Wells Voice June 2022 by Wells Voice

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June 2022 Issue 60

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‘Come and join our party of a lifetime’ City set to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style – preview and list of events, pages 23-25

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Grand launch of Portway Annexe Open day allows community to see what building has to offer Turn to page 2

Foodbank appeal Call for people to contribute funds as use of service soars Turn to page 6

Back with a bang Wells Theatre Festival returns with biggest programme yet Turn to page 8

Mass cycle ride Cyclists will be out in force at sustainable travel event Turn to page 10

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wellsvoice n NEWS

wellsvoice

June 2022

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

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

LOC AL INFORMATION

JULY DEADLINE

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

To ensure your news or letter is included in the July issue please contact us by June 15.

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,000 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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Jude Bennett-Brooks on drums with, from left, music teacher Sacha Atkinson and music project advisers Tony Scragg and Rick Payne

Public invited in to see what Portway Annexe has to offer A GRAND launch of the newly refurbished Portway Annexe took place on May 14. People were able to tour the building to see what it has to offer now that it has been bought and revamped by Wells City Council. Community groups have already started to make use of some of the rooms, which include a meeting room, an IT room, a cafe, a craft room, an audio-visual room and a music room. All of the rooms have been named after a different Freeman of the city such as Michael Chamberlain and Mary BignalRand. Town Clerk Steve Luck said: “We are delighted it is open, and it will be a great community asset. The feedback so far has

A meeting room in the Annexe been very positive. We’re very grateful to everybody who has worked hard to make this vision come true.” To enquire about using space at the Portway Annexe, contact Alex Westwood at Wells Town Hall on 01749 673091. u Wells Rocks report, page 21

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Talks over return of pop-up post office THE pop-up post office could return to the Wells Bus Station waiting room while the search starts again for a business in the city willing to accommodate a post office. Wells City Council is talking to the relevant parties about bringing back the pop-up post office following the news that the post office in Natural Pets of Wells in Queen Street is to close on July 1. Pet shop owners Nigel and Heather Derrick took on the post office last September, but Heather has now been forced to resign as Postmaster due to ill health. The pet shop will remain open. Heather said: “It is with a very genuine apology to all our post office customers that I have to advise that the post office counter in the shop will close on July 1, 2022. Unfortunately, I have ongoing health problems and am beyond disappointed to find that I have no option other than to resign from my role and retire from the business. “As Sub Postmaster, my duties include being responsible for running the branch with all the administrative duties required, in addition to serving on the counter. “As with any small business there are long working hours, and I took on the role completely aware of this, which was never a problem when I was able to cover the role myself. However, unfortunately, for a small business like ours, even with the post office remuneration

Nigel and Heather Derrick pictured with their team when the post office opened in Natural Pets of Wells last year included, it is just not financially possible for us to continue covering the cost of employing the additional staff needed to serve on the post office counters plus someone to cover all the Sub Postmaster duties with me having to retire. “The Post Office have been very supportive and understanding about this happening, which I greatly appreciate, and I know they are busy making every effort to find a new location and Postmaster for the post office in Wells. “Although there may be a little bit of disruption and muddle on the shop floor while the post office counters are removed, the pet shop will continue to run fine, just as before, but without me. My husband Nigel and our manager Sam will be ably assisted by the usual friendly and familiar faces

of Jane, Zac and Yvonne who will all be happy to see everyone.” Post Office Ltd is advertising for a retailer to incorporate a Post Office Local into their existing or proposed business. The advert gives a closing date of

November 4, 2022, although it says the advert may close early if sufficient interest is registered. A Post Office spokesperson said: “The Postmaster for Wells has resigned and the branch is due to close at its current location inside Natural Pets of Wells on July 1. “We know how important a post office is to a community and we are working hard to maintain service with a temporary solution whilst we continue to look for a permanent solution. “The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk.” Wells Post Office in Market Place closed in July 2020. A proposed move to Peacocks in High Street failed to materialise, and a pop-up post office was eventually installed in the bus station waiting room as a temporary measure from January last year until the post office opened in Natural Pets of Wells eight months later.

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June 2022

n NEWS

Fresh start for councils after elections ALL nine Wells Independents and five Liberal Democrats candidates who stood as councillors for Wells City Council at the local elections on May 5 were voted in. There were just two electoral successes for the Conservatives, including a return to the council for Harvey Siggs. Liberal Democrats Tessa Munt and Theo Butt Philip were chosen as county councillors for Wells at what will become the new Somerset Council unitary authority next year. Theo Butt Philip was also elected as a city councillor. The Liberal Democrats have taken overall control of the county council with 61 councillors out of the 110

A picture supplied by Mendip District Council of one of the election counts

elected. The Conservatives have 36, the Green Party five, Labour five and independents three. For their first year, the elected councillors will take responsibility for all current county council services and oversee the local government reorganisation to establish a single unitary council on April 1, 2023. From April 1, 2023, the 110 councillors of the unitary council will be responsible for all services that are currently delivered by the county and four district councils. The district councils will remain until March 31, 2023, and the councillors serving on them will continue in their roles until that date.

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS WELLS CITY COUNCIL n Wells Central: Sarah Powell (Wells Independents) 799 – Elected; Philip Welch (Wells Independents) 682 – Elected; Louis Agabani (Wells Independents) 441 – Elected; Tanys Pullin (Conservative Party) 386 – Elected; Sarah Sloan (Conservative Party) 312. Turnout 45.4%. n Wells St Cuthbert’s: Jasmine Browne (Liberal Democrats) 863 – Elected; Norman Kennedy (Liberal Democrats) 859 – Elected; Stewart Cursley (Wells Independents) 731 – Elected; Emma Knott (Wells Independents) 683 – Elected; Shirley Eden (Wells Independents) 666 – Elected; Harvey Siggs (Conservative Party) 467 – Elected; Sean Sloan (Conservative Party) 421; Sebastian Johns (Conservative Party) 410. Turnout 38.6%.

LETTERS n Wells St Thomas’: Theo Butt Philip (Liberal Democrats) 1096 – Elected; Tony Robbins (Liberal Democrats) 1043 – Elected; Denise Denis (Wells Independents) 929 – Elected; Gordon Folkard (Liberal Democrats) 906 – Elected; Deborah Orrett (Wells Independents) 904 – Elected; Isa Von Mensenkampff (Wells Independents) 773 – Elected; Tracy Leach (Conservative Party) 452; Richard Greenwell (Conservative Party) 425; David Swain (Conservative Party) 371. Turnout 48.7%. SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL n Mendip Hills: Edric Hobbs (Liberal Democrats) 1450 – Elected; Tony Robbins (Liberal Democrats) 1375 – Elected; David Baker (Conservative Party) 1254; David

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Swain (Conservative Party) 1080; David Hine (Green Party) 513. Turnout 38.3%. n Mendip West: Ros Wyke (Liberal Democrats) 2232 – Elected; Heather Shearer (Liberal Democrats) 2124 – Elected; Mandy Thomas-Atkin (Conservative Party) 1195; Stuart Kingham (Conservative Party) 1164. 44.1% turnout. n Wells: Tessa Munt (Liberal Democrats) 2507 – Elected; Theo Butt Philip (Liberal Democrats) 2047 – Elected; Harvey Siggs (Conservative Party) 1013; Richard Greenwell (Conservative Party) 953; Amanda Phillips (Green Party) 526; David Grace (Green Party) 353. 43.8% turnout. n County council election results in full at https://democracy.somerset. gov.uk

Thank you to all who voted for us NINE candidates put themselves up for election to Wells City Council for the Wells Independents on Thursday, May 5, and nine candidates in all the three wards got elected. We would like to thank all who voted for us individually, it is a privilege to serve the people of Wells, we will each strive to do our best for Wells and its residents, and work with all councillors from all political parties for the benefit of Wells. Wells Independents is a group of individuals who believe that politics plays no part in local government. Wells Independent Councillors

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Face-to-face meetings possible

Barclays closing Wells branch

COUNCILLORS could start faceto-face meetings with residents after the matter was raised at the first meeting of Wells City Council after the local elections. A member of the public made the suggestion, saying that it could be a straightforward way to sort out problems. Councillor Sarah Powell said that she thought it was a good idea, and the council will discuss the idea further. Outgoing Mayor Philip Welch had welcomed the new councillors before handing over to Councillor Stewart Cursley, who was unanimously elected as the new Mayor. “I find it a tremendous honour,” he said. He will be the 648th Mayor of Wells. Councillor Tanys Pullin was elected as the Deputy Mayor. Town Clerk Steve Luck said that the council had been approached by Barclays Bank, which is closing its Wells branch in August, to see whether the

BARCLAYS Bank is to close its branch in Wells Market Place on August 12. The company says that the main reasons the Wells branch is closing are: n The number of counter transactions has gone down in the two years to March 2020, and additionally 86 per cent of the branch customers also use other ways to do their banking such as online and by telephone. n Customers using other ways to do their banking has increased by 10 per cent since 2015. n In the past 12 months, 16 per cent of the branch’s customers have been using nearby branches. n The company has identified that only 102 customers use this branch exclusively for their banking. The announcement about the Wells branch closure comes a year after TSB closed its branch in Wells High Street.

New Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley and Deputy Mayor Tanys Pullin at the city council meeting on May 12, with Town Clerk Steve Luck Picture: Kevin Westwood

council could provide the bank with office space for three days a week for mortgage applications and so on. Discussions are ongoing. He said that with the post office in Natural Pets of Wells closing as well, that would leave Budgens on Bath Road having to deal with more bank and post office customers.

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He is trying to arrange to have the pop-up post office back in the bus station waiting room to help with the situation. Councillor Norman Kennedy asked whether it would be possible to have a councillors’ room in the Town Hall for them to use for council business. A suitable room will be made available.

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June 2022

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Foodbank calls for financial help with demand increasing

WELLS Vineyard Foodbank is calling for urgent help to meet demand for emergency food parcels. More people than ever before are being referred to the Foodbank due to the cost-ofliving crisis. Wells Vineyard Foodbank is asking people to donate money now to help feed local people who are at risk of going hungry.

In 2019, 9,000 meals were distributed, but by last year this had increased to more than 80,000 meals. The Foodbank is expecting demand to continue to rise steeply due to the cost-ofliving crisis which is expected to affect food prices, energy costs and fuel prices. The Office for Budget Responsibility is predicting the biggest hit to household finances Wells Foodbank distributed more than 80,000 meals last year

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since 1956/57. The Institute of Fiscal Studies says that the cost of living could rise by as much as 10 per cent, but benefits will only rise by 3.1 per cent this year. This will inevitably cause an increase in financial hardship and thereby demand for Foodbank services. Sue Marland, Senior Pastor at Wells Vineyard Church and Manager of the Foodbank, said: “Demand is so high, it’s now at risk of outstripping our resources. We urgently need the community to come together and help support us, if we are going to be able to keep offering the same level of support to each person that comes through the door. “We will always share all food equitably, but already we have had to make cutbacks in the quality and range of the food that we offer in order to feed everyone who has come through our door. Without an increase in financial donations, it’s possible we could have to turn some people away this year.” She added: “Many people are astonished to learn that we have to spend £1,500 each month on shopping to supplement the tins and packets that people put in

‘Already we have had to make cutbacks in the quality and range of the food that we offer to feed everyone who has come through our door’

the donation bins at Waitrose, Santander and Morrisons. We actually only get a portion of the total amount donated as some of it goes to other food banks in Somerset and that’s why we are now calling for financial donations as well as products.” Wells Vineyard Foodbank has set up a GoFundMe appeal and is asking all community members to give what they can to help. Search https://gofund. me/638faa0a or scan the QR code below.

People can also donate at Wookey Hub. Anyone shopping, or enjoying a cuppa in their cafe can ask to add an amount of their choice onto the Foodbank Gift Card, held by Wookey Hub. All the money raised is used by Wookey Hub to purchase products needed by the Foodbank. The products are purchased at cost prices, which helps the Foodbank’s funds to stretch even further. Alternatively, financial donations can be made to Wells Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s HSBC account; sort code: 40-46-06, account number: 31387170. Use ‘Foodbank’ as the reference.

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Popular road race set to return to Wells A POPULAR local road race is returning to the streets of Wells this September following a twoyear Covid-enforced absence. Previously held at the end of May and known as the Wells Fun Run, the Wells Festival of Running brings the return of the 10km and 5km road races which start at the Market Place and end with a fast and furious finish along the Bishop’s Palace moat. Taking place on Sunday, September 11, the festival promises to be a great family day out with races for junior runners too – a 3.2km run for 11- and 12-year-olds and a one-mile fun run for eight- to 10-year-olds. The event also has a new organising committee formed from members of Wells City Harriers (WCH). Race Director and Wells resident Nick Stevens said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing this great event back to Wells. It’s been a fixture in the local

The start of the 5km race in 2019 calendar for many years and has brought lots of visitors into the city but obviously its future has been in doubt since the pandemic. “We really hope the local community get behind the event and give it the support it

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deserves – even if you’re not a runner you can come along and cheer them on. It’s great fun and very inspiring to cheer runners over the finish line – help us create a great atmosphere that brings people back to the event year-on-year.

“WCH has a great history of developing runners of national and international pedigree, but it is a really friendly club as well and open to all ages and abilities. “We’ve developed specific training plans for total beginners to do a couch to 5km in time to ‘graduate’ by completing the 5km on September 11, as well as a training plan for people returning to running after a bit of a break. “We have running groups that meet every Wednesday at 6.45pm at Wells Rugby Club and very well attended track sessions on Mondays (for younger juniors) and Tuesdays (for older juniors and seniors) at Millfield athletics track. There’s plenty of support for people who are keen to get fit and want the Festival of Running to be something to aim towards.” Entries are now open by visiting www.wellscityharriers. co.uk/wells

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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June 2022

n NEWS

‘Something for everyone’ at theatre festival AFTER two years in lockdown, Wells Theatre Festival is back with its biggest programme of performances to date. Neil Johnson, co-founder and Associate Director of the Festival, said: “We are delighted to be back and with such an exciting and diverse programme for 2022. With 21 productions to choose from, there is something for everyone – from improvised comedy to Shakespeare.” The popular Bristol-based comedy improvisation company Instant Wit will be making its first appearance at the Festival with a quick-fire comedy show, improvised and directed by the audience. Theatre company Hordern Ciani returns to the Festival with a new musical version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel, The Secret Garden. The classic children’s book tells the story of a young girl, orphaned and sent to live with her uncle in a rambling

Whispering Willows focuses on a willow weaver old mansion on the Yorkshire moors. She finds a disused, walled garden and unlocks its sad story and the magic within. Also making a return are The Devil’s Violin with their production The Beast in Me. Wassail Theatre’s Whispering Willows is a highly accessible non-verbal production

Picture: Paul Blakemore

about roots, life and loss, all experienced through the world of a willow weaver. The performance draws on ancient folklore of the South West, the more recent devastation of the Second World War and the invention of plastic. For the first time, The Rotunda Theatre will pop up by the Bishop’s Barn at Wells

Recreation Ground as part of the Festival. The geodesic dome theatre will be hosting some highly acclaimed theatre productions. These include Hintof-Lime’s The Trials of Galileo and Grist to the Mill’s new adaptation of HG Wells’ classic – The War of the Worlds. Grist to the Mill will also bring The Ballad of Mulan, telling the story of the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation. As ever, an integral part of the Festival is the Wells Community Theatre production which this year will be Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Directed by Wells Theatre Festival Artistic Director Ros Johnson, the play is cast entirely from local residents and will be performed in front the Cathedral. Wells Theatre Festival runs between July 7-10 in venues all over Wells. For more information and to book tickets, go to www. wellstheatrefestival.org

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June 2022

n NEWS

New showcase for live music acts

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A view of The Old Deanery becoming the diocesan offices and an administration centre for the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It was initially put up for sale in 2019 when the Diocese decided it was no longer serving its needs effectively and a new office building was required. Despite interest from a number of prospective buyers, no sale resulted, and The Old Deanery was eventually taken off the market. It went up for sale again in March this year with Savills, who were inviting offers in excess of £1.1 million.

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PRIORY Sale of Old Deanery agreed THE Diocese Bath Wof E L and L SWells has agreed the sale of The Old Deanery. James Millard, Head of Property and Glebe for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have agreed the sale of The Old Deanery. The marketing generated a good deal of interest from which we received a number of strong offers from a variety of parties. “After careful consideration we have now selected a party with whom to progress the sale. We are unable to disclose information about the deal however we have every confidence in a very positive future for this special building under its new ownership.” The Grade I listed building on Wells Cathedral Green was originally the primary residence for the Dean of the Cathedral between 1230 and 1958 before

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THE White Hart Hotel is backing live music recovery in Wells by hosting events every Thursday from June 9. It is working with the Wellspring Music Project, set up in lockdown to help bring live music back to city venues as W Eease. LLS Covid restrictions The hotel in Sadler Street is building a stage area into the main bar for duos and trios. Its owner, Tudor Hopkins, asked Wellspring founder Paul Cannon of Wells Jazz Collective to help find suitable acts. “I am delighted with the hotel’s offer,” said Paul. “The musicians will be properly paid for their work and there will be a donation to Wellspring too.” The Wellspring Fund has funded or subsidised a number of local live music events, with recent performances staged in Wells Market Place and at The Venue in South Street. The White Hart events will run every Thursday evening from 7pm with details of upcoming acts advertised in advance.

