recovering from an injury or operation. Central Somerset

Physiotherapy and Pilates Body Aligned have teamed up to offer a unique Rehab Experience at Mendip Court, South Horrington, where they are both based. They are launching a new six-week course of physio-led

Pilates sessions in January to help people get back on track if they have suffered an illness or injury, or experience back pain. The rehabilitation course will include a one-to-one physio assessment before and after,

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wellsvoice

n COMMERCIAL SENSE

January 2019

With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants

Good service is a basic requirement

I WAS once told, by a person much wiser than me, that if someone is impressed by the service you offer them, they might tell a few people, but if they are displeased, they will tell many more. At first, I wasn’t at all sure if I believed this, but I did monitor my own reactions and found that I did indeed tell more people when I was disgruntled that when I was happy. I cannot stress enough how important it is for a business to offer a good service. How many times have you been promised the earth by a completely reliable sounding sales person? How many times thereafter, having bought into whatever product or service it might be, have you found the follow-up care distinctly lacking? This happens in every sphere of business and frankly, I, for one, am fed up with it.

As someone who knows and appreciates a good service, I realised a while ago that without this, clients and customers are unlikely to remain loyal. Over decades in business, I have seen plenty of examples of poor service, and one topic that comes up frequently where consistent and efficient service isn’t being delivered, is lack of organisation. We all need to know what work is waiting to be done and who is going to do it and, crucially, when. Don’t be afraid of oldfashioned technology to do this. Depending on your style and place of work, a wall chart showing all staff where and when they should be can be as useful as an Android phone or tablet. A set of charts in a waterproof folder and kept in a van helped a builder to keep track of which employees and sub-contractors

were on which sites and, importantly, who was going to be absent. This helped the firm to keep a track of their payroll details more easily too. This added efficiency can help us keep our clients informed of our activities and the timescale required for outstanding work. There is nothing more frustrating that being promised that things will be done by a certain deadline and then finding that it isn’t, often because whoever is supposed to be doing the job is ‘too busy’ – or more likely ‘double booked’. Another crucial part of good service is effective and regular communication with clients. Keeping in touch helps them

to know that you genuinely do have their best interests at heart – and frankly, if you don’t, what are you doing in business? A business’s bottom line can only continually improve if it is attracting and retaining new customers. The key word in that sentence is ‘retaining’. Good service is the key to this and to encouraging those retained clients to become advocates for your company, recommending your goods or services to anyone who will listen. We all need them! It often isn’t cheapness which keeps a client, but a sense that what they are paying is good value for money. On that note, I wish you well for 2019, a year that promises a lot of change and possibly a fair bit of disruption due to Br***t. If we all keep our clients happy and our standard of service finely honed, we should be alright!

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Award for comitted team of life-savers AMBULANCE volunteers from Wells have won an award for showing “outstanding commitment to their community”. Volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) for the City of Wells received the 2018 Group Award at a South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust awards ceremony held at the Cadbury House Hotel at Congresbury, near Bristol. The group consists of a retired nurse, a fuel tanker driver and a sales planner who fit their volunteering around their day jobs. Cody Worthington, Community Responder Officer, said: “The Wells team provide some of the best overall cover and activity of any responder group in the county. They work extremely hard as a team and offer support to other community first responder

From left, Brian Childs (sales and transport planner), Graham White (fuel tanker driver), trainer and specialist paramedic Lidia Gruguoli, and John Hill (retired cardiac nurse) teams. They deserve recognition for their dedication, hard work and invaluable assistance they provide.” The Wells CFR team formed in 2002. The group is made up of members of the public who

give up their time to respond to emergency calls for the Ambulance Service. They are trained by ambulance staff and have regular training. At present the team has four active members. Each responder

provides approximately 15 hours of voluntary emergency cover each week for their community on top of their day jobs. The committed team have even raised funds to purchase their own responder car. They are supported by the Ambulance Service Responder Liaison Officer Lidia Griguoli, a specialist paramedic. She delivers monthly educational sessions to the group on a variety of subjects such as heart attacks, emergency management of diabetes, asthma and epilepsy. The group also undertake twice yearly requalifying on basic life support to ensure they are current and fit to practice. “I am delighted that the Wells group have won this award and deserve the recognition for the service and the many hours they provide in volunteering their life-saving skills,” said Lidia. The Trust employs thousands of CFRs across the South West.

Course aims to boost happiness A FREE Happiness Course is starting in Wells in January. The course aims to help people identify practical changes they might want to make to increase their happiness. Participants will watch short films and interviews with experts in the field, and take part in exercises and discussions. It is being led by the Rev Jan Shellard-James, curate at St Thomas’ Church; Nicole Greenslade, an experienced business trainer; Caroline Rigby, a wellbeing coach; and Kate Fox-Robinson, an experienced happiness course facilitator. They

have previously run this course in Wells and say it was very positively received. The course will take place at St Thomas’ Church but is not religion-based and is open to those with all faiths or none. It is being offered for free with a suggested donation of £10 for four sessions to help cover costs. The first session is on January 17, and further sessions will follow on January 24, January 31 and February 7, all from 10am11.30am. Booking is essential. Email nicolebowman05@btinternet. com

Award-winning trader opens shop WELLS food trader Mandy Evans will have a new base in January when she opens a shop. Her Gluten Free Gourmet business caters for coeliacs and people with food allergies at festivals, shows and markets, including Wells market. Now, fresh from winning a Silver Gilt award in the national FreeFrom Eating Out Awards in November, she is looking forward to opening a shop in Glastonbury’s Gauntlet Centre.

