Wells Voice June 2023

Meeting to advise on how to avoid scams

A PUBLIC meeting is being held in Wells that will offer valuable advice on how to stay safe from scammers.

A scam – a way of tricking people out of something, usually money – can take many forms. The most common are bank scams, parcel delivery scams, social media scams, impersonation scams, investment scams and energy price-cap fraud scams.

Typical attempts at scamming come via unexpected emails, text messages and phone calls.

According to Citizens Advice, more than three-quarters of UK adults were targeted by a scammer in 2022.

The public meeting in Wells will take place in St Thomas’ Church on Saturday, June 17, from 10.30am-12.30pm.

PC Darren Pearson and PC Dan Williams of the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team, and Ian Ames-White, a lead consultant working for one of

Continued on page 2

The new lead officer of Wells Bus User Group explains some of her objectives in the role Turn to page 5

Cubs walk away with hiking trophy

Wells youngsters finish first out of ten teams competing in annual test of skills and stamina

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Groups will explain what they do and share ideas for going green – and saving money

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Advice about avoiding scams

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the world’s largest Information Technology companies, will explain how to identify and respond to online, phone and texting scams, as well as those that occur on the doorstep.

There will be two 45-minute sessions with a coffee break between them, and a Q&A session at the end, with an opportunity for people to share their own experiences.

“Wells police will be giving a talk in regards to scams which they have encountered and investigated in the local area,” said PC Pearson.

“We will be giving advice to prevent individuals becoming a victim of such scams, and support to those that may have already been targeted. Avon and Somerset Police take incidents of fraud extremely seriously, and following the talk there will be a question and answer session.”

In a local spoofing scam, a Wells resident recently received a call from an 01749 area code. Although they did not recognise the number, they answered the call, which was an automated voice scam. Later, the resident identified the number which

turned out to be an established local business that had no knowledge of the incident.

In another local case, this time of cold calling, the victim was phoned by a company offering a free home survey to assess heat loss through the walls and windows. The caller spoke as if they had some authority and the householder was obliged to comply. In this instance the objective of the call was to generate work.

The meeting at St Thomas’ Church will aim to answer such questions as: How do I deal with cold callers on the phone and on the doorstep? Is that really my bank calling? How can I make my PC more secure?

For more information about the event, contact Joanna Birkett (pso@stthomaswells.co.uk), PC Pearson (Darren.Pearson@ avonandsomerset.police.uk) or PC Williams (Dan.Williams@ avonandsomerset.police.uk).

Library hosting HSBC pop-ups

THERE will be a series of five HSBC Community Pop-ups in Wells Library after the branch of the bank in Wells Market Place closes on June 20.

People will be able to call in at the library in Union Street for help and advice from 9.30am12pm on July 20, August 9, August 24, September 8 and September 21.

More pop-ups may follow if there is enough demand.

Wells resident Beryl Fricker, who had been campaigning to keep the bank open, including enlisting the support of Wells MP James Heappey, said: “We have lost the battle to stop the bank from closing, but at least we’ve got the pop-ups for now.

“People do need to use the service though to keep it going for longer.”

‘We will be giving advice to prevent individuals becoming a victim of scams, and support to those that may have already been targeted’

Uncover hidden spaces and stories on a tour of Wells Cathedral Book online today at wellscathedral.eventbrite.co.uk

Work begins on latest signals upgrade

A BUSY stretch of the A39 in Wells is the next stage of a £16.6 million signals replacement programme in Somerset.

Somerset Council’s Highways team is installing new traffic signals on both the Wookey Hole Road and Whiting Way junctions. It is a co-ordinated approach, says the council, which will see the council’s contractor working with its maintenance contractor to ensure a substantial amount of resurfacing is also delivered in the area of the junctions.

This is intended to avoid further disruption in the near future. The work is due to complete this autumn.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place throughout and the contractor will be using stateof-the-art technology known as Urban 64 to ensure traffic flows are managed with the aim of minimum delays for road users.

Special measures will be

taken during Glastonbury Festival in June to ensure extra traffic flows are managed to avoid disruption for residents, businesses and festival-goers.

There will need to be some works carried out at night

Indecent exposure investigation

POLICE are investigating several incidents in which a man indecently exposed himself to members of the public on a cycle path and in surrounding fields between Wells and Dulcote.

A number of offences have been reported to the police, including incidents on Sunday, May 14, and Tuesday, May 16.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency and released on conditional bail.

The police have said they

want to reassure the public that an investigation is ongoing and they are carrying out further enquiries to gather as much information about these offences as possible. They would like to speak to any victims of, or witnesses to, any offence of indecent exposure in the Strawberry Line cycle path area within the past few months.

Anyone who has any relevant information is asked to call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223113518.

towards the end of the project. Residents will receive letters ahead of this with full details and advanced signage will be displayed.

As Wells Voice reported in April, Somerset Council said

it needed to communicate better with residents in future following criticism of night-time roadworks during the upgrade of the traffic lights at the junction of Portway and Strawberry Way. Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said: “We’re really grateful for the continued patience of residents, business owners and road users while we deliver these essential works.

“It’s vital we replace these signals as they are at the end of their working life – doing nothing just isn’t an option as we risk worse disruption if the lights fail.

“We know this has an impact locally and we’re working really hard to minimise this. We’ll be liaising with the community throughout as we deliver this vital investment in our roads infrastructure.”

from £995 REN

from £55 per month

More roadworks getting under way in Wells

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LOCAL INFORMATION

Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk

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Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

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Emergency: 999

Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk

General inquiries: 01392 872 200

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Children fascinated to see mosaic being put together

CHILDREN from St Cuthbert’s Junior School, Wells, were invited to visit the mosaicist Ruth Ames-White to see the progress of the Wells Mosaic, as it continues into its third year of making.

The children have been learning about the Romans, who were known for their mosaics.

Ruth talked through the painstaking process of making each section of the Wells Mosaic, before storing them carefully, ready to be fitted and eventually creating an enormous walkable mosaic of the city

centre measuring six metres in diameter. Class Teacher and Art Co-ordinator Joy Shimmin said: “The children were fascinated in the detail and time involved to produce such an amazing piece of art. They were inspired to tell their parents and friends about their visit and look forward to seeing it completed when they are a little older.

“The children have been learning about Romans and visited the Roman Baths recently. It was great for them to compare old history with new history in the making.” CHINESE

Further extension of £2 bus fare

BUS users in Somerset can now travel on most routes in the county for just £2 until October 31. The fare cut is part of a national initiative funded by the Government aimed at boosting bus use while helping passengers to save money.

It was due to finish on June 30 having been extended from the end of March.

Now thanks to further funding it will continue for another four months, and from

November 1 fares for single journeys in the county will be capped at £2.50.

Somerset Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have launched the ‘Bus It’ campaign to encourage more people to use bus services at a time when some routes are under threat due to lack of use.

It is hoped the extended £2 fare – available from all participating operators – will continue to boost patronage.

St Cuthbert’s Junior School pupils with artist Ruth Ames-White in her studio

Taking lead in standing up for bus users

THE new lead officer of Wells Bus User Group (WBUG) has explained her vision for the role in the coming months.

Rosa Kell has been appointed to spearhead WBUG and says that she will represent the interests of Wells bus users young and old.

“My promises are to tirelessly work in the interest of the people of Wells who can’t get to work by bus early or on time or return home after hours on weekdays and at weekends,” she said.

“I will also be working for students who wish to continue their education at colleges and universities in our nearby larger towns and cities, and all bus users from the wider rural communities of Somerset.”

WBUG was set up in 2022 with the aim of working towards better bus services for Wells and the surrounding area.

Rosa has joined the Somerset Bus Partnership to give WBUG

a voice in discussions about bus services, and plans to forge links with the parishes neighbouring Wells and as many bus user groups and Bus Champions as

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possible along the chain of travel on current bus routes.

She has in the past represented the 126 Wells to Weston-super-Mare bus users,

and will now represent everyone, especially the 172/173/174 services to Bath, the 376 to Bristol, the 77 to Yeovil, the 75 to Bridgwater, and all the Somerset county sponsored services and the Slinky and community buses.

“I am continuing to work on getting the Weston bus reinstated or at least connected to the North Somerset Network, and I am working with the Cheddar, Westbury-sub-Mendip and onward chain of Bus Champions and Glastonbury bus group representatives trying to extend a regular Monday to Saturday connection to Castle Cary railway station,” she said.

“I would like people to report back to me if they find damaged bus stops or old timetables, so I can get replacements,” she added.

To stay in touch, join the WBUG Facebook page or contact Rosa by emailing her on Rosakell@aol.com

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Rosa Kell, centre, is a tireless champion of bus travel and now has a new role as lead officer of Wells Bus User Group

RECENTLY SOLD

World War I medal group Sold £660

A1939 RAF mantle clock. Sold £400

A Chinese export gold, jadeite and cultured-pearl butterfly brooch. Sold £650

An Urbino majolica armorial dish Sold £3400

A 1931 Aynsley tea service. Sold £2000

Apartments approved at ex-police station

PLANNING permission has been granted for 47 new retirement living apartments at the former police station site on Glastonbury Road, Wells.

Churchill Retirement Living applied in 2020 to demolish the police station and construct a 47-unit complex for older people in its place.

Now that permission has been granted by Somerset Council, barriers have gone up around the existing buildings and work on the new development has begun.

Once completed, the new building will contain 31 onebedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments, and will include a communal Owners’ Lounge and a Guest Suite. There will be a Lodge Manager, and a 24-hour emergency call alarm service for residents.

Speaking soon after the planning application had been approved, Stuart Goodwill, Managing Director of Churchill’s

in-house planning consultancy, said: “After a long and difficult planning process, due to the issues of phosphate neutrality, this is a very positive result and we will now look forward to starting work as soon as possible

on this new development which will create a vibrant new community for older people in the heart of Wells. Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic

growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend. The new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Wells and the surrounding area.

“We are currently on the lookout for further suitable sites like this across Somerset and the wider South West region to bring forward more much-needed specialist housing for older people.”

Under the terms of a S106 agreement, Churchill Retirement Living will pay £434,404 towards the provision of affordable housing in the Mendip area, and £13,596 towards mitigation of the pressures on local healthcare facilities.

The retirement apartments will be the second Churchill Retirement Living development in Wells, joining St Athelm Lodge on West Street.

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A computer-generated image of how the Churchill Retirement Living apartments at the former police station site would look

Lottery makes possible fun new music project

SOMERSET Arts Well has launched a new intergenerational music project which brings together their Singing for the Brain dementia music groups and young people from The Levels School and St Dunstan’s School, Glastonbury.

The project has received almost £10,000 of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and it aims to improve

the health and wellbeing of all participants, offering a safe, fun and uplifting space in which to make music and connect with one another.

Sessions take place at Seager Hall, Wells, and in Glastonbury.

Emma Wheat, Co-Director of Somerset Arts Well, said: “The Wells launch session was an absolute joy to be part of – there was singing, dancing, drumming,

and a lot of fun had by everyone.

“Our older clients loved the joy and energy that the young people from The Levels School brought and the students enjoyed the session so much they couldn’t wait to tell everyone at school about it when they returned.

“Music is such a powerfully connecting force and we are all just really excited to be able to

facilitate these quality music sessions for the benefit of our community. Our thanks go to the National Lottery for enabling the project to happen.”

The launch came during the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week awareness campaign in May.

To find out more about Singing for the Brain sessions, visit www.somersetartswell.co.uk

A cheque for £9,900 in Lottery funding is displayed at the Singing for the Brain session at Seager Hall, Wells, on May 17

Wells Cub team wins hiking competition

CUB Scouts from Wells are celebrating after winning a hiking competition.

The 5th/7th Wells Cub Scouts won the Centaur Hike, an annual competition for Cub Scouts (aged 8-10.5 years) organised by East Somerset Scout District, that was held this year in Coleford on March 25.

On the day, Cub teams from across the district were presented with a series of sixfigure grid references, and as a team they had to find out where they should be going and plan the correct route. The Cubs then set off on the hike and had to accurately navigate with just a map and compass to stay on the right route. They also needed to work as a team, carry everything they might need– being prepared for all situations – and complete a quiz along the route.

Wells Cubs were competing

against nine other teams from across the district on what was a very challenging muddy and hilly route.

On May 2, Liam Burt, Assistant District Commissioner (Cubs), surprised the Cubs with a visit during a kayaking evening to announce that Wells 5th/7th Cubs finished in first place.

Cub Leader Amy White said: “I’m unbelievably proud of the Cubs who competed, and came first, in the County Centaur Hike Competition – it was a mammoth 6.5-mile hike that tested their map, compass and teamwork skills. They worked so hard and smiled throughout – they are such a great team and they should feel very, very proud of themselves.”

5th/7th Wells Cub Scouts is for 8- to 10.5-year-olds and they meet on Tuesdays from 7pm8.30pm during term time and

Night at Proms for Organ Appeal

“IT is a truth universally acknowledged,” observed a one-time Dean of Lincoln (with apologies to Jane Austen), “that a Cathedral must be in want of Friends.” Dean Richard Malden obviously thought so when he became Dean of Wells in 1933 and he set about founding the Friends of Wells Cathedral.

This year the Friends celebrate their 90th anniversary.

On Friday, June 9, there is an opportunity to celebrate with the Friends and support the Grand Organ Appeal at a concert

entitled Wells Night at the Proms. The concert, which has been organised in collaboration with Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society, will be a mixture of Organ and Choral classics and audience participation. Tickets a£15 from Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/prom-style-concerttickets-618598222937

Details of how to become a Friend can be found at www. wellsfriends.org or membership forms can be found on the Friends stand in the Cathedral.

take part in lots of adventures. There is currently a waiting list to join Cubs, and while there is a desire is to open up more places to young people in Wells, to enable this to happen more adult volunteers are required to help.

People who would be interested in joining the Cub Team are invited to email Amy.White@ WellsScouts.org.uk

For more details about Scouting in Wells, visit wellsscouts.org.uk

5th/7th Wells Cub Scouts with their award, left, and pictured on the County Centaur Hike

Dressmaker’s business picking up again

By Emma James

UKRAINIAN designer, Anna Skobenyuk, 36, greets visitors with a smile as they are shown into her small studio in Wells. A talented dressmaker, she is delighted to be using her skills again after being forced to flee her home town of Kherson in southern Ukraine in February 2022, when Russian forces began bombardments.

