Wells Voice January 2023

Residents rally round in support of friend

A WELLS community is rallying round in support of a friend who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

After hearing that Brian Clarke, who has lived at Anseres Place with his wife Ruth for eight years, had been diagnosed with MND, Anseres Place residents decided that one way of showing their support was to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They organised a Coin Challenge at Wells Market on Saturday, December 17, aiming to fill a one metre square panel with £1 coins donated by the public. This would require 1,849 coins – with a total weight of 16.18 kilos – thereby raising £1,849 for research to be commissioned by the charity. The final sum raised was actually £2,673.

“It’s fantastic living in a community like Anseres Place, and in a city like Wells. We are so fortunate to live here,” said Brian.

“Wells is pretty unique in the

way it is very much like a large village. Everybody somehow seems to be connected to everybody else. All the different clubs, societies and activities that exist in Wells help to create that feeling of a tightly knit community.

“So, when I started to tell

people about my MND diagnosis, Ruth and I very quickly started to feel the benefit of the wonderful kindness and support of all our neighbours and friends in Wells. That makes a huge difference.”

Fellow Anseres Place resident

Christmas party for Ukrainians

Wells to get new main post office

Christmas scene adorns postbox

Engagement and problem solving

Brian Clarke, second from left, with his wife Ruth on one side of him and Town Crier Len Sweales on the other, plus more Anseres Place residents at their Coin Challenge table in Wells on December 17

CONTACTS

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LOCAL INFORMATION

Wells City Council

www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091

Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk

General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999

YOUR VIEWS

Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters.

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Phones still being collected

CITY of Wells Lions Club are continuing their support of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s mobile phone initiative to recycle unwanted mobile phones to benefit their essential public service.

View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice

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FEBRUARY DEADLINE

To ensure your news or letter is included in the February issue please contact us by January 18.

COMPLAINTS

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.

The secure box is still in the reception at Wells Town Hall where unwanted mobile phones can be left ready for collection. Well over 250 phones have been donated to support this cause and the Lions have thanked those who have supported the project.

There are an estimated 60 to 90 million mobile phones languishing in drawers and cupboards around the UK. If these phones end up in landfill sites, their toxic components become a threat to human health and the environment.

If the phones are recycled, they eliminate this threat to the environment and also decrease the strain on the planet’s resources. Reciproc8 are removing the component parts from the collected phones all of which helps generate funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

To contact City of Wells Lions, email cityofwellslions@gmail. com or call 0345 833 6736.

NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

PUBLISHER’S

that it was Bishop Bekynton who constructed the Bishop’s Eye gateway. David is pictured with his wife Alison collecting the prize.

High street top ten accolade

WELLS has one of the best independent high streets in Britain. The accolade was given in The Observer’s Travel section on December 4, which picked out ten of the nation’s best independent high streets.

“These pretty towns are full of cool independents rather than the usual chains,” said the article.

The entry for Wells stated: “The 15th-century High Street –

and the lattice of roads that run off it – is dotted with independent shops and retailers, offering everything from ceramics and homewares to handmade shoes, jewellery and childrenswear.”

The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen and Cadeaux & Co were mentioned as places to find gifts, the twice-weekly market for foodie treats, and the Crown at Wells as somewhere to stay.

The lucky winner of last month’s competition to win a hamper filled with £150 worth of products from Bishop’s Eye was David Richards of Wells. His was the winning entry drawn from the 62 people who correctly answered

The air ambulance

Party fun, gifts and games provides Christmas cheer

A SPECIAL Christmas party was held at the Portway Annexe for Ukrainians and their children living in the Wells area.

The event was organised by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, Stewart and June Cursley.

There was food for everyone to enjoy, with the Ukrainians sharing some of their traditional food, music, dancing, gifts and games for the younger children.

Musician Mariia playing the keyboard and Mykola his guitar accompanied the evening with their music, a mix of both Ukrainian and English folk songs.

Councillor Cursley said: “It was wonderful to be able to entertain our Ukrainian guests and their local hosts. It’s hard to imagine what they are feeling

about the situation in their home country, and I hope this evening enabled them to have a bit of fun before Christmas.”

Thanks were offered to Sanders Garden Centre and Morrisons, which donated small gifts for the children, and Party Packs, The Works, Bishop’s Eye, Waitrose, The Venue and Daniel’s Cafe for other donations towards the evening.

Toys to hand out to children at the party were also donated by Anthony Prakel, the owner of City News on Wells High Street. He bought and wrapped £100 worth of toys, some going to the Ukrainian children and some to be distributed by Wells Foodbank.

“I wanted to do it for the kids to make sure they’ve got

something this Christmas,” he said. “At the end of the day, Christmas is all about the children.”

Next stage in bid to save Britannia

AN application is being prepared to have The Britannia Inn listed as an asset of community value.

As Wells Voice reported last month, Councillor Theo Butt Philip is spearheading a campaign to save the pub for the community. Since the article appeared, dozens of people have contacted him to offer their support and best wishes, and Wells City Council has backed his proposal to try to have the pub listed as an asset of community value by Mendip District Council.

The pub, on Bath Road, Wells, closed 18 months ago when landlords Rob and Karen Rouse retired, and is now up for sale with the Caldecotte Group with an asking price of £350,000. A ‘For Sale’ sign has recently appeared outside the pub.

If the district council agrees to add the pub to their asset of community value register, it would protect it from being sold or demolished for six months, giving the community time to try to raise the funds to buy the pub.

“I’m grateful to everyone who has got in touch with me. There is clearly a lot of affection for The Britannia Inn and a desire to see it reopen,” said Cllr Butt Philip.

James Sturgess, who deals with property sales at the Caldecotte Group, said that there was nothing new to report from them this month. Last month he said that there had been a number of enquiries about The Britannia including some developer interest, and that he was hoping to arrange a viewing session at the pub.

Residents motivated to help MND charity

Theo van Hensbergen said: “When Brian was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease earlier this year, one of his earliest concerns was how he could break the news to his neighbours in Anseres Place in a positive way. So he decided he would tell everyone personally.

“In doing that he helped everyone in Anseres Place get quickly past that awkward and dreadful feeling of knowing something terrible has happened, and to start feeling motivated to create something positive out of a dreadful situation. In my book, for that thoughtful, caring approach, they are a truly inspirational couple.

“It was also interesting for me to discover how little is known about MND, despite the fact that, once you start talking about it, almost everyone seems to know of someone who has suffered it.

That made me determined to help the MND Association raise awareness and to raise funds for research.”

MND affects the brain and spinal cord, attacking the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work, and it can significantly shorten life expectancy.

Since moving to Wells 20 years ago, Brian has played a full role in city life. He has been a trustee of Wells Almshouses, been involved with the u3a and

Wells Twinning Association, and attends the monthly meetings of Wells Men’s Breakfast.

He also played tennis at Wells Tennis Club – and has been Treasurer, as he was initially an accountant, Chairman and President of the club – and golf at Wells Golf Club. But he began to lose strength in his arms and shoulders, and found he was unable to serve when playing tennis. At first he put it down to a lack of exercise during the pandemic, and then in April he was diagnosed with MND.

“I didn’t know anything about MND – I had to Google it,” he said.

“The main thing is there’s no cure. Initially you think ‘I’ll sort this out’ but you can’t.

“I was quite active. Now I get tired doing things, even basic things like getting dressed.”

He said that the local doctor and NHS team have been very good with support for him

and for Ruth, and added: “The support and kindness of Anseres Place has been marvellous.”

To add to the money donated in the Coin Challenge, a JustGiving page has been set up by residents that will remain open until the end of December at justgiving.com/fundraising/ anseresplacewells

The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning.

Denise Davies, Head of Community Fundraising at the Association, said: “Without the amazing support of people like the Anseres Place residents, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services, fund research to find a cure and campaign and raise awareness of MND. Together we are making a real difference for people affected by this devastating disease.”

Foodbanks benefit from festive Bingo

THE Jingle Bells Bingo Night raised almost £1,800 for foodbanks.

Half will go to the one in Wells and half to the one in Shepton Mallet.

“They are in such great need now and people were so

generous because it is such an important cause,” said Mary Cadogan, author of 18 cookery books spanning 35 years and translated into 26 languages.

“We are so proud to have raised so much.”

“It was enormous fun,” said

“Each

The

Shortlisted for business award

A WELLS enterprise is on the shortlist for the Somerset Business Awards 2023.

Bronwyn’s Baby Limited –which recently opened a shop on Wells High Street, as featured in last month’s Wells Voice – has been shortlisted in the Start-up of the Year category.

Also shortlisted in the same category is Blossom HR of Westbury-sub-Mendip, while Toby Jones (Visit Somerset, Wookey) is a shortlisted nominee in the Apprentice of the Year category.

The awards are run annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce. There are 14 categories altogether, and finalists will be announced at the beginning of February, following visits by the judges.

The grand final will be hosted by BBC Somerset presenter Claire Carter at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Westonsuper-Mare, on March 24, 2023.

Maggie Charlesworth, manager of The Lawrence Centre.

table did a different action from the 12 Days of Christmas.”

venue was Croscombe Village Hall with mulled wine, festive food and prizes.

Christmas Elves who organised The Jingle Bells Bingo Night

New main post office for city to be opened in SPAR store

WELLS Post Office is to open in January at a permanent new location at the SPAR store in Tucker Street.

It will be a main post office offering a wide range of post office services from Thursday, January 26, including additional services of a comprehensive range of travel money, Passport Check & Send, vehicle tax, National Lottery and on demand travel insurance.

There will be three post office counters. There will be one screened and in a dedicated area of the store that will offer the full range of products and services from Monday to Friday from 9am-5.30pm, and Saturday from 9am-12.30pm. There will also be an open-plan post office serving point at the retail counter, providing selected services daily

from 8am-8pm.

Wells Post Office had been operating from Natural Pets of Wells store until the Postmaster resigned. As an interim measure a temporary post office has been operating from Wells Bus Station since July. This will now close on Wednesday, January 25, at 5pm.

The Post Office says it is

keen to restore a full service to the area as soon as possible so it is going ahead with the plans. Feedback can be left on the plans until January 13, 2023. Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 016504.

Submissions can also be made via email to comments@ postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephone 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.

Post Office Network Provision Lead, Antoinette Chitty, said: “We are pleased to announce that we have a permanent solution for Wells as we know how important a post office is to a community. The opening hours will be very convenient for customers.”

Three bidding to be elected

THREE candidates are standing for election as a city councillor in the St Cuthbert Ward by-election on Thursday, January 12.

They are Tracy Leach (The Conservative Party), Georgie Robbins (Liberal Democrats) and Mel Townsend (Wells Independents).

Windows set to add brightness

ONCE again windows in Tor Street and St Andrew’s Street will be lit to brighten the last days of 2022 and cheer everyone into 2023.

This time the theme is Christmas Carols – and look out for some guest appearances made by old friends from The Twelve Days of Christmas as well. The Partridge has already landed on his favourite Pear Tree.

The SPAR store in Tucker Street

Roadworks highlighted as major problem

THE series of roadworks that have been causing long tailbacks in the city were described as the biggest problem in Wells at the moment at Wells City Council’s meeting on November 24.

Councillors described the frustration they experienced, like so many others, at being caught up in traffic due to roadworks –and sometimes faulty temporary traffic lights – on Glastonbury Road and Strawberry Way.

“It’s so relentless,” said Councillor Jasmine Browne.

“It never ends and nobody knows when it’s going to stop.”

It was pointed out that a lot of people thought the roadworks and the problems they created were the city council’s fault, which is not the case.

Wells county councillor Tessa Munt said that she had had a lot of conversations with the Highways team about the issue. She said that the county

Chance to raise topics of concern

LOCAL residents will have an opportunity to raise issues that concern them with city councillors on January 16. They might include the roadworks Somerset County Council have arranged on the relief road or what effect the

abolition of Mendip District Council may have on Wells.

The two councillors are Philip Welch and Denise Denis who will be in the Town Hall from 6pm-7pm on Monday, January 16, to field questions and offer advice.

council had to grant emergency applications for utilities work to be carried out, and that the various junctions being worked on such as by Halfords and the Portway/Strawberry Way junction all needed to be updated and upgraded.

“There is no way of getting round this. It’s not going to be a very happy situation for some time to come,” she said.

Somerset county councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for Transport & Digital, gave a presentation at the meeting on local bus services. He said that the council continues to talk to North Somerset Council to see if they can get the 126 route extended all the way to Weston-

super-Mare again. He wondered whether the service can take a loop on to the A38 to link up with buses to further afield.

He said that he wants to try to hold on to all the funded services currently being provided, and is lobbying for an extension of the Bus Recovery Grant, which is due to come to an end in March 2023.

The scheme to cap bus fares at £2 is going to be rolled out as widely as possible in Somerset from January 3, he said.

Cllr Browne told him that people had reported feeling unsafe at Wells Bus Station, and Cllr Rigby said that he would be happy to go away and look at whether CCTV can be used at the bus station.

In his police report, PC Darren Pearson said that following a report of drug paraphernalia being spotted at the Recreation Ground, police have increased patrols, especially at night-time. He also said that police think they might have identified the person responsible for daubing graffiti on a wall in the area, and have identified an individual after objects were thrown at cars from a bridge.

Untaxed vehicles on the streets are being clamped, he said, and when one person was seen trying to remove a clamp, that vehicle was lifted straight away.

Reporting on the councillors’ monthly surgeries in the Town Hall, Councillor Philip Welch said that no members of the public had attended the most recent surgery. An effort will be made to publicise them more widely in future.

Festive fun at Lawrence Centre

from

For the new year, The Lawrence Centre is looking for a volunteer to help in the kitchen. Anyone who can spare a few hours one day a week to help with food preparation and refreshments can contact Centre manager Maggie Charlesworth by calling 01749 676839.