“The shop will enable us to grow our wholesale section, supplying more cafes and restaurants as well as private functions,” said Mandy. “Somerset Local Food Direct have asked us to come on board and they do home deliveries. Now you will be able to get our food delivered straight to your door.” She will be giving away a 10 per cent discount card when the shop opens on January 5.

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Sunday Carvery in beautiful surroundings 1 Course - £9.50 2 Course - £13.50 From 12.30pm, booking essential.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

CARING FOR YOU

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Friendly face of stairlift fitting

Helping people lead full lives

SUTTONS Stairlifts is a local, family-run business dedicated to providing a fair and ethical service with a no-pressure selling policy. We offer a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts, either straight or curved, throughout the West Country. We also offer a rental option for straight stairlifts as well as servicing and safety checks, repairs and removals. Handicare stairlifts offer features such as a powered swivel seat and powered folding footplate; these can make using a stairlift even easier by allowing you to operate these functions at the touch of a button. We will visit you to survey the staircase and conduct a user assessment leaving you the leaflets and prices so you can make the decision in your own time.

HEALTH, Wellbeing, and Independence are important to us all whatever our age and at Oakville Care Centre this is the essential essence behind their vision for the company. The shop at 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, is packed with a wide range of products to help in maintaining good health, and solutions for promoting independence which generate that wellbeing factor we all need. There are over 700 products available by shopping online and many available in stock between their Frome and Wells branches to pick up or have delivered direct locally. These range from daily living aids such as grab rails, Reacher’s, dressing aids; incontinence products; arthritic and joint supports, cutlery and cups; Cosyfeet shoes and slippers; HJ Hall specialist socks; Day clocks and

Suttons Stairlifts offers a range of new or refurbished Handicare stairlifts, either straight or curved With our inclusive and comprehensive 12 or 24 month warranty and 365 day coverage you can be assured of a firstclass and personal service. Call 01749 346900 to find out more or to make an appointment to see us at Unit AB8a, Anglo Trading Estate, Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, or visit www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk

A glimpse inside the Wells shop pill dispensers as examples, and an extensive natural health and skincare range. This is coupled with a popular wheelchair hire service. We are passionate about helping people stay as independent as they can in their own homes and our small local Mendip team (with over 100 years combined care experience behind them) pride themselves in the service they give. For further information or to discuss your individual needs call the Wells Centre on 01749 670765 or our Frome Centre on 01373 455415. You can also see our full range on www. oakvillecarecentre.co.uk.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Bishop backs fuel campaign

Help on road to recovery

THANKS to many generous supporters across Somerset, the annual Surviving Winter appeal – which aims to help keep isolated older people who are living in fuel poverty warm this winter – is halfway to reaching its target, but the campaign still has some way to go. Surviving Winter, which is run by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), encourages pensioners who feel they don’t want or need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate some or all of it to the campaign. Vulnerable older people living in fuel poverty and social isolation in Somerset are given a Surviving Winter grant, helping to ease the pressure of finding extra money to heat their home. The latest ‘celebrity’ to support the campaign is the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath & Wells. Bishop Peter, who is a vice president of SCF and patron of Age UK, said: “During

THERAPIST Sharon Roberts hopes to set people on a painfree path and help improve physical and mental performance from her new clinic at Coxley. Sharon uses soft tissue therapy and her knowledge of the nervous system to gently manipulate muscle and tissue to treat injuries and strengthen the body. Other treatments range from massage to mindfulness. “I have a passion for restoring and optimising the efficiency of the human body,” said Sharon, a keen sportswoman who has used yoga to refine her own ski technique. “I want people to get better and stay better.”

Bishop Peter has given his backing to the Surviving Winter campaign the cold winter months many older people are faced with a tough choice: fuel or food. “A Surviving Winter Grant could prevent them having to decide between heating their home or being able to afford a decent meal. So please consider donating to this year’s Surviving Winter appeal if you can.”

To donate some or all of the Winter Fuel Payment, send a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation (writing SW on the reverse), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN; call 01749 344949; or donate online at www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter

Meeting date THE next meeting of Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will take place at Old Mill, Bishopbrook House, at 6pm on Monday, January 7.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Charity reaches out to new Friends THERE were talks and tours at the launch of a Friends of Heads Up sponsorship scheme in November. Business people, civic dignitaries and other guests were welcomed to the mental health charity’s premises at South Horrington by chair of trustees Wendy Attridge, before listening to a presentation by trustee Vanessa Gordon and being shown around the facilities. Vanessa said that one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, one in 14 over 65s will develop dementia, and that more men die of suicide than die in road accidents. Heads Up is trying to improve the situation locally by providing people with social contacts and hobbies to pursue. More than 60 people are seen at Heads Up each week, and there is a waiting list for some of the sessions. The cost of providing services will be nearly £200,000 this year. With no government funding, the charity relies on grants, fundraising events, donations and sponsorships. Business or individual who would like to find out more about becoming a Friend can email info@headsupsomerset.org.uk The scheme launch came in the same month that Heads Up won the top award in the Royal Horticultural Society’s national It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign. This is part of the wider Britain in Bloom initiative that recognises the achievements of volunteered-led community