Anna, her husband and their seven-year-old daughter, Velina, made their way west to Lviv and then into Poland for biometric registration and visas. Anna’s husband, 41-year-old Stepan, explains that the building in which Anna’s business was based and where they rented an apartment, was completely destroyed. She lost all her fabric and equipment.

Anna taught herself to sew as a child, making dresses for her dolls and then, later, for herself and her daughter. She took several courses with clothing design professionals and eventually set up her own business in Kherson city centre in 2018. She also created her own brand of children’s dresses and gave sewing masterclasses. She has participated in fashion weeks in Ukraine and was even asked to exhibit her collection in Milan and in Paris shortly before Covid struck.

After searching for about six

months, Stepan found a suitable space in which Anna could begin to rebuild her business. Some furniture was provided and many kind donations have been made. Thankfully, Anna chose to leave Ukraine with a couple of sewing machines and she can now welcome customers and is already receiving commissions.

Anna is able to design and make bespoke dresses and carry out alterations of all kinds. Whilst she can turn her hand to pretty much anything, her passion has always been to make clothes for girls. She adores creating dresses for Holy Communion, for bridesmaids and for special occasions generally. She says: “I love to make them feel like princesses. They are so sweet and I enjoy seeing them look so happy when they try on their dresses.”

Meanwhile, Stepan, who is exempt from military service because of an injury, does not shy away from the duty he feels towards his country. A graduate from Kherson Maritime Academy and now a Lead Instructor, he trains seamen and those working with oil and gas to tackle emergencies at sea.

However, he also finds the time to work for a UK-based charity, World Extreme Medicine which in turn launched Medics4Ukraine. The latter collects and arranges the distribution of medical supplies to the frontline in Ukraine. These supplies are for the treatment of trauma and also include equipment for hospitals.

The Skobenyuks, along with their two cats, are now grateful to be settled just outside Wells with sponsors Ruth and Richard Hudson and they hope very much to stay in the area and to

find their own home. Anna says: “Velina is happy at school and has made friends. Her English gets better every day. People have been very kind and the community here is so supportive. I love the beautiful nature all around.”

Stepan explains that Anna is happy to be in the South West where the weather is warmer and she is not too far from the coast. Coming from Kherson, Anna misses the sea. Both she and Stepan love Wells and are particularly impressed with

the Cathedral where they enjoy listening to Velina’s choir.

One cannot help but be struck by the determination and positivity of Anna and Stepan. Despite everything they have experienced, they are steadfastly looking to the future. Anna says: “I’m hoping that one day I can show my collection and maybe work with a retail network.” Stepan, who is talking via video link from Glasgow, looks proudly on.

To enquire about dressmaking commissions, Anna can be contacted by emailing askobenyuk@gmail.com

Student putting on piano recital in aid of Ukrainians

ST Cuthbert’s Church is to host a Wells Blue School student putting on a piano recital in aid of Ukrainians in Wells.

Kyle Blake has organised a piano concert to raise money for Wells Welcome Hub, before he moves to Cardiff to take up a place at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCM).

Kyle is 18 years old and is currently studying for his A-levels in Music, History and Drama. He has been learning to play the piano for five years, beginning his lessons at the age of 13 with local piano teacher Ting Randle.

Last year he took his grade

8 and passed with distinction, and entered his first music competition – the prestigious Taunton Young Musician competition – where he came third. At this event Kyle was invited to represent the Rotary Club (Rotary District 1200) at their Music Competition where he came second, going through to the regional final held in Truro where he came third.

He has been offered a scholarship to study the piano at the RWCM and will take up his place in September. Kyle will be taking his performance diploma in July. He has been learning a varied programme including works by Bach, Beethoven, Clara

Schumann, Chopin and Poulenc, and this will make up the body of his recital at St Cuthbert’s Church.

His teacher, Ting Randle says: “His achievement over the past five years has been quite remarkable. Kyle is busy preparing for his diploma (ATCL) and this concert will delight all those who come to support this young performer.”

Kyle says: “I’ve become increasingly aware of the war in Ukraine and the impact on young lives as the Blue School is host to several young Ukrainian students.

“I wanted to organise a concert at St Cuthbert’s Church

to raise as much money as possible to help Ukrainians living locally here in Wells. I have played in the church before as part of a pupil’s concert but have never done a concert on my own. I really enjoy performing and I am looking forward to sharing these fantastic pieces with an audience.”

The concert is at St Cuthbert’s church at 7pm on Wednesday, July 5. There will be a raffle and refreshments available. All are welcome to attend and entry is free with donations welcomed.

If local businesses would like to donate a raffle prize, contact Ting Randle at tingrandle@ yahoo.co.uk

‘I’m hoping that one day I can show my collection and maybe work with a retail network’

Anna Skobenyuk has started to rebuild her business

Elite player keen to share his knowledge and love of chess

A CHESS master from Ukraine who is currently living in Wells wants to inspire the next generation of players while he is here.

Sasha Matlak is a professional chess coach who gives online lessons to players around the world.

He started playing chess at the age of six and by 14, had become a national master. He went on to become administrator of Team Ukraine – the Ukrainian national team online, consistently one of the best in the world.

Now living in Wells with his wife Anna Tumanova – who is manager of the WCN Wells Welcome Hub for refugees at the Portway Annexe – and their children, he is keen to encourage chess players in the local community.

He recently visited the chess club at Wells Cathedral School where he showed the students some tricks such as playing blindfold, and gave a simultaneous exhibition playing against all of them at once.

He hopes to visit the chess club at Wells Blue School as well, and to start beginners’ chess sessions once a week at the Portway Annexe, and organise a chess tournament there for children. His son Vlad attends the Blue School, and was one of the football players in this season’s title-winning Wells Under 14s team.

Sasha said: “I would be happy

Kebab house plan concerns

of May 12-14, he took part in the Frome Chess Congress, finishing second to the English Grandmaster Keith Arkell – and winning The Denys Bonner Trophy for the best-placed chess player from Somerset.

He continues to give lessons online – which he said became very difficult in Ukraine with Russian attacks on the infrastructure that left his neighbourhood in Kyiv without electricity and the internet, sometimes for several days at a time. He was woken at 5am on one occasion by the sound of explosions, and at one point Russian soldiers were just ten miles away.

“The biggest incentive for us to move to England was the safety of our children, and their education,” said Sasha, with lessons in Ukraine frequently interrupted by warning sirens and the need to go to a shelter.

The family would like to move back to Ukraine eventually, he said. “That is our motherland and we had a decent life before the war, and we hope a happy and peaceful life could be again.”

AN application to change the use of the former Subway shop at 78 High Street, Wells, to a traditional kebab house was discussed at some length by members of the city council’s Planning & Environment Committee when they considered recent planning applications made to Somerset Council at their meeting on May 18.

Councillor Georgie Robbins attended the meeting to convey the thoughts of some of the businesses near the property who she said had a number of health and safety concerns about the proposals.

She said that there was no outside storage area for waste, and that any extraction system would have to go between the windows of residential flats.

It was agreed that the smells and the noise could be significant issues, and the committee decided to object to the current application due to lack of detailed information regarding the siting of the extraction system and concern about potential noise to neighbours, and advise that any future application comes with more detailed plans.

if I could benefit the community of Wells because they care about my family. I am very pleased that local people have been very welcoming and very hospitable to me and my family.”

Sasha has joined Wells Chess Club, that meets on Wednesday evenings at the Globe Inn on Priest Row, after reading about it in Wells Voice. Over the weekend

For now, though, they are glad to be living in Wells. “I enjoy it very much in Wells,” said Sasha. “Wells reminds me of my native town, a suburb of Kyiv with a population of 25,000 residents, calm and green. I enjoy living somewhere like that much more than a big city like Kyiv. Without traffic jams and noise. It’s a very lovely place.”

Art sale success

WELLS Rotary raised £3,000 for its charity projects from the sale of art at an Exhibition Gala Evening at Wells & Mendip Museum. The organisation had asked artists to donate postcardsized artworks to be exhibited and sold for at least £20 each. There were 319 entries.

Sasha Matlak started playing chess at the age of six

Consultation on Wells Neighbourhood Plan

SOMERSET Council is inviting responses from locals, businesses and interested groups to have their say on the Wells City Council Neighbourhood Plan.

The consultation is open until Friday, June 9, and provides the community with the opportunity to give their views on the proposals ahead of public examination.

Following the consultation, the Plan will be subject to a referendum, ahead of final adoption if it is voted for by local people.

Whilst the Local Plan sets out the overall development strategy for the area, including housing numbers and broad locations, the Neighbourhood Plan, prepared by the Wells Neighbourhood Plan Group, contains local objectives and policies for the city, including

protecting the character and heritage of Wells, design requirements for new building, public open spaces and housing needs.

The submitted documents are available on the Somerset Council website at: www. somerset.gov.uk/planningbuildings-and-land/ neighbourhood-planning/ neighbourhood-plans-inproduction, or at the following locations:

n Somerset Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BT (opening hours: 8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

n Council Service Point at Wells Town Hall (opening hours: 10am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays).

For more information, email planningpolicyeast@somerset. gov.uk or call 0300 123 2224.

Ellie Moore’s painting of Wells Cathedral as it may have looked

Vision of Cathedral’s past

AS part of the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists’ art exhibition at Wells Town Hall in June, artist Ellie Moore has painted a picture of Wells Cathedral as it would have appeared about 800 years ago, “looking radically different in all its polychromed and gilded glory”.

She says that it was inspired by an exhibit in Wells Museum, and then by Jerry Sampson’s book on the West Front: “Since finding out how different it used to look, I’ve wanted to paint it to

see for myself what the Medieval folks of Wells would have seen. It’s an artist’s impression, but I’ve researched it carefully with Jerry’s book and his kind help – I have to stress that any historical inaccuracies are my doing. It imagines the Cathedral as the architects of the West Front may have intended it to look; a story of creation in painted and gilded sculptures, without the distraction of the later towers.”

u Miniature art show, page 39

Music centre developing well

This month’s update from the Wells Rocks team

IT is great to welcome new users of the community’s rehearsal facilities, which are getting busier each month.

Wells Rocks continues its work to further develop the Wells Contemporary Music Centre in the Portway Annexe. May has seen the start of installing cables and a wall-mounted connection box that will link the two music rooms. This will improve the facilities for recording rehearsals. A great aid for developing performances.

Support is also being provided to improve the pod-casting facility and to organise regular sessions for people interested in making music with synthesisers. For further information, contact

info@wellsrocks.org. If you would like to develop your own skills without disturbing the neighbours, just pop in and book a room at the Portway Annexe. There is an increasing range of instruments to try out, kindly donated by numerous supporters. Why not form a band?

Now that the level of activity has grown, Nigel Fraser of Wells Rocks is talking to the management of the White Hart Hotel with a view to creating opportunities for acts that rehearse in the Portway Annexe to perform at The Hart’s Head Room in Sadler Street. Watch this space for more details.

Community projects aiding wellbeing

STUDIES show that both making and experiencing art has a part to play in improving the quality of life for individuals and communities.

“Wells Art Contemporary has a twin rationale,” says Paddy O’Hagan, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) chairman. “To support and inspire artists and also to engage with the community. Over the years we have collaborated with charities and groups that use expression through art to help support wellbeing and mental health.”

This year WAC is working with three local groups: Heads Up, the Wells-based charity which provides activity-based learning and development for adults who are affected by mental health issues; The Lawrence Centre, a day-care centre for the elderly in Wells, and Creativity Works in Radstock, whose Thursday Threads is an informal community social group which focuses on mental wellbeing through textiles.

All three groups have been holding regular sessions to create artwork for the exhibition and, whilst the final pieces will be kept under wraps until the WAC exhibition opens on August 5, each has provided a tantalising glimpse of what is in store for visitors.

The Heads Up project is a collaboration between WAC, Somerset Arts Week and the Wells & Mendip Museum. The piece takes its inspiration from elements of the Museum’s handling collection, including the late-1700s porcelain

discovered in its garden, Bronze Age beakers and a collection of handstitched samplers. Led by potter and co-founder of Heads Up, Sally Dempsey, and hand-loom weaver, Jade Ogden, several different Heads Up workshops have been involved with the creation of this piece,

from woodwork to print making.

The Lawrence Centre installation is comprised of individually made and decorated papier-mâché Greek vases, along with an additional large urn for the public to decorate during the exhibition.

“Each vase reflects the uniqueness of each person, everyone with special character, shape, and gifts,” says project curator Rev Gill Sakakini, a Pioneer Priest in the Arts in the diocese of Bath and Wells. “Standing together the vases depict unity in diversity through

similar colour and design

schemes.”

The Thursday Threads group is creating a rainbow Archway of Hope. The freestanding arch will display a cloth, hand-stitched by everyone to symbolise the ways members of the group are supportive of each other. Visitors to the exhibition will then be invited to tie coloured rags to the frame to create a rainbow.

“I have been visiting different sessions and am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and passion of everyone involved,” says June MacFarlane, WAC Community Projects Co-ordinator. “I want the groups to feel that their work deserves to be showcased alongside the main contenders so we will be positioning each one to ensure they fit seamlessly within the exhibition.”

WAC has also announced a collaboration with Outside In, the national charity that provides a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation. “We are really excited as we will be showing a work by James Lake,” says June. James lost his right leg to bone cancer at the age of 17 and has been creating free-standing, cardboard figural sculptures ever since.

“All our community projects show how art can be a powerful emotional release,” says Paddy. “Visitors to the WAC exhibition are in for a real treat.”

The WAC exhibition will take place at Wells Cathedral from August 5 to September 2.

A workshop at Heads Up led by Sally Dempsey and Jade Ogden (back)

Artist gives silenced bells new resonance

RENOWNED American sound artist Bill Fontana was at Wells Cathedral in May for the opening of his iconic sound sculpture Silent Echoes: Notre Dame.

The installation, originally commissioned for a partnership between the Pompidou Centre and IRCAM in Paris, has been specially adapted by Fontana for the historic setting of Wells Cathedral’s medieval Undercroft.

