WELLS City Council has set up a working party to consider which services it should take on from Somerset Council.
The city council’s Devolution Officer, Haylee Wilkins, gave a presentation to a meeting of the council’s Finance & Council Matters committee on June 13. Somerset Council has contacted all 279 Somerset parishes highlighting a list of functions ‘at risk’ as a result of the council’s financial emergency that could potentially be devolved to the city, towns, and parishes willing to take them on.
Ms Wilkins explained that Somerset Council is looking to devolve services before assets. She drew attention to services provided by IdVerde – which include things such as grass cutting, and playground inspection and maintenance –because those will come to an end when the IdVerde contract ends on May 31, 2025.
Services being considered
Continued on page 13
Impressive medal haul by Wells swimmers
WELLS Swimming Club hosted their annual City of Wells Open Swim Meet at Millfield pool over the weekend of June 15 and 16.
More than 400 participants from 22 clubs competed in a host of heats which saw an extensive number of Personal Best times for many and some superb medal-winning performances.
Inspired by a recent talk by Matt Richards (Millfield Olympian) at their recent Club Championships Awards Evening, the Wells team won more than 60 medals: one of their most impressive hauls to date.
Among Matt’s many words of wisdom were three simple top tips: work hard; listen to your coaches; make sure you’re having fun.
The swimmers took his words to heart and performed not just as individuals, but as a team,
showing that hard work and fun can be had at the same time.
The event would not have happened without the assistance of the many volunteers who helped run the weekend and a sponsorship donation from Glastonbury’s Cox Renovations Ltd.
Lee Chard, the Club Chair, thanked everyone, saying: “The whole event was a huge success and all weekend I witnessed great swimming, great teamwork and a great community spirit.
“Congratulations to all the swimmers. We saw many PBs across the weekend as well as many county qualifications too.
“On behalf of the club and the swimmers I want to say thank you so much to all the volunteers who made it possible.
“Not only does this event put Wells on the map and show everyone that we are a force to be reckoned with, it is also vital
for fundraising which helps keep our fees stay as accessible as possible.”
Wells Swimming Club volunteers include parents, children with expertise from the regional squad, experienced adults from the masters squad as well as coaches India Cooper, Miles Denyer, Sarah Purdie and Antony Rackstraw.
The club swims at a range of pools including Wells Leisure Centre, Millfield and Wells Cathedral School. There is a closely monitored progression from the younger pre-squad teams all the way through to County, Regional and Masters squads.
‘The whole event was a huge success and all weekend I witnessed great swimming, great teamwork and a great community spirit’
The club takes part in a wide variety of swim meets and galas throughout the year, but is also open to members who just want to improve their swimming and not compete. There is more information on the Wells Swimming Club website.
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Matt Richards at the Wells Swimming Club presentation evening in February, with two medal winners from the club championships
Wells Swimming Club swimmers at the Open Swim Meet at Millfield pool
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COMPLAINTS
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
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 7,150 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.
Barber Leon reaches remarkable milestone
WELLS’ most long-established barber, Leon Tooze, is about to celebrate his 60th year in business.
It was on July 12, 1964, that he first opened the doors to gentlemen’s hair stylist Leon’s in St Cuthbert Street. In the 60 years since then he estimates that he has given 360,000 haircuts to his customers, most of whom have become regulars.
“It’s all about talking to people and having a banter,” said Leon. “I get everybody’s opinions here, and of course I’ve got mine.
“It’s been a huge, significant part of my life. It is my life.”
John Kerley has been a customer for 50 years. He said: “Leon gets to know his customers well and he knows how I like my hair cut. He always makes you feel welcome, and there is always an interesting conversation.”
Jeremy Tarrant, a customer for ten years, said: “You do get a good haircut, and a chat. A haircut becomes a social occasion.”
Leon, who was fostered from a young age, left school at 15 and became an apprentice at Mike Howe’s in Street, where he learned his trade before starting out on his own.
As business grew, he said that at times on a Saturday there would be as many as 14 people waiting up to two-and-a-half hours for a haircut. The short back and sides was just starting to go out of fashion and long hair was coming in, and a lot of
people wanted their hair washed then.
Haircuts used to start with a comb and scissors, said Leon, whereas now they start with clippers. “Modern haircuts just get more accentuated in their severity,” he said.
Business is tailing off, he added, with more barbers around now, and his older customers reaching the end of their lives.
Leon was 80 earlier this year, and celebrated with a party at the Wookey Hole Inn. Having recently had treatment for prostate cancer, he asked for donations to a prostate cancer charity instead of gifts, and raised £690. Even while undergoing treatment he still cut hair each morning. “I’m convinced this is part of the recovery process,” he said.
Looking to the future, he said: “There will come a time when the economics of it will make it too stressful to continue. But I’ve got no plans to retire.”
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Leon Tooze cutting regular customer Jeremy Tarrant’s hair
More than 1,000 sign petition
ACCESSIBLE Wells campaigners were pleased to announce that their pavement improvement petition has already collected more than 1,000 signatures.
The campaign aims to highlight and counter some of the obstacles faced by mobility aid users in Wells. Brian Clarke, who uses a wheelchair to overcome mobility issues caused by Motor Neurone Disease, said he was delighted with the support of so many people.
He told Wells Voice: “The next milestone we are aiming for is to collect 1,400 signatures, because that is the number of blue badge holders registered just in Wells. Every one of those blue badge holders deserves a much more accessible Wells.”
Theo van Hensbergen, who leads the Accessible Wells campaign, said he was disappointed, but not entirely surprised, that Somerset Council has not yet reacted to the serious
pavement deficiencies identified in December 2023. He said: “I completely understand it will take time to fix things properly. The Highways Department
will need to go through proper processes to prioritise and fund the works, before they can start to invite and evaluate tenders. So, I am not in the least surprised by the lack of progress on the ground.”
Bob Payne, who has been closely involved with the accessibility campaign from the start, said: “I’m really encouraged by the way people react to our efforts. Their support will make all the difference and makes me confident things will change for the better for disabled people in Wells.”
As regards the method and timing of the formal submission of the petition to Somerset Council, Theo van Hensbergen said that will be something to be considered once the General Election has been held. He hopes that the new MP for Wells and Mendip Hills may be able to positively influence disability concerns.
Tel: +44 (01749) 840770 | e. enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
Earthcraft shop’s 45th anniversary
SHOP owner Julie Romeo will celebrate 45 years of running Earthcraft in Priory Road, Wells, on July 5.
She started her business in 1979 on the first floor of the neighbouring Good Earth Cafe, which her sister Joan Collins had opened five years earlier, and moved next door soon afterwards.
Earthcraft is known for its gifts and craft materials, with greetings cards and joss sticks always good sellers.
“It’s been fun for 45 years. If you were a customer when I started, please come and jog my memory of what I stocked long ago. I didn’t have joss sticks, aromatherapy oils or even greetings cards back then,” said Julie, aged 78.
“I’ve learned a lot about Wells’ people, I even know why there is a strange upstairs-door at the house across the road from my shop!”
Brian Clarke gives the thumbs up to all the signatories of the petition
Victorian gold and diamond five stone ring Sold £1700
Louis Wain (1860 -1939), watercolour, Sold £4200
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ladies wristwatch Sold £2400
Newton & Wilson & Co. hand sewing machine Sold £1300
Queen Anne Britannia silver tobacco box Sold £1200
LeCoultre French gold purse watch Sold £1500
Design accolade for pub’s refurbishment
THE Sheep & Penguin in Tucker Street, Wells, has been acclaimed for the quality of the refurbishment in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub Design Awards.
The CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale) group’s awards recognise the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and historic conservation of pubs across the UK, plus the most innovative construction and conversions of new venues.
The awards are judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, with categories ranging from refurbishment to new build.
The Sheep & Penguin won Commended in the competitive Refurbishment category. The Refurbishment category is awarded to the best renovation of an existing pub building. This can range from a complete gutting and replacement, to enhancing the design of what
and imagination in the way the building is treated.
Owner Nick James and the family said: “We are very proud to receive this award and what we have created as a family. The project arose from Nick’s passion for pubs and was crafted by his wife Jayne’s flair and talent for design, his son Sam’s technical and organisational skills, and his daughter Charlotte’s eye for detail.
“Meanwhile, his youngest son Max deployed his charm and bar skills to enhance the reputation of their sister pub, The Queens Chew Magna.
“Countless hours of dedication and careful consideration went into crafting the design of The Sheep & Penguin, aiming to create a welcoming proper pub environment that reflects our personality and brings something a little bit different to the wonderful city of Wells.”
Having been closed for years
and in a near-derelict condition, the pub – previously known as the Mermaid – reopened last August.
The judges described it as “a bright and welcoming place for a drink or a meal”.
The Refurbishment overall winner was the Kings Arms in Elham, Kent.
Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: “Despite everything thrown at it, we believe that the pub has a key role to play in our communities, and that it will continue to flourish as an institution.
“The high quality of the entries for these Awards provides evidence to support that belief.” n The Sheep & Penguin is putting the final touches to the first ever Wells Beer Fest that it is hosting. Scheduled for July 12 and 13, the event will combine beer, music and street food. More at www.wellsbeerfest.co.uk
Year round family space
The interior of The Sheep & Penguin following refurbishment
Valuation awaited after pub inspection
THE group leading the community effort to buy and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, as a pub and community hub is awaiting an independent valuation report on the property.
The Wellington Pub Company-owned pub, which has been closed for three years, is up for sale with an asking price of £350,000.
Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer David Broschomb, of Dabro & Associates, was allowed in to The Britannia Inn in June to carry out a valuation for the East Wells Community Benefit Society (CBS), that was set up by the ‘Save the Brit’ steering group. His report is due at the end of June or in the first few days of July.
He told Wells Voice: “It is a pleasure to undertake an independent RICS valuation on behalf of communities, as it gives
them the basis for offers and submission for funding.
“Having undertaken many such valuations, I know that community purchases are different, in that they are not interested in any pub, it is just their pub and thus their hard work to save and purchase it.”
The East Wells CBS is also arranging for a structural survey to be carried out, before the
business plan is finalised and work can start in earnest on the share offer.
Possible future activities at
The Brit, as it is affectionately known, include live music, pub quizzes, coffee mornings, a Warm Space, skittles, book exchange and parties.
The CBS is reaching out to professionals in the local community who might be able
to give their time for free, or at a reduced rate, to assist with various aspects of putting together a bid for the pub and developing it if it is eventually purchased. Accountants, solicitors or architects, in particular, who could help on an ad hoc basis are invited to contact the Society by emailing admin@eastwellscbs.org
The campaign to purchase the pub was featured in an article in the latest edition of Pints West, the award-winning magazine produced by the Campaign for Real Ale Bristol & District and Bath & Borders branches.
As was reported in the May edition of Wells Voice, it told readers about progress made so far in the campaign, and quoted steering group Chair Councillor Theo Butt Philip, who said: “The community has said it wants to ‘Save the Brit’, and that’s what we are doing our best to achieve.”
David Broschomb, left, at The Britannia Inn with Councillor Theo Butt Philip
River inspires book of Somerset tales
A FORMER resident of Dulcote and Dinder has published a book inspired by the river that she came to know so well as a child.
The River Sheppey: Somerset Tales, Stories and Legends through the ages is Catherine Fox’s first book and is illustrated with her own watercolour paintings, lino prints and photographs. There is a section on the tale of the Worminster dragon and the pageant of the same, that was part of the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Catherine was brought up in Dulcote from 1946 until 1953 and went to Dinder primary school and then boarded at Sunnyhill Bruton School for Girls from 1955 to 1963. Her father ran the off-licence in Dinder when the
family moved from Dulcote to Dinder in 1953. She trained as an occupational therapist in London and worked for the NHS in mental health for 40 years. She also trained and worked as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist until retirement in 2018.
“Paradise Valley, the stretch of the Sheppey from Doulting to Dulcote, was our childhood playground.
I was very lucky and we had complete freedom,” she said.
Catherine had a book signing evening on June 7 in Dinder Village Hall. Copies of the book, priced £12.50, can be found at The George Inn in Croscombe, the A2 Gallery in Wells and The Bishop’s Palace gift shop.
Sell-out show a real crowd pleaser
The Wells Rocks team report on a sold out gig at the White Hart
WELLS Rocks would like to thank The Portraits and The Shalaings for a great gig at the White Hart. With only ten tickets left for sale on the door, it paid to book in advance! Both acts performed their original acoustic sets, which proved to be very popular with the audience. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. They are all great supporters of Wells Rocks and the community’s music centre in the Portway Annexe. Twenty
per cent of the ticket sales will be donated to support the maintenance of the facilities, which are being well used. As well as being a great concert, it was also an opportunity for The Portraits to run through their act ahead of their return to the Glastonbury Festival.
The Wells Rocks team are taking a break over July and August and look forward to getting things going again in the autumn.
The Portraits and The Shalaings soak up the applause after the concert
Teams challenged to build and race raft
THE City of Wells Lions are challenging teams of friends and workmates to build a raft and race it on The Bishop’s Palace moat in this year’s Wells Moat Boat Races.
They say it is not so difficult – and point out that the Mendip Activity Centre runs two-hour courses in raft building.
The 2024 Moat Boat Races take place on August Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.
There are races for Juniors and Adults, fun races and special awards such as best dressed crew. All proceeds will be donated to local charitable organisations by the City of Wells Lions.
Application packs with regulations and raft specification are available on the new boat race website: www. wellsmoatboatrace.com or from City of Wells Lions, email: cityofwellslions@gmail.com.
The maximum crew size
Raft-building resources suggested by the Lions:
n Mendip Activity Centre: https:// mendip.me/book/raft_building/ n Raft building ideas from the Scouts: https://sfni.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/03/05SRaft-Building-Resource.pdf and https://www.scoutadventures.org.
uk/activity/raft-building#lg= 1&slide=0 n Monmouth has raft racing and provides information on raft building and materials: https:// monmouthraftrace.com/buildinga-raft/. Plastic barrels may be available from farms and garages and Monmouth provides contact details for a barrel supplier.
is six (teams up to eight), the minimum age to take part is 13 years by Monday, August 26, 2024, the day of the races. The number of entries for each race is limited so it will be ‘first come first served’.