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Event will highlight benefits of cycling Emma Jakins, Sustainability Officer at Wells City Council, previews a sustainable travel event in Wells that will include a mass cycle through the city ON Saturday, June 18, Wells City Council is teaming up with the Sustainable Wells Group to deliver the next Wells Goes Green event – Wells on Wheels. This event will be focussing on sustainable travel in Wells, with an extra-special focus on cycling. According to the Impact community carbon calculator (impact-tool.org.uk), transport is the third-largest contributor to Wells’ carbon footprint. Reducing the number of cars used for short journeys in Wells is a key step to becoming a Carbon Neutral City by 2030. The event will be held on the Recreation Grounds in Wells, by the Bandstand, from 10.30am to 2.30pm featuring a range of local businesses involved in

Wells’ first mass cycle through the city will take place on June 18 sustainable travel, including electric bikes for people to try, a bike mechanic to demonstrate

simple bike maintenance, and many more. LifeCycle, a charity which promotes cycling, will be on hand to inform people about its work and the services it offers. We will also have a troubleshooting stand run by local councillors to discuss cycling infrastructure/ facilities and highlight areas requiring attention, including a petition for better infrastructure in our region. A major focus of the event will be Wells’ first mass cycle through the city starting at noon. We invite everyone who owns a bike to join us in this mass cycle to demonstrate our community’s passion for sustainable development and promote cycling throughout the city. This cycle will also highlight our desire for better infrastructure in Wells and the surrounding areas to increase the cycling population. Cyclists will follow the mass

cycle leader on a short ride around the city (roughly 20-30 minutes), setting off from and returning to the Recreation Ground. Those who wish to participate can sign up at the troubleshooting stand, or head to Wells City Council’s website or Sustainable Wells’ website. Whether you are a keen cyclist or a complete novice, your participation will be welcome. Children with parents or a responsible adult if under 12 will be especially welcome. There will even be the chance to get an icecream from the ice cream bike (weather permitting). Wherever you are on your sustainability journey, come along and get some great tips and advice on sustainable travel in and around Wells. For more information, head to Wells City Council’s website: wells.gov.uk or the Sustainable Wells website: sustainablewells.org.uk, or email me via sustain@wells.gov.uk

8 Sadler Street, Wells BA5 2SE 01749 233108

Thank you, Wells, for the wonderful welcome! It’s great to be here. Special thanks to Town Crier Len Sweales for all you did for us on the opening night, it was an incredibly touching cry. Visit us in store to find superior quality repairs at highly competitive prices, watch battery and strap replacements, new and vintage jewellery available to purchase and our full range of Merlins the Jewellers signature services. Little shop, many talents. Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Sunday and Monday CLOSED

merlinsthejewellers@hotmail.com

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS 5pm on and they spent these two days unsupported on Dartmoor. The Blue School teams were both successful and finished at 2.11pm and 2.40pm on the Sunday, walking in with huge smiles (and many blisters) to be welcomed by lots of spectators, teachers and parents at the finish line at the Okehampton Battle Camp. They had walked since Saturday morning and spent the night in tents on the moor before arriving triumphant on the Sunday afternoon. Medals and photos followed, together with the traditional Cornish pasty. Blue School teacher and Ten Tors Team Manager Peter Newbery said: “The Challengers are to be congratulated for their determination and hard work during the last six months of training both on the Mendips and on Dartmoor. “They have put in the hours and time over the weekends and given up other activities to achieve this aim. They all worked extremely hard throughout the time, maintained their sense of humour and have shown tremendous determination to join the small group of people who have completed the Ten Tors Challenge. “The Blue School is already recruiting the next team to take on the mantle for the 61st Ten Tors in 2023.”

Ten Tors teams rise to the challenge

ON May 14 and 15, two teams of Wells Blue School Year 10 students completed the 60th Ten Tors Challenge over Dartmoor. This event consists of the Challengers walking (or running) 35 miles (57km) over a selected route on the northern side of Dartmoor. This annual event is arranged by the Army in the South West and is aimed at schools, Cadet groups and Scouts from all over the South West of England. The Blue School’s two teams of six students started with the Ten Tors prayer and two howitzers firing at 7am on Saturday, and 2,800 students streamed over the moor. All teams had the aim of finishing by

Wells Quaker Meeting for Worship

Wells Quakers meet for worship on the second and fourth Thursday each month in the ground floor Council room, Wells Town Hall, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RB. All are welcome to join us. Doors open 1.30pm, Meeting for Worship is between 1.45pm and 2.30pm, followed by refreshments, a chance to ask questions and to get to know each other. We are part of Street Quaker Meeting, which meets Sundays at 10.30am. More information from Madeleine Page in Wells: 01749 674169 or www.quakersatstreet.org.uk (email: streetquakersclerks@gmail.com)

Wells Blue School’s Blue team arriving towards the finish line, top, and Red team members having received their medals. The podium is looking towards Rowtor in the background from Okehampton Battle Camp

Let Wells Voice help you

Teams: n Blue: Nathan Smith, Maya Rowlands, Lochie Mazur, Immy Webb, Walker Cellan Jones, Millie Lawson. n Red: George Merrick, Annie Rooney, Gabriel Ladbury Dos Santos, Connie Smith, Alfie Lott, Maddie Llewellyn

OAK HALF PLANTERS FROM BESPOKE MY OAK

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Half Oak Wine Barrel Planter Galvanised Bands FREE DELIVERY IN WELLS These are half barrel planters which look fab once potted with some spring plants. They have galvanised barrel bands which don’t rust like some cheaper alternatives. These are standard half barrels without legs.

To advertise properties for sale or to let, email sales@wellsvoice.co.uk or call 01749 675157

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We have a showroom at Underwood Business Park where people are welcome to come and visit

Browse the range at bespokemyoak.co.uk

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Moat Boat Race entries invited

Playgroup keen for more help

THE City of Wells Lions Club, with the assistance of a group of Community Volunteers, says that considerable progress has been achieved in the organisation of the Moat Boat Race scheduled for Monday, August 29. Sponsorship has been offered for the hire of a PA, documentation has been prepared for Mendip District Council and a Risk Assessment submitted to the agents for the Church Commissioners. The club will be writing to local businesses for sponsorship of specific races and prizes to cover the cost of services to be provided by St John Ambulance and water safety experts. “Some financial assistance would be greatly appreciated,” said Lions President Alan Sanderson. Community Volunteers are collecting the trophies for cleaning and readiness for presentation to the winners in the 2022 event.

STEPPING Stones Playgroup in Wells is appealing for more people in the community to join the committee. The playgroup is based within the Stoberry Park school site and run by a committee of volunteers, and a dedicated professional team of staff. The future of the playgroup is dependent on the committee, for decision making, fundraising and organising social events. Anyone with an interest in supporting the playgroup is welcome to join, subject to a DBS check. There are currently vacancies for a Chairperson, a Secretary and supportive committee members. For more information, email steppingstonesplaygroup@ hotmail.co.uk

The Moat Boat Race returns this year on August 29 The club is now in a position to invite applications for entry into the competition and interested parties should email the Moat Boat Race Administrator, Jane Miller, at janemiller1960@gmail.com requesting copies of the entry form, race regulations and a sponsorship form. Entry into the event costs £25; however,

this allows participation into as many races, as appropriate for the age group of the contestants, as desired. Changing facilities will be available at the Bishop’s Barn and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given before the racing takes place. “We look forward to receiving your applications,” said Alan.

View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

ANTIQUES l

A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DECORATIVE ANTIQUES AND FINE ART SILVER, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS, CURIOS, CHINA, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, GOLD BOUGHT & SOLD

MATTHEW COLES ANTIQUES 25 SADLER STREET, WELLS

FOR APPOINTMENTS, TELEPHONE

07442 499390 01934 416171

OPENING DAYS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

From left, Vince Simmonds, Duncan Price, Graham Johnson, Samuel Mills, Paul Brock, Robin Taviner and Jonathan Riley at the entrance to the cave where the beer, inset right, was officially christened

New beer launched in hidden cave THE official christening of new craft beer Halloween Rift has taken place at the secret cavern after which it was named. English Pale Ale Halloween Rift is the latest release by local beer-maker Wookey Ale. It was launched in April with the help of the founders of the Hallowe’en Rift cave near Wookey Hole, when caver Vince Simmonds broke open a can with

a sledgehammer. The cave was discovered towards the end of October in 1982, hence the name, and it has continued to be dug ever since. The Halloween Rift beer is described as a citrusy, refreshing ale with hints of tropical fruits. It is on sale at the Wookey Hole Caves shop, on the Wookey Ale website, and in local restaurants, cafes, delis and wine merchants.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

WELLS LOYALTY

RD W E L L S LO YA LT Y C A

SHOPPING SCHEME

BROWNES GARDEN CENTRE

The closing date for this year’s Wells in Bloom competitions is now June 30

Deadline extended for Bloom entries THE deadline for entries for the Wells In Bloom Businesses and Private Gardens Competitions 2022 has been extended to June 30. Judges would love to come and judge the entries, and everyone is a winner – from bronze to gold certificates. Private gardens can enter to be judged whether small or large, front or back, or patio. Businesses in Wells are invited to enter their frontages or courtyards. The criteria for judging this year will include two

new categories for gardeners who can show sustainability and a friendly approach to the environment as well as presentation of planting. Winners will be awarded the certificates at a prize-giving in the autumn in Wells Town Hall. Paper application forms can be found at Whiting & Son, Wells Library and Wells Town Hall. Online applications can be found at: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ wellsinbloom For more information, contact Councillor Denise Denis at d.denis@wells.gov.uk

Almshouses to welcome public THE residents of the City of Wells Almshouses are excited about opening their Chapel, Guildroom and gardens again on Saturday, June 18, from 11am to 4pm. Ploughman’s lunch, homemade cakes and puddings will be served at the Bubwith

almshouses and there will be talks in the 15th-century chapel on the history of the almshouses. Entry is free. Everyone is welcome to go along and look at these historic dwellings, and to walk around the beautiful gardens and talk to the residents and volunteers.

Wells Loyalty scheme members Amba, Basil Powell Shoes, Bishop’s Eye, Brownes Garden Centre, Gallery Jewellers, London House, Mansfield Opticians, Microbitz Computers, Millicans Eye Centre, Peter Douglas of Wells, Protec, Rock House Dental Practice, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Ron Thompson Carpets, Runway, Scribbles, Studleys Jewellers, The Changing Room, The Crown, The Grape & The Good, The Laundry, Wells Tourist Information Centre, Whiting & Son. To join the scheme, contact Robert Powell (robert.powell2@btconnect.com), Rob Bevan (rob@protec-wells.com), Louis Agabani (louis@bishopseye.com) or Alison Luck (luckalison127@gmail.com)

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Brownes Garden Centre is situated on the outskirts of Wells, just off the A39 Wells to Glastonbury road. At Brownes we offer a wide range of garden supplies to suit your needs. We sell plants and shrubs, compost, garden decorations, garden furniture, tools and equipment, and a good selection of Christmas trees as well, during the holiday season. There is also a coffee shop if you want to take a break from browsing what is in stock, or just want to pop in for a cuppa and a cake. In May/June, we will have a range of summer bedding plants available, as well as plants such as lavender, roses and a variety of perennials that flower at this time of year. You might also want to sow or plant more vegetables and salad crops now, such as leeks, beetroot, carrots, peas and lettuce.

Emanuel Brown established Brown’s Nursery back in 1806. Over the period of the last 200 years the business has seen eight generations of the family as well as the addition of an ‘e’ onto the end of the surname. Brownes may well happen to be the longest surviving family run enterprise in Wells. The garden centre is open Monday to Saturday, from 9am5pm (closed on Sunday). u Brownes Garden Centre, Woodford Lane, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1QQ T: 01749 673050 E: jon@brownes-gc.co.uk W: www.brownes-gc.co.uk

THE GRAPE & THE GOOD Independent wine merchant The Grape & The Good was established in Wells seven years ago. Owner Andrew Kinnersley grew up in Wells and returned here having spent 10 years working in the wine trade in France. His shop in Broad Street offers a selection of more than 300 wines from around the world plus hundreds of craft, continental and local beers, and a wide selection of spirits. He does not stock anything that he has not tasted himself, and has wine open for customers to taste on Saturdays. Free local delivery and a nationwide courier service are available. Andrew is proud to supply some of the best local restaurants and pubs, and is looking forward to planning events now that they are allowed again. He already has a busy summer of weddings ahead, SPONSORS

Chalmers HB and Wells City Council

and says: “If you have a function, party, wedding or birthday coming up and need to keep your guests refreshed contact us for a chat and hopefully we can help. We can offer sale or return and have a limited number of glasses for hire (subject to a few small conditions). Volume discounts are also available and we’ll work with you to find the right wines to suit the occasion/ budget/menu etc.” u The Grape & The Good, 29 Broad Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2DJ T: 01749 428685 E: info@thegrapeandthegood.com W: thegrapeandthegood.com Two members of the Wells loyalty scheme will be featured regularly in Wells Voice. A list of all the businesses currently participating in the scheme is given on the left

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Raffle of art to mark 40th anniversary THE Hilliard Society of Miniaturists is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a unique opportunity to win an original miniature work of art in a Ruby Jubilee Charity Raffle. The Society began life at the Burwood Gallery in Union Street, Wells, and has grown to become one of the leading miniature art societies in the world. For many years the Society has held its annual exhibition in the historic Town Hall and has acquired a following amongst buyers and admirers of the many different forms of miniature art. This year’s exhibition promises to be an extra special occasion as the Society prepares to celebrate its 40th birthday with a raffle, the proceeds going to four charities: Marie Curie, World Land Trust, St John

Ambulance Brigade Wells and Conservation South Luangwa (Zambia). The idea for the theme of the raffle came from the Society’s President Roz Pierson who threw down the gauntlet to members of the Hilliard Society and asked for donations of miniature art measuring approximately 40mm in dimension. This was not only in homage to Nicholas Hilliard’s selfportrait, 41mm in dimension (an enamel copy of which is set into the President’s chain of office), but also in celebration of the Society’s 40th birthday. The original target of 40 donations has been exceeded, rising to a grand total of 60, and all the raffle prizes are available to view on the Society’s website – www.hilliardsociety.org – along

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

From 19th April 2022 to 31st July 2022 the charity will offer vouchers to help with neutering costs of cats whose owners are on low income or income support benefits. We are repeating the special price we offered in our last campaign. Owners will pay £5.00 per cat and the charity will pay the balance and, also microchip your cat for free. This offer is open to residents in Glastonbury, Wells, Street, Cheddar and Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas.

Raffle prizes from Peter Sheppard, top left, and Tiffany Budd, bottom left; and exhibition pieces by Tracy Hall, top right, and Lesley Fox, bottom right with information about how to purchase raffle tickets, as well as details of the exhibition. It will open on Saturday, June 11, and run until Saturday, June 18 (closed on Sunday, June 12), from 10am-4pm each day.

The closing date for the purchase of raffle tickets, which cost £5 each, is noon on Saturday, June 18. The raffle draw takes place at 3pm on June 18, and the exhibition will close at 4pm.

Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Julia on 07833 634087 Emma on 07717 837040 Holly on 07855 075962 Gill on 01749 850660 A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher. Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be issued for participating vets.

Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Sixty Harley Davidson motorbikes were ridden through Wells on May 1, where they were greeted by Mayor Philip Welch. The event, organised by the Bridgwater Harley Davidsons Owners group, saw the bikers make a tour of mid-Somerset as a fundraiser for Blood Bikes and the BARB search and rescue service. Pictures: Derek Cooper

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Funding for project to save and open up historic properties WELLS Cathedral has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Vicars’ Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries project. The project aims to make a number of the historic properties on Vicars’ Close in Wells accessible to the public for the first time, to better share their rich history. The project will also conserve the unique architectural heritage of the Close, the oldest continuously inhabited medieval street in Europe. Development funding of £577,562 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Wells Cathedral progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date. The project aims to open up two of the houses of

Vicars’ Close was built in 1348 Vicars’ Close as interpretation centres alongside creating public access to other hidden gems on the Close, such as the Vicars’ Hall and Treasury Rooms. The Close was built for the Cathedral Choir in 1348 and is still inhabited by the Cathedral Choir today. An unbroken archive of the Cathedral Choir exists from the Close’s construction until 1936. This archive will be used to bring to life the social history of the inhabitants of Vicars’ Close alongside the story of its musical heritage which has been integral to life on the Close and the Cathedral for more than 600 years. This work will also provide opportunities, through new programming, to work with and support groups throughout the Cathedral’s local and regional communities.