Silent Echoes: Notre Dame is a response to the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019. Currently reduced to silence during the rebuilding, the cathedral’s ten bells nonetheless remain extraordinary recesses of sound. Each one responds through its individual tonality to the noises

of the restoration worksite, the wind, and the murmurs of the city.

Using seismic accelerators attached directly to the metal of each bell, Fontana uses these swirling aural vibrations as the raw material for a multi-layered, ever-changing soundscape.

The installation, which will be in the Undercroft until July 3, consists of 16 speakers placed around the vaulted octagonal space through which the sounds are mixed.

There has been a recent

Clockwise from top: artist Bill Fontana, centre, at a private viewing of Silent Echoes: Notre Dame in Wells Cathedral Undercroft with Bill Lloyd and Emma Lefevre of Project Factory – Bill is also Wells Art Contemporary Exhibition Director; Bill Fontana with one of the bells in Notre Dame; and a view of the speakers in Wells Cathedral Undercroft that relay the Silent Echoes: Notre Dame soundscape

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emergence of video in Fontana’s work, and projected into Wells Cathedral, a modulating aerial view of Paris’s Notre Dame creates unique multi-sensory juxtapositions.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the UK debut of Silent Echoes: Notre Dame in the Undercroft,” said the Venerable Anne Gell, the Acting Dean of Wells.

“This is an incredibly moving and thought-provoking installation which allows visitors to experience the sounds of one of the world’s most iconic cathedrals in a completely new and unique way. We are honoured to be able to showcase this work of art in such a historic and meaningful setting.”

Heather Wallace and Rebecca Barnard, who run Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios in Wells, were “bowled over by this extraordinary soundscape”.

“I would honestly urge everyone in Wells, Somerset, and beyond to visit and experience this moving and unique sound installation. The Undercroft in Wells Cathedral is the perfect place to showcase such a thought-provoking work of art. We are so privileged to have this on our doorstep,” Heather said.

The Cathedral has expressed its gratitude to Bill Fontana, IRCAM, Southern & Partners and the Établissement Publique for making this installation possible, and to its donors. It also thanked Project Factory and Wells Art Contemporary for their commitment to attracting international art projects to Wells.

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‘I would honestly urge everyone to visit and experience this moving and unique sound installation’

Spaniel like a new dog after dental treatment

Name: Jack

Age: 14

Breed: Cocker Spaniel

Likes: Enthusiastic tail wags

Dislikes: Don’t touch the face!

JACK is always a delight. His tail wags constantly when he comes in. That is until we try to check his eyes, mouth, nose – any part of his face. Jack really doesn’t like his head being touched so treating these areas has always been a challenge, particularly with his long-standing eye problems. Jack has other health concerns too but we and his owners had opted to focus on his quality of life. And it was good –until the day he came to see us with a swollen and sore nose.

We already suspected Jack had some dental disease, but had been unable to check his teeth. We worried that the swelling and nasal discharge suggested a tooth infection. Painkillers and antibiotics solved the immediate problem, but we knew this was a temporary fix. Jack really needed to undergo an anaesthetic for us to properly treat his teeth, but this was a scary intervention for his owners to consider. Nevertheless, they knew that this was necessary, and should be done sooner rather than later.

Jack’s pre-anaesthetic blood tests were generally good, but he was still considered a high-risk anaesthetic candidate because of his age and some heart function concerns. We prepared our anaesthetic plan and had our contingency emergency drugs and equipment ready. While under anaesthetic, Jack’s intravenous fluids were precisely adjusted to maintain his blood pressure without overloading his heart, and local anaesthetic dental blocks helped reduce any pain stimulation, keeping his general anaesthetic as light as possible.

We discovered Jack’s upper canine teeth were both infected and needed extracting – a tough

Customers reporting benefits from food and juice products

WELLS business owner Susan Ali is helping people lose weight and feel good about themselves across the country thanks to the healthy meals and smoothies she supplies.

Susan started her business more than three years ago as Andres Kitchen, and this has now evolved into iDetox.

Customers purchase either a weekly plan of fresh food delivered twice weekly of caloriecounted and portion-controlled meals for lunch and dinner which are delivered within a 10-mile radius of Wells, or a nationwide delivery of detoxes and juice cleanses.

These consist of frozen smoothies, soups and juices designed to cleanse the body by

helping put it into reset mode. The products are prepared at the company’s site on Underwood Business Park.

“It helps people take more control of their lives when it comes to dieting and healthy eating,” said Susan, a qualified nutritionist.

“The feedback is outstanding with some customers losing over 12lb in a single week. But it’s not all about weight loss. Customers receive so many other benefits ranging from elevated concentration levels, reduced bloating, improved skin conditions and even decreased sugar levels resulting in stability of diabetes.”

To find out more about the products, go to: idetox.uk

Threat to skylarks highlighted

SEVERAL sculptures of skylarks have been installed at Deer Leap nature reserve near Wells to highlight that the biggest threat to the birds in spaces managed for wildlife is through disturbance, either by dogs or people.

procedure with such large, long roots. Once removed it was clear that the infection had eroded through to Jack’s nose. After thoroughly flushing we needed to suture together his gum to close the holes that were left. Jack also needed 11 other teeth extracting and his remaining teeth had a scale and polish.

Jack recovered amazingly from his anaesthetic, eating within an hour. We knew we wouldn’t be able to check his mouth was healing well, but his owners said he was like a new dog. Jack may not be happy to show us his mouth, but he certainly still seems happy with his quality of life!

Gudi Stuttard Veterinary Surgeon Wells Vets

The Mendip Hills AONB Service has commissioned BLAGSAEY Arts CIC to create several willow and paper skylarks to install at Deer Leap to help publicise the plight of the skylark and to help people understand that these spaces are home to such rare and beautiful creatures.

The sculptures are out on site, nestled in the grass or flying through the air, as a reminder to people to watch out for the birds, and that at this time of year it is essential to keep dogs on leads, so that ground nesting birds

such as the skylark can breed successfully and begin to recover their numbers.

In the last 50 years the population of this bird has fallen by 75 per cent (according to the RSPB) and it has disappeared entirely from some areas of the UK. This is why it is one of the Mendip Hills AONB’s ‘Champion Species’.

Almshouses holding Open Day

THE City of Wells Almshouses have announced that residents will once again be opening their Chapel, Guildroom and gardens for another Summer Open Day on Saturday, June 17, from 11am to 4pm. Ploughman’s lunches and home-made cakes and puddings will be served at the Bubwith Almshouses, and the Old Grey Dogs jazz band will be playing between 1.30pm and 3pm. 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.

In addition, the residents of Llewellyn’s Almshouses will be opening their gardens every Wednesday morning at about 10.30am until the end of September, weather permitting. Refreshments will be available in the Pavilion.

Jack needed to have a number of teeth extracted

A skylark sculpture at Deer Leap

649th Mayor of Wells assumes office at annual ceremony

COUNCILLOR Tanys Pullin was installed as the 649th Mayor of Wells at the mayor-making in Wells Town Hall on May 20.

“We have the best council, we have the best city,” she said in

her acceptance speech. She said that her Mayor’s charities for the year will be Heads Up and Whizz-Kidz.

Town Crier Len Sweales proclaimed the election of the

Mayor to the people of Wells from the Town Hall balcony. Councillor Jasmine Browne was elected Deputy Mayor. Tradition dictates that the Deputy Mayor presents the

Mayor with local produce, and to support local businesses, Cllr Browne presented Cllr Pullin with fudge made at Daniels Cafe, and a bunch of flowers from Wells Market.

New Mayor of Wells Tanys Pullin with councillors and others outside the Town Hall after the mayor-making

Time to start on raft for Moat Boat Race

PADDLES at the ready, it is nearly that time of year again for raft racing on The Bishop’s Palace moat.

The City of Wells Lions are busy planning for the 2023 Moat Boat Race on August Bank Holiday Monday – August 28.

dressed crew. All proceeds will be donated to local charitable organisations.

An application pack with regulations and raft specification is available from City of Wells Lions, email cityofwellslions@ gmail.com. The new boat race website wellsmoatboatrace.com will be available soon.

Action at last year’s Moat Boat Race

For the teams that wish to take part, it is time to make a raft and practice those seafaring skills ready for the races.

There are races for Juniors and Adults, including fun races and special awards such as best

The maximum crew size is six (teams up to eight), and the minimum age to take part is 13 years by Monday, August 28, 2023, the day of the races. The number of entries for each race is limited so it will be ‘first come, first served’.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with running the races, or organisations that might like to sponsor a race, should contact the Lions by emailing cityofwellslions@gmail. com or calling 0345 833 6736.

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

Continues until 31st August 2023

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, Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas.

Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Julia on 07833 634087

Emma on 07717 837040

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.

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

Clive and Mary Rides from Congresbury, top, with their 1935 AC 16/66 Tourer on Cathedral Green on May 14 when dozens of Mendip Vintage & Classic Tour 2023 vehicles called in to Wells. Among the crowds of people there to greet them was Wells Town Crier Len Sweales, above. The event, organised by the Classic & Historic Motor Club, raised funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Full live line-up for festival sets

GLASTONBURY Festival-goers will have two opportunities to see Wells band The Portraits at this year’s event.

Husband and wife Jeremy and Lorraine Millington will be joined by both their children, Ciara (vocals and violin/viola) and Euan (drums), and another Blue School student, Jack Brooke

(bass guitar) for their sets at the festival, as well as Vincent Imbert from France on violin. “It’s a full live line-up for Glasto 2023, and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Jeremy. The band will be playing on Thursday, June 22, at 1.35pm on the Toad Hall stage and 8pm on the Mandala stage.

We intend to do things a little differently

The former Mermaid pub on Tucker Street, Wells, will be reopening soon as The Sheep & Penguin under its new ownership, after an alcohol licence was granted by Somerset Council and as renovations near completion. Here, Jan Forster, Food and Beverage Manager, explains what customers can expect.

MANY will have noticed things going on behind the shuttered doors and boarded up windows of what was The Mermaid for some time now, with stark changes being made to the exterior in the last month or so. What was once a locals pub with a bit of a reputation will be reopening as The Sheep & Penguin; a pub, restaurant and hotel with the intention of doing things a little differently. With the food and drink scene in Wells becoming ever more eclectic, the stage is set for another new and

exciting venture. The building itself has undergone a complete top to bottom renovation and now boasts seven luxurious bedrooms across the top two floors, as well as a completely redesigned kitchen and dining area, not to mention the erection of four mews houses at the rear.

Rather than offer a menu of ‘pub classics’ and the usual

selection of drinks, the food and beverage team have chosen to focus on quality over quantity with a bit of a fun twist. Locally made beer, cider and even wine, classic and modern tropical cocktails and a whole shelf dedicated to rum.

The food menu will focus on punchy small and sharing plates with an emphasis on flavour

and creativity rather than be variations on things we already know. We’ll even be opening for brunch, both to cater to our rooms and to give us a chance to experiment with something different. If you’ve ever wanted chicken and waffles with a pint (or vice versa), this is the place to be.

It is important to us that going out feels like an occasion, so we are hoping to be able to offer our guests and patrons a chance to experience something memorable that they couldn’t necessarily recreate at home. While we don’t have an opening date set just yet, we are getting very close.

We’re currently hiring for both front and back of house roles, so if you’re interested in being a part of our new venture, or even if you just have some questions, please get in touch with me by email at hello@ thesheepandpenguin.co.uk

The Sheep & Penguin is expected to open soon

New home for community production

SINCE 2018, Wells Theatre Festival has taken up residence on the Cathedral Green over a weekend in July and presented a series of much-acclaimed performances of the works of Shakespeare to packed audiences in front of the iconic West Front of the Cathedral.

But this year, an opportunity has arisen to stage the eagerly anticipated community production of As You Like It on the South Lawn of The Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

Along with the community production the Festival will be presenting an exciting programme of theatre, including children’s theatre, opera and dance over the weekend of July 6-9.

Highlights of this year’s Festival include And Then They Came for Me, a fascinating educational show about Auschwitz survivor and friend to Anne Frank, Eva Schloss.

Jonathan Guy Lewis brings his West End/Broadway hit one-man show I Found My Horn back to the Wells Theatre Festival. This joyous, feelgood show explores the transforming power of music.

Ros Johnson, Artistic

Director of the Festival, says: “There is something for everyone at this year’s Festival, theatre, dance and shows for children and all the family. We are also very excited to welcome Opera in a Box with Mozart’s outrageous comedy Don Giovanni, a really great, accessible show for a first experience of opera.

“Meanwhile we are having an absolute ball rehearsing As You Like It in the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens. What a perfect backdrop for our hilarious take on Shakespeare’s comedy of love and mistaken identity.”

Festival favourites

Scratchworks Theatre Company present The Grimm Sisters, a mix of storytelling, comedy and live music. Also returning by popular demand are Pirate Taxi with their aerial acrobatics on the Cathedral Green.

Tickets are available at https://bishopspalace.org.uk/ event/wells-theatre-festival/

Members of the As You Like It cast rehearse in The Bishop’s Palace Gardens Picture: Finlay Holdaway

‘There is something for everyone at this year’s Festival, theatre, dance and shows for children and all the family’

Stoberry House & Garden

Stoberry Park, Wells, Somerset BA5 3LD www.stoberryparkgarden.co.uk

A WONDERFUL SETTING FOR EVENTS OF ALL KINDS

Groups to showcase environmental work

LOCAL organisations will be passing on advice about how to help the environment, and save money at the same time, at the Wells Environment Network Day on Saturday, July 1.

The event will take place at the Portway Annexe in Wells, when organisations will be showcasing how they are working for the environment in Wells. They include Sustainable Wells, Wells City Council, Somerset Council, Wells Wildlife and District Group, Somerset Wildlife Trust, The Bishop’s Palace, Wells Cathedral, The Blue School, St Joseph and St Teresa Primary School, Strawberry Line Supporters Group and Wells Bus User Group.

There will be suggestions on repairing, recycling and restoring, and information on

good ways for people to feed themselves with the emphasis on local produce and growing your own, and helping nature to thrive.

City Councillor Denise Denis said: “We are conscious most people have found their budgets are being stretched by inflation so there will be lots of tips and ideas and workshops to show us how to make the best of what we have already got, learn ways to do better and all this will be helping the environment. Definitely a win-win for everyone and for nature.”

