Wells Voice March 2023

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March 2023 Issue 69

Day to showcase what Annexe has to offer AN Open Day is being held at the Portway Annexe in March to demonstrate the wide range of activities that have started up there since it reopened nearly a year ago.

The building was bought

by Wells City Council when Somerset County Council put it up for sale, and having been refurbished, it is now a thriving community centre used by hundreds of people every week.

“It’s been a year of challenges, but worth it to see the Annexe grow into a bustling community venue,” said Portway Annexe Manager Alex Westwood.

“We’re now home to more than 30 different hirers and groups including dance classes, fitness instructors, counselling and therapy, hobby groups and SS&L courses.”

The Open Day will take place on Saturday, March 25, from 12pm-4pm, when the public are invited in to talk to activity organisers and will have the

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Newspaper of the Year nomination Wells Voice shortlisted in this year’s Newspaper Awards Turn to page 4

Petition a chance to back Britannia Public urged to show support for saving pub for community Turn to page 5

Gripping stories of rock pool pals Author draws on memories for new series of children’s books Turn to page 8

Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley lights a candle in St Callixtus Chapel, which has been set aside for prayer for Ukraine and her people, after the Vigil for Ukraine in Wells Cathedral on February 26 MORE ON PAGES 6&7

Continued on page 2

More star names join comedy bill Mark Watson and Rosie Jones among those coming to Wells Turn to page 14

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Chance to find out more about activities

From page 1 chance to sign up for things that interest them.

“This is a great opportunity for locals to get to know the various events we play host to,” said Alex.

“Edgar Phillips, renowned stained glass and resident Annexe artist, will have his wings on show for photo opportunities, as well as being open to discussing his various charitable works and celebrity commissions.

“Wells Rotary Club will be promoting an exciting new event taking place this summer, and councillors from The Portway Annexe Management Group will be on site to gather public feedback, and find out what locals want to see more of at the Portway Annexe.”

The full weekly events listing can be found at wells.gov.uk/ portway-annexe---what-s-on-

Manager Alex Westwood at the Portway Annexe A physical copy is also available to collect from the Admin office at the Annexe.

There are still some spaces available for new activities, on Wednesday evenings, Friday

afternoons and Saturdays. Of those who take space currently, Alex said: “I would like to give thanks to two groups in particular, the Portway Music School, whose passion for teaching has ignited a new wave of young musicians in the area, and the Djembe Drum Circle, whose relentless hard work and positivity has raised very generous weekly donations to the Music Rooms.

“We’ve also been working closely with Wells Community Network, as well as Anna Tumanova – our newly appointed Refugee Hub Manager – to support refugees with education, employment and supplying donations.

“The workload seems endless – but that’s how I like it. I’m excited to see what the next year will bring.” u Music Centre’s popularity grows, page 22

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Student finally graduates after 50 years A STUDENT who started a PhD in 1970 finally graduated this February.

Dr Nick Axten, now 76 and living in Wells, said he needed “a long hard think” over the more than 50 intervening years.

In 1970 Dr Axten received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship for a PhD in mathematical sociology at the University of Pittsburgh. But after five years he returned to the UK with the PhD unfinished.

On February 14 the University of Bristol conferred him a Doctor of Philosophy in front of his wife Claire Axten and 11-year-old granddaughter Freya.

Dr Axten said: “What I was trying to do in the early Seventies was exceptionally difficult.

“Some problems are so great it takes the best part of a lifetime to get your head around them.

They need a long hard think.

This one has taken me 50 years.”

Dr Axten’s research, which he hopes to publish, builds on the ideas he was working on in America five decades ago. It is a new theory for understanding human behaviour based on the values each person holds. Dr Axten says it has the potential to change our view of behavioural psychology.

When he started his undergraduate course in Leeds in 1967, men wore their hair long and women were wearing miniskirts.

Smoking inside university buildings was the norm and personal computers were still sci-fi.

wanted to understand people.

“I have loved being a student again at Bristol University. All of the other philosophy graduate students were around 23 but they accepted me as one of their own.

“They are clever people full of ideas and I loved talking with them – especially at the pub in the afternoon.”