The project will also carry out essential work to the exteriors of the properties on the Close, conserving ageing buildings to ensure they survive for future generations to experience and enjoy. Changing weather patterns are accelerating the deterioration of Vicars’ Close, so the project provides an opportunity to address the climate crisis through factoring in ambitions to reach carbon net zero into conservation works. This funding brings a number of other important benefits including funding initiatives to reach and engage with audiences who would not normally feel a sense of connection with Wells or Vicars’ Close; supporting communities with specific needs such as help with mental health issues and social and rural isolation, particularly following the Covid pandemic. Delivering this new visitor experience will also create a wider range of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the rich history and heritage of Wells and support the local economy. Commenting on the award, the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Dr John Davies, said: “We are delighted to receive this support thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. Vicars’ Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries project is a critical step to conserve, interpret, share, and make accessible this wonderful heritage asset. “The project will create opportunities for our local and regional communities through skill building, education and employment that will work towards healing the effects of the Covid pandemic. The project will also create an innovative and exciting new experience for Wells, Somerset and the South West to be proud of. It is delightful to know that we are a step closer to ensuring future generations will continue to be able to experience this wonderful place.”

Got News? Call 07906 499655

The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists

40th Anniversary 2022 International Exhibition of Miniature Art Saturday 11th – Saturday 18th June Wells Town Hall, 10am – 5pm FREE ENTRY

Over 250 miniature masterpieces, all in extraordinary, luminous detail. Talk to experts about how it is done. Or buy one for yourself. Enter our Ruby Raffle; £5 per ticket for your chance to win one of 60 exquisite original miniature paintings. There’s always space to hang a miniature on your wall! Last entry 4pm Closed on Sunday, 12th June For more information, please visit our website: www.hilliardsociety.org Tel: 07582 019359

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

From left, the send-off for Matt Drew from Town Crier Len Sweales at the start of his walk; Matt and Dan Holland en route to Frome; Matt at Syon Park; and Matt being received at Westminster Abbey by Canon Jonathan Ball

Walk raises more than £5k for hospice LOCAL resident Matt Drew raised £5,600 for St Margaret’s Hospice with a walk from Wells to Westminster. Matt set off from Wells Cathedral on April 23 and arrived at Westminster Abbey on April 30, having covered 150 miles – and not had a single spot of rain on the way. The walk was in memory of

his friend Sam Holland, who was Head of the PE Department at Wells Blue School. She died of cancer last year at the age of 50, and was cared for towards the end of her life by St Margaret’s Hospice. Sam’s husband Dan accompanied Matt on the first leg of the walk after they received a send-off from Wells Town Crier Len Sweales.

Matt, an Account Manager at Integrity Print in Midsomer Norton, had originally set a fundraising target of £2,022. He took with him a ‘pilgrim’s message’ from acting diocesan bishop the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley that he handed to Canon Jonathan Ball on his arrival at Westminster Abbey. “What an incredible week,

the support from friends and family spurred me on as did the geniality of people I met along the way,” said Matt. “I was really lucky with the weather and to be invited into the empty Abbey at the end was the icing on the cake.” Donations can still be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/ matt-drew22

Singing to foster feel-good factor ALIVE and Singing is a friendly community singing group which focuses on singing feel-good songs in three or four part harmony. The group is very relaxed, no previous experience is necessary and all voices are welcome – no one is too old or too croaky to join, say organisers – and as songs are taught by ear, there is no need to read music. Emma Wheat and Eliza Wylie say that their gentle approach to quality music-making means that even the rustiest of voices

can be combined to make a glorious sound. They add: “Sessions are guaranteed to leave everyone experiencing the feelgood-factor – and who doesn’t need a bit more joy in their lives at the moment?” The sessions take place on Wednesdays from 10am-11am at Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells. For more information, contact Emma at Somerset Arts Well: 01749 595735, emma@ somersetartswell.co.uk Support has been provided by Mendip District Council.

Chance to join others at Shed WELLS Community Shed at South Horrington is inviting new members to join the regular sessions that are held there. The Shed, on the site of the Heads Up charity in Upper Breach, opened in 2018 to give people a safe space in which to pursue hobbies and learn new skills, and as somewhere for companionship. By bringing people together, it helps combat loneliness and isolation. Activities in the Shed include woodworking, with members

making items such as planters, coat racks, shelves, shoe racks, bird boxes and hedgehog boxes, and woodturning. Items are then often sold to help subsidise the Shed’s running costs. There are now places available for more people to attend sessions. The Shed is currently open from 9am to 1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, but it is hoped that it can soon open on an additional day as well. To find out more, contact Steve Whitby on 07468 317217.

Find news online at www.wellsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

18 WELLS VETS CASE FILES

wellsvoice n NEWS Emphasis to be on inventions

Little chocolate thief saved from ill effects Name: Blaze Age: 4 months Breed: Miniature Jack Russell Terrier Likes: Food! Dislikes: Feeling poorly CHEEKY miniature Jack Russell Terrier, Blaze, snuck through the connecting door from his home into Grandma’s and polished off half a Crunchie bar he’d sniffed out in her handbag. Although it was only a relatively small amount, the cocoa solids in the chocolate outer of the Crunchie were enough to be toxic to him as he was so small (he weighed just over 2kg). Not to mention all the sugar in the honeycomb which would also have been dangerous for him. Happily, his owners realised what he’d done and brought him into us very quickly so we were able to give him an injection to counteract the effect of all the sugar and chocolate before any harm was done. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is toxic to dogs. It doesn’t break down in their digestive system like it does in ours, which makes them very sensitive to it. The effects will depend on the type and amount of chocolate they ate in relation to their size but it will usually make them quite unwell and can even be fatal. If you suspect your dog has eaten some chocolate, there’s a ‘Chocolate Calculator’ online where you can put the details in and get advice. If you’re in any

‘Chocolate contains a chemical which is toxic to dogs. It doesn’t break down in their digestive system like it does in ours’

Blaze needed treatment after polishing off half a Crunchie bar

ASTOUNDING Inventions is the national theme for Heritage Open Days 2022 – a subject that the City of Wells has had plenty of over the centuries. From September 9-18, a number of organisation and institutions around the city will create exhibitions and trails to explore such diverse aspects of its history as ceramics, the railways, the water mills, clocks and bells. There will be a grand finale at St Cuthbert’s Church on September 18 when local organ builder Dominic Gwynn will invite people to learn more about both the Tudor organ and the 19th-century organ, followed by a recital and, of course, tea and cake. A programme of events to be held in Wells will be published locally and available on the national website www. heritageopendays.org.uk in early June.

June 2022

More will be revealeded about the Tudor organ at St Cuthbert’s Church at a Heritage Open Days event in September

Band looks forward to exciting future doubt, please call the surgery and we can check for you. The most important thing is don’t delay – don’t wait for symptoms to develop. And of course, chocolate isn’t the only human food that can put your pets at risk – for example, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and artificial sweetener can all also make your dog really poorly. Please make sure you know which foods are harmful to your pets, and keep them out of their reach – and always contact us if you have any concerns.

Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD

Tel: 01749 678420

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

THE lighter evenings and warmer weather will help with the challenge of future events for Wells City Band. The Band was due to be at Westbury-sub-Mendip for the Friendly Society March on May 22, and is involved with private bookings for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and weddings. The Band has also been pleased to announce that it will be playing at The Bishop’s Palace on June 12 for an evening concert with the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir to raise money for the Royal British Legion. Tickets are available through the Palace. Jane Hill of the band said: “With our new MD, Paul Denegri we are looking forward to an exciting future. With our finances holding out through the Covid years thanks to the Watch In A Box fundraiser that the public supported heavily we can pay running expenses but will need to fundraise for instruments, uniforms and music. If any

individuals or local companies would like to help us in any way do contact me for more information. “By training over Zoom in the lockdown we have been able to welcome new members to the main band but this of course brings pressure for more instruments. The need for social distancing doubled the number of rooms we rented to ensure player safety, when no income came in for two years. Our 100 Club is gaining new members so at £1 a month is a secure income. “As the ‘City’ Band we are hoping to arrange some skittles and also quiz evenings for any friends in the city as well as players. It will be possible for individuals to come and make a team when they arrive as well as made-up teams, as people on their own often feel excluded from going to quizzes. If you are interested do let me know and I will send details when available.” To contact Jane, email janehill546@aol.com

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Work under way on restoration of spire The Rev Claire Towns, Priest in Charge, provides the latest news from St Thomas’ Church, Wells

some time in August, using a large cherry picker and crane. Our insurer’s structural engineer has said that the IT is just over three months now building is safe to be used in since Storm Eunice hit and we the meantime, so long as wind lost the top 18 feet of spire at St speeds do not exceed 40mph. If Thomas’ Church, half of which they are forecast to hit 40mph was masonry, with the other half or more, then the church and being the weather vane. its grounds cannot be used. We Derek Cooper and Sally Cooper of Wells Film Centre at the 15th anniversary I’m sure I’m not the only have only had one such closure open-air screening of Hot Fuzz that saw hundreds of people flock to The one feeling sadness as I look at since Storm Eunice but it makes Bishop’s Palace for food and entertainment before watching the film it in its current state. That said, us realise the precariousness of however, we remain utterly our position, so please bear with thankful that no one was hurt us should that happen when you or killed, nor more extensive have the church booked for a damage caused to the rest of service or event. the building. Our insurers Having updated you on the are thankfully paying for the spire, I’d like to tell you about restoration of the spire, with some other ‘happenings’ at St one generous person very kindly Thomas’: paying the policy excess for this n Coffee Stop – Every Tuesday work. between 10am-noon, in the The contract for the church. Come along, drop in restoration has recently been and meet others of all ages, for a decent cup of coffee or tea and a chat. We are fully accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, with baby changing facilities being available. If you are having mobile phone or laptop user problems, then Ian Ames-White is usually available from 11am onwards to advise you. No need for an expensive care home n ABC 2 (And Baby Came too) – Every term-time Wednesday Stay independent at home with your own live in carer between 9.30am-11am, in St Thomas’ Church Hall. Come No need for an expensive care home along and join us for weekly Many people want to stay in their own home as they get olde No needget-togethers for an expensive care home informal with other The top of the spire came crashing Stay independent at home with own live in carer No need for an expensive careyour home parents/carers and have a cup down in February, but it is hoped No need for a Stay independent at homeMany with your own want live into carer people stay in their own home as they get older of tea or coffee and a chat, and that it can be re-erected in August Stay independent at homeCare with your own liveaninproviding carer Featherbed has been live in carers since 198 No need for expensive care home No need for home Many people stay in their own home as they get olderNo an expensive expensivecare care home forwant your to pre-school children Stay independent at Noneed need for for an an expensive care home want tobelieve stay in their own home as they get older We in only the very best care at an affordable cos and babies toMany play. people Toys, books, approved by the insurance Stay independent independent at at home with with your your own own live live in in carer carer Stay Featherbed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer Many want to stay baby-changing facilities company, and much of Featherbedtoilets, Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older the people very best at an affordable cost Many want to own as all available. There isWe no believe charge – in only what needs to be done will Many people want tocarers stay in in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they Featherbed Care been providing live into 1986 We believe in only the very best care athas an affordable cost want but donations are welcome. now happen in either the We believe in only the very best care at has an affordable cost n Snack and Chat – Every stonemason’s workshop or in Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 Featherbed Care has bee has been been live carers Featherbed Care Featherbed Care has providing live in an carers since 1986 1986 Thursday between 2pm-4pm that of the company being used We believe believe in only only the very best care care at affordable cost Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since We believe in 1986 only the v We in the very best at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost in the Community Room at St for the rebuilding of the weather We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Thomas’ Church. An opportunity vane, using the recovered parts to gather for company, chat and where possible. The weather board games, enjoying light vane is being slightly remodelled, refreshments. as it is thought that its design If you would like to find out partly contributed to the spire more about activities, or falling – it was a full circle and Call these for a brochure today Call for a brochure today anything else/ at St Thomas,0800 111 4885 in the windspeeds that exceeded 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 please get in touch with Caroline 80mph, it spun wildly, which in Call for a brochureCall todayfor a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for brochure today today in the Church Office on 01749Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk turn walked the spire pinnacle Call for aa brochure today Call a 0117 9860710 / for Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure brochure 0800 today 0117 9860710 9860710 Freephone: 111 4885 4885 672335 or office@stthomaswells. off the top of the rest of the www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 // Freephone: Freephone: 0800 111 111 4885 0117 / 0800 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk co.uk structure. Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call fo Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk We are a member of Inclusive We are then aiming to rewww.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Church and welcome all. erect the top of the spire on site Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed

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June 2022

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Generous parting gift to safeguard event THIS year’s May Charter Fair in Wells was more poignant than usual. Richard Green, who has organised the Civic Opening of the Fair for 30 years, announced that this was to be his last year of doing so as he has now moved from Wells. And as a parting gift, he handed over a cheque for £25,000 to Wells City Council to ensure that the event can continue. “This is my 30th year of organising the Civic Opening of the Fair, as a way of bringing the communities of Wells together,” he told guests at the buffet lunch held at the Swan Hotel after this year’s opening ceremony. “We originally started at the November Carnival Charter Fair but by popular demand we moved to the May Charter Fair and it has grown successfully ever since. “Sadly, this will be my last year in organising the event as I have moved away from Wells, but talking to the Mayor and the Town Clerk, the event will go on. “As a parting gift, I am donating a cheque for £25,000 to ensure the event is held in years to come.” The Civic Opening is attended by Wells City councillors and staff, fair operator Shaun Rogers and his family, other members of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain – of which Richard is an honorary member – and other important figures in the local community. The 821st Wells May Charter Fair took place in Market Place on May 6 and 7, returning

Top, Shaun Rogers addresses the crowd at the Civic Opening; above left, Richard Green hands a cheque for £25,000 to Philip Welch; and above right, Sally Vallis and Clare Blackmore at the Hook A Duck stall

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after a two-year absence due to restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic. During this period the Charter Rights and Privileges were legally kept intact. Philip Welch, Mayor of Wells at the time of the Civic Opening, who received the cheque on behalf of the city council, said: “Richard deserves enormous credit for his tireless work supporting the Wells May Charter Fair for 30 years. “I knew he was generous with his time, but now Richard has shown astounding generosity with his money.”

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June 2022

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New centre open for making music Report by the Wells Rocks team WELLS has a new centre to build on its musical traditions. If you want to rehearse, there is now a room for you. There are three spaces, with different uses (details on wellsrocks.org). Bookings are managed by Alex for the city council at the Portway Annexe. Costs are being kept low to make it accessible to all. Wells Contemporary Music Centre is already having an impact. James Packer has launched his music school on Saturdays. Chrissie’s djembe drumming sessions are on Tuesday mornings and a Seventies rock jam running on alternate Wednesday afternoons (next, June 8). Come and join in. We have a series of acoustic blues guitar

workshops with Rick Payne to look forward to in the autumn. Why not organise your own themed sessions or join one of musicologist Sacha Atkinson’s interesting and unusual workshops? Thank you to the city council and the Wells Rocks volunteers who have made this possible. Let’s make the most of it. June 21 will be Make Music Day. We are organising something special at the Portway Annexe and other locations around Wells during the day and the evening. Put it in your diary. This international celebration of music is relatively new to the UK, so you probably have not heard of it. Look out for more details on the wellsrocks.org website and social media nearer the date. It will be fun.

Charity fundraising reaches £20k THE Wells branch of Macmillan Cancer Support has received a £20,000 boost thanks to fundraising by Councillor Philip Welch during his term as Mayor. He organised a wide range of events that started with an Open Garden at Coxley House in June 2021 and ended with a concert in Wells Town Hall on April 30 and a jazz event outside the Town Hall on May 2. “My original target for the Mayor’s Charity when we started fundraising in June last year was £3,000. But thanks to the support of the Macmillan volunteers and the generosity of people in Wells we have reached £20,000,” said Cllr Welch. Genevieve Drinkwater, Relationship Fundraising Manager, South, South West, and Midlands, said: “We cannot thank Philip and the people in the community of Wells enough. Philip not only reached his target early on during his term but has gone on to smash it. Everyone who takes part in a fundraising

Philip and Caroline Welch outside Buckingham Palace, where they were invited to attend a Garden Party as Wells Mayor and Mayoress event for Macmillan has their own special reason, and the funds they raise help us to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.” Cllr Welch’s last mayoral function was to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 11 with Mayoress Caroline Welch.