To volunteer to help with running the races email cityofwellslions@gmail.com or call 0345 833 6736.
WEDNESDAY 17TH JULY 11am - 2pm
Competitors about to get one of the races under way in last year’s Moat Boat Races
Seven standing in constituency
POLLING stations will be open from 7am-10pm on Thursday, July 4, for voting in the General Election.
There are seven prospective parliamentary candidates standing in the new constituency of Wells and Mendip Hills. Each of them has provided some information about themselves on the right.
For the first time at a General Election, voters will need to show photo ID such as a passport, driving licence or Blue Badge to receive their ballot paper in polling stations.
Counting of the votes will take place at the Bath and West Showground, with the declaration of the result expected some time on the morning of July 5.
wellsvoice
www.wellsvoice.co.uk
CONTACTS
Editor and publisher
Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk
07906 499655 01749 675157
COMPLAINTS
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
August deadline: July 17
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 7,150 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.
Candidates for the Wells and Mendip Hills Constituency
JOE JOSEPH
Labour and Co-operative Party
We all know what is basically wrong across the country – we can’t get Doctors appointments, we can’t get Dentist appointments, people can’t find a secondary school local for their children and willing workers can’t find work.
To address these problems I will work with appropriate people to:
Build 1 new community hospital.
Build 1 new secondary school.
Find more Dentists.
Find 700 willing unemployed people stable and rewarding work.
These, I hope you agree, will benefit all our constituency.
Personally unemployment is my main issue.
Work strengthens people, unemployment weakens people.
So now if there are any employers looking for workers, or anyone who knows of employers looking for workers, please contact me anytime as I would very much like to help find a local person to fill the job.
Equally if anyone is willing to work, and is sadly unemployed, then please also contact me and I will do my best to find you a job that works for you.
Personal Financial
Independence is the core value of the Independent movement.
Lastly if you do not already know me then please ask someone you know who lives in Winscombe or Cheddar about me. Most people there know me as I have served them in all the pubs in Cheddar or the Co-op in Winscombe over the last 30 years. They know me – please trust their views of me.
Many thanks for giving me your time.
I’ve lived, worked and brought up my family in the Wells and Mendip Hills Constituency for over 30 years, and have a great affinity for this beautiful part of the country and the wonderful people who live in it.
In the 2016 EU Referendum, I acted as Somerset Group Leader for both Leave.EU and Vote Leave, and in 2019 was the SW Regional Manager for The Brexit Party (later Reform UK) helping to secure our victory in the European Elections.
Britain has so much potential. Our country is full of talent and energy, but successive Labour, Tory (and coalition) governments have broken promise after promise. They’ve destroyed trust in our democracy and let our people down.
The unnecessary locking down of our country, closing schools, imposing authoritarian restrictions and trying to mandate experimental vaccines (Labour and LibDems wanted even stricter controls) has left our country significantly damaged financially and culturally, and created an ongoing climate of apathy and fear.
Our society has become morally adrift as we’ve cast off the Judeo-Christian anchors we lived by for centuries: political corruption, crime, vice and greed abound. Economic woes follow as taxes and borrowing increase to pay for police, prisons and extra social services needed to patch up the resultant problems.
Only Reform UK will stand up for British culture, identity and values. We actually WILL take back control of our borders, our money and our laws (not just pretend to).
This is your chance to reshape the way our country is organised and run. Please ‘Join the Revolt’ and vote for Helen Hims on 4th July 2024.
Joe’s grandad was a First World War veteran and was then active in the railways union. His grandma worked in a laundry. Her mum and dad died in the workhouse in Bristol, but thanks to successive Labour governments, I was the lucky one, Joe says.
Joe grew up in Mid-Sussex. He joined the RAF, serving on Ascension Island during the Falklands conflict and in Iraq. His RAF career spanned 23 years including roles in logistics, air transport and environmental strategy. He lives in Glastonbury and is a Councillor on St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.
In his ‘second career’ Joe is a shepherd and environmental trainer. His Wiltshire Horn sheep grazed Glastonbury Tor and he now breeds Portland Sheep. Since 2008 he has also been delivering a wide range of environmental training courses. Joe became politically active in 2019 after his wife told him to stop shouting at the telly and do something about it. His search for ‘a political home’ took him to the Co-operative Party, sister party to Labour. As a member of both parties, in an electoral alliance, Joe holds several roles. His favourite being Convenor of the West Country Labour and Co-operative Farming, Fisheries and Food group. His style of campaigning is very much ‘boots on the ground’.
A very co-operative campaign, built on a very co-operative vision for the countryside. Joe stands for sovereignty over food and farming, fair trade, and a right to healthy affordable food. He will safeguard standards in public life, restoring honesty and integrity. And he wants to achieve a co-operative green economy, in which wealth and power are shared fairly.
HELEN HIMS Reform UK
CRAIG CLARKE Independent
ABI MCGUIRE Independent
I am an elected independent councillor on Shepton Mallet Town Council. We have intentionally removed destructive party politics on our council. We now work together for the benefit of our community.
I have been a police officer and worked in the NHS, social services, housing, homelessness and education. I have direct experience of the challenges these services face and know what is needed for positive change.
I have spent 18 months working across the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency. I have visited every parish council and door knocked over 22,000 homes. I have heard the local issues in our communities. This puts me in a strong position to represent and support our communities straight away. These include intensive housing developments without consideration given to our environment and flood risks. Lack of supporting infrastructure including schools, shops and other public services. Limited public transport and access to health care and dentistry. You have told me you no longer know how to vote and you have lost faith in the political parties.
I would be the first ever elected female Independent MP. My election will shock the system. I will advocate for Parliament to debate in a healthy and respectful way so we can plan for long term and sustainable solutions. I will be a catalyst for evolving our politics to a new way of working. As I am independent from all political parties, I am free to represent you and vote with integrity in Parliament.
You can find out more on my website: https://abimcguire. co.uk/
TESSA MUNT
Liberal Democrats
The Conservatives have presided over the biggest drop in living standards since records began in 1955, decimating public services along the way. Now they’ve resorted to spreading fear about any form of change. But we need change and people here deserve better!
For over 20 years, I’ve been campaigning for our communities and was elected as the MP for Wells between 20102015, the first non-Conservative MP for 87 years. During this time, I helped over 27,000 local people with the problems they faced and held a record number – 704 – of MP ‘drop-in’ surgeries. As your MP, I worked hard and navigated Westminster to create positive changes.
I’ve never given up wanting a fairer deal for the people who live here – even more so now! Our economy has been run into the ground, housing is unaffordable, the NHS is broken, our natural environment is being damaged by a failure to protect it, our young people’s needs are ignored, and even the quality of our food is under threat from the shockingly low standards allowed by recent international trade deals.
The Conservative is not going to change any of this – the Party has held power for 14 years and they’re too divided to be a credible opposition.
We offer hope and a fully costed manifesto that responds to real people’s needs, from fixing social care to addressing the cost-of-living and the housing crises. And our environmental policies are as strong as the Green Party’s.
I’m the only candidate who can beat the Conservative in Wells and Mendip Hills.
Please vote for me on 4th July.
Conservative and Unionist Party
West Country born and bred, Meg Powell-Chandler is married with two children. She has spent the bulk of her career working at the centre of Government in No10 Downing Street and in departments that matter enormously to our corner of Somerset like Education, Communities and Local Government and Culture, Media & Sport, which leads on tourism.
As a result, Meg knows how to get things done and has enormous experience in areas that matter to the communities she hopes to represent. She understands how to navigate the opaque world of Parliament and Government which will help deliver positive change for the people and communities of Wells and the Mendip Hills
• Backing our farmers – she will support farmers to get the best deal for their produce and be their champion locally and in Westminster.
• Tackling flooding – she will work with landowners and put pressure on the Environment Agency and the council to introduce more flood defences and increase dredging in our rivers.
• Improving education standards – she will work with schools and colleges to make sure every child gets a first-class education.
• Action on healthcare –she will fight so that local communities get access to the GPs, dentists and the healthcare they need.
• More investment in our towns, cities, and villages – the Lib Dem-led councils have focused investment in areas like Taunton and Westonsuper-Mare. Meg will fight for funding from local and national government so that our communities can get the services they need.
WELSH Green Party
My name is Peter Welsh and I am proud to be the selected Green Party MP Candidate for Wells and Mendip Hills. I have lived with my family in Wells since 2008 and both my children go to local schools.
I work as a NHS Mental Health Practitioner in Bristol. I see from the frontline the scale of our NHS crisis and will fight to defend it against further harm. The Green Party will push the future Labour government to be bolder in supporting the NHS to recover then prosper.
If elected as MP I would not be afraid to make brave principled choices to help create a greener fairer country. The climate emergency needs action now and it’s so worrying Labour are already rowing back on climate pledges. Flooding and sewage in our rivers are just two issues affecting us here in Somerset along with poor public transport and a housing crisis.
The Green Party will push for better public services, warmer homes and a restored natural world. New housing must be built in the right places and available at the right cost. New housing needs first class infrastructure and public services so communities can live fulfilled lives.
The education system is under severe pressures in terms of staff recruitment and retention. Schools in Somerset deserve better funding and resources. The Green Party will push Labour to make our children’s education an urgent priority. I will push them if elected to take the right actions. I would appreciate it greatly if you would consider voting Green for a greener Wells and Mendip Hills. Thank you.
MEG POWELL-CHANDLER
PETER
Survey launched as progress made in skatepark campaign
Bev Smith of Wells Skatepark Community Group reports on some exciting developments in the skatepark campaign
WE are very pleased to announce significant progress in our longstanding campaign for a new skatepark in Wells.
The location will be the existing site and Waitrose has generously granted us access to their car park in principle for the necessary works. We have also been in fruitful talks with Somerset Council and the Highways Department. Along with Wells City Council, all fully support this muchneeded facility which echoes the community’s strong desire for a dedicated space for a new skatepark.
Thanks to the invaluable support from Matt at Orme Architects, who is helping us navigate the planning, and alongside Maverick, skatepark developer, they will be instrumental in the design and planning process.
As part of our desire to create a facility that meets the needs of all users which includes scooters, roller skaters, inline skaters, wheelchairs, skateboards and BMXs, we are launching a community survey. We urge all wheeled riders to participate and share their input. This feedback is crucial in shaping a skatepark that caters to everyone, from beginners to seasoned skaters.
significant number of towns and cities in the UK now have at least one skatepark, and it’s growing, reflecting the sport’s importance for youth engagement which we need to embrace.
Given the ongoing removal of existing ramps in our current park, due to safety concerns and cost issues in replacing these style ramps, the need for a new facility is more urgent than ever.
If you use or would like to use a skatepark in Wells please complete our survey which can be found here: www. maverickskateparks.co.uk/wells or on our Instagram bio @wells_skatepark, or scan the QR code here or on one of our posters around town – you have until July 7 to respond.
The importance of this skatepark cannot be overstated. It is well documented that wheeled sports offer significant benefits for people of all ages, fostering better physical and mental health, community spirit, and personal development. A
Cider tasting at presentation
CLIENTS of The Lawrence Centre and residents of Crandon Springs and Fletcher House care homes in Wells were given a multi-sensory presentation on the history of Thatcher’s Cider, which included the chance to sample some ciders.
The event was the latest to be toured around the area by Museum to You, which tries to bridge the gap to inclusion for people who cannot access community learning.
With the design phase on the horizon, our next step will be to re-establish the fundraising efforts and so we will be calling on the community to rally together and support this cause, ensuring we can create a skatepark that will serve as a hub of activity and enjoyment for years to come.
If you would like to stay up to date with the latest news, help to fundraise or support the project in other ways please get in touch: wellsskatepark@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @wells_skatepark
Heads Up Open Day invitation
Museum to You organisers said they received many comments about how nice it was to be involved in an inclusive adult activity that reminded people of a warm summer Somerset evening spent with friends. THERE will be an opportunity to find out more about Heads Up when the charity holds an Open Day on Saturday, July 6, from 12pm-3pm.
Heads Up provides mental health support, dementia day care and creative wellbeing courses at its base at Upper Breach, South Horrington. Everyone is welcome to attend the Open Day, where there will be arts and crafts, stalls, refreshments, and plants and produce, at what the charity says will be a relaxed, fun day out.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING DAY CENTRE
Dementia Day Care Support – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 10am-3pm
Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshops – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, 1pm-3pm, or ALL Day
for devolution to Wells include grounds maintenance along with a number of others such as the set up and pack down of weekly markets, bin emptying and the management and cleaning of public toilets.
Ms Wilkins said that Bridgwater Town Council had been an early adopter of devolved services, and there were “lessons to be learned” from their experience. (A data input error means that the town council might now need to use some of its reserves to cover a budget deficit.)
“There’s a keen interest for Wells to be the next leader, the next council that moves towards delivering some of these services locally,” she said.
The challenge is to work through all the information that has been provided, and work out how to balance the need to deliver against the cost. There will be implications for the next budget when it is considered later in the year, and there is a significant area of work around the staffing structure.
“There is an awful lot to do in a very short timeline,” she said. There is also an opportunity for the city council to negotiate what services it wants.
Town Clerk Steve Luck said that the city council had to decide what its priorities are, and how to maximise income from what it takes on. He said that council officers needed guidance from committee members about the priorities.
He said that there is no Plan B from Somerset Council, no explanation of what will happen if the city council doesn’t take over the services.
He said there was a danger that Wells could lose its playgrounds if the city council does not take on responsibility for them.
Councillor Tanys Pullin said:
“I’m worried to death about this, and I think the public should be worried to death about this. We’re going to be used as
scapegoats for Somerset. They have no idea what Somerset do or what Wells do. The public should know it’s not us – it’s totally forced. I’m furious about it. We’ll get blamed for it.”
Mr Luck said that public meetings are being planned to explain more and get that message across.
Councillor Harvey Siggs said: “We are here to deliver services to our community and that’s our priority. We won’t be able to afford everything. It’s for us
• Supply and Installation of Fireplaces and Stoves.
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to speak up and say what our priorities are.”