Roadworks at the junction of Portway and Strawberry Way

Further Singing for the Brain sessions

FOLLOWING the success of the weekly Wednesday Singing for the Brain sessions, new sessions will be running every third Saturday of the month at Seager Hall in Wells from 10.45am12.15pm.

The sessions, run by Emma Wheat and Jo Coomber from Somerset Arts Well, are an opportunity for the families and carers of those living with dementia to share a joyful and uplifting time singing and making music with their loved one.

This month’s session is on Saturday, January 21, and has been made possible due to the support of Burns the Bread. For more information contact Emma: emma@ somersetartswell.co.uk, call 01749 595735, or just turn up on

the day. A suggested voluntary contribution towards the session of £5 per person (or whatever participants can afford) is gratefully received.

A Wells Singing for the Brain Christmas Album was released in November. The recording of the mini-album was the culmination of eight sessions of music making by the Singing for the Brain dementia music group and children from Robin Class at Wells Cathedral School.

The album is available from Emma in CD format or through the online platform: somersetartswell.bandcamp. com/album/rememberingchristmas

“This heart-warming album is a celebration of how music has the power to bring back memories, to bring all ages

MILO

MILO is a two-year-old neutered short haired pure white male cat. He’s extremely chilled and very affectionate. He’s quiet but loves attention, rearing up into an outstretched hand and loving human contact.

On his health check the vet heard a heart murmur but on subsequent heart scan there was nothing to indicate heart disease and no medication is necessary. He is active and content and would love a forever home where there are older children. We think he would like the company of another friendly cat but that isn’t essential. Visit our website www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury to see more pictures of Milo or to complete our online application form. Or ring Marion on 07867 140326.

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

together, to create community and most importantly to enable people to live well with dementia,” said Emma.

“We know that times are tough for everyone at the

moment so rather than selling the album, we are asking those who wish to obtain their copy for a suggested voluntary donation of £5, or whatever you can afford.

“Every penny raised from sales will go towards more community dementia music sessions, improving the lives of people living with dementia in our community.”

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

An ideal time to try Pilates

HAVE you ever thought about giving Pilates a try? Now could be the perfect time!

As we look towards the start of a brand new year, many of us will think about making some new year’s resolutions and these often involve creating healthier habits. If you’re someone who suffers from back pain or generally wants to get a bit stronger and more flexible, perhaps now is the time to try Pilates. Ali runs The Pilates Room Wells in the heart of our city and not only offers tailormade private Pilates lessons in her state-of-the-art home studio, but also runs a weekly schedule of mat classes in the local area. Ali is very experienced at teaching, having previously run a successful Pilates business in Bristol before moving to Wells last year.

“I love helping people discover what Pilates can do for them, not only physically but the mental benefits can be enormous too,” she said.

“Pilates is a truly universal exercise programme which is suitable for anyone of any age

and ability. I am passionate about making Pilates accessible to all and creating a welcoming, friendly environment where having fun goes hand in hand with building strength and flexibility.”

From January, Ali is running the following mat classes:

l Mondays 5.30-6.30pm

Beginner / General* – Wells Blue Sports Centre

l Wednesdays 10.30-11.30am

– online Seniors class

l Thursdays 9.15-10.15am

Beginner / General* and 10.30-11.30am Intermediate –Croscombe Village Hall

l Fridays 9.15-10.15am

Beginner / General* – Portway Annexe, Wells

* Suitable for complete beginners but with variations to make it more challenging for the more experienced practitioner.

All kit is provided and classes operate on a term-style basis of between 6-8 weeks.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please contact Ali at ali@thepilatesroomwells.com or visit her website: www.thepilatesroomwells.com

Wells Cathedral School pupils at a Singing for the Brain session

‘Every penny raised will go towards more community dementia music sessions’

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection

Affectionate little beauty who would love a forever home

Knitted scene gives postbox festive look

COMMUNITY-MINDED Lydia Mash has brightened up her local postbox in Wells by knitting a Christmas scene to go on top of it.

She spent months on the project, knitting festive favourites such as Father Christmas, a Christmas tree and a gingerbread house as part of the tableau.

When the topper was fixed in place on the postbox in Goodymoor Avenue, Lydia added a card to let people know who had carried out the work, with a message saying: “Hope this makes you smile.”

“It gave me so much pleasure,” said Lydia.

“I’d seen them done and I like knitting, and it was a challenge to me.

“I also did it to become part of the community. I need to get to know people. Being new I don’t really have a community circle yet.”

She climbed a stepladder to take measurements around the postbox, and got the OK from the Post Office to go ahead with the topper as long as she did not drill into the structure or cover the opening for post or details of the collection times.

Lydia moved to Wells with her daughter Heather Fry a year ago. They both sold their houses in West Sussex to move to the city after Heather’s son Niall – who was working as an auctioneer and valuer at Killens – told them what a lovely community spirit it had.

“It’s a lovely area. I’m really pleased we’ve come here,” Lydia said.

She had previously knitted bunting, as well as making hundreds of jars of preserves a week with the surplus from the market garden she and her late husband cultivated, while running a greengrocer’s.

Past knitting projects have

included a cake stall and an allotment. She is now planning her next postbox topper, perhaps to coincide with Easter or the King’s Coronation in May. She is also considering knitting a row of houses to create a street scene that stretches the length of her front wall.

“I knit most weeks if I can find something to get my teeth into,” she said.

“I want to get involved in a group where a lot of us do something. I’m sure that other people have got ideas that I haven’t got. It’s learning. Even at 75 I can still learn.”

For now, the Christmas postbox topper is giving people a lot of pleasure.

“It has hopefully made people smile,” said Lydia.

“Often people take pictures of it. I got a card through the door from somebody to say how much it has pleased them. That was the point of it.”

Lydia Mash with her postbox topper in Goodymoor Avenue

Earl hears of organ appeal’s success so far

ON December 5, HRH The Earl of Wessex, Patron, visited Wells to meet supporters of The Friends of Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal and to mark the end of the first year of fundraising.

The five-year appeal has a challenging target of £2 million to enable the restoration and refurbishment of the Grand Organ in Wells Cathedral.

Whilst many church organs are played once or twice a week, cathedral organs work much harder as they are played several times every day of the year. In the 50 or so years since it was last refurbished, a great deal of wear and tear has taken place and the Wells Cathedral organ is now beginning to show its age.

In the last two years, The Friends of Wells Cathedral has stepped in twice to support urgent temporary repairs to keep the organ working – repairs which cost nearly £40,000. With

all this in mind, The Friends of Wells Cathedral has taken up the challenge to raise the necessary funds for a full refurbishment

which will fix its current faults and see the organ reach its maximum potential for the next 50 years.

His Royal Highness joined the congregation for Evensong, sung by the Vicars Choral, before attending a short briefing on the progress of the appeal and the process of commissioning the repair work. The Earl heard that the appeal has started well with just under £700,000 already donated or pledged. It was also explained to the Patron that there are now many different ways for people to become involved and donate to the appeal including the Regular Giving Scheme, Adopting a Pipe (starting at £25 ) and the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to play the organ as part of the Grand Organ Experience.

Whilst there have been a small number of very generous and substantial donations which have made an important

contribution to the current total, the support and engagement of the wider community has also played a significant part in the appeal’s success to date.

Following the briefing, His Royal Highness met a number of the donors in Vicars’ Hall as well as many of the volunteers who have worked hard over the past 18 months to launch the appeal. He took the opportunity to thank those present for their efforts and dedication to the project and reminded everyone that music in churches is such an important part of community life.

So many people attend the Cathedral not just for services but for many musical events, including recitals, carol concerts, school assemblies and large orchestral concerts. His Royal Highness emphasised that none of this would be possible without a fully functioning organ, which underpins so much of the Cathedral’s musical life.

HRH Prince Edward, right, with David Morgan-Hewitt, Chair of the Grand Organ Appeal committee

Next Freecycle and Repair Cafe events coming soon

THERE will be a Sustainable Weekend in January, with a Repair Cafe and a Freecycle event.

The Repair Cafe, where people can take items to be mended, takes place at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Saturday, January 7, from 10am-12.30pm.

About 40 items were taken in at the Repair Cafe on November 3, and more than 100kg of unwanted tech was handed over to Somerset Waste’s Fixy Re-use van. This will now be wiped, refurbished and donated to people who need it.

To volunteer either as fixers or to help run the events, or

donate consumables for repairers to use, contact Amanda Phillips: avjphillips@gmail.com

The next Freecycle is on Sunday, January 8, from 1pm in the Priory Road car park (entry via the council car park by the bus station).

The Freecycle on November 4 was a success, despite the wet weather. Among the things people took home were a yoghurt making machine, a dressmaker’s dummy and a wheelchair.

Anyone who has items to give away but who does not have transport can get in touch with Marianne Sorrell: marianne.sorrell@me.com

WOOKEY Hole Caves is warning visitors to avoid using their phones to find their way to the resort and follow road signs instead.

This is because many are being routed by their devices along unsuitable shortcuts and some are getting lost in phone signal blackspots.

The attraction will now post advice on its website and the confirmation emails it sends to people booking ahead. It will say: “For the easiest route, please follow the brown tourist signs into Wells. This provides the most direct route, avoiding country lanes and GPS blackspots.”

General Manager Chris Goodchild took the action after a meeting with local parish councillor Paul Cannon. He raised the issue after villagers had noted large volumes of Caves traffic using narrow back lanes with some visitors getting into difficulty, as Wells Voice reported last month.

“This is partly down to the narrow road widths,” he said, “but it’s also due to satnav limitations. Phone apps fail completely when the signal drops out and GPS devices tend to plot the shortest routes, not the most suitable or even the quickest. Some so-called smart devices aren’t that smart.”

Eve Loring, right, from the City of Wells Lions hands a cheque for £500 to Riona Houghton, local Community Fundraiser for the Marie Curie charity. The Lions raised the money by organising fundraising daffodil boxes around Wells. The cheque handover took place at The Lawrence Centre.

Guests welcomed to cinema celebration

WELLS Film Centre held a special event on November 27 to mark its 30th anniversary.

It welcomed invited guests, including Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley, to the cinema for an evening of celebration.

Sally Cooper, Wells Film Centre proprietor, said: “We had a wonderful night with family and friends joining us to celebrate. After all the shutdowns and reopenings, it means that much more to us to make it to this milestone.”

The guests were welcomed on the night by Secret Recipe of Wells and enjoyed Thai food

and a drink. When everyone was settled, they were welcomed by Sally, followed by her father and co-founder of Wells Film Centre, Derek Cooper, who gave speeches about the last 30 years of the Film Centre. Sally and Derek also blew out the candles on a cake as part of their birthday celebrations.

After the speeches, the guests were invited to get comfortable and enjoy a screening of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical.

Following the film, a goody bag was given out to commemorate the occasion.

Sally said: “Everyone has said how much they enjoyed the film and the evening. We all had a wonderful time. Thank you to all who came to our event and to all our customers past, present and future. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Picture: Philip Welch

Derek and June Cooper with their daughters, top, and other pictures from the celebration evening

A merry night of music enjoyed by all

The Wells Rocks team report on a successful fundraising concert, and more generous donations

AND it came to pass, on December 2, that Wells Rocks held a festive fundraiser for the Wells Contemporary Music Centre and a merry time was had by all.

The mulled wine proved to be very popular and new acquaintances were made between sets.

Six acts generously donated their performances. The Knott Brothers kicked things off, with Rob Bray, Ciara Mill and The Shalaings providing mainly acoustic sets before Urban Creatures got things louder. The Portraits and guests brought the show to a conclusion with a superb set culminating with an invitation to the other artists to join them on stage.

Hurstbatch Services did a great job with the sound and lighting and James Packer (Portway Music School) and team with the bar. Georgie Robbins kept the show on the road as MC for the evening. The Wells Rocks team thanks all of the volunteers that made this evening possible and for the 90 supporters who bought tickets for the sold-out event.

“This has raised over £600 which will be used to upgrade

some of the computing equipment available to musicians in the smaller studio, along with a drum stool for the rehearsal room. In addition, the event contributed £230 to the community centre in room hire fees,” reports Nigel Fraser. November also saw four more microphone stands and a Yamaha keyboard being donated

January events at Wells Library

ACTIVITIES at Wells Library in January:

Wells

Knit &

Craft

This is now being held in Wells Library on the second and fourth Thursday every month from 2pm-4pm. Dates for January are the 12th and 26th. No need to book, just go along and take your current project.

Tai Chi

A gentle relaxing workout for the whole body. Free taster sessions are held in Wells Library on the second and fourth Monday every month. January dates: 9th and 23rd, 10.30am-11am. No need to book – just drop in.

PCSO Surgery

Want to raise a concern about an issue in the community? Drop in and speak to a member of Wells City Neighbourhood Policing

Team on Wednesday, January 25, from 11am-12pm.

IT Help

People who need help with a laptop, smartphone or tablet can book a free session at the library – 10.30am or 11.30am on Wednesdays. For more information or to book a onehour session, email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk

For Children

n Wells Storytime starts up again on Friday, January 13, at 10.30am. Toddlers can be taken along for some rhymes and stories. Booking required, email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

n Lego Club is on Saturday, January 14, at 10.30am. For ages 5 and up. Book to avoid disappointment by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

them, pop down to the Portway Annexe and have a word with the management. It is a very friendly place that is becoming a busy, yet relaxed community hub.

Wells City Council St Cuthbert By-Election 12th January

Centre

Keep Council Tax Low

by Wells Rocks supporters. The facility is becoming very adaptable. The rooms are very affordable so if you are interested in using

The Portraits and friends bringing the show to a close

Photo: Julie Fraser

Tracy Leach is standing as your candidate for Wells City council. If elected Tracy will:

more wisely.

