Wells Voice January 2024

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January 2024 Issue 79

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Vision for new homes on Palace Farm site THE Church Commissioners have been consulting with local stakeholders about a possible housing development on part of the Palace Farm site in Wells.

The land off Silver Street is owned by the Church Commissioners, which manages investments to support the work of the Church of England.

They have recently given a presentation to Wells city councillors and have had informal conversations with members of The Bishop’s Palace team and some members of the Wells Civic Society on proposals for Palace Farm. The preliminary scheme outlined envisages up to 300 houses where the farm buildings and the Palace Farm Car Wash are currently situated, and on land behind them in the vicinity of the existing housing estate by Morrisons.

There are no plans to submit a formal planning application at this stage and the Church Commissioners say it would be Continued on page 2

Dec 27- Jan 20 All stock items for immediate delivery

Views invited on Britannia’s future A consultation is being held to see what level of support there is for buying the pub – and what it should offer if it does reopen under community ownership Turn to pages 7, 24 and 25

Free day of travel on heritage buses Owners to run free bus services on 376 route and a couple of other routes on New Year’s Day Turn to page 11

Winners revealed The city council has announced who will receive Civic Awards Turn to page 15

More stars to see Santa Fun Run participants rewarded with medals – more about the event on page 16

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Housing development vision discussed From page 1 their approach to work with Somerset Council regarding the proposals through the council’s emerging local plan.

The Church Commissioners say they are seeking to engage local stakeholders about their emerging vision for the site, but are keen to note that, even if the proposals are supported

by Somerset Council in its local plan, it will be years before any building work would start on site.

There are no proposals to build on the Deer Park area near The Bishop’s Palace, and Deer Park could be enhanced as part of the scheme, with the potential for other benefits to Wells on the site as a whole.

Joanna Loxton, Head of Strategic Land Investment at the Church Commissioners, said: “We have been considering how the land might be brought

A view of part of the Palace Farm site forward for various uses, as part of Somerset Council’s emerging local plan. The site could include new homes for the city, both open market and affordable, and could also deliver other benefits to the community, including car parking for the city and new areas of open space.

“We are right at the start of the process. At this point, we are interested in sharing our vision for the site with local stakeholders and to hear their

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views and thoughts on the emerging proposals.”

These early proposals have been shared with Merryn Kidd, the new Chief Executive Officer of the Palace Trust, the charity which manages The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, and Palace Trust Chair Roger Hawes.

Merryn Kidd said: “The Palace Trust has had sight of the Church Commissioners’ plans to develop Palace Fields. We were pleased to be consulted at this

very early stage and welcome their proposal to transfer, as part of any planning permission, a section of the Deer Park to the Trust – to preserve the historic views of the city, form a green corridor out of the city and to be used by the community in perpetuity. We would also welcome plans for further community benefit such as more parking and meeting Mendip’s need for more housing, but will need to be assured that all stakeholders are happy with the proposals and that the Palace and surrounding historic areas will not be adversely affected by this development.”

Steve Luck, Wells City Council’s Town Clerk, said that without more detailed information it is too soon for the council to express an opinion on the plans. “At this stage the city council are unable to make a comment as they have not seen the full application,” he said.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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January 2024

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Return of whole 126 bus route welcomed THE 126 bus service linking Wells to Weston-super-Mare will run again in the new year thanks to a partnership between North Somerset Council and Somerset Council.

The 126 service between Wells and Weston-super-Mare was discontinued in October 2022 due to low passenger numbers.

Somerset Council has been subsidising a shorter 126 service between Wells and Axbridge since then, operated by Libra Travel – the new service will replace this.

Operator First West of England will run the new service from Tuesday, January 2, after winning a tendering process.

North Somerset and Somerset Councils are jointly subsidising the route, which will operate Monday to Saturday, approximately every two hours.

The funding is being split 50/50 between the authorities.

The service is funded using ring-fenced Government money from the councils’ Bus Service Improvement Plans.

As well as continuing to

The Libra Travel 126 bus at Wells Bus Station

Some of the campaigners who were demonstrating in support of the 126 service back in 2022 serve the communities along the route, the new, jointlyfunded 126 service connects Wells to Weston-super-Mare via Winscombe, Sandford, Banwell, Hutton and Weston Hospital. It will provide journeys timed for schools and college students, including Strode College connections at Wells, Wells Blue School and Weston College.

In North Somerset the service 10 between Hutton, hospital and town centre will be repurposed to a new 9 service serving Worlebury. The126 service will provide more journeys over a longer portion of the day for Hutton and Uphill.

Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Mike Rigby, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer this essential service in partnership with North Somerset.

“We know losing this important connection between Wells and Weston-super-Mare was a hammer blow to a lot of communities along the route.

“We have done what we can to keep communities between

Wells and Axbridge connected, but we know getting the whole route back has continued to be a priority for residents and bus user groups.

“It’s great we’ve been able to join forces with North Somerset and make this happen, thanks to the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Grant.”

Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We’ve been working hard with Somerset to get the 126 back up and running.

It’s been designed to work for school and college students, commuters, people accessing hospital appointments and shoppers, and I hope people will love having it back again.”

The timetable and route map for the new services will be available at www.travelwest.info u Free New Year’s Day bus service, page 11

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wellsvoice

January 2024

www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157 Advertising sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 01749 675157 Editorial news@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network

LOC AL INFORMATION

FEBRUARY DEADLINE

Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999

To ensure your news or letter is included in the February issue please contact us by January 17.

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

COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong.

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents.

Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,000 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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Ann and Cliff Clark at their home in Wells

‘We want people to be aware of dangers’ A WELLS woman who had to be taken to hospital after tripping on a pavement in the city wants to highlight how important it is to make the pavements safer.

Ann Clark was doing some shopping in Wells High Street on November 1 when she tripped and fell outside the British Heart Foundation shop.

A few minutes later her husband Cliff was driving past having been to Lloyds Bank further up the street, saw Ann lying on the pavement, by then covered in blankets and with two passing PCSOs with her – and thought that she must have died.

“I panicked, parked the car and rushed to the scene,” he said.

“I thought she’d died because of the way she was lying there covered in blankets. I thought I was going to have a heart attack myself.”

An ambulance arrived after 30 minutes, and Ann was taken to Yeovil Hospital for X-rays and a head trauma assessment. She had severe swelling and bruising to her face, arm and knee, and though the X-rays revealed that her cheekbone was not fractured, the little finger on her left hand was probably dislocated. Her fingers are still strapped up and she is undergoing physiotherapy to restore more movement in the little finger.

“It was so quick – my foot caught and I just went down on my face,” said Ann, aged 74, whose new glasses were broken and shoes scuffed in the incident.

This is the second time that she has tripped on pavements in

Photos that show the extent of the injuries to Ann’s face and leg; and the paving slabs she tripped on Wells. Two years ago she broke an arm when she fell near the bus depot in Priory Road.

She is more nervous when she goes out now, and said of the pavements: “You see they are all cracked and dipped and you think ‘how do they get away with this?’”

Cliff sent a letter to both Wells City Council and Somerset Council with details about Ann’s fall, saying that something needs to be done urgently before somebody does die.

He said: “We want to let people know of the dangers, and ask the councils of Wells and Somerset to carry out repairs.

Something’s got to be said to try to do something about it.”

Somerset Council has responded to say that an inspection of the area has been arranged and remedial works will be carried out if necessary.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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January 2024

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council Pavements remain a concern City takes on some ATTENTION has continued to be focused on the state of the pavements in Wells.

More pedestrians have tripped on the uneven surfaces in the past few weeks, some requiring medical attention.

But emergency repair work to some dangerous areas has started to be carried out by Wells City Council after it reached an agreement to do so with Somerset Council.

Meanwhile, the Proper Pavements for Wells campaign has shone a spotlight on the difficulties faced by less able users.

The mass rally in support of the campaign outside the Town Hall that was going to be held on December 7 was rescheduled because of the grim weather forecast. It was due to take place instead on December 21, shortly after Wells Voice went to press, with cameras from Points West there to report on it for the BBC.

repair work

Wheelchair user Brian Clarke reaches a dead end in South Street, one of the problem areas highlighted in the Proper Pavements for Wells report The same evening, Theo van Hensbergen – who has compiled a report on the pavements along with his neighbours Bob Payne and Brian Clarke – was going to make a presentation to the full meeting of Wells City Council.

“Our survey of all central

Wells pavements and walkways, based on governmental standards, identified an extensive catalogue of failure, including pavement surfaces and network design. Thirty-five locations were identified as presenting real risk of harm,” he said.

WELLS City Council has begun carrying out emergency repairs to pavements in the city.

It follows the signing of an agreement with Somerset Council for the city council to provide an emergency service to repair trip hazards and dangerous paving slabs.

“It only covers small repairs but it is a start in giving a better service. In the coming weeks residents will see more Wells council staff working to repair any trip hazards we know about,” said Town Clerk Steve Luck.

People can report problems with the pavements in Wells to the Town Hall reception team on 01749 673091.

The city council will assess whether it can carry out repair work or report it on to Somerset Council, which will continue to have responsibility for insurance cover.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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New rehearsal room ready, and live music gigs planned The Wells Rocks team provide their latest update New rehearsal facility in the Portway Annexe The additional, larger rehearsal room reported on last month has now been equipped with contributions from Wells Rocks supporters and the Portway Music School. It is now available for use. The generous offer of additional acoustic treatment from Wells-based Interior System Specialists (ISSSW Ltd) has been well received by the city council and will be progressed in the coming weeks.

This will enhance the room and expand the range of activities it may accommodate.

The desk previously used

by David Attenborough for voiceovers at the BBC has been moved into the new, larger, room. This development has

freed up space in both the original rehearsal room and the small music room making the latter more flexible for teaching in.

Plans for more live music in Wells On November 21 the Wells Rocks team met with musicians using the Portway Annexe to rehearse and teach to progress the project to hold regular gigs in The Hart’s Head, upstairs in the White Hart Hotel. The aim is to hold an evening event on the first Friday of each month starting on March 1. Ticket sales will be shared between those providing the entertainment and improving music facilities in the Wells Contemporary Music Centre in the Portway Annexe. Please support this initiative to increase the live music scene in Wells.

The lucky winner of the competition in last month’s Wells Voice to win a selection of products from Bishop’s Eye including wine, cheese and more worth £200 was Linda Rowse of Wells. Hers was the name pulled out of the hat from the more than 50 people who correctly answered that the heraldic objects carved in the stone on the front of the Bishop’s Eye are shields. Linda’s husband Stephen is pictured collecting the prize.

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January 2024

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Views being invited on future of pub A CONSULTATION has begun to gauge the level of support in Wells for plans to buy and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road as a communityowned pub.

The pub has been empty for more than two years and is currently up for sale with the Caldecotte Group with a guide price of £350,000.

Wells City Council has submitted an Asset of Community Value application for the pub to Somerset Council which, if granted, would protect The Britannia Inn from being sold or demolished for six months, giving the community time to try to raise the funds to buy the pub.

The steering group that has been set up and is looking into how to achieve community ownership of the pub is inviting residents to complete a questionnaire about whether they would use the pub if it

A consultation has been launched about The Britannia Inn reopened, what they think it should offer, and whether they are willing to help with the community ownership project financially or in other ways.

The questionnaire can be found on page 25 of this month’s Wells Voice. More information about community-owned pubs in general is on page 24.

Councillor Theo Butt Philip, one of the members of the steering group, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve had so much

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interest in the campaign in the past month. With the Asset of Community Value application now with Somerset Council for consideration, now is the time when we have to start putting together our plans for the next steps – details of what we would do with The Britannia and how we will raise the necessary money. The Brit was a really special part of the community in this part of Wells and I hope with the levels of support we’ve seen for the campaign, that we’ll be able to make it a flourishing community hub once again.”

More than 270 people have signed the ‘Save the Brit’ petition at change.org/p/save-the-brit, and more than 20 attended a public meeting in St Thomas’ Church Hall in the early stages of the campaign.

As well as funds to buy the pub, a lot more money will be required for refurbishment work.

The steering group is linking

up with other community initiatives and organisations to see what opportunities there are to work together; these include St Thomas’ Church, which recently conducted its own survey about how to best to spend money left in a legacy, for the benefit of the church and the wider community.

Completed Britannia Inn questionnaires can be left at Wells Town Hall or Wells Library, pushed through the letterbox of the St Thomas’ Church Office, or posted to Wells Town Hall, BA5 2RB. The questionnaire can also be completed online at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ TheBritWells The closing date for responses is Friday, January 19, 2024.

A public meeting will be organised at some point after this to communicate the results of the consultation and allow for more discussion of the project.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Campaigners say fight to save ward lost

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supported the campaign in any way,” said Emma.

“We continue to fight for Somerset’s vital services and intend to continue the fight for mental health provision.”

Jane Yeandle, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s service director for mental health and learning disabilities, said: “In September 2020 the former NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group made the decision to relocate 14 inpatient adult mental health beds from St Andrews Ward in Wells to sit alongside the existing Rowan Ward in Yeovil as it will provide greater resilience and help us to keep our patients safe. While we don’t have a set date for the move to take place, we anticipate this is likely to be in spring 2024.

“Alongside this, we are

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the needs of the residents of the Mendip area are still not being properly addressed and that the removal of this ward will lead to vulnerable, confused people being further distressed, thereby prolonging their mental health crisis.”

There have been some small victories though, she said, with improvements looking likely to other mental health facilities in Wells.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped with and

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‘We continue to fight for Somerset’s vital services and intend to continue the fight for mental health provision’

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undertaking a review of the facilities on the Priory Health Park estate in Wells, so we can ensure the existing buildings are fit for purpose for our colleagues to provide a range of community mental health services. We want to develop the services we have on the Priory Park site in the short and longer term.

“As part of this review, we’re looking at the future use of the space that will be vacated by the move of the inpatient mental health beds to Yeovil (the St Andrews Ward footprint).

“We are also currently refurbishing the health park’s Willowbank Unit for improved older people’s mental health services, and our next step is to improve the adult community mental health services space at The Bridge.

“We are also commissioned

by Somerset Council to provide four ‘step down’ beds, which support a patient’s transition back home from an inpatient mental unit, at Keward House in Wells, which have strong links with our home treatment teams in Mendip and across the county.

“We have a flexible approach on using the step down beds, based on each individual patient’s needs, with the ambition of helping them to return to their local area as soon as possible.

“Our Open Mental Health approach means we can be more proactive in supporting individuals in need at an earlier stage, allowing us to provide support and reduce or avoid the need for further intervention.”

A demonstration in Wells in December 2021during the campaign urging health bosses to keep St Andrews Ward in the city

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CAMPAIGNERS who have spent more than three years fighting to keep the St Andrews Ward mental health unit open in Wells have finally admitted defeat.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has said that the 14 beds in the ward, on Priory Health Park, are likely to be relocated to Yeovil in spring 2024.