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June 2022

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Couple publish picture book to encourage love of reading

HUSBAND and wife Thomas and Rebecca Moore, from Wells, have published the first in a series of children’s picture books. The Secret Slide is aimed at children aged two to ten. The story was written by Thomas and illustrated by Rebecca. “It is the first in a series of good old-fashioned adventure tales,” said Thomas, aged 26. “I had the idea for the story probably about 20 years ago, whilst on holiday in Scotland with my sister and it’s always been in the back of my head but I was unsure of where to go with it. “I have always dreamed of being a writer and thought I’d go down the novel route first. However, my wife pushed me to write it as a child-friendly book which she would go on to illustrate.” Thomas is a herdsman near Bruton, looking after 350 cows, which means lots of 2am starts, but it leaves him time later in the day for his writing. Rebecca, aged 30, fits in her illustrating work around caring for their three children, Noah, aged seven, Max, aged two, and Tabitha, who is nine months old. In the book, three siblings – Noah, Max and Tabby – find the entrance to a secret world, and are thrown headfirst into an adventure that will help save the dreams of all children. “It is hopefully designed to

Rebecca and Thomas Moore with a copy of their first children’s book make children fall back into love with reading, the way I used to as a kid,” said Thomas. “Technology is fantastic and you can easily lose hours immersed in games, film and TV, but what better entertainment is there than the imagination of a child?” Thomas has been writing for many years and says he has an arsenal of stories to come, while Rebecca has been creating vivid paintings and drawings since she could hold a pen. The main series is intended to be 14 or 15 books long, but Thomas says that there is a lot more that their ‘universe’ has to offer.

“Also, the books are for parents,” he added. “Whilst it is great to get kids reading, which should be easy enough with our story, nothing beats a bedtime story and this is a short one which will hopefully leave them dreaming of amazing things when their eyes close for the night without the parents having to dread which long story their kids are going to choose that evening.” n The Secret Slide: A Garden’s Gate Book: The Garden of Dreams is published by Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd and is available through Waterstones, Amazon and elsewhere priced £6.99.

Wells Community Network call for new volunteers WELLS Coronavirus Network (WCN) began in March 2020 in response to the pandemic, creating a local system for anyone in the community needing support during those very difficult times. Now it is looking for new volunteers to help continue its services and to work on some new plans. Its volunteers have delivered shopping for people isolating and shielding from Covid, collected prescriptions, manned a telephone helpline, walked dogs, transported patients to hospitals and staffed the vaccine centre

at the West Mendip Hospital. It also brought together local partner organisations for mutual support, to share ideas and work more closely together. Last July, when things began to ease, the network changed its name to Wells Community Network to reflect its intention to carry on its work of supporting the local community in the long term, post-pandemic. It continues to build on the network of links it forged between partner organisations within the community, such as the Foodbank, The Lawrence Centre, YMCA, Neighbourhood

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Watch, the Connect Centre, Lions, Rotary, Heads Up, The Bishop’s Palace and u3a. Volunteering has been a lifeline to so many throughout this time of societal lockdown, and volunteers have benefitted from meeting and socialising with new people, gaining new skills and helping others in the community. Wells Community Network needs more active, committed volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, as little or as often as desired. Find out more by emailing: wcnnewvolunteers@gmail.com

Pub allowed to open for longer TEMPORARY permission has been granted for The Quarter Jack in Priory Road, Wells, to stay open for an extra 30 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as to open until the same time on bank holidays. The front garden area and side garden area can also be used for an hour longer each day for the consumption of food and drink. Mendip District Council agreed to an application to vary the conditions at the Wetherspoon pub for a trial period of one year. There were a number of objections to the application, with noise and disturbance among reasons given for objecting.

June events at Wells Library THESE are some of the events taking place at Wells Library in June: n Author Talk by Dr Justin Newland on Friday, June 17, at 11am. Justin explores the secret history of the Great Enlightenment in this illustrated talk and explains how this inspired his historical fiction thriller The Coronation. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book a place. n Read & Rhyme: Join the ladies from Little Wellies Nursery for stories, songs, and bubbles on Thursday, June 9, and Thursday, June 23, at 10.15am. These activities are free of charge and aimed at children under 5 years. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. n Police Beat Surgery: Talk to your local PCSO at Wells Library on Monday, June 6, 11am-noon. No appointment necessary.

Cleaner streets THE latest litter pick around Wells took place over the weekend of May 7 and 8 – with collectors reporting that there was less rubbish than in the past. The next litter picking weekend is planned for September 3 and 4.

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June 2022

n QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

Top left, Shepton Mallet Big Band; left, look out for the Daleks; above, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Corps of Drums; right, there will be Wookey Hole Circus Skills workshops

Day of celebration will provide wealth of entertainment A DAY-LONG celebration is being held in Wells on June 5 – and everybody is invited. Activities and entertainment will take place on Cathedral Green, the Recreation Ground, Wells Market Place and surrounding venues to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Highlights will include a procession led by the British Army Tidworth Marching Band and a display on Cathedral Green by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Corps of Drums. Children are invited to join the procession in fancy dress, with prizes handed out by Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw. Some of the city’s sports clubs will be organising fun activities on the Recreation Ground, and there will be children’s races with

medals for the winners. There will also be children’s rides and slides, and cookery workshops for youngsters. The Daleks will be putting in an appearance at The Bishop’s Palace, and there will be performances to watch from 12.30pm at the Cathedral Green Performance Zone – culminating in a mass choral rendition of Jerusalem – and live music throughout the day at the Bandstand from the likes of The Portraits and Shepton Mallet Big Band. People are invited to take a picnic with them to eat while they are entertained, and to take their own chairs and rugs. The Wells Jubilee Celebrations are being organised by Wells Rotary Club working

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in partnership with Wells City Council, Wells Cathedral, Project Factory, TIME, Wells Voice and other local organisations. Wells Rotary President Wendy Ray said: “Come and join the biggest ever party to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which will take place in Wells on Sunday, June 5. Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. Such a wonderful and unique occasion. “We have a marvellous programme of many activities for all ages, including learning circus skills, cookery for children, and various sports. Enjoy a cream tea, have a picnic, sit back and enjoy performances of dancing, theatre and choirs from our area. Look at our programme schedule for more details of what is happening. “What a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together. Come and enjoy this memorable day.” u Programme of events, pages 24&25

An exhibition of photographs by Jason Bryant Saturday 28 May - Sunday 12 June 2022 Wells Cathedral, South Cloister

The City of Wells celebrates The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen Jason Bryant is a local Somerset photographer. He has captured many of the visits made by Her Majesty the Queen to Somerset and beyond. In this exhibition he shows a selection of some of those moments from twenty years of her reign.

Left, Lorraine Millington of The Portraits

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June 2022

n QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

A range of classic cars and motorbikes will be displayed on Wells Cathedral Green on June 5. Among them will be a 1937 Hillman 80 Enclosed Drive Limousine being brought here by Kevin Hann, who was born in Wells and has strong family ties to the city. He says that the car is totally original, and was the type used by Whitehall for its official transport of dignitaries during the war. It has appeared in many period films over the years, the latest being Red Joan starring Dame Judy Dench.

Special exhibition of photos at Cathedral LOCAL photographer Jason Bryant has taken many of the photographs in the commemorative brochure for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. To complement the brochure, Project Factory is mounting an exhibition of his photographs in the South Cloister of Wells Cathedral, from Saturday, May A photograph by Jason Bryant of 28, until Sunday, June 12. the Queen’s visit to Wells in 2002 Freelance photographer Queen a Happy Jubilee and Jason has been a photographer thank Project Factory for since 1997. The 48-year-old from arranging the exhibition and the Shepton Mallet began his career beautiful Wells Cathedral for working for the Mid Somerset hosting it.” Series and now supplies regular Jason is also having a content to the national press. Glastonbury Festival exhibition Taking photographs of the Queen and the Royals has always been a at the Rural Life Museum regular part of his job. in Glastonbury this summer Jason says: “I love the starting on June 11. Queen, what an amazing lady. The commemorative The effect that she has on the brochure for the Queen’s general public has to be seen Platinum Jubilee, pictured to be believed; the excitement below, has gone on sale at generated during a visit is Heritage Partnership outlets – only equalled by an American Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells president, which Cathedral and The usually has more Bishop’s Palace – and helicopters, more the Project Factory flashing lights and website. It will also be the security staff available at the Wells look more scary. Jubilee Celebrations “I have covered on Sunday, June 5. a few Queen’s Full of photographs Birthday parades, by Jason and others, many visits to along with memories Somerset and the of Royal visits to the A tribute to II th Her Majesty Queen Elizabe D-Day anniversaries area, it is a tribute to On the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee 1952 - 2022 in France. I would the Queen from the From the people of Wells like to wish the people of Wells.

Programme of events for Sunday, June 5

Activities for the day 11.00am – Market Place: Opening Ceremony with Wells Town Crier Len Sweales, the Mayor & Mayoress of Wells, Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw and Wells Rotary President Wendy Ray 11.00am – Recreation Ground: Fancy Dress entrants gather Cathedral: Abseiling down West Front of the Cathedral with SOS Africa 11.30am Celebration Procession: Led by British Army Tidworth Marching Band, through Bishop’s Eye, Market Place and Cathedral Green 12.00-5.15pm – Bandstand: BYO Picnic Concerts and Acoustic Showcase 12.00-1.30pm and 2.00-3.30pm: Circus Skills Workshop 12.15pm: Judging of Fancy Dress by Lord Lieutenant Annie Maw 12.30-5.30pm – Cathedral Green: Performance Zone with dance, drama and choirs, Judge Jefferies Pageant 2.30-4.30pm – Cathedral: Tea Party in the Nave with Wells Wind Quartet 5.20pm – Cathedral Green: Jerusalem performed by choirs and orchestra 6.00pm – Cathedral: Songs of Praise: God Save the Queen

And throughout the day: Tor Theatre Performance, Wookey Hole Circus, Morris Dancing and Theatre Workshops – Recreation Ground Free cookery workshop for children by The Fun Kitchen Children’s Rides and Slides Children’s Races Sports Activities: Rugby, Tennis and Hockey Clubs (Recreation Ground) Talks about the Bishop’s Cope in relation to the Queen’s Coronation and Meet the Daleks and Cybermen in the Undercroft (Bishop’s Palace) Come and help make a Commemorative Felt Banner Photographic exhibition of The Shops of Wells over the last 70 years (Wells Museum) Photographs of the Queen in the South Cloister, Cathedral

Wells Cathedral Green Subject to change, please check Display Board 12.30pm Cam Valley Morris Men 1.00pm Dance Fusion Wells Our younger dancers will take to the stage and showcase some of their work – including street, cheer, commercial, contemporary and break dance routines – full of energy, creativity and confidence 1.30pm Somerset Dance Umbrella Dance display by students from Wells Ballet School and Somerset Dance Umbrella who take weekly ballet and dance classes in Wells Town Hall 2.00pm Wells Academy of Theatrical Arts (WATA) Students aged 4-16 from Wells Academy of Theatrical Arts (WATA) based at the Drama Barn in Wells present a medley of Musical Theatre Numbers

18/04/2022 10:33

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June 2022

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Bishop’s Palace joining in jubilee celebrations 2.30pm Wells Theatre Festival The cast of Wells Theatre Festival’s upcoming community production of Twelfth Night will perform a new song composed by Peter Kingston and inspired by Duke Orsino’s speech, If Music be the Food of Love 3.00pm Warminster Military Wives Choir 3.30pm Wells Good Afternoon Choir The Wells Good Afternoon Choir enjoy singing together every Tuesday afternoon at St Thomas’ Church from 2-4pm, they are led by music man Grenville Jones with Sheila Ross as accompanist 4.00pm Wookey, Street and Doulting Choirs Four local community choirs, led by Polly Carroll, perform a selection of contemporary songs from their 2022 repertoire 4.30pm Priddy Singers Lively local 40-strong community choir Priddy Singers sings pop and folk favourites. 5.00pm Corps of Drums Formation Colourful display by Musicians of Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service 5.20pm En-masse choral rendition of Jerusalem with Croscombe Orchestra 6.00pm Songs of Praise: God Save the Queen in the Cathedral

The Bandstand Subject to change, please check Display Board 12.00pm Cam Valley Morris Men 12.30pm Shepton Mallet Big Band Started as a local saxophone jazz quartet some 30 years ago, it has grown into an impressive Big Band – a vibrant group of players of all ages playing music from the 30s, 40s, and 50s 1.30pm Dexterity Trio led by Tom Stringer, trumpeter at Wells Cathedral School 2.30pm Hetta Falzon Seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter, performing beautiful, mellow melodies for voice and piano. Hetta is the current national Young Songwriter of The Year named by the Song Academy in 2021 and also the winner of Glastonbury Festival’s Pilton Stage 2022. 3.30pm The Portraits Anglo-Irish song-writing and performing duo, whose songs tell stories of the world and of compassion for the forgotten. In recent times they’ve gained national media coverage for their versions of Together In Electric Dreams and Ed Sheeran’s Photograph, released in memory of the lives lost during the pandemic and featuring choirs and orchestras from across Somerset. 4.30pm Acoustic Showcase with Dick Stephens A chance for local performers to show off their skills

Workshops Fun Kitchen for Children every 45 minutes, 10.00am-4.00pm in the Marquee Circus Skills 12.00-1.30pm and 2.00-3.30pm Morris Dancing 1.30-2.00pm Tor Theatre Performance & Workshop 2.00-3.00pm

Sports Children’s mini-games and relay race for parents and children

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IN this Platinum Jubilee year, The Bishop’s Palace will be joining the local community to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. Celebrations at the Palace are particularly poignant because the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who resides at the Palace, has stood at the monarch’s side at each coronation since 1179. From June 2 there will a Jubilee Exhibition at the Palace highlighting the significance of the Queen within the local community, showing the broad and varying reach she has had across the area. All items featured have been generously loaned by local people, each with their own unique and interesting story. This is an eclectic range of items, all of which relate to Her Majesty. Visitors will also see the magnificent coronation cope on display at the Palace. First worn in 1902, this intricate,

golden cope has been worn by the Bishop of Bath and Wells at every coronation since. Palace Guides will be on hand to illuminate the history of the cope with talks taking place throughout the weekend. On Sunday, June 5, the entire City of Wells will come together in celebration and joy with events taking place across the city. The Palace will host some out of this world visitors, when the Daleks make an appearance. Families are invited to join in with a community picnic on the Croquet Lawn on Monday, June 6, where the Palace Croquet Team will be on hand for demonstrations and have-a-go sessions. Admission to the Jubilee Exhibition is included with any general admission ticket to The Bishop’s Palace, including The People’s Ticket and Membership. The Croquet Lawn is located in the free area of the Palace, next to the Bishop’s Table cafe.

This photo was sent in by Wells Voice reader Sue Williams, who believes that it shows an event in 1953 in honour of the Queen’s Coronation. She says: ‘One girl from each of the Wells infant and junior schools were selected to appear on a tableau in front of the Town Hall. I believe the ‘crowning’ was carried out by the Mayoress, Mrs Woods. Central, St Thomas and St Joseph’s were the three schools involved and most of these girls still live locally. I was Susan Munden and my dress was made by the Headmistress of Wells Central Juniors, Miss Balch. She was the daughter of local historian Herbert Balch. My father Jack Munden became Mayor in 1969. I can remember being disappointed at not being selected to be queen because the crown was quite big!’ Sue is the princess holding a basket of flowers, second from the right in the picture, with a gold cardboard crown.

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June 2022

n NEWS

Bid to get people socialising again WELLS pub The King’s Head is leading a drive to encourage the community to come together more. With research showing that a lot of people have got out of the habit of socialising due to Covid, licensee Barbara Tlustochwicz hosted a lunch for Rethink Mental Illness housing manager, support workers and their clients at The King’s Head to remind people of the joy of togetherness. Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that improves the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services.

Barbara Tlustochwicz, left, with Alison Turner The event was a double celebration as it also marked Barbara’s six-month anniversary at the High Street pub, which had been closed for five and a half years and undergone a £560,000 revamp. Barbara wants to inspire those who have stopped socialising as much, as well as residents who still feel hesitant about going out, to join in Wells’

Platinum Jubilee Weekend festivities. She believes the once-in-a-lifetime celebrations are the ideal time to reconnect, especially for people who have felt cut off during the pandemic. The lunch was subsidised by Heineken’s Brewing Good Cheer campaign, which celebrates the unique role pubs play as social hubs and in combatting social isolation. Since taking on The King’s Head, Barbara has focused on making the pub a hub of the community, introducing activities to encourage residents to socialise again. These include a Thursday night darts club and live music on Friday, and a lunchtime promotion for the elderly to make eating out accessible to them. She plans to introduce a regular quiz and bingo sessions starting at the end of May, and has begun open mic nights. The Rotary Club also now gathers at the pub once a month. Barbara said: “We open at 12 currently, but I would be happy to open at 11am if residents would like to use the space in the morning for their own social activities or community events. It’s important for people’s wellbeing that they have a change of scene and don’t just stay at home. I have taken on a manager with events experience so we can develop this area further, encouraging more people to socialise again. “Families and friends have

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The Rethink Mental Illness celebratory lunch at The King’s Head missed out on celebrating major occasions, so what better opportunity to come together and celebrate than this historic Platinum Jubilee weekend? As for our Jubilee weekend plans, we will go all out to create a festive atmosphere. We will also put on live music in the evenings and hold a tea dance on the Jubilee Weekend. “It has been a great six months. The highlight for me has been becoming part of the Wells community. So thank you to everyone for your support making me feel so welcome.” Alison Turner from Rethink Mental Illness said: “The last two years have been really difficult for our clients who have missed their usual routines whether socialising, taking part in group activities or volunteering. These are really important, helping to stimulate their mental wellbeing and gain confidence to that they can move on to independent living. It has also been a difficult

time for staff who have had to take on more work to support vulnerable clients when other services haven’t been able to. “We’re delighted to be enjoying a celebratory lunch with clients and helping them feel less anxious about socialising.” James Crampton, Corporate Affairs Director Heineken UK, said: “Social interaction is vital for mental health. Pubs have a major role to play in helping people to stay connected. They are the hubs of the communities they serve and provide safe, secure and welcoming environments for people to come together. It’s wonderful to see people enjoying meeting up in pubs again. We hope this campaign will remind everyone of the joys of socialising, encourage them to get out more and include the wider community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who may still feel apprehensive about going out.”

