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January 2021 Issue 43
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‘Process feels undemocratic’ Cathedral School consults lawyers after phone mast gets go-ahead following appeal Turn to page 2
Cinema shut until further notice Wells Film Centre takes decision to stay closed while situation is so uncertain Turn to page 4
RD W E L L S LO YA LT Y C A
How to increase your resilience
THE first two winners of Wells loyalty shopping scheme vouchers have been drawn. Sarah Meek and Elizabeth Walker have each won £50 worth of vouchers to spend in shops run by league members, after handing in cards with £100 worth of stamps on them. They both have connections to Wells Cathedral School – Elizabeth is a flute teacher there, and Sarah was a teaching assistant at the school. “I’m thrilled to have won these vouchers – it will make my return to work all that Continued on page 11
From food and water to community, simple ways to become more resilient in 2021 Turn to page 6
Recipe for success Sarah Meek with her vouchers in the Amba fashion store in Market Place with the store’s Jayne Clark
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A chef from Wells is soon to see his first cookery book in print Turn to page 19
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January 2021
School consults its lawyers after phone mast gets go-ahead A WELLS school has spoken of its shock after a decision to allow a phone mast to be sited on its sports ground. Wells Cathedral School has been consulting its lawyers about the options it now has available. An application by Vodafone for a 12.5m lattice mast at the school’s sports ground at Tor Hill Lane was refused by Mendip District Council in March 2020. Vodafone lodged an appeal in August, and the Planning Inspectorate allowed the appeal and granted prior approval for the mast and associated equipment in a decision notice dated December 9. The school had requested that the appeal be dismissed, and Wells City Council, St Cuthbert Out Parish Council and the majority of residents who made public comments had objected to the plans. In a statement, Wells Cathedral School said: “We were concerned to read the decision by the Planning Inspectorate regarding the siting of a 12.5m lattice mast on our sports ground. “We have two particular concerns. “First is the fact that this has been approved, despite being described by the inspector himself as being ‘detrimental to the area’s visual qualities’. “Second is the lack of consultation. In his report, the inspector cites the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Network Development in England, which states that there should be consultation with a school prior to the submission of any application. The inspector then goes on to say that although this prior consultation did not happen, this has not weighed heavily against the proposal. “We are shocked that best practice has been ignored, that parents have not been given the opportunity to learn more about the proposal, and that we have not had the chance to address any concerns about siting a
mast on school grounds. As it stands, this whole process feels undemocratic. “The school has always felt that it is not our place to support or object to the mast – this is something for the community to decide. However we do feel strongly that there should be full consultation with that community, and that a full planning application process would be the best way for that to be achieved. “Our understanding at this time is that the development will now proceed, and that we will be compelled to allow the developers access to our land. However we have consulted our lawyers regarding our options going forward. We expect to make a second public statement when we have received that advice.” Peter Welsh, who lives in nearby Bekynton Avenue, was one of those who objected to the planning application. He said: “I am dismayed and perplexed by the decision to approve the Wells Cathedral School phone mast as it will alter and blight this green space forever.” A Vodafone spokesperson said: “We’re working to ensure that our customers can use their mobiles wherever they live, work and travel, and we require additional sites in order to ensure our customers in Wells have strong and reliable coverage. “With Cornerstone, who manage our planning applications, we proposed a new site at Strawberry Fields to provide 3G and 4G services. Unfortunately, this proposed development was refused by the Local Planning Authority. “After assessing this refusal we felt that the proposed development was the best solution available locally and submitted an appeal against this decision. This appeal has now been allowed which will allow Vodafone to provide network services to their customers.”
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January 2021
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Celebration of togetherness strikes a chord WELLS band The Portraits touched the hearts of the nation with their special orchestral arrangement of Together In Electric Dreams. The single did not reach the top spot in the Christmas music charts, as had been hoped, but it did rise to No 2 in the iTunes chart. The video that accompanied the single featured 155 photos of people who have died during the pandemic contributed by members of Shine A Light To Fight Coronavirus, one of the largest Facebook Covid support groups. And it got the nation talking, with coverage on national TV and radio and tweets by Stephen Fry and Midge Ure, among others. “It’s been a huge whirlwind,” said producer Jeremy Millington, who formed The Portraits with his wife Lorraine in 2005. “Our song pays tribute to all the families who’ve suffered loss this year. We hoped it might lift people up just a little at a dark time.” The song, which was raising funds for Mind and Cruse Bereavement Care, features Lorraine and Jeremy’s 14-yearold daughter Ciara on main vocals accompanied by a choir and orchestra from Somerset who filmed their performances at home during the November lockdown. Jeremy admitted that hitting the No 1 spot was a tall order up against music acts such Ladbaby
Ciara and Lorraine Millington with Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes during their appearance on This Morning that had been planning their campaign to top the charts for months in advance. “Ours was a crazy little idea dreamed up in October in Tor Woods during a run listening to headphones, and happening upon the original Together In Electric Dreams,” said Jeremy. “The lyrics just felt like an ode to loss and separation but with an uplifting chorus that celebrates togetherness, even if that is just in our hearts remembering those we’ve lost, or thinking of friends we can’t get together with but seeing them down the line. Weirdly in this year of separation, togetherness has actually been a recurring theme... solidarity and working for the good of our communities and to help those suffering loss and isolation.
Aim for lanterns to light up Wells COVID-19 restrictions mean that the annual Wells Lantern Parade cannot take place in January, but that has not dampened the spirits of Project Factory. Lantern kits will be available to buy on Saturday, January 9, in Wells Market Place, so that people can make a lantern to Light Up Wells. There is due to be a display of lanterns in The Bishop’s Palace Gardens and in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, January 23. Project Factory would also like people to lend a lantern, if they made one for previous parades, to create a lantern trail in shop windows. Of course, all this is dependent on Covid restrictions.
“It was all those themes that I heard in the lyrics and before I’d even left Tor Woods, I had the whole song mapped and scored out in my head. We’re hugely proud of the fact that it got to No 2 in the iTunes chart and was outselling Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey, Wham, Justin
Bieber and many others for at least two or three days. “But above all, we’re honoured and delighted at the outpouring online and in the media of love for the song and for what we put together here in beautiful Wells with a handful of musical friends recording on their phones at home during the November lockdown and me mixing and mastering it in our bedroom on my little laptop. “So to come from nothing – no budget and no media plan – to coverage on ITV’s This Morning, BBC Points West, Jeremy Vine on Channel 5, Stephen Fry and Midge Ure and Matt Lucas and Rev Kate Bottley and Justine Greene all tweeting about it and Steve Wright on Radio 2 playing it and saying ‘This is a fantastic version... I would give this, if I had to give five stars, I’d give five stars. Five out of five’ – it’s all quite astonishing.”
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Cinema doors shut until further notice WELLS Film Centre will remain closed until further notice. The latest closure is the third time in nine months that the cinema’s doors have been shut. In an update for customers, proprietor Sally Cooper and the team say: “As we come to the end of 2020 that for us and so many has been an exceedingly difficult year, we have spent the last few days deciding how we are going to operate in 2021. “On Boxing Day Somerset was placed in to Tier 3, meaning cinemas are required to close again. This is now the third time in nine months that has seen us close our doors. “With no end date for when we will go back in to Tier 2 and the uncertainty of possibly more lockdowns or tier changes, we have made the extremely difficult decision to remain closed until further notice.” The film centre first closed during the original lockdown in March last year. It reopened in July, but closed for a second time at the end of September, due to the lack of films available and low customer attendance. The doors were open again on December 4, then had to close
Staff at Wells Film Centre had worked hard to make it Covid-secure once more three weeks later. The film centre’s statement continues: “This decision has not been made lightly and we want to express how difficult closing and reopening has been on the business, us as a family and our staff. Each time we open and close it requires weeks of work in preparation, dealing with programming, stock challenges and the emotional strain on all of us. “During the months we have managed to open during 2020 we have seen a 72 per cent drop of admissions from 2019. As
well as a reduction of more than 120 movies not being played, some due to being pushed back by distributors or moved on to streaming platforms.” The cinema is due to get £78,980 from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, one of more than 200 independent cinemas across England being supported with £16 million in grants. A Save Your Cinema campaign that was launched in October has also raised over £8,000. But remaining closed for the time being is still necessary
to safeguard the cinema’s future, the statement says: “As you may know we have been awarded £78,000 as one of 200 independent cinemas as part of the Culture Recovery Fund, this money will go towards, as it is paid over a period of time, to paying debt that has accumulated over these last nine months and help us through the upcoming expenses we will have even while being closed. “We are also grateful to everyone who has donated to our Save Your Cinema campaign which has raised over £8,000 and is also being used to secure the future of the cinema. This is still an ongoing campaign and if you would like more information please visit our website wellsfilmcentre.co.uk “We understand this decision may come as a surprise to many of our customers, but we must look at the long-term situation and the decisions we have made at this time we feel are the right ones to secure the long-term future of a cinema in Wells. We will of course keep this under regular review, and we hope it will not be long before we can advertise a final reopening date.”
City council could gain control of Bishop’s Barn in summer WELLS City Council could take over control of the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground in the summer. The update was provided by Mayor of Wells Councillor Philip Welch at a city council meeting on December 10.
He said that Mendip District Council had confirmed it would be happy for the city council to take them over once the Charity Commission has approved the transfer, possibly in about July. He said that the city council has a working fund of £45,000
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for this project, and that hopefully it could turn the Barn into something very successful that will bring in money. In other items discussed, Councillor John Osman reported that he had attended a Mendip District Council
committee meeting which considered whether to list the Portway Annexe as an Asset of Community Value. This was subsequently agreed. This gives the city council and the community more time to develop their plans for the building.
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January 2021
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Dismay at delay to pop-up post office THERE has been criticism of Post Office Ltd at the delay in opening the planned new pop-up post office in Wells. Wells City Council offered the bus station waiting room as a temporary venue for a pop-up post office before Christmas and carried out work to make the building ready. But Post Office Ltd were unable to source suitable staff, and it is not now expected to open until some time in January. A second post office counter at Budgens on Bath Road was in place in the week before Christmas, and Nigel and Heather Derrick of Natural Pets of Wells in Queen Street continue to work on their application for post office counters, although they say it is a lengthy process so nothing is likely to be in place in their shop for several months. “The city council are very disappointed that despite having
The bus station waiting room the waiting room prepared for the last few weeks and done all the work including a new alarm system the Post Office asked for, they have again delayed the opening and the people of Wells have not had a central post office to use before Christmas,” said Town Clerk Steve Luck. “The city council has no control over Post Office Ltd and dealing with them has been deeply frustrating,” said Wells Mayor Philip Welch. “For more than four years the council has been working with Post Office Ltd to keep a post office in the city centre. First by extending the lease on the Market Place building, then working with Post Office Ltd to look at setting up post office counters at the Spar in Tucker
Street, Peacocks in High Street, the pet shop in Queen Street and most recently the ticket office at the bus station. “All the efforts of Town Clerk Steve Luck and councillors over the years to work with Post Office Ltd have come to nothing and the single counter at Budgens on Bath Road was left to take the strain alone at a time when more parcels are being sent because of Covid until Budgens were able to install a second counter a few days before Christmas. “The queues there had been horrendous and enormous credit is due to Richie Church, the Budgens postmaster, and his staff for the calm and friendly efficiency they showed despite enormous pressure.” A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are working hard to restore Post Office service to central Wells as soon as possible as we know how important Post Office services are to a community. We have worked with Wells City Council to find suitable premises at the bus station. We then needed to source suitable staff, which unfortunately meant that we were unable to open a temporary branch during the busy Christmas period. “We are however pleased to announce that the temporary branch will open in mid-January, hopefully the week commencing January 11. The date is being finalised. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Wells Post Office. This has been an exceptional year with the coronavirus pandemic and the knock-on effect on retailers. The branch had been due to move to the Peacocks store before the business went into administration. We were unable to maintain a Post Office at the existing premises as the lease had expired. “Currently the nearest alternative branch is St Thomas Street Post Office in Bath Road. We also have an interested retailer who wants to take on Wells Post Office. We are progressing their application.”
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Covid-19 vaccinations for the over-80s began at West Mendip Hospital, Glastonbury, in December. Up to 300 people were due to be vaccinated each day, and as well as the health care professionals, teams of volunteers were on hand to act as marshals. More than 30 volunteers signed up through the Wells Coronavirus Network, including Karen Deverell (left) and Siobhan Goodwin, pictured taking a break in their six-hour shift. For more about the network and how it is evolving, see pages 16 and 17.