Organisers of the Save St Andrews Ward campaign say that it is now clear that they have failed in their objective.

The campaign was launched on September 24, 2020, on the day that the proposal to relocate the beds was formally agreed by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body.

Of people from the Wells area who responded to a consultation on the proposal, 75 per cent had opposed relocating the beds.

There were three demonstrations in Wells over the past three years in a bid to save the ward, as well as two in Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Bridgwater, and one each in Cheddar and Street.

A protest petition had collected 4,427 signatures at the time of closing.

Emma King from the campaign group said: “After a meeting organised with the Integrated Care Board on October 19, 2023, it became blindingly apparent that our campaign had failed to have the desired impact and the ward will close in spring 2024 and all services associated with it relocated to Yeovil.

“We remain concerned that

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The Lantern Parade in Wells in 2022

Community Day event will show what city has to offer MORE than 70 stalls and a huge range of musical entertainment will be on offer in Wells on Saturday, January 20.

And it is all free with performances, workshops, music and activities to take part in all day long.

The event is called Community Day and it will bring people of all ages together to see what the city has to offer.

It will take place at Wells Cathedral from 10am to 4pm, and all will be welcome.

“There’s so many great things happening in Wells that not many people know about,” said Emma Lefevre, one of the team from Wells Community Network who are organising the event.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see what’s on offer.

“You can find out more about what is involved in preparing for Wells Carnival, or find out

what support is available for various medical conditions. You can try your hand at ringing a church bell or find out how you can make your life more environmentally sustainable.

“There is something for everyone, find out about the plentiful ways to get involved in the community or try something new.”

The music performances will range from the Pop, Rock, Pub Contemporary Choir to the Priddy Singers, Wells Oratorio Society and the Blue School’s Folk Band.

Then in the evening lantern makers will gather in the Cathedral for a colourful Lantern Parade around the city centre starting at 6.30pm. This year’s theme is Festivals, and lantern-making workshops are being held in Portway Annexe on January 6, 7, 13 and 14 in preparation for the event.

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WELLS NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REFERENDUM – THURSDAY 25TH JANUARY 2024 TIME TO VOTE DO NOT LEAVE IT TO OTHERS PLEASE VOTE Currently 21 areas within Somerset have Neighbourhood Plans in place.

Residents in Wells will have the chance soon to vote on their Neighbourhood Plan for our own city.

A referendum on the Wells Neighbourhood Plan will take place on Thursday the 25th of January.

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a local vision for the future and planning policies. If it is adopted, it will be used to determine planning applications within the parish of Wells. It has been prepared by Wells City Council working with a Steering Group and along with the help of the people of Wells. In October, an Independent Examiner reviewed the Plan. She expressed the view that the Plan is a “very thorough and comprehensive Neighbourhood Plan” and that the consultation process was robust.

The policies in the Plan cover l Heritage and Built Environment l Housing l Transport l Retail and Commercial Buildings l Tourism and l Environment which sets out protected View Cones, Local Green Spaces and Open & Recreation Spaces The Plan together with l A Masterplan setting out options for allocated housing sites l Wells Design Guide l Housing Needs Assessment l The Independent Examiner’s Report are all set out in the Wells City Council website – www.wells.gov. uk/neighbourhood-plan – with paper copies available to view at the Town Hall and Library.

Voting in the referendum will take place at your usual polling place: The Elim Connect Centre The Tramways Club or St Thomas’ Church Hall From 7am until 10pm on the day.

Postal votes will be issued to registered postal voters.

The question on the ballot paper will be: “Do you want Somerset Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Wells to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.”

Photo courtesy of Jason Bryant

Anyone voting in person on the Neighbourhood Plan will need to show an accepted form of photo ID at the polling station such as a bus pass, Blue Badge, passport or driver’s licence with photo in order to vote.

More information on the types of photo ID which are acceptable, and how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, can be found on this Somerset Council weblink at – somerset.gov.uk/ electoral services. Poll cards will also be sent nearer the date of the poll.

There are also some key dates to remember before then: l If you are not already on the Electoral Register, the deadline to register to vote in the referendum is midnight on Tuesday 9th January 2024. If you are not registered to vote, you will not be able to take part in the referendum.

You can check if you are registered

to vote by calling 0300 123 2224 and asking for “elections”. If you are not on the electoral register for Wells, you will need to go online to the Government website – electoralcommission.org.uk/voter – and complete an application form. l The deadline to apply for a postal vote or to amend/cancel an existing postal or proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday 10th January 2024 l The deadline to apply for a new proxy vote or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (which is the free form of photo ID for use at polling stations if you do not currently have an accepted form of photo ID) is 5pm on Wednesday 10th January 2024 For more details on proxy, postal votes or voting in person, visit Somerset’s webpage on electoral services.

Residents of Wells are encouraged to go online and view the Neighbourhood Plan before responding to the referendum.

It can be found on the Wells City Council website – www.wells.gov.uk/ neighbourhood-plan.

Wells City Council are not allowed to campaign for a “yes” vote at the referendum but hope that you will take an interest in the Wells Neighbourhood Plan and take the opportunity to vote.

Adrian I’Anson – Chair of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Cllr Denise Denis – Chair of the Planning & Environment Committee of Wells City Council Email: reception@wells.gov.uk Phone: 01749 673091 By post: Wells Town Hall, BA5 1RB.

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Enthusiasts prepare buses for free New Year’s Day service BY popular demand, a free heritage bus service will be running again from Wells Bus Station on New Year’s Day. The normal First Bus 376 service will not be running on Monday, January 1. Instead, local enthusiasts and vehicle owners will run free bus services from Wells Bus Station to both Bristol and Street, and a couple of other routes including a circular tour of Wells.

These heritage buses are restored and preserved by enthusiasts for future generations to enjoy. Some date back to the 1940s and many have operated for both Bristol Omnibus Company and Badgerline.

The buses will operate hourly between Wells and Bristol, and half-hourly between Wells and Street. The day will also see the return of the popular City

One of the heritage buses Circular service through Dulcote, previously operated during the May Day event, which will operate subject to demand.

Subject to vehicles being available, services will also be operated to Cheddar on the 126 route towards Wells.

The bus station area will be busy, so passengers are being reminded to keep to the usual ‘safe walkways’, and only board the buses at departure times.

Arrangements have also been made for the bus station toilets to be open on the day.

Busy 2024 with exciting plans Wells City Band reflects on its Christmas activities, and looks forward to the new year

A number of buses will be laying over between duties, and there will be a Badgerline Swift Link double-deck bus on site, acting as a control bus. This bus will also have a display upstairs explaining the history of Badgerline in its 35th year, and a sales outlet selling photos, models, books and other memorabilia on the lower deck.

The First depot will be closed, so people are welcome to view the fleet from the main road, but should not enter the property.

No fares are charged on the buses, but donations are welcome, to support further restoration. Due to their age, some buses are not fully accessible and may have steps.

People who require accessible access should request it at the Badgerline double-deck bus. It is pointed out that the accessible bus cannot enter Bristol.

Timetable for the free bus service on the 376 route on New Year’s Day

THANK you for all your support over the festive season, it was lovely to see the smiles on people’s faces as we played Christmas carols in Wells, at Glastonbury Frost Fayre, and at care homes. We do hope we brought some of the magic of the Christmas Season to you all.

We are now looking forward to a busy 2024, starting with the Wells Community Day on January 20 where we will be playing and will also have a stall where you can find out more about the Band. On February 10, we will be holding a quiz evening at The Venue to raise funds for the Band, for more information contact Jane Hill on 01749 675668.

We have exciting plans for our Spring Concert on Sunday, May 12, in Cedars Hall, Wells, where we will be raising money for The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Lots more events for 2024 are yet to be confirmed, do check our website and Facebook for updates.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Musical new year from Wells City Band.

Yes to kebab house THE former Subway in High Street, Wells, is set to become a traditional kebab house after a planning application for change of use of the vacant shop by Ramazan Ibrahim was granted

by Somerset Council.

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January 2024

n NEWS

Man jailed after theft of cash from 85-year-old A MAN has been jailed for his part in the theft of cash from an 85-year-old grandfather.

Peter Maughan, 47, of Greenfields Way, Weston-superMare, was handed a 12-month prison term at Bristol Crown Court after previously admitting conspiracy to steal.

The theft happened after the victim went to a bank in Wells on September 11 to withdraw cash.

He was followed as he drove away and when he stopped, someone opened his car door and snatched a bag containing his cash.

Maughan was identified as the driver of the vehicle which followed the victim, and handed himself in to police later that month. Some of the stolen money was recovered, and Maughan was ordered to pay compensation to make up the total within

six months. Two other people arrested in connection with the incident were released with no further action.

Investigating officer PC Jim Card said: “The vehicle Maughan used was displaying false registration plates and he waited outside the bank for a vulnerable target, following him for several miles before seizing the opportunity for his unknown accomplice to complete the theft.

“This shows a level of planning and callous deliberation in selecting an elderly and clearly frail person as his victim.”

The pensioner was not seriously hurt, although shocked.

Police say that it is unusual for senior citizens to be victimised in this way, and if people are concerned, they can find safety advice on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Hundreds of people visited the Crib Festival at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, held from December 8-10. Pictured with some of the life-size Nativity figures that were on display are Jill Deane, the Rev Sam Denyer and Sue Harding, who first started the festival in 2014. MORE ON PAGE 31

January activities at Wells Library THE January line-up of activities at Wells Library includes: n Switch Club: For children aged 7 and up – book a place at the popular Nintendo Switch Club on Saturday, January 6, and Saturday, January 20, at 10.30am. Free of charge – booking essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n Ancestry Group: Interested in ancestry? The library is running a group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm.

Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk.

The next session is on Tuesday, January 2. n Tai Chi: Free taster sessions take place on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 10.30am, when people can treat their body to a gentle and relaxing workout. January 8 and January 22 – no need to book, just drop in. n Lego Club: For ages 5 and up.

Free entry. Saturday, January 13, at 10.30am. To book a place, email: wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

Rock House at 81 High Street, Wells, was opened to the public on December 9 to showcase the building’s transformation from a former dental practice to a luxury home that can be booked for stays. Owners Richard and Sue Leworthy are pictured in one of the rooms with Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin, left, and Helen Evans, right, who owned the property from 1973-77.

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Two hundred Christmas cards have been made for Wells care home residents by Prep School Geography and Senior School Languages teams at the Cathedral School. They created a competition where pupils had to choose a country and design a card based on that country’s traditions.

Philip Welch, a trustee at the Wells Dementia Action Alliance, will distribute the cards. He is pictured with school headmaster Alistair Tighe and pupils.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

13

n NEWS

New homes approved for second time

By Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter ONE hundred new homes will be built on the edge of Wells after plans were approved by councillors for a second time.

Gladman Developments applied in June 2019 to construct the new homes south of the B3139 Elm Close on the western edge of the city, close to the existing cemetery.

Mendip District Council’s planning board originally voted to grant permission after a “long and detailed debate” in January 2020.

However, the legal agreements between the council and the developer were not signed before the phosphates crisis began – meaning planning officers had to demand additional mitigation to prevent any damage to the Somerset Levels and Moors.

Somerset Council’s planning committee east voted on December 5 to grant permission for a second time now that this mitigation has been agreed.

Following the Dutch N court ruling, and the resulting legal advice issued by Natural England in August 2020, any development within the Somerset Levels and Moors catchment area (which includes Wells) must include additional mitigation to prevent any net increase in phosphates.

Around 18,000 homes across Somerset have been held up as a result of lengthy negotiations between developers and planning officers to secure this mitigation

Masterplan of the new homes site off Elm Close, near Wells Image: Gladman Developments

– including a substantial number of major sites in the former Mendip district.

The mitigation can take numerous forms, such as upgrading waste water treatment plans, fallowing agricultural land or creating new wetlands.

Gladman’s mitigation within the site takes two forms – a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) to remove phosphates within the site before they enter local rivers, and purchasing phosphate credits to fund off-site mitigation elsewhere in the catchment area.

These credits were generated by the fallowing of land at Manor Farm in Prestleigh, which will unlock a total of 1,400 new homes within the River Brue’s catchment area – including 280 homes on the B3151 Somerton Road in Street, which were approved in January.

In addition to this mitigation, Gladman will provide financial

contributions towards local facilities – including more than £700,000 towards new school places and more than £24,000 towards extending or improving the Strawberry Line active travel route.

A new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing will also be delivered to provide safe passage over Elm Close and the A371 Portway, near the Rose Banks and Foxglove Heights estates.

While new bus shelters will be provided on either side of Elm Close, a £16,000 contribution to support the 67 bus route is no longer deemed to be necessary

by St Cuthbert Out Parish Council, in whose parish the Gladman site lies.

Parish councillor Jim Reeves argued that the land allocated for extending the cemetery should be retained for a future community centre if the extension was deemed to be unnecessary.

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He said: “There has been no discussion or feedback about extending the cemetery. We don’t want a situation where, as on Wookey Hole Road, the school was not built after a 14-year period and the land was handed back to Bovis Homes.

“If there is no requirement for the cemetery extension within the Local Plan period, the land should revert to community use.”

The site is allocated within the Mendip Local Plan Part II, which identified 37 additional sites for delivering homes and employment in the Mendip area by 2029 – including five in Wells.

Councillor Barry Clarke (who represents the Mendip Central and East division) warned: “These outline planning permissions are hedged with so many conditions, and I don’t know how you can make people stick to them.”

After around 20 minutes’ debate, the committee voted to approve the amended plans.

A reserved matters application for the Gladman site, which will specify the design and layout of the houses, is expected to come forward by the summer of 2024.

A decision on plans for 47 homes on the adjoining site, between Gypsy Lane and Burcott Lane, is expected to be made around the same time.

Plans for a further 50 homes to the north of Elm Close, put forward by Gleeson Strategic Land Ltd, were refused by planning officers in September.

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January 2024

n NEWS

Catwalk preview show of new-look dresses THE wedding dresses that have been transformed into beautiful ballgowns and evening dresses for Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin’s special charity project will be paraded on the catwalk in January.

Tanys’ Transformations – The Mayor’s New Clothes is raising funds for Heads Up and Whizz Kidz, and it has inspired groups and individuals from across the area to come together to give more than 60 dresses a new lease of life.

To celebrate the progress so far, some of the dresses will be modelled at a catwalk preview show in Wells Town Hall on the evening of Saturday, January 13.

Tanys said that the project “has seen imagination, passion, skill, creativity and wellbeing support all come together over a number of weeks and months as people collaborate on some

also making a positive impact on those in need.”

These dresses will be exhibited over the coming months in Wells Town Hall, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells Museum, Charlton House, Wookey Hole Caves and Wells Cathedral.

There are two catwalk shows planned: the one at the Town Hall on January 13, and another in Wells Cathedral next summer, on July 11.