Five committee members put themselves forward to join a working party to develop proposals: Councillors Stewart Cursley, Gordon Folkard, Louis Agabani, Isa von Mensenkampff, and Harvey Siggs. Council officers including the Town Clerk, Devolution Officer and Responsible Financial Officer will also be involved.
Cllr Agabani said that a public meeting is critical at some stage. Councillor Philip Welch agreed, saying: “I think it’s very important to communicate with the public.”
During a discussion at the meeting about the recent internal audit, Mr Luck said: “Risk assessment is going to be a major problem for us going forward. Everything we take on is going to have to have a risk assessment.”
He said that if members disagreed with an officer’s decision, then those members could be personally liable for risks. This caused some disquiet among the councillors present. Councillor Sarah Powell said: “This threat of personal liability is a very real one. It effectively means that democracy is lessened and the power lies with the officers.”
Cllr Siggs said that decisions can be made against officers’ advice as long as they have been carefully considered and councillors are not “reckless”.
Councillor Denise Denis said that officers’ advice is valued but that it made her feel unable to make a decision without fear.
The set up and pack down of weekly markets, and play area inspections and maintenance, are among a number of services that could become the responsibility of Wells City Council
Free drawing event to take place again
WELLS Art Contemporary has announced that its free drawing event, DRAW!, will take place again in August during the annual WAC exhibition at Wells Cathedral.
Community Projects
co-ordinator for WAC, June MacFarlane, said: “After the success of last year’s DRAW! project we are really looking forward to meeting everyone again. DRAW! is a collaboration between WAC and Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios in Wells and while the WAC exhibition is showing inside the Cathedral, we will be inviting anyone who has an interest in art to come along and draw with us at Heritage Courtyard. All ages, and all abilities, are welcome.”
Heather Jane Wallace and Rebecca Barnard from Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, both artists themselves, will lead the group.
Heather Jane said: “We will
be on hand to help and make suggestions, first in the studio and then we can go outside to find whatever we feel like working on. It might be a tiny corner or it might be the whole West Front of Wells Cathedral. It is an exercise in drawing which
we hope will be accessible to everyone.”
Rebecca added: “WAC is an international art exhibition that brings wonderful work to Wells from all over the world. We want to reflect a bit of that and show what we can do here in the
community. Wells is full of local talent; some people are confident and experienced, and some people would love to just have a go and find out what they can do. And there will be prizes.”
Participants are invited to take their own drawing supplies, and materials will also be available to purchase in the studio courtesy of local art supply shop Somerset Frames.
The event will take place on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, and Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18, from 2pm-5pm at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, 6 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2RR.
Places are free but limited, so to book for any of the four afternoons email wac.june. macfarlane@gmail.com with your name and contact details and your preferred date. Under 16s must be accompanied at all times by an adult.
Heather Jane Wallace and Rebecca Barnard from Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios
Local artists well represented in WAC show
NOW in its 13th year, the Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition is back this summer, providing an exciting opportunity to enjoy world class contemporary art in the magnificent medieval setting of Wells Cathedral.
There are two parts to the exhibition: the Gallery Show of approximately 125 artworks situated within the Cloisters, and the Installation Show of 20 sitespecific installations throughout the Cathedral and garden.
“We received almost 300 entries for the Installation Show this year and are delighted that seven of the 20 successful installations are by local artists,” says Paddy O’Hagan, Chair of WAC.
As anyone who has visited Wells Cathedral will know, there was no shortage of inspiration for the artists in one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe.
Candace Bahouth from Pilton, known for both her needlework and mosaics, has exhibited before at WAC. This
year, her installation, Evening Song, will be situated by the quire with the two china, brass and ceramic bird candelabras symbolising both heavenly music and spiritual presence signified by the candles.
For Sally Wetherall, from
New memorial prize award
A NEW prize will be awarded during Wells Art Contemporary, which takes place in August in Wells Cathedral.
Martin Bowe, of Wells accountancy firm Probusiness, has personally offered the £500 prize in memory of his wife, the late Jane Bowe. Jane was a considerable artist in her own right, and a great supporter of local artists. The prize will be known as The Jane Bowe Memorial Prize and will be awarded to an artist from Somerset whose work has been selected for the WAC 2024 show.
Paddy O’Hagan, Chair of Wells Art Contemporary, said: “WAC has been showing the very best of international art in Wells for over a decade. Throughout all this time, Probusiness has provided support for WAC’s accounting needs and has offered very helpful business advice.
“Martin and his wife Jane were our sponsors and our friends. Very sadly Jane died
Jane Bowe was a considerable artist
recently, and I am very grateful that Martin has decided to honour her memory in this way.
The Jane Bowe Memorial Prize will celebrate her legacy and her fine artistic sensibility.”
The prize-winner will be revealed at the WAC Private View on August 2 in Wells Cathedral.
Litton, her successful selection is particularly pertinent. “The village was once owned by the Cathedral (it has its own seat in the Chapter House),” she
explains. “Our quite humble church was built in 1392 by Richard Harewell, the nephew of John Harewell, Bishop of Wells, whose magnificent tomb is the most heavily graffitied in the Cathedral.”
She is creating a number of book forms for her piece, I Was Here, with pages formed from casts, prints, photographs and marks taken from, or responding to, the walls of the Cathedral. “My installation aims to illuminate these memories and traces, these glimpsed stories, scratched and scored into the stones of the Cathedral.”
To see both Candace and Sally’s installations along with all the other major works of art, visit Wells Cathedral from August 3 to 31.
Entry to WAC is included with admission to the Cathedral. For further information, visit www.wellsartcontemporary. co.uk
Holistic Reflexology and Massage
Jacqueline Abbott-Slade
Holistic therapist with over 20 years of experience.
Holistic Reflexology relaxes and re-balances the physical body, emotions and mind. It can be very effective for treating sleeping difficulties, poor circulation, back pain, headaches and hormone imbalances.
Massage and reflexology can help relieve stress, anxiety, post-surgery trauma and boost the immune system.
Sally Wetherall will form pages from casts, prints, photographs and marks taken from, or responding to, the walls of Wells Cathedral
STORM and PEBBLES
Two charming cats in need of special family who can give them quiet home
STORM and PEBBLES are looking for a special family who understand cats and their little ways.
Storm is a 14-year-old black female and Pebbles a 14-year-old grey and white long-haired cat. He is said to be a Maine Coone but there is no evidence to verify this.
This pair have not had the happiest of lives so far but they are coming out of their shells now that they are getting the right foods and lots of TLC and turning into happy, loving, gentle cats. We would prefer to home them as a pair as they have been through a lot together and they do look to each other for reassurance.
Storm needs regular medication for a hyperthyroid condition but she takes this easily in food. Once she is used to you she likes attention and a cuddle and also plays with catnip toys. Pebbles is usually the first
to want attention. Both cats have had vet checks and are in good health.
They need a quiet, settled home as indoor cats. This is the lifestyle they have lived and they are nervous of sudden noises that they are not used to. Once settled, they may well enjoy the benefits of an enclosed garden in a quiet area, but that will take time.
We would not home them with children or dogs and would be cautious about other cats in the home. But it would depend on the the cat and the amount of space available in the house. They are charming and gentle cats and just need a bit of time to adjust to new circumstances.
If you are patient cat lovers who could make a real difference to the quality of this pair in their twilight years, please complete our online application form initially at www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury, then we can contact you to discuss further, or phone Gill on 01749 850660.
Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection. Reg
Visitors fascinated by D-Day exhibition
THE D-Day 80th anniversary exhibition in Wells Town Hall on June 8 was busy with visitors from start to finish.
They studied with interest the wartime artefacts, the boards displaying memories of those who lived through and fought in the Second World War, and the models of military aircraft and vehicles.
The exhibition was organised by Wells Branch Royal British Legion, led by committee member Maria Gregg, who said: “To all of our brave heroes far and near and for those who gave their lives to preserve our
freedom, I thank you for your service, we should never forget them. Thank you to the people of Wells for attending the event and showing your respect.”
There was live music at the event from The Berkeley Bluebirds with songs from the 1940s. Just before they played, Wells Mayor Jasmine Browne addressed the audience, saying “we remember the staggering bravery” of those who took part in the D-Day operation, and thanking them on behalf of the city of Wells “for allowing us to live as we do today”.
Neil Dowdney, Deputy Lord
Lieutenant of Somerset, who was himself in the Territorial Army for 42 years, reminded everybody that Somerset was very much in the front line during the war, and said it was packed with supplies and men in readiness for D-Day. A cheque for £600 in support of the D-Day event was presented to Maria and Aaron Cooper-Collett of Wells Branch Royal British Legion by W Bro Tony Chapman on behalf of the Masons.
Tony is the immediate Past Master of the Sir Thomas de Cheddre Lodge No 9188 meeting at the Masonic Hall in Wedmore.
Beacon lit as events of 80 years ago remembered
THERE was a moving ceremony and a beacon was lit at Horrington Primary School on the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. The 30 or so people in attendance observed a twominute silence during the event, that saw Rafe Treasure read the International Tribute, Jim Parfitt recite the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph, and Clare Gardner sound The Last Post and Reveille. Tim Bickerdike was standard bearer.
Former Royal Marine Tony Rees lit the beacon, which was in the direct line of sight of Glastonbury Tor, where there was another in the chain of beacons that were lit around the country.
Councillor Jim Reeves oversaw the organisation of the event which was a partnership between the school and St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.
Some of those who attended the D-Day commemoration and beacon-lighting event at Horrington Primary School, West Horrington, on June 6
Pictured at the D-Day event in Wells Town Hall are Wells Mayor Jasmine Browne, Maria Gregg, Faris Colwill of Wells ATC, Aaron Cooper-Collett, Neil Dowdney and Geoff Dickson; and, on the Wells Branch Royal British Legion stall, Jim Parfitt, Becky Cooper-Collett and Aaron Cooper-Collett
The Berkeley Bluebirds
Exhibition celebrating Italians of Wells
By Emma James
VISITORS to Wells and its residents will soon have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s historic Italian community.
At the request of Sue Isherwood, chairperson of the Wells and Mendip Museum, Mark Wakelin-Gilden and Julie Bollini will co-curate a fascinating exhibition designed to shed light on all aspects of ‘The Italians of Wells’. Celebrating the contribution Italians and their descendants have made to our city, the exhibition will run at the Museum from July 9 until August 31.
Many of us are familiar with names such as Ambrosini, Bollini, Diclaudio, D’Ovidio, Fabiano, Poeti and Raso. But how many of us know why there is such a large Italian population in Wells?
The Romulus and Remus statue, which can be seen on the A39 at the top of the Bristol Hill, is perhaps the most powerful symbol of the connection between the two nations in Wells. Built by Gaetano Celestra and fellow prisoners towards the end of the Second World War, it was their way of thanking the locals for the kindness shown during their captivity.
Mark explains that there were in fact three POW camps in and around Wells: “Penleigh was the largest camp holding about 600 prisoners. Stoberry was firstly an American camp but when the Americans moved out, we
moved our prisoners in. Masbury was a satellite camp with about 100 prisoners. There were still prisoners here in 1946.”
Prisoner duties included farm labouring and rebuilding stone walls. Because they were treated well, many decided to stay in the area. However, visiting family in Italy was difficult. A certificate of registration was needed and reporting regularly to the police was a requirement.
Italians under 30 years of age returning home to visit had to present a discharge certificate if they wanted to avoid National Service.
“One of the things I want this exhibition to do is to create a debate about the way we treat immigrants and refugees,” says Mark, “especially given the fact that many Ukrainians have been hosted in Wells recently.”
Julie Bollini has gathered many fascinating artefacts for the exhibition including carvings and belts made in the camps, cooking utensils and terracotta vessels, documents and wartime currency, as well as photographs. A series of display boards will provide information on a range of topics: Families; the Romulus and Remus statue; the annual Festa Italiana; the Penleigh Camp; the story of Giuseppe Ambrosini; wine-making and Wells’ twin town, Fontanellato. Chosen in 2012, this Northern Italian town has a similar population size, a moated castle and a market place but also had POW camps during the Second World War, each town holding prisoners from the other’s country.
The new exhibition’s curators also hope that some of the prisoners’ descendants will be present to talk to visitors about their history. “The exhibition,” says Mark, “is a comprehensive history of the Italian families’ involvement in the Wells community.” And like all good exhibitions, it will bring people together to be informed and entertained.
Nicki D’Ovidio, Victor D’Ovidio and Carlo Nicodemi preparing the sauce for the pasta at a Festa Italiana; left, the Romulus and Remus statue visible from the A39
Day of dancing, food and vino
THE Romulus & Remus Festa Italiana, celebrating local Italian life and culture, is once again being held at Palace Farm in Wells on Sunday, July 14, with gates opening at 12.30pm.
The festival was established more than 20 years ago to raise badly needed funds to maintain the statue of Romulus and Remus on the outskirts of Wells at Green Ore. The statue was built in 1945 by Italian prisoner of war (POW) Gaetano Celestra.
Many Italian POWs stayed after the war and brought other relatives to settle in Somerset, hence the vibrant local Italian community.
Since the first event was held near the statue, the annual festival has grown in size and thanks to the kindness of the Phelps family has a new home at Palace Farm, Wells, just off Silver Street. With music by renowned local tenor, Tim Pitman, the popular Lui, Mimmo
and John Trio, saxophonist Tim Fulker, the talented Marvin Muoneké plus new this year, one of Wales’ premier female duos
The Pashy Pops, there will be a day of dancing, food and vino with fun for all the family. Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day or people can take their own picnic.
As well as continuing to maintain the Romulus and Remus statue, the event raises funds for Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance and other local charities. Tickets are priced at £15 per adult and £10 for children (10-16 years), under 10s are free.
Further information, including how to buy tickets, can be found at www. wellsitalianfestival.co.uk or call 01749 683110.
The event last year was sold out, so the organisers advise buying tickets as soon as possible.
Up to
homes agreed
APPROVAL has been given for a new development on land south of Elm Close, on the outskirts of Wells.