The event will be opened by the new Mayor of Wells, Tanys Pullin, at 10.30am and will finish at 2.30pm. There will be light refreshments available and a soup lunch provided by Sustainable Wells from 12pm2.30pm.

Repairers will fix items at library

THERE will be a new event at Wells Library in Union Street in June when people will be able to take their cherished toys, small electrical and household items and have them restored to their former glory.

The renowned Repair Cafe volunteers will be on hand on Saturday, June 3, from 10am12.30pm to have a look at each item and if possible, fix them so that they have a new lease of life.

As this Repair Cafe is in the

library, it will just offer repairs –no cafe.

Also in June, Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane will be in Wells Library to give a talk on his new epic historical adventure Napoleon’s Spy. The talk on Thursday, June 29, at 11am, is a free-of-charge, ticketonly event with a minimum of 12 bookings required. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book a place, then collect the ticket from the library.

The deadline for the July edition is June 14

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

We would be pleased to welcome you for lunches, dinners, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions you may wish to celebrate. Please note these are for a minimum of eight people.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

Stoberry House, set in 26 acres of parkland, is a beautiful setting in which to celebrate the life of a loved one. We can host a reception for family and friends following a funeral, with a number of catering options.

GARDEN

The garden is open by appointment every Wednesday and Thursday, and visits can also be arranged at other times by appointment. Please call us on 01749 672906.

CREAM TEAS

(Minimum of two people)

Our cream teas start at £16.75 per person

Our most popular cream tea menu is £28.75 per person

Our luxury cream teas are £38.75 per person All teas must be pre-booked by appointment. Teas also include garden entrance.

GIFT VOUCHERS

A wonderful present. We do Stoberry Gift Vouchers for all our teas, starting at £50.

TO BOOK OR FIND OUT MORE: Go to our website at www.stoberryparkgarden.co.uk, call us on 01749 672906 or email events@stoberry-park.co.uk

A fixer at work at a Sustainable Wells Repair Cafe at St Thomas’ Chruch Hall last year. Sustainable Wells is one of the organisations taking part in the Wells Environment Network Day on July 1, when repairing, recycling and restoring will be among the topics covered

Live Theatre at Glastonbury Abbey in 2023

Enjoy amazing outdoor theatre productions this Summer at Glastonbury Abbey

Romeo & Juliet: Horrible Histories:

Hercules:

Robin Hood:

7th June

16th July

21st July

27th August

Tickets on sale now at www.glastonburyabbey.com

These are Glastonbury Abbey Fundraising Events

4 PAGES OF REPORTS AND PICTURES

Sun shines on city’s day of celebration

THE sun shone and hundreds of people flocked to Wells Cathedral Green on Sunday, May 7, to enjoy the city’s Coronation celebrations.

There were good audiences for the live music acts, stallholders were kept busy, and children had fun taking part in races and other activities.

The event, to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey the day before, was organised by Wells City Council in partnership with Wells Cathedral.

Wendy Ray, one of the people who helped with the organisation, said: “What a fantastic day. It was great to see so many people picnicking on the Cathedral Green, enjoying the variety of delicious food available, and children thoroughly enjoying themselves in the races, or having a go at the fun games such as splat the rat and the coconut shy.

“There was an amazing music programme of talented musicians to entertain everyone in the afternoon and the day finished in wonderful sunshine with The Blue School Folk Group and Wells Cathedral School Jazz Combo. A marvellous day of celebrations to remember.”

Wells Town Crier Len Sweales gave a special cry at the opening of the event, before handing over

to Edgar Phillips who compered proceedings on the stage.

Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, said: “It was great to see so many residents and visitors enjoying themselves and having picnics on the Green.

“I want to express my thanks to the small group of volunteers who gave us tremendous help in putting on the event, these included Wendy, Claire, Chris, John, Mel, Edgar, Emily and Sue. I also want to thank Serious Stages and Chubb Bulleid respectively for their generous donations of the stage and power.”

A special Coronation

Celebration service took place in Wells Cathedral earlier on May 7, with Coronation-themed music sung by the Cathedral Choir, and an address by Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend and

biographer of King Charles. As part of the Coronation celebrations there was also an art exhibition in the Cathedral Cloisters that attracted a lot of visitors.

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Affectionate cat ready for new adventures

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Flossie needs a quiet settled home without children or other pets. She has been diagnosed with a thyroid condition and needs medication twice a day, but sees the sugary substance as a treat which she happily accepts. Cats Protection would support the cost of the medication if necessary.

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The Blue School Folk Group performing on the stage at the Wells Coronation celebrations

Pictured after attending the Coronation Celebration service in Wells Cathedral on May 7 are, from left, Mayoress of Bath Amanda Appleyard, Mayor of Bath Rob Appleyard, Mayoress of Wells June Cursley, Acting Dean of Wells Anne Gell, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq and Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley

Guides have special visitor during activity afternoon

THE King would most certainly have approved of the creative activities in The Bishop’s Palace on Bank Holiday Monday.

But the 180 girls and young women gathered there were very pleased to have a visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, the monarch’s representative in the county.

They were all taking part in Girlguiding Somerset’s Coronation Activity Afternoon where they made wildflower seed bombs and recycled old materials to create hats, bags, rag wreaths, milk bottle elephants and rainbow candles.

“What an amazing day we have had,” said Girlguiding’s County Commissioner Beverley

Osborne. “Seeing all the girls from across the county coming together with their families and involving the local community has been brilliant.

“Also sharing our fun activities with them – all of which are in line with the environment principles of King Charles and the Bishop of Bath and Wells.”

The Lord Lieutenant was certainly impressed by girls’ efforts and explained about the Bio Bus project that he worked on in Bristol (geneco.uk.com/ case-studies/bio-bus).

One Guide told the Lord Lieutenant how smart he looked, before showing how to make seed bombs.

Chance to dress up as a bishop

VISITORS to the Coronation celebrations were able to dress up as a bishop complete with bishop’s crozier, thanks to the work of two people in particular.

Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager at The Bishop’s Palace, said: “We are so grateful to Wells Community Shed, and in particular Adrian Cornwell, who made the beautiful crozier. We had asked him if he could give it a dragon theme, rather like Bishop Jocelin’s 800 years ago. Although it was commissioned for our dressing up themed stall to celebrate the Coronation, it will now be kept in our dressing up collection at The Bishop’s Palace for our visitors to enjoy.

“We are very fortunate to have a talented and dedicated costume volunteer, Fiona Hodges, who made the replica coronation copes for the event and these too will be part of our dressing up collection.”

PCSO Samuel White in the bishop’s costume that The Bishop’s Palace had available for people to try on

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, toured The Bishop’s Palace gardens and Undercroft on the Sunday afternoon (May 7) where 180 members of the county’s Girlguiding movement and 65 adult leaders were running a wide range of events. The photo shows him at the Rainbow candle-making stall. In the evening the public left so the girls and adult leaders could have a sleepover on the lawn and in the Undercroft.

Picture: Philip Welch

A street party to celebrate the Coronation took place at Becket Place on May 7 for residents in the vicinty

Broadcaster, historian and author Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend and biographer of King Charles, gave an address at the Coronation Celebration service in Wells Cathedral on May 7. He is pictured here being interviewed afterwards by Charlie Taylor of BBC Radio Somerset, who was broadcasting live from Wells.

The Wells Coronation celebrations were opened by Wells Town Crier Len Sweales and Edgar Phillips, with Edgar then introducing each of the acts to appear on the stage

Reef with the crown he made at the Making Space Wells stall

Adrian Cornwell dropping off the crozier at The Bishop’s Palace

Anger after royal postbox topper targeted by vandals

A POSTBOX topper knitted by local crafter Helene Buttifant in celebration of the Coronation was much admired when it appeared on the postbox in Wells Market Place.

But Helene was appalled when she discovered that it had been vandalised over the Coronation weekend, with the Queen Camilla figure and the sceptre being torn off and taken away.

The likenesses of King Charles III, the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Beefeater, the King’s crown and the orb remained in place, but Helene was so upset that she took the topper down earlier

than planned. She said: “No consideration for the time, money or pain – arthritic hands – it took designing the topper and the long hours over four weeks making it. It survived the gales, rain etc for more than three weeks only to be destroyed some time on the Saturday night.”

On the Sunday, May 7, Helene spent the day helping children with craft activities on the Making Space Wells stall at the Coronation celebrations on Wells Cathedral Green.

Previously she knitted a topper for the same postbox in Wells Market Place to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Musician continues to impress

ONE of the performers at the Coronation celebrations on Wells Cathedral Green was a teenage musician from Wells who has reached the finals of the Young Songwriter international songwriting competition for the fourth year running.

Woody Collins, aged 14, is a composer and plays the keyboard. He is a student at Wells Cathedral School and used to be a Chorister at the Cathedral.

He earned a place in this year’s Young Songwriter finals for his song Johnny Someone. Last year, he won the Young Rising Star award for Iron Fist, while in 2020 the song that saw him reach the finals was Vicars’ Close, about the famous street in Wells.

“I’m proud that Woody does well as his music is quirky and a

bit different with its own sound so there’s an element of risk when he enters,” said his mum Sarah.

Some of Woody’s music could be heard at the Coronation celebrations on May 7 when he played a 30-minute set on the stage.

Singer-songwriter Woody Collins

The postbox topper before and after the Queen Camilla figure and sceptre were taken

A view from the stage during the performance by Mojo Workin’ Blues Band

Wells Cathedral Song Squad were the day’s first performers

Members of City of Wells Lions Club at their stall offering fun games to play

A picture by Year 12 Blue School student Abbie Rolfe, and two glass bowls by Chris Walters of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, which were among the works on display at an art exhibition in the Cathedral cloisters from May 2-12 to coincide with the Coronation

n CORONATION WEEKEND

Bishop describes some of ceremony’s main moments

THE Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, had an important role to play as one of two ‘Bishops Assistant to the King’ during the Coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey on May 6.

The Bishops Assistant, he explained when questioned about it afterwards for a Diocese of Bath and Wells YouTube video, are there to help the King “navigate his way through a ceremony of extraordinary complexity. All of us said this is the most complicated church service we have ever been involved in or ever will be.”

He said: “There were some moments of needing to help the King particularly around what he was wearing. So just after he was anointed it was necessary for me to do up the King’s top button on one of the garments he was wearing and I was rather praying that that button would slide into

place on the first attempt which very thankfully it did.”

When asked what his most standout moment was, Bishop Michael said: “There are so many. I think standing by the King as he made his prayer before the High Altar, his prayer of dedication of himself, was intensely moving. Seeing the humility he showed at his anointing where he was there just wearing the shirt and trousers, nothing grand, nothing regal at that point, just himself before God being anointed and giving his life. It was extraordinary to see the crown placed upon his head right next to where I was standing. And then perhaps the wonderful moment right at the end of the service of accompanying the King out of Westminster Abbey at his Coronation wearing the crown and singing the National Anthem.”

www.avonfire.gov.uk

Litter pickers do their bit to help

THE weather was not great but the enthusiasm was strong when a team of 15 litter pickers set off from Wells Town Hall on Bank Holiday Monday.

People across the UK had been urged to mark the final day of the Coronation weekend by joining the Big Help Out initiative to get more people volunteering.

“We pretty much covered the city centre and it was good to be out there after the Coronation events over the weekend,” said Deborah Orrett, who led the team of volunteers.

“Waitrose did us proud,

giving us with a lovely tea and cakes.

“It was good to welcome families as part of our team and do our bit for the Big Help Out.

“Our next Wells litter pick will be on the weekend of May 27/28. There will be a team of about 60 of us out there.

“Thank you to Wells City Council for providing the litter picking kit and to Waitrose for refreshments. And thank you very much to our volunteers.”

Those who wish to get involved can contact Deborah on deborahwoolvenorrett@gmail. com

Did you know?

61% of fires start in the kitchen

For fire safety advice specific to you and your home, take 15 minutes to complete our online Home Fire Safety Check

National Nature Reserve designation

THE south facing slopes of the Mendip Hills have been announced as one of the ‘King’s Series’ of five new National Nature Reserves across the country.

Five National Nature Reserves will be named every year for the next five years to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The new Mendip National Nature Reserve draws together all the existing important wildlife sites along the south facing slopes from Brean Down across to Wells, taking in important sites like Crook Peak and Cheddar Gorge.

The declaration means the land will be managed for conservation for the future.

All ready to start: The volunteer litter pickers gather at Wells Town Hall

The Coronation was marked with celebrations for residents at Crandon Springs Care Home on Glastonbury Road, Wells

Decarbonisation makeover completed

WORK to make Wookey Primary School near Wells more energy efficient and environmentally friendly has now been completed, as the school becomes the latest local authority building to receive a ‘decarbonisation makeover’.

Pupils and staff at Wookey Primary can soon look forward to reaping the benefits of savings made on energy bills; money which can instead be channelled into more educational resources.

To enable new levels of energy efficiency and lower the building’s carbon output, Somerset Council has carried out a number of upgrades. The school has said goodbye to its old oil-fuelled boiler, which has been replaced by a modern air source heat pump. Rooftop solar technology has been installed, along with new radiators, windows, doors and upgraded insulation – saving 13.2 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Councillor Tessa Munt, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I’m delighted to see this project reach completion. Reducing the school’s carbon footprint shows we’re listening to our children and young people, we share their passion for reducing energy use and protecting our environment and we care about their priorities for the world in which they are growing up.

“Somerset Council is now embarking on its School Growth Programme too, which will involve the construction of several carbon net zero school builds. The first project in Glastonbury, a new autism spectrum condition base for St Dunstan’s School, is expected to complete in July.”

Having successfully bid for £4.1 million from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and committing a further £5.6 million into the initiative itself, Somerset Council has now completed decarbonisation works on several of its buildings.

The project at Wookey Primary is a good example of the process the money is funding. A site visit and feasibility study informs a decarbonisation report; the data from which allows the council to understand and prioritise the

parts of the estate most in need of decarbonisation work.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Lead Member for Climate Change & Environment, said: “We are determined to help Somerset be prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of climate change as we continue to deliver against our Climate Emergency Strategy.”

Andrew Marsh, Headteacher of Wookey Primary School, said: “Despite a huge amount of external work, we are pleased that the character of our old school buildings has not been lost. The work was carried out sympathetically and with minimum disruption to the children’s learning.