Those attending in January will be able to enjoy a glass of fizz and canapes, and watch as models showcase the dresses.

“The audience will be taken on a visual journey of colour and vibrance, with each dress telling a unique story,” said Tanys.

Tickets are available from Wells Town Hall or online at Eventbrite. Scan the QR code on the left for more.

Mayor Tanys Pullin surrounded by some of the dresses spectacular creations. All with the purpose of supporting and raising funds for local charities in our community. Through their creative efforts, we have breathed

new life into these beautiful wedding dresses, giving them a chance to shine once again while

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Children listen to music by folk group Flook

Inspiration for young whistle players THE children in Hay Class at Coxley School were inspired and entertained by a recent visit by internationally renowned folk group, Flook, who dropped in between gigs in Bristol and Devon.

As the children in key stage two learn to play the Irish whistle as their class instrument, the band agreed to play some tunes for them, demonstrating their skill and expertise. Many children had questions for the band, but hearing and seeing them play was the real highlight, especially with Brian Finnegan playing a series of extremely fast

tunes on whistles in different keys.

Teacher Dan Vidler said: “As young whistle players, seeing a band like this play live, let alone in their own classroom, will undoubtedly be an inspiration to all of the children, as well as a lifelong memory.

“A final part of the visit was the children playing one of the traditional tunes they know, The Banks of the Quay, alongside the band. Being able to say they have played with a band of this calibre is a rare and unique opportunity for all of these young whistle players.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

15

n NEWS

Winners of Civic Awards announced THE winners of Civic Awards for their service to the community have been announced.

Wells City Council had invited nominations from the public for the individuals, groups and businesses that deserved recognition for making a difference in the local area.

The council has now revealed that the award-winners are: Citizen of the Year: Philip Welch, for his extensive work with ten local charities, organising events and his general contribution to the city’s wellbeing. One nomination said “He is everywhere,” another “Always ready to help make a difference.”

Volunteer of the Year: Emma Lefevre, for her tireless work with Project Factory and Wells Community Network to organise community events, stir people into action and bring local

Assistant Town Clerk Claire Woodland with one of the awards trophies organisations together for the benefit of the citizens of Wells.

Community Organisation of the Year: Wells Community Network, for its diverse work in the community including support for the Covid vaccination

programme, with Ukrainian refugees, and now with the trishaw project.

Business of the Year: Wells Voice, for playing a crucial role in keeping local people informed, supporting local events and building a stronger community.

Ever reliable and packed with news. Essential reading for residents.

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Thomas Palacio, for running three marathons in three days to raise money for Brain Tumour Research’s work to find a cure. One of his best friends had died from this condition.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Reuben Ashton, who has played hockey for Somerset, football for Wells City Under-16s, cricket for his school team and local clubs, swum for his school in the Olympic pool in London

and has a golf handicap of 16.9.

Young Person of the Year: Archie Sanguinetti, a normally shy six-year-old boy, for his kindness in selling some of his toys from a stall in front of his home to raise money for The Lawrence Centre charity.

Environmental Champion: Maddy Milnes, who has supported neighbours to plant wildflower verges for five years and leads a pilot project with community volunteers to naturalise the verges along Tor Hill Lane.

Extra Mile Award: Kevin Westwood, for his wonderful and inspirational support to so many people in Wells for more than 34 years. Nothing is too much trouble for Kevin.

The winners will each receive a trophy at a gala awards evening being held at the Town Hall on Friday, January 12.

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wellsvoice

January 2024

n NEWS

Lots of families took part in the Santa fun run and walk organised by Wells Rotary on December 10. They searched for reindeer hiding along the route and received medals on their return to Wells Market Place, where there were stalls and music, and mistletoe for sale. Sue Leworthy is pictured selling mistletoe on the left. The event was in aid of Winston’s Wish, the childhood bereavement charity, and Paul James is pictured on the right on the Winston’s Wish stall.

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wellsvoice

January 2024

17

n NEWS

Vision for fun new youth club in Wells

By Philip Welch QUESTION: What do Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Frome have but Wells does not?

Answer: A youth club.

The YMCA charity provides them in all the four places above and is now offering to provide one for Wells.

Before Covid there was a youth club at the Connect Centre but the pandemic closed it and no replacement has opened.

Wells City Council was given a presentation by Mark Wilcox, a regional YMCA director, to explain their offer and how much it would cost. The key points are: n The charity would run a threehour youth club in Wells with a part-time youth leader and two part-time youth workers one evening a week for 39 weeks in school term time. n The cost for the city council would be £13,684 a year. n The YMCA would work with young people in Wells to co-design the club’s activity programme and choose its name. n The venue had not been decided.

“Our vision is for all our young people to have ambition for themselves,” said Mr Willcox,

“to be confident individuals, effective contributors, successful learners and responsible citizens; and to be nurtured, safe, active, healthy, achieving, included, respected and responsible.

“We want to set up a youth club in Wells as a space where young people can safely meet, have fun, learn life skills and how to influence change and make a difference in their communities.

“A space where young people are heard and their opinions are valued, therefore giving them a sense of belonging and ownership. A place where dynamic, challenging and fun programmes are facilitated.

“Spaces providing accessibility to a range of services and provision for young people in an informal, welcoming environment specifically designed for them; bringing together a range of information, advice, guidance, learning and social opportunities.”

Mr Willcox answered a wide range of questions from councillors after his presentation.

No decision on the YMCA’s proposal had been made by the city council as the Voice went to press.

Sue Revell and her partner Vernon try the interactive sensory projector at Wells Library Picture: Denise Denis

Interactive sessions well received WELLS Dementia Action Alliance was successful in helping Somerset Library service introduce an interactive sensory projector to Wells Library and Heads Up for four days. It was received well in both locations where people were sharing fun in various games and activities.

The Buddii provides a relaxing motor-sensory

experience, stimulation and memory recall as well as an opportunity to interact and chat for people living with dementia, autism or learning difficulties.

Somerset Libraries Service will be taking the Buddii on tour around the county and the Dementia Action Alliance hopes that Wells will be able to access it again next year.

Pledge to create homes for wildlife LODESTONE Property, which has offices in Wells and Bruton, has announced the launch of Lodestone Green to solidify its community and environmental pledges and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Sue Macey, Managing Partner for Lodestone Property, said: “Lodestone Green sets out to take a leadership position in our sector by integrating and delivering social, community and environmental benefits across our business activities, through a collection of thoughtfully curated pledges.”

Amongst other initiatives, Lodestone pledges to plant a tree for every house sold in partnership with Wanderlands, a South West-based environmental consultancy, to extend their home ethos by creating homes

An oak tree can become home to many species of wildlife for nature. Sue added: “We are dedicated to finding the perfect property for our clients and now this pledge will create new habitats for our local wildlife too. One established oak tree can be home to a staggering 2,300 species of wildlife. This makes our tree planting initiative especially meaningful.”

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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January 2024

n NEWS

make hot Tribute to a well-known figure Firms meals possible The family have provided this tribute to Jennifer Mary St John Brind who has died at the age of 92 (January 2, 1931 – October 31, 2023) JENNI-SUE lived in St Thomas Street and was a well-known figure around Wells for more than 20 years. After she suffered a stroke in 2013, she went to live with her daughter, Bryony, but had always hoped to return to Wells. Unfortunately, this was never to be the case. She loved Wells, having chosen the city as her home after a life of moving from place to place with her Royal Marine family. Never to be seen without her beloved Yorkshire terriers, she adored her ancient cottage.

She was an artist, exhibiting numerous times in the Wells Museum and elsewhere.

However, she was probably better known as a teacher of watercolours, calligraphy and

Jennifer Mary St John Brind with the Yorkshire terriers that were her constant companions yoga. She was loved by her students and was held in high regard for her teaching abilities.

She was a founder of the Wells Scribes and organised numerous

exhibitions of her students’ calligraphy works, several of which were presented to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, and are still on show in The Chapter House. Her yoga classes were particularly popular, being specially created to suit the slightly less physical.

She was a keen gardener and was so proud when she won a Silver Award in 2011 for her allotment at The Bishop’s Palace. She enjoyed golf and was often to be found lunching at the Wells Golf Club. She was also a member of the University of the Third Age and bridge club, always enjoying learning new things.

In 2015, when her daughter died, she went to live with her son’s family and spent her final years living within 50 yards of the sea, which she loved.

She passed away peacefully in Weymouth on Samhain.

SUPPORT from local firms saw Coxley School Christmas Party take place for another year.

The Friends of Coxley School committee expressed their thanks to Chalmers HB and Protec Wells for donating £100 each to provide a hot Christmas meal to all the children at Coxley School.

The committee said: “At a time when food costs are rising this generosity shows a continued support from local companies towards the next generation.”

Concert success THE Cantabile ladies choir Christmas concert, with Musical Director Tracey Hansford, was a big success. Carols with Cantabile was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience when it took place in St Thomas’ Church on December 4, and raised £100 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

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wellsvoice

January 2024

19

n NEWS

School ‘so proud’ of competition winner WELLS Cathedral School Year 8 pupil Belinda Gifford-Guy has won the 2023 BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition (Junior category).

The final of the prestigious competition – run by Songs of Praise and BBC Radio 2 – was held in Manchester and broadcast on BBC TV on Sunday, December 3. While praising all three finalists for their wonderful singing, judges Ken Burton, Wynne Evans and Laura Wright lauded Belinda for her particular ability to tell a story through her performance.

A former chorister at Wells Cathedral, Belinda is now a specialist singer on Wells Cathedral School’s celebrated vocal programme, which helps many former choristers build on their early musical experiences and prepares them for the next stage of their musical lives as soloists or professional choral singers of the future.

Belinda Gifford-Guy with her BBC Young Chorister of the Year trophy Picture: Tricia Yourkevich

She studies with Elizabeth Donovan, and sings in both Choralia – the school’s prize-

winning girls only choir – and the Chapel Choir, which regularly performs in Wells Cathedral and other concert venues.

Belinda was accompanied to the final by Christopher Finch, Head of Vocal Studies, who said: “We are so proud of Belinda.

I had the enormous privilege of being at the competition in Manchester and I was absolutely delighted by the professionalism, musicianship and the pure joy that she showed through both days of filming.

“The final was an amazing celebration of choristership and singing, with each of the finalists producing deeply moving and beautifully prepared performances.

“Belinda has done incredibly well to rise to the top of such a competitive field. We will all look forward to the many opportunities that she will have to perform and broadcast for the BBC over the next year as

BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2023.”

Alastair Tighe, Head Master of Wells Cathedral School, added: “We are all absolutely delighted that Belinda’s vocal talent has been recognised in such a prestigious national competition. She has already regularly lifted the spirits of both school and Cathedral members through her singing both as a soloist and in various ensembles here, but it is wonderful that she is able to share her talent with an even wider audience through her participation in this competition.

We are extremely proud of her achievement and look forward as a school to helping her develop even further in the future.”

To watch Belinda’s performance in the final, visit BBC iPlayer: https://www. bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/ m001t47h/songs-of-praiseyoung-chorister-of-the- yearfinal

Open Day Saturday 2nd March Book your place: https://wells.cathedral.school/openday admissions@wells.cathedral.school

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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January 2024

n NEWS

Head chef shares food expertise with school students

By Emma James HEAD chef at Root in Sadler Street, Rob Howell, has been revisiting his school days at The Blue following an invitation from Jo Cornwall, a Blue School Food Technology teacher. Rob ran classes for Year 10 and 11 GCSE students with a brief of introducing fibre into diet.

The students explain: “Firstly, Rob made a flavourful flatbread accompanied by a hummus dip, full of fibre and extremely popular with the students – it was demolished in seconds. Next, he introduced us to gnocchi and a lovely Spanish cold soup (Ajo Blanco) that two lucky students used to practise their food presentation skills.

“Finally, the most complex dish was next and we all anticipated its arrival – an indulgent dark chocolate mousse with dried prunes, prune puree and crispy honeycomb on top. It was so appetising that many of us just had to ask him if we could go back for seconds.

“We would like to thank Rob Howell for providing us with many helpful tips on how to successfully create some wonderful and nutritious dishes and for giving up so much of his time to support us with our GCSE coursework.”

Feedback was very positive with one student commenting: “It was a very informative experience and I learnt a lot from Rob’s detailed explanations.

Care in your own home

Rob Howell running classes for Blue School Year 10 and 11 students

lunch and dinner WednesdayIt helped that his food was Saturday. absolutely delicious.”

Being part of the everRob says that he was very Stay independent at home with your own live in carerhappy at The Blue School increasing ‘foodie’ scene of Wells also means being involved although admits that he didn’t No need for an expensive care Many people want to stay in home their own home as they get older in the cultural community. always find it easy: “It’s very nice care home yneed independent at home with own live in carer Rob explains: “We have to be able to go back and spur for an expensive careyour home theman onexpensive and to say I’vecare got myhomereally appreciated cooking for No need for r own live in carer eople want to stay in their own home as they get older endent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer own cook book now.”

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The as they literature festival this year by ve in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older eve in only the people very best at in an affordable cost Many want to own as book has found fans far and wide being part of their Discounted Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older been providing ere athas an affordable cost live in carers since 1986 and Rob has had messages from Dining Scheme. We had visits only the very best care at has an affordable cost Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 1986 Featherbed Care hasfellow beenchefs providing in carers from since 1986 in India,live Canada, quite a few speakers which Featherbed Care has been live carers Featherbed Care hasthe been providing liveat in an carers since 1986 We believe believe in only only very best care care affordable cost Newvery Zealand and care Australia. was great.”

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 We believe in only the best at an affordable cost We in the very best at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Root, which specialises The latest celebrity to visit We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost in vegetable-focussed was fellow chef John Torode sharing plates using seasonal who was filming in the area and ingredients, opened its doors enjoyed a meal at Root with his in December 2022. Since then, team.

Rob and his team have hit the Rob and wife Meg, who gave ground running and, within birth to their second child just oday Call for a brochure today three months, were awarded a month before opening, are 800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800a 111 4885 Call for brochure today a Michelin Bib Gourmand delighted to be both living and Call for a brochure today omecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call/ for for brochure today today which “recognises friendly working in Wells and are proud Call for aa brochure brochure today Call a 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 9860710 0800 111 4885 e.co.uk / Freephone: Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 9860710 /// Freephone: Freephone: 0800 0800 111 111 4885 4885 establishments that serve good to be running “a neighbourhood www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 eatherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email:featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk food at moderate prices”. Diners restaurant that’s lovely for locals Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Call for a brochure today Callcanfor a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk and where prices don’t break the now visit for dinner on www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 bank”.

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To advertise, www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk contact Andy on 01749 675157

www.featherbedhomecare.co.ukEmail: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

21

n NEWS

Lottery grant safeguards WCN’s work WELLS Community Network (WCN) has received a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to help ensure its work continues into the future.