Somerset Council has granted an application by Gladman Developments Ltd for outline planning permission with some matters reserved for the building of up to 100 homes on the site. A decision on the application had been delayed while discussions took place about phosphate mitigation.
THE installation of the Rev Canon Toby Wright as the new Dean of Wells took place at a service in the Cathedral on Sunday, June 16. He succeeds the Very Rev Dr John Davies who retired last year. Dean installed
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Event close to helping 100 good causes
WELLS SOUP! is back on Saturday, July 6, with a big 100 target in its sights.
This grant-giving lunch has already benefitted 89 charities and other local good causes. Now another four will go away with money.
“This SOUP! is very special as we will break through the 90s barrier and at 93 charities and projects helped so far will soon reach 100,” said Ross Young, who leads the Wells Independents volunteers who run the event.
“And massive thanks to St Andrews Press of Wells for supporting July’s SOUP! as the main sponsor.”
The venue will be the Connect Centre with a 1pm start but it is best to arrive a few minutes early to get a good seat and a drink.
The four good causes who will talk about what they do on July 6 are:
n Wells Carnival stages an
amazing ‘free’ show every year but its future is threatened by increasing regulation and decreasing donations.
n Cathedral Oratorio Society brings choral music to Wells and enables all to come and share
the health-boosting pleasure it provides.
n Wells Scout Group provides Scouting activities for young people to learn team-working through fun and adventure to gain resilience in skills for life.
n Ford Haven aims to help all vulnerable children across Somerset and host homeeducated children, giving them a space to socialise and experience new activities.
“SOUP! is a great initiative which brings people together to eat, socialise, and more importantly raise money for the many charitable, volunteerled groups in Wells,” said Tom Wood, managing director of St Andrews Press.
“Many of the groups come to St Andrews Press for printing and, when meeting the organisers, it is clear that these essential clubs, charities and organisations provide so much support to vulnerable people and lots of opportunities to the wider community.
“We are very pleased to be able to sponsor July 6’s SOUP!”
How the funding is shared between the good causes’ work is decided by the audience voting.
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Tom Wood in the light blue shirt shakes hands with Ross Young watched by St Andrews Press staff Picture: Philip Welch
Tea Party organised to thank volunteers
VOLUNTEERS from across Wells gathered for a Tea Party in the Cathedral and declared it an amazing success.
It was organised by Wells Community Network to mark Volunteers Week and thank them for all the support they give to charities and other community organisations in our city, year in, year out. More than 100 went to
enjoy the sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes and more made specially for the occasion in a warm and friendly atmosphere generated at the Education Room of Wells Cathedral.
The city’s Mayor, Councillor Jasmine Browne, who has volunteered herself with the Scouts, said she had never known a place with as many
volunteers as Wells and they made it a special place for all.
Particular praise was given to the team of volunteers led by Emma Lefevre, Trisha Leigh, Carol Mohide and Kim Robinson who worked for many hours to prepare the food.
This is the seventh successive year that Volunteers Week has been celebrated in Wells.
Mental health support group
PEOPLE who are experiencing challenges with their mental wellbeing can find help at a Peer Support Group (PSG) that runs on Wednesday evenings at Heads Up, Upper Breach, South Horrington, from 6pm-8pm.
The Changes communitybased mental health support group offers safe, friendly and structured meetings that people can join whenever they feel the need.
Changes services are based on a 12-Step Recovery Programme and 10-point Wellness Action Plan (WAP), providing a clear and structured pathway to recovery and wellbeing.
Access to Changes PSGs is open to everyone and is open-ended. There is no need to pre-book, just turn up at the start of a session whenever help is required.
For more information, call 01749 670667 or email info@ headsupsomerset.org.uk
Wells Mayor Jasmine Browne thanks the volunteers
Festival appearance by popular poet Pam
POET Pam Ayres, who has been making the nation laugh for almost 50 years, is to appear at the Wells Festival of Literature this autumn.
Her event, called a Festival of Poetry, takes place on Saturday, October 19 – the first weekend of the festival – when her talk will include highlights from her 2021 book Pam Ayres on Animals, and from her latest one Who Are You Calling Vermin? due to be published next year.
Pam, said to be the bestselling poet after Ted Hughes since records began, has appeared widely on TV and radio and she has also been a guest on Desert Island Discs twice.
Philosopher AC Grayling appears earlier the same day with a talk on Who Owns the Moon? – the title of his new book which explores the history of the places that no one, and therefore everyone, owns.
While the Earth’s natural resources dwindle and the superpowers eye the moon’s natural wealth, he argues for a bold new consensus which defends the rights of everyone who lives on this planet.
Later that evening John
n OBITUARY
Eric Douglas John Loxton, of Wells
Eric Douglas John Loxton (aka Tiny Loxton) of Wells passed away peacefully on 10th June 2024 at the age of 85.
Eric was born in Wells Cottage Hospital on 16th March 1939 to Tom and Doris Loxton. Throughout his childhood he resided in Everett Close with his sister, Christine, and his parents.
The Wells Blue School played host to Eric’s teen years. He was a charismatic character who was gifted with a natural sporting ability, playing in both the cricket and football first XI teams by the time he was 15.
At the age of 16 Eric joined his father working at John Snow’s & Co Ltd in Glastonbury and thus began his life-long involvement in the construction industry and his detailed knowledge of all things ‘timber’.
The two years he spent in the
O’Farrell brings humour in his political satire Family Politics. When Dylan Hughes moves back home after graduating from university he shocks his high-profile leftwing parents by announcing that he is a Conservative. The sparks fly in this antidote to our divided times.
The following afternoon the Book Group event can look forward to hearing Cecile Pin when she talks about her novel Wandering Souls, an account of a family fleeing Vietnam in a
Royal Marines (1957-1959) left an indelible mark on Eric, and he considered those years among the best of his life. It was during his military service that Eric met his late wife, Lynn Loxton. They married in 1960 and by 1965 were settled with their two children, Sharon and Stephen. Career-wise, Eric’s sociable nature meant he was a natural salesman, and he worked as a Sales Representative for
Southern Evans Ltd, then for Magnet Southerns PLC, and finally Jewsons PLC.
Eric’s greatest passion, however, was sport. He was a loyal and committed member of Wells City FC. He played for and then managed Wells first team during the 1960s, 1970s and the early 1980s. The summer months were the time for cricket; Eric played for Wells first XI, Wells Sunday team and Wells Wednesdays on a weekly basis.
In the early ’80s Eric discovered the joys of golf which dominated his life from that time onwards. 1985 marked the start of his membership and it wasn’t long after that he became the club’s social secretary. In 1995 he was made club captain, a title he was always incredibly proud of, and in 2017 he became an honorary lifetime member in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the club.
Eric had an incredible lust for
bid for a new life. Her book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Prize of 2023.
Plenty more names are yet to be announced for Wells Festival of Literature which runs from October 18-26.
Proceeds go towards its yearlong educational work in local schools.
Booking opens at the end of July for Friends and sponsors, with general booking opening in early August. For more details visit www. wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
life, and even after recovering from two bouts of cancer and suffering several strokes, he still dreamed of getting back on to the course for another round.
Eric is survived by his sister, Christine, his daughter Sharon, his son and daughterin-law, Stephen and Sarah; his grandchildren Emily, Aimee, Jordan and Ellis, and his greatgrandchildren Cameron, Albie Eric, Archie, Oliver, Sylvie MaryDawn and Gracie.
The funeral will be held on Friday 12th July at 12.30pm at Mendip Crematorium to be followed by a celebration of Eric’s life at Wells Golf Club. All friends and family are welcome. Family flowers only. All donations to the Alzheimer’s Society and the Stroke Association may be forwarded to Unwins Independent Funeral Directors, The Firs, Underwood, Wookey Hole Road, Wells BA5 1AF.
Top, from left, Pam Ayres, AC Grayling and Cecile Pin; and above, John O’Farrell, author of Family Politics
Dominique Van Der Veen with volunteers from the Wells Foodbank who said they are delighted to have the support of Fosso Lounge and extremely grateful to have received nearly £2,000 from them in the last 12 months
Restaurants quiz sessions help to raise nearly
£2,000
QUIZ fans have helped to raise almost £2,000 for the Wells Foodbank.
The Fosso Lounge in the High Street runs quizzes on the first Thursday of every month, and half the £2 entry fee goes to the foodbank.
“We decided to work with the foodbank as it’s a communitybased charity which directly and selflessly help so many families,” said Dominique Van Der Veen, the restaurant’s community champion and assistant manager.
Other initiatives at Fosso Lounge which have fundraised for the charity include mini bar games from which all the money goes to the foodbank,
for foodbank
and a King’s Birthday Tea Party on June 12 where 60 per cent of the £10 tickets has gone to the foodbank.
They also hosted a small business market day on June 11 to promote small businesses in Wells who paid £10 fee per stall, all of which went to the charity.
“Working in the food industry you see so many people who pop in to have meals with their friends and families,” said Dominique, “so it’s hard to think about those who can’t afford to even do that at home, never mind go out for a meal.
“The volunteers at the foodbank are incredible, they are so committed and caring.”
Holiday-themed event for children
A FREE summer holiday-themed session for young children will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church on Sunday, July 21, from 3pm-4.30pm.
The event is one of the monthly 3@3 (3rd Sunday @ 3pm) sessions at the church for pre-school and primary school age children and their carers.
The children will be kept entertained with a mix of crafts,
play and fun activities, and explore how bible teachings relate to their lives today. They will be making paper boats and testing them out as well as kicking off the summer holidays with ice cream. For parents, it is an opportunity for conversation over a cup of tea (refreshments provided for children too).
Parents must accompany their children to this event.
Plans to open new jewellery shop
WELLS will get a new jewellery shop if a planning application is successful. Plans have been submitted to Somerset Council for a new shopfront and entrance door to provide security for a jewellery shop at 78 High Street.
A new internal ground-floor
partition is also proposed for what was previously a Subway restaurant, and the new owner would like an artist to hand paint the wording ‘Mendip Jewellers Wells’ on the side wall where the building is stepped forward from the adjoining No 80.
The Hilliard Society’s annual International Exhibition of Miniature Art attracted hundreds of visitors when it took place at Wells Town Hall from June 8-15. The event showcases some of the best of contemporary miniature paintings and sculptures. It included a workshop, demonstrations of miniature painting, and a luncheon and presentation of awards. Pictured is Erica Youngman, who won the Sue Burton Memorial Award for best in exhibition with her painting Summertime in Venice (right).
Clinic appeal to Children of the 90s
RESEARCHERS at the University of Bristol are calling on 31- to 33-year-olds living in the area who were born in or around Bristol in 1991/2 to take part in the Children of the 90s @30 clinic.
The Children of the 90s research study is following the health and development of more than 14,000 families with
a child born in Bristol and the surrounding area between April 1991 and December 1992. The @30 clinic, which involves a series of physical and mental health measures including bone density scans, liver scans and lung function tests, comes to an end in July. To find out more call 0117 331 0011 or email info@ childrenofthe90s.ac.uk
John Tennant, Chair of the Monarch’s Way Association, and volunteers Adrian I’Anson, Chris Billinghurst and Graham Allen presented Wells City Council with one of the new signs for the Monarch’s Way on June 9 at the Wells Recreation Ground, in front of the Bishop’s Barn. The map shows the route taken by King Charles II when he fled to the South Coast to get to France, after his defeat by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester, passing through Wells. The Battle of Worcester took place on September 3, 1651, in and around the city of Worcester, and was the last major battle of the 1642 to 1651 Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Seen in the photo receiving the sign are Councillor Jasmine Browne, the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Philip Welch, Chair of the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground Open Spaces Committee, and Councillor Denise Denis, Chair of Wells Planning Committee.
Picture: Kevin Westwood
More than 70 furniture designer-makers enjoyed a day of learning and networking at the 2024 New Makers’ Conference at Wells & Mendip Museum in May, hosted by The Furniture Makers’ Company and luxury designer and maker, Artichoke. Now in its third year, the conference provides a unique platform for emerging designer-makers who are just starting out on their career to connect and network with established makers in the industry. Notable speakers included Daisy Brunsdon, pictured inset, designer-maker and TV tutor. David Dewing, chairman of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s South West Region, said: ‘The New Makers’ Conference continues to be a significant event for the furniture making community in the South West. Our thanks to all the speakers and guests for joining us and a special word of thanks to our event partners, Artichoke.’
Local layouts to be seen at Railwells
THIS year’s Railwells model railway exhibition, including Scalefour Southwest, will take place in Wells Town Hall on August 3 and 4.
Out of the 14 layouts attending there will be two layouts of stations on the Cheddar Valley Line. Cheddar is presented as a nearly finished layout set in the GW 1950s period. Wells Tucker Street Goods shows the end of the line in the same period. This partbuilt layout was started to show the goods yard before the road was built over the line, for the 150th anniversary of opening in 2020, but lockdown stopped this event. The goods shed is the only building in existence on site today.
There will also be Stodmarsh, in 0 gauge with Dad’s Army in attendance. At the other end of
the scale is Brian Harrap’s proto Z layout Zobland; and Sefton Park by Roger Orpwood working at 3/4mm to the foot, no motors in these locos, they work with magic, in 4mm scale this layout would be 43ft by 14ft, in fact it is 8ft 6in by 10in.
Also attending will be 17 traders including David Maidment, chairman of the Railway Children Charity, the newly reformed Blacksmith Models and Model stock, the new home for ABS 4mm kits and accessories
Railwells – organised by the Wells Railway Fraternity – is an exhibition that shows people how, for beginners as well as railway modellers. Full details will be on the railwells.com website with the programme available to download a week before the show.
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Visitors flocked to see the Hidden Gardens of St Thomas Street when 13 of them were opened to the public on June 9. There was tea and cakes on offer, and music from Wells City Brass Ensemble in Tor Street Garden. The event saw between 700 and 900 adults and children visit the gardens, and £5,650 was raised for Heads Up. Pictured from top are: Maureen Knight and Jane King at 69 St Thomas Street; Alan Webb at 39 St Thomas Street; Eric and Heather Jane Wallace with Paddy O’Hagan at 35 Millers Gardens; and Robert Swift with Hugo the Irish Terrier at Furlong House.