Ribbon cut to mark opening of refurbished Community Room

A GRAND opening of the refurbished Community Room for the residents of Buxtons Close and Vicarage Road, Wookey, took place in December.

The refurbishment of the Community Room by Aster Properties included redecorating it and providing new furniture.

The two oldest residents living on the site, Ron Speller and John Smith, cut the ribbon to open the revamped facility. Ron has been there for 22 years, and John for ten.

Following the opening, the residents enjoyed a Christmas Luncheon provided by Meals4you.

“This refurbishment means we have a great place to enjoy our coffee mornings, art group and craft sessions,” said Jennifer Morgan, a member of the Buxtons Close and Vicarage Road committee.

“There is also a dedicated area for reading and doing quiet activities. The room is used nearly every week day, but now we can do extra activities for residents in a comfortable area.”

Among those who helped were Peter Campbell, who

took charge of the meals; and Lyn Wilcox, who helped with organising the room for the Christmas Luncheon, especially the Christmas decorations, assisted by two volunteers who don’t live on site, Maureen and Eric Morgan.

Tesco puts in planning application for Timpson pod

TESCO has applied to Mendip District Council for permission to install a Timpson pod near the entrance to the store in Tucker Street, Wells.

The planning application is

also for seven ramraid bollards around the pod, with a separate application for fascia and signs. According to the signs illustrated in the plans, the services provided by the pod will

be: dry cleaning, shoe repairs, phone repairs, watch repairs, key cutting, engraving and passport photo. Three disabled car parking spaces would be relocated if the plans go ahead.

HSBC to close Wells branch

HSBC is to shut its bank branch in Wells.

The firm has announced the closure in 2023 of 114 branches altogether, saying that an increase in online banking means fewer people are calling in to use over-the-counter services.

The Wells branch is due to close on June 20, 2023.

It will be the third bank closure in Wells in the past two years, after Barclays Bank and TSB both shut their branches in the city.

Band starting a Brass Academy

WELLS City Band is starting a Brass Academy.

The new venture will offer brass tuition for ages 8+ provided by experienced tutors.

The loan of an instrument and music will be included in the fee, which will be £40 per term.

The Brass Academy starts on Friday, January 13, Beginners from 6.30pm-7.15pm and Academy Band from 7pm7.45pm, at Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells.

To book a place, call Jane on 01749 675668.

Ring found in city car park

A WEDDING ring was found in Union Street car park, Wells, on Saturday, November 19.

If somebody has lost a ring and thinks it might be theirs, they can email janetdurie@ hotmail.co.uk for more details, giving a description of the ring

Ron Speller (left) and John Smith cut the ribbon to open the refurbished Community Room for the residents of Buxtons Close and Vicarage Road, Wookey

Residents enjoying their Christmas lunch in the Community Room

Support for Nature-friendly proposal

Maddy Milnes of Sustainable Wells discusses the results of the consultation regarding the rewilding of Tor Hill Lane

THANK you very much to everyone who completed the survey about the proposal to manage grass cutting on Tor Hill Lane, Wells, in a Nature-friendly way by having an annual cut in July.

Consultation leaflets were hand delivered to people living adjacent to Tor Hill Lane and we also made it available online. In all, 96 surveys were collected from local residents.

From the surveys submitted, 80 per cent were in favour of the one-year trial, 18 per cent were not in favour and two per cent were possibly supportive.

We received many positive comments about the proposal. Typical responses were: n “I’m strongly in favour of anything that can be done to combat the climate emergency and protect nature.”

n “I am very supportive of any scheme to increase biodiversity, and particularly keen to plant pollinating wildflowers and to increase insect population, as long as access is not impaired, then this proposal is fine.”

Many responses demonstrated a great sense of

urgency and a need to be doing what we can, where we can, to protect Nature.

Help and ideas

We received offers of help from approximately ten people who would be willing to volunteer with activities on site, and we also picked up the following ideas:

n To set up volunteer days to tackle specific issues – litter picking and clearing the ditch.

n Maintenance of local walking

trails, tree planting, wildlife surveys and outreach.

n Linking with other volunteer programmes.

n Linking up with Mendip Hospital Cemetery.

We also note concerns raised about owners not picking up dog poo (dog poo is not good for Nature), and worries about ticks, seeds and burrs getting stuck in fur from long grass. Some mentioned the need to make the uneven footpath more accessible, the importance of keeping the stream/ditch clear to prevent flooding and to be able to continue cutting grass outside rear entrances leading on to Tor Hill Lane.

Next steps

Having considered all the responses we are delighted there is so much support for the proposal and in particular that local people are willing to help too. We also recognise there

are concerns that need to be addressed. The comments about the uneven path will be passed on to Mendip District Council and we will check out the plans to clear the stream/ditch and update when we have further information. We will also request another dog poo bin.

To continue the conversation, we will organise ‘Walk and Talk’ events for early next year and local people will be encouraged to come along and discuss ideas and plans for Tor Hill Lane. We also aim to have Volunteer Days to carry out specific tasks in the spring.

Thank you again to everyone who took part in the survey, we are grateful for all your responses and we will keep local people informed of further developments through our website: www.sustainablewells. org.uk and Wells Voice.

u Letters, page 19

The winner of the November Wells Loyalty League draw was Wells resident Liz de Pass, who is pictured with her prize of £50 worth of vouchers to spend with loyalty league members. ‘I’ll have trouble deciding where to spend them. It’s going to be difficult to choose, though Amba will probably be top of my list,’ she said. This was the last draw organised as part of the loyalty scheme that has been running for the past two years.

A recent picture of the path along Tor Hill Lane

Graphic book tells story of African nation

AN author and illustrator who grew up and went to school in Wells has just had his first book released in the UK.

Edmund Trueman’s graphic work Postcards from Congo: A Graphic History portrays the past 150 years of the African nation through illustrations and storytelling.

The former student of Wells St Cuthbert’s, Central and Blue schools, and Strode College, has been creating and selfpublishing underground comics for the last decade, writing from his own experience about topics ranging from the refugee crisis to the squatting movement.

Postcards from Congo, written and illustrated by Edmund – whose mother Dr Julia Wood was Wells City Archivist for 11 years – is his first work dealing with African history, and was released in the UK on December 15 after being published in the USA in October.

Explaining his choice of subject, he said: “While talking to several African friends, I started to become aware of how little I knew about the events which had shaped their lives back home. I started to read a little about African history, and I became particularly interested in the story of Congo.

“Here in the West, there is very little dialogue or education on what goes on inside of Africa, so I was surprised to see how

Huge potential to be a beautiful resource

FURTHER to Mr Board’s letter in the Wells Voice December issue, Cllr Denis and I had the pleasure of meeting him on Tor Hill Lane for our first Walk and Talk. We listened and shared his concerns regarding dog mess left by irresponsible owners and the potential for flooding in the area and agreed something needs to be done about both issues. The footpath is managed by Mendip District Council and we have forwarded our concerns to them, including those of Mr Board. Mr Board regularly cuts the grass outside his property and we confirmed we had no problem

with that, as it helps to create a diverse environment, but we said we hope the stretch next to the fence would remain untouched as per the proposal.

Rewilding in its truest form is not what is planned but rather a Nature-friendly approach. We all agreed Tor Hill Lane is a unique area in Wells, because it is not sprayed with chemicals and is generally vehicle free. It has huge potential to be a beautiful resource for the bees and insects, while at the same time creating a lovely natural clean environment for everyone to enjoy. By working on the issues identified affecting Tor Hill Lane we can join together to make improvements ourselves and

much the story of the Congolese is intertwined with our own. I found the story so relevant that I wanted to share it with more people, and add something new to it by illustrating it.”

On using graphic storytelling to tell the story, Edmund says: “As an illustrator and comic artist,

actively request flood prevention work and encourage dog owners to play their part in protecting the environment.

We thanked Mr Board for meeting with us and we aim to develop constructive relationships with him and everyone else using the path in the future.

Maddy Milnes Sustainable Wells

No sense in keeping shop doors open

I AM amazed that so many shops keep their doors open throughout the year with heating and air conditioning flowing out into the atmosphere and staff,

I believe that the medium of graphic storytelling is a compelling and accessible way to teach about the past, especially to young people and those less likely to pick up lengthy history books.”

Edmund was struck by learning during his research that Congo is the world’s largest producer of coltan, a mineral used in components for mobile phones, laptops and games consoles. He said: “In Congo, scores of rebel groups, militias, and national armies fought over control of the coltan mines to cash in on this valuable raw material. While I was safe at home playing video games, in Congo children my own age were fighting in rebel militias, working long hours in unsafe mines, and losing their homes, families, and lives so that the global marketplace could buy their PlayStations and other products at a ‘reasonable’ price.

“Stories like this demonstrate how deeply connected we are to our fellow humans across the globe, as well as the responsibility we need to start taking for one other’s well-being. We can and must learn from stories like this.”

Postcards from Congo: A Graphic History is on sale in major booksellers and on Amazon.

usually in T-shirts or equivalent, inside. I’ve asked several shopkeepers and they assure me that customers won’t “know we’re open if the doors are shut”. What nonsense. Keep all the doors shut, turn down the heating a few degrees and use the (large) energy savings to buy staff warmer clothing. Should this practice spread around the whole country, there will be millions of pounds saved throughout the year and we will have made a thoughtful and positive contribution towards saving our struggling Earth. I imagine the shopkeepers won’t mind the extra cash either!

David Smith Wells

Illustrations, above and below, from the book about Congo by Edmund Trueman, top right; and the book’s cover Picture of Edmund by Oliver Trueman

Evening of presentations and carols

THE City of Wells St John Ambulance unit held their Presentation Evening and Carol Service at Wells Town Hall on December 7.

It was a combined presentation evening for the Badgers, Cadets and Adults, and this year was rather special as there were a number of prestigious Grand Prior awards to present. Badger presentations and enrolments were carried

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

out by Lynda Mears, while Kathryn Doul and Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley presented the Cadets awards. The Grand Prior awards were presented by the Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, Ted Allen.

After the awards, there was a carol service which included the carols O, Come All Ye Faithful and Good King Wenceslas, followed by refreshments.

Company enters administration

THE M&Co clothing chain has gone into administration.

The company’s 170 stores, which include one in Wells High Street, will continue trading while administrators Teneo explore a potential sale of the business.

The Wells Amnesty Group held their annual Write for Rights stall in Penniless Porch, Wells, on Saturday, December 10. Members of the public were asked to send a message of hope and solidarity to prisoners of conscience all over the world. Pictured are Wells Amnesty Group members Audrey and Ed Standhaft with Father Tony Pazhayakalam from St Joseph and Teresa Church.

Working together to protect environment

LAST month we heard about COP27 in Egypt and the world’s commitment to drive down carbon emissions, to avoid our wonderful planet from overheating from greenhouse gasses.

This month we will hear more from COP15 in Canada and the focus will be on how to combat the dramatic reduction of species and biodiversity caused by humans’ activities.

It can overwhelm us and seem too daunting at an individual level, or we may feel we are all doing our bit and that is all we can do – but is it? We may not win the Earthshot prize but we

can work together to make a difference.

So, at Wells City Council we challenged ourselves to think harder, to try and produce a community approach to find ways to drive down our carbon footprint and improve the nature around us; to find ways to enable us to live alongside nature without a disregard for all the other species with which we share our environment.

We set up a Climate Emergency Working Party which will work with others to develop a community led set of initiatives and we look forward to involving residents over the coming

months. We will build on the good work that is already going on, by listening and working with the Wells Environment Network (set up in July by the Wells City Council Sustainability Officer, to bring residents, businesses, and organisations together) to highlight work already underway in Wells and to share ideas and identify how we can improve our practices when it comes to protecting the environment.

Wells Environment Network has met three times so far and 12 organisations were represented at the meeting this week, including Wells Blue School, Wells Cathedral School, Wells

Cathedral, Sustainable Wells, Wells and District Wildlife Group, Swifts Protection, Sustainable Food Somerset, the Nature Farming Network, Make Space Wells, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Mendip District Council and Wells City Council. We heard about some encouraging specific examples of innovative practices, creating exciting opportunities for collaborative working across Wells.

It is hoped that this network of organisations will meet every three months.

For more information contact reception@wells.gov.uk Councillor Denise Denis

Ted Allen presenting one of the Grand Prior awards to a Cadet

The Cadets for St John Ambulance, City of Wells, pictured at the Presentation Evening

Cathedral wins Gold award for Festival of the Moon

LAST year’s Festival of the Moon at Wells Cathedral won a Gold award in the Tourism Event/ Festival of the Year category in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.

There were 50,000 visitors to the Festival, which took place in conjunction with the giant Museum of the Moon artwork installed in the Cathedral Nave.

The Cathedral also won a Silver award for Dog Friendly Business of the Year, and a Bronze award for The Loft cafe in the Cafe/Tearoom of the Year category.

The awards were announced

at a gala dinner for 200 guests at the Winter Gardens, Westonsuper-Mare, on December 1.

In other categories, bed and breakfast The Cross at Croscombe won a Silver award for B&B and Guesthouse of the Year.

Awards Director Nell Barrington said: “What a fantastic celebration of the best of Bristol, Bath and Somerset tourism and hospitality. After months of judging it was awesome to see these businesses get rewarded for their hard work, enthusiasm and excellence. A massive well done to them all.”

‘Warm Welcome’ for those who need it

WELLS Library and the Wells Connect Centre are providing a ‘Warm Welcome’ for people looking for warmth, company and support as temperatures fall this winter and energy bills soar.