WCN was launched as the Wells Coronavirus Network in March 2020 by a group of volunteers who wanted to ensure people in the city and nearby villages could find support through the pandemic, particularly the isolated and vulnerable. Many more people stepped forward to help, and a committed team of volunteers organised shopping and prescriptions for residents, and companionship calls, set up a telephone helpline, and teams of marshals helped run the Covid vaccination centres at West Mendip Hospital and St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells.

When the pandemic subsided WCN transformed into Wells Community Network and, while keeping all its existing services

WCN Core Group members meet to consider plans for the future after receiving a National Lottery grant going, took on new initiatives such as trishaw rides and a Welcome Hub for refugees based at the Portway Annexe.

In October, WCN was granted funding from Somerset Community Foundation for administrative support to run

the helpline for six months. This new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, will extend this support for up to a year.

It will also enable WCN

to develop plans to make the organisation stronger and more sustainable, pay the administrator of the helpline for a further six months, define a role for a co-ordinator that can potentially take the pressure off volunteers, and help WCN become a charity, making it easier to attract funding and allow people to Gift Aid their donations.

Philip Welch, chair of WCN, said: “We are thrilled that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to strengthen and expand our work in Wells and the surrounding area and put the organisation on a firmer footing for the future.

“If you would like to get involved with this community project at a time of exciting change please email wcnnewvolunteers@gmail.com.”

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Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

22

January 2024

n NEWS

More comedy stars join festival line-up WELLS Comedy Festival has revealed its second batch of shows for 2024 with even more of the country’s top comedy names coming to Wells.

The new announcement

Harry Hill and Sophie Duker are among the top names who will be appearing at the 2024 Wells Comedy Festival includes two work-in-progress shows from Harry Hill and a new stand-up show from Rich Hall, plus shows from Taskmaster champion Sophie Duker and Live

at the Apollo star Kiri PritchardMcLean.

Also joining the festival lineup are Nick Helm (Uncle, Live at the Apollo), Desiree Burch (Live at the Apollo, QI), Amy Gledhill (Hypothetical, The Jonathan Ross Show), Ian Smith (The News Quiz, The Now Show), Michael Odewale (Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week), Alison Spittle (The Guilty Feminist podcast) and Pat Cahill (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Now Show). They all join the already announced James Acaster, John Kearns and Jessica Fostekew.

Tickets are selling fast for the festival’s four gala performances, each featuring a surprise lineup of comics from across the festival.

All shows on sale at www. wellscomfest.com

JACK

Handsome boy with sweet personality This handsome boy is JACK, an 8-year-old male who is looking for his new forever home. Jack has an incredibly sweet and affectionate personality and he loves people, he’s hoping to find a loving home and to get his paws under the table and his stocking hung up just in time for Christmas!

Christmas Tree Collection Pair step down from lead roles

Lewis Padfield, left, Manager of the new Poundland in Wells, and Assistant Manager David Balm pictured in the store on the day it opened on Saturday, December 9. Lewis said: ‘We are so pleased to be open in Wells and look forward to serving the community.’

13 - 14 January 2024

TESSA Munt, a Somerset and I know that our residents are Council councillor for Wells, is in the hands of a compassionate stepping down from the council’s group of people who care deeply Executive at the end of the year. about serving those with whom In her letter of resignation they work.” as Executive Lead for Children, Another of Somerset Council’s Families and Education, Cllr Lead Members, Councillor Mike Munt wrote: “I have enjoyed my Rigby, has resigned from his role work over the last 18 months, as Executive Lead for Transport Registration closes on Tuesday 9 January at midnight learning so much and striving to & Digital. improve the lives of Somerset’s Council Leader Bill Revans children, young people and has said that he will use the families in what has proven to opportunity to review the be very challenging financial membership of Executive to circumstances. I am confident help reduce costs as the council that the successes achieved by responds to the financial the fantastic team will continue, emergency.

Let us collect and recycle your real Christmas t in aid of St Margaret’s and other local charitie

Book your collection: Charityjust-helping.org.uk/register-tree Christmas tree collection

WELLS Rotary is again helping with the collection of Christmas trees in January on behalf of St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

The hospice charity helps patients, families and carers across Somerset facing a life-limiting illness, and the Christmas tree recycling scheme He’s been through a lot in his life In partnership with: Proudly supported 8am on the Saturday, with anyby: raises vital funds for its work. and is looking for someone who decorations and the base or pot In exchange for a donation, understands this and can help removed.

Christmas*After trees will beatcollected, costs, least 90% of the monies raised will go to the Hospice him work through his anxieties.

To register a tree to be taken away and recycled. and up to 10% is donated to other for local charities.

He promises you he’s absolutely collected, go to just-helping.org.

Collection teams will be in the uk/register-tree area on Saturday, January RegisteredWells charity number: 279473 worth it! st-margarets-hospice.org.uk Registration closes on 13, and Sunday, January 14.

He is fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, is up to date with Monday, January 8, at 2pm.

Trees must be ready to collect by

flea and worm treatment and is in great health. He is looking for quiet and slow paced home with no children and where he could be the only pet. It must be away from any busy, main or fast roads.

If you think you could offer Jack the perfect home please visit our website and fill out an online application form for him. He can’t wait to meet you!

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection

Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Pet charity shop seeks volunteers THE Blue Cross charity shop in Wells is looking for more volunteers willing to help out for a few hours each week.

Money raised from sales in the shop goes towards helping sick, injured and homeless pets.

Heather Petrie, Manager of the Wells shop, said: “Come and

join our happy family at Blue Cross in Wells, where you will gain retail experience, meet new friends and learn all about the incredible work of the charity and how we help vulnerable pets both locally and across the UK.” For more, visit the shop at 20 High Street or call 0300 777 1667.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

23

n NEWS

Grand reopening event after merger AN independent opticians in Wells has reopened following a merger and relocation to new premises.

From two separate, independent practices at the start of the year, Millicans & Mansfield Opticians has ended the year as a newly merged and relocated practice.

Millicans Eye Centre and Mansfield Opticians originally merged in August. Initially, the newly united team shared the Millicans premises on High Street, while preparing for their move further up the same road to the Mansfield premises which have been expanded to create a comprehensive facility to accommodate and care for the eyes of the Wells community.

The team celebrated their hard work over the past few months with a grand reopening

Pictured at the reopening celebration are, from left, Kate Pritchard, Sam Millican, David Millican and Lee Redman event at their newly expanded home on November 24, where attendees were treated to champagne and canapes

throughout the day while Millicans & Mansfield Opticians showcased their complete Tom Ford collection.

The day also served as an opportunity for patients of both previous practices to get to know the new faces on the team at the opticians, as well as allowing the opticians’ team to become better acquainted with their new patients.

David Millican of Millicans & Mansfield Opticians said: “At both practices, we’ve remained committed to providing our patients with the highest standards of eye care and that has been our priority throughout the changes made over the past few months.

“We’re confident that we can move forwards in our new premises as one team with an expanded wealth of knowledge and expertise that will allow us to further enhance the level of service on offer to patients from a friendly, family-run opticians.”

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Consultation on The Britannia Inn Please tell us your views on the future of the pub A campaign has been launched for the community to come together to buy and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, which was a popular pub and important community facility in East Wells before it shut in 2021. Can you help with the project? What would you like the pub to offer if it does reopen?

Please let us know by filling out the questionnaire on the opposite page.

A community owned pub for East Wells For most communities a pub is a vital service; it is a meeting place, communication centre and an important linchpin of local life. The reopening of The Britannia Inn would, we feel, greatly enhance that community spirit.

Making a case for a community owned pub l To safeguard the only pub in a local community. l To save a valued asset from redevelopment. l To establish a high-quality service that meets local needs. l To stimulate community activity, and help to reduce social isolation.

A little about community owned pubs l Community pubs are owned and run democratically by members of their community with open and voluntary membership, giving members part ownership of the community business. l Community pubs are set up on a ‘one member one vote’ basis rather than ‘one share one vote’. l They actively encourage individuals from their community to become members by purchasing membership shares, the cost of which are set at an accessible level that the majority of the community will be able to afford. l The majority of community pubs are registered as either Co‑operative or Community Benefit Societies, which can reinvest profits in the business, donate their surplus back to the community, or distribute interest to their members. l Community pubs can have an asset lock safeguarding the building for the long term. l The high survival rate of community pubs shows that the community model has a strong chance of success.

The Britannia Inn project This questionnaire is the next step. We need to know your views on what might be provided and

what would receive your support. Please be as honest and realistic as possible in your answers! Your response will be treated in confidence. It is entirely anonymous, unless you wish to add your name at the end.

The completed questionnaire can be left at: l The Wells Town Hall reception desk. l In the collection box at Wells Library, Union Street. l Pushed through the office letterbox at St Thomas’ Church.

Alternatively, it can be posted to: Britannia Inn Consultation, Town Hall, Wells, BA5 2RB. It can also be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheBritWells Please complete and return questionnaires by Friday, January 19, 2024.

The results of this survey will be published and presented to a public meeting when the proposal can be discussed further.

We would also like to hear from you if you feel you could help in any way with the management and running of the pub if it is bought by the community. This kind of venture has been successfully achieved in other communities all over the country. There are more than 100 community owned pubs in the UK and many of these have been set up with the support of the charity Plunkett Foundation (www.plunkett.co.uk). Will our community be the next one?

If you wish to speak directly to someone about this project please contact one of the following people: Theo Butt Philip 07811 871274 Ian Ames-White 07771 812186 Andy Vallis 07906 499655 Mark O’Callaghan 01749 678725

Please fill out the questionnaire on the facing page u

The Britannia Inn questionnaire 1. On a scale of 1 – 5 (where 1 is not important and 5 is very important), how important do you think it is to have a local pub in East Wells? Please circle your answer.

o Sunday lunch o Other, please state:

5. Please state how many people in each age range there are in your household: NOT <<< 1 2 3 4 5 >>> VERY o 0-16 yrs, number of people: o 17-25 yrs, number of people: 2. If our local pub was saved/opened/run o 26-45 yrs, number of people: by the community in East Wells would o 46-65 yrs, number of people: you or any member of your household o over 65 yrs, number of people: use it? o Daily 6. Would you or anyone in your o 2-3 times a week household be interested in helping a o Once a week co-operative pub project in any way by: o Once a fortnight o Joining the steering group o Occasionally o Helping with fundraising o Not at all o Providing professional advice/ services 3. What additional services would you o Be involved in running the pub/ most like to see the pub offer? volunteering o Family friendly area o Making a donation o Function room o Buying a share o Games room o Making a loan o Catering (dinners and lunches) o Live music 7. If you have answered yes to any of the o Big-screen sports above questions, or you would like us o Groceries to contact you, then please write your o Other, please state: name and contact details here: 4. What kind of catering would you like to see from the pub? o Serving food isn’t important to me o Weekday lunch o Weekday dinner o Saturday lunch o Saturday dinner

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.

Please return it as suggested opposite.

wellsvoice

26

January 2024

n NEWS

This year’s entries by Wells carnival clubs, clockwise from top left, Gorgons, Mendip Vale, Cobra, and Globe, make their way round the city’s streets

Carnival dazzles but it’s the end of an era WELLS City Carnival’s Honorary President, Maurice Day, has stepped back from direct involvement with the carnival after 53 years as he concentrates on his health.

He is undergoing treatment for leukaemia, and while he will remain as president as long as he is active enough, he will not be going to carnival meetings.

“I will still be giving my support but I’ve got to look after number one,” he said.

“I shall miss the full-time association with it. I have made some great friends in carnival and will miss the camaraderie a great deal.

“My two sons together with their wives and grandchildren are all involved so I won’t be far away. Please keep supporting the great occasion with your donations and applause.”

On the night of this year’s

Wells City Carnival’s Honorary President Maurice Day tries the Wells Community Network trishaw before Wells Carnival on November 17 Wells Carnival on November 17, Maurice was going to be taken around the route in the Wells

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Community Network trishaw, but decided he should stay indoors instead.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to see a spectacular carnival parade through Wells, with barely any hold-ups.

Wells City Carnival said that collection takings were down though.

With some money still to be added, the amount collected as at November 26 was £11,383.84 compared to £14,773 the previous year, and a ten-year average of £11,500.

The carnival organisers added that the total included approximately £130 of foreign coins; many pre-decimal coins including a farthing and an old halfpenny, penny, shillings and florins; decimal halfpenny coins no longer in circulation; and old decimal 5p, 10p and 50p coins which cannot be banked.

The cost of bringing the carnival to Wells is said to be approximately £18,460.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

27

n NEWS

band to Special music night at Town Popular play hit after hit Hall in aid of cancer research

By Philip Welch MUSICIANS are giving their time to stage a special concert for cancer research.

Kevin Westwood, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, is organising the concert on Saturday, January 20, with the help of friends.

Ill health has forced Kevin to stand down as manager of Wells Town Hall where he worked for 34 years.

The Kevin Westwood Concert will raise money for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Nurses. “Their nurses were amazing,” said Kevin. “As was the Royal United Hospital in Bath.”

Naturally the concert will take place in the Town Hall ballroom where Kevin helped organise countless events.

Tim Pitman, and Junk Male’s logo Tim Pitman, whose repertoire embraces pop, rock, Elvis Presley and popular opera, will be the headliner. Supporting Tim will be covers band Junk Male who have been playing popular rock classics at parties and functions all over the South West for more than 10 years.

The doors open for the Kevin Westwood Concert at 7.30pm with an 8pm start.

Tickets cost £20 and are available at the Town Hall Reception, as well as by phoning Merv Colenutt on 07710 743642.

A laptop with bag will be one of three valuable items auctioned on the night.

Kevin’s son Alex has also raised more than £600 for Macmillan through a 24-hour non-stop computer gaming challenge.

“My dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in June 2023,” said Alex. “He was given four months to live and as of December 2023 he’s still going strong, in part due to the amazing staff at Macmillan.”

CITY of Wells Lions are inviting people to rock the night away with popular live band Loose Ends in March.

A concert is being organised in St Thomas’ Church on Friday, March 15, at 7.30pm.

Hits will include those from The Rolling Stones, T-Rex, David Bowie, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Wilson Pickett, Status Quo, Van Morrison, The Beatles, Smokey Robinson and Free – to name just a few.

Tickets at £8 will be available from mid-January at Wells Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall (cash), or email wellslionsevents@gmail.com to purchase by BACS and for any further information. Proceeds will go to The Lawrence Centre, Wells, and Lions charities.

City of Wells Lions and Loose Ends have expressed their gratitude to Peter Douglas of Wells Ltd for their sponsorship of this event.

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Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

28

January 2024

n NEWS

Installation of new phone mast put off for time being THE installation of a Vodafone mobile phone mast on a Wells Cathedral School playing field off Tor Hill Lane has been delayed.