Top, Heads Up service director Bridget Harvey, right, and chair of trustees Wendy Attridge, second right, pictured at the launch of the Friends of Heads Up sponsorhsip scheme with others including Wells county councillor Tessa Munt and the Dean of Wells Dr John Davies; and above, Heads Up’s garden volunteers proudly hold their Royal Horticultural Society award certificate. Lee-Anne Bone is on the right

gardening groups focused on improving their local environment. “This is wonderful recognition for the gardeners at Heads Up,” said the charity’s garden coordinator Lee-Anne Bone. “Everyone works so hard and the judges were so impressed by what we do here.” The judges rated the garden at Heads Up’s South Horrington base as “outstanding” and said it “provides an excellent facility for learning and development workshops for individuals with mental health needs”. Earlier this year the Heads Up volunteer gardeners helped Rock House Dental Practice win a Wells in Bloom gold award. Previously they helped the Full Moon pub in Southover win bronze and gold in the same competition.

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Wells Cathedral was awash with colour at a Movement worship night for young people on December 1. The organisation is holding regular gatherings across the South West that bring people together to worship in a contemporary way.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

Funding boost for garden project A SOCIAL enterprise which builds on a project that has been running for some time by the Elim Church in Wells has been given money by the Somerset Social Enterprise Fund, administered by Somerset Community Foundation. Root Connections CIC is based on a farm near Strattonon-the-Fosse, providing accommodation and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the surrounding towns and countryside. Clients are encouraged to get involved in growing produce on the farm, helping them in their recovery while also generating income for the project. The social investment is designed to help them develop and grow a ‘veg box’ scheme as part of

the project. Suzanne Addicott, manager at Root Connections CIC, said: “We are delighted that Somerset Community Foundation is supporting the work of Root Connections by offering blended finance in the form of both a grant and loan. This will enable the Root Connections market garden to establish itself. “Income generated from the project, including the sale of veg boxes, jams and chutneys, will go towards our work at Dairy House to end rough sleeping and also provide vulnerable adults with the opportunity to participate in the market garden. “We want to thank the foundation for all the work it does in the community partnering with organisations like ours.”

Help facing stressful situations CLINICAL hypnotherapist Michelle Louise Balson, pictured right, says she can help people overcome their fear of spiders, flying and public speaking. Not to mention anxiety, depression, sleep problems, panic attacks, blushing, exam stress, weight management and stopping smoking. Michelle is a Registered General Nurse who has worked in the NHS for 20 years, and also work as a clinical hypnotherapist in Wedmore Surgery. Now she has opened a clinic in Wells – MLB Hypnotherapy – at ST Beauty in Broad Street,

above Studley’s Jewellers. “The rooms are peaceful and tranquil which is the perfect environment for hypnotherapy sessions,” she said. “Clinical hypnotherapy can help with low confidence and lack of motivation by encouraging a shift in perspective. It works by changing negative thoughts into positive actions. “It is hugely rewarding to see someone progress from feeling anxious and nervous to becoming confident and better able to cope with stressful situations.”

Lunchtime concerts at museum THREE Saturday lunchtime concerts with soloists Sarah Poole (soprano) and David Heyes (double bass) will take place at Wells & Mendip Museum in the next three months. Music at the Museum will feature new and accessible music

from around the world alongside unaccompanied Somerset folk songs. The concerts will take place on January 12, February 9 and March 9. Each will start at noon and last for about 45 minutes. There will be coffee and cakes afterwards. Admission is free.

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In celebration of snowdrops

The Snowdrop Celebration returns to The Bishop’s Palace in February

THE Bishop’s Palace’s Snowdrop Celebration is set to return in February. Following last year’s successful inauguration, when around 1,500 visitors enjoyed the carpets of snowdrops, in 2019 the Snowdrop Celebration will take place on February 23 and 24, from 10am-4pm. The Snowdrop Walk will show visitors the best route to experience the Moat banks carpeted with snowdrops and cross the Willow Bridge to see an Arboretum full of different varieties of spectacular snowdrops. To complement the Gardens, there will also be a selection of craft and plant stalls in the Stable Yard Room, with art, gifts and a selection of common and rare varieties of snowdrops on offer. The Snowdrop Celebration is included with standard admission.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS WI OUR November meeting attracted another good crowd. We agreed to have a belated Secret Santa at our seasonal meal outing in January, exchanging gifts to be bought from charity shops for no more than £3. The crafters were organising a creative evening involving pine cones, the gourmet group were planning a buffet, and our skittle players were getting ready for the next round of the county competition and a skittles social. Members signed up for charity fundraising sessions to be held at Burns the Bread’s baking school in the spring. For £15 each participant will be taught to make bread and puff pastry, enjoy a buffet with wine, and maybe even take home a prize. Thanks to Mr Burns all the money raised - hopefully around £180 - will go directly to St Margaret’s Hospice. Following up on the enjoyable talk we had from the director of Carymoor Environmental Trust earlier this year, we chose a Saturday in May for a group visit, when we will be able to enjoy the wildflower meadows at their best and see some of the other interesting work done by this environmental education charity. The rest of the meeting was spent pushing cloves into oranges to make pomanders (top tip: make holes with a knitting needle to avoid sore thumbs), whilst discussing the resolutions for next year’s potential WI campaign. In January each member will vote for her favourite from a shortlist of six: improving plant biosecurity in the UK; improving the natural landscape by planting more trees; introducing better education about pelvic floor health; ending the taboo around discussing menstrual health; tackling the decline in local bus services; and increasing take up of cervical cancer screening. Our December meeting was a relaxed affair. We shared buffet food that members had brought along and enjoyed mulled wine and apple juice while taking part in a Christmas quiz. Turns out the answer to “who created Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer?” is NOT “his parents”. The appeal for bags, hats, socks, gloves and other items useful to homeless people