The library in Union Street and the Connect Centre on Portway, Wells, are two of more than 70 spaces in Somerset now open to anyone who wants somewhere warm and welcoming to go, with more planning to open their doors in the coming weeks.

Somerset County Council together with district colleagues are supporting the rollout of ‘Warm Welcome’ spaces across the county.

As well as libraries, the venues include village halls, churches and cafes, and will provide a warm and friendly

environment where people can socialise, stay warm and access information and support for their wellbeing.

The locations have all signed up to the ‘Warm Welcome Charter’ – a set of five core principles that every warm space adheres to:

1. You’ll get a Warm Welcome as well as a warm space

2. Everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect

3. Our Warm Welcome will be a safe space

4. We will not tell anyone about you visiting a Warm Welcome

5. It doesn’t matter why you need a Warm Welcome

Local charity, Spark Somerset, has been providing practical advice and guidance to those wishing to set up and run Warm Welcome spaces. CEO, Katherine Nolan, said: “It has been amazing to see such a positive community response during these difficult times. Community groups and venues have rallied to open their doors to Somerset residents – and for many people these spaces will be a lifeline.”

Cllr Adam Dance, Lead Executive Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, said: “We know that living in a cold home can have a number of negative impacts on people’s health and wellbeing. With temperatures beginning to

fall, we want to let the public know that they can visit any of our warm welcome spaces to feel warm, welcome and get information on further support should they need it.

“Additionally, these spaces are a great place to find company and enjoy a friendly chat with someone during the colder months.”

Some Warm Welcome spaces have received financial support from Somerset Community Foundation, thanks to donations to their Somerset Cost of Living Crisis Appeal. To find out more about the Warm Welcome spaces, visit www. warmwelcomesomerset.org.uk.

To find out more about the support available throughout the cost of living crisis, visit www. somerset.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Wells Cathedral won a Gold award for the Festival of the Moon

Picture: Nick Williams

The true cost of not shopping locally

I HAD a bit of a surprise recently. I was shopping for a relatively high value item for a gift, and I scoured all the available options on the large ‘value’ websites, as I wasn’t able to get into town. I wasn’t sure, however, that the prices I was being offered were all that good, so I decided I would wait, after all, and visit the local emporia to see what they had to offer. I was delighted that I had, as I was able to find the gift I wanted for £40 less than the cheapest website offer.

The gift may have been a few days late, but was no less welcome, and both giver and recipient were pretty pleased with the outcome!

Not only was I able to save some pennies, but the use of fuel to transport my purchase to me was also mitigated as it now included other grocery shopping and the collection of some items needed for home working. All in

all, a bit of a win/win situation, I would say.

Now, I have always been a ‘Use It or Lose It’ campaigner, and I have supported local businesses whenever possible – even though, on occasion, I am pretty sure that I am paying a little bit more. Generally speaking, I look at the transport

costs to further flung shopping centres and the fuel used by the vans delivering from all the large web shops, and on the whole, I have found that things more or less flatten out.

Also, by using local, I am aware that I am doing my bit to keep open the small businesses which assist those who can’t cope with longer journeys or do not have access to internet shopping. These local businesses are a vital part of the beating heart of any community and they offer some people the only social interaction they may have in a day. Local businesses are about so much more than money! That’s the mistake we so often make, and that we live to regret time after time.

How many times have you walked the High Street in Wells and sighed with relief that one of your favourite shops is still operating, or sighed with sadness that one of your old favourites

has gone. I have fond memories of bakers shops with cafes, spice merchants, art galleries (though happily the Heritage gallery is now thriving), places to browse and select something special for someone you cared about. I delight in shops such as our hardware stores, our pet shops, delicatessen, vintners and small clothing boutiques. These, alongside the larger chains which offer vital employment locally, add range and colour to our High Street – and long may they continue.

So, this new year, I shall be making a resolution to play my part in keeping our local businesses afloat. Whenever I can, I shall be spending my money in and around Wells, and hoping that we shall be able to keep the city centre vibrant and alive for all of us – visitors and locals alike.

I wish a happy and prosperous new year to all…

n COMMERCIAL SENSE

With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants

We can all play our part in keeping the city centre vibrant

Evidence of music’s power to transform

By Philip Welch

TWO key events transformed the life of accomplished professional musician Paul Denegri, who has played trumpet with orchestras across the world.

As a boy he wanted to be a goalkeeper, preferably for Manchester United. His father, an English teacher and keen amateur pianist, had lost hope Paul would find music having encouraged him to play many instruments.

Then in Year 6 the head teacher played some music at the school assembly. Young Paul was enthralled and asked what it was. “Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony,” replied the head.

Back at home Paul said he wanted a recording of this symphony for Christmas and Dad was delighted. He took up the trumpet and studied at the Royal College of Music and Trinity College London.

Paul went on to take senior teaching roles at Wells Cathedral School for 33 years and continued freelance work with various orchestras as a trumpeter. A year ago, he became the conductor of Wells City Band.

The second big change came after his father had to go into

Launch of seated exercise classes

SEATED exercise classes have been launched in Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm.

Carrie Hemmings is delivering the Love To Move sessions, which involve movement to music while sitting down, and they will be restarting after Christmas on January 3.

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership is providing funding for the roll-out of the programme to the community, allowing Carrie to host these sessions also in Coleford and Shepton Mallet.

“The exercises are really well co-ordinated and greatly benefit people living with memory loss or Parkinsons and their carers,” she said.

“These sessions are open to anyone and have volunteering opportunities for people who enjoy making the refreshments.”

The cost to take part is £4 per person and £1 per accompanying carer.

For more information, contact Carrie: 07818 303956 or email lovetomovemendip@ gmail.com

Winter appeal already tops £100k

SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has announced that, following the launch in November, the 2022/23 Surviving Winter appeal has already raised £100,000 thanks to the generosity of local donors.

Demand for the Surviving Winter grants this year is stronger than ever, and donations are being rapidly disbursed across the county in grants of up to £500 to help ensure vulnerable older neighbours can stay warm, safe and well in the face of

soaring energy bills. The annual appeal encourages pensioners to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment, if they don’t need it themselves.

SCF’s Philanthropy Director, Laura Blake, said: “We’ve been astounded by the magnitude of support we’ve received so far this year. We’re hugely grateful to each and every person who has donated.”

To donate to Surviving Winter, visit somersetcf.org.uk/ winter or call 01749 344949.

a care home with dementia. Paul was distressed when his Dad stopped speaking, but amazement followed sometime later when Dad started complaining about two musicians who had come to entertain residents.

“They were dreadful,” said Dad but, after a while Paul

realised that hearing the music had revived Dad’s memories. This led Paul to start playing music on guitar for individual residents of Glastonbury Care Home in their rooms twice a week.

There he met an elderly bedridden resident called John who also never spoke. One of the staff said John was Irish so Paul played him Danny Boy.

John started gently clapping and told Paul: “You are my hero.” Paul described this as his greatest musical moment despite playing all over the world as a professional musician.

Now Paul has issued a music video called I See You inspired by his dad and his work at Glastonbury Care Home on YouTube and a JustGiving fundraiser. Here are the links: n https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2ryTliCaEeg n https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/glastonbury-carehome

Paul Denegri, left, with members of Wells City Band after they entertained the Wells Men’s Breakfast with carols, songs and stories about his life

New faces welcome at club founded in 1972

Having just marked their 50th anniversary, Gorgons CC are appealing for more members as they look to the future

GORGONS Carnival Club were established during carnival 1972, this means that the club have just celebrated their 50th anniversary during the carnival season with our entry Tattered Sails, which was a semi-dead pirate entry. We are a small club with around 18 full members and a handful of supporters.

In recent years the membership has decreased due to Covid, so we are currently looking for new members, which means we are in need of skilled and unskilled people to join our small team to fundraise and

build. There will be opportunities to learn new skills, make friends and pick up a new hobby. We are based at Wells football club and build at Butler carnival park in Glastonbury.

We raise our money by stewarding local events, going around Wells with our Christmas cart and Santa, various events at our headquarters through the year and raffles.

We will be holding our AGM on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Wells football club, at 7pm, and would love to see some new faces. If you are interested in joining the carnival club please contact Shelly Ford on 07894 078999 or message us through our Facebook page: facebook. com/gorgonscc

guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Cohabitation or marriage? How to protect your share

By Natasha MacDonald

INCREASINGLY couples are choosing to cohabit rather than marry for financial or other reasons.

With the cost of living rising dramatically it makes sense to pool resources to take that first step onto the property ladder. Mortgage lenders are more particular with their requirements and therefore shared finances and shared mortgages appear to make sense. But do they? Only with the right considerations.

“Oh, but we live together and therefore we are common law husband and wife.” No, this no longer applies. It does not matter if you have lived together for six months, six or 60 years. If you decide to part you do not have the same rights as a married couple and you do not have the same safeguards in place.

An unmarried couple does not have a legal obligation to financially support their partner regardless of any financial dependency that has developed (or indeed been in place from the start) during the relationship, and this is something which needs to be considered when pooling your income to raise a deposit for a property or pay the mortgage.

If you are not married and only one of you is named as a proprietor on the legal title, you may have difficulty in proving what you are and are not entitled to if you go your separate ways. The non-owner will need to rely on the law relating to trusts and equity.

If a property is owned jointly by an unmarried couple, ownership is determined by the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. If a couple split and one party wishes to realise their beneficial interest in the property, under this Act the court can order the sale of the property.

However, they cannot alter who has which “share” of the sale proceeds if one party states they want a larger share. It is therefore imperative to get all this sorted out at the beginning before making that financial commitment. An awkward conversation, no doubt, but one that will save both parties a lot of time, money and stress in the future if things do not work out.

So how do you come to the “right” agreement for you both?

Many people talk with friends and

family but ultimately your conveyancing solicitor will be able to assist when it comes to purchasing a property together and offer you the correct advice. You will be asked several questions to determine your own understanding of the different rights between cohabitation and marriage rights, and potential disputes when separating and also to determine your intentions if you part company in the future.

If you are to purchase a property in one party’s sole name, one option is to consider a Cohabitation Agreement which sets out your agreed arrangements for finances, property and, indeed, children while you are living together and what happens if you split up. This agreement will protect both of you and any children you may have and is dealt with by a family solicitor.

The alternative is a Declaration of Trust which is dealt with by your conveyancing solicitor. This document states each parties’ interests in the property and enables you to legally record your exact intentions when contributing towards the deposit, the purchase price of the monthly mortgage repayments.

Your intentions can be recorded with monetary figures or by a percentage to be held by each of you and can be as simple or as in-depth as you wish for it to be. A more in-depth Declaration of Trust can also include contributions to repairs and maintenance and how this expenditure will be recovered in any future sale of the property.

A signed and dated Declaration of Trust will also be recorded in the official transfer of the property to you on completion of the transaction and HM Land Registry will insert a restriction into the title which alerts others to the existence of the Declaration of Trust and subsequently ensures each party, on separation, walks away with their rightful share of the property as initially intended. A sure aid to reduce the stress during a very difficult time.

Unmarried couples already owning a property can, of course, always put in place a Declaration of Trust at any point in time after the purchase to legally record your intentions. A Declaration of Trust is not particularly expensive, although fees will vary from firm to firm, and is a sure aid to reduce the stress during what might be a very difficult time.

n Natasha MacDonald is a Chartered Legal Executive Conveyancer with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk

Some photos of previous Gorgons entries

Musicians make mark nationally

A LARGE number of musicians will be representing Wells Cathedral School in nationallevel ensembles and choirs in this school year, both in the UK and beyond.

Five pupils from Wells have obtained places in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO), the country’s flagship orchestra for talented young musicians. Defne A has been appointed Principal Harp, and will be a member of the orchestra for a second year.

Across the channel, violinist Hannah K has been given a place as the youngest member of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands.

Closer to home, seven pupils have been offered places in the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (NCO), while a further four younger pupils from the Prep School have all been invited to join NCO Projects.

Three pupils have been invited to join the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, while two sixth formers have been offered places within the prestigious Rodolfus Choir.

Cards for care home residents

CHILDREN at Wells Cathedral School made hundreds of Christmas cards for residents of local care homes.

“We give our warmest thanks to the school and the children whose cards will brighten Christmas for so many vulnerable people,” said Philip Welch, who collected the cards on behalf of the Wells Dementia Action Alliance.

“The cards are beautifully

handmade with lovely handwritten messages inside.”

The children also added seasonal jokes like “What kind of motorcycle does Father Christmas ride? A Holly Davidson!”

As the children were so prolific there were enough cards for service users at local charities Heads Up, The Lawrence Centre and the Connect Centre as well.

Campaign spotlights benefits of installating loft insulation

UP to eight million households in Britain are losing hundreds of pounds a year in heating bills as their lofts are not adequately insulated, a leading energy expert has warned.

Wells-based environmental scientist Angela Terry, founder of green consumer site One Home, is spearheading The Big Loft Insulation Drive, a campaign to encourage homeowners to love their lofts, save money and cut their carbon footprint.

A quarter of all heat in a house is lost through an uninsulated roof, and homeowners could save £355 a year on energy bills in a typical semi-detached house simply by adding loft insulation.

Angela said: “Without adequate loft insulation, millions of homeowners are paying to simply heat the sky.

“Installing loft insulation is a

straightforward DIY job, or you can ask a professional to do it for you. Homeowners who do this as a DIY job can expect to break even on the cost in just over a year, and you’ll save hundreds of pounds every year on heating bills in the future.

“You don’t need planning permission, it won’t make your home look any different and you can fit loft insulation yourself in a weekend. Think of it as like putting a warm, cosy bobble hat on your house, keeping all the heat inside.”