Work was due to take place in November but is now likely to be undertaken some time in 2024.

The school was unhappy with the way the original planning process was conducted, especially the lack of consultation with parents and local families, and wrote a letter to Mendip District Council setting out its concerns.

The application was refused by the council, a decision that was overturned on appeal, and an agreement to permit access to the site for the purpose of installing the mast was imposed upon the school by the Land Tribunal.

The installation was planned for November 2023, but when the construction company, Galliford Try, made a site visit, the school say they decided that there were too many factors that would prevent them from carrying out the work without adverse impact to the access and the sports fields, which were sodden from rain.

A school spokesperson told Wells Voice: “They said that further investigations need to be made in order for them to proceed risk free or at least with the risks mitigated, and that it

will probably be replanned in 2024 when the weather is less inclement and the ground is less waterlogged. The school will let the local community know if and when this comes back on the agenda in 2024.”

The spokesperson added that to allay health concerns, Cornerstone, the company commissioning the construction of the mast on behalf of Vodafone, have promised to arrange for an independent third party to conduct a radiofrequency survey of the site, both before and after the mast’s installation.

“We are assured that they will uphold this promise, and the school will ensure the results of any surveys are shared with the local community when available,” said the spokesperson, who continued: “The school will receive a compensation payment which we will be donating to local environmental charities, as we do not wish to gain any financial benefit from this matter. The school is an active member of the Wells Environment Network, and we have already invited participating organisations to suggest how this money could be best spent.”

Vodafone had not responded to a request for a comment at the time of going to press.

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Ross Young at Probusiness in Wells with Dominic Bowe, who was standing in for his father Martin at the photocall

Four more good causes to make pitch for funds SOUP! has helped more than 80 local good causes – and this grant-giving lunch run by Wells Independents will start the new year by benefitting another four.

The date will be Saturday, January 6, and the venue the Connect Centre at the junction of Portway and Chamberlain Street.

At SOUP! volunteers from each good cause explains what they do, then the audience votes on which one would benefit most from the money on offer, but all four go away with funds and a raised profile.

“Come along at 12.45pm on Saturday, January 6, to the Connect Centre for a memorable light lunch,” said Wells SOUP! organiser Ross Young, “and hear the four speakers tell us in four

minutes how their organisation supports local people, then take questions from the floor.”

The good causes will be: n Wells Air Cadets. n WCN Wells Trishaw. n Edgar Phillips’ Art Experience Days. n Wells in Mosaic.

“We are enormously grateful to Martin Bowe of Wells Business Centre, which is based at Probusiness, for matchfunding January’s SOUP! to the tune of £350,” said Ross.

Before the four good causes give their four-minute presentations, previous winners the Strawberry Line will explain to the audience how they are using the money they received at October’s SOUP!

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

29

n NEWS IN BRIEF Plans for restaurant in former post office THE former post office in Market Place, Wells, could become a restaurant. A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council for change of use of the vacant building to restaurant use and alterations including the removal of internal walls, and installation of a mezzanine floor and upper floor.

Some external alterations are also planned.

If approved, the restaurant would be a companion to the Ravello Italian restaurant in Bradford-on-Avon – the topranked restaurant in the town on Tripadvisor.

More bank pop-ups THERE will be more HSBC popups at Wells Library in the new year. These are scheduled for Thursday, January 11; Thursday, February 8; and Thursday, March 7. Bank staff will be on hand to help customers from 9.30am until 12pm.

will be monitored by members of WDWG with any signs of occupation reported to the Hawk & Owl Trust, so that any resulting owlets can be recorded by people licensed to do it.

2024 Repair Cafes Wayne Bradshaw, left, and David Coggan with the barn owl box

Owl box site found THE Wells & District Wildlife Group (WDWG) is continuing to build relationships with organisations in the area that want to make space for wildlife.

Through the Wells Environment Network, it was able to offer a barn owl box to anyone who wanted to install it.

Wells Cathedral School offered to fix the box at a suitable location on their grounds and it was duly handed over to Wayne Bradshaw, their Head of Grounds & Gardens, by WDWG member David Coggan. The box

IN 2024, Sustainable Wells will be holding Repair Cafes on the last Saturday of the month (except December). They will again be alternating between two venues: St Thomas’ Church Hall in odd-numbered months and Wells Library in even-numbered ones, all from 10am-12.30pm.

The cafe will be offering its usual drinks and homemade cakes at St Thomas’. The first Repair Cafe of 2024 will held there be on Saturday, January 27.

Food issue meetings ANYONE for whom eating is a problem is welcome at meetings of Overeaters Anonymous. The group is a 12 Step Fellowship – not a diet club – which meets in the Portway Annexe, Wells, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm-

8pm (although there will be no meeting on January 2).

More information from oagb. org or from local contacts: 07989 474570 or 07498 119862.

Conversion to flats SOMERSET Council has granted permission for the conversion of the ground floor of The Old Chapel Bakery, Union Street, Wells, from commercial to residential use. The proposed scheme will see each of the two units – previously a restaurant, and a paint and decorating shop – become a two-bedroom flat.

On awards shortlist GREEN Sense Events of Wells, which helps clients to deliver environmentally and socially sustainable events, has been shortlisted in the Environmental and Sustainability category in the Somerset Business Awards 2024, run by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

The awards finalists will be announced in February, with the grand final on March 22.

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Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

30

January 2024

n ON THE BEAT

Ways to keep homes and belongings safe I WANTED to start off by personally wishing each and every one you a very Happy New Year. I hope 2024 proves to be a kind and positive one for you all. The festive season has almost come to an end, and 2023 seems to have flown by, despite the rollercoaster it has been for many.

Now that Christmas is over, and many of you are lucky enough to have one or two shiny, new items in your possession, it feels like the right time to remind people of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to protecting your home and belongings from thieves. Of course, this is something that is important all year round, but it is so easy to become complacent and sometimes a little reminder along with some useful tips and tricks can be helpful for some.

In the recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in burglaries, and break-ins, to both

The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Kayleigh Hallett homes and outbuildings as well as theft of motor vehicles within Wells and the surrounding areas. Police are fully aware; the necessary and appropriate actions are being taken and are still ongoing. So due to this, these points are especially important at this present time but should also always be considered. l If you’re going away, be careful who you tell and what you put on social media. l Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even those in unattended rooms when at home. l If you have security alarms, make sure they’re set, and if you have CCTV, ensure it’s in full working order and the footage accessible.

l Be careful not to advertise new, valuable items when putting out the recycling or posting on social media. l Consider fitting security lights to the front and back of your property. l If keeping valuables in your shed or garage is unavoidable, always ensure it has been secured effectively. l Look at chaining tools, cycles and other valuable equipment together using a high security chain and quality padlock (close-shackled, hardened steel padlocks are advised). Then anchor the chain to the wall or floor, whichever is most secure. l Alarms can be extended to sheds and garages. Alternatively, consider a battery-operated audible alarm. l Additional padlocks to standard ‘up and over’ garage doors are advised. l Take photos and serial numbers of any valuable tools/

items and any identifying features they may have. l Always lock vehicles even if only leaving them briefly. l Do not leave anything of interest on display through the windows of your vehicle. Take these with you or lock them out of sight. Replacing a broken window often costs far more than the goods stolen.

There are a range of property marking options available that can be used to mark your valuables. Advice can be found online. Wells Neighbourhood Team offer some options free of charge and they are available to anyone who needs them.

Please report any suspicious behaviour that is not a crime in progress to police via our non-emergency line 101 or via our website – https://www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/ – and for an incident in progress requiring an immediate response, dial 999.

Winter water health check Don’t get caught out by the cold this winter – follow our top tips to stay warm and leak free.

1. Protect exposed pipes Wrap them up with lagging. If they freeze they could burst and leak.

2. Check your outdoor taps Look for drips (these can cause frozen pipes). Wrap them up too.

3. Find your stop tap You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.

4. Look after your boiler Check your boiler is serviced so it’s fighting fit to keep you warm all winter.

5. Going away?

Don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC), to help stop your pipes from freezing while you’re away.

Get more information at bristolwater.co.uk/winter

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

31

n NEWS

Crib scenes from Whiting & Son, left; CanDo4You, above; and Axe Valley Vets, right, at the St Cuthbert’s Church Crib Festival

Businesses display nativity scenes with a difference OVER the weekend of December 9 and 10, St Cuthbert’s Church was full of light, music and – above all – hundreds of crib sets for the church’s annual Crib Festival.

There was a new display this

year. Shops and businesses in the city were invited to display a crib set at the Festival: a set which not only told the story of the first Christmas but also represented their business or trade. Some responded with enthusiasm

and there were entries from Earthcraft, CanDo4You, Axe Valley Vets, Whiting & Son, Gallery Jewellers, Keepers and Toymaster.

A ‘people’s vote’ was taken during the Festival and

certificates presented to the most popular three crib sets. These were from CanDo4You, Axe Valley Vets and – most popular – Whiting & Son. All three were said to have shown extraordinary imagination and ingenuity.

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32

January 2024

n NEWS

Busy weekend marks twinning milestone Dawn Payne, Chair of Wells Twinning Association, reports on celebrations of a special bond A FULL programme to celebrate 40 years of twinning was celebrated over the weekend of Carnival between Wells and Bad Dürkheim. Wells hosted 42 guests altogether with 34 from Bad Dürkheim, Germany, two representatives from Paray Le Monial, France, two representatives from Fontanellato, Italy, and four representatives from Kluczbork, Poland. This was the first time that Wells had hosted all of our twin towns together for a celebration.

The weekend began with the Wells Carnival. Although it was a shame it rained all the guests were amazed at the magnificent sight and the rain did not break their spirit. The guests do not have anything like this in their countries. On Saturday morning everyone met for a tour of Wells Cathedral and then enjoyed a light lunch at the Town Hall where we met five members of Wells Rotary’s visiting twin town Salzgitter-Wolfenbuttel-Vorharz, Germany. Then the guests had free time to look around Wells and enjoy some souvenir shopping.

On Saturday evening, the Mayor of Wells Councillor, Tanys Pullin, and the city council

Wells Mayor Tanys Pullin presents a gift to Burgermeister of Bad Dürkheim Christoph Glogger watched by the Mayor of Kluczbork and Chairs of Twinning from Paray le Monial, Fontanellato, Bad Dürkheim and Wells entertained the Burgermeister of Bad Dürkheim Christoph Glogger and his wife Vera, Chair of Bad Dürkheim Twinning Association Alexander Grieb and his wife Tatjana, the Mayor of Kluczbork Jaraslaw Kieler and Deputy Mayor Roman Kaminski, council representative Grzegorz Blazewski and his wife Kristyna, Vice Chair of Paray le Monial Françoise Lecoeur and her husband Jean-Pierre, Chair of Fontanellato Giovanna Suma and her daughter Dalila

Garbi and the guests from Bad Dürkheim. Members of Wells Twinning Association committee also attended. The Mayor, Cllr Pullin, presented Burgermeister Christoph Glogger with a plaque showing the crests of Wells and Bad Dürkheim and the dates 1983 – 2023. In response Burgermeister Christoph Glogger presented the Mayor and the City of Wells with a collage showing the Twinning Charter surrounded by all the memorable sites of Bad Dürkheim.

On Sunday, Wells Twinning Association hosted a buffet lunch at the Town Hall for all the guests and their hosts and sponsors. The Chair of Wells Twinning Association presented Alexander Grieb, Chair of Bad Dürkheim Twining Association, with a unique picture that was painted by Wells Twinning member of long-standing David Read. The painting depicted Wells Cathedral, Vicars Close and the Dürkheimer Riesenfass (Giant Barrel) and St Michael’s Chapel with the Saline in the foreground with the dates 1983 – 2023.

On Monday everyone visited the Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury, with a farewell evening taking place at St Thomas’ Church Hall where everyone enjoyed fish and chips and local cider.

The twin towns were delighted to see that a dress had been transformed for twinning.

The dress was donated by a twinning member for the Tanys Transformations project for her mayoral year.

The Mayor of Wells gave our visitors a tour of the Town Hall and cells on Tuesday morning.

After lunch they departed for the return journey to Bad Dürkheim.

Wells Twinning Association would like to thank all those who helped make this special visit so successful.

Name change

Hundreds produce eco exhibits

Charity support

ALL the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales have been renamed National Landscapes, including Somerset’s Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Blackdown Hills National Landscapes.

The new name is to reflect their national importance; the contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.

MORE than 800 children from 14 schools and nurseries around the Wells area made exhibits from recycled materials as part of the Christmas at the Palace Eco Exhibition held at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

O Eco Tree made by Midsomer Norton Primary School won a prize for the exhibit most children took part in, with more than 250 children taking in plastic bottles to create this huge Christmas tree.

Father Christmas and Mother Christmas – who were special visitors to the Palace in December – also enjoyed meeting everyone and were very impressed with the Christmas Eco Art Exhibition.

The Bishop’s Palace has

CRS Building Supplies, located in Southover, Wells, is running a Christmas fundraising campaign in aid of Somerset-based charity Help the Child, dedicated to helping children with disabilities across the county reach their full potential by providing specialist equipment.

The builders merchant is inviting customers to make a donation when visiting the branch. Several key suppliers have already pledged donations.

Steuart Rigsby, branch manager at CRS in Wells, said: “We are proud to support Help the Child. In advance, thank you to everyone who donates when visiting our branch – your support is very much appreciated.”

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Father and Mother Christmas with the prize-winning O Eco Tree thanked all of the children and teachers who went the extra mile to make the exhibition so special.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

33

n NEWS

Appointment of new Palace Trust CEO THE Palace Trust, the charity which manages The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells, has announced the appointment of Merryn Kidd as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Merryn Kidd, an accomplished business strategist, project manager and chartered marketer, who has worked for the Trust in roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Director of Transformation, and Marketing and Communications Manager, will bring her unique blend of knowledge, skills and leadership to this key position.

The Trust says that with a passion for sharing the stories of this heritage attraction, along with a desire to see more community engagement, and a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the site, she will play a pivotal role in advancing the charity’s mission “to conserve and share the Palace and its story as a place of

Merryn Kidd has been Interim Chief Executive since March 2023 enjoyment and reflection for the benefit of all”.

“We are thrilled to appoint Merryn to lead The Palace Trust through an exciting period of transformation,” said Roger Hawes, Chair of The Palace Trust. “With her huge passion,

extensive experience and dedication to the organisation, we are confident in her ability to achieve real change and guide the future strategy of the Trust to ensure that this important site remains a vibrant and integral part of our community.”

Merryn said: “I am deeply honoured to be given this opportunity to lead such an incredible team in this wonderful place. For many people, visitors and locals alike, The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens holds a very special place in their hearts and memories, and I am committed to ensuring that the site is preserved, and shared, so that it will continue to inspire and touch the lives of many; now and for future generations.”