AS some of you know, I have now come to the end of my time as the Wells Police Community Support Officer, and after a little over five years, it was time for me to make a change.
Since joining Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team back in January 2019, I have learnt a lot from both my team, and you the public. I have been given the freedom to engage with my communities in ways that are… unusual, shall we say! From Easter bonnet competitions, duck races, Christmas elf social media posts, to creating the Copper vs Kids football tournaments between local schools and their local policing teams, which has now been adopted by other stations across Somerset. It is my belief that in order to police our
The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Samuel White
communities, we must immerse ourselves in them, and I can’t thank you all enough for being so welcoming in that respect.
You have made my time in this role, in this great city, truly spectacular.
It is a privilege to have been a representative of the police service for the area in which I live, and I am fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to continue that service within another role. So, this is not goodbye, but more of a ‘see you soon’ as I will be returning towards the end of the year as a response Police Constable, stationed from Shepton Mallet, covering the Mendips.
We are so lucky to have such a dedicated and driven Neighbourhood Team here in Wells, and I hope you can join me in wishing them safety, as they in turn continue to help keep our communities safe.
PCSO 9327 White, signing off for the final time.
Awarded King’s Police Medal
A RETIRED Avon and Somerset police inspector has been awarded the King’s Police Medal. Catherine Larsen was an award recipient on the Birthday Honours list announced in June. During her 30-year career, one of her major achievements was the work she carried out in support of Chief Constable Sarah Crew on Operation Soteria Bluestone, which has transformed the way rape and serious sexual offences are investigated by the police. Insp Larsen was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation and a Home Secretary’s Commendation for this work.
In the early 1990s, a career highlight for her was being trodden on by the then HRH Prince Charles while he was on a visit in Wells, and he stepped back onto her beautifully bulled parade shoe.
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Day that can make a big difference
IN July, the 12-hour Wells Spinathon is due to make an important contribution to the life of local disabled young woman, Poppy Garton.
After months of preparation and planning, the event on Saturday, July 20, is scheduled to make 19-year-old Poppy’s goal of an Innowalk a reality after five years of fundraising.
She and her family have been raising money towards the innovative standing device which enables independent exercise, so that she has the opportunity to keep fit and healthy despite a significant physical disability. Poppy had a stroke at 23 months old after an acute and sudden illness, which has left her with Left Hemiplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy, focal epilepsy and specific learning difficulties.
Poppy said: “I can’t remember
being ill or being in hospital for over seven weeks. I can’t remember not being disabled. It is my life now, but it is hard and I do struggle with how difficult things can be. I can get very down about what I cannot do. So, it is very important that I can use the Innowalk, and I plan to use it several times a week to maintain my fitness.”
The family and team of volunteers have planned a day of spinning and fun for the local community to support. The spinathon starts at 7am and involves 20 bikes, on the forecourt of Kingdom Training Gym on the Keward Estate. Each hour session will be facilitated by local fitness instructor, Rachel Rostron, who is planning a different routine for each of the 12 spin sessions. She said: “I still need spinners to
come forward and book an hour’s slot at £10. I’ve had several group bookings, including the local fire station, who have entered a team for the entire 12-hour duration. I’ve also had individuals sign up for several hours and take a sponsor form to maximise their contribution. But I still have slots to fill. I urge you to book a time with me and make a difference for Poppy.”
Prospective spinners should contact Rachel in advance at Rachel.rr@sky.com or through the official spinathon Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/events/s/12hour-charity-spinathonkeep/954650442983059/
Poppy herself will be manning the cake stall from 10am-4pm and Poppy’s dad will be cooking up a storm on the barbecue from 6pm.
Over the same weekend, the fundraising continues with an online auction featuring a range of gifts, treats and family activities. Lisa, Poppy’s mum,
Painting turned into new jigsaw
ARTIST Sue Williams – a Wells resident since 1947 – has had another of her oil paintings turned into a jigsaw puzzle.
As the first puzzle she produced two years ago proved to be very popular, she was encouraged to do another.
With the help of Ian Thomas of Absolute Cards, she has just taken delivery of a new puzzle showing Wells Cathedral reflected in The Bishop’s Palace pool. It is now available in Absolute Cards in the High Street in either 500 or 1,000 piece versions.
said: “As a team, we’ve managed to secure some truly brilliant auction gifts. I’ve been humbled by the generous contributions. The gifts will be released in stages over the weekend. But to bid on any gift you must have joined the auction Facebook page and marked yourself as going.”
To receive updates, secure a place at the auction and bid, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/s/spinning-for-poppyjoin-our-on/1601349607327222/
Sponsorship can be given at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/keepmewalking and there are Spinathon collection boxes at Loaf cafe, Bijou Salon, Whiting & Son, The Good Earth Natural Foods, The Crown Hotel, Courtyard Hair Studio and City News.
Lisa said: “Please get involved. We really need this equipment in place for Poppy for her university start in September, when she will commence a media degree. It is a huge step for her.”
The new jigsaw puzzle
Rachel Rostron with some of the Wells Fire Station spinning team
Thanks to city council for generous support
THE Wells Carnival Committee would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Wells City Council for their recent donation, which enabled us to participate in a comprehensive traffic management course. This course, attended by four of our dedicated committee members, is a critical step forward in ensuring the safety and success of largescale events in our community, including the beloved Wells City Carnival.
The certification obtained through this course is valid for five years, equipping our team with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely close roads and manage traffic during significant events. This capability is essential not only for the smooth running of the Wells City Carnival but also for other important community events throughout the year.
Thanks to the council’s generous support, our committee is now better positioned to assist other local events with traffic
management, thereby fostering a spirit of co-operation and mutual support within our community. Moreover, this newfound capability will allow us to offer our services in exchange for
diamond bracelet Sold for £3,400
donations, helping to sustain the vibrant and dynamic events that bring joy and unity to Wells.
Running the Wells City Carnival is an expensive endeavour, requiring thousands
of pounds each year to cover various costs. As such, we are always on the lookout for donations to ensure that this cherished event can continue to thrive and bring happiness to our residents and visitors alike. If you or your business is in a position to contribute, your support would be immensely appreciated and would go a long way in keeping the carnival a staple of our community celebrations.
Once again, thank you, Wells City Council, for your invaluable contribution. Your support not only helps ensure the continued success of the Wells City Carnival but also strengthens the fabric of our community by enabling us to assist other local events. Together, we can look forward to many more years of safe, well-managed, and joyous celebrations in Wells.
With heartfelt gratitude, Paul Toole Media Officer for Wells Carnival Committee
Andrew Beer, (1862-1954) - Oil on
–'Easter Old Bird Fly' Sold for £4,500
Edwardian
canvas
Wells City Carnival committee members Louie Fabiano, Mark Lunnon and Alan Phipps, and Deputy Chief Marshal Nigel Clarke, who have all received traffic management training
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Rotakids choose nature trail as first project
By Philip Welch
AN after-school club with a difference has opened in Wells.
They have their own President, Vice-President, Secretary who takes notes and a Treasurer as they’d like to have a fundraising cake sale, which will need support from the adults of Wells Rotary who came up with the idea of the club.
The children are called Rotakids and have chosen as their first project a nature trail for their school – St Cuthbert’s Junior – with plants, a pebble pathway and hopefully a night sight camera to record wildlife movements outside school hours.
“They are excited and enthusiastic, creative and energetic,” said project leader Sharon Haigh, from Wells Rotary.
They meet for one hour after
school on Tuesdays and recite this pledge at the beginning: “As a Rotakid I endeavour to be fair to all, to serve my community and to show respect for others.”
Headteacher Helen Mullinger said: “Our children are very aware of the community they live
in and work hard to make sure they support them. They have started to participate in Rotakids which is a very community-based club.
“They enjoy thinking about projects within the local area as well as considering support
needed further afield. The children are very much looking forward to putting their plans for supporting people into action.”
Wells Rotary had earlier launched another initiative to support the children at St Cuthbert’s Junior School, called The Listening Project.
“Rotarians and non-Rotarians commit themselves to 1.5 hours per week listening to individual children read from their set books,” said the project’s Alan Guyner.
“In complementing the work of the school the children’s reading and communication skills develop much faster, the enjoyment of reading is fostered.
“It is a rewarding experience for the listeners too. Apart from the fun of being with the children there is the satisfaction of being able to pass on what we know to the next generation.”
The Rotakids having fun at St Cuthbert’s Junior School. Sharon Haigh is standing at the back.
Author talk and Summer Reading Challenge among library events
COMING up at Wells Library in July:
n Author Talk – May Ellis: Local author May Ellis will be talking about writing and researching her heartwarming historical saga series The Clarks Factory Girls on Wednesday, July 10, at 10.30am. To reserve a place at this free event email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk
n Fascinating and Curious Museum: A fun and engaging heritage session designed for young children aged 2-4. Free session on Tuesday, July 16, 10am-12pm. Tickets available via Eventbrite. Any queries, email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk
n Summer Reading Challenge: The theme for this year’s reading challenge is Marvellous Makers! It starts on Saturday, July 6, and runs until Saturday, September 7. The
challenge is to read six books in that time. Join up at Wells Library from July 6.
n Switch Club: For children aged seven and up – book a place at the popular Nintendo Switch Club on Saturday, July 20, at 10.30am. Free of charge – booking essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk
n Ancestry Group: The library is running an Ancestry Group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm. Email wlslib@somerset. gov.uk to find out more or book a place. The next session is on Tuesday, July 2.
n IT Help Sessions: Need help with a new device? Book a onehour session with a volunteer on Wednesdays at 10.30am or 11.30am, or Thursdays at 10.30am or 11.30am. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk
Tickets on sale for catwalk show
TICKETS have gone on sale for the catwalk event to showcase the 100 wedding dresses that have been repurposed for the Tanys Transformations project.
Dreams and Dresses will take place in The Bishop’s Barn on Saturday, August 10. Entry is from 6pm, and the catwalk starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £25 and are available from Wells Town Hall or Eventbrite.
The Tanys Transformations project was started by Tanys Pullin when she was Mayor of Wells, and is raising money for Heads Up and Whizz Kidz. Sponsorship opportunities are still available – email tanys@ tanystransformations.co.uk
The dresses will be going on display at Shepton Mallet Prison. Dresses Behind Bars is due to start on June 29.
Campaign boost for good causes
A LAW firm with branches in Wells, Street and Somerton has raised £2,570 by participating in an annual charity Will-writing campaign – which will help to fund vital work in the UK and abroad.
Chubb Bulleid has taken part in the Will Aid campaign since 1998 and has raised a grand
Emma Skipper and the other students finish installing their garden at Heads Up at 8.30pm on the Sunday evening
Garden transferred to Heads Up
THE report in last month’s Voice about how a chance meeting of two dachshund owners led to students offering to give Heads Up their sensory garden has had a doubly happy ending. Not only did the students take the garden they had made, lock, stock and flowers, from the Royal Bath and West Show on the Sunday and install it at the mental health charity’s base in
South Horrington – finishing at 8.30pm.
They won a Large Gold at the show and the People’s Choice award as well.
“We are completely thrilled,” said Emma Skipper, the Wells student whose dachshund owner chat with Heads Up Service Director Bridget Harvey sparked this profoundly positive partnership.
Residents at Crandon Springs care home in Wells experienced the short arm of the law from a visiting group of the Wells mini police. The visitors from St Cuthbert Primary School in Wells were accompanied by local PCSO Leann Chinnock and members of St Cuthbert School and the Mendip Neighbourhood Policing team to share stories, enjoy the gardens and entertain each other with games and activities.
Charity chosen
Plan withdrawn
total of £68,270, by volunteering staff time and expertise to write Wills and, instead of charging their usual fees for writing basic Wills, inviting clients to make a donation to Will Aid.
The money raised is shared between the campaign’s partner charities, which work across a variety of causes.
WOOKEY Hole tourist attraction has announced that The Rendezvous is to be its Charity of the Year for 2024. Coins thrown into the Wookey Hole wishing well will go directly to the charity, that supports young people aged 13-25 in North Dorset and South Somerset, for the next 12 months.
A PLANNING application for change of use from residential to car parking on land at 16 Chamberlain Street, Wells, has been withdrawn.
The proposal by the Parish of SS Joseph and Teresa RC Church had been for nine new car parking spaces, some of which would have been for rent.
One of the dresses being modelled at Shepton Mallet Prison
Motorcyclists prepare for scenic rides
WELLS and the surrounding area will be alive with the sound of motorcycles and scooters of all ages on Sunday, July 21, as they head to Wells Football Club for the 13th Annual Tortoise and Hare Run organised by Wells Classic Motorcycle Club.
Some will arrive early to enjoy a full English breakfast or bacon baps in preparation to be ready to depart at 10am.
They will be started off by the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Jasmine Browne, assisted by Town Crier Len Sweales on to their various run routes across the Mendip Hills and surrounding countryside.
The Hare and Tortoise groups will enter Wells via Dulcote and on to Bath Road as they head through Gurney Slade towards Nunney, at which point they take separate routes to the coffee stop at Castle Cary Rugby Club.
The Hare group will take in Trudoxhill, Horningsham, The
Deverills, Zeals and Bruton on their way to the coffee stop.
The Tortoise group will take in Trudoxhill, Gare Hill, Brewham and Bruton, also on their way to the coffee stop.
The Snail group will take in Dulcote, Croscombe, Shepton Mallet and Evercreech on their
way to the coffee stop, where all the entrants and marshals meet up.
After refreshments they take various routes back to Wells Football Club for the lunch stop.
After lunch the Hare and Tortoise head for the north side of the Mendips on various routes
taking in the Harptrees, Chew Valley, Rickford, Burrington Combe and Cheddar.
The Snail take in a route on the lowland below Wells on their way back to the city for tea and cake, the various class awards presentations plus a raffle.
The event is organised to raise much-needed funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and EVS Freewheelers (Blood Bikes). To date it has donated more than £30,000 to the air ambulance, rising from £400 in its first year.
A large proportion of this money is raised via the brochure produced for the event in which space is sold to a wide and varied group of businesses who are keen to support the club.