Angela has welcomed government plans to fund a public information campaign about how to save energy, and news of ECO+, a new government insulation scheme available from spring 2023 to those in the least energy efficient homes in the lower council tax bands.

But she is urging homeowners who won’t qualify for the scheme when it is launched in spring to prioritise fitting loft insulation and start saving money this winter.

She said: “We welcome the news that the government is proposing a public information campaign on how to save energy, and that grants to some people are set to become available in 2023.

“However the majority of households won’t qualify, so I urge homeowners to act now, insulate their lofts and keep the heat in. Encouraging people to turn down radiators and other measures are all good ideas but for a bigger impact, both on heating bills and on the environment, insulation is key.”

There is more loft insulation advice at onehome.org.uk/lofts

Singing session for relaxation

PEOPLE who are looking for a bit of peace, relaxation and time out for themselves after the hubbub of the festive season are invited to join in with a soulful singing workshop on Saturday, January 21, from 3.30-5.30pm at the Methodist Church, Southover, Wells.

Event leader Emma Wheat says that they will able to immerse themselves in the beautiful songs that the group will be learning together, sing some glorious harmonies and complete the experience with tea and cake.

Tickets cost £10 to include refreshments and are available from Emma: emma@ somersetartswell.co.uk or call/ message 07746 299348.

Everyone is welcome, no singing experience is necessary.

TIC raffle raises £132 for charity

THIS year’s raffle at Wells Tourist Information Centre in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society raised £132.

TIC manager Dale Bray and colleagues dressed as elves on Elf Day (December 2), when they made the draw. Elf Day is a day for raising money and awareness for the Society.

Dale thanked everyone who entered the raffle and the businesses that donated prizes, especially main prize-givers the Swan Hotel, Ask Italian and Wells Cathedral.

Exercise classes offered online

AGE UK Somerset says that it is important for people to keep moving safely this winter, and for those who cannot get out to attend their favourite exercise class, they can join in from home with the charity’s online classes. Specially designed for people over 60, the choice includes Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates.

Call 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset. org.uk for more information, or see ageuksomerset.org.uk/ onlineexercisesessions

Philip Welch collecting the cards from the Cathedral School for distribution to local care homes

School getting ‘decarbonisation’ makeover

WOOKEY Primary School near Wells has become the latest in a line of Somerset buildings to receive a ‘decarbonisation’ makeover as part of Somerset County Council’s commitment to making its buildings more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The type of work carried out varies from building to building, but includes features such as cavity wall insulation, new windows and ventilation improvements.

At Wookey Primary, an old oil-fired boiler is being replaced with a modern, air source heat pump, removing the use of fossil fuel heating at the site. Together with work to improve the energy efficiency of the building, this will achieve an estimated saving of 13.2 tons of CO2 per year for the lifetime of the installation. Maintenance works, including roof repairs and replacement, are also being undertaken, with all

works expected to be complete by Easter 2023.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Climate Change, said: “We are determined to help the county achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“The decarbonisation work on a whole range of council-owned buildings has the dual benefits

of reducing energy bills while also reducing emissions, helping Somerset to be prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of climate change.”

Councillor Tessa Munt, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I’m very pleased that the children and staff at Wookey Primary School will benefit from these improvements to the school. Reducing the school’s

carbon footprint shows the younger generation we really care about the environment and climate change.”

Andrew Marsh, Headteacher of Wookey Primary School, added: “Our children are very environmentally aware and we have shared with them the reason behind the work that is being done. They are very excited about being part of this exciting initiative.”

Having successfully bid for £4.1 million from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and committing a further £5.6 million into the initiative itself, Somerset County Council has now completed works on several of its buildings prior to Wookey Primary, including libraries, a community hub and, imminently, its Block B office building at County Hall in Taunton.

Wookey Primary School, where energy efficiency has been improved

Heartfelt pleas to keep St Andrews Ward

By Daniel Mumby Local Democracy Reporter

SOMERSET health campaigners have called on the county council to reverse the planned closure of a vital mental health facility.

Health bosses in Somerset announced plans in January 2020 to close the St Andrews Ward within the Priory Health Park in Wells, relocating the 14 mental health beds to Yeovil.

The closure was approved by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group in August 2020, but has been repeatedly postponed, partially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Campaigners have now called on Somerset County Council and the new Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) to reverse the closure, stating that the well-being of patients would be damaged if their families had to travel up to 30 miles to see them.

The council has said the

relocation would provide better access to emergency services as and when they were needed, and that individual transport issues would be taken into account.

There are currently four mental health wards in Somerset – two wards in Taunton close to Musgrove Park Hospital, one (Rowan Ward) in Yeovil close to Yeovil Hospital, and St Andrews Ward in Wells.

A number of individuals addressed the issue when the full council met at the Canalside in Bridgwater on November 22.

Emma King said the consultation carried out ahead of the closure was out of date, in light of the pandemic’s impact on mental health and rising fuel prices.

She said: “The impact of the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis is only increasing the levels of economic deprivation, and therefore people’s mental health is declining.

“Even though the ICB is planning on ‘moving away from bed-based interventions’, it is clear that the closure of this ward is ill-thought out.

“It will deprive people in crisis from accessing a service near to their homes, possibly resulting in them being sent not only potentially to Yeovil, but possibly hundreds of miles away to places where they will be unable to be visited by friends or family, support which is essential to making a swift recovery.

“Closing the Wells unit benefits the ICB, but it leaves a gaping hole for residents in Mendip.

“We know that care in the community does not work. Please do not push us aside.”

Eva Bryczkowski described the planned closure as “woeful” and said the lack of public transport between Wells and Yeovil made the change unviable.

She said: “I am looking at the timetable for the 77 bus from Wells to Yeovil. There are none that run on a Sunday – this is a day when many people are free.

“You are preventing relatives who don’t own cars from visiting their loved ones, ie. those who have been forcibly removed from St Andrews Ward in Wells all the way to Yeovil.

“People with mental health issues already tend to feel isolated. They will feel it a lot more if they are an hour away from loved ones who have no car.

“You councillors have to fight vigorously to reverse the decision that the ICB have made. Otherwise, there will be blood on the hands of the ICB’s member –and frankly, there will be blood on your hands too.”

Bev Anderson burst into tears while sharing her husband’s experience of mental health services in Somerset, and criticised the government for not providing additional money for the NHS.

She said: “My husband is a Falklands War veteran, he has PTSD. He is self-employed –when the pandemic hit, he got nothing.

“To receive specialist support, he was sent to Dorset – it was like a prison sentence.

“The care we need for our men, women and children is imperative. Mendip is a huge area, and we need St Andrews –there is nothing wrong with that building.

“Everybody in this room is feeling the pinch. The banks in this country are going to be making £1 billion a year, and we’re still waiting for funding.”

Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for adult social care, said the decision was out of the council’s hands but added it was important patients’ wishes were addressed on a case-by-case basis.

She said: “The voices of the people who use the services we provide need to be heard.

“The acute adult mental beds are a small but important part of the new care model, which focuses on supporting people as close to home as possible.

“The proposed relocation was reviewed and assured by NHS England; the clinical review panel was unanimous in its view.

“The decision was made on the distance of the Wells ward from an emergency department and the lack of 24-hour support, and not cost.

“Transport issues will be explored on an individual patient level.”

Ms Shearer indicated that the beds were expected to be relocated to Yeovil by the autumn of 2023.

Bev Anderson addresses the full council meeting on November 22

Confirmation of new council branding

THE new branding for many of Somerset’s public services was confirmed at a meeting of Somerset County Council’s Executive on December 14, with the approval of a brand for the new Somerset Council.

The new brand will begin to appear on council services from April 2023 when the new unitary Council comes into existence.

The new brand, featuring a version of the Somerset Dragon from the county’s coat of arms, has been designed by an inhouse team at the council and was developed after testing with staff and residents.

Council services will be badged by a white dragon’s head placed in a teal five-sided shape, representing the five councils that will be replaced by the new council.

Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “We obviously need to clearly identify the

services of the new council – it’s important that residents know where their council tax goes – but we have been at pains to develop and implement the new brand as economically as possible. This is a challenging

time for council finances, and we have to make sure we are spending taxpayers’ money as wisely as possible.”

As well as keeping costs down by designing the branding with an in-house team, the paper approved by Executive also proposes that the new council should avoid a branding “big bang”, rolling out the new brand over time and accepting that branding from the existing councils will continue to be seen around the county for some years to come.

The design team has aimed to make the new brand clear and accessible, with the key colour supporting the highest level of accessibility and using a new typeface, Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font designed with the Braille Institute in the United States.

The new branding will first appear where the council has a legal responsibility to identify

Fletcher House

itself as providers of services, from council tax statements to parking signs.

Cllr Revans added: “We will also rebrand key council services such as customer service points, libraries and waste trucks and have made an allowance in our budget for the local government reorganisation. Fortunately, the cost of new waste truck livery is included in our agreement with our contractors.

“We will keep costs down by avoiding a ‘big bang’ approach and rolling out the new brand gradually.”

As well as the dragon’s head, the design team has included topographical outlines of 12 Somerset landmarks, from Glastonbury Tor to Knowle Hill, to link the council’s publications to the county it serves. The new council plans to add other landmarks over coming years in response to suggestions from residents.

Councillor Bill Revans, and below, the new council logo

be looking to carry out a project that would benefit from one of

Examination of local links to slave-trade

A NUMBER of institutions and individuals from the city of Wells have come together to research the history of connections between Wells, the transatlantic slave-trade and British slavery in the Caribbean.

The institutions involved so far are Wells Cathedral, Wells Cathedral School, Wells & Mendip Museum, St Cuthbert’s Church, The Bishop’s Palace, City Archives, Somerset African Caribbean Network, local historians and interested individuals.

Each institution is conducting research into connections relevant to them, and a local historian is also working with historians from the Caribbean to understand how the British slave-trade and slavery is connected to Wells, the conditions enslaved people endured on forced-labour plantations, and the continuing legacies of British slavery in our present.

Professor James Clark of the University of Exeter and Rob Mitchell of the Black Families Education Support Group are acting as mentors for the group as well as undertaking aspects of research.

The research will be brought together in a variety of ways to make it accessible to a wide audience, including interpretation at particular sites of interest and a map to locate these, a conference on March 16, 2023, and a dedicated website to house the research.

Ongoing research by members of the group has uncovered significant and enduring ties between the city of Wells and the histories of British slavery. The information that has emerged demonstrates the multiple ways in which slavery

From left: Jess Witchell, Wells Cathedral Learning Manager; Paterson Joseph, actor and author; Susann Savidge, Somerset African Caribbean Network; Rob Mitchell, Black Families Education Support Group; Donnie Houser, former Bristol Museums Learning Officer; and David Walker, Wells & Mendip Museum

“came home” to Wells and its continuing legacies for the city today.

Slave-owning families and their descendants living in or close to Wells were instrumental in the life and politics of the city from the 18th century through to our present in the 21st century. They, and others, shaped the city and its history in countless ways, through politics, religion, banking, land-ownership, education and beyond.

Important institutions and landmarks in the city of Wells – be it Wells Cathedral, Wells Cathedral School, Vicars’ Close, St Cuthbert’s Church, and many more – all have their own fundamental connections to the histories of slavery.

Jessica Witchell, Wells Cathedral Learning Manager and convenor of the project group, said: “This is a piece of our history that has been longignored and which it is important to tell alongside the rest of the

January grant-funding lunch date

THE next Wells SOUP! will take place at the Connect Centre on Saturday, January 14, from 12.45pm.

One of the four good causes explaining more about their work will be the Connect Centre. The others will be the Mother’s Union, Wells Community Fridge and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The audience will vote on

which one would benefit most from the money on offer, but all four will go away with a share of the funds. Before their presentations, the local YMCA will explain how they are using the money they received at October’s SOUP!

Probusiness accountants are match-funding January’s event with £350.

Cathedral’s story and the story of the city. Across the whole project we have tried to engage with all sides and perspectives of these challenging histories. A very rich and intricate story has emerged, to name but a few, Canons at the Cathedral whose wealth came from slave ownership, the relationship between the Wells Theological College that was based in Vicar’s Close and the Codrington Theological College and sugar plantation in Barbados, and the city’s historical links with the Tudway family who owned sugar plantations in Parham, Antigua.

“To try to understand more, we have been in touch with historians in Antigua and Barbados and learnt of stories of enslaved resistance on the

plantations and the current discussions about reparations. We have also learnt of the active involvement of two Bishops of Bath and Wells in the abolition movement, as well as the visits of formerly enslaved African American abolitionists to the local area.

“Unlike Bristol, this side of the history of Wells is not widely known about and the conference, together with a city-wide trail map and dedicated website, is aimed at raising awareness of it.”

On October 15, 2022, members of the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery working group met with Paterson Joseph, actor and author, at an event hosted by the Wells Cathedral School and organised by Wells Festival of Literature.

Paterson Joseph has recently written The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a former slave who became the first black person of African origin to vote in parliamentary elections in Britain. Paterson is interested in the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery project and will be a speaker on March 16, 2023.

This is an ongoing research project so people who have any information or family history that may be of use to this city-wide initiative are invited to email legaciesofslavery@ wellscathedral.org.uk

The conference on March 16, 2023, will be at Cedars Hall, Wells, and is open to the public and sixth-form students. Tickets for the conference will be on sale via Eventbrite soon.

At the Hear t of England’s Smallest City

City of Wells Town Hall

Various rooms to hire for: Conferences, Seminars Fairs, Shows, Exhibitions, Marriages, Receptions, all types of Meetings and Local Group Classes Very reasonable rates

For Prices and Bookings

contact the Town Hall Manager - Tel: 01749 673091 e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk

Bowlers contribute to funds for Heads Up

AS Ladies President of the Somerset Bowling Association for 2022 Carolle Skeates decided to choose Heads Up as her designated charity.