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January 2021
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Simple ways to become more resilient
Jane Walker is the resilience officer at St Cuthbert Out Parish Council and has written books on resilience. Here, she explains how small actions are all it takes to help people increase their resilience
miles when choosing which food to buy?” Resilience asks less comfortable questions. “How much food can you access within walking distance of your home?” It’s implied that the long supply chains of the food distribution system may fail, that you might not have easy access to transport. If you were snowed in, or isolated by flooding, this is a situation you could face. One solution is to keep a good supply of tinned and dried stores. Others are to make sure you support local shops and growers, even cultivate a few vegetables yourself. Establishing personal food security doesn’t happen overnight. You have to be prepared; you need a resilience plan. Food isn’t the only resource you need. Water and electricity are pretty important too. Your mains services can be cut off due to circumstances beyond your
WHAT does resilience mean? Simply put, it is the ability to cope well with change. Resilience implies a sense of what is valuable to you, and how to maintain it. How can you become resilient? Following advice about sustainable practices is a good start. It matters to be aware of your water use, your energy needs and the waste you create. In an emergency, however, you can easily let these good habits slide. Few people stop wearing masks because of the plastic rubbish this generates. Resilience is always ready for an emergency. Sustainability asks “can you involve less air
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The Resilience Wheel, which underpins the learning of practical resilience as described in detail in The Handbook of Practical Resilience control. A strategy to cope with this is valuable and requires a little easy preparation. For example, storing a few empty water containers in case you have to depend on a tap in the street is a good idea. Do you have a phone charger which works in your car? At least you could keep in touch then. Community is another important resource for the resilient. Spend some time building up good relations with your neighbours. Take an interest in local affairs; consider the impact of changes. Small actions in all these
aspects of life, kept up over time, will increase your personal resilience. Emergencies will no longer seem as threatening and, along the way, your quality of life will improve. n The Handbook of Practical Resilience provides a personal resilience assessment and the instructions for creating and following your own plan. Recipes for Resilience covers food security in detail, with advice on stores, cooking and gardening. Both of these books by Elizabeth J Walker are available from www.newgeneration-publishing. com and other outlets.
Single written to help people cope A WELL established music artist now based in Wells is releasing her debut single in January. Ambi Bel spent her formative years writing and performing on what was known as the ‘underground’ club scene in the UK. Now a self-taught producer, she previously performed under a different name and had a history of only appearing as a featured artist with electronic dance music producers.
Her debut album is set for release in 2021. The debut single Tomorrow We Will, which will be released on January 21, is taken from that album and was written in the hope of helping others through the pandemic. “I discovered that ambient music has been proven to help psychologists treat their patients,” she said. “It has the power to focus and calm people. I combine organic ambient with electronic.”
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Play centre first with sterilising UV lamps
PRIORY AN indoor play centre in Wells has become the first in the UK to invest in UV lamps as a means of disinfecting from Covid. Shortly before temporarily closing again after Somerset was moved into Tier 3, The Square, in Priory Road, installed CovidW EatLstrategic LS busting UV lamps points throughout its site which, when activated, eliminate all harmful microbes from surfaces. Businesses of every type and size have been battling to make premises safe and hygienic during the pandemic. Sites such as The Square, which encourage physical activity and close contact, have always had to be much stricter than most when it comes to hygiene, but Covid has presented its own particular challenges.
the idea of spraying chemicals in an area frequented by children and families. Happily, our research took us to the benefits of UV light.” The business has invested in 45 lights from lighting specialist UV Clean Light – one of the few companies in the UK to offer such solutions. Specifically, these solutions use UV-C light energy which is not the same as the UVA used in tanning beds or UVB which, as well as occurring naturally from sunlight exposure, is also used for curing within the dental industry. The size and cost of UV-C light solutions has previously been prohibitive to most organisations. Now, both fixed and portable lamp solutions make this a solution that can work in any situation, addressing both surface and airborne germs. These UV-C light lamps are powerful, requiring users to leave the room while the lamp does its job. Once activated, entire rooms can be sterilised in minutes. Steve said: “Now, we can simply activate the lamps at any time when the building is empty and the site is totally disinfected within minutes, with no possibility of residues or particulates, as it is literally just light. The whole point of our business is that parents are able to relax and unwind while their kids enjoy play and exercise in a safe environment. UV provides complete peace of mind for staff and customers alike. “Obviously, we made this investment as a response to the challenge of Covid but it will bring longer-term benefits too. Firstly, if another spike or pandemic strikes we are well prepared. And secondly, because UV eliminates all germs and bacteria, we are also well protected against colds, flu and other viruses. “As a response to Covid this is a clean, fast and effective solution compared to alternatives. We are the only indoor play centre in the UK to make such an investment to date. Customers should know that we are totally committed to bringing back the fun as quickly and safely as possible.”
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PRIORY D E N TA L WELLS
The new Covid-busting UV lamps in use at The Square The Square is managed by a small team of three, and the process of manually cleaning and sterilising the premises after each usage, with the additional Covid procedures, was becoming untenable. Steve Wilson, owner of The Square, said: “We split our days into separate sessions to introduce regular mid-session sterilising, along with a much longer cleaning and sterilising process at the end of each day. “We desperately needed a solution which could reduce this manual workload long-term. However, we were frustrated by guidance which suggested fogging as the answer. This is the process of spraying a light mist of chemicals in all areas, in order to kill germs. We really disliked
PRIORY
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WELLS Priory Dental are pleased to announce that we are nearing the end ofNew an patient examinations only £59 or check out our dental plans from only £9.49/month extensive refurbishment programme, allowing us to offer the very best in modern advanced dental care in Wells. We are accepting new patients to see our experienced dental team. We do not moreHughes for new patients, and our dental plans start from only Drcharge Ryan £9.49/month. Please see www.priorydental.com/fees for full details. Ryan has worked extensively in the South West, having studied
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both Dentistry and Medicine in Bristol. He brings considerable knowledge and experience to the care of patients at Priory Dental and oversees the management of the practice. GDC 85731
DrDr Helena HelenaMorrell Morrell
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Helena originally qualified in Leeds, and spent over 12 years Helena originally qualified in Leeds, and spent over 12 years providing private dentistry in Australia. She has providing private dentistry in Australia. She hasworked workedfor foraa number of years in both Wells andand Shepton Mallett, number of years in both Wells Shepton Mallet,and and has has an an excellent reputation in the area. GDC 76006 excellent reputation in the area. GDC 76006
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Dr Dr Ewan Davidson Ewan Davidson
EwanEwan spentspent 20 years running his own dental practice 20 years running his own dental practice W EinLinBristol LBristol S followed by a period working in Glastonbury. comes with followed by a period working in Glastonbury. He He comes with extensive experience, is very highly regarded patients extensive experience, andand is very highly regarded bybypatients and colleagues GDC 60245 GDC 60245 and colleagues alike.alike.
Hannah York DrDr Hannah York
Hannah worked in London Bristol many years before Hannah worked in London andand Bristol forfor many years before settling in Somerset. Since joining Priory Dentalshe shehas has settling in Somerset. Since joining Priory Dental gained a reputation putting patients easewith witha acalm calm gained a reputation for for putting patients atatease and friendly manner. GDC 177544 and friendly manner. GDC 177544
Christopher Dr Dr Ryan Hughes Burt
qualifedextensively in Bristol and lives on the Mendips. is the Ryan Chris has worked in the South West, havingHestudied musician of the group and plays the piano, organ and oboe both Dentistry and Medicine in Bristol. He brings considerable having been the organ scholar at the University of Bristol knowledge and experience to the care of patients at Priory Dental GDC 271122 while studying dentistry. and oversees the management of the practice. GDC 85731
29 Priory Road, Wells, 29 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SU Somerset. BA5 1SU
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PRIORY
January 2021
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Priory Dental is a trading name of Dr Ryan K Hughes, registered with the General
PrioryDental Dental Council is a trading name of Drnumber Ryan K Hughes, with the General Dental (registration 85731) -registered see www.gdc-uk.org. Priory Dental Council (registration number 85731) – see www.gdc-uk.org. Priory Dental is registered is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - see www.cqc.org.uk. with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – see www.cqc.org.uk.
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Campaigners keep St Andrews Ward in spotlight CAMPAIGNERS hoping to prevent the closure of St Andrews Ward mental health unit in Wells and the relocation of the 14 beds there to Yeovil highlighted the issue in Wells in December. They held an awareness raising event on the Cathedral Green during which there were speeches and singing, and a number of people lay down as if dead to draw attention to fears that there could be suicides if the ward is closed. Emma King, the organiser of the event, gave a eulogy in which she said: “We need to remember that we are all the vulnerable people and the line between being OK and not being OK is very thin. It only takes a split second to walk into traffic or to jump off a bridge. Every year, one in four people experience a mental health event – we all need to know that the services we need will be there when we need them and where we need them. St Andrews Ward must be saved.
Some of those who attended the St Andrews Ward awareness raising event on Wells Cathedral Green in December We simply cannot afford to lose any more of our local services.” A similar day of action is being planned for Frome in January and Burnham-on-Sea in February.
A petition calling for the ward to be retained has gained 1,400 signatures (http://chng.it/ zf6Yd6g2). Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group has said
that the decision to close the ward was based on the safety of standalone wards, the distance of the Wells ward from an emergency department and the lack of 24/7 medical cover.
Successful festive fundraiser
Smaller groups given grants
THERE was a sense of festive cheer at Wells Market on December 12 when Wells Rotary Club joined the usual stallholders to sell reindeer headbands and mistletoe. There was also live music from talented local musicians affiliated to the Wells Jazz Collective, while Project Factory directors Kirstie Harris and Emma Lefevre sold lantern kits in readiness for the Light Up Wells event in January. On display was an impressive stag’s head lantern made by Kirstie. There was no Reindeer Parade this year so the Rotary Club organised this event instead to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and sales of the headbands and mistletoe, and contributions from the public, resulted in £600 being raised. “The sense of festive cheer was tangible and greatly enjoyed by the public, the organisers and the stallholders,” said Andy Coulson, the Rotary Reindeer Parade committee lead. The two bands that played were Newton’s Toad and Return
GRANTS worth £72,886 have been awarded to 37 smaller, grassroots charities and community groups in the latest round of The Somerset Fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF). Those to receive money include Horrington Cricket Club (£1,000 for running costs for a community sports club), Wells Community Shed (£1,000 towards equipment, first aid and skills courses) and Wells Swimming Club (£2,500 for pool hire costs for training sessions). Laura Blake, development director at SCF, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to award these grants and so grateful for the generosity of local individuals and companies who have donated to The Somerset Fund. “Our extra thanks go to Somerset County Council, who match every donation to The Somerset Fund by 50 per cent.” To find out more about giving through The Somerset Fund visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/tsf or email laura.blake@somersetcf. org.uk
Top, reindeer headbands and mistletoe on sale; and above, Kirstie Harris with her stag’s head lantern
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of the Native. The musicians were paid from the Wellspring Project fund, set up to stage a series of high quality music events in the Market Place next summer, and providing a foretaste of what is to come. The project team is looking to grow the fund through contributions and sponsorship from local organisations and businesses. Donations and pledges so far have come from Wells Rotary, The Bishop’s Eye cafe and numerous individuals.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
January 2021
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Members dig deep for air ambulance WELLS Classic Motorcycle Club raised nearly £800 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a special raffle. The club decided to waive all current members’ annual subscription fees for year 2020/21. It has just completed its 20th year and due to the Covid-19 curtailment of many of its events and meetings, it was decided that this would be a good thing to do for its members. It was suggested that in lieu of subscriptions, members could make a voluntary donation via a raffle to the air ambulance, and this was duly organised. Many members participated, some buying extra tickets, with all the donations going into the air ambulance fund. The club provided two cash prizes for incentive, and the donations totalled £737. This
was further added to by the two winners donating their prize money, making a grand total of £787. Due to Covid-19 regulations, the draw took place outside the Britannia Inn, Wells, which has been the club’s normal meeting place since 2000. The club is well known for its fundraising via its annual Tortoise and Hare Motorcycle Run which attracts entrants from far and wide, and at which it raises much-needed funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The 2021 event is scheduled for Sunday, June 6. The club is normally very active and new members are always welcome. For club details and event updates, go to www. wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. weebly.com or contact chairman Chris Weeks on 01749 675991.
Support from yoga students
Club chairman Chris Weeks and Joan Weeks, a founder member, pull out the winning raffle tickets. The draw took place outside the Britannia Inn
YOGA classes held on Zoom in November and December by Wells yoga teacher Jane Staton raised nearly £150 for charity Refuge. Students who would normally have attended sessions at Wells Blue School Sports Centre and Easton Village Hall gave donations instead of paying for classes. Not all the students could join in on Zoom but many made donations anyway, and £140 was raised for Refuge, a national charity that supports women and children suffering domestic violence. “All of us would prefer to have our face-to-face classes but we decided to make sure some good came out of a difficult situation,” said Jane. “No matter how difficult lockdown and taking classes by Zoom was, my yoga groups wanted to support those in greater need.”
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wellsvoice
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January 2021
n NEWS
Latest mosaic window depicts scissor arches in all their glory ANOTHER spectacular window has been completed for the Wells in Mosaic. The famous scissor arches of the Cathedral in Wells have been depicted with sensitivity and artistic flair by mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White. She said: “It was a challenge to capture aspects of the light within the building and the perspective. But I am pleased with the outcome and very wells in mosaic proud to have the approval of the Dean. “After the project was first suggested, I took my inspiration from standing looking at the West Front.” Seeing the mosaic in progress for the first time since the unveiling of the design plans, the Very Rev Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, said: “It is wonderful to see this community project progressing so well. It is full of promise for this city of Wells.” At the same time as The Very Rev Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, with mosaic artist Ruth Amescompleting each of the 32 White and the Scissor Arch window windows and quatrefoils, the image of the moat and the the Crown is reported as saying: date but with fundraising encircling decorative mosaic and “What a thrill there is in Wells”. activities halted, the project is text are gradually taking shape. A thrill which is reflected by this dependent on further donations Quotes from famous ambitious artwork. from the community. For residents and visitors will be Contributions and further information, see: www. incorporated, including from J B sponsorship for the project wellsinmosaic.org or facebook. Priestley, who whilst staying at has been very generous to com/wellsinmosaic.