Merryn has occupied the role of Interim Chief Executive since March 2023, and in that time has overseen projects such as the opening of the Community Access for All entry gate, the launch of the Apple Store refreshments kiosk, new solar panels on the cafe, the creation of new office space in the Gatehouse, the launch of a takeaway Horsebox in the free area, and the opening of a new visitor reception and shop.

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wellsvoice

January 2024

n NEWS

35

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Courses of action open to owners if a restrictive covenant applies

By Louise Carver

Wells Cathedral Choristers are pictured at the Advent Procession with Carols service on Sunday, December 3. The service of readings, traditional congregational Advent carols and music for Advent included works by Jonathan Dove, John Rutter and Judith Bingham.

Police try new ways to tackle shoplifting

By Alex Seabrook

Local Democracy Reporter SHOPLIFTING crimes in Avon and Somerset have doubled over the past two years according to the latest police data. Almost 14,000 cases were reported in Bristol, Bath, Somerset and South Gloucestershire in October.

Avon and Somerset Police is now trialling new ways of making reporting crime easier for shop workers, amid rising rates across the country. The force recorded 13,880 shoplifting crimes in October, compared with 6,720 in October 2021.

Chief constable Sarah Crew was grilled about what her force is doing to tackle the growing issue during a performance and accountability board on November 14. In Bristol retail staff can now use a QR code to report crimes to the police.

Mark Shelford, the police and crime commissioner, said: “The public feel that shoplifting is not taken seriously by the police, as do some people in the retail trade. Even though some instances of shoplifting might be of low value, the cumulative effect is significant.

“It’s divisive because if the big shops don’t take it seriously,

the little shops are getting hammered. This can make both people in the retail trade and also the public feel unsafe, and lose confidence in the police.”

Most shoplifting tends to be committed by repeat and persistent thieves, according to the chief constable. The police are working with drug charities and homelessness services to tackle theft, as officers consider addiction to be a key reason driving people to steal from shops.

Ms Crew said: “We’re currently trialling an innovative QR code reporting system, that enables instant easier access for staff in retail premises to access our reporting systems much more efficiently. We’ve trialled that in Bristol and it’s been successful, and we’re rolling it out to Bath now and then across the area.

“We’re also running a trial in Bristol where we’re using anti-social behaviour powers to proactively target regular shop theft offenders. They’re very effective in setting things like exclusion zones or prohibiting people from doing certain things or going to certain shops and into certain areas. If the pilot’s successful we can look at rolling it out wider.”

Got News? Call 07906 499655

I WAS intrigued to read in a newspaper about a property owner who managed to get around restrictive wording on his property title. In this case the neighbour was seeking to prevent him carrying out a bed and breakfast business based on restrictive wording preventing him from causing a nuisance, annoyance, or disturbance to the neighbouring property.

A question I get asked is how a property owner can get around wording on their property title that is preventing them from freely doing what they want to. Usually, the wording is more clear cut, and might specify that no building work can be undertaken on the property, or without permission. Of course, there are all sorts of restrictions put on a property title, but this is the most common one I come across from clients who want to develop their property as they wish.

In property law we call such wording a “restrictive covenant”. In plain English this means that one property owner agreed with another property owner not to do something and further they agreed that this restriction would bind the property owners and any future owners.

Usually, the wording can be found in the original transfer of the property and if the property title is registered at the Land Registry, as most properties are nowadays, then it will be set out in the C section of the register. Anyone can obtain a copy of their registered title from the Land Registry.

The best and quickest way to remove a restrictive covenant from a property title is to have the current owner of the property, which has the benefit of the covenant, release the covenant.

This all sounds well and good but there are reasons for caution.

The benefit of the covenant holds a value. The chances are that the person with the benefit of such a

covenant may want payment for the release of the covenant.

If we think that the person with the benefit of the covenant is in the dark about it, then insurance might be the better option. Unless the covenant was a recent addition to the title, it is possible that they don’t know about it as the benefit of a restrictive covenant is not written on a registered title.

There might already be an insurance policy in place. Either way, approaching someone about the release of the restrictive covenant would automatically void any existing or potential insurance.

Sometimes the property which benefits from the covenant has been sold off since the covenant was made into more than one ownership. The covenant is only truly released if the owners of all the property that benefits from it give the release. If there remains a property which still benefits from the restrictive covenant, then there still runs the risk of someone enforcing the covenant.

It is common for restrictive covenants to be over 100 years old in which case the description of the property which benefits from it can be a bit vague. Also, the wording of covenants in those days was not always written in the same way as today and we are sometimes able to establish that the covenant is no longer enforceable. Sometimes it is just not so clear cut, and then we would look at all the options to enable our client to be able to proceed with the development that they wish.

There are other ways to proceed, involving either the Lands Tribunal or the courts. This is really only a viable option if the proposed development is profitable enough to justify the time and the expense.

At Chubb Bulleid Solicitors, we advise numerous clients on this topic, ranging from residential householders to property developers.

We have a dedicated team of specialists who can assist. n Louise Carver is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton.

Phone 01749 836100. Website chubbbulleid.co.uk

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

Personal legal services for you, your business and your family www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk

wellsvoice

36

January 2024

n NEWS

Films highlight lesserknown types of abuse

A NEW campaign aims to raise the profile of lesser-known types of domestic abuse and encourage those who may not realise they are being abused to come forward for support and advice.

Somerset Council has commissioned 12 short films to shine the spotlight on nonphysical types of domestic abuse.

The films direct anyone who is experiencing these forms of abuse to a new website, somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk, where they can get more information, support and advice or by contacting the service on 0800 69 49 999 (8am-8pm).

The films are available to view at https://bit.ly/12DACF and have been launched on TV and across a range of social, digital and video sharing platforms.

Councillor Adam Dance, the council’s Executive Lead

Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, said: “Domestic abuse is often thought of as physical violence, but abuse can take many forms, such as using a variety of methods to control someone – for example, controlling someone’s money, what they wear, who they see or what they do. It is my hope that these short films will help people recognise abusive behaviour in themselves, their relationships or the relationships of their friends and family. Everyone should have the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy and safe life free from abuse.”

In an emergency people should dial 999. If worried that an abuser may overhear the call, they should remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.

Advertising in Wells Voice gets results Don’t just take our word for it – the letter below was sent by delighted advertiser West Country Windows:

19th September 2023 Andy Vallis Editor and publisher Wells Voice Dear Andy We felt the need to contact you to say how pleased we are with the response to our ads in your magazine.

As you know we have been selling top quality windows, doors and conservatories for over 40 years.

We need an advertising medium to help get our message across.

Since we returned to your publication we have noted both calls from Wells mentioning seeing our ad and those leads turning into valuable sales.

The Wells Voice is one of our most cost effective advertising media we use.

Keep up the good work producing an excellent local product.

We will continue to support you.

Best regards

To discuss how Wells Voice can help your business get more customers, email sales@wellsvoice.co.uk or give us a call on 01749 675157.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Changes in the Mendip area are expected to be introduced in June 2024

Collection changes due in 2024 CHANGES to recycling and rubbish collection days in Somerset will be introduced in two phases in 2024.

New collection routes are being introduced by Somerset Council’s contractor, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, to make rounds more efficient and more manageable for crews whilst reducing mileage and carbon emissions.

In February 2024, recycling

and rubbish collection day schedules will change for the majority of homes in the former Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton areas, as well as a small part of South Somerset.

Changes to routes and collection days for the former Mendip and South Somerset areas are expected to be introduced in June 2024.

Residents will be notified before any changes take place.

TIC raffle raises £187 for charity WELLS Tourist Information Centre raised £187 with a raffle in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The winning tickets were drawn on Elf Day, when people across the UK dress up as elves to raise money and awareness for the charity.

Wells TIC Manager Dale Bray said: “We would like to thank Wells Cathedral, The Swan Hotel, Wookey Hole, Ask Italian and The Bishop’s Palace for their generosity with prizes. Also all those who donated prizes and bought tickets.”

Elves for the day: pictured from left are TIC Manager Dale Bray, Town Hall Caretaker Alfie Blackwill and TIC Assistant Cherie Flynn

Deadline for the February edition: January 17

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

37

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Funeral plans and funeral planning

Funeral plans and funeral planning: what is the difference?

Some people may think that these two terms are one and the same thing, but there is a big difference.

A funeral plan A funeral plan is a financial product or service that allows you to prepay for your funeral expenses, either by lump sum or monthly payments. But a funeral plan is unlikely to cover all the funeral costs. An article from

Rod Major and Nicky Sutton of Wells Funeral Services can provide guidance on funeral planning

Money Saving Expert gives some excellent guidance on whether a funeral plan is right for you, you can find it online at: https:// www.moneysavingexpert.com/ family/prepaid-funeral-plans/ Funeral planning Funeral planning refers to the process of making decisions regarding your own funeral, but not having to make any advance payments. Funeral planning is an essential and often overlooked aspect of life.

While discussing death and planning your own funeral might seem uncomfortable or morbid to some, taking proactive steps in funeral planning can alleviate stress on those left behind after you are gone.

Funeral planning means you are in control in making the decisions of what you want for your funeral.

You can choose your own funeral director, what type of coffin you want, whether you want a funeral service, if you want to be cremated or buried and the location of the cremation or burial.

If there is to be a funeral

Planning ahead allows you to make choices about your funeral, such as what type of coffin you want service or ceremony what do you want? A traditional religious service, maybe a celebration of life with a little bit of religion, something more spiritual or maybe no religion at all. You can specify if you want a minister or celebrant to lead the funeral.

You can advise on what music you want played, if you want any hymns included, whether there

are to be any readings or poems.

You can go into finer details too. Would you want to be dressed in your own clothes?

Would you want flowers, and if so, what kind? Do you want the people attending to wear a particular colour? Would you want printed orders of service and is there a particular charity that you would like donations to go to? And if you are being cremated, where would you like your ashes to go?

These are all questions that would be asked of your family or friends who are organising your funeral, often they are unsure, by planning in advance and recording your wishes can help them immensely at what is a highly emotional time.

By engaging in thoughtful pre-planning, you can ensure that your final wishes are respected and ease the emotional burden on your family or friends during a difficult time. If you would like some guidance with your funeral planning, Wells Funeral Services are more than happy to help, please call us on 01749 670100 or email rod@wfs. me.uk or nicky@wfs.me.uk

People Trust us with their Funeral Arrangements So Can You!

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

38

January 2024

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

It was challenging year for many reasons

IN my last column of 2023, it gives me a great chance to reflect on the past year.

It is fair to say it has been challenging for many reasons, with the economy at the forefront of many of those challenges.

The good news as we head into 2024 is that inflation is coming down. And as I write this, the Governor of the Bank of England has acknowledged the progress made over the past 12 months. But, with interest rates being held, there is clearly more work to do.

It has also been quite the year in the Ministry of Defence.

It remains the biggest privilege to serve in His Majesty’s Government as Minister of Armed Forces, alongside the best job in the world – being the Member of Parliament for Wells.

However, it is also important to mention the atrocities which

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey are ongoing across the world, and the importance of keeping those people in our thoughts.

Not only does the Israel/ Gaza conflict remain a dreadful atrocity, but the war in Ukraine also continues.

As ever, our support for the people of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza is of paramount

importance. This will continue for as long as is needed.

I had the privilege of meeting with a group of Ukrainians in Wells a few weeks back. It was a humbling and heart-warming experience. Unsurprisingly, the community of Wells have been extremely welcoming, and it was wonderful to see first-hand the work the Wells Welcome Hub have done to support refugees.

Not only are they supporting those who have come here from Ukraine, they are working closely with approximately 60 local families from Ukraine, Iraq, Syria and Turkey.

Organisations like this are incredibly valuable and provide support and community engagement for those who have come here and are adapting to life in the UK. They also operate a weekly drop-in service from the Portway

Annexe in Wells, a mobile dropin service in Shepton, language lessons, clubs, and social activities. It was great to hear all about this, but also to hear the individual stories of what life has been like the past couple of years.

My office has worked on many visa applications and other issues regarding those coming here from other countries. As ever, you can always get in touch if you or someone you know needs assistance.

The best way is to email james.heappey.mp@parliament. uk It really only remains for me to say that I hope everyone in the Wells constituency has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been another 12 months where the honour has been all mine representing you.

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wellsvoice

January 2024

n IN DAYS GONE BY

39

With Clare Blackmore

Cold weather led to concern for poor IN January 1861 the weather was severely cold with continuous frost and below freezing conditions.

Many labourers were laid off due to the severity of the cold weather.

The bishop and ladies of the city thought that some public effort should be made to relieve the distress among the poor in Wells due to the prevalent weather.

The cold and frost had lasted a long time and the Bishop, Lord Auckland, Robert John Eden, told the Mayor and Corporation that they should raise a subscription and adopt a means of relieving the destitute of the city.

He and a group of ladies had done what they could do but he felt it was now time for the city to organise a committee for the purpose of relief.

The Mayor, Henry Livett, told a convened committee of clergy and gentlemen of the city that: “The present very severe weather has occasioned distress to the poorer inhabitants of this city.

They had felt the effects of the severe cold themselves and had been obliged to heap more coals upon their fires, to have more blankets on their beds and to put on their great coats and furs.

“It was known that a great number of the poor were not possessed of these comforts and were from necessity wearing the same clothing in this perishing cold as they wore in the summer.

There was no doubt that this state of things was in a great measure the consequence of their own improvidence.”

Mr Livett went on to say that “we ought not to consider the cause of present distress, nor a question of how to raise their moral tone by means of evening lectures or their own good behaviour and sobriety. That was a matter that could be considered at another time. The evident and visible distress among the poor however relief ought to be afforded and it should be decided who was entitled to that relief.”

The relief was in the form of soup (distributed twice a week at a charge of one penny per quart),

Cold and frosty weather in January 1861 prompted a debate about how to help the less well off

‘A great number of the poor were from necessity wearing the same clothing in this perishing cold as they wore in the summer’ coals or bread. It was thought that relief should not be given indiscriminately as that did a great deal of harm and removed the working ethic.

The bishop said that “one of the most difficult things is to know how to distribute charity as if it were done indiscriminately the loudest and the strongest beggar got a great deal of relief whilst the poor and most deserving got nothing”.

It was also discussed that the poor should not just be given coal and food at low prices.

The committee thought that it was better to employ the poor rather than giving them relief and that they should be set cleaning and repairing the footpaths of the town and at other work. That would keep them from idleness and should be carried out as far as Coxley.

Captain Giles thought that blankets should be supplied as well as soup and coals but the bishop thought otherwise: “Many of the poor in a previous parish had been given blankets but as soon as they were distributed, they took them to a pawnbroker.”

Mr Harris of the High Street told the committee that “the

distress is greater than generally supposed and many persons cannot even pay for food”.