“During the bowling season from April to September I managed to raise £1,900 with the help of many very generous

bowlers,” she said. “Most were from Somerset and some from other West Country counties, as well as £730 raised on our County Tour to South Wales.”

Carolle, who lives in Wells, is a long-serving trustee at the mental health charity Heads Up where the money will ensure that

carers of people with dementia will receive a little pampering to go some way to make them feel valued for the daily care and love they unselfishly give.

“May I offer a huge thank you to all who donated,” said Carolle after presenting the cheque.

Philip Welch

Bishop backs Somerset Day

BISHOP Michael, newly installed as the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells, is to become a Patron of Somerset Day.

Bishop Michael is already familiar with Somerset. His wife Lizzie is from a farming family from Somerset and the two have joined in many aspects of Somerset life. Among these has been undertaking regular long distance walks around the Somerset countryside.

Prior to Bishop Michael being interviewed for the role of Bishop of Bath and Wells, they

both undertook a 60-mile walk around the county, and on the morning of his installation he travelled from Bath Abbey back to Wells, using a variety of forms of transport, meeting people from all walks of Somerset life along the way.

Bishop Michael said: “I’m thrilled to be here in Somerset and to be able to see and celebrate so many different aspects of our life together.

Somerset Day is a brilliant way for us to give thanks for so much that’s good in our county. I’m

very much looking forward to supporting its work.”

Mohammed Saddiq, recently appointed as His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, is also to become a Patron of Somerset Day. He and Bishop Michael join existing Somerset Day Patrons Mrs Anne Maw CVO, His Grace the Duke of Somerset DL; the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton; Michael Eavis CBE, Clinton Rogers DL and Edward Bayntun-Coward DL.

Somerset Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May.

British Red Cross in

call

for drivers

THE British Red Cross is calling for people in Somerset to help their community by signing up as Transport Support volunteers.

Volunteers take people to and from outpatient appointments at Musgrove Park Oncology department in Taunton and the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. They help people to get to vital appointments when it is not easy for them travel by themselves.

The charity pays drivers 0.45p per mile when they use their own vehicles, up to 10,000 miles.

For more information, visit volunteer.redcross.org.uk/ opportunities/37244-transportsupport-volunteer-somersetoncology-2022-09-09

Inclusive games and social group

THE Connect-Ed free inclusive board games and social group meets at The Lawrence Centre in Wells on the last Tuesday of each month, from 3.30pm-5.30pm.

The group is for adults with mild learning difficulties, NDD, sensory impairment, communication differences or Autism Spectrum Conditions.

It offers face-to-face peer and social support in Wells in a friendly, relaxed environment. Support staff are welcome, and refreshments are included. Covid rules apply.

For more information, contact: vaughan_spruce@ hotmail.com

Carolle presents her cheque at Heads Up in South Horrington

Progress in some areas, challenges in others

AS I write this column, we are all preparing for the festive season and this year I think it is important to remember how different this year is from the last.

So many events ended up being cancelled due to the pandemic, but following a successful vaccination programme, the progress made over the past year has been remarkable.

However, I am also acutely aware that we are facing a range of challenges locally and nationally. I know the economic situation is so tough for so many and this feels like a good time to remind people if they are having trouble accessing support which is available to them, they can contact my office and we will do all we can to help.

I have also put together a cost-of-living hub on my website, which details the support available for a range of different circumstances.

As we approach the new year, I continue to have priorities for

local issues, including education and healthcare. My diary is already filling up with important meetings to help support the sectors which are so important to our communities.

This whole year has been so much better in terms of being able to get out and about in Somerset. There is just no substitute to face to face visits and meetings, and I am looking forward to even more of them in 2023.

One thing which has returned relating to Parliament is the visit of schools to Westminster. I had a fantastic Q&A session with students from St Dunstan’s School this week and I really enjoyed it. They had a tour of the House, and then I was able to visit them to discuss a whole range of issues. If any teachers

are reading this, do get in touch and I can help arrange a visit for you. It is always such good fun, and valuable to meet with the students who are always so engaged.

Just lastly, I want to thank so many people ahead of Christmas and New Year, including teachers, healthcare professionals, council workers and so many others. They have all done remarkable jobs in very difficult and challenging times.

I also want to thank Wells Voice for allowing me the opportunity to write this column this past year, it is a very valued publication, and I am glad to be able to write directly to constituents.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to you all!

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey

Kiosk means more chance for advice

THE Citizens Advice Mendip’s services are available for much longer hours now they have opened a kiosk in the Portway Annexe.

There people can use a freephone or go online to email questions or arrange appointments.

“We moved to remote working from home following the pandemic, delivering most of our services by email or phone,” said Ian Byworth, chief executive of Mendip CA.

“We had surveyed our clients and found that most preferred to contact us that way.”

This allowed greater anonymity, more flexibility with time and better accessibility.

Previously the CA opened on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings only in the Town Hall. Now they are available from Monday-Friday, from 10am4pm, at the Portway Annexe kiosk.

But the CA still offers face-toface meetings if requested.

“This is the first information kiosk we have set up and we

want to set up more such kiosks across Mendip. We are looking at the possibilities of having them in doctors’ surgeries.

“May I also say that Wells City Council has always been very supportive, not just financially.”

Mendip CA is a charity funded by a mixture of local authority grants (including £5,000 a year from the city council), contract income, fundraising and donations.

In Wells they helped 163 people between April-September in 2021, and 211 in the same period this year.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, Stewart and June Cursley, joined the celebrations at Crandon Springs Care Home on November 22 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Barchester Healthcare company. Regular entertainer Maria sang for residents and guests, and there was bucks fizz and a special cake made with the company logo. The cake was cut by deputy manager Sophie Hoskins and senior administrator Lisa Smith who have been with Crandon Springs, on Glastonbury Road, since it opened 18 months ago.

Ian Byworth in the kiosk at the Portway Annexe

Two areas are key for local policing in 2023

reflect and consider our focus for the next 12 months and I would like to share with you two key areas for local policing in Wells for 2023.

Engagement

News from the local policing team with Chief Inspector Andy Pritchard

I AM the Local Policing Area commander for Somerset East which includes the city of Wells. It is an absolute privilege to lead local policing in and around Wells especially as it was here where my journey started as a Special Constable over three decades ago. During that time policing has changed beyond all recognition and the environment in which we operate is very different to the one I remember from my first duty which was a road closure for Wells Carnival on the now demolished railway bridge in Tucker Street.

Since being appointed to this role and returning to Somerset East I have reflected on how times have changed over the years and it is important that policing continually evolves, and we adapt to our environment. Change is not always welcome, but it is essential to ensure we are able to deliver the best service possible.

The use of technology is a great example of how we have embraced a new way of working and our ability to work remotely away from police stations has made us a much more efficient and accessible service which is essential as demand has increased significantly over recent years. However, the job of policing – to keep people safe – remains the same and a new year presents an opportunity to

In this country we police by consent which is at the heart of how we operate. We are a service, and we work very much with our communities to deliver that service and a key ingredient is having the trust and confidence of people who live and work in the community. I have been fortunate during my career to work in other countries and have experienced different types of policing and many countries struggle to achieve a level of engagement that we enjoy in the UK.

However, I impress upon all members of the team that we must never take that for granted – like any trust it takes time to build but can be easily damaged which has only been too apparent nationally in recent months. Engaging and policing ‘with’ our communities rather than ‘at’ our communities (the difference between a police service and police force) is essential and for that reason engagement will be a priority for the team over the next year.

Covid presented many challenges and for policing it was a lot harder to engage with our communities during the pandemic so we want to use 2023 as an opportunity to reset. Engagement is not just about meetings or beat surgeries, it is about local people being actively involved with local policing. A previous chief constable in Avon and Somerset used to say policing was too important to leave

to the police and I absolutely agree. The more involved a community is with local policing the better the service delivered and there has never been more ways to become part of our police family. Community Speed watch, Neighbourhood Watch, Special Constabulary, Independent Advisory Group are just a few examples of the roles and activities where communities have come together to assist in local policing. As an ex-volunteer myself I know how rewarding this can be and if you are interested in getting involved and would like to be part of the team then please speak to local officers who will be happy to provide information and advice. As part of our focus it is important we provide a police service for everyone and in 2023 we will proactively reach out to communities to fully understand neighbourhood needs and to address local issues which leads onto the second priority for the team.

Problem solving

Crime and disorder is often the symptom of an underlying cause and it is important as part of our response that we tackle the issues which impact most in our communities. Committing time and energy in repeatedly dealing with the effect of a problem is inefficient. However, crime and

disorder issues are often complex and there is rarely an easy solution for any one organisation to develop a resolution and as such there is almost always a necessity for community safety agencies to come together and support each other in addressing local issues. There is a good process in Wells and Somerset East for organisations to effectively work together but it is essential problems are reported to us so we can focus and prioritise in the right areas.

This year we will look to build and develop a strong partnership working with other agencies to prevent silo working and unnecessary duplication recognising we can be so much more effective if we are working together. But we want to focus on the issues that are important to you – not everything can be a priority and the challenges of capacity versus demand is an ongoing battle but be assured we will concentrate on issues highlighted by local communities. So I would urge you to report any areas of concern.

Policing is not easy and the job is never done. The team in Wells are fully committed to their role and as we start 2023 we renew our pledge to provide the best service to you our community and we will continue to work hard to keep you safe.

PCSOs Donna President and Kayleigh Hallett were at Wells Market on December 7 with the community contact vehicle, offering advice and handing out minder bells, personal alarms and crime prevention leaflets. Joining them was Elf, who made various appearances around Wells with the neighbourhood police team in the run-up to Christmas.

‘The more involved a community is with local policing the better the service delivered and there has never been more ways to become part of our police family’

n WHAT’S ON

An evening of music on a grand scale

MORE than 150 performers will be taking part in a special night of music at Wells Cathedral in February.

The Fulltone Orchestra is bringing 50 of the top musicians in the South West, with more than 100 singers from the Fulltone Chorus, The Blue Notes and Cirencester Male Voice Choir, for what is predicted to be a “magical” experience.

The music will include Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus, and several acclaimed choral works from film.

Adiemus is a work of epic proportions that challenged and changed the way classical music was perceived. Adiemus – Songs of Sanctuary broke the chart music rule books, causing a huge stir as the album was not considered eligible for the classical charts, despite its popularity among classical fans – selling a million copies worldwide in its first year. The

album went on to achieve 17 Gold and two Platinum discs.

It will be performed in Wells on February 25 as part of a fourdate tour, sitting alongside some celebrated choral works from film in the first half – Conquest of Paradise (Vangelis), Hymn to The Fallen (John Williams), Somewhere In My Memory (John Williams), Titanic Suite (James Horner), Jewel of The

Fate (John Williams) and Chariots of Fire/Jerusalem (Vangelis).

Despite the challenges the pandemic has presented to the music sector over the past two years, The Fulltone Orchestra has gone from strength to strength, performing a run of sell-out concerts in prestigious venues across the South West –and even staging its own music

festival. It was established in 2017 and has earned plaudits as it strives to make live orchestral music relevant, inclusive, accessible and popular.

Anthony Brown, The Fulltone Orchestra’s Musical Director and Conductor, said: “We have come on such an incredible journey since 2017, growing in musical and artistic stature, credibility and reputation. Working on this very exciting tour is going to be exceptional and such a special part of our 2023 season.

“We know every performance of this groundbreaking works of music, plus the other stunning musical masterpieces, will be magical and can’t wait for our audiences to hear it for themselves.”

The performance in Wells Cathedral on February 25 starts at 7.30pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.fto.org. uk/karl-jenkins-symphonicadiemus

Anthony Brown, The Fulltone Orchestra’s Musical Director and Conductor

older vulnerable pe p UK. Songs & Smiles Our charity brings to

More fondly known as ‘Goldies’, our daytime FUN singing sessions bring joy to 100s of older people. Grenville Jones, Bath’s Mr Music, the Goldies founder, launched his charity 14 years ago.

Goldies is NOT about choir singing, it’s about bringing people together to enjoy singing those well-loved songs from the 50s onwards – full details on www.golden-oldies.org.uk

CAN YOU HELP US TO BRING SONGS & SMILES

To the lives of older isolated people?

We are recruiting a new part-time person, based at our Radstock office. We’re calling the post Music Assistant, but it’s a lot more than that.

Read all about our Charity (now in its 19th year) on www.golden-oldies.org.uk yes we ’ re a small charity but we make a BIG difference to peoples lives.

Could you be the person we’re looking for?

Full details are on our ‘Goldies’ website www.golden-oldies.org.uk

n WHAT’S ON

Focus on landscape in latest exhibitions

TWO shows with a focus on landscape have opened at the GBS Fine Art gallery in Sadler Street, Wells.

In the front gallery, Whose Woods These Are… is an exhibition of the work of four artists, Jeffrey Blondes, Sue Bryan, Keiron Leach and Magnus Petersson, who each take radically different approaches to the depiction of landscape.

In the back gallery, The Emerald Necklace Project is Hugh Hamshaw Thomas’ response in manipulated photography to the 19th century landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace – the linear chain of public parks he designed in Boston.

The exhibitions will continue until January 14. The gallery is open from 11am-6pm Wednesday to Saturday and by appointment.

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Pilates seated seniors 10.30am

WEDNESDAYS

Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm

THURSDAYS

Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

Pilates 6pm

All above classes at Wells Town Hall

FRIDAYS

Pilates 9am. Online via Zoom

All classes mixed ability and prebooking only. Contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Quiz for good cause

THERE will be a Quiz Night at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, January 28, supporting the Mayor of Wells’ charity PROMISEworks which helps Somerset’s most disadvantaged young people. 7.30pm start.