Early start to Palace’s Snowdrops Weekends “The Snowdrop, in purest white array, First rears her head on Candlemas day.” PEOPLE looking for a reason to celebrate the arrival of spring could head down to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells for its Snowdrop Weekends. Candlemas Day is on February 2, so the Palace plans to begin its snowdrop activities on January 30 and continue each weekend until February 21. Head gardener James Cross said: “The Snowdrop Weekends have proved to be hugely popular in recent years, so we thought we’d start them in the last week of January this year.
Snowdrops at The Bishop’s Palace We’ve noticed that the snowdrop season seems to be beginning and ending earlier each year,
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
and we’ve had some extremely temperate conditions in the past couple of years, so don’t leave it until the last day to visit, as you might find they’ve already gone.” Visitors can collect a printed Snowdrop Walk which will guide them around the Moat banks carpeted with spectacular snowdrops, and across the Willow Bridge to enjoy an Arboretum full of snowdrops of several varieties. Each weekend a children’s trail will also be available from the ticket office, with a small prize upon completion. Included with standard admission. Opening hours: 10am-4pm.
New target for SOUP relaunch IT will not be a surprise to learn that the Wells SOUP grantfunding lunch planned for Saturday, January 9, has had to be postponed because of Covid restrictions on large gatherings. SOUP has raised money for more than 60 good causes and hopes to relaunch at 1pm on Saturday, April 17, in its usual venue – the Connect Centre. The four charities that will be telling their stories and going away with money are: Wells & District Neighbourhood Watch, St John Ambulance Wells, Children’s World and Mendip Fibromalgia Support Group. “We’ve been through really frustrating times with this wretched virus but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Ross Young, who organises SOUP on behalf of Wells Independents. “But we are delighted that Probusiness accountants of Chamberlain Street in Wells have again generously agreed to support the event with a donation of £350. We are hugely grateful to them and for everyone’s support and hope that April will see the beginning of an exciting new SOUP era.”
Plans for new apartments A PLANNING application has been submitted to Mendip District Council for retirement living apartments on the site of Wells Police Station on Glastonbury Road. Churchill Retirement Living wants to demolish the existing buildings and build 47 apartments for older people (60 years of age and/or partner over 55 years of age), with communal facilities and car parking. The plan is for 31 onebedroom apartments and 16 two-bedroom apartments.
Organ repairs WELLS Cathedral’s organ will not be in use from January 4-17 as it undergoes urgent repairs. Harrison & Harrison Organ Builders are to dismantle parts of the wind trunking to carry out repairs to the leatherwork and some of the reservoirs.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
January 2021
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First winners picked in vouchers draws From page 1 more exciting in 2021,” said Elizabeth,who stays one night a week at the White Hart hotel in term time when she is in Wells to teach the flute. “January is a favourite time because my flute pupils perform in the wonderful series of Prom concerts in the Cathedral. I cross all my fingers that this event can take place in 2021.” Sarah was handed her vouchers in Amba, where she is a regular customer. She said: “I’m really pleased to have won. “We’re spoilt in Wells with all the lovely independent shops and everyone should use them.” Amba owner Karen Bell said: “I’m delighted that one of our customers has won. It’s a valuable scheme, encouraging people to shop local.” The latest businesses to join the scheme are Mansfield Opticians and The Crown Hotel, bringing to 19 the number of places where shoppers can collect cards and have them stamped when they spend. The scheme is being sponsored by Wells chartered accountants Chalmers HB
Mayor of Wells Councillor Philip Welch pulls out the first loyalty shopping scheme winning cards and Wells City Council. David Winter of Chalmers HB said: “As a sponsor of the Wells loyalty scheme, we are delighted to see that it is being so well supported by the businesses in Wells and the local people who shop in the city and we would like to wish one and all a happy and Covidfree, prosperous 2021. “Local, independent businesses are so important to the local economy and make Wells the unique and characterful city that it is.”
Wells loyalty scheme members Amba, Basil Powell, Britelly, Gallery Jewellers, London House, Mansfield Opticians, Microbitz Computers, Millicans Eye Centre, Peter Douglas of Wells, Protec, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Runway, Santé Wines at Bishop’s Eye, Scribbles, Studleys Jewellers, The Changing Room, The Crown Hotel, The Laundry, Whiting & Son. To join the scheme, contact Robert Powell (robert.powell2@btconnect.com), Rob Bevan (rob@protec-wells.com) or Louis Agabani (louis@bishopseye.com)
Flow of water across road halted REPAIR work has halted the flow of water across the road in Bekynton Avenue, Wells, that was reported in last month’s Wells Voice. A Somerset County Council spokesman said: “Minor drainage works have now been
completed by our operations team and the area has been cleared of excess water. We will continue to monitor the site.” Bekynton Avenue resident Pat Thomas said: “It is a pleasure to go out there and walk across the dry road.”
WELLS LOYALTY
RD W E L L S LO YA LT Y C A
SHOPPING SCHEME
GALLERY JEWELLERS Gallery Jewellers is a family-run business, established in 1919 by Leo Fisher, after whom the shop was originally named. He was joined by his sons Ken and Toni, with Ken’s son Paul joining after completing a horology course at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. Now run by Marcus Fisher (fourth generation), Gallery Jewellers offers a wide range of gold and silver jewellery, watches by Bulova, Citizen, Accurist and Timex, and new and restored clocks. Whether you’re looking for a little extra gift or that special anniversary present, we will have something to suit. Repairs have always been a core part of the business. With a workshop built above the shop during the 1980s, virtually all repair work is carried out on site. From changing a watch glass to servicing a long case clock, soldering a chain to replacing a
u Gallery Jewellers, 64 High Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2AJ T: 01749 673391 E: marc.fisher@hotmail.com
MICROBITZ COMPUTERS Microbitz Computers has been trading from its Broad Street store for over 25 years now and is justifiably proud of its Customer Service record. The shop stocks a wide variety of new and reconditioned laptops and computers and increasingly more Apple products, as well as a wide range of peripherals such as printers and monitors, and can offer a variety of solutions to help improve internet wireless coverage throughout the home or office. Director Steve Smith said: “In common with most businesses the Covid lockdown has been a particularly challenging time and customers have been relying on us to keep their IT equipment functional so that they can stay in touch with friends and family and in many cases to be able to work from home.” Our busy workshop offers repairs to PC and Apple SPONSORS
Deadline for the February issue is January 20
Got News? Call 07906 499655
lost diamond, all types of work is undertaken. Marcus trained as a hand engraver at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham and can offer anything from a name inside a bangle to a family crest on a signet ring.
Chalmers HB and Wells City Council
equipment, screen repairs to phones and tablets, email support, and can also offer remote assistance if a broadband connection is available. Microbitz also offer support packages for businesses that rely on the functionality of their IT equipment, as well as Domain Hosting and Office 365. Steve says: “When you purchase from Microbitz you don’t just get the product – you get The Team!” u Microbitz Computers, 2 Broad Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2DN T: 01749 678997 E: support@microbitz.co.uk W: www.microbitz.co.uk Two members of the Wells loyalty scheme will be featured in Wells Voice every month. A list of all the businesses currently participating in the scheme is given on the left
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Free advice on how to keep home warm AS the winter weather takes hold, it can be difficult to keep a home warm for people who are struggling to pay their bills in the post-Christmas period. But whether someone is on benefits or a pension, or even just looking for ways to make their home more energy efficient, free advice is readily available. Just under one in ten households in the Mendip area are in fuel poverty (where more than ten per cent of income is spent on fuel bills). So a lot of local people are affected. Ian Byworth, CEO of Citizens Advice Mendip, said: “Cold homes are a health issue, not just because of their effects on people’s physical health and wellbeing. They have a psychological impact too. The cold causes people to worry about the cost of heating their homes and about getting into debt with their energy suppliers. The good news is that there are things you can do to tackle the situation.” Here are some tips from Ian and the Citizens Advice team: 1. Struggling to pay your fuel bills? Contact your energy supplier and explain the problem, they are duty bound to help you find a solution, depending on your circumstances. 2. Support for paying off fuel arrears? Again, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a grant towards
settling the debt. Contact us for more information on where you might be able to apply. 3. Elderly or disabled? If you are in receipt of a state pension you should be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment (a one-off annual award towards heating costs). If you are really in fuel difficulties and older and vulnerable you may also be eligible for a Surviving Winter payment, administered by Citizens Advice on behalf of the Somerset Community Foundation. 4. Concerned you’re paying too much for energy? Citizens Advice have a price comparison tool on their website (search for energycompare.citizensadvice. org.uk) and can give you information on how to switch supplier to get a better deal. 5. Want to make your home more fuel efficient? Phone the free Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for free, impartial advice on energy costs and staying warm. Free, independent and confidential advice is available from Citizens Advice in Mendip. Following government advice, their offices are currently closed for face-to-face sessions, but visit their website www. citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email them. Alternatively, contact their free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 (open Mon-Fri, 10am4pm).
The team at a newly built care home in Wells donated nearly 200 mince pies to the Lawrence Centre just before Christmas to spread some festive cheer. Bethany Chattwood, home service advisor at Barchester Healthcare’s Crandon Springs care home on Glastonbury Road, said: ‘We work closely with the local community and felt it was such a small yet substantial way to make people’s day. We plan on working in partnership with The Lawrence Centre to support the members and celebrate life.’ Bethany is pictured, right, with Lawrence Centre manager Maggie Charlesworth.
Vivid stories of bombing raids
Library can help maintain health
WOOKEY resident John Winstone has compiled a new book that collects together eyewitness testimony and photographs of the German air raids on Bristol in 1940 and 1941. Personal Accounts of the Bristol Blitz is Volume 45 in the Bristol As It Was series and draws on material from the Reece Winstone Archive. Freelance photographer Reece Winstone – John’s father – was a Bristolian who recorded the city from 1930 to 1975. The new book is obtainable from 01749 671066 at £8.30 post paid.
KEEPING healthy physically and mentally is more important than ever at the moment, and Wells Library can help with this. People can visit the library online by going to www. librarieswest.org.uk and browsing the wide selection of health and fitness e-books. They can also try listening to an audio book in the lifestyle and wellbeing section. To download onto a device, all that is needed is a library card and PIN. Anyone who has forgotten their PIN can contact the library by emailing wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk
Installation - Repair - Services
STAIRLIFTS
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Tel: 01749 346900 | www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk The Works, Board Cross, Shepton Mallet BA4 5DX
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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
ANDRES KITCHEN Home of the Sunday roast delivery / healthy meal preps / Friday night take away and much more
Fuss-free way to eat healthily The start of a new year is the ideal time to make some changes to your lifestyle, including changes to your diet. Whether you want to lose weight or just eat more healthily, Andres Kitchen has the answer. We are based in Wells, and have a unit on Underwood Business Park which has an amazing kitchen. From there we produce ready-prepared healthy / weight-loss meals which take away all the shopping, preparing and cooking, so are perfect for the busy life. So if you are looking to lose weight or making healthier choices, or you just want to have home-cooked meals delivered fresh to your doorstep, we have meals to suit. Our plan supplies lunch and an evening meal from Monday to Friday (with the optional extra of Saturday). The meals are diet-friendly for those on Slimming World, Weight Watchers and other diets. We provide the healthy balance to the busy life. All meals are delivered fresh twice a week on Sunday
evenings (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday meals) and Wednesday evenings (Thursday, Friday and Saturday meals). Microwave heating is all that is required, with the odd meal to be oven cooked, although all meals can be stove / oven heated. Cold lunches are also provided so if you don’t have a microwave at work, the problem is solved. We offer soup on Monday, Wednesday and Friday if you like a hot, filling lunch. Andres Kitchen has much more to offer in addition to the healthy meal preps i.e. Sunday lunch. Our Sunday lunch is delivered on Saturday afternoons. It comes chilled in oven-ready trays ready for you to follow our 4-5 step instructions for a delicious roast. Our concept enables you to have the perfectly cooked roast at your convenience. If you would like to know more and see results, have a look through our Facebook page (@Andreskitchenuk). Alternatively, get in touch with us by emailing andreskitchenuk@ yahoo.com or calling 01749 938100.
CURTIS DREW BROKERS LTD INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES Melbourne House, 36 Chamberlain Street, Wells, BA5 2PJ
Benjamin Curtis Cert CII
Managing Director
Donna Lawson Em Ass Executive Assistant
0127
01275 333301 ben.curtis@curtisdrew.co.uk curtisdrew.co.uk
01275 333301
curt
donna.lawson@curtisdrew.co.u curtisdrew.co.uk
Benjamin Curtis
Donna Lawson
Emma Padfield
Managing Director
Operations Manager
Personal Lines Broker
@ ben.curtis@curtisdrew.co.uk
@ donna.lawson@curtisdrew.co.uk
@ emma.padfield@curtisdrew.co.uk
The new independent insurance brokers in Wells. We are a family-run company that was established more than 20 years ago, specialising in all general insurance products and offering a personal and professional local service. We are happy to see new clients. To contact us, call 01275 333301 or email insurance@curtisdrew.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority curtisdrew.co.uk
emm
wellsvoice
January 2021
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Insurance brokers opens office in Wells AN insurance brokers has brought their family business to Wells with the opening of a new office at Melbourne House in Chamberlain Street. Curtis Drew Brokers Ltd was established in Chew Magna in 1994 by Gerry Curtis after a long career with Legal & General Insurance Co. His son Ben Curtis joined the firm 20 years ago, and became managing director in 2015. As the business grew so it became necessary to move to new offices – and the city of Wells was chosen as the ideal location. “We felt that Wells had a lot to offer and it was a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Ben. “Melbourne House is a brilliant position to be as a business centre and our office space on the ground floor is ideal. “Wells is a beautiful city and it is a great opportunity for us
Donna Lawson, Ben Curtis and Emma Padfield of Curtis Drew to be able to offer our services here.” Curtis Drew are commercial business brokers, and private home and motors insurance brokers.