There is still space available for more entrants in this year’s run. Entry forms and club details are on the website: www. wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. weebly.com
The start of last year’s Tortoise and Hare Run with then mayor Tanys Pullin setting the riders on their way
Large quantity of tech items handed over
THE Fixy van collected 527kg of unwanted smart tech equipment when it visited the Little Theatre on May 29 for the Wells Tech Amnesty.
Among other things, local people took the opportunity to donate 110 phones, 62 laptops, 38 tablets and even a spy pen. The organisers, Sustainable Wells and Linda Hull of the Fixy Project, were delighted with the response from the people of Wells.
The smart tech items will now be passed on to Donate IT which will wipe their data, refurbish them and then donate them to people in digital need. For example, refurbished smartphones are needed for remote monitoring and stabilising of insulin levels in diabetic children with implanted insulin pumps, so that these
children’s lives are kept as normal as possible. Simon Barfoot, the founder of Donate IT, said: “We have made device donations to isolated, elderly, displaced people, victims of domestic abuse, modern slavery and human trafficking survivors, job hunters, homeless people, addicts, those in rehab after life-
changing events and generally people struggling to function and have a good quality of life in an ever-increasingly digital world.”
When devices are not suitable for refurbishing and donating, their component parts, some remarkably valuable, can be recovered and reused.
The next tech amnesty in
Wells is likely to be held in midOctober and will be publicised on the Sustainable Wells website. Wells and Shepton Mallet libraries are also permanent drop-off points for unwanted small tech items.
The Fixy van also promotes repairing, so the event was supported by repairers from Wells Repair Cafe, who enjoy the challenge of mending whatever broken items are taken to them. The next Repair Cafe will be at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Saturday, July 27, from 10am12.30pm. Repair Cafe is always on the last Saturday of the month, alternating between the Library and St Thomas’ Church Hall. The venue can be checked on the Sustainable Wells website, and Amanda Phillips can be contacted with any questions (repaircafe.wells@gmail.com).
The Fixy van and tech amnesty team at Wells Little Theatre
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
Sergeant Simon Lancey and Neighbourhood Constable Darren Pearson discussed the policing situation in Wells and answered questions at the Wells Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast on June 6. Sgt Lancey said the statistics suggested that shoplifting in the city is going down, although retailers feel that it is going up. He encouraged businesses to report crimes so that the statistics reflect the situation on the ground, as the allocation of police resources is statistics-driven. The officers explained that resources are stretched and response times are sometimes unavoidably slower as a result.
School seeking to fill music role
ST Cuthbert’s CofE Junior School in Wells is looking for someone to join their team who is passionate about music and able to share that passion in their teaching with children.
A person is needed to lead the choir, play piano and lead whole school singing during assembly and whole school celebrations. There will also be an opportunity for one-to-one or group musical tuition.
The school choir performs to a range of audiences and the school needs someone who will support the children in sharing
their music with friends, staff, visiting parents and the local community while they gain experience and confidence in performing in public.
This role would suit someone who has recently qualified and is filled with enthusiasm and wants experience, says the school, or it could suit someone still wanting musical connection with students but not full time and who works in other similar roles.
It would only be about 1.5 hours a week. Contact the school for more information: school. office@scjwells.co.uk
Mendip Markets, run by Somerset Council, took part in the national Love Your Local Market (LYLM) campaign which celebrates traditional markets and its dedicated traders. Markets in Wells (pictured), Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street and Frome proudly displayed a LYLM banner during this year’s campaign, which was organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities and ran from May 17-June 1.
Making a Will means you will have the final say
By Caroline Williams
DO I really have to make a Will?
People avoid the topic of Wills as (understandably) it is deemed to be a rather morbid topic of conversation.
But if there is no Will then the outcome could be far from desirable. A single person with no children is always surprised to hear that everything they own (including their pets) could go to an estranged sibling with whom they fell out many years ago.
Others wish to save money, which of course is an entirely reasonable response, especially when the cost of living is high.
However the cost of a single Will is less than maintaining a vehicle for a year. So ultimately a person could spend far more on a car
than they would on ensuring that those closest to them are provided for when they are gone.
Many firms also offer free Will schemes which they run alongside charities. This allows people to make a Will, paying nothing to law firms and instead donating to charities instead.
‘In general, a meeting to discuss making a Will only takes half an hour’
In general, a meeting to discuss making a Will only takes half an hour. So in the time it takes to watch your favourite TV show, you will be well on your way to making sure that you and you alone have the final say in what happens when you are no longer here.
n Caroline Williams is a solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk
Neighbourhood
Network
n IN DAYS GONE BY
With Clare Blackmore
Royal wedding celebrated in lavish style
IN 1863, preparations were being made in Wells to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, to Princess Alexandra of Denmark at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
The wedding was to take place on March 10, the first time that a royal wedding had taken place at St George’s, and it was smaller than a usual royal wedding after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, with Queen Victoria still in deep mourning.
In Wells, the preparations for the celebration were outlined by the city council.
The Simes map of 1735 which shows the location of the Market House. Copies of this map are available from the Wells Museum shop.
Subscriptions were collected to pay for the event and in February 1863, it was announced that these had reached £230 including £20 from the MPs The institution of the Dean the Dean and Chapter in this city to suppose that they will allow such an occasion to pass without giving full proof of their loyalty by a liberal subscription”.
The arrangements, although not perfected, were announced:
There will be a procession through the city which the Oddfellows and Foresters have agreed to join and it will be accompanied by two bands. It will start at 11 o’clock.
A ‘Feu de joie’ will be fired by the Rifle Volunteers and from cannons. A dinner for the poor will follow. Provisions will be made for 1,800 persons, young and old.
The adults will dine in the Market House and under the Town Hall and Mr Baker, who has a timber yard at Wells station, has kindly offered to lend, gratis, planks to form tables and stools.
Some of the juveniles will dine in the Central School room in St John’s Street and the rest in St Thomas School room.
The doors will open at one o’clock and grace will be said at half past one.
At three o’clock diversions under the management of a committee will commence and the sum of £10 will be appropriated for prizes etc.
There will be a public dinner at five o’clock either at the Swan Hotel or in the Council Chamber.
At eight o’clock there will be a display of fireworks in the Market Place.
We believe there will be a ball in the Market House. The
Oddfellows and Foresters will dine together and also have a ball in the evening.
The Tenth Volunteer Rifle Corps were requested to appear in white gloves to mark the occasion.
A tree, a Wellingtonia Gigantis, will be planted by Lady Auckland in the Bishop’s Park to commemorate the occasion. (This was on the day planted by the Bishop as Lady Auckland was indisposed.) The school children will walk in the procession five abreast.
Citizens who wish to join the procession should assemble at the Palace Gate.
The allowance for food for each poor person was stated as: 1lb of uncooked meat, 1lb of plum pudding, 1lb of bread and a pint of beer.
The children instead of beer will be supplied with tea and 1s 4d will be given to each sick or infirm person in the city unable to attend the rejoicings.
‘The fireworks in the Market Place had the centre piece of The Prince of Wales Feathers’
Sack races, hurdle races, wheelbarrow races, snapping at treacle buns with hand tied behind the back, and donkey races were to be in the Bishop’s Park organised by the students of the Theological College.
The dinner, which was attended by 100 people, was eventually held in the Council Chamber with food provided by Mrs Mead of the Swan Hotel.
The fireworks in the Market Place had the centre piece of The Prince of Wales Feathers.
The Band of the Rifle Corps played at the people’s ball in the Market House in the evening which was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flags and lighted by Chinese lanterns.
The Oddfellows dined in the Red Lion Inn in the Market Place and the Foresters ate at the Crown Inn which also held a ball in the evening.
Dancing and good cheer was kept up until the early hours of the morning.
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
What to do when someone dies
DURING the summer months
we at Wells Funeral Services are taking a break from Wells market, but we are still here to help you in any way we can, just give us a call or get in touch via the website.
One question that we are frequently asked is what to do when someone dies. The death of a family member or friend is emotionally overwhelming, and navigating the necessary procedures can be daunting. There are steps to follow when someone dies, ensuring that legal requirements are met, and arrangements are handled smoothly. This guide aims to provide an overview of what to do when someone dies.
1. Confirm the death
The first step is to confirm the death. If the person died at home and the death was expected, call their GP or the NHS helpline. A doctor will need to visit to certify the death and provide a medical certificate stating the cause of death. If the death is sudden or unexpected, call emergency services immediately. In cases of unexpected deaths, the police and a coroner may be involved.
2. Notify next of kin
If you are not the person’s next of kin you will need to inform the immediate family about the death. This can be a difficult task, but it is essential to ensure that everyone is aware and can begin to make arrangements.
3. Check for any specific wishes
The Will or known wishes of the person who has died may dictate the funeral director and the type of funeral they want. If they didn’t leave any instructions their next of kin or close family member or friend will usually make these decisions.
4. Talk to a funeral director
This is where our expertise becomes crucial. We are trained to manage the logistics following a death and can guide you through the next steps helping you to focus on your emotional needs.
5. Register the death
The death must be registered within five days. We can give you all the details you need to arrange this and can speak to any relevant medical practices to ensure forms are in place. We can also advise on the documents
you will need to take to the appointment. The registrar will issue the death certificate, you will need multiple copies as banks, pension companies etc will all need a copy when it comes to dealing with the estate of the person who has died.
6. Notify relevant authorities and institutions
The ‘Tell Us Once’ service, available in most parts of the UK, allows you to report a death to most government organisations in one go, the registrar will be able to give you details of this service at your appointment. Others who need to be informed are banks and financial institutions, insurance companies, utility companies and service providers.
6. Arrange the funeral
Whether it is to be a cremation or burial we will handle the necessary paperwork and will talk through your requirements to arrange a funeral that is tailored exactly to your needs and budget. From where the funeral is to take place, the coffin, the flowers, transportation of the coffin to the funeral venue and who will lead the funeral.
7. Deal with the estate of the person who has died
Locate the Will, if there is one. The executor named in the Will is responsible for managing the estate and will need to apply for probate if necessary, before carrying out instructions as per the Will.
8. Seek support and guidance
Beyond logistical support we can offer emotional support. We connect families with grief counsellors and support groups, providing a network of care that extends beyond the funeral itself. Our experience in dealing with bereavement enables us to offer compassionate advice during an incredibly tough time.
In conclusion, the role we play when someone dies is not just a service but a partnership that provides structure and support. Allowing you to navigate your loss with care and compassion. We are independent, family-owned funeral directors. Let our family help yours.
Tel: 01749 670100, email: rod@wfs.me.uk or nicky@wfs. me.uk
n WHAT’S ON
Fun and games at village summer fete
THE Chewton Mendip Summer Fete promises plenty of fun and games when it takes place on the School Playing Field next to the church (BA3 4SW) on Saturday, July 6, from 3pm-6pm.
The theme is Paris Olympics, and highlights will include a Famous Grand Finale Tug of War – Chewton Mendip vs The Rest of the World; dancing displays; a brass band, barbecue and bar; a Grand Prize Raffle for cash prizes; and a Huge Silent Auction Wall for great gifts and days out.
There will also be cakes, teas and coffees; a Pimms Bar and Champagne draw; traditional stalls and games; and a bouncy slide.
Entrance is £2 (children free).
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
Folk club meetings
MR Punch’s Folk Club meets once a fortnight on a Friday at Theale Village Hall, BA5 1PN, from 8pm.
Traditional and contemporary music, song and verse. Mostly open mic, with new performers always welcome.
More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com.
Food talking point
THE next Wells Labour Party Coffee Morning will take place at the Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, Wells, on Saturday, July 13, from 10am-noon.
During the event there will be a talk by Stewart Crocker entitled Towards Sustainable Food and Farming. His theme will be exploring the impact of our food choices, on the environment, the farmers, the animals, on our health, and on ensuring there is enough food for everybody.
Stewart is currently Chair of
Artists putting works on display
JESMARIE’S Painters, a local amateur arts group, have announced that their annual exhibition will again be held in the Cloisters of Wells Cathedral between Monday, July 8, and Friday, July 19.
This group of talented artists are all local residents and are proud to display their works of
Sustainable Food Somerset, and from 2018-22 he chaired Avalon Community Energy and was a founder director of Somerset Climate Action Network.
Free entry, everybody welcome. There will be coffee, tea, cake, and opportunity for conversation.
Board game dates
WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, July 10, and Wednesday, July 24, from 7pm-9.30pm.
YOGA WITH LAYLA
WELLS LEISURE CENTRE
Tuesdays
5.30-6.30pm: Yoga Yin Fridays
9.15-10.15am: Yoga Hatha
Sundays
10.30-11.30am: Yoga Boost STUDIO EIGHT, WELLS
Mondays
9.30am: Moving Meditation
Saturdays
4-5pm: Slow Flow
First class free! Bookings or 1 to 1s: laylacarter001@gmail.com or whatsapp 07495 828742
German chat group
A NEW drop-in German conversation group will be meeting at a Stammtisch at The Quarter Jack in Wells on July 16 from 10.30am-11.30am.
All German speakers of varying levels most welcome. More details can be obtained from aud.standhaft@outlook. com
art in such a wonderful setting. All paintings are original, in a variety of media, and are offered for sale at affordable prices.
Facilities include wheelchair access to both the Cloisters and to the cafe upstairs.
For further information, contact: Sue Williams, Secretary, at suewillpower53@talktalk.net
Himalayan meditation
Journey to inner peace
Mondays 7.30pm-8.15pm
Dinder Village Hall
Quiet, clean and beautiful village hall five minutes from Wells:
Orchard Mead, Sharcombe Lane, Dinder BA5 3PF
For more information about Samarpan meditation contact Linda 01749 870376 Chris 07968 207678
Summer Concert
A CANTABILE Summer Concert with special guests Operaletta –a vocal group singing Shakespeare settings, Steve Jobbins – drums, Shelley Prior – piano, and Tracey Hansford –Musical Director, will take place at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Monday, July 8, at 8pm.
Tickets cost £10 to include a programme and a glass of wine. These are available from Cadeaux & Co, Jane Savery (01749 670527) or from choir members or on the door.
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. From 2.30pm3.30pm, tea/coffee from 2.15pm.