As well as being a distinguished astrophysicist, Paul is a great communicator, being UK National Schools’ Astronomer, director of the Faulkes Telescope and Down2Earth education/ outreach programmes, and the European Space Agency’s ‘Space Ambassador’ for Wales. The talk, entitled Massive Collisions in the Solar System, will take place on Friday, January 25, at 8.15pm for 8.30pm. It is open to the public and all are welcome. Members free, non-members £3, families £5, students £2.

Members of Wells Culture Club at their seasonal celebration at the Swan Hotel resulted in a huge collection that will now be distributed via the Elim Connect centre before Christmas. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8, at 7.30pm at the Wells & Mendip Museum. New women are always welcome at Wells WI and can attend as guests before deciding whether to join. We have a fantastic and varied programme planned for 2019. Details will be on our Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/Wellssomersetwi/ Veronica Howe WELLS BOARD GAME GROUP IF you are feeling a bit flat after all the festivities then come on down to Wells Board Game Group. We have old fashioned games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Rummikub to new games such as Chameleon. Also, if you enjoy Cribbage there are a few people in the group who would be keen to join you. We hold it at the Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, where you can buy yummy cakes and have a drink as well. Don’t sit in watching repeats on the telly, come and join us for some games. We start at 7pm on a Wednesday, fortnightly, and continue until 9.30pm. What are you waiting for? Call Linda Bird on 07849 688040. WELLS CULTURE CLUB CELEBRATING their seasonal ‘Night On The Tiles’, members of Wells Culture Club, the bohemians of the city, enjoyed

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

convivial company and sumptuous food and drink at the Swan Hotel hosted by Mark Tobin and his loyal staff in the midst of the renowned seasonal grandeur for which the hotel justly prides itself. Among the luminaries present were Diane Bingham, Andrew Fawcett, Siobhan Goodwin, Richard Green, Philippa Threlfall, Peter Truman, Hilary Waters, Caroline Welch, Philip Welch, Ian Ames-White, Ruth Ames-White, Chris Winter and Dr Julia Wood. A special toast was made to founder member Clare Blackmore, whom we all wish well on her road to recovery and also having personal issues at the moment. A special thank you was given to Richard Green for organising the event once again. The Culture Club had its origins in Team Blackmore, and two years ago changed its name to its current format, with each individual sharing each other’s interests making for spontaneous social and informative visits in and around Wells for which the unique group is now widely renowned. WELLS & MENDIP ASTRONOMERS WHEREVER we look in the solar system there is evidence of the key role that impacts have played in shaping the planets, and possibly the evolution of life itself. Dr Paul Roche, Reader in Astrophysics at Cardiff University, will explain more in a talk presented by Wells & Mendip Astronomers at Wells & Mendip Museum.

WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast was started about 25 years ago by Wells Cathedral to cater for men living alone. Since then it has become more secular in scope, and caters for between 50 and 60 men each month at meetings held for 11 months of the year at the Connect Centre. It is informal and has no membership fee. The only cost is £9 paid on the door at meetings for a talk and a full English breakfast. The next Breakfast is on January 5 at 8am when Dave Cottle will talk about bats. All men are welcome. MID-SOMERSET AMATEUR RADIO CLUB ON Sunday, November 11, the Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club operated a special event radio station with the call-sign GB0NFF for the Armistice Centenary. More than 80 contacts were made throughout the UK and Europe including an Armistice Centenary station in Belgium. A special GB0NFF QSL card to be sent out to the other stations to confirm each contact is being prepared. The call-sign NFF was used by the American Marconi Co transmitting station in Somerset County New Jersey for US to UK communications during the First World War. Club meetings are held in Wells on the last Monday of each month (except for bank holidays), at the Quarter Jack at 2pm, and every second Monday at Shepton Scout Hall at 7.45pm.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS

A large crowd gathered to watch the lights being switched on as The Queen Victoria Inn at Priddy was transformed into a gingerbread house again this Christmas. This year’s illuminations include a giant snowman made from hundreds of empty wine bottles.