“As well as teaching our children about sustainable energy, at a time when school budgets are under incredible pressure, we are hopeful that this project will lead to savings that can be passed on to our children.”

Tessa Munt and Andrew Marsh at Wookey Primary School

Wells

in aid of the Grand Organ Appeal. In collaboration with the Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society

Trail set to provide adventures in food

WITH about 100 venues already signed up to take part in this year’s Somerset Food Trail, organisers are encouraging the public to Save the Date for a flurry of foodie events across the county from July 14-30.

With a new headline theme of The 30-mile Feast – a challenge to produce menus sourced entirely locally – there should be something to suit all palates and purses, from vegetarian farm dinners to fancy fine dining, as well as farm walks, open days, picnics and tastings.

Events in the Wells area include:

The Good Earth

The Good Earth on Priory Road will be creating a special menu for the Somerset Food Trail which will include a feast of vibrant seasonal summer salads, homemade vegan soup, quiche,

pizza and two main dishes every day. One of these will be made from local produce such as the restaurant’s traditional Somerset Cider Vegan Hot Pot. It will also be dreaming up some summer berry cakes and puddings to celebrate the trail. It opens Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm and serves lunch from midday.

Bishop’s Palace Community Garden Tours

Take a tour of the Community Garden with Bishop’s Palace Gardener Jo and find out more about what is grown there and how community groups are supported in the space. The tour is free with an admission ticket or for Bishop’s Palace members.

July 17 and 20.

n To find out more about Somerset Food Trail, see the website: somersetfoodtrail.org

The Bishop’s Palace and The Good Earth are both participating in this year’s Somerset Food Trail, with tours of the Community Garden at the Palace and a special menu at the restaurant

Picture: © Karen Andrews https://botanykaren.net/2019/09/30/in-the-bishops-garden/

First of literature festival speakers revealed

A SNEAK preview of just a few of the exciting speakers lined up for the Wells Festival of Literature this autumn has been announced, with among them Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

One of Labour’s most prominent frontbench MPs, Streeting is a headline guest at the festival’s opening night on Friday, October 27, where he will introduce his memoir One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up.

In an entertaining story of growing up in poverty on a Stepney housing estate, he pays tribute to some of the great characters that surrounded him and that made him what he is today, also very much informing his politics.

For a different slice of history, journalist Tania Branigan, author of Red Memory, an exploration of China’s Cultural Revolution, will discuss her experience of living

in Beijing half a century later. In her account she details how she discovered that almost every story she followed led inexorably back to that brutally turbulent era.

The festival opening weekend

also sees well-known theatre director Dominic Dromgoole return to his native Somerset to talk about first nights through history.

Some of these have changed not just theatre but life itself, as

he entertainingly describes in his book Astonish Me! First Nights That Changed the World.

The full line-up will be announced in July, but before that there is a special event for Friends on July 4 at which journalist and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will be guest.

This is an invitation-only event for Friends and sponsors of the festival whose support helps fund numerous educational projects in local schools.

It is not too late to become a Friend. Full details are on the website, along with information on the competitions, at www. wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

Wells Festival of Literature celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, after being set up in 1992 to promote the love of books and of reading throughout the community.

This year’s event will take place from October 27 to November 4.

Wes Streeting and Tania Branigan will both be appearing at this year’s Wells Festival of Literature Picture of Tania Branigan: Dan Chung

Ten signs of an unhealthy relationship

WHILST all relationships have their ups and downs, an unhealthy relationship is one where a partner or close family member shows behaviour that is disrespectful, controlling or even violent, writes Somerset Council.

An unhealthy relationship may be, or may lead to, domestic abuse and it is important to recognise the signs of unhealthy behaviours.

Here are some of the signs to look out for that may help to identify if you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship. The relationship could be with a partner, ex-partner or another family member.

n Obsessive behaviour. This type of behaviour is when the person feels a need to be in constant contact with you including via phone or text, or social media.

n Possessiveness. Whilst jealousy is a normal human emotion, when it becomes over

the top and is affecting how someone behaves, it may have become possessive.

n Manipulation. The attempt to sway someone’s emotions to make them to act or feel in a certain way.

n Guilting is a form of manipulation where you are made to feel responsible for their actions.

n Belittling includes behaviours

that are carried out to try to make you feel bad about yourself.

n Isolation. One person may intentionally try to keep you away from your extended family, friends and work colleagues to obtain control over the relationship.

n Control. One person makes all the decisions and tells the other what to do, what to wear, or who to spend time with. They are jealous, and/or try to isolate the other person from their friends and family.

n Sabotage. One person may spread rumours about you in order to break your relationships with others and damage your reputation.

n Responsibility deflection. One person may regularly blame you or someone else for their own actions. This behaviour can also mean blaming the behaviour on drugs, alcohol, mental health or insecurity left from a previous relationship.

n Dishonesty. One person lies to, steals from, or keeps information from the other.

If you recognise these behaviours in your relationship with a partner or ex-partner or close family member, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. Or if you’re worried about someone you know or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available at www. somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999.

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

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS. net. You will then be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.

n ON THE BEAT Help us tackle anti-social behaviour this summer

AFTER what feels like the longest winter ever, we’re starting to see some warmer/ sunnier weather creep in. We’re getting used to the longer days where we can spend more time outdoors, getting that allimportant fresh air, amongst the many other things we all love to do during the summer months.

Recently, many people have been able to enjoy several bank holidays giving us longer weekends, and school children have had the pleasure of enjoying time away from school during half-terms. Although this is, and should be, a wonderful and positive thing, some individuals often decide to try and ruin it and make the experience a negative one for others.

Already this year, the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team have seen an increase in ASB (anti-social behaviour) in and around the city, and this type of behaviour can unfortunately have a negative effect on almost anyone in the vicinity at the time of it occurring.

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is a broad term used to describe the day-today incidents of crime, nuisance and disorder to our public. The behaviours are wide ranging and include:

n Littering

n Vandalism

n Public drunkenness

n Noisy or abusive behaviour

ASB definition

According to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, ASB is defined as:

n Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person.

n Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises.

n Conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.

One of the difficulties/ frustrations we as a neighbourhood team often face is that we don’t always hear about these incidents until it is too late, and when we do hear about them, it could be via ‘word of mouth’ social media or through some other source that is not an official report to the police. By this time, there is a huge lack of information or evidence of the event, making any kind of action very difficult for us.

What you may not know, within Avon and Somerset

Constabulary we have a dedicated ASB team who have an array of tools and powers that can be utilised to tackle this type of behaviour and to avoid it escalating further. However, for us to get the full use out of what they have to offer, we require the official reports to be coming in. By receiving these reports, we can then build a bigger and clearer picture of what has occurred and can start to understand the extent of the issue itself. We will then be able to take steps to tackle it appropriately and proactively.

If you or someone you know experiences an incident of ASB that has caused anyone to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed, we encourage you to report it at your earliest convenience, providing as much information as you possibly can. You can report ASB via 101 or online via our website: avonandsomerset. police.uk/report. Alternatively, in the event of an emergency requiring an immediate response, always report via 999.

The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Kayleigh Hallett

An unhealthy relationship may be, or may lead to, domestic abuse

Locals tell of life in sheepskin industry

AN exhibition celebrating the experiences of people who worked at Morlands and Baily’s in Glastonbury, many of whom came from Wells, will take place in June.

At the heart of the exhibition, at The Red Brick Building in Glastonbury, are the voices of local people who have been interviewed and recorded talking about their memories of their roles at the two companies, both of which employed large numbers of people across the area in all aspects of the sheepskin processing and manufacturing industry.

Visitors will be able to listen to recordings of these voices as well as looking at the many photographs, press cuttings and documents linked to the companies. There will also be a range of vintage artefacts

produced at the factories and loaned by local people.

Project co-ordinator Alison Horgan said: “It is the culmination of a lot of research and many fascinating conversations with people of Glastonbury, Wells, Street and beyond.

“There is such a rich history in the area and we are really pleased to be able to bring this together and share it with the community.”

Some of the material from the exhibition has been shared with residents at local care homes in Wells and West Pennard, and visitors to local libraries may have seen a pop-up mini exhibition back in March.

The exhibition will be in the Events Space at the Red Brick Building on June 9, 10 and 11 between 10am and 5pm.

New Chair aims to give Chamber fresh impetus

WELLS businessman Louis Agabani hopes to give new impetus to Wells Chamber of Commerce after becoming the organisation’s new Chair.

Louis, who runs Bishop’s Eye cafe and wine bar in Market Place, said: “The Chamber of Commerce has a long history in Wells. It has represented the business community and supported organisations and events with grants.

“Now that Covid is over I do hope that businesses will get involved, help each other and the community through the Chamber.”

The next Chamber meeting will be on Monday, June 5, in the Boardroom at Old Mill, Cathedral Avenue, Wells, at 6pm.

Workers at Morlands

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Role of local government so important

AS I write this, I have just had the pleasure of attending the Mayor Making service here in Wells – a title which dates back to 1589.

First of all, I wish to send my congratulations to Tanys who has been a wonderful public servant for many years and will lead the Council brilliantly.

The Mayor as the head of the City Council – and the First Citizen of the City of Wells –chairs meetings of the Council and performs ceremonial civic duties as the Council’s representative.

I do think it is important to know the significance of the role and the Council more widely. Local government plays such an important role and here in Wells the City Council has a host of traditions about it, as well as important decisions to make

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey

regarding issues which impact residents each and every day.

I am in touch with local councillors most days as they are very often on hand to assist with casework as many issues do overlap between the two roles.

Following the recent reorganisation of local government, there has been a lot of change in the county over the past few months and there will be additions to that this summer.

From this month (as you are reading this) 18 Local Community Networks (LCNs) will be rolled out across Somerset. There have already been pilots to work out just how these will work. The key is that they work with city, town, and parish councils, as well as council services such as Highways and other more local volunteer organisations

within the community. It is a way for the new council to ensure communities have a chance to engage with the work of their local council and establish a strong and productive relationship.

I know there was a lot of angst about how certain areas would be represented, but I am pleased the funding of these has been approved, and I look forward to seeing exactly how they will function and the positive impact they can have on the work of the Council.

I hope we see some positive developments from the newly formed Somerset Council, relating to the LCNs, going forward. As ever, I will continue to hold the Council to account to ensure my constituents are getting value for money from their council tax.

‘I hope we see some positive developments from the newly formed Somerset Council, relating to the Local Community Networks, going forward’

Call for participants in wildlife count

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has announced the return of The Big Count 2023, its Somersetwide annual citizen science event which aims to help monitor changes in local wildlife populations by encouraging as many people as possible to take note of and record the species living in their gardens, parks, green spaces, workplaces, and communities.

The count hopes to inspire people of any age and setting to get outside and connect with nature and the county’s wildlife and, at the same time, become important eyes and ears on the ground as they collect vital data about some of Somerset’s native species, in order to help inform the work that is needed to stop further species decline.

This year, The Big Count will run from June 16-25 and is supported by Southern Co-op. The public are being asked to record their wildlife sightings on the iNaturalist citizen science platform, and they will be on the lookout for eight individual species of wildlife and four species groups, which includes goldfinch, dragonflies, spiders, and several species of butterfly.

This is an activity that everyone is being encouraged to get involved in, whether family, friends, neighbours, schools, social groups, Scout groups, or congregations. Participants will be able to see their sightings on the iNaturalist map immediately, and there is a free downloadable

pack which explains everything that people need to know, which can be found on the Somerset Wildlife Trust website.

The Big Count is part of the Trust’s Great Somerset Wildlife Count initiative, a joint venture between Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC). SERC holds more than 2.5 million records of species present in Somerset, but there are gaps in its knowledge, especially when it comes to more ‘common’ species. It hopes that running The Big Count 2023 will help fill those gaps and in turn provide important information about the health of the ecosystems that exist to support them, ensuring county-led decisions are being made with wildlife in mind.

Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “We were

so pleased at how many people got involved last year. We were able to add nearly 1,000 species records during The Big Count 2022, which is an amazing effort. We want to do even better this year, so we hope that even more people will come on board. It’s a great way for people to get out and nurture a nature connection,

and it’s something really simple that really can make a difference.

“When it comes to records, it’s quite literally a numbers game, so we need as many people taking part as possible – we can’t do this without the public behind The Big Count, so we want everyone to spread the word.”

Gemma Lacey, Southern Coop’s Director for Sustainability and Communications, said: “This is such a fun and simple way to get involved in your local wildlife and it can introduce you to nature on your doorstep.”

To get involved:

n Go to www.somersetwildlife. org/bigcount2023 and download a free digital pack.

n Create an iNaturalist account at www.inaturalist.org or download either the iNaturalist or Seek app.

n Get counting. Do as many counts as possible in different places and encourage others to do the same.

Care in your own home

Care

Palace’s newest cygnets named

THE month-old cygnets at The Bishop’s Palace, cherished by many, have now been named through an online naming competition.

Care

The names, drawn out of a hat by the children of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, were selected from the hundreds of submissions the Palace received.

The names drawn were Snowdrop, Floella, Billie, Charles and Bonnie, each with its own significance to the people who submitted it.

The Palace says that the five cygnets are healthy and enjoying life on the moat. Under the guidance of Grace and Gabriel,

Two of the five cygnets

they are gradually being taught the century-old tradition of ringing the bell on the Gatehouse which can be seen from the front of the Palace, ensuring its continuation for generations to come.

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

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since 1986

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A small tortoiseshell butterfly, and a goldfinch Pictures: Bob Hastie (left); Amy Lewis

Picture: Matt Groom

Installation made up of 500 clay figures

KEY Stage 2 pupils in ten local schools have created more than 500 clay figures for a collective, 3D installation at Wells Cathedral, which will be taking place during May half term.

Inspired by Antony Gormley’s

learned joining techniques essential to work with ceramics.

Pupils have photographed their completed figures in a location of their choice, as a further response to DOUBT, and to enhance their understanding of how important the location of a piece of work can be.

As part of the installation at the Cathedral, alongside the ceramic figures, a collage display of children’s photographs will offer viewers an insight into this aspect of their thinking in response to Gormley’s work.

DOUBT, currently situated in Niche 338 on the West Front of Wells Cathedral, children have used cuboid shapes to make their own interpretations.