Weekly dance nights
WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets on Wednesday evenings between September and July (although not the first Wednesday of the month) at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Doors open 7pm, dancing 7.30pm-9.30pm.
07791
Social Dancing
SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, Sequence, Latin) takes place every Friday evening at Henton village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, from 7pm to 9pm, £6 per person. For more information, call 07769 603937.
A painting of an egret by Alan Marchant
n WHAT’S ON
Group to demonstrate skills of Viking Age
VIKINGS will be introducing the forgotten skills of the Viking Age craftspeople to visitors at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells this July, whilst fierce warriors will amaze with the combat skills and weaponry that made the Vikings feared.
Draca Beordor Viking Age Reenactment is an award-winning living history and combat display group based in Somerset who pride themselves on educating people about life in the ninth and tenth centuries, portraying people from across the Viking world.
They will be at The Bishop’s Palace on Saturday, July 27, from 9.30am-5pm.
Wells City Archers will also be demonstrating their skills with different types of bows and some friendly intra-club rivalry as they see who can get the highest score.
The competition has been titled the Maria Eden shoot after the daughter of former Bishop of Bath & Wells, Lord Auckland (1854-1869), who was recorded as being a keen longbow enthusiast.
Alongside the Wells City Archers will be Indigo Archery who will be running
Pub music events
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. More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com
‘Have a Go’ sessions where visitors can try their hand at archery (for an additional fee). The 14 acres of Palace gardens will be open, including the Dragon’s Lair Play Area,
Chorus formed for special concert
ON Saturday, July 20, WOWFest will stage a free
concert of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, with a specially formed community chorus of more than 100 voices, symphony orchestra and soloists.
The concert will take place in Wells Cathedral and will be free entrance with donations; seats
At the Hear t of England’s Smallest City
City of Wells Town Hall
Various rooms to hire for: Conferences, Seminars
Fairs, Shows, Exhibitions, Marriages, Receptions, all types of Meetings and Local Group Classes
Very reasonable rates
For Prices and Bookings
contact the Town Hall Manager - Tel: 01749 673091. e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk
will be allocated on a firstcome first-served basis.
The concert will form part of worldwide celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary since the first performance of this iconic work, with its famous Ode to Joy chorus.
For more information, see wellsyouthmusicfest. co.uk
as will the newly refurbished Bishop’s Table cafe. There is no additional charge for this family-friendly event which is included with any standard admission ticket.
Dancing break
WELLS Scottish Dancers have just started their summer break. They are planning to start a new term on the first Thursday of September. Anyone who would like to try Scottish dancing with them is asked to contact Ann at ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com for more information.
Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Blue School Sports Centre.
Crafts will be demonstrated and there will be displays of combat skills when the Draca Beordor Viking Age Re-enactment group visit The Bishop’s Palace on July 27
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB
ST Thomas’ Church Hall was full on Tuesday, June 11, to welcome prize-winning florist, gardener and demonstrator Angie Blackwell of Cottage Gardens near Ilminster. Angie began the demonstration with a table centre of peach geminis and roses in a low round bowl, ideal for a dinner table, coffee table or wedding.
This was followed by a completely different design. Angie had brought alium Sensation from her garden which she placed in a pin holder together with Berry Sorbet heuchera and arum pictum leaves to create a tall elegant design. The next arrangement was in a glass vase into which she had twisted rubus vine, another way to support stems and avoid using floral foam. Wired boloti leaves were used to give a crescent shape to the design to which was added peach roses and lisianthis as well as lupins and carnations and trails of honeysuckle. Moving on, many of us have difficulty arranging a hand-tied bunch. Angie has come up with an idea of being able to build up foliage inter-mixed with birch twigs and roses and lisianthis flat on the table before tying them together with coloured twine. The secret is to have all the foliage twigs and flowers of equal length so that when it is upright the arrangement will stand alone.
Finally, a circular arrangement of summer garden flowers including pink larkspur, Canterbury bells, heuchera stems, honeysuckle and red roses gave us all thoughts of summer even though it was cold and wet. Throughout the demonstration,
Angie amused us with tales of her life and work in floristry and her love of the garden. Myrtle Stephens gave the vote of thanks and Ann Brown and Jeanne Evans served the teas.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 9, when Tracy Rowbottom will be our demonstrator. It begins at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, BA5 2UZ. All are welcome.
WELLS WOMEN IN TOUCH
WE had a very interesting meeting when the topic was to research ‘someone with the same name as your mother’ –who knew there were so many Margarets/Marjories? Marjorie is a female given name derived from Margaret, which means pearl.
The famous women we heard about were: Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind; American Marjory
Stoneman Douglas who set up the Everglades Foundation and worked for it until she was 104; Margaret Jones, a puritan midwife who was hanged for witchcraft in 1648; author Dame Beryl Bainbridge; and Mary Beatrice Midgley, a senior lecturer in philosophy at Newcastle University and author on science, ethics and animal rights.
We also heard about the department store Bourne and Hollingsworth which was started by one woman’s maternal family; and finally, we were told about the maternal family ancestors who were noblemen from Normandy called Renouf who planned and fought alongside William the Conqueror in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.
Our next meeting was on gender and we had a wideranging and thought-provoking discussion about the possible issues surrounding the subject. We also invited an imaginary dinner guest from the LGBTQ+
communities and gave a brief talk about that person and why we chose to invite them.
Our guests included: British stand-up comedian, actor and activist Eddie Izzard, also known as Suzy Izzard; British contemporary artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry who has an alter-ego known as Claire; Ruth Davidson, Baroness Davidson of Lundin Links who was leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; Alan Turing OBE who worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War and was part of the team that broke the German ciphers; and Anne Lister who was portrayed by Suranne Jones in Sally Wainwright’s historical drama television series Gentleman Jack.
If you are interested in joining our group, please call Jean Brown on 07767 608814.
WELLS TUESDAY WI
JUNE’S meeting was Robin Gray the artist, multitasking for us – demonstrating a still life and regaling us with amusing anecdotes and tales of his life. Robin, a local yet internationally celebrated artist, told us of his love for the medium of acrylics, explaining that this is actually quite a modern medium. Robin, who is known for his abstract naturalism, demonstrated his versatility with charcoal and his catchphrase “don’t be afraid of the dark”.
As ever lots of ladies enjoying living in Wells, a goodly number ventured out to St Thomas Street to view the open gardens – delightful, and the cycle group
Continued on page 42
Angie Blackwell with her floral art designs
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
managed a ten-mile ride despite the awful weather we have been having. Rounders on The Rec has been popular but the weather has not been kind, luckily the walking groups have enjoyed sunshine.
Our summer Santa cookery workshop was a treat for those enjoying gourmet food without effort, and there has been a good deal of knit and nattering, and a little stitch and gossip going on. A record number went to see Freud’s Last Session at Wells Cinema. We are so lucky to have this facility and we are looking forward to this month’s theatre trips.
NATIONAL TRUST WELLS & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
ON Wednesday, May 29, a visit was made to Killerton House, a National Trust property in Devon. This was arranged as a follow on from a talk given to members, last October, by the National Trust.
We saw the work that had been carried out by Holywell Glass, Wells, on the Rose Window in the Chapel. Killerton House had been fundraising for this project and we ourselves had made a donation from our group funds. BBC2 and iPlayer have also featured this fascinating conservation work in one of the episodes from Hidden Treasures of the National Trust.
Our next talk will be on October 12, at 2.30pm at Henton Hall.
If you have any queries please contact our membership secretary Peter Malarby on 07908 469887.
WELLS U3A
IN June, Wells u3a set up a room in Wells Museum to welcome new members. They had the opportunity to meet some of the group leaders to find out if their group was suitable for their needs. It is so easy to think that the standard of the group is not for them but being able to have a chat with the leader they can discover if they are able to fit into the group and if it is for them. Several new members found that they would fit into a group that they believed beforehand was not for them.
There were display boards with all the names of the groups along in some cases with pictures. There were also boards with pictures from the last two years’ holidays to Suffolk and Lincolnshire as well as day trips to places such as Coldharbour Mill, Whitchurch Silk Mill and Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Hilliers Gardens in Romsey. It is planned to welcome more new members in the autumn so if you are thinking of joining Wells u3a you should be in for a warm welcome.
A new group to Wells u3a is Visiting Somerset Churches. In June the group enjoyed a visit to The Church of the Holy Cross, Mark, where Jon Glauert gave the group a very detailed talk about the history, architecture and objects in the church. This included four remarkable, finely carved full-length figures of the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They were made by a Flemish wood carver, Andre, in 1524 for Bruges Cathedral in Belgium, where they remained until its destruction in 1794. A former vicar acquired them and brought them to Mark in 1879, having paid £70 for them. Another feature the group were fascinated by was that the nave barrel roof which was plastered from 1754 until 1903, and is now adorned with many heads of abbots, abbesses, saints, kings, queens, dating from the 14th century. There was even an invitation to play the organ which one of our members took the opportunity to do.
The June talk kept a full
audience gripped listening to the bass singer Ian Stewart accompanied by his wife Carol on the piano. Ian’s claim to fame is that he can reach bottom C and demonstrated this to members by singing a couple of arias. Ian has spent many years of his career with the Dutch National Opera.
There is so much going on amongst the 55 groups on offer as well as trips and functions available to all members, so if you’re waiting to get into a certain group which may be full, there is still plenty going on to enjoy. We hold a coffee morning at the Portway Annexe every Thursday morning (10.30am11.30am) where you can call in for a chat and learn all about membership. Otherwise go to https://u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home where you can download a membership form and see all the groups available.
Ann Brown
COXLEY AND DISTRICT WI
WE warmly re-welcomed Bob Selway on June 4. This time he told us all about his long career in the Metropolitan Police Force. He joined them as Devon and Cornwall were not recruiting in 1963. He recalled traveling up to London for his interview by train and encountering difficulties due to the exceptional snowy conditions of that epic bad winter.
Times were very different in those days and consequently the policing was also very different.
There were no mobile phones or the like. There was the occasional police phone box on the beat, to phone through for back up if required or other assistance. He was able to tell us of many encounters with famous people. Also helping to provide crowd control for Chelsea barracks, and the changing of the guard. He was transferred to Essex and then Kent after he married. He then joined the drugs squad, getting promotion along the way.
It was an interesting and enjoyable account. Val gave our vote of thanks.
The competition was a photo of someone in uniform, it was won by Peggy, with Jenny and Cathy being second and third respectively. The flower of the month was won by Ursula.
After refreshments Hilary gave a good account of our walk to Mells. The craft group met and continued to make poppies for the Remembrance project.
Lunch club will recommence in July. Fundraising was discussed and plans made for a July Garden Party at Jenny’s. We are also making plans for an autumn event.
The next meeting will be on July 2 at 7pm at Coxley Memorial Hall. The speaker will be Brian Write with a talk entitled Touch Wood, Superstitions. The competition is ‘a wooden artefact’. Visitors most welcome.
Ursula Dann
WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the violet grows.
Shakespeare’s lines may not literally fit the garden of the Wells & Mendip Museum, but in spirit they surely do, as this oasis has been brought back to delightful life by a small band of volunteers, who are clearly dedicated and skilled in equal measure. As such, it made a perfect setting for the annual summer social of the Wells Civic Society, who enjoyed, also probably in equal measure, luscious local strawberries and cream and prosecco.
Back to Shakespeare: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. Well, it was June actually and the winds were not all that rough, but the all too familiar evening chill of this non-event of a summer told the assembled
Wells u3a members at The Church of the Holy Cross, Mark
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
company that it was time to move indoors, where the evening continued.
First, the society’s chair, Chris Winter, was able to announce and demonstrate that the society’s new website is up and running: www.wellscivicsociety. org.uk is the address to access this very interesting source of information, and to find out how one may join the society, and what the benefits (free strawberries and prosecco) of membership are.
This full evening continued with a fascinating talk by Robbie Drewett, the immediate past High Sheriff of Somerset, who explained the role in general terms and what this had meant for him in his one year in the position. Theoretically, the High Sheriff is the Sovereign’s judicial representative in the county and, thus, responsible for the maintenance of law and order, that is for “keeping the king’s peace”. It is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom; growing out of Saxon customs, and thus over 1,000 years old.
The High Sheriff is required to make a public declaration that he will treat all equally and not be swayed by personal bias; it is a non-political post. Historically, the High Sheriff had significant powers and responsibilities, such as acting as a judge, collecting taxes on behalf of the Sovereign, and many other formal duties. Now, it is largely a ceremonial role but that, as became clear from Robbie’s description of the many activities he was involved with during his year, does not mean it is unimportant. There are still formal duties, such as: hosting local royal occasions; being a returning officer at parliamentary elections, in Robbie’s case for Frome and Somerton; supporting the judiciary and the police; conducting a proclamation in the event of a death of a sovereign. Over and above the range of formal duties, the High Sheriff then largely designs his own programme, this being somewhat shaped by the large number of invitations he receives. For Robbie, this meant driving some 15,000 miles throughout Somerset and attending some 300 events.
Being appointed to the role of High Sheriff is a result of nominations, about which you know nothing but which go to the Privy Council and then
the Sovereign, and then being asked if you will accept for one year. This brought Robbie to the anachronistic uniform, or court dress as it is known, that he had to wear. It is still largely the same as has been worn from the 1850s onwards, and consists of a black velvet coat, breeches, tights, shoes with buckles, a cocked hat, and a sword. Most of these Robbie was able to hand round for close inspection by the audience, whilst imparting the information that there is a second-hand source of this apparel, his coat having come from Alan Titchmarsh, who had held the post on the Isle of Wight.
The High Sheriff is, in principle, responsible for law and order, and so there is a close association with the police, and this caused Robbie to make some very serious comments. He had sadly observed: how young so many defendants were; that violence and knives were all too common; how blasé the defendants tended to be; the frequency of mental health issues; the number of dysfunctional families; and, on a different tack, the amount of paper work the police had to attend to.
This was a sombre note on which to end Robbie’s presentation, but he had basically enjoyed the year enormously and thought the position of High Sheriff within each county still fulfilled a useful function and never, in any year, cost the public purse a penny. But he did get a free pass to the cathedral car park.