Dr Nick Axten on the day of his graduation from the University of Bristol; in Leeds in his early 20s; and a photograph he took of a steelworks in Pittsburgh “It was still flower power and there was a revolutionary feel. It was the time of the Vietnam War, Paris, Prague and student sit-ins.

Jack Straw was president of the students’ union in Leeds,” he remembered.

“Sociology and psychology were suddenly boom subjects.

I went to study them because I

He added: “Doing a PhD is a lot of hard work, but it’s been brilliant.”

Dr Axten went to the University of Bristol in 2016 to do an MA in Philosophy, aged 69. He then studied for a PhD in Philosophy at the same university, finishing in 2022 aged 75.

His University of Bristol supervisor, Professor Samir Okasha, said: “Nick was an incredibly enthusiastic, energetic and committed student during his time here.

“It’s fantastic to see him graduate half a century after he started his original PhD.” During a varied career Dr Axten lived all over the UK and was creator and principal author of the school teaching programme Oxford Primary Science.

He lives in Wells with his wife and is father of two children and has four grandchildren.

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

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

To ensure your news or letter is included in the April issue please contact us by March 22.

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

COMPL AINTS

March 2023

Wells Voice shortlisted for national award WELLS Voice has been shortlisted in The ICNN Independent Newspaper of the Year category in the 2023 Newspaper Awards.

Entry for this category was open to the more than 400 publications produced by independent organisations in the UK and Ireland.

Each entry was judged on the elements of Print Production, Design, Content and Commercial Innovation.

The other nominees in the category are Enfield Dispatch, Hackney Citizen, Hailsham News, The Ambler, The Bristol Cable, The Peckham Peculiar and West Leeds Dispatch.

The Newspaper Awards celebrate “excellence and innovation in the printed newspaper”.

There are 13 categories altogether, including International Newspaper of the Year, National Newspaper of the Year, and Regional Daily Newspaper of the Year.

The winners will be announced at a gala event at the London Hilton Bankside on March 28.

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong.

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

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

Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

Peter Jaggard talks to Sarah-Jane Bungay during filming for BBC Points West at Mendip Hospital Cemetery

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BBC Points West with journalist and presenter Sarah-Jane Bungay visited the Mendip Hospital Cemetery in Wells in February to make a short film about it for the BBC news programme. SarahJane also did voice recordings for BBC Somerset, BBC Gloucestershire and an article for BBC News Online.

The Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery urgently need

gardening volunteers to assist in the upkeep of this special and unique place which has to be carried out 52 weeks of the year. It is as Chair Peter Jaggard describes it “extreme gardening as the site is on a slope and consists of three acres which need regular attention”. u Special site being reopened to visitors, page 32

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jamboree Chance to back plans for Brit Bands to follow quiz A PETITION is being launched online which people can sign to show their support for saving The Britannia Inn for the community.

The pub on Bath Road, Wells, closed in 2021 and is now up for sale with an asking price of £350,000.

Wells City Council has submitted an Asset of Community Value Order (ACVO) application to Mendip District Council for the pub. A listing would protect it from being sold or demolished for six months, giving the community time to put together a bid.

But the district council has asked for more evidence of public support in order to consider the application.

The petition is being set up by Councillor Theo Butt Philip, who is leading the campaign to save the pub, and will be available at savethebrit.com Cllr Butt Philip is also

The Britannia Inn has been closed since June 2021 organising a meeting for members of the community interested in being involved in taking the proposals to buy and run the pub further. The meeting will take place at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Wednesday, March 22, at 7pm.

“I would like to thank everyone who has come forward and expressed their support for a community bid to buy and run the Brit – we will only be able to

take this forward with the buy-in of the community,” he said.

The district council also requested evidence that the city council has agreed to the ACVO application in the form of a decision recorded in the minutes of a city council meeting.

City councillors therefore discussed the application again at the full council meeting on February 23, and formally voted to give it their backing.

A QUIZ held at the Town Hall on January 28 in aid of Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley’s charity of the year, PROMISEworks, raised £1,780.61.

PROMISEworks offers mentoring services to disadvantaged children across Somerset.

The next event in aid of the charity will be The Mayor’s Concert 2023, the annual jamboree for young Wells bands, at Cedars Hall on March 17.

Young musicians from Wells Blue School, Wells Cathedral School and new arrivals from WellsRocks at the Portway Annexe will provide an exciting evening of music from 7pm.