Teams of up to six, £5 per person. Booking essential by phoning Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@ gmail.com. Raffle prizes welcomed.

Folk and Barn dance

WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.

Horror of Horrors

THE Circus of Horrors return to Wookey Hole Caves in January with new show The Haunted Fairground.

A decrepit fairground on the edge of nowhere is haunted by creatures of the unknown. The creatures had been Plastinated as exhibits in The House of Wax and brought back to life by a Tesla Coil machine to run havoc…

The show is on Thursday, January 12, at 8pm. For more information and to buy tickets, see www.wookey.co.uk

Board game nights

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, January 4, and Wednesday, January 18, from 7pm-9.30pm.

TAI CHI

Meditation/ Spiritual Group

Wednesday 11th January and Wednesday 25th January, 7.00pm-8.30pm –The Lawrence Centre, Wells All levels of experience welcome. We’d be delighted if you would like to join our growing spiritual community. Meetings consist of spiritual discussion and group meditation. We also have regular, inspiring guest speakers! Please contact Katie on ispysolutionsonline@gmail.com for more information. A recommended donation of between £5 and £8 is requested (please pay what you can afford).

Scottish dancing

PEOPLE are being invited to dance into the new year with Scottish country dancing group the Wells Scottish Dancers. Beginning on January 12, this new group will meet on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm at Portway Annexe, Wells.

All ages (over 18) are welcome, no experience is necessary, and no partner is needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is required for this lively and sociable activity.

To learn more or to register an interest in joining, call Ann on 01934 740065 or email ann. wellsdancers@gmail.com

Snowdrops to see

Pub folk sessions

FREE folksong and music sessions are being organised in friendly traditional pubs.

The Wells Folk Sessions take place on the second Monday of every month at Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy, BA5 3 BA, 9pm till late; and the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Arms, High Street, Wells, BA5 2AG, 8.45pm till late.

All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune, join in a chorus or just listen and enjoy. For more, contact: Richard 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com

Rock band return

GLASTONBURY rock band Reef are returning to their home town to headline Glastonbury Abbey’s Night At The Abbey next year.

The five-piece band includes original member Jack Bessant, who recently performed at a fundraising concert for Wells Skatepark at Cedars Hall.

The Night At The Abbey will take place on Friday, August 25. More information at www.glastonburyabbey.com

Folk club meetings

MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm.

Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome. More at punchsfolkclub.yolasite.com

THE Bishop’s Palace’s Snowdrop Celebrations will return to Wells in February.

Visitors can collect a printed Snowdrop Walk to guide them around, and each weekend, a children’s trail can be collected from the Palace Ticket Office with the reward of a small prize upon completion.

The Emerald Necklace Project is one of two shows that can be seen at GBS Fine Art until January 14

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Gala dinner to mark 50th anniversary

ON November 22, the City of Wells Probus Club celebrated its 50th birthday.

The landmark attainment of half a century of friendship and camaraderie was celebrated with a gala 50th Anniversary black tie dinner at the Town Hall. The occasion was graced by the guest of honour, the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, and the Lady Mayoress, June Cursley.

Seventy and more members, spouses and guests gathered in the ballroom bedecked with ribbons, garlands and balloons in the blue and yellow colours of the club, where they intermingled convivially over pre-dinner drinks and canapes.

In welcoming the celebrators the Probus Chairman, Tony Williams, said it was an enormous privilege for him to preside over such a prestigious occasion. The club members, drawn from professional and businessmen of Wells and district, he attested, had formed over the decades a mutually popular and enjoyable society, respected and held in high regard.

Between courses of an excellent dinner prepared by Andy Jones and his team from the Westbury Inn, the diners were treated to amazing cameo musical performances by students of the Wells Cathedral School – the brilliant classical singer Lydia South accompanied by Emma Walker, and two gifted violinists David Kasprzak and Jeremy Tan. They uplifted even

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

THE December meeting of the Wells Railway Fraternity was the AGM followed by the now traditional Quiz of 25 questions set by the winner of the previous year. This year saw Andrew Tucker win after a tie break question as three members had achieved the same score.

Wells Railway Fraternity meets on the second Tuesday of the month in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm when talks covering a wide variety of railway subjects

further the already lively mood of the evening.

The Mayor, after dinner, addressed the assembly, expressing thanks for the honour of being invited to be the chief guest of the evening, and recounted the origins and purpose of the Probus movement conceived by the Rotary organisation to promote friendship and society among retired men. He complimented the decoration of the ballroom and said how pleased he was to see societies such as Probus and other organisations patronising the splendid Town Hall ballroom venue. Bidding the guests to be upstanding the Mayor proposed a congratulatory toast to the City of Wells Probus.

Information about the City of Wells Probus can be found on the Probus website: probusonline.org/city-of-wells

are given. New members and guests are always welcome.

January’s meeting will be two presentations given by members of the Fraternity. Malcolm Dowson will speak about Roaming in Wisconsin. David Mace’s subject is Mechanical Horses.

For further information about Wells Railway Fraternity see the website Railwells.com

The annual Railwells model railway exhibition will be held in the Town Hall on the weekend of August 12/13, 2023.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Start, therefore, at the first week of November: thence to the end of January, Christmas Eve being the meridian line, you may compute a period when happiness is in season, – which, in my judgement, enters the room with the tea tray.

Thomas de Quincey Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

THE thing about winter, whether it be harsh or mild for that matter, is that it still provides the lazy gardener with the option of doing nothing. Let Nature, which doesn’t tune in to Gardeners’ World on a Friday evening, take its traditional course without your assistance. In the autumn you did quite enough, heaving those large tender plants to safety avoiding the first frosts and visits to the chiropractor or even A&E. Ignore the urgings to sharpen the mower in readiness for later labours. Push aside for a moment all those irksome tasks with which conscience belabours the brain. What happens if you don’t wash the greenhouse or whip the walnut trees, wrap up and root about the corners of the garden shed to examine whether the chrysanthemum stools have developed grey mould, and likewise the dahlia tubers? You’ll only have to do something about it if you do discover all is not well in the winter store. Ignorance may be a short-lived bliss but it will save your icy fingers and bad temper. As for winter pruning, best to get someone in who is not only safe on a ladder even in sleet and snow, but who also knows the difference between spur-bearing or tip-bearing fruit trees.

In short, Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859) has a point. In his demands for wintry happiness he imagines a scene of warm cosiness:

Paint me a good fire; and furniture plain and modest. And near the fire, paint me a tea-table; and place only two cups and saucers on the teatray; and if you know how to paint such a thing, paint me an eternal tea-pot.

His picture, though, is rather spoilt by the addition of his opium as a side dish.

At the next meeting of Wells Gardening Club, there will be festive refreshments, though no laudanum. This event is the first of the season and as such there will be no charge for admission. Everyone is very welcome, whether as a potential member or occasional visitor.

After a very short general meeting there will be an informal quiz, a raffle, a few plants for sale, a chance to chat and an opportunity to view the events lined up and to join if wished. It will be an informal and friendly meeting, something that will liven up the dark days of this back end of winter. We all know that spring is on its way. The date and place of January’s event: Wells Town Hall on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 7.30pm. Free to all.

A happier new year to everyone.

Pip Harwood

WELLS & DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

BY the time you read this the Wells & District Wildlife Group will have fully developed from the remains of the Somerset Wildlife Trust Wells Area Group. Although we are now independent, we intend to carry on with our walks and talks in much the same way and wherever possible co-ordinate with other local groups in the Wells area that share similar goals.

The last events of 2022 created a lot of interest with good attendances despite clashing with some of the World Cup football matches. Nick Gates, a co-author with Benedict Macdonald of a book called Orchard – A Year in England’s Eden, gave a very inspiring talk about an ancient English orchard. He talked about how this book came about and the wildlife encounters that both he and Ben had during their time

A scene of warm cosiness as imagined by Thomas de Quincey

Mayor and Mayoress Stewart and June Cursley with Probus Chairman Tony Williams and Sue Williams in the Mayor’s Parlour

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

exploring the orchard. Nick’s photos were exceptional, and it was great to hear about wildlife thriving in such a chemical-free environment.

In December, Barbra Lakin, who is a Biodiversity and Landscape Officer for Mendip District Council, described the project they are undertaking to survey ancient trees in the local area. This is an immense task, and she is looking to train volunteers to become tree wardens to help with the work. Despite the freezing temperatures we had a good turnout and Barbra gained some potential new recruits.

We also indulged in mince pies and mulled wine to get us into a festive spirit.

Our first event in 2023 will be a talk by Damon Bridge from the RSPB called Long Legged Beauties of the Somerset Levels. This will take place at 7.30pm on January 31 at the Wells Museum. The talk will focus on the work of the RSPB across the Somerset Levels and Moors, through the lens of groups of species which all have one thing in common… they’re all long-legged! Expect a wonder of waders, a whole heap of herons, a cacophony of cranes and some surprise new kids on the block.

Details of this and other events (arranged so far) are on our new website www.wdwg. org.uk.

We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free.

Eric Lewis

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

CLUB members met at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, on Tuesday, November 22, for their annual general meeting. After a few difficult years it was good to report on a full year of demonstrations and practice classes. Chairman Isobel Cameron, treasurer Gill Cook and Leslie Davies, secretary, retired having seen us through the pandemic to be replaced by Sylvia Ingham, Suzy Vivash and Jenny Jones.

With the business of the afternoon completed Isobel welcomed two members from the Wells Macular Society, Terry Shawe and Jenny O’Callaghan, to receive a cheque for £800 raised at our charity tea held last summer. Terry thanked the club members saying that the

money would be used to help all those living locally who have sight problems. The committee served members with homemade cakes and tea to round off the afternoon.

In 2023 we will celebrate our 70th anniversary year. Our first demonstration will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall. Our demonstrator, Nick Heal, is a talented demonstrator from Taunton, where he works as a florist. He is one of a new generation who grows a range of his own flowers for weddings and is also an innovative willow weaver.

Why not come and join us? Our demonstrations are held on the second Tuesday and we also do a practice class on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Practice classes are suitable for complete beginners and the more experienced. Have you ever passed the supermarket flowers and thought what can I do with those? Well, we can give you some tips.

Jenny Jones

WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST

THE next event at the Wells Men’s Breakfast will be a talk on Saturday, January 7, by Susan Tanner who after 17 years as Event Director of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta started her project of breeding rare breed pigs.

With no previous farming experience and certainly no experience of pigs, Susan has built up her herd of Oxford Sandy and Black pigs on the Mendip hills to become one of the largest breeders of these pigs in the country.

Susan will talk about how she fell in love with pigs and her

quest to breed piglets, survive the mud, the wrath of sows and being chased by an amorous boar.

The venue is the Connect Centre, Portway, Wells BA5 2BE, starting at 8am. Wells Men’s Breakfast offers a full English followed by a brief talk and a lively question time, finishing by 9.30am.

If you would like to book a seat for the breakfast and talk, phone 07376 715671 and leave an ansamessage by noon on Thursday, January 5.

near Bristol, and why the inverted commas?”

The answer to the first was a definite negative; the answer to the second would be dependent on how “villa” was defined, but if it was not a full-scale Roman villa, it was certainly something akin to. But then, it wasn’t exactly Roman either, but Romano-British; that is, its occupants and neighbours were not really Roman and would almost certainly never have been to Rome but were locals, probably speaking Celtic, who had by now adopted many of the Roman occupation’s customs. In other words, the villa was built shortly after the height of the Roman occupation had passed.

Previously completely unknown and unsuspected, the villa began, at least indirectly, to reveal its secrets when digging out was in progress to create a wildlife pond and Roman sherds or fragments were found. The first tentative suggestion was that there had been a hypocaust there and then, when a rectangular outline seemed to be apparent, that there had once been a bathhouse on the site.

In 2016, things took something of a different turn with two significant finds by detectorists. The first was an impressive lead “pig” ingot. The lead was mined at nearby Charterhouse and the inscription enables it to be dated pretty precisely to 164-169 AD. Arguably even more exciting was the discovery of a coin hoard of silver denarii which was buried in the 190s. Its contemporary value would have been about equivalent to a modern £4,500. The coins date from Mark Antony’s time over 200 years earlier.

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

PROBABLY most of the civic society audience at the November meeting knew something of the Roman connections of, say, Bath, Exeter, London and probably other locations, too. But Westbury-sub-Mendip?

If they thought there were no such links, they were to be most pleasantly re-educated at their November meeting by local Westbury resident Andrew Buchannan as he described the Thornbury “Villa”, and answered the questions, “Is it at Thornbury,

Extensive work on the further excavation of the site by the local volunteers of the Westbury archaeological group has continued steadily and rewardingly ever since and much has been revealed and learned. The group feels that 75 per cent of the site has now been excavated: there is still plenty to do.

Pottery fragments have been found of 94 different types, mostly made locally but some have come in from the New Forest area; 330 more coins have been discovered; and numerous artefacts such as rings, whistles,

Sylvia Inghan, Isobel Cameron, Terry Shawe, and Jenny O’Callaghan at the cheque presentation by Wells Floral Art Club to the Wells Macular Society

Susan Tanner, who will be giving a talk the Wells Men’s Breakfast in January, with one of her piglets

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

gaming counters and many more keep being revealed. In fact, very little has been found that isn’t Roman, although this does not apply to a human buried skeleton of a rather later date.

All this work is carried out by the Westbury archaeological group, with Andrew stressing how much it is a team effort, under the umbrella of the Westbury society, which was started by the enthusiastic thencurator of the Wells museum, Barry Lane. But, of course, professional experts of different disciplines are called in as and when needed.