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

New bishop tells of delight about move THE next Bishop of Bath and Wells is to be the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, currently the Bishop of Hertford. Before taking a full-time role with the church, Bishop Michael was an epidemiologist, a background he was called on to use during the pandemic as a member of the Church of England’s Covid taskforce. He is already familiar with Somerset. His wife Lizzie is from a farming family from Somerset and prior to Bishop Michael being interviewed for the role of Bishop of Bath and Wells, they

The Rt Rev Michael Beasley and his wife Lizzie both undertook a 60-mile walk around the county. Bishop Michael, who has been the Bishop of Hertford since 2015, will become the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells. He succeeds the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, who stood down as Bishop of Bath and Wells in May 2021 due to ill health. Bishop Michael said: “I am delighted to be coming to be the

Bishop of Bath and Wells and to joining with everyone in the diocese as together we live and tell the story of Jesus. “We have strong family connections with Somerset and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside its people, communities and churches. “We have all been through a challenging few years. The Covid pandemic pushed us all apart. Now is the time to come back together. Our churches have an essential role in helping us rebuild communities and in facing the challenges present to us both internationally and at home. “Jesus’s message is one of peace – a peace I’m looking forward to sharing and pursuing as I join you as your bishop.” Before his ordination as Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans, Bishop Michael served as Director of Mission in the Diocese of Oxford. A scientist by background, he was an epidemiologist specialising in infectious diseases of children in low-income countries. As well as being a member of the Church of England’s Covid taskforce he also worked with UNICEF, the NHS, the Government and leaders of different faiths to launch vaccinaid.org which has raised more than £10 million in support of vaccination for low-income countries. Bishop Michael and Lizzie have two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys tending his garden and his bees.

Pictures of the cygnets at The Bishop’s Palace taken soon after they were born. The Palace has been running its annual Cygnet Naming Competition (which closed on May 20), seeking six names for the cygnets, with names honouring Queen Elizabeth in her Platinum Jubilee year among the early favourites.

Choir receives warm welcome THE new Pop, Rock, Pub Contemporary Choir’s opening night was a big hit with those who attended, says organiser Emma Wheat. “‘I had the loveliest evening, I honestly didn’t think I could enjoy singing so much,’ was just some of the feedback I received,” she said. “Despite the nerves of many people who were new to singing – or at least new to

singing anywhere other than the shower – the group were soon harmonising their way through favourite pop and rock hits accompanied by a live band. A trip to the pub with much laughter and merriment rounded the evening off nicely.” To find out more about joining this upbeat choir, contact Emma on 07746 299348 or at prpcontemporarychoir@gmail. com

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

The cast-bronze sculpture of Jesus by eminent sculptor David Backhouse was unveiled in the Camery Garden at Wells Cathedral on May 9. David – seen above with the sculpture – lives and has his studio in Wells, but this will be his last major work as he has leukaemia.

n IN DAYS GONE BY

With Clare Blackmore

Chronicle of medieval misdemeanours THE Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells dating from 958 to 1680 give a fascinating glimpse into life in medieval Wells. They record the business of the Dean and Chapter, much of it mundane but some of it more interesting to the modern mind. 1244 John de Cerde being accused of adultery with Alice, wife of David the Tanner, whose husband had gone to the Holy Land, appeared in chapter before the archdeacon of Wells and submitted to the loss of his vicarage should any scandal arise from this or subsequent fault. 1246 William de Cerde on the Octave of the Assumption was accused of fornication with the woman Rose Frapenrue. He denied it but was ordered to purge himself on St Bartholomew’s Day. If he defamed again he shall resign his vicarage. 1248 William de Hoyland was charged with incontinence (the medieval meaning in this context was lack of sexual restraint) with the

daughter of Josce in the week of Pentecost. On the night of St John, the Baptist, he was seen carrying his shoes in his hands in the morning in the wood of Baggelegh in Wedmoreland. He was also charged with violence to the said Josce and confessed his sins. It was decreed by the Dean and Chapter that he should take his place with boys on the bench from the said Friday to the Nativity of St Mary and make letters patent submitting to the loss of his vicarage in case the offence be repeated. 1257 Sir Walter de Purley, canon of Wells, being defamed touching incontinence and failing in his purgation, was ordered to absent himself for a whole year and the profit of his prebend (stipend) be applied to the fabric of the church of Wells. This sentence the said Walter thankfully acknowledged. 1265 Robert Gifford, canon of Wells, before the Dean and Chapter, being accused of incontinence, confessed and submitted to their judgement, the Dean

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remembering previous offences, decreed that the said Robert be exiled from Wells until Michaelmas not entering the choir or chapter and he must pay to the master workman 60s to the fabric of the church as an amercement, with the addition that if he again defamed among good and weighty men he shall pay 100s every time, and if found incorrigible shall be deprived of his canonry. 1297 William de Wygomia, vicar in the church of Wells, having been several times convicted of incontinence with Alice le Mazon, promised the chapter to avoid suspicious places under pain of losing his vicarage. 1335 Sir Valentine de Gernevyle, vicar of Wells, accused of incontinence with Alice Orum and Felicia Louelyn, which he confessed, was suspended for half a year. 1360 Stephen Ferror, a vicar, probationer of one year, stood before the canons constituting the chapter who declared that although Stephen had knowledge

of chanting and reading he had so borne himself in manners and conditions that he ought to altogether be rejected from their company, wherefore by consent of the said canons the subdean removed him. 1386 Before the canons, Richard Turnedyke and Robert Hawes, vicars, were charged with saying the litany carelessly in procession. They acknowledged their fault and were told that in case of repetition they should take their places on three solemn days, with candles, in the lowest rank of boys. 1393 Richard Hull, vicar, was charged by the Dean with frequently disturbing divine service especially in the choir with strolling about the columns of the church to converse with laymen, with allowing his hair to grow and not keeping his tonsure, with not applying himself to learn the psalter, hymnal and antiphonary, all of which he acknowledged. He was further charged with using defamatory words of canons resident in chapter.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Campsite owners reach out to businesses THE new owners of a campsite near Wells are keen to work with local businesses on special offers that can be passed on to their visitors. Alan and Beverley Pryce took over Greenacres Camping at North Wootton at the end of the season last year. Greenacres has been an established and successful campsite since the 1970s. Throughout this time it has only had three owners and the focus has always remained on the campsite being family friendly and providing a quiet and peaceful environment. The couple moved here from Hampshire to run it, and Alan said: “We love this area, and when we saw the campsite, we immediately thought that this was a fantastic place and what an opportunity it offered us.” The campsite is tucked away

The Greenacres Camping campsite at North Wootton in a corner of North Wootton with a large, level field with modern facilities. Alan and Beverley have started to make new additions to the site –

additional play facilities for children and a new washing up station – and on their first review by the AA, they were upgraded to three pennants, retained their

Gold Award and increased their quality score to 90 per cent. Alan said: “As a small campsite we are thrilled that the high standard of the campsite has continued to be recognised by this national accreditation.” Now they want to expand their work with local businesses to encourage visitors to make as much use as possible of what is available in the area. Beverley said: “We would love to hear from local companies who have a service or a product that would be of interest to our visitors. “We have already set up discounts and special offers with many companies, but please contact us if this would be of interest to you.” Further information at greenacres-camping.co.uk or by calling Alan or Beverley on 01749 890497.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n ON THE BEAT

Arrest after graffiti highlighted as issue of community concern News from the local policing team with PC Dan Williams BEING your two local Neighbourhood Police Officers, Darren Pearson and I have always tried to be as visible and accessible as possible for the residents of Wells. We are always eager to listen to your concerns. During our patrols the people of Wells asked: “What are you doing about the graffiti around the city?” Some people consider graffiti to be art but in reality it is nothing more than selfish vandalism that not only scars the environment we live in but contributes to fear of crime. Wells Neighbourhood Police Team have always taken pride in listening to the community and taking action when asked. Therefore we made the decision to try and combat this issue by treating reports of vandalism with priority and increasing patrols in previously targeted areas. I am pleased to announce that following an extensive investigation, a male suspect was identified as being responsible for a series of graffiti tags painted in the Wells and surrounding areas. I personally arrested the male for 17 offences of Criminal Damage committed between January and February this year. Following the arrest officers search the male’s home address,

PCs Dan Williams and Darren Pearson acted after complaints about graffiti where various spray paints and pens were seized along with items which displayed the same graffiti tag which officers suspected was used for practice. During interview the suspect admitted 17 offences of Criminal Damage. It is apparent that the tag was not specifically art and was just painted randomly and quickly on various walls and properties for maximum exposure of the tag. It is vital that suspects for this type of crime understand the impact that they have on the owners of the property they damage. Not only do victims have to clean the graffiti off, there is also the question in the back of the victim’s mind of “Why me?” adding in some cases to fear and anxiety.

Wells officers felt it important that the suspect enrolled on a victims impact course which has been completed and paid for by the suspect himself. The male is currently awaiting further finalisation in line with the criminal justice system. As always I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the Wells Neighbourhood Police Team are incredibly dedicated to keeping you safe and feeling safe. We are keen to meet as many of you as possible, if you have an event, club, meeting spot or a group where you would like your police team to attend then please contact me. Tel: 07889 658319 or contact centre 101 x 44516; email: dan.williams@avonandsomerset. police.uk

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n NEWS Book to benefit good causes EACH year the captains of Mendip Golf Club choose a charity to support during their term of office. This year the charities are: Freewheelers – Blood Bikes Courier Service; NOVA – providing sports opportunities for disabled children; British Heart Foundation. Mendip member Tony Williams has recently written a book charting the History of Mendip Golf Club and has personally underwritten the costs of the project. As a result the book is being sold at £10 with all proceeds going to the charities. Anyone who is interested in helping to support the charities by buying a copy of the book will find them on sale from the professional’s shop and the bar at the club at Golf Links Lane, Gurney Slade. Alternatively they can be purchased for £12, payment by cheque or cash, by writing to Tony Williams at 29 Elm Close, Wells, BA5 1LZ.

Bus history VINTAGE vehicle historian John Hitchings has produced a new book charting the history of bus services in the Mendip area from charabancs right through to the present day. Buses Over Mendip is also a celebration of more than 100 years of the bus depot in Wells, one of very few in the country to have stayed on the same site.It costs £15 and will be launched in Wells Market Place on June 5, as part of the jubilee celebrations – look out for the old bus.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Points about property auctions By James Mitchell

Pieces of porcelain from China found at Wells & Mendip Museum

Workshops based on pottery finds IN 1993, in preparation for the construction of the Wells & Mendip Museum archive and Wells City Archive purpose-built storage building at the rear of the museum, archaeologists uncovered an amazing stash of pottery from a demolished cellar in the museum garden. It included exotic pieces of porcelain from China, the largest of its kind ever excavated in the South West. Many of the plates, tea bowls and other pieces were still largely intact. Researchers have been studying and repairing the collection for the past nine months and are now ready to share the wonderful stories that they have uncovered through the scenes on the porcelain. The museum is running two workshops for primary aged children and their carers on Wednesday, June 1.

The scene will be set and imaginations fired by a storyteller and by an exhibition of the fabulous pottery itself. There are then activities to enjoy, including plate painting, making a porcelain pot, a mock archaeological dig and pottery repair and identification. Archaeologists and pottery experts will be there to answer questions and lend a hand. Organisers are hoping to devise a board game full of pirates, lost cargoes, landslides and invitations to take tea. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, the workshop is included within the cost of a standard family ticket to the museum (£8 per family, up to two adults and three children), which can be purchased on the door. However, places are limited and booking is recommended: community@ wellsmuseum.org.uk

Keen interest in talks on diabetes THE audience was very engaged with the speakers at the Wells Lions Diabetes Awareness event in the Town Hall on May 7. Keynote speaker Dr Campbell Murdoch gave an insight on how type 2 diabetes can occur. He was followed by Antony Wood of Xyla Health, who are delivering the NHS Prevention programme, Rachael Rowe from the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group on the NHS Remission programme and the MyWay Diabetes App, and Anthony Bray from the Somerset Diabetic Eye Screening programme.

Help was also on hand from Samantha Briggs and her colleague from Spark Somerset to assist with loading the MyWay Diabetes app on mobile phones, laptops and tablets, and advice and information from Health Connections Mendip, Wells Dementia Action Alliance, St John Ambulance, Diabetes UK and the Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group. To find out more about the City of Wells Lions, call 0345 833 6736, or visit the stall on Cathedral Green on June 5 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

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PROPERTY auctions are not just a means of selling properties that are derelict or difficult to sell by private treaty. In fact, certain types of property are commonly bought and sold at auction. There are many reasons for this, including: l Speed: There is a relatively short period (usually three or four weeks) between the publication of the auction catalogue and legal pack by the auctioneer and the auction itself. If a property is sold at auction, the completion date is set on the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer, making auction sales quicker than most sales by private treaty. l Certainty: A successful bid cannot be gazumped and neither party can withdraw without penalty, so there is certainty for both buyer and seller as soon as the hammer falls. This also means that a successful bidder who later regrets their actions cannot back out. l Transparency: Bidding at auction is a completely transparent process – each bidder knows how many other people are interested in a property and how much they are offering. l Simplicity: Anyone armed with their ID, the means to make the payments required if they are successful and their solicitor’s details can bid at an auction. l Variety: Auctions attract a wide variety of different types of property. It is also possible to bid in a variety of different ways. However, there are potential pitfalls to buying property at auction. Preparation is key to minimising the risks. Due diligence Prospective bidders have a limited time in which to carry out their due diligence. The target property should be inspected (and, if appropriate, surveyed by a qualified surveyor) as soon as possible to check for structural defects, and a solicitor should be instructed to report on the legal pack prepared by the seller’s solicitor. The legal pack should contain the same information as the seller would have to provide if selling by private treaty as well as the searches that a buyer would usually undertake. The solicitor will identify any title defects or missing information and, if appropriate, raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.

A prospective bidder may be reluctant to incur the speculative costs of instructing a surveyor and a solicitor. However, we would always advise taking professional advice as there can be hidden issues with any property. Valuation and tactics A prospective bidder should decide the maximum amount they are willing and able to bid for a lot and stick to that budget. Auction rooms can be emotional environments, and bidders can get carried away with the excitement of the event or feel the need to compete. Remember that the guide price stated in the auction catalogue is an indication of the seller’s lowest expectation, not an estimate of the sale price. Costs and funding A buyer will always have to pay a deposit (usually 10 per cent of the purchase price), the auctioneer’s fee (which will be stated in the auction catalogue), the balance of the purchase price (on the completion date) and their own solicitor’s and surveyor’s fees. The deposit and the auctioneer’s fee will need to be paid before the buyer leaves the auction room. A prospective bidder should know how they are going to fund the purchase before bidding. If this is to be with the aid of a mortgage, the mortgage offer and documentation ideally need to have been received before the auction. In addition, the buyer will usually be required to pay the cost of any searches included in the legal pack and the seller’s solicitor’s fees. Selling property at auction There are fewer potential pitfalls for people selling property at auction, the biggest of which are the wasted expense and inconvenience if the property does not sell and the risk of a claim for misrepresentation being made against the seller. These risks can be mitigated by the seller disclosing all of the information they have relating to the property in the legal pack. Once again, preparation is key. The seller will have to pay a further auctioneer’s fee and, if the property fails to sell, their own solicitor’s fees and the cost of any searches included in the legal pack. If you are considering selling or buying property at auction and need advice about the preparation or contents of a legal pack, please contact Chubb Bulleid. n James Mitchell is a Solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Mosaic workshop tour worth the wait By Philip Welch WHEN you win a raffle prize most people take it straightaway. But not Bob and Sandy Riley. They waited eight months. The prize was a guided tour of the workshop where the six-metre diameter Wells in Mosaic is being painstakingly constructed with hundreds of thousands of tiny hand-clipped tiles. “Absolutely fabulous” was the verdict of Bob, a retired painter and decorator. Its creator Ruth Ames-White took them on the tour while her husband Ian served the tea and cake. Ruth explained that after two years she is halfway through the work and Sandy praised her “phenomenal commitment”. Bob and Sandy won their prize in July at a Classic and Historic Car Club rally, whose route they designed across Somerset countryside which ended at the Bath and West Showground.

the incredible scale models of Rupert Cordeaux and realised this could be my solution. “However, when the cardboard cathedral wells in mosaic arrived through the letterbox in flat pack form, it was clear that modelmaking on this level was far beyond me. But through a chance discussion, it transpired that our friend, Geoff Laycock, loved model-making. “A few weeks later, Ian and I drove to St Albans to collect the finished construction. The detail is astounding, we are so grateful to Geoff for his skill and patience. “Having the cathedral in 3D form has allowed me to photograph the building from Ruth Ames-White shows Bob and Sandy Riley around her workshop with any angle, work with it in my the Wells Cathedral model in the foreground design software and then refer to it as I am placing the tiles. It is And the reasons for the iconic building in the city. She without doubt the most complex delay? “Well, there was Covid explains why it’s challenging: part of the project to mosaic.” and we have been busy,” replied “Hiring an expert with a drone The Wells in Mosaic project Sandy, a nurse who worked for to capture the perfect angle is entirely funded by donations. the NHS their whole career. for my representation of Wells To find out more go to www. Now Ruth has started Cathedral was a complicated wellsinmosaig.org. “construction” of the most process. But then I discovered

Good turnout to see artwork

Ruth Ames-White with a segment of the mosaic

WHAT could have been a damp squib turned into a very successful event for the Wells in Mosaic project. People who were longing to see the Mosaic for the first time, and long-time supporters of the project, came out on a rainy Sunday afternoon and were rewarded for their hardiness. The latest six meter wide ‘slice’ of the amazing artwork depicts The Bishop’s Palace and the Cathedral, which Ruth, the mosaic artist and designer, said had been “the most difficult piece yet”. In the garden of Ruth’s studio in Wells, the WiM support team provided copious amounts of tea and cake, and together with plant and gift stalls, were able to raise funds to help to keep the project on track. A spokesperson for the project said: “The support we have had from individuals and businesses has been amazing, but it is a very expensive undertaking and we still need to raise funds for its completion.”