The team of five in the office – Ben, Gerry (claims manager), Donna Lawson (operations manager), Emma Padfield (personal lines broker) and Leeanne Parsons (senior broker)
– are members of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. They are supplemented by a number of others non officebased, including consultants Arthur Hayward and Nigel Bedwell. “Our staff between them have over 200 years of commercial and personal insurance broking experience including several years in senior underwriting positions with major insurance companies,” said Ben. “We’re an independent intermediary, so not aligned to any particular insurance brokers, which means we can offer a broad range of insurance services. “We are also very traditional. People are not going to talk to a call centre. “We are trying to offer a very traditional and very personal service.”
Accolades for pet care company CAN YOU GIVE A CAT A HOME? A WELLS-based business has achieved recognition on the Number of feral cats urgently national stage. Dog walking and pet care in need of suitable homes company Friends for Pets has been named as one of the UK’s top franchise opportunities, being placed in the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) from hundreds of entries. It is also a finalist in the Pet Care Services of the Year category in The Pet Industry Federation awards. Scott English, brand director of Elite Franchise, said that Friends for Pets “have consistently demonstrated a gold-standard level of franchising”. Becca Wilson founded Friends for Pets in the Cheddar area in 2008. She said: “Friends for Pets are so proud to have been listed in the Elite Franchise Top 100 for 2021 and be listed amongst some of the UK’s most prestigious brands. “All of our franchisees and pet carers have worked so hard, especially this year, and they deserve to be up there with the
Wells manager Charlotte Hayes best brands in the UK. Our head office team and franchisees have all worked together to support each other and navigate our brand through what has been a very tricky year for small businesses and the pet care industry.” Charlotte Hayes is the manager of the Wells team, whose services include dog walking, overnight dog boarding in pet carers’ homes and house sitting.
For news online see wellsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call 07906 499655
Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection have a number of feral cats urgently needing homes, they cannot stay where they are. All cats will be neutered and vet checked and will need suitable country homes on farms, stables, garden centres, smallholdings etc where they will do sterling work keeping the rodent population at bay. All they ask in return is regular meals and safe places to sleep, sheltered from bad weather. We would prefer to home them within the Glastonbury and Wells area. These are feral cats and long journeys would be stressful to them.
Please phone Julia on 07833 634087 if you could offer two or more a good safe home.
Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Email: gill@straymoggie.co.uk Telephone: 01749 850660 www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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January 2021
n NEWS
Initiative gives people opportunities to help out A NEW initiative has been launched that gives people the chance to help out, take part or simply find out about everything that is going on in Wells. By visiting the online platform called Let’s Do It Wells!, users can sign up for challenges that vary from a few minutes of their time to regular volunteering. Or they can simply click on the events calendar to find out what they can join in with. Many tasks can be done from home, meaning that participants can be involved in the community even if they are unable to get out and about at the moment. The Bishop’s Palace, Wells Coronavirus Network and the Connect Centre have been working on the initiative over the last few months. Thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding, The Bishop’s Palace has been able to
Let’s Do It Wells! enables people to discover ways in which they can help out in the community or simply find out about what is happening in Wells purchase a cutting edge system from a local company that has developed Volunteer Makers digital platforms across the UK.
To find out more and to sign up, visit www.letsdoitwells.com Local organisations that would like to post events or
volunteering opportunities on the platform should contact siobhan.goodwin@ bishopspalace.org.uk.
Network as active as ever in community Simon Lawder, a volunteer with Wells Coronavirus Network, reflects on the past ten months and the continuing need for the network’s services AS the old saying goes, that light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming the other way. That’s coronavirus for you. There we were at Wells Coronavirus Network (WCN), with a community still nursing the bruises from banging their collective head against the wall, grateful for even a one-day Christmas reprieve, counting the days till it’s our turn for a vaccine and, guess what, we are told it’s happening all over again. But come on, we said. It’s a new year. Life has to settle down soon. Well, has it or hasn’t it? Perhaps it would be best if the word ‘soon’ were officially removed from common usage. On the bright side, the over 80s have begun to receive their vaccinations. And WCN was privileged to supply all of the volunteer marshals at West Mendip Hospital, ensuring that everyone arrived, went directly to be vaccinated, had a short rest, and left safely.
When we Wells people look back over the past year, at least we can say we coped. Most of us, that is. We fell back on our legendary British ‘grit’, whatever that means, on our unquenchable ability to see the funny side. Well, we did, didn’t we? We coped, the vaccines are on the way and, one of these days, we’re all going to be fine. We’ll meet again. And yet, no more than a few minutes’ walk from where you and I live, there are hundreds of good people who, no matter how hard they try, couldn’t cope and still can’t. Who have struggled ever since the day when they were told to stay indoors, to shield, the day they lost their job, the day their already fragile mental health snapped, and went on snapping. These people are real, very
‘There are hundreds of good people who, no matter how hard they try, couldn’t cope and still can’t’
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
real, and it’s all happening, I repeat, just down the road. n That’s why WCN came together, uniting the resources of all the local care organisations, statutory, voluntary and charitable, with an extraordinary army of volunteers, doing the ‘simple’ stuff to take the burden off the professionals. n That’s why now WCN, in their advert on the opposite page, is appealing for donations to help them continue and expand their essential work in the months to come. n That’s why around 350 fine Wells residents signed up as WCN volunteers, taking their turn to answer the helpline 01749 479079, getting people the help they need, responding at short notice, going out in the cold and taking support to a vulnerable person. Remember that figure, please – 350, all heroes, every man and woman. And they are out there again, now, as we speak. n That’s why students from the Blue School have joined the team, and why Cathedral School youngsters wrote hundreds of letters to care home residents before Christmas.
n That’s why the Vineyard Foodbank has seen the number of Wells families applying for food parcels triple in recent months. And remember, this is Wells, not some struggling postindustrial town, not what we used to call, so patronisingly, a third world country. This is Wells – the jewel of the West Country. WCN is effectively a partnership, with the Foodbank, the Connect Centre, Mendip Health Connections, Project Factory, Wells Dementia Action Alliance, Citizen’s Advice and two dozen other organisations. The Wells care community, all in one place, at last. Since March, WCN volunteers have brought support to around 500 local people. And that’s not counting those who are too proud to ask. The pandemic created WCN. Ten months later, 350 people can pause for a moment, hold their heads up proudly, and carry on. Wells is a better place. Wells can, and must, now step forward, together. There’s a big task ahead of us. Let’s do it! Wells. Please help, in your own way.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
“the small things add up to something big” £5000 5,000
3,750
We have a big task ahead of us...
Dr Jonathan Bench Senior Partner, Wells Health Centre
We are trying to raise £5,000 so that we can continue
to provide our support to those who most need it in our community. Find out more about how our
network of over 350 volunteers are helping out by running errands, food shopping, delivering
2,500
prescriptions, providing a listening ear, supporting the Wells food bank and so much more.
Check out the website here : www.helpwells.co.uk Please support our efforts by making a donation at ourJustgiving page:
1,250
https://bit.ly/wellscommunitynetworkappeal or ring us on : 01749 467 079 There’s lots to do - but we appreciate any small act of support that you can offer for our community
0
Support us in our work by donating at our Just giving page:
https://bit.ly/wellscommunitynetworkappeal or call us on: 01749 467 079
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Business brings antiques expertise to city A NEW antiques shop has opened in Wells. Matthew Coles recently took control of the family business, along with his brother Aaron, that was established by their father Alan and has been based in Weston-super-Mare since 1972. The mainstay of the business is recycle items and house clearance, covering the whole of the South West. “The expanding business has outgrown the Weston-superMare base,” said Matthew. “I felt that moving the antiques arm to the beautiful city of Wells was a good business decision and an obvious progression.” Despite his young age, 24-year-old Matthew has an extensive knowledge of antiques gained while working for the family firm. Matthew Coles Antiques, in Sadler Street, carries a wide range of interesting pieces
including a large stock of period furniture and decorative fine art from circa 1690 to the Victorian period. Matthew said: “There is a varied collection to suit all tastes – silver, French furniture, curios and jewellery. It is Wells’ only real antique shop.” The shop is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and at other times by appointment. On Mondays, Matthew’s sister Natalie is at the shop with a range of jewellery for sale. “We clear every type of property – houses, flats, garages, shops etc, an average of about two per week,” said Matthew. “We recover all manner of items, antiques, jewellery, contemporary furnishings and even cars. Probably the most unusual clearance was from a hoarder. I received special instructions to carefully inspect every item. This clearance took three months, and my brother ended up buying the house.”
Matthew Coles Antiques has a large stock of period furniture, decorative fine art, silver, French furniture, curios and jewellery
ANTIQUES l
l
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DECORATIVE ANTIQUES AND FINE ART SILVER, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS, CURIOS, CHINA, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, GOLD BOUGHT & SOLD
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January 2021
19
n NEWS passion for cooking, Josh has since entrusted all aspects of the running of Root, which he also owns, to Rob and his wife, Meg. The restaurant has now been open for three years and, whilst vegetables are the stars of the show, Rob insists that this is not a vegetarian restaurant: “I am just cooking nice food. I don’t want it to be labelled. Every table these days has a dietary requirement, but at Root they are all catered for.” The pandemic has been challenging for Rob and his team. “It was scary getting set up to reopen. We didn’t know what people were expecting. We were only able to have six tables because of social distancing. We installed partitions because we wanted everyone to be safe and we have had no cases of Covid amongst staff or customers, as far as we know.”
Rob Howell, head chef of Root restaurant in Bristol; his first cookery book, out in March, has been endorsed by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge
Cookery book next step for gifted chef By Emma James
When Bristol was placed in Tier 3, the restaurant had to close again, providing a takeaway service only. Rob adapted his menu and is learning all the time. The situation has, however, enabled him to spend more time with his new daughter who was born in June during lockdown. Rob’s philosophy is simple: “I want to cook tasty dishes for everyone to enjoy using local, seasonal produce without preaching. We are so lucky to have such a fantastic larder on our doorstep in Somerset.” He admires chefs who use cooking as a platform for doing good. “I love Wells and I’d love to have my own restaurant here one day. But I’d also like to provide cookery workshops and go into schools. “It would be amazing to give back something to the community I grew up in.”
Care in your own home
Cloisters Café in Wells, followed No need for an expensive care home by some time at Bowlish House ROB Howell, resident of Wells and then Goodfellows. “I learned and head chef of Root in Bristol, more than I could have imagined Stay independent at home with your own live in carer has spent 15 years working in working with Adam Fellows. I No need for an expensive care his favourite place – the kitchen. did pastry, bread and seafood. Many people want to stay in home their own home as they get olde Still only 28 years old, Rob has a He a brilliant teacher and No was need for an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer No need for an expensive care home vast amount of experience under his wife Martine was amazing,” No need for a with your own want live into carer Many people stay in their own home as they get older his belt and is now very excitedStay independent said Rob. at home Stay independent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer Featherbed Care has been live in carers since 198 No need for expensive care home to know that his first cookery Rob has travelled farown andhome wide as they get olderNo No need for home Many people want to stay in their an expensive expensivecare care home Stay independent at h Noneed need for for an an expensive care home Many people want tobelieve stay in their own home as they get older book, also called Root, will hit to gain experience: six months We in only the very best care at an affordable cos Stay independent independent at at home with with your your own own live live in in carer carer Stay Featherbed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer the shelves in March, illustrated as demi-chef de partie at The Many want to stay FeatherbedSheraton Care hasPark been providing live in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older We believe in only the people very best at an affordable cost by fellow ex-Blue School pupil, Tower restaurant Many want to own as Many people want tocarers stay in in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they Featherbed Care been providing live into 1986 We believeininLondon’s only the very best care an affordable cost want Will Walton-Freeman. Knightsbridge; sixathas We believe in only the very best care at has an affordable cost Rob’s passion for cooking months in Courchevel in the Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 Featherbed Care has bee has been been live carers Featherbed Care Featherbed Care has providing live in an carers since 1986 1986 began at home learning from French mountains; 18 months We believe believe in only only the very best care care at affordable cost Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since We believe in 1986 only the v We in the very best affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at at an an affordable cost his mum. He said: “I cooked a at Edinburgh’s renowned We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost lot with Mum at the weekends, seafood restaurant, Ondine. I remember lots of cupcakes. However, when he was given And it slowly grew. I chose GCSE the opportunity to return to Food Technology at school and Somerset, he jumped at the really enjoyed it. I remember my chance. teacher Miss Webb telling me to “I missed the family,” Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today take a Yule Log I had made to said Rob, “so I googled best 0117 9860710in/ Freephone: 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone:for 0800a 111 4885 headteacher Mr Jackson and I restaurants Somerset and0800 brochure today Callfeatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk for a brochureCall today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk had to walk across the campus wrote an email and two weeksEmail: Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today carrying this cake. So, I suppose later I was working for Josh 0117 9860710 9860710 /// Freephone: Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk I must have been quite good at Eggleton at the Michelin-starred Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call for Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk it.” Pony and Trap in Chew Magna.” www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk At 13, Rob was working in the Impressed by his work and 0117 9860710 / F Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed
Care in your own home Care in your own Carehome in your own home Care in y Carein in your your own own home Care in your Care ownhome home Care in your own home
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wellsvoice
January 2021
A photograph taken in the autumn from a hot air balloon by acclaimed lo To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
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January 2021
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ocal photographer Jason Bryant looking north across the centre of Wells Got News? Call 07906 499655
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n COMMERCIAL SENSE
January 2021
With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants
Right attitude can help get us through
I THINK very few in business would claim that 2020 was the best year ever, and given the inability for many small businesses to trade, it very much looks as though 2021 isn’t going to be a walk in the park either. So, how do we go about facing an uphill climb out of recession? Well, we can take the ‘dog eat dog’ approach, beloved by some of the “lunch is for wimps” brigade, or we can work alongside each other, offering support if necessary. On this occasion, I want to consider debtors and creditors. Now, believe me, I am no supporter of people who order goods and services when they can’t afford them and think that’s OK. In fact, though it’s hard to believe of me, I know, I may have had the odd rant or two about that in the past. However, if we are to get through this with a strong and functioning economy, we need as many businesses
If you cannot settle a bill, come clean and explain the situation to survive as possible and we need as many customers with spending power feeling positive about us all. One way of achieving this is to be open to negotiation on all sides. At a time when HMRC has been instructed to set up automatic payment plans for tax bills up to £30,000, isn’t it sensible for all of us to be prepared to negotiate with those
who owe us, and to whom we owe money? If you find that you are unexpectedly in a situation where you can’t settle a bill, please come clean. Talk to your creditor and explain the situation and offer a payment plan which you are as sure as you can be that you can sustain. Putting the boot on the other foot, listen to your debtors.