In doing so, pupils have developed their knowledge and appreciation of contemporary sculpture by one of the world’s leading artists. They have also

From May 25-June 4, all of the children’s ceramic figures will be installed in various locations around Wells Cathedral. Some will be easy to see; others will be hidden or less conspicuous, so will need to be searched for. The installation itself will draw together the various aspects of learning, skill, knowledge and understanding that all of the children involved have experienced.

The project has been put together by Dan Vidler, a teacher at Coxley Primary School, who also conceived the idea for the Somerset Poppies that commemorated the centenary of the ending of the First World War.

New mental health app launched

A NEW mental health app for young people has been launched in Somerset. The free Tellmi app is now available for all local 11- to 18-year-olds, and gives young people the tools to manage their own mental health and support others.

Commissioned by NHS Somerset, Tellmi is the only fully pre-moderated, dedicated, peer support app which is considered safe for children aged 11+. Local young people who download the app will have 365-day access to support, where they can anonymously discuss their feelings in a safe environment.

Working with Somerset Youth Parliament, Young Somerset,

Promotions at Chubb Bulleid

CHUBB Bulleid has recently promoted two solicitors from their Commercial Property Team to the position of Associate in recognition of their expertise in their respective fields and for going the extra mile for the firm and their clients.

Emma Gannaway and James Mitchell both qualified as solicitors in 2015. Emma deals with a broad range of matters including acquisitions and disposals, corporate support on business transactions, acting for pension schemes and refinancing, but has developed a particular expertise in Landlord and Tenant matters. Whereas, James specialises in property development, acting for landowners, developers and promoters in connection with selling and buying land for residential, commercial and mixedused development.

Somerset Council and CAMHS (Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services), the project aims to support young people on waiting lists, but also anyone who might benefit from further support.

So far, Tellmi has been promoted in eight schools and colleges across Somerset, but members of Somerset Youth Parliament are calling for more schools to sign up, as 75 per cent of children and young people with mental health issues don’t get the treatment they need.

The app can be downloaded at Google Play or the App Store. To find out more about Tellmi, visit www.tellmi.help

Emma, who has been at the Wells office for four years, says that her favourite thing about working and living in Wells is the excellent cafes and restaurants and she has loved seeing the development of the Market Place for more outdoor dining. Emma says: “It is always good to see new independent businesses popping up in the city and thriving. I do like to wander down the High Street and recall all the leases, sales and purchases that I have been involved with. It is good to feel like a part of the local community and development of the High Street, albeit in a very small way.”

James has been with the firm

for two years and is based in the Somerton office, although he does visit the offices in Wells from time to time. James notes that they are “very fortunate to work in two such beautiful and historic locations in Somerset – and the scenery on the drive between them is not bad either!”

Much of James’ work relates to “strategic” land, which is land that has been identified as being suitable for development but does not have the benefit of planning permission at the point the parties enter into an agreement. James enjoys the challenge of establishing the parties’ plans for a site and the challenges involved in achieving these and drafting documents that record what is agreed.

Emma and James both enjoy working at Chubb Bulleid which they say is a very supportive and friendly firm where everyone has time for you.

Richard Cussell, Managing Partner at Chubb Bulleid, says of their promotion: “Emma and James have been with us for a little while now and they have quickly cemented themselves in as excellent lawyers but just as importantly as key members of the Chubb Bulleid family. We are lucky to have them as part of our Commercial team. They have both shown themselves willing to participate in the important social and peripheral matters that are important to us as part of our local community. Well done to both of them!”

Emma Gannaway and James Mitchell outside Chubb Bulleid’s Wells office

The children’s ceramic figures will be installed in various locations around Wells Cathedral

What our customers say:

Families benefit from our careful planning

for 75 years and married for 69. They lived in a small farmhouse for 60 years, living the good life as they were totally self-sufficient and in control of their own destiny. They had married in the village church, and they were to return there to be buried together.

Nicky Sutton, an Independent Civil Celebrant who leads funeral ceremonies on behalf of Wells Funeral Services, highlights the care taken with recent burials

FUNERALS have changed over the years with currently around 80 per cent of those carried out in England and Wales being cremations. However, that trend has recently taken a turn in the opposite direction at Wells Funeral Services.

In the past two months we had three burials and each one of those was unique. The first saw us travelling down to a small hamlet in Dorset which is where the gentleman who had died was originally from. He spent his final years living with family in a farmhouse just outside of Wells and it was here where he died.

On the day of the funeral the gentleman was carried into church first by male members of his family who placed his coffin at the front on right-hand side. His wife was carried into church by female members of her family and her coffin was placed at the front on the left-hand side. The same positions they had taken on their wedding day.

At the end of the ceremony we led out with the gentleman first, then returned to bring his wife’s coffin out to join him. The vicar spoke the words of committal as the coffins were lowered into the ground one on top of the other and the couple were together in their final resting place.

The most recent burial gave us some challenges to overcome, not due to any special requests or unusual locations, but mostly due to the good old British weather. The persistent rain during the week leading up to the funeral had given the gravedigger some difficulties. The grave had caved in three times, we had to overcome these issues and deliver this funeral come what may. The approach to the church was difficult with six steps up to an uneven pathway. Rather than shoulder the coffin we chose to use the trolley once we were up the steps due to the terrain and narrow aisle, so giving a smooth entrance in to the church and placement of the coffin.

- James M.

“It has been so refreshing to deal with a business that listens to its customers and delivers a personalised service above and beyond expectations. I have unfortunately had to arrange 3 funerals in the last decade and Rod and the team have been head and shoulders above what I have experienced before. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Wells Funeral Services.”

“I would like to say how professional Rod and his team are. From our initial meeting through to the Funeral Service, every process was made as easy as possible. What could have been a very stressful experience was made less so by the way Rod and the Celebrant, Nicky paved the way for myself and my family. I would highly recommend Wells Funeral Services.” - Liz R.

As the church and cemetery in Dorset were an unknown location and venue to us it was important that we carried out a recce before the funeral to calculate travel time and to assess the venue. On the day of the funeral, we left early as we were responsible for putting up signage to direct attendees to the hamlet and tiny church. The weather held up and we were able to deliver this funeral in a professional manner, the family were happy and gave us another five-star review.

Our second took place in one of the small villages near Wells. From the initial meeting with the gentleman’s family, we gathered this would not be your ‘usual’ funeral. We learned that not only had the 97-year-old gentleman died, but his 92-year-old wife was also in hospital and wasn’t expected to live much longer. She sadly died just a week later.

The couple had been together

Following the service, the priest led us outside for the committal. Due to the weaknesses experienced around the grave we kept the family at a safe distance, and the coffin was gently lowered into the ground. All went without issue and the family experienced the funeral they had wished for.

Each burial was different in their own way, but personal and fitting to the families involved. Whether it be a straightforward cremation, a traditional burial or a truly unique funeral, careful planning goes into every funeral we deliver.

Sharing story of skin cancer experiences

A WOMAN from Ston Easton, near Wells, is taking part in a national BBC charity appeal to raise money for a charity supporting people affected by melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma Focus has been selected for a BBC’s Lifeline Appeal, a programme which highlights the work of charities in the UK and invites the audience to donate. The appeal will be broadcast on May 28, and Jess Maggs will be appearing and sharing her experiences of being diagnosed with melanoma and how she found strength and support from the Melanoma Patient Conference.

Melanoma Focus provides support for those affected by the disease, along with funding research into new treatments and helping to raise awareness.

The charity’s Melanoma Helpline can be the first point of call for people newly diagnosed or grappling with treatment

choices. Patients and carers are also welcomed to the annual Melanoma Patient Conference, which aims to empower patients and provide information about the latest treatments.

The BBC appeal coincides with Melanoma Awareness Month. Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third in the UK. There are now about 16,700 new cases every year (46 every day) and it is expected to continue to rise.

Jess, aged 43, said: “I was diagnosed with melanoma in 2018 after showing a suspicious looking mole to my GP and being referred to dermatology. I was completely blindsided by the diagnosis, it was terrifying. I had a two-year-old and a four-yearold at the time and it was like a bomb going off in my world. I had two operations and a year of treatments and am relieved to say I’m currently NED (no

evidence of disease). I’m still living with some side-effects, but they are managed and will be a small price to pay for, hopefully, a longer life.

“I’m so grateful for the information and support I received from Melanoma Focus, and attending the charity’s Melanoma Patient Conference gave me hope for the future. I came away feeling more confident and certain that I now had the tools and knowledge to support myself on the journey, whatever that might be.”

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, said: “Melanoma skin cancer is a serious and potentially fatal condition. We’re delighted that Jess is supporting our BBC Lifeline appeal to raise awareness of melanoma and raise vital funds for our charity’s work.”

For more information, visit the Lifeline website at bbc.co.uk/ lifeline.

Jess Maggs with her family, and filming for the BBC’s Lifeline Appeal

n WHAT’S ON Music event in aid of Poppy Appeal

THE third Wells Branch Royal British Legion Summer Concert in aid of the Poppy Appeal takes place at The Bishop’s Palace on Sunday, June 11.

It will feature Warminster Military Wives Choir, a group of ladies in the Warminster area who are connected to the Forces. The support act will be 16-year-old singer-songwriter Meg Curl. Meg is a student at Wells Cathedral School and performed at the Wells Coronation celebrations on May 7. After having classical vocal training at Wells Cathedral, she now expresses herself through a folk-indie pop writing style.

The gates open at 6.30pm, and the concert starts at 7pm. Tickets are £15, Under 17s £10, on sale in person at The Bishop’s Palace or online at www. bishopspalace.org.uk

OPEN DAY

Saturday 17 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. Music from Old Grey Dogs jazz band between 1.30pm and 3pm.

Opportunity to see Sunrise with Swans

ON Saturday, July 1, the Swan Singers and the Swan Consort of Players are giving a concert at St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells. Under the direction of Tricia Rees-Jones, the popular local chamber choir will perform two works: the contemporary Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass and Membra Jesu Nostri written in 1680 by Dieterich Buxtehude.

The Sunrise Mass has been described as “lyrical, lush, evocative, and stirring”, words which could also be applied to the Buxtehude, despite its entirely contrasting musical style.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets (£12) are available on the door. For bookings and

Sharon Haigh’s talk at the Labour Party Coffee Morning on June 10 will discuss the work of Reaching the Unreached, an organisation that helps vulnerable children, women and families in South India

Coffee Morning with informative talk

THE next Labour Party, Wells Branch, Coffee Morning will take place at the Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, on Saturday, June 10, from 10am-12pm. During the event, Sharon Haigh will give an illustrated talk, Making a difference to poverty in India: Reaching the Unreached. Reaching the Unreached (RTU) is a grassroots organisation which focuses on

further information contact info@swansingers.com

Evening of vibrant music in store

THERE is an opportunity in June to join PRP Contemporary Choir and Friends in concert and experience an evening of vibrant and energising pop music, firstrate solos and more.

With a live band, and outstanding singers and musical

helping and supporting the most vulnerable children, women and families, in impoverished regions in South India.

Sharon Haigh works with churches and the Rotary Club to support RTU by providing funds and sponsoring children. She will talk about needs and achievements, and the support work done in the UK. Everybody welcome.

talent, the stage is set for an exciting evening showcasing Wells’ newest choir.

The concert is at the Portway Annexe on Friday, June 16, at 7.30pm (bar opens 7pm). Tickets are strictly limited and can be booked by contacting Emma Wheat: emma@ emmawheatmusic.co.uk or 07746 299348.

Concert to feature talented violinist

TALENTED local violinist

Poppy McGhee is appearing at a Summer Concert in July.

Poppy, who lives in Wells and can sometimes to be seen busking in the Market Place, will perform The Lark Ascending, the piece which first inspired her to take up the violin at the age of five after hearing it performed by Nicola Benedetti.

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John Beasley 01749 672482

Other pieces she will play will include music by Beethoven and Kreisler.

The concert will take place in St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar, at 4pm on Sunday, July 9, in aid of the St Andrew’s fabric fund and The Amber Trust, which brings

music into the lives of children who are blind and/or autistic. Also taking part in the concert will be young pianist Ashleigh Turley, who is supported by the Trust, and the male singing ensemble The Somernotes. Entrance on the door will be £12, students £5, children aged 10 and under free.

Folk and Barn dance

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

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

Social Dancing

SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, Sequence, Latin) takes place every Friday evening at Henton village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, from 7pm to 9pm.

People do not have to be good, simply go along and join in. The cost is £6 per hour, and refreshments are provided. For more information, call 07769 603937.

Oxfam Quiz Night

THERE will be an Oxfam Quiz Night at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, June 4, 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £4 per team member.

To book, phone David on 01749 673356. Raffle prizes welcomed.

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am

WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm

THURSDAYS

Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

FRIDAYS

Pilates 9.15am Zoom hybrid Location Wells Town Hall. Small, mixed ability classes. To apply, contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Folk club meetings

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

More at punchsfolkclub. yolasite.com

n WHAT’S ON Summer concert by community choir

WELLS community choir, the Chorus of Disapproval will be holding their annual summer concert in June, and this year the theme of summer itself will be centre stage, with the choir tackling several feelgood pop songs such as the Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun and Mr Blue Sky by the Electric light Orchestra.

The classic medley Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In from the musical Hair also makes the set list, along with the suitably summery Bring Me Sunshine.

The concert will take place at the Little Theatre, Wells, on Saturday, June 17, at 7.30pm. Tickets (£8/£6 concession) will be available on the door. A bar will be available.

TAI CHI

Wells Blue Sports Centre

Mondays

6pm – 7pm

£5 per class

Bob 07791 291886

Garden Open Day

A GARDEN Open Day is being held at Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, on Saturday, June 3.

Visitors will be welcome at the historic walled garden from 10.30am-3pm, when there will also be plants for sale. Free entry, donations welcome.

Village fete returns

PEOPLE are invited to go along and enjoy the return of the traditional village fete to Dinder, near Wells, in June.

Dinder Village Fete will take place on Saturday, June 17, from 2pm-5pm.

There will lots of stalls, a barbecue, games, teas, plants, crafts, and fun for children.

Entry is £2, free parking. Organisers request that no dogs are taken along.