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n NEWS New Year litter pick organised

Wookey Hole Ltd managing director Daniel Medley with Toby Pool of Stephens Scown solicitors

Acquisition of caravan park WOOKEY Hole Caves has added a second caravan park to its property portfolio. The Homestead Caravan Park is close to the famous tourist attraction in the centre of the village. The deal comes a year after the business purchased Bucklegrove Holiday Park at Rodney Stoke. “The success of Bucklegrove Holiday Park showed us the

potential this sector has for us in expanding our business offering,” said Wookey Hole Ltd managing director Daniel Medley. “We have 1,400 guests a night staying with us across our resort at the height of the holiday season. “Homestead Caravan Park is a great fit for us, as the site is right beside us. “We have plans to develop it

by adding more lodges and will also be looking to add to our portfolio of holiday parks in the Somerset area as opportunities arise over the coming years.” The purchase is part of a rolling £5 million investment programme which is bringing dividends for the resort. Wookey Hole Caves’ accounts for the year ended February 2018 revealed a 17 per cent increase in turnover on the previous year.

MAYOR of Wells Councillor Celia Wride is organising another litter pick around Wells over the weekend of January 11, 12 and 13, to be called the New Year Litter Pick Resolution. Anyone who would like to take part is welcome, and she will be at the Town Hall from 8.30am each morning over that weekend to hand out the litter picking equipment. As before, there will be designated points where the bagged rubbish can be left.

Sale of books at bargain prices A BOOK Sale is being held in Wells Town Hall on Saturday, January 12, from 10am-4pm. Organised by Wells Labour Party, there will be coffee, homemade cake, company, chat and books, many for a £1 or less.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

n THE PROPERTY MARKET

January 2019

With Roderick Thomas of Roderick Thomas Ltd

A great country opportunity SORRY to be boring but I have to say it again – I love my job. I see some great houses and often get to sell them. One such house is Park Farm which is tucked away in a beautiful rural area between

CLIFTON 01179 734464 CASTLE CARY 01963 351993 WEDMORE 01934 710220 WELLS 01749 670079 Mobile 07791789954 www.roderickthomas.co.uk rdt@roderickthomas.co.uk

the historic market towns of Langport and Somerton. It’s a great location with a long drive leading off a small country lane which gets virtually no through traffic. This is the one for a buyer looking for peace and tranquillity and a wonderful roomy house. It’s very generous with flagstones, beams, fireplaces, lots of living space and includes a big farmhouse kitchen with a fouroven Aga. There are also four reception rooms, a study, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Outside are outbuildings including a guest studio, and it all stands in about an acre and a half. A fabulous property and we’re quoting a guide price of £1,175,000.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Park Farm has four reception rooms, a study, five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is set in an acre and a half in a beautiful rural location

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n WHAT’S ON January 5 n Wells Men’s Breakfast meeting, Connect Centre, 8am. Full English breakfast, good company and a talk by Dave Cottle on bats. £9. All men welcome. For further details, contact Pablo Foster on 01749 677443. January 6 n Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am1pm, £3; bring and share lunch 1pm-2pm; Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3. For more details call 01458 210051. January 7 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure Group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. January 8 n Wells Railway Fraternity meeting, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Railways in New Zealand, Chris Challis, followed by The Bristolian, Roy Kethro. Non-members £4. More details: Andrew Tucker, 01749 830695. n Wells Floral Art Club presents a demonstration by Nicky Heal, a talented young demonstrator from Taunton. His title is Spring Inspirations. St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, 2.15pm. January 9 n Action on Hearing Loss fiveminute free hearing check, Wells Library, 9.30am-12.30pm. n Health Walk in and around Wells, meet Pickwicks Cafe 11am, with Ruth/John. 60-90 minutes. January 11 n Toe Jam Roller Disco, Wells Sports Centre, Charter Way, 6.30pm-8pm. Skates/kit provided, £5, or bring your own. All ages and abilities welcome. January 12 n Coffee Morning, Wells Methodist Church, 10am-noon, in aid of church funds. Cake stall etc. All welcome. n Wells SOUP, four local charities pitch for and share £700 at Wells SOUP! lunch’s new, bigger venue, the Connect Centre, Chamberlain Street/Portway junction, Wells, 1pm-2pm. Call 07715 770454 for details. January 16 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. January 19 n The Wonder of God Children’s Festival, Wells Cathedral, 10.30am3pm. Fun day for 4- to 11-year-olds

with lots of activities. Places need to be pre-booked at Eventbrite at £1.90 per person. For queries contact Jessica Witchell via education@wellscathedral.uk.net. n Concert by Croscombe Village Orchestra, conductor Anthony Bevan, Croscombe Village Hall, 7pm. Haydon: Symphony no.11 “Military”; Vaughan Williams: Suite for viola and orchestra, soloist Peter Sackett; Elgar: The Wand of Youth. Adults £5, children £1 (refreshments included). January 21 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure Group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n Talking Film with art historian Joanna Cobb, Wells Film Centre. Talk before screening of film Mary Queen of Scots, 7pm onwards. Book at film centre. January 23 n Health Walk in and around Wells, meet Pickwicks Cafe 11am, with Ruth/John. 60-90 minutes. January 26 n Wake Up Wells Community Day, Wells Cathedral and Wells & Mendip Museum, 10am-4pm. Lantern Parade from The Bishop’s Barn, 6pm. n Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market, Wells Town Hall, 10am4pm. Admission free. January 27 n Gorgons Carnival Club AGM, Britannia Inn, Bath Road, 7pm. January 30 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. REGULAR EVENTS Every Monday n Wells Breakaways Short Mat Bowls Club, meet every Monday except bank holidays, Kennion Hall, Blue School, from 6.45pm. Four mats available, try for three weeks for free, beginners welcome, equipment available, refreshments. n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.45pm. Drop in. Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193. Every Tuesday n Soda Art Group, 1.30pm3.30pm, Learning and Skills Centre, Portway. Special welcome for people with a disability. Tutorials, chances to exhibit, and expeditions out for workshops. More from 01749 673755 or 673334.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