Sometimes people try to avoid talking to you if they owe you money. Despite this, persist in opening up a dialogue. Explain that it is in both your interests to settle the outstanding debt and that it helps neither of you to be so heavy handed that you bring your debtor to their knees. Applying this philosophy to debt when things are difficult allows good people time to get through the worst and, in getting back to a stronger position, leaves them recognising your sensible and supportive attitude. Believe me, nothing builds customer loyalty like a good attitude. So, don’t be too ready to write off bad debts, but do be ready, just like HMRC is at present, to help debtors to find a way through these unusual times. Good luck and happy new year from all of us at Probusiness!
probusiness accountants
2021 might need some care and attention
Financial difficulties are not uncommon within business, however, how you deal with them can often be the key to success or failure. If you are in need of some financial advice then give us a call to talk things through. We can help.
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January 2021
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n NEWS
Birthday beard-grower’s charity boost A MAN from Wells spent 70 days growing a beard for his 70th birthday to raise money for endof-life care charity Marie Curie. Eric Galvin raised £314 from donations by family and friends, and is now asking the people of Wells for their support. Eric said: “I first witnessed the impact of Marie Curie and its work whilst serving as a non-executive director of the Community Health NHS Trust in Derbyshire where I lived until 2015. “On moving to Wells I learnt that Marie Curie Nurses provide specialist overnight care all year round in Somerset and began supporting the charity by collecting in local supermarkets for the Great Daffodil Appeal – most recently in the weekend before the lockdown began when they had to cancel all public collections. “When I heard Marie Curie were suffering huge fundraising
Eric Galvin has raised hundreds of pounds by growing his beard losses thanks to the pandemic, I decided that I would do something different to mark my 70th birthday and raise money too. “I was planning on travelling
to all four corners of England via public transport and raising money along the way, however with coronavirus restrictions this wasn’t possible. So I thought to myself, what is one thing I
have never done before? And the answer was, grow a beard. In all my 70 years I have never had a beard. So I grew it for 70 days – one day for each year of my life. “Thanks to my friends and family I’ve now raised £314 but would be delighted if members of my local community in Wells could chip in for this excellent cause too.” Marie Curie have continued providing vital end of life care services throughout the pandemic, supporting the NHS to ease pressure on hospital beds by providing care and support to dying people and their families in the comfort of their own homes. To help add to Eric’s fundraising total and support Marie Curie, contact Riona Houghton, Marie Curie community fundraiser for Somerset, on 0117 9420 429 or riona.houghton@mariecurie. org.uk
Demolition, excavation, Plant Hire anD SuPPlierS of aggregateS & toPSoil
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Lions raise hundreds with tombola WELLS Lions have raised hundreds of pounds to distribute to good causes from a tombola at Wells Market. Market traders all donated prizes for the special event, and Lions teddy bears were also given away. “The market traders are so generous. Everyone offered the Lions a prize from their stall,” said Wells Lions president Rod Major. The Lions also unveiled their new banner at the tombola. “We organised the tombola to raise money for good causes
that have been struggling to raise money themselves because of the pandemic,” said Rod. “The money will be shared among the charities that we support.” A number of new members have joined the Lions recently – and others who wish to join will be warmly welcomed. “We are always looking for people that want to give something back to the community,” said Rod. “It is really rewarding. You are part of something bigger than one person, and there is great fellowship as well.”
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January 2021
n ON THE BEAT
Don’t hestitate to report domestice abuse How do I report domestic abuse? What if I don’t want to get the police involved? Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. If it’s happening to you or someone you know please report it as soon as you can. We take all reports extremely seriously. Please call us on 101 to report your concerns. If you think you or someone else you know are in immediate danger please call 999 immediately. We understand that you might find it difficult to report your concerns to the police. However, there is a list of support services that can also help, or you can always speak to your GP, health visitor or teacher. Types of abuse There are many types of abuse and people can experience one or several combined. n Psychological and emotional abuse n Sexual abuse
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News from the local policing team with PCSO Leann Chinnock n Financial abuse n Controlling and coercive behaviour Know the signs Realising you or someone you care about is in an abusive relationship is the first step to ending it. It can be difficult to see if someone is in an abusive relationship, particularly if the abuse isn’t physical. Domestic abuse often gets worse over time so spotting the signs early is vital. Signs you might be in an abusive relationship n Your partner is violent towards
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Just some of the comments received in recent weeks by Wells Voice – the free community newspaper at the heart of everything local View every issue of Wells Voice online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
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you, inflicts physical injuries to you or threatens you with violence n Your partner verbally abuses you, criticises you, puts you down or makes you feel inferior or worthless n Your partner controls where you are allowed to go, who you are allowed to see, what you can spend money on, what you can do and what you wear n Your partner sends you excessive messages, emails or voicemails or calls you all the time to monitor what you’re doing n You avoid seeing friends and family and become withdrawn, isolated or reluctant to leave the house n Your partner forces you to have sex or carry out sexual acts when you don’t want to n Your partner makes you feel afraid of them n You think you are to blame for the way your partner treats you n You feel embarrassed for your friends and family to see how your partner treats you Signs that someone you know might be in an abusive relationship n They are reluctant to do anything with friends of family and become withdrawn n They get anxious if plans change suddenly or they might be home late n They have signs of physical injuries n They get lots of phone calls, messages or voicemails from their partner when they are out n They avoid meeting you when their partner is around n They seem fearful of their partner
n They seem depressed Practical advice if you’re in an abusive relationship It is not always possible to think clearly when experiencing domestic abuse. However, the following advice can help: Planning ahead n Make a plan for how you can get out safely n Think about talking to your neighbours n Arrange to have a place to go n Make copies of important documents n Have a list of important phone numbers available n Pack an overnight bag n Put aside money and spare keys If you live alone n Change your locks and secure your doors and windows n Change your phone numbers n Tell trusted friends and family During an incident n Get out if you can n Avoid rooms with only one exit n Avoid the kitchen, bathroom and garage if possible n Call for help or phone 999 once you’re out safely n Tell your work and children’s school and/or nursery if appropriate n Change your daily routine n Plan ahead for unexpected contact with the abuser List of contacts www.somersetsurvivours.org.uk Tel: 0800 69 49 999; www.nationaladhelpine.org.uk Tel: 0808 2000 247; www.mankind.org.uk Tel: 01823 334244; www.refuge.org.uk Tel: 0808 2000 247; www.mensadviceline.org.uk Tel: 0808 8010327.
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wellsvoice
January 2021
n NEWS
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
UK’s first ‘webcam wills’ service
Donations poured in following a Christmas shoebox appeal
Appeal results in flood of donations HUNDREDS of Christmas gifts were collected for Wells Foodbank, the Salvation Army, Fusion Somerset and YMCA Wells after a shoebox appeal touched people’s hearts. It began when Hannah Wall decided to do a shoebox appeal for Wells Foodbank, inspired by her employer, LA Moore Ltd. Every year the company picks a charity to support and this year it was Hannah’s turn to choose, and she nominated the Foodbank. LA Moore donated £100 in Amazon vouchers, their IT company, DP Systems, donated £50 of biscuits and Christmas puddings, and Schroeder Bros Transport donated stocking fillers. Hannah then broadened it out with a Facebook post which generated a huge number of personal donations, and with people sharing her post as far afield as Devon. She collected vouchers, biscuits, Christmas puddings, toiletries, games, DVDs, books and a wide array of good quality pre-loved items. There were far more items than the Foodbank needed for its clients and so the gifts were split between four local charities. Hannah said: “Christmas for me has always been for giving and spending time with my family and it really hit home a few years ago that some families don’t get this. While I’ve been fortunate not to have had to
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use the Foodbank, the service that they provide is absolutely not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. From the bottom of my Christmas-loving heart, I truly thank all who have donated.” Separate to Hannah’s initiative, The Works in Wells also undertook a Christmas shoebox appeal and the Foodbank has seen some generous personal donations, with people giving cash and even Christmas crackers for all its current clients. Sue Marland, Pastor of Wells Vineyard Church and co-ordinator of Wells Foodbank, said: “We are moved and humbled by the generosity that people have shown this year. So many people have suffered financial hardship and other difficulties this year and demand for the Foodbank’s services continues to increase. “We can only support people in need with the help of people in the community who are willing to donate food, money or other items and it’s wonderful that so far, we have not had to turn anyone in need away. This Christmas, so many people have been exceptionally generous with donations of gifts, Christmas crackers and cash to help children buy essential items such as shoes or clothes. All of these donations make a huge difference to people in need.”
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A LEGAL firm in Bristol has adapted to the social distancing restrictions and surging use of technology brought about by the Covid-19 crisis – by launching the UK’s first “webcam wills” service. ELM Legal Services, which was set up in 2004, has already helped a number of clients via webcam meetings as it converts all face-to-face meetings to digital sessions. “There are many firms offering faceless meetings and online will writing and we are always looking for different routes to market so we thought: ‘why not webcams?’” says Jim Emsley, CEO of ELM Legal Services. “So many people, including older generations, are now comfortable using the likes of Zoom and Skype on a regular basis. “The pandemic has reinforced in people’s minds that we are all here for a limited period of time, and that we need to prepare for the end of life if we want to look after our nearest and dearest.”
A free “meet and greet” is the first step in the webcam wills process and once a client has signed up via the website, ELM will be in touch to organise a free 15-minute virtual meeting. The next stage is to set up another appointment for a full 90-minute webcam consultation to enable the ELM estate planner to take the will instruction, which is then drafted by the legal team. Everything is recorded during the process to avoid any room for ambiguity. “The beauty of a webcam meeting is that family members in other locations anywhere in the world can be invited to join in,” says Jim. “Once the will has been created we then convert the document into a pdf that is password protected and when normality resumes, we can issue a hard copy.” For further information visit www.elm-online.co.uk/webcamwills/, call ELM Legal Services on 0117 952 0698 or email info@ elm-online.co.uk
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January 2021
n NEWS Wells City FC Under-12s in their new kit
Young footballers have new kit to kick-off new year WELLS City FC Under-12s will be starting the new year with a new look thanks to a generous sponsor. The age group’s rapidly growing players needed a new kit after outgrowing their previous threads, and a local property company agreed to contribute a four-figure sum to purchase a
complete set of Nike football kits for the group’s 35 players. CJH Land specialise in the sale of residential development land and property, and stepped in to supply the new kit despite the economy suffering due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Simon Parks, one of the company’s directors, said: “I’ve
always been a huge fan of ball sports, so I was only too happy to step in to sponsor the new U12 kit. There’s nothing better than standing in a muddy field cheering on the teams – even if it means early starts and muddy winkle-pickers.” CJH Land also bought the squad a new set of training
footballs and ball sacks. The U12s have three teams, one in the Taunton League and two in the Yeovil & District League. Their season has been severely disrupted by the pandemic but at the time of writing the three teams were in first, second and third positions in their respective divisions.