Miniature art show

THE Hilliard Society of Miniaturists’ International Exhibition of Miniature Art will take place at Wells Town Hall from June 10-17.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am-5pm (closed on Sunday, June 11; closes 4pm on

Opera first of outdoor productions

THE first of the summer season outdoor productions at The Bishop’s Palace will take place on June 30 when Opera Brava bring La Bohème to the South Lawn, followed by La Traviata on July 1.

That will be followed by New Amen Corner with hits from the Eighties on July 20; the Lord Chamberlain’s Men performing Romeo and Juliet on July 23; The Pantaloons with a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma on August 3, and their take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice

June 17), and can also be viewed online at www.hilliardsociety. org from June 10. There will be a Miniature Painting Workshop with guest artist Michael Coe on June 10, and daily demonstrations of miniature painting during exhibition hours from June 12-16.

in Wonderland on August 9; and to finish the season, Pinch Punch will be welcoming guests aboard their show Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit, on August 18 and 19.

All theatre productions begin at 6.30pm (Opera Brava at 7pm) and audiences are invited to take a picnic blanket or low-backed seating along with their own picnic and drinks. The performances will take place regardless of the weather.

More details at bishopspalace. org.uk

Irish Set Dancing

IRISH Set Dancing takes place on Thursday evenings in Dinder Village Hall from 8pm-10pm, from September to June. Beginners are welcome, and no partner is necessary.

This is a lively and interesting form of folk dancing that is good for the brain too. Each dance consists of four or five parts, and is danced in a set of four pairs. Instructions are given during every dance.

The cost is £3 including refreshments. More information from Paul Harper: 01458 210051 or paulharper@btopenworld. com

Sing-along sessions

GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along sessions for older people take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, 24 Southover, BA5 1UH.

Run by Al and Annie Whitley, the sessions start at 1.45pm for

tea and coffee, with the singing of songs from the Fifties onwards from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Newcomers welcome.

Call to all singers

THERE is an opportunity to sing Verdi’s Requiem at Wells Cathedral, in a special event hosted by Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society on June 3, from 10am-4pm.

All are welcome to spend the day with leading choral director Nigel Perrin, learning and performing one of Verdi’s masterpieces.

The day is open to singers of all abilities and confidence levels. Some sight-singing ability will be beneficial, though the pace of the day will be relaxed and informal. Numbers are limited so prompt booking is recommended at wcos.org.uk/come-sing-2023

Board game nights

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, June 7, and Wednesday, June 21, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Canine First Aid Level 2

This course is designed to give you basic knowledge and confidence in canine first aid prior to guidance from your vet. The next course is at Walton Village Hall, BA16 9LA, on 15 July, 9.30am. Cost £45. The course is fully accredited. For more details on this or future courses contact Stuart on 07778 402075 or Caroline on 07809 407051.

Pub music events

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

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

All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune, join in a chorus or just listen and enjoy.

For more information, contact: Richard 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com

An outdoor production at The Bishop’s Palace

This year’s Hilliard Society of Miniaturists’ International Exhibition of Miniature Art opens in Wells Town Hall on June 10

Writer said Wells ideal place for long sleep

IN Woolmer’s Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, September 4, 1847, there is a written description of Wells in the same year.

It was before the railway came to the city in 1859 and the city slept in the hollow beneath the Mendip Hills.

The writer is unidentified in the piece but his sentiments, if one took away the motor vehicles in the contemporary city, might still be recognised, in part, 170 years on:

Wells is a unique little city, fair in itself and fortunate in its locality.

If there is one spot in this busy England of ours which sooner than another that I should select, rather than another should I want a long sleep, it is Wells.

It is sunny and drowsy in summer, wet and silent in winter, it is quietude in itself,

with its solemn and monastic cathedral close, its swept but airless streets, its smooth-faced houses, closed hall doors and polished brass knockers.

Its very neatness hushes you, there is always one eccentric man to be seen in the street but sometimes, even in noon day, not a second and such is the repose usually in this place, that the only sound you can sometimes hear from one end to another, is the splash of the public fountain that supplies the centre.

I thought myself I could often recognise this sound, as, on some sultry summer’s day I descended the steep of Mendip and looked down on this picturesque place of slumberers.

Wells indeed seems as if it has sprung up, cathedral and cross and houses all in one day in olden times and never changed

since. The oldest inhabitant does not recollect, I believe, a house being built: there is a neat, stationary, and antique air about it.

When the face of this country is tattooed with railways and winding and twisting and turning lines find out the most lonely towns and villages, Wells is so far Urbs Intacta in this respect. There is no necessity for communication unless some prebend gives a dinner and is compelled to send to Bristol or Bath for a salmon and shrimps.

Yet with all this quiet, the old place with its palace, its cathedral, its cross is poetry itself.

It is full of memories of old, monuments of the heroic and great times for the Church, all toned down by rustic softness and repose.

Wells as depicted on the Simes Map of 1735 in an image courtesy of Wells & Mendip Museum. Copies are available from the museum shop priced £5.

‘There is a neat, stationary, and antique air’ about Wells says the author of an 1847 article about the city

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

A DAY in Wells should include St Cuthbert’s. So said Antonia Gwynn, parish administrator and churchwarden, as she spoke to Wells Civic Society at their May gathering, which was held in the church. If anyone was in any doubt about this, they surely weren’t after a fascinating evening of listening about and touring the church, and please note, touring means many of the group ascending the 166 steps and out on to the top of the tower.

The church once had another, central tower which either collapsed or was removed in 1561. This present ascent included a stop in the ringing chamber, which also houses the mechanism of the clock, which is now wound electronically, as well as more than a glimpse of the eight unusually heavy bells, the oldest of which dates from 1683. The group was surprised to hear that when the bells are in full flow, the tower can be felt to sway. The guide for the tower part of the evening was the vicar, the Rev Sam Denyer who, apart from warmly welcoming the group at the beginning of the evening, made two trips up the tower in order to accommodate realistically the numbers.

Sam’s name is to be found as the present incumbent at the bottom of a rather long list of previous vicars, fully chronicled, with the one at the top dated 1239. The date of the first recorded church warden is 1348.

So numerous and interesting are the features of St Cuthbert’s that there was a further choice of tours. One, led by Patsy Barrow, concentrated on the north reredos, a reredos being an ornamental screen covering the wall at the back of an altar, although St Cuthbert’s actually has a south rerodos, too. In the 16th century, in accordance with religious practices either in vogue or being imposed at the time, they were hacked down, used to fill in niches, and plastered over until discovered, still with much of their original bright colour, in 1848 by workmen engaged in a general renovation.

Something else that St Cuthbert’s also has two of is royal coats of arms, Charles I and Charles II. This was pointed out by Antonia as she took a general tour of the church. She

remarked at how the visitors who do not know the church at all are amazed when they notice the high and colourful ceiling, with its intriguing angels. We owe the ceiling’s striking colour to the vision of the then vicar’s wife in 1963. Antonia pointed out particularly the wooden pulpit of 1636, with at least one or two remarkable carvings, and the Treasury, which has been used for various purposes, not the least noteworthy of which was garaging the town’s fire engine, which made for an interesting diversion if it had to be put to use and exit the church while a service was taking place.

Antonia surmised that the name of the church, bearing in mind that St Cuthbert was a Northumbrian monk of the 600s who never visited this part of the country, harks back to the Anglo Saxon period and previous churches either on or very close the site of the present church, which dates from the 13th century. St Cuthbert’s is the civic church of Wells, and the vicar is always the mayor’s chaplain. But even more, it is part of the tradition of the lives of generations of citizens of Wells. It is the largest parish church in Somerset, a fact which leads to the frequent question from tourists as they come upon it from a car park or the coach station and ask if it is the cathedral.

It had been a fascinating evening, well led by Antonia with the keenness of her commentary, her glimpses of a dry humour, and above all, her love of St Cuthbert’s. Antonia, Patsy and Sam were warmly thanked on

behalf of the society by the chair, Chris Winter, who clearly appreciated that events such as this do not organise themselves.

The next meeting is also something of a departure, and in two ways. It is the time of year for the society’s Summer Social. Weather permitting, but inside if wet, this will be in the garden of the museum, Cathedral Green, on Wednesday, June 14, at 6.30pm: please note the time. This year, though, there will also be a speaker, local stained glass artist, Edgar Phillips. For further details or information about any aspects of the society’s work, please email Chris, chair@ wellscivicsociety.org.uk or visit wellscivicsociety.org.uk

Richard Hanks

WELLS TUESDAY WI

THE May meeting was our AGM and whilst we try hard not to fixate on the ‘business end of things’ it is good to reflect from time to time on just how many positive things have happened during the year. We now have over 20 sub-groups and a number of ad hoc ones that spring into life for one-off events, like our trip this month to Fussels which follows on from April’s talk by Tim.

We now have a beautiful banner we can display at events and an enthusiastic membership who support each other and embrace everything WI has to offer.

Last night after the committee was re-elected (always good to have some continuity, but equally lovely to have new

members with fresh ideas) Lisa talked to us from East Somerset Railway. We are hoping to plan a visit in the near future.

Lisa told us about ‘railway mania’ which took off in 1845, and how the Shepton Mallet element of the line was even then intended to help in Shepton’s ‘regeneration’. The train link was to carry agricultural products –wool, milk, cheese, but also beer, coal and quarry stone. Its speedy beginnings (Wells was still waiting in hope for a line) was linked to the location of the prison with visiting dignitaries not wanting to have long road journeys.

A clever computer simulation showed us a UK map year by year with a surge of trainlines being added and then a huge reduction in the Sixties.

In 1862 the opening of Wells railway was celebrated at The Swan by 19 visiting dignitaries with 47 bottles of booze including 27 bottles of champagne. Good job they weren’t driving.

Good news from Lisa is that Cranmore has received lottery funding to reinstate their second platform and wating room.

The remainder of the meeting concerned the future for May –the Human Toy Machine for the Coronation weekend and our Crazy Casino afternoon tea, supporting the local fashion show and the field to plate Fussels trip.

MENDIP POSTCARD CLUB

IF you are interested in history, photography, maps or art we are sure you would enjoy our club. Each month we enjoy an interesting presentation by one of our members, on a subject of their own choice.

On May 15, Stephen talked about Camille Clifford, the stunning, famous Belgian actress and the original Gibson Girl.

At our next meeting on June 19, From Cob to Concrete looks at the changes in house building over time.

Our friendly Mendip Postcard Club would love to welcome new members to our club meetings at the Wells Town Hall on the third Monday of the month, at 7.30pm. Just turn up for the next meeting, or contact Francis for more details: francisthyer@ btinternet.com. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Antonia Gwynn talking to Wells Civic Society in St Cuthbert’s Church

AROUND THE SOCIETIES

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

ON May 3 we celebrated the Coronation with a delicious supper prepared and served by some of our members. Accompanied by wine and sparkling elderflower a toast was raised to our new King. This was followed by a presentation on the life of King Charles III and then a boisterous rendition of Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem with vigorous waving of flags.

For our next meeting on June 7 we welcome the Rev Rowena Francis speaking about volunteering in the Gaza. If you would like to join us we hold our meetings in St Thomas’ Church Hall at 7pm and we would be very pleased to see you.

Pat Dyer

WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

ON May 9, the group had an evening visit to Ham Wall which began in the wet and ended with a sunset and a new species. Many regulars of this wetland reserve were encountered including reed warbler, willow warbler, chiff-chaff, blackcap and great White egret. Occasionally the fog horn like call of a bittern could be heard but the bird itself kept itself well down in the reeds.

Towards the end of the visit the group had an unforgettable encounter with a great reed warbler. This thrush-sized bird was firstly heard singing its loud and varied song and then sighted as it moved towards the top of a reed stem where it could be clearly seen. It continued singing in clear view for several minutes but had the sense to drop down and conceal itself when a marsh Harrier drifted over.

By now our summer migrants, including swallows, swifts, martins and warblers have settled in and are setting about breeding. But other migrants are also arriving. A butterfly to look out for is the painted lady; looking like a red admiral but having orange rather than red markings. These butterflies have originated in North Africa and will progress up across Europe and may even reach the Arctic Circle by the end of summer. On country walks look out for them on thistle flowers but they can be attracted

to any nectar-rich plant in gardens as well as the buddleia, the ‘butterfly bush’, later on in the year.

Our next outing is to Collard Hill on June 13 (10am to noon) to look for Large Blue butterflies and hear about its fascinating life cycle. We also hope to see other species of butterflies, birdlife and the many wildflowers which grow in the area.

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

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

Graham Allen

CITY OF WELLS PROBUS CLUB

IN April, a group of 28 members, partners and guests spent

four nights in Chester for our annual spring holiday. On the coach drive up we stopped in Llangollen for a couple of hours, giving us time to explore.

The next day was a free day to explore Chester. This is a lovely city and people chose to walk around the walls, take a boat trip on the River Dee, visit the cathedral and the Roman amphitheatre or go shopping in the famous Chester Rows.

The next day our coach took us to Port Sunlight near Ellesmere Port on the river Mersey.

Port Sunlight was built in 1887 to house workers at Lever’s Soap Factory. William Lever believed that his employees deserved good housing with gardens, schools, churches, theatres, and other social facilities. We were given an excellent guided tour by a lady who now owns one of the properties. She told us that residents now pay £1 a year to have their front gardens maintained.

On our third day we went for a guided tour of the National Waterways Museum followed by a visit to the Anderton canal boat lift.

On our final day on the way home we stopped at the RAF museum at Cosford and spent a couple of hours looking at a wide selection of old aircraft including Concorde, a Vulcan and World War One and Two planes.

Our April meeting featured Gerhard Perold talking about the history of South African wines. The Dutch East India Company used Cape Town to resupply vessels and planted vines to

make wine. In 1814 Roland Perot (later Perold) arrived from France as a prisoner. He aided the Cape government in researching grape varieties around the world. He crossed the Pinot Noir vine with Hermitage to create the Pinotage variety with the first barrel being produced in 1941. South Africa is now a major supplier of high quality red and white wines.

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

AT the May meeting, the last of the season, of the Wells Railway Fraternity, Canon Brian Arman delivered a slide presentation entitled Railway Roundabout featuring images taken by several different photographers. A range of subjects included the Great Western mainline from Paddington to Reading in the 1950s and 60s, early diesels, poster art, the Somerset and Dorset Railway, South Wales in Swansea and Neath and finally the LNER East Coast Mainline from Kings Cross.