n Wells Good Afternoon Choir, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm. ‘Singing in the Afternoon’ with Grenville Jones. Everyone welcome. gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk n Smashup badminton for all abilities with music and your mates. Ages 11-18. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 7pm-8pm, £2.50 per session. n Zumba Gold. Lower impact, easier steps, Wells Leisure Centre. 10.45am-11.10am, £5 a session. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up. n Latin-based cardio dance exercise, Wells Cathedral School dance studio, 6.45pm-7.45pm. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up. n Don’t struggle with your mental health difficulties alone. Come along to SEO Mental Health peer support group, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm-3.30pm. £3 suggested voluntary donation to cover costs. n Wookey Choirworks (ladies choir), 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Wookey Primary School hall, no auditions, singing for fun, £4pw. Contact wookey.choirworks@gmail.com n Pilates mat class 9.15am, Wells Town Hall. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7pm-9.15pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea. Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. Every Wednesday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Wells Table Tennis Club, Seager Hall, Union Street, 6.30pm-9pm. n Mendip All Drummers community djembe (African hand-drumming) group. Meet at Croscombe Village Hall, Fayreway, from 10am-1pm. Beginners and learners welcome; drums available. £4 per session. Ring Charles on

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07881 304609 or just turn up. n Wells Kettlercise, Town Hall, Market Place, 6pm. First class free. Pre-booking essential. Contact Sally Ann Frampton, zest2zen@ gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 7.15pm. First class free. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. Every Thursday n Knitting and Natter, Wells Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Learn knitting, crochet and cross-stitch. Open to men and women, no need to book. n Tai Chi For Health & Vitality, Westbury Village Hall, 12-1pm. Any age or ability. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n Mid Somerset Wargamers, Seager Hall, Wells, 7pm. Role play and board games. Members must be 18 or over; juniors (12 or over) can attend with adult member. facebook.com/ groups/1395072510738529/ n Pilates mat class, Wells Town Hall, 9.15am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea. Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. n Trigger Point Pilates, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 10.30am. For more informtion contact Sally at zest2zen@gmail.com or 07946 310877. n Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF, 8pm-10pm, £3. For more details call 01458 210051. Every Friday n Wells Country Market, Seager Hall, Union Street, 10am-noon. All home-cooked food plus craft and produce table. n Live music, The City Arms, High Street, 8.30pm. n Wells Refugee Aid collection at Wells Town Hall, 10am-11.45am. Collecting donations in Wells for refugees around the world, distribution via RAFT in Taunton. Quality warm clothes, waterproof shoes, blankets and sleeping bags always needed. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 9.45am; and seated and standing Pilates class for older adults, 11am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Zumba Gold at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm. £5 per session

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n WHAT’S ON PILOGAFIT Pilates Yoga Fitness Fusion for Spine & Core Stability Connect Centre Mondays 5.30 - 6.30pm Thursdays 9.30 - 10.30am St Thomas Church Hall Wednesdays 5.30 - 6.30pm Drop in - Pay as you go - £5 John Beasley 01749 672482 www.pilogafit.co.uk www.taichi24.co.uk

PILOGAFIT Additional exercise class SS&L Building - Portway Avenue Free Parking Fridays 12.15 - 1.15pm Details as above (second class free if you stay for it). More details from Carole-Anne on 07484 216900 / 01278 722292. n Tai Chi for Health class, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm3.30pm. Very gentle exercise, can be done seated if necessary.

Suitable for all. Everyone welcome. £3 donation. n Wells and Wookey Scottish Dancers, Wookey Village Hall, 7.15pm-9.45pm. All abilities welcome. For more information call 01749 672672 (all day), 01749 677548 (daytime), 01749 672805 (evening) or go to wellsscottishdancers.btck.co.uk Every Saturday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Pay and Play badminton for all abilities, teenagers and adults, Wells Blue Sports Centre, 9am10am, £3 per session. n Badzone – Wells Junior Badminton Club for all abilities – ages 7-15. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 10am-11am, £3 per session. Every Sunday n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.15am for 7.30am. Drop in. Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193. First Sunday of each month n Irish Set Dancing at Dinder