It was declared that: “The present distress among the labouring classes, occasioned by the severity of the weather, calls for assistance, and that, with a view to alleviating the distress within the city it is expedient to enter into a public subscription.”

The Lord Bishop gave £5 and the mayor £2, Canon Broderick gave 1s and Captain Jolliffe MP gave £3 3s to initiate the collection.

There was much moralising about who among the poor should be relieved.

The Wells Journal led on the issue on January 12, 1861, writing that: “There is a certain feeling of pride existing among the poor which prevents them from making a parade of their suffering and causes them to shrink from soliciting alms or applying to the union for

assistance. Rather than resorting to either of these steps, such persons would almost starve.

“This is the class who ought principally to be considered in any effort to alleviate the distress occasioned by the severity of the weather.

“As for the privations of the idle-poor, whose poverty is chronic but self-caused, we have no sympathy to bestow upon them. We would not willingly let them starve to death but we would let them all but famish before appealing to the benevolent on their behalf, because we should hope that their self-originated sufferings might lead them to reflection and cause them to mend their ways.

These are the persons who push their rags into every benevolent looking face.

“We approve of the decision arrived at last week in enabling the poor to buy coals and soup at a low price.”

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40

January 2024

n WHAT’S ON Free Nature and Wellbeing course

£3 including refreshments.

More information from Paul Harper: 01458 210051 or paulharper@btopenworld.com

A FREE Nature and Wellbeing course for anyone who identifies as or has a diagnosis of neurodivergence will take place at The Bishop’s Palace for a period of five weeks from Thursday, January 4, from 10.30am-1.30pm.

To book a place call Layla or Mhairi on 07709 710789 or email mhairi.cornish@ somersetwildlife.org

Coffee morning talk on nature reserves JULIE Merrett, Senior Reserves Manager for Somerset National Nature Reserves (NNRs), will give a talk on her work at the next Wells Labour Coffee Morning.

NNRs are designated as the best areas for nature and wildlife across England – sites such as the Avalon Marshes on the Somerset Levels and Ebbor Gorge in the Mendips.

Julie will talk about the NNRs she manages, why they are important, and moving from managing small individually-rich sites to making nature reserves bigger, better and more joinedup.

The event takes place at the Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, Wells, on Saturday, January 27, from 10am-noon.

Free entry. Everybody welcome.

PILATES AND BARRE TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am FRIDAYS Pilates 9.15am Location Wells Town Hall.

Small, mixed ability classes.

To apply, contact Sally at:

zest2zen@gmail.com

Sing-along sessions GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along sessions for older people take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, 24 Southover, Wells, BA5 1UH, with Al and Annie Whitley. From 2.30pm3.30pm, with tea and coffee from 2.15pm.

th Tai Chi Heal The Antler Ceilidh Band will be at The Bishop’s Palace on January 25

Burns Night dining and dancing BURNS Night will be celebrated in style this January with an evening of ceilidh dancing, music and fine dining at The Bishop’s Palace.

The night of Thursday, January 25, will start with dinner in the Palace’s Undercroft, including a two-course meal celebrating the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties.

Vegetarian options are also available and there will be a fully stocked bar.

The Antler Ceilidh Band

will then invite diners to dance the night away with two sets of one hour each (with a break in between). The band are a highly experienced and versatile group of musicians who have built a strong reputation for their traditional yet funky sound and charismatic callers.

People who are ready to Thread the Needle, try a Dashing White Sergeant or gallop a Gay Gordon can obtain tickets via the Palace’s website at www. bishopspalace.org.uk

to zesty American, and people are welcome to take a friend or go alone. On January 24 the dancing will be to live music from local band Pair of Shears (keyboard/fiddle combo).

For more, call 01749 674920 or see www.wellsfdc.co.uk

previous drawing experience is required.

For further information or to register, contact Lyn on 07919 876566 or email lyndutch@ hotmail.co.uk

Social Dancing SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, Sequence, Latin) takes place every Friday evening at Henton village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, from 7pm to 9pm. People do not have to be good, simply go along and join in. The cost is £6 per person, and refreshments are provided. For more information, call 07769 603937.

Weekly dance nights Drawing workshop WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets on Wednesday evenings at St Thomas’ Church Hall, St Thomas Street, Wells, BA5 2UZ. Dancing evenings in January are 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Dances range from English

A MINDFUL Mandala Drawing Workshop will provide an opportunity to learn a new skill and calm the mind at the same time. The two-hour workshop (10am-12pm) will be held on Thursday, January 25, in the room above the cafe at The Good Earth, Wells. The cost is £10. No

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Board games at pub WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, January 10, and Wednesday, January 24, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Irish Set Dancing IRISH Set Dancing takes place on Thursday evenings in Dinder Village Hall from 8pm-10pm, from September to June.

Beginners are welcome, and no partner is necessary.

TAI CHI Wells Blue Sports Centre Mondays 6pm – 7pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886

P i l o g a Fi t Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482

Scottish dancing WELLS Scottish Dancers hold classes on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Blue School Sports Centre, Wells.

The Scottish country dancing group welcomes all ages over 18, no experience necessary, and no partner is needed. A reasonable level of mobility is required.

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

Musical journey THERE is an opportunity to join international soprano Rebecca Caine on a musical journey of self-discovery when her new show Dividing Day is performed at Cedars Hall, Wells, on January 13. For more details and to book tickets, see cedarshallwells.co.uk

Folk club meetings MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome.

More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com

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wellsvoice n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

January 2024

n WHAT’S ON

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Peter Marlow, Wells Cathedral, 2010

© Peter Marlow Foundation/ Magnum Photos

Exhibition of cathedral images

by Magnum photographer WELLS Cathedral is hosting the next stage of an ambitious tour of works by the late Magnum photographer, Peter Marlow.

The photographic exhibition Peter Marlow: The English Cathedral chronicles all 42 naves of England’s Anglican cathedrals.

The exhibition opened in Wells on December 5 and runs until January 14.

Organised by the Peter

Marlow Foundation, the charity set up to continue Peter’s legacy, the aim is that this ethereal collection of images will exhibit at each of the 42 cathedrals he visited on a photographic pilgrimage across England.

The exhibition will be on display in the South Cloister of Wells Cathedral during normal Cathedral visiting hours (7am6pm).

New horror show

Pub music events

THE Circus of Horrors returns to Wookey Hole Caves with a new show, Dr Haze’s Cabaret of Curiosities, on January 17 and 18. It is described as a fang-tastic show comprising beautifully bizarre circus acts, a sinister story and the darkest of magic all performed to an original Rock score.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are £20 per person. See www. wookey.co.uk

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

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

All are welcome to sing, play a tune or just listen. More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com

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GENERALLY speaking, the British are a pretty hardy lot. A small example of this resilience in the face of adversity is in the fact that someone, somewhere along the line, invented The Winter Garden.

Why they thought that this was a really good idea is up to conjecture. There it is. We are staring at it through the misty window and can see for ourselves what it is. The Winter Garden.

The name itself brings to mind the seaside amenity during a spell of dreary summer weather. Namely, what nowadays looks like a deserted engine shed with tatty old posters offering the joys of Orlando and his Novelty Quintet, Cilla and Billy the riotous funmakers, Gomez and his Dancing Cat and so on.

Those days are long gone. There is no room for frivolity in today’s winter garden.

Looking at it from the inside, it presents a bit of a challenge.

Serious gardeners have already tidied things up. Flower heads cut back, roses pruned and tied into place, the dead, diseased and damaged all dispatched. The question arises; do we rise to the challenge or not? My beds are still full of vegetation, browned and frosted. Seed heads still sway in the wind. Berries still hang on to the twigs and branches. Fallen leaves, windblown through the borders, rot away among the shrubs.

Another question. Why not let nature take its course? Which is exactly what Sally Nex, author, gardener and environmentalist, proposed at one of our meetings last year. Leaves between the plants mean a natural mulch.

It’s what nature does. Ladybirds lurk in the seedheads. Piles of twigs etc give shelter and food.

Following Sally’s advice, I shall leave it all till later.

There are rewards, though.

What my wife in this drear time of year classes as micro joys. One of which brightened a dismal day for a few minutes. Through the murky glass of the window a flock of goldfinches descended on the remnants of the evening primroses feeding voraciously on the seeds. A sight to lift the spirits.

And if we want to see a proper Winter Garden, then hightail it to The Bishop’s Palace where the two long winter borders are

41

coming into their own. Replicate that, on a smaller scale of course, and you have your own winter garden. All the planning has been expertly done for you with the result that the puzzle over the ingredients is over.

Now talking of puzzles, the next meeting of the Gardening Club will involve a small informal quiz where tables of collective brains try to find an answer to a vaguely relevant question or two. The meeting is open to everyone interested in gardening at whatever stage.

Admission will be free for this event and there will be a raffle, a festive spread and a chance to enrol for the year’s programme of talks and visits and chat about gardens. Everybody is very welcome. Details as follows: Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm.

For more information tel: 01749 679182 / wellsgarden.club May I wish you all a happy and productive new year in gardens everywhere.

Pip Harwood

Goldfinches on evening primroses WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP WITH the arrival of 2024 we all start to makes wishes for the new year. Mine would be that we are reminded of the natural world and its importance in our lives as often as possible. I think I have my wish answered.

It was recently announced, with the King’s approval, that new UK coins will feature wildlife.

Subjects include: dormice (1p), red squirrel (2p), Oak (5p), Capercaillie (you may need to look that one up!) (10p), Puffin (20p), Salmon (50p), bees (£1) and national flowers (£2). The new 50p came into circulation at the end of November and others Continued on page 42

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January 2024

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES From page 41

WELLS TUESDAY WI

will follow in the new year. There is an old tradition that when you first receive a coin from the new reign you should give it away. It might be appropriate when you are in that position you may want to give the coin to a conservation organisation. I hope you will bear this in mind when you first encounter King Charles’ head on bank notes!

At our November meeting Richard Jones gave a talk on recent developments around the Strawberry Line which was the name given to the railway line which ran past Wells until the 1960s. Sections are now being opened up for the benefit of walkers and cyclists. It also has great benefits for wildlife.

Our next meeting will be an afternoon meeting on Tuesday, January 30, at 2.30pm at Wells Museum (enter via side entrance) off Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE. It will be a talk entitled Climate Change for Sceptics

by David Ramsden MBE, cofounder of the Barn Owl Trust.

It’s an easy-to-follow look at the whole subject primarily aimed at sceptics, people who don’t get it, and people who think they do, but haven’t done anything about it. There is full disabled access. Admission £5 payable on the door (under 16s free).

Refreshments served at the start.

Details of this and other events can be seen on our website www.wdwg.org.uk or you can phone Jean on 01749 677600.

Graham Allen

A HOMEGROWN activity for December’s meeting, a demonstration of a foraged table centre from ‘Blooming fun’ and a chance to make our own. What I really love about the WI is the friendships forged outside the main meeting. So many ladies went foraging with new friends and shared greenery from their gardens with others. A real spirit of generosity prevailed which really warms the heart. I’m useless at anything that demands anything resembling domesticity but even I (with a little help) had something to be proud of.

December continues to be full of celebrations and many of the subgroups are enjoying festivities ahead of our traditional January Christmas meal. The committee sneakily held their December meeting at Ajwa. Crafties have been painting baubles, the netball girls are having a celebratory meal, knit and natter groups are testing mince pies, and we have the Federation Carol Service in the Cathedral to look forward to. We’re even managing to meet up afterwards with Monday WI which is so hard to do when the groups are so big.

The ‘short and easy’ walking group have a final walk planned for the year (the ‘Mendip walkers’ braved a wet and slippery alternative last month) and hopefully we will fit in a visit to Shepton Mallet Prison. Thank you to all our supportive ladies and a Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all.

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB ON November 14, club members and their friends and family and special guest Tanys Pullin, Mayor of Wells, were welcomed by chairwoman Sylvia Ingham to our final demonstration of our 70th anniversary year.

This year our open meeting was held in the Town Hall. Mark Entwistle, a florist and teacher who has held the title of Florister of the Year and won gold medals at Chelsea, demonstrated Believe in the Magic.

He began the evening with a design in traditional Christmas colours of red and green but his flowers were anything but traditional. His love of tropical

Mark Entistle with one of his floral designs at Wells Town Hall flowers was plain to see and they made for a striking display on the stage. He continued with arrangements in gold, pink, lavender and orange before a final arrangement in white. All were a mixture of British and tropical flowers put together to achieve a stage full of colour.

Jenny Jones gave the vote of thanks.

On Tuesday, November 28, we were back in St Thomas’ Church Hall for our Annual Meeting. Sylvia Ingham welcomed the members before handing over to Non Hobson who chaired the meeting. We were delighted to have three new committee members elected to the committee and, after not having a President for the last year, Non Hobson was elected to the position for the coming year. It has been a busy year for club members raising funds and putting on our Platinum Anniversary Flower Festival in The Bishop’s Palace in August as well as presenting ten other demonstrations and practice classes and hosting a cream tea for 60 people on the hottest day of the year in June.

When the business of the afternoon was completed, Sylvia and Non cut a celebratory cake which was served with tea to the members by the committee.

Our first meeting of 2024 will be on Tuesday, January 9, at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, when we welcome Melanie Smith. Her demonstration is entitled We’re off to the Dolomites.

New members of all abilities are welcome and we are always pleased to see beginners. Annual subscription is £40, visitors £7.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

WELLS U3A WELLS u3a groups have continued to be busy throughout December and have many plans for 2024 with even more groups starting up.

The Out & About group organised a skittles lunch at the Crossways Inn at North Wootton. This event attracted 22 members of this group who played two rounds of skittles but spent a great deal of the time in a sunny area of the Inn enjoying the buffet lunch and having a good chat. The food and surroundings of the Crossways was so convivial that they have booked a Winter Warmer lunch there for February.

The Sunday Lunch group enjoyed a lunch at the new Sheep

& Penguin in November and look forward to sampling the food in many more local hostelries in the new year.

If you are a frustrated actor, you can always join the Play Reading group that meets every two weeks in the library. They read a wide variety of plays from an adaptation of Sense and Sensibility to plays by Mike Harding, Alan Ayckbourn and many more in-between but mostly light comedy. For those that really like Shakespeare, Wells u3a has a Shakespeare group that meets twice a month on a Tuesday morning.

Do you enjoy reading poetry, ancient or modern? If so, then Poetry Appreciation may be a group that appeals. They are a small, friendly group who meet in St Thomas Street every other Monday, to read and discuss poetry. Appreciating Literature is one of the monthly book groups that meet once a month for people who enjoy reading and discussing an eclectic range of books but if you fancy having a go at writing yourself, Wells u3a has a Creative Writing group that meets twice a month.

The Digital Photography group have also been out and about with their cameras, in November to a local ploughing competition. They are a small, friendly group trying to improve their photography now that they have a bit more time to devote to it. They hold monthly meetings with regular photographic themes and photography outings as decided by members. There is no need for expensive cameras and other kit – photographers using phones and tablets are welcome too.