Featured in the GWR section of the show was the family development of GW express steam power from the Stars to the Castles and then ultimately of the King class which were the most powerful until diesels took over. Similarly mixed traffic engines from the Saints to the Hall and Grange classes were shown. The less glamorous Pannier Tank station pilots at Paddington and large freight engines also featured. It was pointed out that through optical alignment of the locomotive frames the GWR engines saved

The Anderton canal boat lift was one of the sights seen on the City of Wells Probus Club’s annual spring holiday

St Thomas Women’s Fellowship members at their Coronation celebration

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

money on maintenance, while the lack of development of superheating lead impaired efficiency at raising steam. The GWR did not get everything right.

The British Railways modernisation plan of the mid1950s saw steam begin to be replaced by diesel power. Some of the new diesel locomotives were not very reliable and indeed some were prone to catch fire. Engine replacement often improved the position. Early mainline diesels had little better performance than the steam locomotives they replaced but eventually the arrival of Brush Type 4s (class 47) and on the former LNER mainline Deltic (class 55) locomotives saw steam surpassed.

Being local the S&D section was of great interest to the audience.

Posters shown included early Baldwins Nervous Pills, Birds Custard and Wincarnis Tonic wine from the turn of the 20th century, the latter being the first to feature attractive young ladies! The railway companies developed their own posters to advertise destinations, an early example of tourism. Perhaps the most famous being the GNR poster proclaiming ‘Skegness is so Bracing’. A case of making a virtue out of reality.

At the other end of the scale the pictures of engines around Swansea and Neath featured small dock shunters of a variety of different manufacturers.

A brief look at the LNER line showed the world speed record holder Mallard and some earlier iconic GNR/LNER engines.

Wells Railway Fraternity meets on the second Tuesday of the month in Wells Town Hall at 19:30 Hours when talks covering a wide variety of railway subjects are given. The new season commences in September. New members and guests are always welcome.

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

The annual Railwells Model Railway Exhibition will be held in Wells Town Hall on the weekend of August 12 and 13.

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

AT our meeting on Tuesday, May 10, chairman, Sylvia Ingham introduced our demonstrator

Selena Denham who joined us from Calne. Her demonstration was entitled My Family and Other Animals.

Her first arrangement was in two parts, matching vases were arranged in two ways which reflected the differences in personalities of her two nieces. One was filled in a traditional way with pink geminis and yellow chrysanthemums and the other was an upright modern design just of geminis.

A keen birdwatcher, Selena’s second design depicted a red kite she sees from her garden. Using a mixture of red

dried grasses and twigs as a foundation, the body of the bird was shaped with dark red button chrysanthemums.

Next, it was off to the beach where we were introduced to Selena’s cousin, a beachcomber. The glass container had been painted with sand and held a beautiful array of cream avalanche roses, choisya flowers and shells.

Then, we were transported to the Alps and a snow scene of white carnations and alstroemerias before we met Selena’s elderly aunts who had an Old Masters painting on their

wall that fascinated her. Using orange lilies as her main flower, she added a beautiful array of tulips of different colours.

Non Hobson gave the vote of thanks and Sandra Gibby and Claire Axten served the teas.

Plans are taking shape for our flower festival in The Bishop’s Palace from Thursday, August 10, to Sunday, August 13, to celebrate our 70 years of floral art in Wells. Each room in the Palace will reflect a decade beginning with the 1950s.

We are thrilled to be supported by some of the best prize-winning national demonstrators in the area.

In the meantime we are fundraising with a cream tea and demonstration in June and a willow weaving day school in July.

Our next demonstration is on Tuesday, June 13, when area demonstrator, Cathryn Brown will present 50 Things That Make You Happy. Cathryn is one of our guest designers at the Palace. It is at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells.

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

OUR 12th anniversary AGM was a time to reflect on the successes of the past year.

Contact is still made with members unable to physically attend, and a warm welcome has been extended to new members who help the group continue to evolve and thrive.

The main comment from members was how we have rallied round to help each other in times of need, a group of really caring people.

The strength of the group is in a hard-working committee who are concentrating on encouraging new members. We are pleased to welcome a group of gentlemen as fibromyalgia is not just hitting ladies.

Tanya was thanked for running the group for so many years and also for making a delicious chocolate cake.

Safeguarding and Risk Assessment were updated on the constitution.

Our speaker on June 7 is Bonny Sartin from the Yetties Folk Group. He will be talking and singing about The Labourer’s Lot.

On July 5, Colin Price will be talking about Wells Railway.

Top, demonstrator Selena Denham with one of her floral art arrangements; and above, members of Mendip Fibromyalgia Support Group with the 12th anniversary chocolate cake

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS U3A

ONE of the great advantages of joining Wells u3a is that we have monthly talks, open to all members, covering a wide variety of subjects.

In the past we have enjoyed talks by Christopher Massy-Beresford covering the history of Finland over 100 years 1918-2018 and its close neighbour Russia during and since the Second World War. We had a very amusing talk by Len Sweales, our Town Crier, covering the joys and problems of his post in the city. There was a talk by Dick Stevens who talked passionately about the work of Water Aid, but in May things were not quite so serious. This was something different.

Kay Wych is a living history presenter. She gave us an animated and amusing account of her early life in Glastonbury, where she still lives, and how, in order to get rid of her strong local accent, which only became obvious to her when she joined the “posh accents” of the Moorlands sheepskin factory secretarial staff, she was advised to get into drama. She joined a Glastonbury amateur dramatics club, and started to get parts in the Mystery Plays and other productions. On the way she learnt much from a director at Strode Theatre who wrote plays for the Festival of Britain and who became Professor of English at Columbia University, New York.

While she was relating this to her audience, Kay gradually dressed in the costume of a poor Tudor kitchen maid, and before we knew it before our eyes, she had morphed completely into the character. She was Alyce Cleeve in 1538, during the reign of Henry VIII, serving the Abbot of Glastonbury. She described how the Abbey was destroyed by the King’s men as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and very ably assisted by her husband, Bill, as one of the King’s officers, most effectively and emotionally, how the Abbot was put on trial and eventually hung, drawn and quartered. It was a consummate, bravura performance, enjoyed by all.

In contrast in June we are looking forward to a talk by John Smith on The Battle of Britain over Somerset when he will explore our county and its part in the Second World War.

Another attraction to join Wells u3a, also held monthly, are talks presented by the Local History Group. The latest talk was on the 17th-century mapmaker, John Ogilby, and the Route from Bristol to Wells given by Hilary Little. In the last 20 years both she and her husband have become fascinated by the strip maps produced by John Ogilby in the 1670s and have several framed originals.

On acquiring one entitled the Route from Bristol to Exeter they set about tracing the original route of the section from Bristol to Wells on the ground. This was not a particularly easy exercise despite the wealth of detail in the strip maps but they persevered over several weeks and the talk was about the result. This was not, of course, the only route between Bristol and Wells in existence at that time but it was the one described by his surveyors and published by John Ogilby in his atlas in 1675.

In her talk Hilary explored the fascinating life of John Ogilby from dancing master to theatre owner, publisher and finally ‘His Majesty’s Cosmographer and Geographic Printer’. This group have also organised a day trip in June on the West Somerset Railway from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead with a cream tea on the return train and return coach from Wells.

There is always plenty of things of interest if you join Wells u3a. Just look on our website u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home where you can find all the

groups available and even watch some videos of some of them talking about the joy of belonging to their particular group.

Ann Brown, John King, Maureen Boylan and Hilary Little

WOOKEY HOLE WI

OUR AGM took on an air of celebration and a walk down memory lane. We toasted the King and during the business part of the meeting we welcomed Julie, one of our newer members, as she joined the committee. We then exchanged many interesting royal stories. A display of treasured family items, photographs taken with royalty, press cuttings, and even a letter sent by Edward VIII to the father of one of our ladies prompted further discussion.

A rather splendid King Edward VIII Coronation teapot was obviously issued before his abdication. We enjoyed tea with a festive theme.

Our next meeting is on Monday, June 6, at 2pm at Wookey Hole Caves Hotel.

Our speaker is one of our own members who will tell us about her adventures when she sailed the world with her husband. Visitors and new members most welcome.

WELLS & MENDIP ASTRONOMERS

IN June we welcome Dr Emma Curtis-Lake, JWST Webb Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire.

Dr Curtis-Lake spoke to us last year just as the first images were published from the James Webb Space Telescope. The revolution in our understanding that JWST will bring is now becoming more clear and we will be given the latest news by a scientist at the heart of the emerging science.

The talk will take place at Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, on Friday, June 23, from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Visitors are very welcome.

For those who would like to attend online, Billetto tickets are available at https://billetto. co.uk/e/wma-meeting-jwst-thescience-emerging-by-dr-emmacurtis-lake-tickets-757124

Members – free. Visitors: Adult – £5; Family rate – £7.50; Students – £3.

WELLS ANALYTICAL PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY

Over the past 12 years or more, a participating audience of about 25 has gathered in the lecture theatre of Wells Museum, on the first Monday morning of each month at 10.30. We have discussed topics ranging from religion without belief to illusions of democracy, from the nature of truth to euthanasia, from Camus to Wittgenstein, from political fairness to the moral traps of empathy, from scepticism to the philosophy of education. Everyone is welcome and no prior familiarity with academic philosophy is expected. Our next debate, on June 5, asks What’s So Intelligent About Artificial Intelligence?

Just pop in for a friendly taster, or contact Alan Hobbs on 01749 677949 for further information. The topic for each month hereafter will be posted a fortnight in advance on the Wells Library noticeboard. No January meeting.

Bill and Kay Wych in the parts of Richard Pollard, the King’s officer, and Alyce Cleeve, the 16th-century kitchen maid, for a talk they gave to members of Wells u3a

The King Edward VIII Coronation teapot shown at Wookey Hole WI

Bishop opens season as play resumes on Palace lawns

CROQUET

AS summer is approaching the members of The Palace Croquet Club are once again on the lawns of The Bishop’s Palace most afternoons of the week.

Members were delighted that Bishop Michael, who is President of the Club, found time recently to come on to the lawns at the Palace to officially open the season. This is a bit later in the year than usual because the Bishop had a much more important duty to carry out at Westminster Abbey. Bishop Michael also found time to play a game of croquet with members and to demonstrate his skill in the game.

Members of the club enjoy playing both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet. The club plays friendly matches against other local croquet clubs and organises social club tournaments for members.

Croquet has been played regularly on the lawns in front of The Bishop’s Palace since 1976 when Horace Southwell approached the newly appointed Bishop Bickersteth about allowing croquet to be played

on the lawn at the Palace. The Bishop was very keen as he thought that croquet would fit well with the character of Wells. At first it was just one afternoon a week and then two. Now

members play five days per week and at the weekends with friends and new members. The club welcomes new members. Introductory lessons are given so no experience is

necessary. Anyone interested in joining the club and playing in the beautiful surroundings of The Bishop’s Palace should contact Club Secretary Jonathan Rendel on 01749 345355.

Electric atmosphere at big fight night

WELLS ABC have hailed their second boxing show in two years at Wookey Hole as a huge success.

There were coaches and boxers from as far away as Birmingham and St Pirans in Truro, who were boxing for the Western Counties 65kg68kg novice title belt. Also in attendance and presenting the trophies to the boxers was Bristol world champion Glen Catley.

“An electric atmosphere was created by boxers and spectators alike,” said Wells coach Graham Kelly.

He said that the boxing show is important to the boxers and volunteer coaches as Wells ABC is a not-for-profit organisation charging minimal entrance fees of juniors at £2 and seniors £3 per session three times a week.

“The show is a way of making

it possible for our ABA licensed boxers to have the opportunity to showcase while trying out the skills they have been taught at the club in front of a home crowd of friends and family,” he said.

“It also gives the opportunity to hopefully raise a few pounds to help upgrade and replace or

repair the kit in the gym along with sharing a small amount with our partnered club the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club in the township of Hermanus in South Africa.

“All in all it was a good evening of amateur boxing and entertainment.”

Boxers in one of the bouts at the Wookey Hole event

Wells boxing coaches

Bishop Michael with members of The Palace Croquet Club at the official opening of the season

n SPORT

Top performances in county championship

THERE was quite a week recently for Mendip Golf Club Ladies and Ladies Captain Aimee Sawyer.

Mendip hosted the Somerset Ladies Championship. Aimee led after the first round with an excellent 2 under par 73. Round 2 saw a strong challenge from Harriet Lockley from Burnham & Berrow, playing off a Plus 5 handicap, but with a 77 Aimee held on to win by 1 shot and become Somerset Ladies Champion for 2023. With all that Aimee has had to cope with in the past three years, what an achievement.

However there was more to celebrate with 17-year-old Ellen Reakes finishing 3rd and 13-year-old Ffion Richardson finishing 6th. In addition, 15-year-old Connie Cox with an amazing 12 under par score won the Net Trophy by 12 shots. And finally Mendip won the Holt Shield for the team with the best 3 net scores.

The Men’s Mid Week Stableford saw a win for Simon Grant with a fine 40 points. The Avalon C Team visited Wells and came away with a halved match. Winners for Mendip were David Graham/Wayne Srawley, and Gary Quin/John Ellis with Dean Lewer/Clive Copp gaining the allimportant half point.

The weather tried its best to spoil the Ladies Qualifier and resulted in a small but brave field. Division 1 was won by Penny Oliver with 33 points. Division 2 went to Debbie Godwin with 31.

The Seniors Avalon League Team kicked off their season with a good 3½1½ win against Wells. Wins came from Steve Davis/Dave Golledge who sealed the match-winning point on the 18th, Simon Brand/Tony Taylor and Bryan Lewis/John Stembridge with Gary Quin/John Ellis gaining a half.

New players welcome

BADMINTON

WELLS City Badminton Club plays every Wednesday from 8pm-10pm at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre.

It welcomes new members who already have some playing experience. For more information, contact Chrissie Allen: 07971 340591.

Wednesday meetings

TABLE TENNIS

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

GOLF

Seasonal

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p r o g r a m m e o f e v e n t s

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P a l a c e a n d G a r d e n s

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Half term family crafting

Summer outdoor productions

hand-tied bouquet workshop

July