DISABLED ACCESS IN ALL 3 SCREENS

Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am-1pm, £3. Bring and share lunch 1pm-2pm. Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3. For more details, call 01458 210051. First Tuesday of each month n Wells WI, Wells & Mendip Museum. Start 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. n Wells Carers Group, Wells Fire Station Community Room, 10.30am-noon. Second Tuesday of each month n Wells Writers Group, The Globe Inn, Priest Row, 7pm. Third Wednesday of each month n Wells Civic Society meets at Wells & Mendip Museum at 7.30pm for interesting and entertaining talks. Refreshments served and guests welcome. wellscivicsociety.org.uk Third Friday of each month n Goldies Sing&Smile in Wells, Elim Connect Centre, Portway, 1.30pm2.30pm. We’re not a choir but we love music. We sing along to popular hits of the Fifties onwards and socialise together. £2 donation requested.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Third Saturday of each month n Knitting lessons for children, Wells Library, 11am-1pm. Equipment supplied. Booking required: 0300 123 2224. Third Sunday of each month n Gorgons Carnival Club quiz, Britannia Inn, Bath Road, Wells. Quiz starts at 7.30pm, teams of up to four people, £2 a player. There is also a raffle. More information from Shelly Ford on GorgonsCC@aol. com or 07894 078999. Last Monday of each month n Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club meets at the Quarter Jack, Wells, for an informal social get-together at 2pm. Coffee etc available. First and third Mondays n ‘Clickety Click’ knitting group, Wells Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 10am-noon. First, third (and fifth) Wednesdays n Open Mic Night, The Full Moon, Southover, Wells, 8pm. n Email brief details of events to news@wellsvoice.co.uk

STATE OF THE ART 3D

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STILL SHOWING... MARY POPPINS RETURNS (U) BUMBLEBEE 2D & 3D (12A) MORTAL ENGINES (12A)

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n TAKE A BREAK

M A

A 2

TXT PERT

HOW MANY ALIENS?

Alphorn, Alto sax, Anvil, Bass recorder, Bell, Bin, Bones, Buccina, Bugle, Chang, Chimes, Cornet, Crwth, Cymbal, Deagan, Drum, Fife, Flageolet, Gong, Guitar, Harp, Lute, Lyre, Marimba, Moog, Oboe, Organ, Piano, Pipe, Quail, Rattle, Rebec, Regal, Santir, Shawm, Tabor, Traps, Treble recorder, Tromba, Trumpet, Tuba, Ukulele, Vina, Viol, Zither.

WORDSEARCH

O H

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

SOLUTIONS A

EASY for children

Vina 2 is A, B or C 3 Whiffle is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I Zither 5 is J, K, or L

SUDOKU

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

1 32222 (5) 2 42645866 (8) 3 72622 (5) 6 6756 (4)

1Tromba 3642 (4) 4Trumpet 5462 (4) 5 22476 (5) Tuba 7 7882 (4) 8Ukulele 2656626 (7)

Viol

E H S J X B A S S R E C O R D E R

This month: Capitals

Traps The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad 1 2 Treble recorder Down Across

Vamphorn

F T G R B U C C I N A N J L Y R E

R O

I W Q O E S T W E R I N Q R L E L

F R X B O E C Y M B A L I T I L G

C A

N C A A B M Y A T S E T W V V F U

N R E T O I E A Y P N R I Y N F B

TXT PERT

R I O L I H P C T A Z S Q U A I L

O G N H E C I E S R C H A N G H N

H H A R P L P E T T V T U B A W O

P G I M D M U G L E E Z I T H E R

S U

L H P U U P A K A T L T G O N G T

O M

A C O R N E T V U B T O M W R O O

P J T D V I O L L B M A E W U N L

K Z D E A G A N L A C O R G A N E

A L T O S A X I E Y G D R H A H M

M A R I M B A V B O N E S T J L S

Count the aliens and their spaceships

Y W T R E B L E R E C O R D E R F

HOW MANY ALIENS?

C O

Musical instruments

WORDSEARCH

Can you find 45 types of musical instrument, spelled horizontally, vertically or diagonally?

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2019

n SPORT

Two victories give Wells fresh impetus HAVING not won a game since the end of September, Wells turned the form book upside down on December 8 with a hard fought and spirited win in the wind and the rain against North Somerset visitors, Clevedon. They followed that 12-5 triumph with another win on December 15, beating Gordano 15-10 to get the second half of the season off to a good start. With the squad struck down with injuries to key players, Wells have struggled over the past couple of months, losing seven games straight off, some by quite horrendous scores, but the youngsters who have come in have played with plenty of spirit and even when losing by many points, they have always held their heads up. Experience can sometimes be hard earned. Wells are currently two places off the bottom of the Tribute Western Counties League table, with just Cheltenham and Chosen Hill Former Pupils below them. They now have a three-week Christmas break. Hopefully, some of the injured will be fit

Wells 1sts launch another attack in the 15-10 win against Gordano to play as the weeks go on and Wells be looking to win more often, especially the home games. Although it might seem corny to say, bonus points would also be a bonus. These are earned by scoring four or more tries, or losing by seven points or less. Wells have earned just two this season so far, a lot less than

Depleted A team show spirit to push opponents all the way A DIFFICULT away trip in the Dimmock Green cup saw a depleted first division Wells City A team face premier division high flyers Pilton United. As expected, Pilton started strongly, and only some excellent defending from the Wells back line kept the score level until the 30th minute, when a brilliant solo goal saw Pilton take the lead. Wells stayed strong and went in at the break only 1-0 down. A bright start to the second half from Wells saw Pilton keep their slender lead thanks to some fantastic defending of their own, and Wells were unlucky not to equalise from a dangerous free kick which was well held by the Pilton goalkeeper. With time running out and trying to push for the equaliser, Wells conceded another with only 20 minutes to go and it ultimately proved too much of an uphill task to overturn.