Online exhibition showcases art from three local groups LOCAL projects have always formed an integral part of the Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition as part of its community outreach work. This year’s virtual exhibition is no different, with a Community Room devoted to works of art from three Somerset groups: Imagine, Learn & Create near South Petherton; The Rubbish Art Project in Shepton Mallet, and Heads Up in Wells. “We wanted to celebrate the work of these groups, especially important during these unprecedented times,” said Deborah Kolombos, the community co-ordinator for WAC. Statistics show that up to ten per cent of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime (before the impact of Covid-19). And there is increasing evidence of the mental benefits of an arts-rich life for health and wellbeing, Yet art funding is at a low. A recent report by the National Campaign for the Arts revealed that public funding for the arts per head of population fell by
Poppy with Poppies – one of the works from Heads Up that is included in WAC’s virtual art exhibition 35 per cent since 2008 and local government investment has decreased by 43 per cent. “This means that community groups are more important than ever. Anything we can do to support them has to be a priority,” said Deborah. “Providing a dedicated gallery space within the exhibition seemed a fitting way to put them in the spotlight.” Heads Up at South Horrington is the only purpose-
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built centre for community mental health and wellbeing in the Mendip area. It provides activity-based workshops for those living with mental health needs, including dementia. Sally Dempsey, Heads Up business manager, said: “Our sessions provide real therapeutic nurturing. It’s a relaxed, safe space for people to express themselves creatively, and it’s wonderful to see the resulting increase in both confidence and self-esteem.” ILC provides art and design tutoring for groups and individuals with learning differences. The Rubbish Art Project at The Art Bank brings people and groups together in a creative environment. “We urge you to visit the exhibition and see the wonderful work from all three groups,” said Debbie. Visitors to the exhibition, which continues until February 1, can also vote for their favourite piece for the Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize. Visit www.wellsartcontemporary. co.uk/2020-wac-awards
Highlight by Liqing Tan, winner of Andelli’s Next Generation Prize
WAC winners announced THE winners of this year’s Wells Art Contemporary competition were revealed in a live online announcement in December. The prize-winners were: £500 Student Prize, Stephen Price; £500 Curation Team Student Prize, Millie Laing-Tate; £500 Team Prize, Duncan McKellar; £500 Patron’s Prize, Richard Baker; Parker Harris Mentoring Prize, Caragh Savage; NG Art Creative Residency, Andrew Litten, and Habib Hajallie; Somerset Art Works Festival 2021 Award, Tina Salvidge; JGM Gallery Exhibition Prize, Sally Gorham, and Niki Hare; Andelli Art’s Next Generation Art Prize, Liqing Tan; Howden Art Award, Simon Averill.
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wellsvoice
January 2021
n NEWS
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
Sir Thomas wins vote of coach passengers BERRYS Coaches customers have voted to name their new coach Captain Sir Thomas Moore in honour of the war veteran who hit headlines earlier this year for his money raising efforts for the NHS. Customers suggested names and voted for their favourite on social media. Captain Sir Thomas Moore beat Rainbow, in honour of key workers during the pandemic, and Clifford, after Clifford Berry who founded the company 100 years ago. Captain Sir Thomas Moore is the newest and largest vehicle in the Berrys Coaches fleet at 14.5m long and with 75 seats. It is fitted out with in-seat USB and contactless charging points at each seat, tables and facilities for on-board couriers to serve hot drinks and refreshments. The purchase of the coach was finalised in February, but due to the coronavirus pandemic was first used in August when Berrys relaunched their popular Daily Superfast Service to London. It included a new stop in Wells, at Wells Bus and Coach Station in Princes Road. Commenting on the result of the vote, MD Stuart Berry said: “We’re delighted with the name our customers chose. It feels very appropriate, in our 100th year as a local family business, to name our newest vehicle in honour of someone who did something
so incredible for their 100th birthday. “After a long wait during lockdown it’s brilliant that we’re now up and running again and get to see Captain Sir Thomas Moore out on the road between London and the West Country on our daily London Superfast service.” The Captain Tom Foundation said: “Captain Sir Tom has been overwhelmed by the generosity
The newly named Captain Sir Thomas Moore coach and kindness people have shown towards him and he is very grateful to you and your customers.” Captain Sir Thomas Moore joins Berrys Coaches fleet of double-deck coaches in regular use between London and the West Country.
New way to make views known A NEW service that launched in December aims to make it easier for people with disabilities in Somerset to make their voices heard. The Somerset Disability Engagement Service, run by AJM Healthcare, will work with Somerset County Council to deliver its engagement and consultation with disabled people throughout the county for the next two years. For the county council and partners Mendip District
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Council, Sedgemoor District Council, South Somerset District Council and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the service will provide opportunities to better understand the needs and concerns of disabled communities in order to improve services to them. For those interested in getting involved, information about the Somerset Disability Engagement Service can be found by visiting the website at https://somerset. disabilityengagement.services.
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Legal remedies available to deal with financial fallout of divorce By Natasha Rowe
MOST couples strive for an amicable divorce – doing their best to discuss how the finances available should be divided. They both have to play their part, voluntarily providing financial documentation to each other. Negotiating and being ready to reach compromises. The couple usually will co-operate with each other to implement any agreement reached – preferably by obtaining a Consent Order (an agreement about how the finances should be divided, reached by consent and made by a judge). There will then be the actual act of transferring or selling property, dealing with bank accounts or investments and the transfer or sale of any other possessions. If one spouse is unwilling to engage in the process, the other has little choice but to make an application to the Family Court for a financial remedy order. Thankfully, there are a range of orders available, if one spouse continues their stance of failing to co-operate to force the unwilling spouse to, for example, provide their full financial documentation.
‘There are enforcement orders available as well as costs being awarded against the obstructive spouse’
Most couples do their best to discuss how the finances should be divided if they go their separate ways – but not all are prepared to co-operate with each other If they continue to be obstructive there are enforcement orders available as well as costs being awarded against the obstructive spouse if hearings are abortive. If there are concerns that even if an Order is made, a spouse will fail to co-operate, clauses can be included in the Order providing for the other spouse to, for example, have sole conduct of the sale of property which will mean that they will be the one to deal with estate agents and the marketing of it. In addition, if a spouse refuses to sign the contract and transfer deed, an application can be made to the Court for a judge to sign the necessary documents in place of that spouse. The Court has a wide range of powers available to it to ensure any Order made is implemented in the way it should be. n Natasha Rowe is a Solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.
Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100
Personal legal services for you, your business and your family www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
28 JANUARY 2021
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January 2021 southworcestervoice@gmail.com
Test your knowledge of 2020 with our New Year quiz 1. Which Chinese city was the first to go into an unprecedented lockdown due to the coronavirus in January? 2. Who won the US Presidential election, eventually? 3. What did Prime Minster Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds name their baby? 4. Who did Rishi Sunak replace as Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this year? 5. To which town did Dominic Cummings drive to test his eyesight after being infected with coronavirus? 6. In which city will the postponed Olympics be held in 2021? 7. Which two singers performed in the Super Bowl half-time show? 8. Which film won Best Picture at the Oscars? 9. Which company became the first to launch a private, crewed spacecraft? 10. On which social media platform did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they were stepping down as senior Royals?
11. Who won the FA Cup final? 12. Which wedding anniversary did the Queen and Prince Philip mark in November? 13. In May, it was announced a former British Army officer was to be knighted after raising money for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday. What is his name? 14. Which two members of comedy double acts passed away this year? 15. Which two military events marked their 75th anniversaries in 2020.? 16. Which country faced one of its most devastating wildfire seasons? 17. Which new bank note entered circulation in February and features the face of artist JMW Turner? 18. Who was the winner of I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here? 19. Name The Body Coach who kept us all fit during lockdown? 20. EastEnders celebrated which anniversary in February?
Answers: 1. Wuhan; 2. Joe Biden; 3. Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson; 4. Savid Javid; 5. Barnard Castle; 6. Tokyo; 7. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; 8. Parasite; 9. SpaceX; 10. Instagram; 11. Arsenal; 12. 73rd; 13. Captain Tom Moore; 14. Eddie Large and Bobby Ball; 15. VE Day and VJ Day; 16. Australia; 17. ÂŁ20; 18. Giovanna Fletcher ; 19. Joe Wicks; 20. 35th.
For the regular puzzles, see page 38
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January 2021
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n FROM THE TOWN HALL
Thinking of others one of year’s positives FEW positives can be found from the old year but Wells has seen a welcome revival of the good neighbourliness which previous generations took for granted, with hundreds of volunteers coming forward to provide the vulnerable with shopping, prescriptions and other support. Donations have flowed to charities such as the Wells Foodbank – who are now providing 6,400 meals a month compared with 768 in February – the Connect Centre, Heads Up and The Lawrence Centre. Let’s hope this goodwill lasts through 2021, which will not be an easy year, and becomes a positive legacy of the grim times of Covid. For me an example of this positivity came when I was invited to Wells Cathedral School as mayor and spokesperson for the Wells Coronavirus Network to collect 238 Christmas cards made by their students for WCN’s volunteers to distribute among local care homes and charities for the vulnerable. We have also seen clever ways
Mayor of Wells Philip Welch presents Christmas cards made by Wells Cathedral School students to Bev Davies, manager of Torrwood care home at South Horrington found to celebrate the festive season without breaking the coronavirus rules. The Wells-based Portraits bid for the Christmas No 1 with
a brilliant rendition of Together In Electric Dreams, using a huge cast of singers and musicians who recorded their parts and sent them electronically to
Jeremy Millington to pull together into a brilliant single played by Points West, ITV’s Good Morning programme and Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2. Sadly the song did not reach No 1 but it put Wells on the map and raised money for the charities MIND and CRUSE. Carol services were cancelled but the Cathedral managed to hold a few with strict social distancing. I read a lesson from the pulpit at one. In previous years Mayors of Wells have been known to attend 14 carol services but I was only able to go to two. The congregation was not allowed to sing, of course, but that was to their benefit in my case. At my school singing was compulsory and firmly enforced. I was the only pupil told to keep my mouth shut as my singing was so dreadful. n In next month’s column I will update you on news from Wells City Council. There will be plenty to say. Mayor of Wells Philip Welch Email: p.welch@wells.gov.uk
n MESSAGE FROM THE MP
Reason to be optimistic about year ahead AS I write this in December, I think it is important to look ahead to 2021 with as much of a positive outlook as possible. Much has been made about 2020 and the dramatic changes we all made to our lives, but I believe there is now reason to be optimistic about a return to normality and for us to – as a result – really prosper as a country. There is no escaping there will be tough times ahead and the rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine is complicated and will take time, but we are ahead of schedule and to be administering a safe and effective vaccine less than a year on from the beginning of this pandemic is credit to fantastic worldwide scientists and working together as a country. I also know there is huge demand for the vaccine in this part of the country but rest assured, the logistics have been
News from Wells MP James Heappey in the planning with the military, local councils and GPs. I want to reiterate the message from the health clinicians that they will contact you and are working hard to get the most vulnerable in our society vaccinated as quickly as possible – but it will take some time. As we enter the new year, I have had time to reflect, too. It has been an absolute honour
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to again serve as the Member of Parliament for the Wells Constituency for another year and despite the challenges of Parliament in years gone by, this has certainly been the toughest. One of the biggest privileges in this job is being able to go out and about in the community, talking to residents, meeting with local businesses and stakeholders. While I – and so many others – have had to adapt to the use of Zoom for meetings and virtual constituency surgeries, it will be very much welcome when we can return to normality and meet people in person again. I have missed the fantastic fetes, the wonderful markets over the summer and all the festive services we normally enjoy, without fail, every year. It has certainly shown how important our community is and I have no doubt these events will
return bigger and better when it is safe to do so. It is important we focus on other priorities as well as continuing to fight the pandemic. Behind the scenes, there are many important policy-making developments ongoing, including the levelling up agenda. The Glastonbury Towns Fund bid is well underway, the upgrade of the A303 has been approved and here in Wells, many of our fantastic venues have been handed Government grants to help them bounce back following their closures last year. I will continue to push for improvements for Somerset and opportunities for businesses and the young people who live here but often move on after university. This is a fantastic place to live and after an unrecognisable 2020, I know Somerset will bounce back with vigour in 2021.
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January 2021
n NEWS
Candles are lit for the Carols by Candlelight concert in Wells Cathedral. As well as being premiered to a live audience in the Cathedral on December 10, the Cathedral Choir spent time in early December preparing and filming the entire concert for viewing online. To watch it, follow the link on the Cathedral website (www.wellscathedral.org.uk), and make a donation where requested.
Roadworks planned in Wells in January By Daniel Mumby
Local Democracy Reporter SOMERSET’S roads will have more than their fair share of roadworks in 2021. Somerset County Council maintains a rolling list of all roadworks taking place in the county on its dedicated Travel Somerset portal. Some roadworks will involve only minor incursion on the carriageway, or will entail temporary traffic lights. Others, however, will involve lengthy diversions for both large and small vehicles, meaning motorists will have to plan more times for their regular journeys. Below is a list of the new roadworks planned in Wells in January which will involve some form of diversion for motorists. The information is sourced from the council’s Travel Somerset website. It is correct as of December 15, 2020, and
all details are subject to change. This list does not include ongoing roadworks which began in 2020. n January 4-8: Silver Street will be closed to allow Truespeed Communications to lay new fibreoptic cables. n January 4-15: Milton Lane (north of Ash Lane) and Reservoir Lane will be closed to allow Truespeed Communications to install new fibreoptic cabling. n January 10-14: Cathedral Green and St Andrew Street will be closed for filming by The Forge Entertainment. n January 11-21: The A39 Bristol Hill and Bristol Road will be closed to allow Somerset County Council to remove trees as part of a campaign against ash dieback on the Mendip Hills. n January 11-March 26: Priory Road will be closed to allow Wales & West Utilities to install new gas mains.