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Musicians, from left, Ian Ames-White, Ruth Ames-White, Byron Joce and Helen Lunt

Summer concert on theme of Love AFTER a two-year Covid break, the Summer Serenade Concert is back in St Thomas’ on June 11 at 7pm, to raise much-needed funds for the Wells in Mosaic project. The concert will feature a number of local musicians performing a relaxed programme of music on the theme of Love, with a variety of instruments and

voices and music from Handel to Flanders and Swann. Raffle and bar available. Tickets £12.50 in advance, £15 on the door, children under 14 £1. Tickets available from St Thomas’ Church Office (MonThu 9.30am to 12.30pm) and contact@wellsinmosaic.org or 07718 124710.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

June 2022

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Access to dental care one topic of concern FOLLOWING the local elections enforced break, it is great to be back writing a column for the excellent Wells Voice. I firstly want to say congratulations to all the newly elected councillors. I very much look forward to working with them, and this is especially important as we transition to a unitary authority. The shadow authority will become the new Somerset Council in April 2023, but until then the District Councils and County Council will still be working hard to serve constituents, and I will ensure I work closely with them all to provide a smooth transition. This is an important moment in Somerset’s history with a new structure to our local government, but one that I hope will provide more certainty for people as to who oversees the delivery of local services here in

News from Wells MP James Heappey Somerset. There is lots of work to be done, but I have no doubt those whom you have chosen to represent you will be committed to the area for the next five years. It has been a very busy couple of months both in London and in the constituency, with lots

of meetings across Europe to ensure we can provide Ukraine with as much weaponry and supplies as possible, as well as lots of work on a range of issues here in Somerset – and Wells in particular. I have had a lot of correspondence about access to dental care here in Wells, but also across all of Somerset. It is something I am taking extremely seriously. The fact that this county is one of the most badly affected in terms of accessing NHS appointments is unacceptable, and I have urgently raised this with Ministers and will be meeting, at my request, with the Minister responsible for NHS dentistry, Maria Caulfield so I can work with her to improve this. At the time of writing, the new Parliament has just

convened following the Queen’s Speech. One of the biggest things which was focused on was really trying to ensure Levelling Up is at the forefront of this Parliament, as well as growing the economy to help those who are struggling. I have long campaigned for investment in Somerset to match that of the rest of the country, and from working on the bids for the Levelling Up bid to campaigning for investment into our public transport, there are lots of exciting opportunities which I will work hard to get the most out of. Levelling Up is not, and never has been, for the North alone and I am in constant contact with Ministers regarding the issues which are affecting people day in and day out in Wells and the rest of the constituency which I have the honour to represent.

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n NEWS

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

Opportunities are there to be taken By Jenny Atkins

The thank you Tea Party for Poppy Appeal volunteers

Tea Party held to thank volunteers A TEA Party was held at Wells & Mendip Museum as a thank you to local Poppy Appeal volunteers. Wells area Poppy Appeal organiser for the past seven years, Derek Cooper – who recently announced that he is stepping down from the role – was unable to be there due to Covid, but sent the following message: “I want to say a big, big thank you to each and every one of you and those who couldn’t come today for the amazing job you do each year for the Poppy Appeal. “The 2021/22 total is now at a record level of £30,200 and that would not be the case without all your efforts so on behalf of the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal our grateful thanks. “I hope Kevin from the Town Hall is here, a special thank you to him and his team for providing our base each year and for the many jobs he does that are unseen by many, we are so lucky to have your support. “Of course we have

support from so many others: supermarkets, ATC, the market stall manager Graham and others. “I would also like to thank my team that over the last seven years have been amazing helping me to put on the Appeal each year, you all know who you are. “Finally, thank you to Becky, Di and Pat for putting on this afternoon’s event, I hope you all enjoy your cuppa and cakes. “This is my last year, as many of you will know I am stepping down after seven years as the Poppy Appeal organiser for Wells. We are desperately seeking someone to take over so if you know of anyone, please let us know. “I will still be around and will offer my full support to the new organiser. I am with the team putting on the second Summer Concert in The Bishop’s Palace on Sunday, June 12, with the Wells City Band and The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir. “All my best wishes to every one of you.”

OPPORTUNITY. We all love that word. It is a word that inspires hope, as well as something we can wish upon to make our lives better. Days pass by and before you know it weeks and months have passed. We are very good at and often look back at what we have achieved and completed and then think, well actually I should have, having missed out on opportunities, living with regret, and then we plan the same goal next week or next year. Taking opportunities when they come and planning ahead will support positive feeling about the past and you will have experienced something new, something different or something more. We all think about opportunities, but aren’t necessarily ready to take the risks by ourselves. Sometimes we haven’t even thought about doing something until someone or something prompts us. There are services out there in the community to support your ambitions. Daily visits can include support to visit the seaside, local attractions or even down to the local library or local clubs in your area, you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes it can take months to gather the courage to go for it, sometimes it is only a matter of seconds, and it can be scary, so ensure you talk to your family and friends. To achieve anything in life, we need to take a chance. Of course

by taking chances, anything can happen. You might fall, get hurt, or be embarrassed, but what if you could experience something that is completely mind-blowing and changes your life forever? Getting out and about gives you the sense of belonging and achievement. This sense of belonging and achievement will support you to maintain good mental health. Mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the presence of positive characteristics. A sense of contentment, a zest for living and the ability to laugh and have fun. The ability to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity. A sense of meaning and purpose, in both activities and relationships. The flexibility to learn new things and adapt to change. A balance between work and play, rest and activity, the ability to build and maintain fulfilling relationships. And overall, self-confidence and high self-esteem. So the next time someone offers for you to go out or attend a social event, stop and think. Your usual answer is ‘no’, but what if this time you say ’yes’. This time, go forth with the intention to learn, to experience, to enjoy. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare.co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

Blood pressure monitors available MORE than 200 blood pressure monitor kits are available for loan from libraries in the county to raise awareness of high blood pressure and to coincide with World Hypertension Day on May 17. About three in ten adults in Somerset have high blood pressure but one in ten don’t know it. It is a major risk factor

for Cardiovascular Disease and significantly increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, but early detection and treatment can help people live longer, healthier lives. The 200 blood pressure monitor kits are being provided by Somerset County Council which is encouraging everyone to check their blood pressure.

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June 2022

n FEATURE

Some of my favourite memories from 11

Dr Julia Wood, who has just retired from her post as Wells City Archivist, looks back over the highlights of her time in the job I HAVE hugely enjoyed this job. I’ve worked for Wells City Council for 13 years. I started as Assistant to William Smith, the Archivist. When he retired two years later, I became Wells City Archivist, so I’ve held the post for 11 years. We’re so fortunate that Wells City Council funds the care of Wells City Archives. Wells is one of few cities to retain its own archives, and this is a reason for great civic pride. Much of the history of our city is there in these original documents. The first thing I did as City Archivist was to move the collection from the Victorian jail cells beneath Wells Town Hall to modern storage at Wells & Mendip Museum. The Museum had far-sightedly invited the Archives to make its home there. (It’s on long-term loan but the city council remains the custodian of the City Archives.) Once I’d established the Archives at the Museum, the next thing I did was to start spreading the word about it and opening it up to the public. Highlight No 1 By far the best part of the job for me has been bringing history alive for people by introducing them to the hidden treasures of Wells City Archives. I have loved sharing my passion and enthusiasm for the documents in

Poster for my first exhibition, A Taste of the City Archives

our unique archives and showing how they relate to the history of our city and its people. I’ve created, produced and collaborated on a lot of exhibitions over the last 11 years, often with wonderful volunteers, without whom the exhibitions would not have happened. One of my favourites was Firefighting in Wells (2015). It was a collaboration between the City Archives and the Museum. Many volunteers, professionals, members of the public, organisations and local businesses contributed towards it. It was a fantastic local show which received brilliant feedback. It was so well liked that an enlarged version was brought back by popular demand in 2017. I commissioned the exhibition Mills of Wells from the Wells Mills Interest Group for Heritage Open Day 2018 at the Town Hall, and the display they created was fascinating. It featured images of Archives documents and was shown again in 2019 and 2020 at the Museum and The Bishop’s Palace. One of the great benefits of moving the City Archives to storage at the Museum is that it’s made it much easier to reunite documents and records with the photos and artefacts to which they relate. Then we’ve been able to use the results for exhibitions and bring the history of our city back to life. I’m proud that the City Archives participated in the Museum’s wide-ranging community exhibition We be turrible proud of ’ee – Sport in Wells (2012). And our collaboration with the Museum and The Bishop’s Palace in 2017 produced the superb Snapshots in Time, a hugely well-attended exhibition which ran for several months at the Palace. I’ve also tried to bring the Archives collection to the community through special events and that’s been really rewarding. In 2013 I organised a day of displays in Wells for the national campaign called Explore your Archive. There were special events at the Town Hall (including Meet the Archivist), Museum and Cathedral, and more than 550 people attended them. The following year, it

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Julia Wood, right, receiving an award from Mayor Celia Wride for her work on the Wells Commemorative Poppy Trail, along with Michael Johns and Picture: Kevin Westwood Clare Blackmore

Julia Wood with former cricketer Gordon Scammell at the launch of the Sport in Wells exhibition Picture: Sue Macdonald

was great fun being one of the partners with the Civic Society in a children’s history festival, Weird and Wonderful Wells. A highlight has been the record-breaking figure of 821 people attending an event in the space of six hours. This was the Heritage Open Days event at Wells Town Hall in 2018. Altogether I’ve organised nine events at the Town Hall for this annual national initiative, and masses of local people and societies have generously participated and contributed to a huge range of local history displays. Our features over the years have included Prisons of Wells, Inns and Pubs of Wells and Wells in Bloom. In 2018, the national theme was Extraordinary Women, and our

events mirrored this with a Wells twist. An excellent project in which the City Archives took part and which was another highlight for me was We Will Remember Them, a photographic remembrance project in 2018 focussing on the shops of Wells. It also featured a poppy trail. The Mayor of Wells, Celia Wride, led this project, in which we collaborated with the Museum and the businesses of Wells, who displayed in their shop windows biographies and photos of the soldiers linked with their premises. In 2020, the City Archives led in creating The Wells War Memorial Project, an online exhibition on the Museum’s website, commemorating the Wells dead of the Second World War. The project received an outstandingly positive response. Helping get local history research into print has also been very fulfilling. This culminated last year with the publication of former City Archivist Jean Imray’s book Wells Old Almshouse. Highlight No 2 I’ve really enjoyed working on Archives development projects with my indispensable team of volunteers. And this work has been vastly increasing the present and future accessibility of the City Archives. One high point is the massive advance we’ve made in listing the

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June 2022

fascinating years as Wells City Archivist collection (a huge chunk of which was unlisted when I took over in 2011). Great progress has been made towards getting the catalogue online, and I’m delighted to say that plans have also been made for a City Archives website. Another high spot is the digitisation programme whereby we’ve been taking photos of documents and images to put online. And I’m very excited about the unique digital Archives resources we’ve been preparing for release online. These searchable databases containing digitised Archives data will be freely accessible to a national and international audience. The first three are about to go live on the Museum’s website. Finally, a groundbreaking digitisation project has now reached its final stage. It’s a vast database of Wells property histories. It’s named ScraseBase after Tony Scrase, the eminent Wells historian, who researched this data over decades and is generously sharing his research, much of which he carried out in the City Archives. Once development is complete, ScraseBase will be released online, for free consultation by members of the public.

The Great Seal of Queen Elizabeth I before repair © Wells City Council Archives Highlight No 3 Behind the scenes, the other dayto-day activities of an archivist have continued. These include conservation and acquisition. Wells City Council has been brilliant in funding a rolling programme of conservation, and I’ve found it very satisfying and rewarding to oversee the restoration of documents which have sadly deteriorated over the years. This included reuniting the (recently discovered) missing part of the Great Seal of Queen Elizabeth I with the rest of the seal (on City Charter No 28). I

love seeing the ‘before’ and the ‘after’. Highlight No 4 A major highlight has been to work with such a unique and magnificent collection. Wells City Archives contains some absolute treasures, as well as much more modest but still fascinating items. One precious item is our oldest document, which (incredibly) dates from 1174-1180. It is the charter of Bishop Reginald. Another gem is the city’s first royal charter, that of King John, which dates from 1201 (14 years before the Magna Carta) and granted Wells the status of a free borough. Amazingly, there’s an autograph signature of King Charles I in the collection, dating from only five years before he was beheaded. I’ve never failed to be excited by documents such as these: the detailed accounts for Judge Jeffreys’ stay in Wells for the Bloody Assizes after the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685; posters for the coming of the railways to Wells; an illuminated charter of King Richard II; intriguing historic maps such as the unique 1860 Sewerage Survey of Wells; a First Prize certificate for Wells City Carnival in 1928 (‘Most Original or Comic Motor Car’); medieval title deeds; an instantly evocative photo of pupils of Central School in about 1900; an Elizabethan survey of the city of Wells; fascinating original plans for Victorian houses; the Save Wells campaign of 1979. And even a film made recently about the Water of Wells. These records range in date from medieval times up to the present day and include many documents dating from living memory. They are of considerable importance for civic, social and local history. They’re also an excellent resource for researching your Wells family history or house history. Their scope is hugely varied. There are records relating to subjects including markets and fairs, railways, health, property, allotments, schools, the First and Second World Wars, assizes, elections,

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Len Sweales pictured in the cab of the vintage fire engine, ringing his Town © Wells City Council Archives Crier’s bell royal visits, and local clubs and societies (such as the Byre Theatre and Wells City Band). In my view, it’s a treasure trove! Highlight No 5 I’ve thoroughly enjoyed doing the research for and responding to the many enquiries which are sent to the City Archives. They come in from around the world. Highlight No 6 This is what I call the ‘Christmas present’ effect: surprise discoveries. Sometimes these turn up in an Archives box you haven’t opened before. Or you unwrap a donation from some kind person – and there is another little nugget of the city’s history. When I was packing up the Archives in 2011 ready to move it to the Museum, I found a small unprepossessing green box up on top of a set

of shelves. It was completely unlabelled. When I removed the lid, there was… the Great Seal of King Henry VIII (pictured below left). Highlight No 7 Meeting interesting people has definitely been another major highlight of the job. I’m really grateful to all the people who have helped me and with whom I’ve collaborated. And especially to my superb team of Archives volunteers, particularly Jonathan Chivers, without whom not nearly so much could ever have been achieved. It’s been an absolute privilege and honour to hold the post of Wells City Archivist. One of the things I shall never forget is riding round the streets of Wells in the cab of a vintage fire engine, with the Town Crier and former fireman Len Sweales on board, ringing his bell and announcing the 2015 Firefighting in Wells exhibition.