Returning to league action on December 1, the A team lost 3-0 at Timsbury Reserves. The game against Somer Valley Sports on December 8 was postponed because of bad weather, and in the game on December 15, the team went down 3-1 at home to Chilcompton Sports Reserves. The 1st team’s home fixture with Cheddar on December 15 also fell victim to the weather. The weekend before, they gave a bright display in drawing 3-3 at Chippenham Park, two goals coming from Mark Randall, the last in injury time at the end of the game. After gaining their second win of the season in beating thirdbottom Burnham United 1sts on December 8, Wells City Reserves – who are second from bottom in Somerset County Division 1 – were unfortunate to lose by a single goal against bottom club Long Ashton 1sts on December 15, going down 4-3.

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any other club in the league. Wells 2nds fared less well than the 1sts in their last two games, going down 48-5 to Bristol Barbarians 2nds on

December 1, and 29-17 to Yatton 2nds on December 8. Wells RFC would like to wish all their sponsors and supporters a very Prosperous New Year.

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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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March 2017

wellsvoice

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DEBT COLLECTION

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PAINTING AND DECORATING

STEVE CRABB Interior and exterior painter and decorator with over 20 years’ experience Free quotations For a professional job call Steve on: Mobile: 07738 240002 Tel: 01749 677071 Email: stevencrabb@hotmail.co.uk

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January 2019

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wellsvoice

January 2019

n SPORT

‘Tennis in Wells is thriving all year round’ SPORTS TALK The first in a new series of interviews features Kevin Durney, head coach at Wells Tennis Club Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Wells. I’ve been a tennis coach since the age of 18 at Torquay Lawn Tennis Club as part of team of four coaches. When I saw the opportunity at Wells with a relocation project being planned, it sounded like a great opportunity to head out on my own and build a great environment for all to enjoy our sport. Give us an overview of the tennis scene in Wells. Tennis in Wells is thriving all year round! We coach a variety of players from four years old up to adults in their 80s in a weekly programme. We’re on the radar of Somerset Tennis as a thriving club with big plans for the future. How difficult is tennis to take up as a sport, both for

Tennis coach Kevin Durney children and adults? Tennis requires a set of skills that are not used in your dayto-day life, so it can take a little time to get used to. That said, this is no different to other skill-disciplined sports, and with practice and a little help everyone can play. Tennis has a reputation for being one of the more expensive sports to play, is that the case? To play social tennis at our club, or with other players, doesn’t

have to be expensive. Our full adult membership works out at £3.30 a week if paid in full, or we also offer monthly payment options. The high cost comes into all sports when individuals start to specialise and we have many group and individual lessons, but to simply come and play it doesn’t have to be expensive. In your view, is tennis and sport in general thriving in Wells? I think we see a lot of players at our club, and when I look over at the Sports Ground from our courts you can see footballers, archers and netball players all enjoying their sports. That said, I always think more needs to be done to get people active at all ages and in any sports. There are so many benefits to having an active lifestyle and sport is a great way to ensure this. You run a series of successful holiday clubs. When can people take part

and what do they involve? Yes, we run clubs in half-terms and in the summer holidays. They involve developing mini athletes to help them in all sports (as children should not specialise in one sport at a young age), followed by teaching them the technique and tactics of tennis in a fun, safe and relaxed environment. Tell us a bit about your coaching qualifications. I am one of the only Level 5 LTA Master Club Coaches in Somerset, and also have a Masters Degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology and an Honours Degree in Tennis Coaching Management. I also attend regular professional development courses as a licensed coach and am fully up to date with first aid and safeguarding qualifications. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line at kpdurney@msn.com.

Volunteer Tom gets special award WELLS Tennis Club honoured 14-year-old Tom Wilson, right, at its annual end of season presentation evening with a special award for volunteering. Blue School student Tom, from Wells, was singled out for a new award thanks to his tireless contribution every weekend and during the holidays with some of the club’s youngest players. He also assisted on a one-day research project assignment to assess player’s serves. Tom started assisting coach Kevin Durney as part of his Duke of Edinburgh challenge last January but continued to volunteer long after it had finished. A member since he was five years old, Tom plays most weeks for fun after his mother spotted he had great coordination catching a ball. He was presented with his trophy by club president

Tasha Smith and said: “Volunteering at the club has really opened my eyes to the different ways players aged only seven or eight can progress in a short space of time. It has been really satisfying to get involved with the coaching side of tennis and even helping with data collection for a research project. I was really surprised and thrilled to receive the trophy – I wasn’t expecting it at all.” Kevin said: “Tom has been a great help to our tennis club. He started volunteering with the Duke of Edinburgh award, saying yes whenever asked to do something new. Since then he has helped at Open Days, my MSc serve experiment and continues to be a big hit with all the children on Saturday mornings. Whenever he is asked it’s a yes before he knows what he needs to do – you couldn’t want for more from a volunteer.”

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Contact us to arrange a tour of the course, plus a courtesy round of golf secretary@wellsgolfclub.co.uk 01749 675005 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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