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New homes permission refused A BID to build houses on land at Haybridge has been rejected. Mendip District Council has refused an application by Gleeson Strategic Land for outline planning permission to demolish buildings at New House Farm and build up to 68 new homes.
The council said that the site lies in the countryside, outside the defined development limits of Wells, where development is strictly controlled, and the proposal would not accord with its plan-led approach for the allocation of new housing.
n LETTERS
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Annexe has already been paid for once THE old Blue School Portway Annexe site was bought and paid for by the ratepayers of Wells City Council, Somerset County Council and Central Government, therefore like all state schools, I believe, a Community Asset. It has now been reported that Wells City Council have been “allowed” to put forward plans to purchase the property from Somerset for at least £600,000. Purchase something that was already a Community Asset, paid for by the ratepayers. This sounds like something out of Catch 22 – we will sell you something that is already yours,
together with the added cost of stamp duty/legal fees and VAT. Which local government bean counter thought this one up? David Hartley By email
Thank you to a Christmas Angel I WANT to thank a Christmas Angel called Ruby. I fell on my face in the Priory Road car park, going to Boots on Christmas Eve. This good Samaritan insisted on driving me home and escorting me safely to my door. She is a very special person. Christine Buffey By email
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wellsvoice
January 2021
n NEWS
Focus on health with Bluebird Care
Roll on day we can be together again Grenville Jones, the man behind the Wells Good Afternoon Choir and local ‘Goldies’ group, as well as many more across the South West, looks forward to the resumption of singing in public BACK in March we all had to cancel our live choir rehearsals and move our singing into peoples’ front rooms. Sofasinging became the norm, either through the medium of Zoom or with pre-recorded rehearsals online. With no other alternative, sofa-singing was born. Hundreds of choirs quite literally moved to the internet to enable their members to keep singing and as technical skills developed, more concerts went online, leading up to Christmas with ample opportunities to sing your favourite carols in the comfort of your own home. As we enter 2021, choir leaders and singers from across the world look forward to the day when rehearsals will recommence in rehearsal rooms and plans can be made for concerts and choir tours abroad. If we believe what we are told by those in power, we should be singing again sometime around the spring and, most certainly, by Christmas 2021 carols and Christmas music will again ring out throughout the UK. Together with two of
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Grenville Jones my leaders, Matt Finch and Ben England, I have been taking regular Wednesday online rehearsals with our GoodAfternoonChoir/online with a membership of singers from across the world. Our next (and probably) final online term starts on Wednesday, January 20, running through to March 31, Easter week. See www. goodafternoonchoir.org When we look back on 2020, we will do so with sad thoughts and some despair. For those who love to sing, 2020 was the ‘nosing’ year. Let’s hope that is now behind us and we can again look ahead with hope to the day when we will set out for our rehearsal rooms and meet the friends in our choirs.
Show compassion to others by showing them respect By Jenny Atkins
COMPASSION is a response we show: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental or emotional pains of another and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as having sensitivity, which is an emotional aspect to suffering. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else’s situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. For people who are dependent on others for help and support, compassion is often the most important factor in allowing them to lead fulfilling lives. Often, compassion is confused with empathy; compassion has the added element of having a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another. Empathy, as most people know, is the ability to put oneself in the other person’s place. Although compassion and empathy are two separate things,
having compassion can lead to feeling empathy. Being open to others enables us to face tough times with creativity and resilience. Empathy enables us to connect with people. You can support and show compassion by not ignoring people when they talk to you. Don’t talk too much but give them the opportunity to express themselves. Listen to their stories to know what they are dealing with. Understand the messages they want to convey. Take note that compassion is about awareness, not ignorance. Compassion is about understanding others. But you cannot understand someone you cannot accept. Hence, we learn to accept people for who they are. Show compassion to others by showing them respect. Always spend time and effort to get to know them better and understand their positions, so that you may give them the respect and honour they deserve. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare. co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.
Charities receive financial help THE Heads Up mental health charity at South Horrington has received £20,630 from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund. Citizens Advice Mendip is another of those to benefit, being given £4,000. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced in November that 12 charities in the Wells constituency will receive more than £196,000 to help their work continue, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Wells MP James Heappey said: “I am so pleased that
DCMS has recognised the importance of smaller charities, particularly here in the Wells constituency. I have been struck by how much local people and charities have stepped up to support the most vulnerable during this extremely difficult time. “I have visited and spoken with many of the charities which have been helped and as a patron of Heads Up in Wells myself, I am acutely aware of how much of an impact this money will have and how much they deserve it. “I hope this money allows them to continue that fantastic work going forward.”
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January 2021
n NEWS
Photos of serviceman come to light
WELLS-BORN Albert Keniston was killed in action in the Second World War. He died on May 14, 1941, aged only 27. He left a wife, Elsie, and a daughter, Pauline, aged only two. He is one of the 39 servicemen and women of Wells who died during the war and who are named on the Wells War Memorial. He served in the Royal Artillery where he manned the guns on merchant ships. His sad story had been unearthed for Wells & Mendip Museum’s online Remembrance exhibition, produced jointly with Wells City Archives. There was no photograph of him, but now a face has been put to his name, thanks to Albert’s granddaughter Elaine Watson, who searched through her late mother’s papers and recently managed to find three photos of Albert. “One of our hopes when we started this project was that we
Albert Keniston manned the guns on merchant ships during the Second World War, and was killed in action. He is pictured with wife Elsie on their wedding day, and in uniform Pictures courtesy of Elaine Watson, Albert’s granddaughter could track down photographs of as many as possible of the 39
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men and women before it’s too late,” says Dr Julia Wood, Wells City Archivist. “We’re delighted that, thanks to the indispensable help of relatives and friends of the men and women who died, like Elaine, we’ve managed to trace photos of 17 of them.” Albert’s parents ran a fish and chip shop at 1 South Street. Elaine filled in some more of his story. He, Elsie and Pauline lived at 61 St Thomas Street. When
the war started he was a builder’s labourer, and Elaine said that he helped paint the bandstand in the Recreation Ground. The online exhibition can be found at https://www. wellsmuseum.org.uk/wells-warmemorial-project. The project researchers are still looking for photos. Anyone who has a photo of any of those who died and are willing to share it is asked to contact Julia at archives@wellsmuseum.org.uk.
The 39 names on the war memorial Walter Allen, William Brown, Douglas Chisholm, Jesse Collett, Leslie Dowell, Arthur Ford, George Fowler, Dennis Freegard, Percy Goold, Ronald Griffin, Richard Grist, Harold Howell, Frederick (Len) Howlett, Gilbert Hutton, Frederick Jacobs, Walter (Tom) James, Albert Keniston, Ronald Lansdowne, Alfred Mallows, Alec Matthews, Arthur McGillycuddy, Kenneth Millington, Sybil Mullins, Harry Patis, Francis Pople, Julien Rochefort, John Samuel, William Samuel, William Shadwick, Esma Singleton, Raymond Stevens, Philip Stiles, Ronald Toomer, William Vick, James Wardropper, Donald Whitcombe, Oliver White, Maurice Whiting, Leslie Witt.
Last of new residents move in THE last residents to move into their new homes at the Bishops Green housing development on Wookey Hole Road, Wells, did so just before Christmas. The 121 properties at the David Wilson Homes site have been under construction for five years.
Sales director Louise Ware said: “We’re delighted to see the new community of Bishops Green complete – and after all the challenges this year has brought, to ensure that our new residents are safely and happily set up in their new homes in time for Christmas.”
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January 2021
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n NEWS
Residents treated to free lunch
Strong support for fuel appeal
IN December, the City of Wells Almshouses (CWA), in collaboration with Andre’s Kitchen, delivered a free, threecourse Christmas lunch to its residents. The logistics of this were a little more complicated than merely serving lunch to people in the same room, as all the courses had to be delivered, piping hot, to individual properties, at separate intervals. But needless to say, an army of “Santa’s little helpers”, suitably attired, was standing by to help. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the meal, cooked and served by Andre, who returned later for the crockery – so they didn’t even have to wash up. CWA said: “Thanks go to Andre and his team for their attention to detail in delivering such a superb meal under
THANKS to more than 450 generous supporters across Somerset, the annual Surviving Winter appeal – which provides funding and support to older people who are struggling to heat their homes – is getting close to reaching its target of £120,000 this winter. Surviving Winter, which is run by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), encourages people who can afford to, to make a donation from their Winter Fuel Payment. The charity aims to support at least 500 vulnerable older people across Somerset with a Surviving Winter grant every winter, helping to keep them warm, safe and well. To donate, visit www. somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949. To apply for a grant, see www.somersetcf.org. uk/winter for updates.
Christmas cheer at the almshouses challenging circumstances, this is so much appreciated.” The almshouses were also grateful to db+PAUL surveyors for their donation towards this lunch event. Managing director Nicholas German said: “We at db+PAUL Chartered Building Surveyors are delighted to be able to help spread some festive cheer among the local community after the
challenging year we’ve all had, by contributing to the residents’ Christmas lunches as a gesture of goodwill, and we wish all the residents and staff a very Merry Christmas.” One resident said: “This lovely lunch made my daughter’s Christmas visit very special, we won’t forget the Almshouses Christmas Dinner, despite the Covid-19 restrictions.” The residents of the almshouses have had a very difficult year, but they have kept their morale up in different ways over the summer, by holding outdoor, distanced “parties”, tending their gardens and hymn singing in the courtyard, accompanied by the resident flautist. All the residents have remained well, and they are looking forward to a happier and more normal 2021.
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January 2021
n NEWS
Pupils deliver Christmas smiles
Grassland and woodland aid
PUPILS at a Wells school took part in an initiative to lift the spirits of people in local care homes at Christmas. There have been restrictions on visitors to Fletcher House in Wells, Torrwood at South Horrington and Mellifont Abbey in Wookey because of Covid-19. But students at Wells Cathedral School brought them smiles with the 238 Christmas cards and drawings they created for distribution by the Wells Coronavirus Network. “The school was very conscious that for the residents of our local care homes and day centres it was going to be especially challenging and so pupils and staff wanted to do something to help spread a little Christmas cheer,” said headmaster Alastair Tighe. “In so doing, I hope that our pupils get a better sense of their place in the wider community and of their responsibilities to
THE Mendip Hills AONB Unit has been given £249,000 in government funding for its Level Up project, alongside Blackdown Hills and Quantock Hills AONBs. The project aims to restore important grassland habitat and enhance and create woodland to improve resilience in the face of climate change and ash dieback. Eight South West-based organisations have secured funding towards ten projects. The government is providing nearly £40 million to 68 projects across England in the first round of the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
The 238 cards ready for collection from Alistair Tighe with students Ellie Mapleston and Oscar Purcell-Shirley extend care and kindness to others – all part of our school’s broader ethos and aims.” Ellie Mapleston, one of the pupils involved, said: “We knew people in care homes were likely to feel lonely and need cheering up.” Another pupil, Oscar PurcellShirley, added: “Everyone
responded well and wanted to help.” Thirty of the 238 cards were heart-shaped and created by pre-preparatory children at Wells Cathedral School. Cards were also distributed to two charities that support older people – Heads Up at South Horrington and The Lawrence Centre in Wells.
Opening soon THE new Tree House Nursery building at South Horrington is nearing completion and is expected to open some time in January. The old nursery building will eventually be replaced by two houses.
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WELLS residents are being asked again if they can donate unwanted or broken pieces of jewellery and watches towards the appeal to raise the funds for a dedicated Breast Cancer Unit in Yeovil. Yeovil Hospital Charity launched the appeal in March 2019, and £1,636,719 has been raised so far towards the £2 million target. With fundraising events
having had to be postponed or cancelled this year, people are being asked if they can help instead by donating unwanted or broken jewellery. Contact Maggie Hague, Breast Cancer Appeal volunteer, on 01963 250108. To find out more about the appeal, go to www.yeovilhospital. co.uk/yeovil-hospital-charity or call Sarah Cherry, community and events fundraiser, on 01935 383020.
FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HARRIS Roger Passed away peacefully at his home in Meare on 25th November 2020, aged 87 years. Funeral attendance by invitation only due to Covid-19 restrictions. Donations, if desired, made payable to St Cuthbert’s PCC, Wells, may be forwarded to Forsey and Son Funeral Directors, Willowfields, Lowerside Lane, Glastonbury BA6 9GY.
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January 2021
n IN DAYS GONE BY
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With Clare Blackmore
Rise and fall of city centre’s two crosses THERE is mention of a cross in the Market Place in Wells from 1422, but in 1542 a Market Cross was built to “Glory of God and the conveniency of poor people to secure them from the weather” by Bishop Knight and Dean Woolman. It stood in the middle of the road at the junction of the Market Place and Sadler Street in front of where the present conduit now stands. It was described as “being constructed of a ground-floor storey of arches supported with buttressed piers, the upper portion a lantern of two diminishing stages and the whole crowned by a most gracefully tapering spire crowned with a weathercock”. In December 1785 part of the cross fell down and “the remainder being in a ruinous state and dangerous” it was resolved by the council that the remainder of the cross be taken down. However in the Bath Chronicle of December 1785, in the reign of George III, a report shows that some local “youths” gave the authorities a helping hand: “Some sons of Bacchus lately sallied out from some tavern in the city of Wells with an intention to demolish the old cross in the Market Place which has been thought a nuisance for these many years. They partly completed their design and though frolics of this kind frequently have a mischievous tendency, this particular act of inebriety seems to have given general satisfaction.