And so, Our revels now are ended. Well, Shakespeare is
not quite right in this case. This particular civic society year is over, but there are summer trips planned for members and friends: to the Romano-British excavations at Westbury-subMendip; to Fenny Castle for a tour and wine tasting; to learn more about Wells Art Contemporary. There may be places still available. The society’s programme of talks and meetings will resume in the autumn, and all details can be found on the website or by emailing the chair, Chris Winter, on chris.f.winter@btinternet.com Richard Hanks
ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
WE were pleased to welcome to our June meeting Jo Brown who has been involved with the Children of Chernobyl for many years, following in her parents’ footsteps. They started the organisation after the catastrophic fire at the nuclear power plant in north Ukraine.
It involved bringing youth from the area affected by the fall-out to England for a holiday of two to four weeks, so enabling them to escape the terrible atmosphere they were living in. This continued until Russia invaded Ukraine and all ties were sadly severed making contact impossible. This has proved to be a great disappointment to all involved, and they remain ever hopeful that one day they will once again be able to offer visits to the affected children.
We had almost a full capacity audience. It was lovely to see so many members all enjoying
an interesting talk as well as meeting up again with friends.
We next meet on Wednesday, July 3, at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall to hear Jo Stevenson talk on Gardening for Pleasure, and with some better weather, at last, and longer days it is a subject close to many of our hearts.
Pat Dyer
WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP
AT time of writing the sunny weather seems to have arrived and wildlife seems to be responding. I have damsel flies in my garden and on a recent walk I saw my first meadow brown butterflies. I even hear ‘screaming’ parties of swifts, those symbols of warm summer days, when I walk out.
I hope that the summer remains typically British: sunny and warm with periods of rain keeping the landscape green and alive for wildlife. I heard a blackbird singing recently while the rain was pouring down. Why such joy at the rain? It means the soils will be moist, full of worms that can be easily pulled out and nestlings can be easily fed. The rather apologetic weather presenters often say there are no signs of heatwaves in their forecast. I, for one, hope they never arrive for the sake of our wildlife.
On June 4 a group went to Ham Wall bird reserve and saw (or, in many cases heard) many birds typical of the wet habitat. These included many warblers, swallows, martins and swifts. Highlight for many was the great crested grebe seen with its black and white striped ‘humbug’ chicks.
July is going to be a busy month for outings with the group. On Tuesday, July 2, (7pm-9pm) we will be going for a wildlife wander on a Mendip reserve; principally to look at plants but also to observe birds, butterflies and other insects we might find there. On Thursday, July 18, (9.15pm-10.30pm) Peter Bright will be leading a walk to observe glow worms. Finally this month on Tuesday, July 23, (2pm-4pm) we will be walking on the fields adjacent to the Stockhill forest car park to look for butterflies.
Continued on page 44
Members and friends of the Wells Civic Society enjoying their annual summer social
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
From page 43
You can book for events on bookings@wdwg.org.uk and for more information please phone Katie on 07415 350062. £5 per adult (payable on booking), under 16s free.
Graham Allen
WELLS CITY PROBUS CLUB
OUR June speaker was Linda Fisher, a professional will writer who gave a talk entitled Protecting the Ones You Love. Linda works for Will Management Services who are based alongside Invest Southwest in Taunton. She elected to take questions as items arose in her talk, which at times turned it in to a lively and interesting discussion.
Wills should be reviewed every three to five years. Most people appoint family members as executors as banks will charge as much as eight per cent of the estate. Executors are responsible for the estate. Gifts of cash are always paid first so it is often safer to make them a percentage of the estate rather than fixed sums. It is also often advisable to own your house as tenants in common, usually owning half each. This means that on the first death the survivor can be given the right to live in the house for life while half of it is held in trust for the ultimate beneficiaries. This can prevent local authorities from assessing the house for care fees should the survivor need care.
Inheritance tax is charged at 40 per cent on any amount over the tax free allowance. This is currently £325,000 for a single person with an additional sum (currently £175,000) if you leave your home directly to your children or grandchildren. If you are married and leave all your estate to your spouse no inheritance tax is payable on the first death. Also any unused portion of the nil rate band can be passed on to the surviving partner.
Gifts up to £3,000 per year will not attract tax. Larger gifts will get tapering relief for seven years then no tax is payable. Inheritance tax is payable when probate is applied for – but you cannot touch the estate until probate is granted.
On the first death of a couple probate is only required if the
one who died has assets in their own name. Probate may be needed to access these. On the second death probate is required if the value of the estate exceeds £5,000. To apply for probate list all the assets including gifts and submit it to the probate office. They will sit on it for at least four months before granting probate. Lasting Powers of Attorney allow people to manage your money. Joint accounts can be frozen if one person loses mental capacity until a power of attorney is presented. Health and Welfare Powers of Attorney allow people to make decisions about your care. There are no restrictions on when these can be activated. All in all an interesting and useful talk.
In July our speaker will be David Young who will speak on Battling the Bombers. If you are a retired businessman or professional and are interested in finding out more about us look at the City of Wells Probus Club online at probusonline.org
WELLS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
IN the latter half of the 19th century Mrs Loftie was something of a doyenne of the social media stage, an arbiter and advisor on good taste and order in and out of the house. Indeed, in today’s terms whether she liked it or not, she would have been called an influencer. In 1879 writing in her latest book Social Twitters she declared war upon the wealthy new owners of large properties. Rather sniffily
she wrote: “Rich people know nothing about flowers, and can only judge of the merits of their pleasure ground by the length of their bills and the number of men they keep employed.”
At the other end of the social scale Dickens had described the typical urban garden in London in Nicholas Nickelby (1838) consisting of “pieces of unreclaimed land, with the withered vegetation of the original brick-field”, complete with “a few hampers, half a dozen broken bottles and suchlike rubbish, broken flower pots and stunted everbrowns”.
Some of these ingredients are quite familiar with any of us who have moved into a new building plot. In the later Victorian period there was a shift in the residential new houses built for the upwardly mobile artisans and lower middle classes. Terraced houses were complete with small back gardens and smaller front areas. Gardens and gardeners became better known and though they could not compete with the Rothschilds, Devonshires and Howards there was a surge of interest in new plants and plantings. The former had to be robust and tough. Plants such as laurustinus, buddleia and forsythia which could withstand the onslaught of smoke and fog were favourites when we ourselves first put fork to soil. Evergreens newly arrived from America were popular in gardens large and small. Houses and grounds of historical interest were rediscovered and often restored.
The English Landscape
school had razed many of these gardens to the ground, an act in some eyes, of barbaric vandalism. Our gardens are hardly suitable for this degree of landscaping which leaves the option of visiting, admiring and taking away a small slice of inspiration. There are no Tudor Gardens in existence as such but at Montacute and Athelhampton, for example, formal plantings reminiscent of Elizabethan times can be found. The house and gardens of Mapperton near Beaminster in Dorset is another example where there are a few bits in the fine old building which date back to Tudor times. Now the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, the house is full of history and the gardens have been recently re-worked and extended. In fact some regard it as the finest Manor House and Gardens in the county.
Sue Campbell has organised a visit to Mapperton for Wells Gardening Club open to everyone. Details: Thursday, July 18, Mapperton House and Gardens, Beaminster, Dorset. Depart 10am Wells Coach Station. Return to Wells 4pm. Cost £32, HHA members £20. More details telephone 01749 672299.
Pip Harwood
MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP
OUR June meeting in Binegar welcomed three new members.
Tanya Flagg delighted her friends by singing sea shanties with all joining in, and informing us about the amazing John Short (Yankee Jack) from Watchet who was a worldwide famous singer, found by Cecil Sharp when he was collecting folk songs.
Our positive committee meeting, with many members sharing the fundraising load, ensures an exciting summer. We are taking it in turns to be the speaker for the meetings so saving money, helping to keep the group financially secure.
The Street group is now meeting in the Mission Church and finding the warm welcome and excellent facilities perfect for the small group.
For more information about our group (that also covers long Covid and anyone with constant pain) do contact Tanya Flagg: tanya@mendipfmsg.org
Linda Fisher chats to Wells City Probus Club members after her talk
Defending champion wins trophy again
AFTER the drama of the Wells and Bristol Congresses it was time for Wells players to travel to Frome for the Somerset Championships. Nine members of the club were competing, and hopes were high after recent results.
The 5-Round Congress had five sections and over 200 competitors. Wells had players in four of the five sections. In the Standard (U1450) section Paul Wiltshire scored an assured 3 points, improving on his 2.5 in the Wells Congress and clearly warming to the tournament format. In the Intermediate section Ed Farms and Greg Roome both finished on 2.5 points, performing well above
their grading in the Under 1750 category.
Wells had four players in the Major section, which was a challenging Under 2000 grading.
Low impact way to take exercise
CRICKET
A NEW Walking Cricket hub has started at the Wells Leisure Centre, and anybody looking for a low impact way to stay fit and socialise is being invited to take part.
The Somerset Cricket Foundation walking cricket sessions take place on Thursdays from 12.30pm-2.30pm at the
leisure centre in Charter Way. They are said to be ideal for men and women aged 50+ who would like to engage in some physical activity. All playing equipment will be provided, and a softball/ wind ball will be used.
For more information or to book a place, contact Mus on mustafa.shaikh@ somersetcricketfoundation.org or 07385 818493.
FOOTBALL: Wells City FC U11s and U12s travelled to the South of France at the start of June to take part in their first international tournament. The U12s reached the semi-finals, beating AS Monaco – whose past players have included Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry – on the way, and returned home with a giant trophy in their Ryan Air hand luggage after finishing third. The U11s were not as successful but represented the city of Wells with great sportsmanship.
All had been playing well and feeling confident coming into the weekend. Matt Goatcher, Jamie Eales and Phil Johnson all played well and finished on 2.5, 2.5 and 2 points respectively. Junior sensation Leon Nelson had a fabulous event finishing joint second with 4 points. He was unbeaten through the event and took some impressive scalps along the way.
In the Open section John Waterfield played well to pick up 2 points in a very tough field. Wells board 1 Sasha Matlak was bringing momentum from the South West Championship he won in April to defend the Somerset Championship that he won last year just after he arrived in Wells. Once again, he was on fire from the word go. Like Leon
The pair before and after their 54 holes
he remained undefeated in his five matches and retained the Denys Bonner Trophy with 4 points.
Sasha took the moment to announce he was retiring from playing Classical Chess tournaments. He is looking to focus on other chess activities, but nobody can doubt his chess credentials. He has now been awarded the title of ECF National Master which is also an impressive achievement with barely 18 months of chess in the UK.
Anyone interested in playing at Wells Chess Club or in the congress can find details at wellschess.co.uk along with other information about the club. They can be contacted at wellschessclub@outlook.com
Pair take on 54-hole challenge
GOLF
WELLS Golf Club Captain Tina Davies and Ladies’ Captain Philippa Gowen took on the challenge of 54 holes in one day (no buggies) in aid of Cancer Research UK (Somerset & Dorset) and the club’s irrigation project.
The weather was perfect: hardly any wind, and not too warm. An exciting first round saw Tina play well but she took
an acrobatic tumble going down the 12th – no damage done, except to her pride.
A number of caddies and supporters walked the course with them throughout the day to keep their spirits up.
They both played well and were in high spirits throughout the three rounds. They raised almost £2,000 in the process. They thanked everybody who donated to the cause and wished them well during the rounds.
Leon Nelson and Sasha Matlak with the Denys Bonner Trophy won by Sasha Picture: Chris Lamming
n SPORT
MENDIP Golf Club’s Seniors Captain Tony Scott held a well-supported Seniors Charity Day which raised more than £2,000 for his charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK. There was some excellent scoring from the four-man Texas Scramble Teams and a very close finish. The winning team with a net 55 after receiving their handicap allowance of 17 shots were Steven Chivers/Raymond Eves/Roland Greenway and Alan Williams. Runners up, after count back, were Seniors Captain Tony Scott’s own team of himself, David Jukes, Kevin Carmody and veteran Tony Williams.
154 men competed in the annual running of the Burnell Cup, the only Board Competition run as a stableford. 29 players equalled or bettered par with a triple tie on 40 points, the best score recorded. Div 1 went to Tom Chapman with 39. Div 2 was won by young Ben Roberts with 40 after count back from Men’s Captain Mark Necker. Div 3 went to Jon Cox with 39. However the overall cup winner was Terry Carter, playing off a course handicap of 16, with the best of the 40 points.
Ladies Past Captain Aimee Sawyer put up a spirited defence of her County Ladies Champion title recording a fine one over par 36 hole score at Mendip Spring. However this left her as runner up to new youngster Abigail Moore from Wedmore who recorded two under par. Mendip’s Libbie Dezis finished 4th overall but won the Cup for 2nd Best Net, and Aimee, Libbie and Junior Captain Connie Cox won the Holt Shield Team event.
Mendip were delighted to hold the West of England U14s Championship played over 36 holes. The full field of 45 saw the winner come from Kendleshire who shot 145, just three over par. Seven of Mendip’s Juniors played with Maisie Dezis gaining the best result with a first round net 69.
The Mendip Junior Open attracted 34 youngsters, the best entry for some time. Mendip Juniors gave a good account of themselves with Alexander Leonard 2nd in Div 1 with 38 points, one ahead of Lewis Wickham. Alec Roberts with 39 was 3rd in Div 2 and the Overall Winner with 41 points was Mendip player Tate Sinfield-Day.
FIND
WELLS City Badminton Club plays every Wednesday (closed in August) from 7pm9pm at Wells Leisure Centre. It welcomes new members who already have some playing experience. For more information, contact Chrissie Allen: 07971 340591, or email enquirieswcbc@gmail.com
BODY
GOLF
Vikings
27th July 2024, 9.30am-5pm
With Draca Beordor: an award winning Viking Age re-enactment, living history and combat display group
Learn the forgotten skills of the Viking Age craftspeople and watch the combat skills and weaponry that made the Vikings feared
And Wells City Archers will be shooting their arrows into targets within the Palace grounds and offering ‘have a go’ sessions*