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n NEWS

Keys handed over to help where needed

SOME additional Radar keys that provide access to disabled toilets have been provided for people in the area who need them by Wells Voice. They were purchased for Wells Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) to give out through Jo Sylvester, Mendip Carers Assessment Worker, after the importance of the keys was highlighted by the Alliance’s Claire Chettoe at the recent SOUP lunch. A Radar key gives people with disabilities and health conditions independent access to locked public toilets around the country. Andy Vallis hands Radar keys to Jo Sylvester, watched by Denise Denis The Radar Key Scheme enables barriers to go on trips and do so. It has supported carers these disabled toilets to be activities and even shopping to feel less worried about going locked to prevent vandalism and trips. I had a gentleman that places with the person they care misuse, while also being readily stopped going on coach trips but for – many have been concerned available to those who really with the Radar key it gave him that they couldn’t go in a Gents need them. the confidence to attend again. or Ladies, but with accessing Jo said: “Radar keys have “People have beenPage anxious disabled toilets feel more able to been by families, Bathappreciated & Wells Funerals ad.qxp_Layout 1 07/12/2021 15:45 1 in attending places and these keys go out more.” people with memory problems have helped them to feel able to The keys were handed over to and dementia – breaking down A Radar key

Jo at Priory Health Park by Voice Editor Andy Vallis, with Denise Denis, the Chair of WDAA, also in attendance. Denise said: “I am so pleased that Claire’s presentation of WDAA as an organisation which aims to make Wells a Dementia Friendly City has resulted in more of these keys being made available to people who can benefit. WDAA offers networking to organisations and people who care about the services for people who are living with dementia, and their carers, as well as awareness raising sessions to businesses and organisations. We are proud to see the fruits of our endeavours through your initiative to supply these keys to Mendip carers.” Andy said: “We are always looking for ways to support the community and were pleased to do this as another way of helping people.” People who need a Radar key for themselves or someone they care for can contact WDAA via their Facebook page or by emailing info@wellsdementia. org.uk and they will pass the request on to Jo Sylvester.

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LOCAL charity Age UK Somerset wants to help people stay independent as they get older. The ageing process affects balance, muscles and joints, so keeping active is important. One way to improve balance and strength is to join an Age UK Somerset ‘Strong and Steady’ class. The charity says that the fun and friendly sessions are specially designed, following evidence-based exercise programmes proven to help prevent falls. For those who feel less steady than they used to, or who are

Age UK Somerset runs ‘Strong and Steady’ sessions worried about a fall, Age UK Somerset invites them to get in touch for a chat about options in the area. Call 01823 345614 or email fallsprevention@ ageuksomerset.org.uk

First General Manager appointed SOMERSET charity PROMISEworks has appointed Alison Hart as its first General Manager. Alison has worked with PROMISEworks for the past five years. Previously she was with Somerset County Council-funded PROMISE, first as a volunteer

mentor and then as an employee. She has helped the charity grow to provide more than 120 volunteer mentors to vulnerable young people across the county. She will head up the staff team of seven who together find, train and support the volunteers.

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June 2022

n WHAT’S ON Singers in Tosca, this picture, and The Barber of Seville, right

th Tai Chi Heal

P i l o g a Fi t

Opportunity to see opera with two shows in Palace gardens OPERA comes to Wells this July with famous works by Puccini and Rossini. In partnership with Project Factory CIC, Opera Brava, Britain’s leading outdoor touring opera company, is bringing Tosca and The Barber of Seville to the beautiful grounds of The Bishop’s Palace. Both operas will be sung in English, and they provide an opportunity to attend an opera for those who have never been to one before. Producer Bronek Pomorski says: “We can’t wait to bring this amazing music to Wells, and to be able to perform in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace is very exciting for us. These operas are among the most adored by audiences worldwide and our cast are professional and experienced national and international opera singers who have worked with major

companies including English National Opera and Covent Garden.” Tosca will be performed on July 14, followed by The Barber of Seville on July 15. Tosca is full of thrills and emotion, a tale of passion and jealousy as its heroine Tosca, a fiery opera singer, fights to save her lover Cavaradossi from the villain of the piece, the police chief Scarpia. Opera Brava sets its production in 1940s war-torn Rome. Against the backdrop of a world in conflict, Puccini’s score underlines the torment and tragedy of the drama. The Barber of Seville, by Rossini, is a masterpiece of comic opera. Frivolous and flighty, the story tells of the mischievous escapades of Figaro, the barber himself, as he assists his friend Count Almaviva to prise the beautiful Rosina from

the clutches of her lecherous guardian, Dr Bartolo. Jokes and misunderstandings abound, with wonderful hummable melodies, before, of course, love conquers all. Ahead of its visit, Opera Brava hopes to host opera discovery workshops for local primary schools. Pupils can experience the thrill of hearing opera up close, many probably for the first time. They will also participate in making a short opera of their own, singing, trying out costumes and getting into character. They can then compare themselves with the professionals. Book opera tickets online at www.bishopspalace.org.uk Audience members can take a rug or chairs along with a picnic ready for the interval, or order artisan picnics online through the box office.

Pastoral works and coronation anthem IN the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, the June concert from Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society will celebrate her coronation and English Pastoral music. The English Symphony Orchestra will join choir and soloists for an uplifting evening at Wells Cathedral on Saturday, June 25, featuring Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, The Lark Ascending, Five Mystical Songs and English Folk Song Suite.

The soloists are Natalie Clifton-Griffith (soprano), Lucy Balderson (alto), Richard Rowntree (tenor), William Drakett (bass), and Dawid Kasprzak on violin. The Conductor is Jeremy Cole. The Coronation Anthem Zadok the Priest is a piece of such power and majesty that it has been used for every English coronation since George II. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ shimmering Serenade to Music

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endures as a celebration of music itself, set to the majestic words of Shakespeare, while The Lark Ascending evokes glorious images of the rolling British countryside. Vaughan Williams called the piece a “pastoral romance for orchestra”. Five Mystical Songs is a setting of poems by George Herbert (15931633). The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are £14-£30 and can be booked through www.wcos.org. uk/concerts

Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates seated seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am Pilates 6pm All above classes at Wells Town Hall FRIDAYS Pilates 9am. Online via Zoom All classes mixed ability and prebooking only. Contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

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

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n WHAT’S ON Tickets going fast for comedy shows TICKETS are still available for shows by some of the top-class comedians coming to Wells for this year’s Wells Comedy Festival. The event is returning to the city from May 27-29 with more than 40 comedy shows at four venues in Wells. Tickets for some shows have sold out or are selling fast, but there is still a chance to see entertainers such as Al Murray, Mark Thomas, Phil Wang, Shaparak Khorsandi, Jessica Fostekew and Reginald D Hunter. As well as a mammoth amount of comedy, The Hatch will be serving coffee and cake, and the official Festival Bar will be open until the small hours each night, serving Wild Beer Co, Sheppy’s Cider and many other refreshments. More more information and to buy tickets, go to wellscomfest. com

and perform the work with full orchestra and soloists in Wells Cathedral in celebration of the 200th anniversary of its first performance at WOWFest: Wells Orchestral Weekend 2024. The participation fee is £15 per person. Contact wowfest@ timeconcerts.co.uk

Fun for families Comedians Phil Wang and Jessica Fostekew

Ode opportunity THERE is a chance to sing Beethoven’s famous ‘Ode to Joy’ chorus at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Saturday, June 18. The singing workshop will take place from 2pm-6pm, conducted by Matthew Redman. All singing enthusiasts are welcome. Participants will then have the option to enrol for a special Community Chorus to rehearse

A THEATRE show coming to Cedars Hall in Wells in June will appeal to families. The Super Greedy Caterpillar! is aimed at five- to 11-year-olds. Blending story, poetry and song, it encompasses puppets behaving badly; a man wearing fairy wings; and a six-foot caterpillar who wants to eat the entire supermarket – including Granny. There will be toe-tapping tunes to dance to; singalong songs to join in with; and a chance for children to make their own caterpillar/butterfly sock puppet to star in the show. Wild Words are bringing their latest family fun show and PlayShop to Cedars Hall on Sunday, June 5, at 2.30pm, led by storyteller Michael Loader. All children must bring an adult with them. Tickets from cedarshallwells. co.uk

Contact Chris Borrison for more information on 07311 173799.

OPEN DAY Saturday 18 June 11am – 4pm Free entry Beautiful gardens and medieval homes to visit as well as the Guildroom and ancient chapel. Ploughman’s lunches and home-made cakes and puddings available. Talks on the history in the chapel.

Board games at pub WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on June 1, June 15 and June 29 from 7pm-9.30pm.

Quiz challenge AN Oxfam Quiz Night will take place at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, June 12, 7pm for 7.30pm start. £4 per person, tables of up to six people. To book a table, phone Terry on 01749 672342.

Weekly dancing WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm. Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.

Reading sessions

Wild Words are bringing their latest show to Cedars Hall

Boules tournament PEOPLE are invited to get a team together to take part in the Wells Jubilee Boules Tournament in The Bishop’s Palace gardens on Sunday, June 12, starting at 9am. All proceeds will go to Heads Up, the charity based at South Horrington that supports those with mental health, learning or physical disabilities.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

PEOPLE can “be part of a bigger story” by attending sessions of the Shared Reading group that meets on Fridays at Wells Library in Union Street from 2pm-3.30pm. Anyone interested can just drop in to enjoy listening to a story and poems. There is no charge, no booking needed and no pressure to talk or read.

Table tennis nights WELLS Table Tennis Club meets every Wednesday at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, from 6.30pm-9.30pm. For more details, email paulhambleton2@btinternet. com

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June 2022

n WHAT’S ON

Garden Festival will make return in June THE Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells will be holding its popular Garden Festival on June 17, 18 and 19 this year. Returning for its eighth year, the Garden Festival will once again reunite garden-lovers with specialists from around the country. Designed to celebrate the Great British Garden, the 14-acre grounds of the Palace will feature

The Garden Festival will take place on June 17, 18 and 19 guided tours, live music, expert speakers, food, skills and crafts and a number of stalls, including nurseries selling unusual and popular plants. Headlining on Friday is Mark Bobin (Head Gardener, Minterne Gardens), who will be talking about the Himalayan garden deep in the Dorset countryside – its history, its plants and plans for the future. He will also be sharing tales and footage from his plant-hunting trip to the Himalayas.

Troy Scott Smith (Head Gardener at Sissinghurst) and Sarah Venn (Incredible Edible Bristol) will also be giving talks over the weekend. Back by popular demand, Tim Watson and John Prescott will entertain visitors with their sax and dulcet tones. Becky Shell and Lucy Anna Taylor will also be performing. Three of the region’s most skilled florists will also be on hand to advise visitors on how to get the best out of this year’s flowers. One highlight is sure to be Saturday’s demonstrations by Maria Heffer of The Bath Greenhouse. Maria’s detailed demonstration will spill the secrets of how dried flowers can make a fabulous bouquet. For those who are more interested in the ornithology side of wildlife, the Palace’s own swan expert, Moira Anderson, will also be giving a talk. The Garden Festival is a fundraising event for The Palace Trust with tickets priced at: Adult £13.50, Student/Blue Lights discount £10, Child (5-17) £6.50, and Under 5s Free. Tickets are available from the Palace’s website (www. bishopspalace.org.uk) and by telephone (01749 988111), with advance discounts and group rates also available.

Residents and staff at Crandon Springs care home in Wells celebrated a year since it opened with an afternoon tea party in the garden. Mayor of Wells, Philip Welch, gave a speech, and entertainment was provided by professional singer, Tim Pitman. Tim also made one man’s day by singing one of his favourites, Nessun Dorma, to him through his patio doors.

St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour? A competition to redesign four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church

Cafe concert with family appeal TRIO Paradis play three daytime cafe concert series in and around Wells: free monthly events with a feel-good factor, helped along by a pop-up cafe at each event which opens half an hour before the music starts, serving tea, coffee and home-made cakes. On the first Monday of the month, June 6, the trio play at St Thomas’ Church at 11am, followed by an afternoon concert at 2pm in Easton Church (rotating venue with Westburysub-Mendip Village Hall and Priddy Village Hall). On the first Friday morning, June 3, at 10.30am, Croscombe Village Hall is the venue. June’s concert is particularly suitable for families (all ages

welcome), with a programme of musical Birds & Beasts, including numbers from SaintSaens’ Carnival of the Animals alongside Daquin’s Cuckoo, Gershwin’s Walking the Dog, the theme from Top Cat and wellknown tunes from Disney films. Concerts last about 45 minutes, musical styles are varied, and entry is free with a retiring collection on a pay-whatyou-feel basis. “Audience members get involved by setting out chairs and tables, baking cakes, reading poems, or in whatever way they prefer to contribute, and the atmosphere is informal and welcoming,” says organiser, Jacquelyn Bevan.

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Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

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June 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP FOR our meeting on June 4 we welcomed John Barkle who reminisced about his early days as a village grocer. He had us all remembering produce that was available and the way it was sold to customers, and delivered, before many people had cars and the advent of supermarkets. We hope to welcome him back for part 2 of his talk when he later had shops in Wells, which so many of us remember him for. On Sunday, May 29, at 3pm we will be planting a tree in Tor Garden in Tor Street, Wells, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and hope as many members of our group as possible will attend to mark the occasion. Pat Dyer WELLS U3A AT the end of April Wells u3a held a day workshop at the Museum for Trustees and Group Leaders. It was attended by approximately 50 people who enjoyed a very informative day updating them on the latest protocols and administration within u3a. Delegates were welcomed by Sue Revell, Chairman. John King acted as a very jovial MC for the day, firstly introducing Tony Dent, the webmaster for Wells u3a. He reminded everyone to keep their section of the website updated as it is one of the first places people visit to discover what subjects and activities are available to anyone wanting to join Wells u3a. Mike Lee, the treasurer, spoke next explaining the updated financial protocol for all groups to follow. Sue Revell followed Mike talking about succession planning both for the groups and the main committee. As most of the members are retired, energy and enthusiasm for running a group can run out, so Sue encouraged delegates to seriously think ahead in finding another person to help and then maybe finally run the group so that the group does not have to close down. The next speaker was Susan Parker, a regional trustee of the Third Age Trust who gave a very important talk on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. She emphasised the point of

John King and Susan Parker, and Paul Atterbury at the u3a workshop making everyone feel welcome within u3a even if it is just with a smile and acknowledgment of another person’s presence, especially if they are new to the group. A delicious lunch was provided by the Cheese Yard, West Horrington, enjoyed by all. After lunch there was an open forum where delegates could bring up any subjects that concerned them. The next speaker was Colin Tincknell, chair of North Somerset Association, who described the benefits gained by the 11 u3as which are members. Meeting three times a year allowed valuable networking, the exchange of ideas, comparing progress and the opportunity to attend peer groups for various different roles within each u3a. Plans for an NSA Quiz amongst the members are in progress, along with many other activities yet to be finalised. The highlight of the day and final talk was given by Paul Atterbury with a most amusing and informative talk titled A life with Antiques; as everyone was aware, he is a regular expert on The Antiques Roadshow. We learnt that his mother was a puppeteer on the Andy Pandy show on BBC television back in the 1950s and gave him the first taste of working in television. He explained his early love of Moorcroft china and began a collection when still in his teens, meeting the family and eventually writing a book on the subject. He has since written over 50 books on a variety of subjects close to his heart.