Wells and its crosses as depicted in the 18th century Simes map
‘Some sons of Bacchus sallied out from some tavern in Wells with an intention to demolish the old cross’
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“Antiquarians indeed will be sorry to learn that the head of Cyclops, the priest and the antique head of the Roman orator Pendulum were much injured.” There was also a cross at the other end of the High Street called the Queen’s Cross at the junction of Queen Street and Broad Street, or Wet/Water Lane as it was then known. In 1724 this was described as “a piece of waste land between Queen Street and Wet Lane on which a broken cross stood”. This also gave its name to the Queen’s Cross Brewery
which closed down in 1886 but advertised itself in the 1870s as selling “mild and family ale available in convenient sized casks of four gallons and upwards at 1s 2d per gallon”. There was also a Queen’s Cross Steam Mineral Works in Market Street which closed down in 1892, and if you look above the front door of Roderick Thomas Estate Agent you can still see the Queen’s Cross Sub Post Office sign in the stonework. The Simes map of Wells of 1735 shows the location of the Market Cross and Queen’s Cross.
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January 2021
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS U3A INTEREST groups are still going strong within Wells U3A despite all the difficulties put in front of them. Even when they are unable to meet in person they have kept in touch with each other by email or Zoom. Below are just a few of our groups that have some news that gives an idea of the variety of subjects that people can join in with. Talks – We’ve had some fascinating and varied talks via Mirthy Talks. There is a varied programme lined up for members in the coming months which started on December 9 with William Shakespeare in London, by Andrew Warde. We learnt how this incomer came to London to join the lowest level of society, how the building of the first theatres in London evolved and also the question was answered how did this glover’s son become the national poet of England? In January 2021 we are looking forward to a talk on the Brinks-Mat Gold Bullion Robbery, by Ian Brown. The planning, execution and the elaborate criminal chain that converted £26 million gold bullion into cash. The biggest robbery in UK history, which ended with the tragic killing of PC John Fordham at the hands of Kenneth Noye. More talks have been booked through to May. The Poetry Appreciation – The leader of this group reported that when the first lockdown happened early in the year it was decided to carry on using email. After two experiments that didn’t work at all, we settled to the system we use now. We stuck to the dates that were arranged before Covid struck. Members send their choice of poems to everyone on either Saturday or Sunday, then we all comment on Monday. Following the acronym KISS! it’s worked very well with hardly any hitches. In one way it’s worked better than our normal meetings. Normally someone reads a poem, then we comment on it, which isn’t always easy at a first hearing. This way you have the poem on the screen and you can study it in detail. There are only limited places in this group but get in touch if you think this is the group for you. Table tennis group – We have been unable to play in our
WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
Paintings by members of the U3A Painting for Pleasure group normal venue, the Methodist Hall in Southover, since March; the possibility of returning there is, literally, with the gods. Some members have been able to play at the Blue School under quite severe restrictions regarding numbers, cleaning and distances, this does not suit everyone but it is one outlet. During the summer and autumn a few brave souls managed to get some play in an outside setting, competing with the wind as well as the bat and ball adding a new dimension to their skills. When we eventually return to some sort of normality we would welcome newcomers, any level of skill is not a requirement but making tea and washing up is. Call Terry Brook 01749 679846 if interested. Painting for Pleasure – Of course it has been impossible for us to paint together during these interesting times and yet this does not stop us visiting other places as we immerse ourselves in holidays, flowers, faces and images. We do share
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these amongst ourselves and comment with positive opinion and enquiry, that how the group functions normally once it’s up and running. We can absorb a few new members once we start again at St Thomas’ Hall. Opera Group – As they are quite a large group it has not been possible to meet during the lockdown times. To keep in touch the group leader sends out a weekly newsletter with details of any radio or TV programmes which might be of interest to the group. The advent of Sky Arts on Freeview has given the group some treats even if it does sometimes mean a very early morning cup of tea with opera. Feedback is informal by telephone or email. When Covid restrictions are lifted we hope to meet again in Wells Town Hall. Making Music group – Have found it difficult to meet since March but the leader has dropped emails to the group from time to time, and suggested things that the members might wish to play, but they are going to have to wait for a better situation as regards Covid before they can meet again. Scrabble – Sadly nothing is happening with this group but the leader reports “we can’t meet, we aren’t ‘Zooming’ but we are hoping to be able to start again sometime in the new year”. To contact any of our groups, and there are many more, please go to our website. The Wells U3A website also has useful information about staying safe during the pandemic; particularly staying safe online and avoiding telephone scams. Go to https://u3asites.org.uk/ wells/home Ann Brown with the help of group leaders
A NEW Year. A time to renew. A time to tidy up, to clear the decks, a time to scrub down and a time to make a good, clean start. What’s more, if there’s one thing we have learnt during the past year it is the importance of adequate and frequent washing. Not for a very long time has personal and domestic hygiene been so paramount in our lives. In 13th century England King John, the much derided, was widely regarded as an eccentric obsessive since it was his custom to bathe at least eight times a year. This in an era when the monks of Canterbury were required to take a bath on Christmas Day and to wash their feet once a month. We have come a long way since then. Someone said that God made rainy days so that gardeners could get the housework done. Looking out of the window on a dark, dank, unforgiving afternoon in mid-December the invitation to get out and tidy up the mess is downright unappealing. Moreover, there is no real obligation to adopt the same approach to the flower borders as to the bathroom or kitchen. After all, the garden is Nature’s realm and Nature is not a great one for the dishcloth or dustpan and brush. Those forgotten piles of prunings harbour innumerable creatures unknown to us, the seed heads are food for the finches and the bugs and ladybirds find accommodation for the winter among the remaining vegetation.
The fly-loving flower heads from the hydrangeas In this garden, we picked and dried flower heads from the hydrangeas for seasonal decoration. We were immediately infested by countless small black flies – fodder for the orb spider which had taken up residence over the
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January 2021
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES kitchen table. It was revealing to find that what appeared to be of little horticultural use had in fact an invisible but valuable function as a winter residence for so many creatures. So, before we all become gardening Ghengis Khans it might be worth remembering that bars of soap and bottles of hand gel do not exist in the natural world. Let’s hear it for the lazy gardener and keep the bustle of tidying for another week or two. Things may change for the better or even for the more normal in a few months. In the meantime, on behalf of the Wells & District Gardening Club, I would like to wish all those who have a garden, and all those who have not, a happier and healthy 2021. Pip Harwood WELLS WI WE met via Zoom again in December, which was a very different experience to our usual Christmas gatherings but lovely nevertheless. Many members wore sparkly clothes and a couple sported reindeer antlers in an effort to be festive. We welcomed Keinton Mandeville WI who joined us online. Wells members were reminded of our imminent book club Zoom meeting, reviewing The Wildflowers by Harriet Evans. Our photography group will be meeting online and discussing capturing Christmas images. The Somerset Federation has arranged to broadcast the annual WI carol service from Wells Cathedral online this year, and many were looking forward to joining in. The cold weather has put paid to the socially distanced outdoors coffee meetings, but we hope to hold one or two small group walks once restrictions allow. Our speaker was Debbie Towlson from Debbie’s Kitchen. Debbie has a background in cooking and teaching and now provides catering services as well as giving demonstrations. Before the pandemic she only delivered sessions in person, but has now done them online to groups across the country, from Liverpool to Kent and Somerset. Debbie showed us how to make traditional Italian chocolate salami (no meat involved) which is the Italian
wellsvoice n NEWS
equivalent of our familiar chocolate yule log. Ingredients include amaretti biscuits, amaretto liqueur, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, chopped fruit and nuts as well as melted dark chocolate. It gets its name because it is formed into a sausage shape, rolled in icing sugar and tied with string and wrapped to look like salami. Having been told to have paper and string ready, we all joined in from home as Debbie showed us how to wrangle our salami rolls with string in the same fashion as butchers making a neat joint of meat for the oven. We had fun grappling with our rolled up tea towels. Debbie also demonstrated how to make mendiants: petit fours in the shape of little chocolate circles topped with chopped nuts and dried fruit. We all had a go at making small paper piping bags. We were hungry by then so it was quite disappointing not to be able to smell or taste the finished goods. Our president Anne then became quiz show host for a virtual game of The Price Is Right. We were shown a selection of traditional game show prizes – ranging from a lawn mower, a Casio watch, a teasmade, a foot spa and a sexy Santa outfit to a poo head game – and invited to guess the prices. The final round required members to guess the combined price of a Rolls Royce Ghost car, a luxury all-inclusive beach holiday for two and a twocarat Tiffany diamond ring. The total was £201,150. The winner, having guessed closest to that figure, was Janette who obviously has a taste for luxury. Members enjoyed the opportunity to chat to each other via computer, laptop or phone before the meeting ended. One topic of conversation was members’ Christmas Eve traditions which, for many, is watching a Christmas film, Santa the Movie and The Muppets Christmas Carol being firm favourites. It only remained to wish each other a very happy Christmas and good health. What a year it’s been. New women are always welcome – see our Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi/ Valerie Pettman and Veronica Howe
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37
A view from the Mendips over the Levels. How might the ‘net zero’ carbon government target change this?
On the path towards a carbon neutral future Chris King of the local GeoWeek team looks forward to an event in May that will examine the issue of becoming carbon neutral WHETHER or not you believe that humans are contributing to global warming, as most scientists do, the UK government has nevertheless set a target for us to become ‘carbon neutral’ or to release ‘net zero’ carbon by 2050. So what will this mean for the Wells-Mendip area? We are planning a new field trip to explore this question, as part of GeoWeek 2021, and the Wells U3A geology group are kindly helping us to pilot this beforehand. Some of the questions we will be asking are: Could the Mendips be used for
carbon storage? Could we install ground source heat pumps for houses across the area? Could the area supply crushed rock for enhanced weathering and carbon drawdown? Could we supply the raw materials for electric cars and a charging network? Then, when we have the answers to these questions, the next question is: Should we? – scope for much debate. This will be an interesting journey since we as field trip leaders don’t yet know all the answers, or even, all the questions. So, if our pilot field trips are successful, do join us in May to explore these questions out of doors together – hopefully with coronavirus well behind us.
YOGA AND RELAXATION CLASSES
Chen Tai Chi
Beginners level / Mixed ability
A new Yog class will be starting in 2021 at Elim Connect Centre, Portway Classes will be re-starting at Easton Village Hall and Blue School Sports Centre UNTIL FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES ARE POSSIBLE AGAIN, JOIN CLASSES ON ZOOM To book: 07951 313917 janestatonyoga@gmail.com F Yoga with Jane Staton
P i l o g a Fi t When In – Work Out New Online Classes Start Now www.taichi24.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482
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January 2021
n TAKE A BREAK Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
9 3 1
6 4 8 5 9
4
Solutions
6
6
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A
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2
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3
T I
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M
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WANTED
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Down 2. 4726 3. 48259 4. 46638727 7. 8646 8. 2665
U
7
Across 1. 3454 5. 84667 6. 4292 8. 297787 9. 4367442
R
6
4
P
5
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3
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1
Easier suduko Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
T
Theme: Countries
Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
O
S A
2
Txtpert
I
5
9
5
G
8
R
7
Txtpert K
6
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5 1 6
Copy exactly what you see in each box below into the correct space in the grid to reveal the mystery winter themed picture!
E
4 9 1 3
Mystery Picture
G
7
For younger readers
O
The FIEND
Mystery picture
2
3 1 2 3
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Fi
wellsvoice
January 2021
39
n SPORT
Course busier even than 2019 GOLF FOLLOWING the end of the latest lockdown the fairways of Mendip Golf Club, despite some inclement weather, have been extremely busy with hardly a tee time unused. As before, regrettably, the club is unable to welcome visiting golfers, as top priority for the time being has been given to Mendip’s members. Interestingly in 2020, up until December 13 and despite the course being closed through lockdowns for 78 days, 33,868 rounds of golf have been played. This is over 10,000 rounds more than 2019, which in itself seemed that the course was usually busy. It is a tribute to Richard Gregory and the greens team that they have been able to keep the course playing so well despite this large increase in traffic. The greens staff have continued with their winter programme despite the continuing rainfall. The new teeing area for Hole 8 has been constructed and the bunker renovation programme should be almost complete by the end of the year. Competitions have re-commenced and 42 Ladies played in an American Foursomes nine-hole event. The winners with an excellent 24 points were Susy Rudkin and Pauline Williams. The Seniors held their annual Turkey Trot Singles Competition and despite poor weather, 92 competitors took part. Everyone got off to a good start with mince pies and mulled wine provided. Then came the task of understanding their new handicaps following implementation of the new system; most saw an increase by one or two shots, a few had much more generous increases and a small number had no increases, reflecting how well they had played under the old system. The scores reflected how well the course was playing in a very wet December with the greens in particularly good order, with 12 pairings equalling or bettering par. After a triple count back on 38 points Simon Brand came out as the winner followed by Malcolm Srawley and Nigel Cheshire.
Lost Season souvenir RUGBY IT is hoped that some sort of rugby will start in the new year, but nothing is certain yet. The Wells RFC players have continued to train, but of course there is no bar income. The club has started a little shop, with masks and scarves and also a special shirt, The Lost Season 20/21. It can be seen on the Facebook page. The club had also published an advent calendar showing past captains and now players, again on Facebook.
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