For a man who claimed no archaeological knowledge, Andrew had made a pretty darned good job of opening the audience’s eyes. He knew the site of the Romano-British “villa” thoroughly. He was a very accomplished speaker and illustrated everything with clear slides.

Please go to wellscivicsociety. org.uk or contact chair@ wellscivicsociety.org.uk for further information about the society.

Richard Hanks

WELLS U3A

DECEMBER was a busy month for many groups in Wells u3a.

Painting for Pleasure held an exhibition of their work at the Museum from December 6-16. There was a great variety of the members’ work of several mediums on view, such as watercolours, oils and decoupage, many of which were for sale along with cards reproduced from their work. A whole panel was dedicated to portraits along with many landscapes and still life pictures adorning the other walls of the gallery. It showed the great talent and skills of the members of the group but if you fancy going along and joining the group, there is always room for a few more. They meet at St Thomas’ Church Hall on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 1pm. This is a group run by Tom Sleigh, where you can just go along and do your own thing as everyone learns from each other. Only stipulation is to join Wells u3a.

Many members enjoyed the annual Christmas lunch at

Wells Golf Club on December 16. Another chance for members from different groups to get together and exchange experiences and stories they have gathered during the year over a festive meal and a glass of wine.

Play Reading meet in the library every other Wednesday afternoon. They have been reading Far From the Madding Crowd and Sense and Sensibility, having fun putting on suitable accents when possible. Hopefully on Saturday morning, January 21, the group will be reading short plays written by one of the members, to anyone who would like to come along and hear them in Wells Library. It is a way of performing plays without having to learn words.

The Theatre Group continues to organise trips to local theatre such as Bath and Bristol, mostly to matinee performances. A minibus is arranged to take members from Wells and drop them off outside the theatre and take them home again after the performance. This takes the strain off trying to get buses or finding a place to park.

There are many more groups doing fascinating things. Membership is due for renewal on February 1 and it is only £15 to join, when you get a very informative booklet full of all the groups available and who to contact to join a group. Application forms can be found on our website u3asites.org.uk/ wells/home or just Google ‘Wells u3a’. Come and join us in 2023.

WELLS ARTHRITIS GROUP

A GROUP of 40 set off from Wells by coach at 9am on October 9 to a much-anticipated holiday in Scotland which had been previously set for 2020

but cancelled owing to the Covid pandemic. On arrival at the Highland Hotel in Fort William at approximately 8pm we enjoyed an evening meal and settled into our accommodation.

The next day we set off on our tour to Loch Ness and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre nearby in the tiny village of Drumnadrochit. The history and tales of sightings of the monster in the Loch were well documented.

The scenery we witnessed on our journey was exceptional with Ben Nevis close by to Fort William and a vast area of mountains surrounding us.

The following day we travelled north to the port of Mallaig in Lochaber on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. Unfortunately the rain came down heavily whilst we were there so we were limited in how much of the town we could see but once again the scenery was magnificent.

On Wednesday we travelled to Glencoe which is undoubtedly the most popular and scenic glen in Scotland. From the glen we visited Rannoch Moor which is one of Scotland’s outstanding areas of natural wilderness before heading to the town of Oban on the west coast. The seafront bordered the port and there were plenty of picturesque areas in the town to explore.

Thursday we travelled north through the Scottish Highlands to the Cairngorm National Park and the nearby town of Aviemore. More stunning scenery was to be seen with areas of dark woodlands, dramatic mountain environments and some of the most remote wildernesses in Scotland.

Finally we were on our last day of this excellent sightseeing holiday and we visited The Ben

Following a guided tour we were able to sample one of their whiskies.

We then explored the Caledonian Canal. This is an amazing feat of Scottish engineering stretching 60 miles through the stunning Great Glen.

For our final destination we visited a crystal museum in Fort William which proved very interesting with crystals, fossils and many other precious stones on display.

Our holiday was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present. I am sure those on the tour would like to join me in conveying our sincere thanks to Jim Parfitt for organising this holiday for us all.

Pat Thomas

WELLS TUESDAY WI

THIS month we made Christmas cards. When the craft teacher we had booked to demonstrate paper quilling was unable to come, several of our own talented members stepped in to lead different activities. Each set up a group table with all the necessary supplies. One group drew and painted cards with watercolours, another decorated theirs with felt, and another learned gem art. It was another opportunity for members to have time for a good chat with each other, fuelled by tea, cake and mulled wine.

The menu for our now traditional late-Christmas-inJanuary dinner at Rugantino was circulated and people selected from some delicious sounding options.

The new resolution shortlist has been announced, so members were reminded not to recycle this month’s WI Life magazine before reading about the possible campaigns and saving the voting slip ready to cast their votes early next year.

All the usual sub-groups had been busy, walking, reading, crafting, playing netball and our gardeners made festive table centres. Some members were looking forward to the WI carol service at Wells Cathedral, and others enjoyed another cooking demo from Santa (the cook, not Father Christmas).

Our next meeting will be on January 3. More information can

Nevis Distillery, which is located at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain and is where Britain’s national drink is brewed.

Tom Sleigh of the Wells u3a Painting for Pleasure group surrounded by some of the many paintings at the exhibition at the museum

be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi Veronica Howe

WELLS MONDAY WI

WELLS Monday WI, formed in April 2022, has made a great start on its WI journey.

Guided by a committee made up of Sharon Dawkins, Fiona Hodges, Mel Townsend, Suzy Vivash, Hilary Sayer and Christine Thompson, there has been much to enjoy and experience for our members, with the promise of more to come in 2023.

We have enjoyed trips to Carymoor Environmental Centre and Shepton Mallet Prison, organised by Jane Pyatt. Jane has also led a series of walks, which those new to Wells found particularly interesting.

In July we hosted Walton WI for afternoon tea. With the help of Kathy Oatley, a fantastic spread was laid on for all to enjoy. Thanks to our members who contributed by baking cakes.

In November a group of 20 braved the horrendous rain and flash flooding to travel into Bath to enjoy Fisherman’s Friends the musical at The Theatre Royal. Thanks to Sian Evans for organising the trip.

Mel Townsend runs a monthly book club and has been busy organising a programme of speakers for 2023. Jane Howe hosts a monthly craft club and many more clubs are planned for 2023.

A Christmas meal at Wells Golf Club was enjoyed by many of our members and the book club enjoyed a Christmas meal at The Globe pub in Wells.

A group of our wonderful members volunteered to

make soup which was served at a Christmas party for our Ukrainian guests and hosts in Wells.

We were overwhelmed by the response in April 2022 when we launched and our membership continues to grow. We meet at Wells Football Club, Rowdens Road, on the third Monday of the month from 7.30pm. New enquiries are encouraged and you are welcome to join us on our journey.

Please contact our secretary Fiona, at fmhodgeswiwm@ gmail.com

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

IN December we had a delicious buffet supper accompanied by Christmas music and carols, along with a play acted out by three members of our group much to the amusement of their audience. The committee set out the room with lovely fresh table decorations made by one of our ladies.

We meet again on January 4 with a talk about the Cathedral Green and The Liberty given by our favourite Pamela Egan.

During 2023 we will be welcoming the Free Wheelers. In March with the AGM we will be enjoying Tai Chi, followed during the year hearing about Volunteering in Namibia, Somerset Place Names, The Gaza, Samplers, running an independent general store, a Pilgrimage to Santiago and a talk on Inclusion and Diversity.

If you would like an interesting evening in a friendly atmosphere we look forward to seeing you at 7pm on the first Wednesday of each month in St Thomas’ Church Hall.

Pat Dyer

n SPORT

Remarkable feat of two holes-in-one

GOLF

AT Mendip Golf Club on Saturday, November 26, despite a wild and windy day, an extraordinary feat was achieved by 12-year-old Alec Roberts who hit a perfect tee shot on the par 3 8th hole. Holding the ideal line for the 165 yards, the ball took a couple of bounces to go in for his first hole-in-one. However, not content with one… he repeated the feat on the 150-yard par 3 12th hole. With the ball nowhere to be seen on the green, Alec found it in the bottom of the hole. Chances of two holes-inone in a round are 67 million to one.

Alec, handicap 17, and his brother Ben, aged 14, handicap 18, have been coached by Mendip’s Director of Golf Stuart Disney and his team since 2017. Their father Nick was already a Member and now since the boys have become so keen, Mum Helen has taken up the game and is seeing her handicap rapidly reduce. A real family affair.

The Seniors held a 3 Clubs and a Putter event which took place on a dry day but with a stiff breeze. The limited club choice made scoring that much harder and only 17 of the 81 entrants scored 30 or better.

Division 1 was won by Gary Holister with 34 points after count back from Nigel Cheshire. Division 2 went to Nigel Jarvis with 34 points. The Veterans Division was won by Tony Williams with 33 points.

The Turkey Trot 4 bbb event saw 102 competitors, with 17 pairs recording 40 points or better. The winners who have featured so many times over the years either as a Better Ball partnership or as part of

a Bowmaker Team were Brian Smith and Brian Francis with 47 points.

Brian the younger contributed a valuable 4 pars and a birdie with Brian Francis, now a veteran, taking full advantage of his rather higher handicap than in yesteryear.

Richard Gregory and his team ably supported by Stuart Disney continue to produce an ever improving look to the course. The new 17th fairway has come on amazingly since the rains came and the new 17th and 18th greens continue to make them a good test of putting, while the new Driving Range is greening up.

Wednesday evening meetings

WELLS Table Tennis Club meets every Wednesday at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, from

6.30pm-9.30pm. For more details, email paulhambleton2@ btinternet.com u More sport

Twelve-year-old Alec Roberts, who recorded two holes-in-one in the same round at Mendip Golf Club

Wells Monday WI members pictured on their trip to Carymoor Environmental Centre

Club has mixed results as league resumes

with one board still playing.

THE Somerset Chess League is back up and running after twoand-a-half-year break. Having welcomed several new members over the last couple of years, Wells Chess Club have three teams in the various leagues. They have had mixed results since the start of the season with three wins, two losses and a draw.

On November 9, Wells Chess Club played host to two visiting teams. Sedgmoor travelled over for the Division 2 tie while Bath visited to play a Division 3 match.

Both matches were played at the White Hart with their regular home at The Globe Inn undergoing refurbishments. In the match against Sedgmoor, Paul Humphreys narrowly lost on board 2 while Greg Roome won well on board 4. A win for Matt Goatcher on board 2 in a close tactical game meant that Wells were in the driving seat

John Waterfield played a very well thought out game as white to secure a win on board 1 and claim the tie 3-1 to Wells.

The tie against Bath looked evenly matched on paper. Unfortunately, Tony Austin lost out on board 4 while on board 3, Ed Farms narrowly missed out on a draw, losing out under time pressure towards the end. Boards 1 and 2 were closely fought and Solomon Hayes clinched a win on board 1. Ben Jukes fought hard but unfortunately the clock flagged for him and the tie went the way of Bath 3-1.

With plenty of matches coming up Wells are looking forward to playing over-theboard chess again. Wells Chess Club are back at The Globe Inn on a Wednesday evening with Juniors from 6pm and club nights from 7.30pm. They are keen to welcome new members and can be contacted on their Facebook page or at wellschessclub@outlook.com

Wells school student selected for England squad

WELLS Cathedral School Upper Sixth pupil, Oskar Edwards, has been selected for the U18 England hockey squad.

Oskar competed for the Bristol Performance Centre against 17 other Performance Centres from around the country in the Challenge Cup. Each squad consisted of 18 boys, and the

Cup’s most promising players were chosen to attend a series of England U18 assessment camps. Oskar impressed the selectors at his assessments and secured a place in the final 26-man squad for the 2022-23 season.

James Mayes, the School’s Head of Hockey, said: “Oskar’s selection for the final England U18 boys squad is testament to the hard work that he has put

in both on and off the pitch. On the pitch Oskar has worked hard and is dedicated to becoming the best player he can be. Off the pitch Oskar prepares himself physically to be an international youth player with countless hours spent in the gym. I am very proud of Oskar and look forward to seeing him put on the England shirt again in what should be an exciting year for him.”

CHESS

HOCKEY

Oskar Edwards

Top, John Waterfield of Wells Chess Club (right) in the match against Sedgmoor; and the four boards in the Bath match with Wells players Solomon Hayes in the white jumper, Ben Jukes (far left), Ed Farms (top right) and Tony Austin (bottom right)

Volunteer ‘over the moon’ to be given award

THE Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Service are reliant on a team of hard working and passionate volunteers to support their work across the landscape.

Every year, the AONB Service awards the title of Volunteer of the Year to one of their team who has consistently gone above and beyond their usual tasks. The recipient of the award for 2022 is Rebecca Thurgur.

Over the last year, Rebecca is described as showing extraordinary dedication, helping out across many of the different teams that support the AONB Service. She is a regular on Nature Recovery tasks and assists with the Young Rangers at their monthly meetings, where she is a vital support to Andy Chamberlain, the Ranger Volunteer Co-ordinator. This dedication and enthusiasm made her a unanimous choice for the award.

Rebecca said: “I was over the moon – if a wee bit embarrassed – to be selected for this award. Being an AONB volunteer is one of the highlights of my life and I feel really proud to be part of the wonderful team who work together to improve biodiversity in the area and share our love of the Mendip Hills with others.

“I have enjoyed walking in the area for many years but becoming a Ranger has added a greater depth of understanding and appreciation of this very special landscape. Thank you so much for this award, it means a lot to me.”

Andy Chamberlain said: “Volunteers are a key part of the team at the AONB Service, and we couldn’t do our work without them. We are extremely grateful to all our amazing volunteers and this award is one way of showing our gratitude.”

Rebecca Thurgur with her Volunteer of the Year award