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His love of social history and enjoying meeting and talking to people led him into the world of television eventually being asked to be an expert, via Thames TV and TV-am, on The Antiques Roadshow. He gave an insight into the production of the show and the delicate handling of the people who bring their treasures to the show. Often the story behind an object, rather than the value, is more fascinating and therefore makes a more interesting aspect to the show. Paul was happy to answer question and chat to everyone after his talk. The day ended at 4pm and very positive comments were expressed from all who attended. If you are interested in this dynamic organisation go to https://u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB IN 1886 the Hon Alice Harbord, daughter of Baron Suffield, married Charles Mills, 2nd Baron Hillingdon, thus becoming

The Lady Hillingdon rose

Lady Hillingdon. She preferred London society to life on the Overstrand estate in Norfolk. She was, and still is, a considerable beauty with a wide and deserved reputation; a statement which requires some further explanation. In her lifetime she was famed for her aphorisms, and the one which is always attached to her and allegedly appeared in her now lost diary was her confession about lying back and thinking of England. Moving hastily on to the second association, this concerns a stunning Tea rose bred in this country, introduced in 1917 and named after Lady Hillingdon. Probably one of the last Tea roses to come onto the market before the Hybrid Teas took over, Lady Hillingdon is a stunning climbing rose with dark green leaves and crimson young growth against which the drooping apricot blooms flower off and on throughout the summer. The blooms themselves, of course, have a strong fragrance of China tea. There is a splendid specimen in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace. Setting aside her aphorisms, let us remember Lady Hillingdon in the form of a truly sumptuous rose. In many a gift shop window filled with a variety of gimcrackery there has been a trend to embellish the odd bit of driftwood, seaside mug, tea towels galore or lump of rock with some pithy saying or trite proverb which some marketing fellow thought a good idea. In our kitchen we have a handy tea tray which was a gift from a kindly soul, so it is in constant use. Around the edge of the article are the words: A Gardener’s Work Is Never At An End. To ram the message home it is repeated three times. Now this aphorism, for want of a better word, appeals both to the optimist and to the pessimist. I tend to lie in the latter camp on this one. June, the month when things are busting out all over, is a time to hang up the fork and throw in the trowel and enjoy the rewards of the effort of recent weeks. It is a time to go a visiting. Gardens large and small await our admiration. We can glean ideas and take delight in all the different aspects of an English garden in the summer. We then return home and with a quietly smug sense of satisfaction, sit back and drink in the pleasures of our own patch

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES enjoying the pleasures of an evening in the garden, ignoring the demands of the tea tray to grab an implement and throw ourselves into manic activity. In June and July, the Gardening Club will be visiting Compton Acres near Poole and the village gardens of Stogumber in the Quantocks. There is much to enjoy ahead. Pip Harwood WELLS TUESDAY WI THIS month was our AGM. President Anne reviewed what had been an action-packed year and was unanimously reelected, as were our Secretary and Treasurer who also gave brief reports. Denman College, the WI national residential education centre, has been sold for over £8 million. Members voted to support the resolution going forward to the national AGM later this year: greater recognition, diagnosis and support for women and girls suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. Subgroups are thriving. The film fans are going to see Downton Abbey, and nine members and four dogs enjoyed Shirley’s circular walk from the Leisure Centre. Our speaker this month was Ursula Lindenberg from Voices, a Bath-based charity that helps Somerset women experiencing domestic abuse. People think of a refuge as the typical option, but this is really a last resort and there are a range of other services. The national Freedom Programme can help women understand the signs of unhealthy, controlling relationships, and there are plans to set up groups in Wells and Glastonbury. An important aspect of Voices’ work is training professionals to raise awareness of how to recognise and manage situations involving domestic abuse. Ursula and six part-time staff are currently supporting around 115 women, and people typically need support for 1-2 years. We learned that 25 per cent of crime involves domestic abuse; that three women a day are killed by their partners compared to 22 men per year; that 33 per cent of women will experience it to some degree; that a woman is typically assaulted 35 times before seeking

Birthday celebrations for the Mendip Fibromyalgia Support Group help; and that women are more likely to be assaulted when they are pregnant, because this can be a difficult time involving power and control when women are vulnerable. In 2016 there were 275 refuges in England, 34 fewer than in 2010. We asked how we might help practically. The main need is for funds, and donations can be made through the website localgiving.org/charity/voices. Voices is building a bank of volunteers able to provide transport, DIY, skills or mentoring. Sometimes a woman will need household items, and school uniforms and shoes are always in demand. However sometimes it is the little things that mean a lot, like a handmade blanket or toy, or a small luxury like a lovely candle. And the gift of friendship is all important – we plan to organise a picnic in the park this summer. As Ursula said, good thing happen when women come together. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on June 7, for once not at Wells Museum but on a visit to the Wells Almshouses. More information can be found on our Facebook page: facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi Veronica Howe

people meeting for a coffee, the group has grown and evolved over these 11 years. After an enforced break due to Covid-19 the group is back to meeting twice a month for friendship and laughter – Binegar Memorial Hall, 10.30am-12.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month, and 3.30pm-4.30pm on the third Monday at Crispin Community Centre in Street. We are a peer support group for anyone with conditions such as Fibromyalgia, ME, Lupus, CFS, and of course now long Covid. The aim is to help each other to cope living with these conditions through sharing our own experiences. Both venues are accessible and close to parking and public transport. The cost to attend is a suggested donation of £2 a meeting. We often have speakers at our Binegar meeting, the most recent being Panto Dame, Mind, Mendip YMCA, and Gardeners Questionable Time. For more information do contact Tanya, tanya@ mendipfmsg.org, look at our website www.mendipfmsg.org or find us on Facebook.

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

THE Scotland for Steam – Part 2 presentation with Canon Brian Arman on May 10 was originally planned for May 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Brian started his talk by showing the last slide of To Scotland for Steam – Part 1 back in 2019. The location was Boat of Garten.

MENDIP Fibromyalgia Support Group celebrated their 11th birthday in May with a delicious gluten and dairy free chocolate cake made for us by Sadie’s ‘Free From’ Bakes. From small beginnings, just a couple of

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WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

Brian explained that this evening he would be moving on from the east coast to look at railways on Scotland’s west coast, up to the far north and then south to Glasgow. The areas covered were mainly the territories of the Caledonian and Highland Railways, later to become part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. As a young boy being brought up in Swindon he had been fascinated by illustrations of the railways north of the border with mountainous scenery and unpronounceable names. He showed a slide of a painting depicting a colourful Highland Railway train. Brian’s second slide was in sharp contrast. After the end of steam one of the short-lived class 06 0-4-0 diesel shunters was shown shunting at Keith. Rail tours were a feature of railways in Scotland around the transition of steam to diesel locomotives. Several historic locos were overhauled and turned out in the liveries of their original owning companies. The locomotives that became ubiquitous in Scotland in the later days of steam were the LMS Black Five 4-6-0s. They featured in many of the slides in Brian’s collection and one of the most striking views showed two of these locos heading a train for the north out of Inverness over the stone arches of the River Ness bridge (this structure was swept away by floods in 1989). Branch lines were often worked by elderly 0-4-4T locos and a single carriage or as a mixed train with some goods wagons. Some places in Scotland briefly saw passenger operations taken over by diesel railbuses but the number of travellers was in decline and the scaling back of operations did little to slow the inevitable closures in the early 1960s. For his final slide Brian showed to us the extraordinary sight of an ex-GWR pannier tank on the Dornoch branch. Not strictly a Great Western engine, no. 1646 was built for British Railways Western Region in 1951. A ‘modern’ lightweight engine was needed to replace the resident 0-4-4T that broke an axle in 1957. The vote of thanks was given by Malcolm Barton. u More reports on page 44

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of every month except August. We welcome men of all ages to a good English breakfast and a talk by a guest speaker. Meetings are at the Connect Centre, start at 8am and end at about 9.30am. There is no formal membership – just book in by answering the monthly email, or by telephone. The cost is £10. The next breakfast will be on Saturday, June 11 – one week later than usual due to the additional bank holiday. Our speaker will be Rod Major telling us about A Day in the Life of a Funeral Director. He will give us an insight into his day-to-day activities sprinkled with some humorous anecdotes. If you are not already on our mailing list and are interested in attending this, or any of our future meetings, send an email to wmb.bookings@btinternet.com WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB THE committee met at the beginning of May to finalise details for our charity event. It will take place on Saturday, July 30, in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, at 2pm and is in aid of The Macular Society – Wells Support Group. It will comprise of a demonstration, Carry on Walking, by area demonstrator Rosemary Kerr followed by a cream tea with homemade scones and strawberries. Tickets are available at a cost of £12 from Gill on 01749 870389 or gilltcook@gmail.com. All profits will go to the charity. On Tuesday, May 10, club members welcomed another of our new area demonstrators, Kathryn Delve, a florist from Yatton. Her demonstration was entitled Waste Not Want Not. All the newest demonstrators are taught to restrict their use of floral foam as it is not biodegradable. Kathryn showed us a number of ideas to up-cycle items that would otherwise be disposed of. Her first arrangement was a hand-tied bunch of roses and carnations supported by a broken wreath ring. A couple of old desk drawers were filled with larkspur and gerberas which gave a very pleasing linear design, ideal for a wedding. This was followed by a

Kathryn Delve, who gave a demonstration to Wells Floral Art Club, with her hand-tied bouquet compost pail filled with a variety of spring flowers. A discarded Christmas gift box was arranged with pink and white flowers and finished with an orchid which made a luxurious gift. Kathryn used her son’s old cut-off denim jeans to bring the country into the hall. She lined them with straw and then filled them full of sunflowers, purple alums and lilac. It proved a very informative and entertaining afternoon as expressed by Isobel Cameron in her vote of thanks. Tea followed served by Ros Debney and Sylvia Ingham. Our demonstration on Tuesday, June 14, at 2.15pm will be by Melanie Smith and entitled Postcards from France. Melanie is a qualified floristry tutor, florist as well as an area demonstrator from Tadley in Hampshire. It will be held at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Why not join us? Jenny Jones WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY PRIZE-WINNING local cider maker and author, Alan Stone, entertained members of the Wells Civic Society with historical facts and entertaining stories at the recent monthly meeting. Alan, and his son Richard, have many years’ experience of making cider from local apples, and Alan has also researched and written widely about the origins of the drink. Cider, he believes, was first made by the monks at Glastonbury Abbey. But he strongly doubted the myth that beer, ale and cider were drunk

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in such quantities in days gone by because of the lack of good drinking water. There has always been a strong connection between Somerset and cider, even when more industrial methods of brewing became more common, and large companies began adding more sugar and other flavourings to extend the market. But, according to Alan, nothing beats the real thing, made from locally grown apples and with little at all added to the juice of the fruit. The audience was treated to a tasting of Alan’s prize-winning Dabinett cider to round off the evening. At the next meeting of the Society on June 8, Dr Philip Hickman will talk about ‘The history and architecture of Wells Cathedral’. The meeting starts at 7pm at the Museum, members and guests welcome, refreshments available. For further information contact the chair at chris.f.winter@ btinternet.com SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST AT long last spring has arrived and with it some of the birds that migrate to our shores for the summer. As I write this the days are sunny and warm. Members of our Wells group of the Somerset Wildlife Trust have just enjoyed a morning walk at the SWT Westhay nature reserve where amongst other delights we were able to watch hobbies flying above our heads, effortlessly catching and eating insects in order to refuel after their journey from Africa. The hobbies have already been joined by swallows, and swifts will be here any day now to complete the spectacle of avian aerobatics that are so much a part of English summers. But of course there’s more to wildlife and nature conservation than just birds. A kaleidoscope of colours appears in our countryside and roadside verges if the wildflowers that grow there are left uncut. To many people these are just weeds, but look closely and you will see flowers as intricate as anything that you can buy from a garden centre. On the afternoon of Saturday, June 11, we will be going to another SWT reserve at Yarley to admire the bee orchids that flourish there as well as other

flora and maybe species such as green hairstreak butterflies and green woodpeckers. Later in the month on the morning of Tuesday, June 28, we will be going in search of the rare large blue butterfly. This impressive butterfly was declared extinct in the UK in 1979 but after its unusual lifecycle became better understood it was reintroduced in just a few areas in 1983. It has a very short flight period of just a few weeks in June when conditions are just right. It is such a spectacle that last year some people came from as far away as Kent to see it. You don’t have to be a member of our group or even the Somerset Trust to come along on our events. If you are at all interested in wildlife and conservation we would love you to see you. Numbers are restricted for these events so if you would like to join us, please book in advance with Jean Mantle: jaye.mantle@ btinternet.com, telephone 01749 677600. We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free. Eric Lewis COXLEY & DISTRICT WI ONCE again the ladies of Coxley gathered for our meeting in May, also our AGM. The reports and general business was soon completed. We then welcomed Carol Plenty (Mendip YMCA), who gave us an update since Covid-19. She outlined the YMCA work in the community, helping not just young adults to make a meaningful start, but older people in need as well. The YMCA are also just about to open a hostel in Glastonbury for over16-year-olds. It’s not just about men but girls and women as well. Carol and her colleagues do a tremendously important job. Our vote of thanks was given by Christine C. Tonight our competition ‘a childhood photo’ was won by Rosemary S and the flower of the month by Pat H. We meet again on June 7 when Linder Fisher will be speaking about Probate and Asset Protection. The competition will be a favourite piece of jewellery. The book club meet at Peggy E on June 1 and the walking group will meet at Mells on June 10. Ursula Dann

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n SPORT

Club can celebrate remarkable season FOOTBALL

Wells City FC Chair Steve Loxton reflects on one of the club’s most successful ever seasons AFTER the past few turbulent years, like nearly every household, business and social activity, Wells City FC has seen some dramatic changes and transformations. New perspectives on how we work and spend our valued family/ leisure time. So it is somewhat remarkable that I am now looking back on a tremendous first full season back after two years of disruption. Wells City FC has suffered like most and it is a testament to its players, managers, committee members and small band of volunteers that has led to such a successful season both on and off the pitch. The 1st team under new management led by Shaun Potter adapted well with the new style of play and some new players, and finished the season strongly, pushing all the way for the playoffs only falling short at the last game of the season, finishing a credible seventh. The 1sts were well supported by the Reserves and A teams during some difficult periods with players making the step up when required, but it is the latter two teams that have had one of their and the club’s best seasons ever. I don’t think anyone within the club could see what was going to happen, which is probably even more rewarding when

A champagne moment for Somerset Senior Cup winners Wells City Reserves victory after victory follows. The message to the Reserves, A team and our recently formed Ladies teams was basically, go out do the club and yourselves proud and enjoy playing football again, and boy did they do just that. By the end of the season, I have been asked a dozen times “think we need to extend the Trophy Cabinet”. The recently reformed Ladies team who compete in Division 2 of the Somerset County Women’s league won promotion for the second season in succession, topping the table by five clear points and a huge goal difference. Stand-out performers were the two Caitlins, Skinner and Baker, both scoring 13 goals each, but the management team pinpointed that their successes comes from team work and the constantly improving squad. Coach Steve Vowles said: “It’s easy when you have a great bunch of players who want to

improve.” Next season will be a huge ask for the squad that will now be plying their trade in Division 1, the highest level of ladies’ county football. The Reserves also had opportunities to be crowned league champions but can be forgiven for taking their eye off the ball with an amazing Somerset Senior Cup run, surviving three penalty shootouts, all away from home, and demolishing the league’s eventual champs 3-0 to reach the final of the Somerset Senior Cup. It was only the second time the club’s Reserve side has appeared in the final, and with a convincing performance they ran out comfortable winners beating Broad Plain House 3-0 to lift the Senior Cup for the fifth time in the club’s history but the first time for the Reserves side. Only a week later the side sealed promotion to the County Premier division by finishing second.

Notable performances from Ollie Bryant scoring at a goal a game, and even more remarkable is the side using over 40 players through the season. Not to be outdone, Wells City’s third team, known as the A team, went one or even two better. Competing in the Premier division of the Mid Somerset League, they ran out as Champions pipping Weston FC by four points in an enthralling finish to the season that went down to the final weekend. Conceding only 19 goals and losing a solitary game, it is an amazing effort for all the players and management, and they have now reached the final of the Charity Cup after a semi-final win against Evercreech. That would be enough for most teams, but not the club’s A team, who have also become The Dimmock Green Cup Champions, the first time the club has ever won this prestigious Mid Somerset trophy. A remarkable season for the club, and it is just rewards for the commitment and dedication of the players, managers and all who have helped the four senior sides throughout what has turned out to be a fantastic season for Wells City Football Club. The club would like to thank all who have contributed in the successes and especially the club’s team sponsors, 24/7 Drainage, Brunel Insurance, Protec Ltd and Daniels Sandwich Bar, Wendy’s Hair salon, Webb & Co and The Ambrosini Group.

Younger players putting in some terrific performances GOLF OUTSTANDING performance for Mendip Golf Club recently must go to 16-year-old Ellen Reakes. Ellen, now off scratch, played in the Scottish Ladies Championships at Troon, by far her biggest event so far. With a strong international field Ellen did extremely well to make the cut and finished a highly creditable tied 50th. Splendid news on the Junior front. Twelve-year-old Ffion Richardson (although she was 11 when she entered) played

Henry Lewer, aged ten, following one of his recent Trophy wins

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in the R&A Under 16 Girls Championships held in the Midlands at the prestigious Enville Golf Club. Ffion was the youngest competitor and won the Girls Under 12 Championship Cup. This was followed by 14-year-old Connie Cox winning the Somerset County Spring Meeting and Chivers Cup with 41 points at Tall Pines. Mendip’s Junior League Team compete with 5 other clubs in the Eastern Division of the Somerset Golf League. This year, thanks to the generosity of local firm Willmotts Transport, they

will be resplendent in new shirts and tops as Willmotts are now the official team sponsors. And still good news on the Junior front continues to arrive. Ten-year-old Henry Lewer started last season on a handicap of 37. He has worked very hard at his game under the watchful eye of the Pro team. Now playing off 23, Henry has played 3 events recently on the British Junior Golf Tour at Dainton Park in Devon, Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and Cumberwell Park in Wiltshire, winning the net prize in all 3 events.

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wellsvoice

June 2022

n TAKE A BREAK

The FIEND

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

3 6

9 8

5 4 7

3 2

1 3 5

E V

U 1

Y A I

Change 12 letters: 2 Mist, 3 Mast, 4 Past, 5 Post, 6 Lost, 7 Last, 8 List, 9 Lest, 10 Rest, 11 Rust, 12 Bust

3 5 1 2

3 4 2 6 4 5 2 3

Down 2 782 (3) 3 26837 (5) 5 5293733 (7) 6 278627 (6) 7 2253 (4)

Across 1 427542 (6) 4 645 (3) 6 2823 (4) 7 268773 (6) 8 3423 (4) 9 7333 (4)

Txtpert C

4 6

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

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June 2022

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