The Geology group has enjoyed another season and field trips where they dodged floods and storms. Their trips to St Audries Bay went ahead, a hidden gem. Despite flooding in Taunton and Minehead, careful study of the Met maps meant their arrival was timed to perfection with a sunny but windy exploration of the interesting geology in the bay.

When the weather forecast was too bad they remained safe in Wells rock-spotting in the city. They have also enjoyed several talks in the autumn. As for 2024, the group has a full programme of talks and field trips starting with a visit to Fairy Quarry in January. This is a friendly group and open to

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January 2024

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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES new members. Indoor meetings are at Westbury-sub-Mendip on the first Friday afternoon of the month with field trips being on a middle Monday.

This is just a taste of some of the more than 50 groups that are available to any retired person who is looking for an interest to fill in their time and meet new like-minded people. First go onto our website https://u3asites. org.uk/wells/home where you can find an application form to join and then you receive a fully informative booklet which explains all the details of the groups you can join.

Wells u3a looks forward to welcoming many new members in 2024.

Ann Brown HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB ON Wednesday, January 17, we are going to have our version of Gardeners’ Question Time with a panel of local experts – Nigel Cox, Caroline Cockman, Sally Gregson and our Chairman Angela Marsh, who will be offering advice on a wide range of horticultural problems.

We meet in Henton Village Hall (B3139) at 7pm for coffee, and 7.30pm for the talk. There will be a raffle and sales table and the chance to catch up on news of our forthcoming speakers and outings. Talking of which, tickets are available for our keynote speaker for 2024. On March 20, we will be welcoming BBC Gardeners’ World’s Nick Bailey with his talk 365 Days of Colour.

See our website for further information:www. hentongardenclub.weebly.com or contact Sue Thorne on 01749 674767.

COXLEY & DISTRICT WI IN November we welcomed Pam as a new member, also Carol as a visitor.

Hilary gave us report on our much-enjoyed walk around Cheddar Reservoir, taking in a coffee at Axbridge. Peggy reported on the craft meeting, which is becoming very successful.

Peggy gave us her financial report, and updated us on how we did at the pre-loved sale, which was good.

Peggy and Jenny attended

The Wells u3a Geology group studying the landscape of the North Somerset coast the Somerset County Federation meeting and gave a lively report on events. The national federation meeting will take place on June 5, 2024, at the Albert Hall.

Flower of the month was won

by Ursula, with Margaret coming second and Helen third.

After the business end of the meeting Peggy and Jenny showed us how to make a table decoration with garden greenery and a decorative pot.

Most people used Christmas as a theme, but this didn’t have to be the case. Everyone seemed to enjoy this project immensely.

Some wonderful creations were born. Thank you very much to Peggy and Jenny for such a splendid evening.

The December meeting was our Christmas party and there is no meeting in January. However we will be getting together for our post-Christmas/new year meal, date to be arranged.

Decisions for voting for NF at the Albert Hall need to be given to Jenny by the February meeting. Details in WI Life magazine in the December issue.

Ursula Dann WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY THE November meeting of the Wells Railway Fraternity was a presentation given by Nick Waton, a volunteer since 1983 and a passenger guard for 25 years on the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore, who spoke about the history of the line and the more recent developments.

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The East Somerset Railway reached Wells as a broad gauge line in 1862 followed by the line from Yatton in 1870. However, they were initially unable to meet up as the Somerset and Dorset Railway goods yard was in the way. Conversion of the ESR to standard gauge was made in 1874. Through running was enabled in 1878 once suitable track work alterations and safety provisions were made.

The main freight loads were crushed stone from several quarries, including at Cranmore where 60 full churns of milk were dispatched a day and another 60 empties received. The Cheddar Valley part of the line carried strawberries and other fruits during their seasons, which could be smelt as the trains ran through Cranmore station.

Later, bitumen trains ran to the tanker sidings at Cranmore from where the bitumen was transported by road to the quarries to make tarmac. Three tramways brought stone from the quarries for trans-shipment on the ESR. There were between four and six passenger trains a day but these were generally loss-making and with the quarry traffic going over to road haulage the line inevitably closed in 1963.

However, the wildlife and steam engine artist David Shepherd needed a home for the two steam engines he had bought from British Railways.

This led to the establishment of today’s East Somerset Railway.

After David Shepherd’s financial support ceased, closure occurred, but with a sympathetic landlord,

a group of supporters led by Dick Masters managed to quickly reopen the line. Today volunteers and a small paid staff run a thriving line by diversification into themed events such as Peppa Pig, Wine and Dine and Cream Tea trains, which are very popular, footplate experiences and Santa specials. Additionally, the commercial arm, CTMS, overhauls carriages and the Locomotive Engineering Shop overhauls steam engines for outside customers. By the end of this year, it is expected that ESR will have carried around 39,000 passengers.

Wells Railway Fraternity’s AGM was held at the meeting on December 14 in Wells Town Hall, followed by the traditional quiz.

New members and guests are always welcome at the meetings.

For further information about the Wells Railway Fraternity see the website Railwells.com ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP THE next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 3, in St Thomas’ Church Hall at 7pm, when Pamela Egan will tell us little-known things about the area in which we live. All welcome.

WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST THE December lecture was Murder in Marrakesh by Jon Glauret. The title piqued our interest. Jon began by explaining his employment history. He began as a foreign language teacher at a school in Ludlow and was asked to take some pupils on a school trip to Italy. He then moved on to a few other schools and continued to organise school trips to Europe.

Finally he was offered early retirement from school in Somerset and as he was only 55 wondered what he could do next.

He decided to use his experience of organising trips abroad to become a Saga tour rep. Jon then went on to tell us a few amusing incidents while on his trips.

However we were all waiting for the tale Murder in Marrakesh. It transpired that this title was a bit ambiguous to draw us in though the tale Continued on page 44

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n AROUND THE SOCIETIES From page 43 did involve a death. One of his travellers did sadly die but the story had a few amusing anecdotes which kept us engrossed.

Our next lecture will be A Mill in Glastonbury by Susanna Van Rose on Saturday, January 13, at 2.30pm in Henton Hall.

If you are a member of the National Trust and would like more details please contact Peter Malarby: 07908 469887.

Stan Gibby congratulating Kerr Stirling on becoming next year’s Probus Club Chairman WELLS CITY PROBUS CLUB AT our November meeting one of our members, John Barkle, gave a talk on Memories of a Village Grocer. The talk was interesting and entertaining, With Welsh ancestry, John’s father started work in a grocery shop in Cardiff. In 1937 John’s father and uncle bought the Post Office and store in Ditcheat – just south of Shepton Mallet. For those who have visited the Welsh Folk Museum at St Fagans near Cardiff the shop looked exactly like the one preserved there.

John remembers the bacon slicer as being dangerous, the chemist section as selling stuff to make you go and stuff to stop you going, and the local hunt met outside the shop. The shop sold newspapers and was well known for home-cooked ham. The Post Office telephone exchange was magic, and connecting callers was great fun. During the war the exchange had to be staffed 24 hours a day. John’s father was in India during the war.

Rationing made lots of extra work – weighing out portions and keeping track of everything.

At the age of 16 John won a scholarship to Sexey’s School followed by National Service, which he claims did him no harm. After that he joined the family business at a wage of £2 per week. He later bought the old coaching inn and shop in Pilton,

wellsvoice n SPORT

where he and his wife raised five children.

In 1961 his father died whilst John was on a trip to Cheddar to buy strawberries. A month later his uncle had a stroke leaving him with two shops to run. He survived the Swinging Sixties and in the early Seventies was looking for a shop in Wells. In 1972 he opened a shop on Tucker Street (now the Spar).

He remembers one Saturday evening when everything was cleared away at six o’clock and the shop was closing. The lady from the pub next door came in looking for some meat, there was only one piece left which John was planning to use himself.

However he pulled it from under the counter, slapped it on the scales and said: “There you are Mrs – 4 pounds 12 ounces and yours for £2.70.” “Oh no,” she said, “that’s too fatty and pricey.”

John took the meat, bent down below the counter, turned it over and slapped it back on the scales. “How about that,” he said, “4 pounds 9 ounces and yours for £2.50.” “Much better,” she replied, “I’ll take that.” John wrapped the meat. As he was giving it to her she said: “On second thoughts, I think I’ll take both pieces!” Such is the life of a grocer.

On the first day of December a large selection of members, wives and guests met at Wells Golf Club for a delicious Christmas Lunch. The guest of honour was Wells Voice Editor Andy Vallis.

The Rev Prebendary Mary Bide, Acting Precentor of Wells Cathedral was the honoured guest speaker at the final meeting of the year. She spoke of her life as a priest in various parts of the country as diverse as Wimbledon and Frimley Green before becoming Prebendary at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford, and eventually arriving in Wells where she was soon caught up in the work of Wells Cathedral, becoming Sub-Dean and latterly Acting Precentor.

Immediately after the meeting members reconvened for their AGM. Kerr Stirling was elected Chairman for 2024, succeeding Stan Gibby. Bob Powell was elected Vice Chairman.

Membership of the City of Wells Probus is open to retired professional men and businessmen. More information can be found on www. probusonline.org/city-of-wells/

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

January 2024

Wells coaches and boxers with their South African counterparts

Memorable trip to South Africa BOXING WELLS Boxing Club coaches and boxers have returned from South Africa after an “amazing” visit to attend the celebration and opening of a new-build boxing gym.

Coaches Graham Kelly and Andy Lovell and boxers Jack Allen, Morgan Davis and Roan Gerson made the trip in support of Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in Hermanus.

The club and its coach, Mzi Damesi, had been working out of an old shipping container as the gym before the new gym was built, funded by the EMS Foundation, Stonewood Builders – the company Graham works for – and Stonewood Design.

Wells Boxing Club had already raised funds for OWBC and provided boxing boots for

the boxers after Graham heard about their story and made contact with Mzi. The Wells contingent were there for the opening of the newly built boxing gym on November 25.

“The welcome and hospitality from all of the South Africans was amazing and eye-opening in many ways. We have truly made some lifelong friendships,” said Graham.

Sadie Jay Smith, the mother of Morgan, aged 15, thanked everyone involved with the trip and said it had been a memorable experience for her son. She said: “Morgan thoroughly enjoyed this amazing experience. I could never have provided him such an opportunity to travel and meet such wonderful, lovely people. To allow him to see and experience life has been so special.”

Father and son pairing triumph GOLF NINETY-EIGHT competitors took part in Mendip Golf Club’s Turkey Trot 4 ball + bonus ball event which saw very high winning scores. The clear winners with 59 points were father and son pairing Dean and Henry Lewer.

Despite the heavy rain in the preceding two days, the course held up well to allow the Seniors’ 3 Clubs and a Putter Competition to take place; 86 players took part and the scores showed that 4 clubs is quite enough rather

than the 14 players normally use.

A fine entry of 42 Ladies played in the 9 hole qualifying stableford event. Div 1 saw the best score of the day from Jean Padfield with 19 points. Div 2 went to Liz Rose with 16, and Div 3 to Debbie Godwin with 17.

The Seniors held a 4 Team Winter Waltz Bowmaker Charity Event with the proceeds goings to the Royal British Legion.

Eighty-eight players took part on a dry if somewhat chilly day.

The winners with 85 points were Paul Smith, Martin Myers, Alan O’Leary and Andy Parfitt.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

January 2024

45

n SPORT

Wells players triumph in Torbay tournament CHESS FIVE players from Wells Chess Club made their way to the English Riviera for the 55th annual Torbay Chess Congress.

Wells’ Ukrainian top board Sasha Matlak entered in the Open section while Chris Strong and Paul Humphreys were in the Major section. Ed Farms and upcoming junior Leon Nelson competed in the Foundation section.

Leon took a bye in round 1 but went on to win his next four games to finish joint first on 4.5 points. This was an exceptional performance for a first showing in a tournament. He’s certainly one to watch going forward.

There was also a fine showing from Ed Farms who picked up 2.5 points in the same section, placing him 13th.

In a very competitive Open section Sasha scored 3.5 points and secured fifth place. His closely fought draw against a strong German Master in the final round was particularly dynamic and of high quality.

Meanwhile in the Major section

Chris and Paul were up against highly graded opponents but came away with 2.5 and 3.5 points respectively. This left Paul finishing sixth and Chris tenth.

In the team event ‘Wells Warriors’ came away with the team prize for the weekend. This was a wonderful tournament achievement for Wells Chess Club to add to the 2023 successes in Exeter, Frome and Leicester.

In the Somerset Leagues Wells picked up a win against

Top, the Wells team at Torbay, from left: Leon, Sasha, Paul, Chris and Ed; and Chris and Sasha with Camden Lovelace who won the Under 7s at the All Hallows Junior tournament

Sedgemoor and a draw against Taunton which places them in second place in Division 2 with a game in hand. A strong win against Yeovil in Division 1 means Wells are top after three matches. Meanwhile a tight win in Division 3 keeps Wells in the mix in an even division.

The 2023 online season came to a dramatic conclusion with Wells A and B Teams getting seven wins and a draw on the final day. This meant the B-Team finished top of Division 5 with the A-Team in fourth in Division 3. Wells juniors were also represented at the inaugural All Hallows Chess Tournament in November. In an exciting day of chess that was the first experience for many of the juniors, Leon Nelson won the Under 16 section while Camden Lovelace won the Under 7s. This bodes well for the future of the club.

Wells Chess Club meets on Wednesday evenings at the White Hart on Sadler Street from 7.30pm, with Junior coaching sessions from 6pm-7pm. Email: wellschessclub@outlook.com

Invitation to pick up racket again BADMINTON PLAYED before but want more practice? Looking to get back into badminton after a break?

Wells City Badminton Club plays on Wednesday evenings at Wells Leisure Centre from 7pm-9pm.

Standard is intermediate and above.

For more details, email enquirieswcbc@gmail.com or see the website at www. wellscitybadmintonclub.co.uk

Weekly sessions at Seager Hall TABLE TENNIS

Wells RFC 2nds took on Tor 2nds at Charter Way on November 18 and gave the home supporters plenty to cheer as they won the league clash 47-17

Got News? Call 07906 499655

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

Outgoing Wells Golf Club captain Mike Magrath hands over the reins to Tina Davies at the recent AGM

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

46

January 2024

n TAKE A BREAK

The FIEND

Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!

8

5

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Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST

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Txtpert P

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Rules the same as the Fiend, but only four numbers in each box, row and column

E

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Easier sudoku Solutions N

Theme: Countries 2

Print out this lovely picture of four friendly Christmas snowmen and challenge the kids to spot all the differences! Then why not colour the picture in?

3 6

Txtpert 1

For younger readers

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wellsvoice

January 2024

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