Tickets are available through the Cedars Hall website.

There are 250 young people in Somerset awaiting a mentor with PROMISEworks, of whom 38 are in Mendip.

There is more information at promiseworks.org.uk

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Cathedral vigil marks year of war as help

WELLS Cathedral was packed for a vigil on Sunday, February 26, to mark one year of war in Ukraine, and remember the many lives changed and lost in the conflict.

As part of the vigil, Wells Cathedral Choir gave a performance of the Duruflé Requiem, composed by Maurice Duruflé during the Second World War, with a retiring collection in aid of Somerset Supports Ukraine and the Cathedral.

The Cathedral’s St Callixtus Chapel was open after the vigil for people to light candles and write messages and the names of loved ones in a special book.

Ukrainian families and their hosts in Somerset joined people across the UK to observe the anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine at 11am on Friday, February 24, and the Ukrainian flag was raised at public buildings, including Wells Town Hall and the Mendip District

The Wells Cathedral Choir at the start of their performance of the Duruflé Requiem as part of the Vigil for Ukraine Council offices in Shepton Mallet.

The Wells Refugee Welcome Hub at the Portway Annexe continues to support refugees from Ukraine living in Wells, Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet and the surrounding

villages. The families are mostly women and children, and include a doctor, an ophthalmologist, dentists, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, teachers, IT specialists, online business owners, shop workers, builders and engineers.

The Wells Welcome Hub has been set up by WCN in partnership with Wells City Council, CHARIS, Welcome Hubs and Somerset County Council. It is managed by a Ukrainian, Anna Tumanova, who was appointed after the role was advertised locally, and supported by a team of volunteers.

Many of the children take part in online lessons from their Ukrainian schools, before or after their lessons in local schools. Learning English has been a priority for everyone, and a group of volunteers including retired language teachers from local schools and colleges have come forward to teach the refugees English.

Hub Manager Anna said: “We are all so grateful to local people for offering help and support to Ukrainian families in so many different ways. It has really helped us feel part of the community.”

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continues for those affected by conflict Some Ukrainian families are now reaching the date by which they have to move out of their initial sponsor’s home but have not yet found another sponsor or a place of their own to rent.

The county council’s Homes for Ukraine team and Mendip’s Refugee Housing Officer are working hard to find accommodation, as are the families themselves. However, this is proving difficult.

People who can help – perhaps having registered to sponsor but never having been matched with a refugee family, or with knowledge of someone who registered and has not found a Ukrainian family to host – can email wcnukraine@gmail.com to be put in touch with the Homes for Ukraine team.

Anyone who knows or hears of someone who has accommodation that they would not advertise publicly but might be willing to rent to a refugee

The Ukrainian flag flies from Wells Town Hall family can also get in touch via the same email address.

Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, 745 people in Somerset have registered as hosts, and the county has welcomed 1,417 Ukrainian guests, with 253 guests from the Somerset scheme now moving on to live in their own homes in the UK. Councillor Bill Revans,

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Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “I’m hugely proud of the way this county has stepped up to support the people of Ukraine, as we have done with other resettlement schemes in the past.”

On the first anniversary of the war, volunteers from Wells Rotary pledged their ongoing commitment to support those affected by the war. Over the past 12 months, members from Wells and Rotary District 1200 have played their part in responding to the humanitarian crisis by raising funds for medical aid, supporting individual refugees to give them opportunities for employment, supporting language training, and many other avenues of support here and on the ground in Ukraine.

These activities have been part of Rotary’s efforts across Great Britain and Ireland, which has seen the organisation’s members give in excess of

100,000 volunteer hours and raise more than £6 million of donations in cash and kind.

Wells Rotary President Alan Webb said: “So many millions have suffered over the past 12 months, and we are proud to have played a small part in helping those people and contributing to Rotary’s overall response to the war.

“The amount of money Rotary has raised and time our volunteers have given across the country show the power of collective action and the incredible impact which can come from working together.

“Peace is the cornerstone of Rotary’s global mission, and while war rages on, we continue to be committed to providing help and support wherever we can.

“We want to thank the community of Wells for all their generous support for our activities.”

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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Gripping adventures of rock pool friends WELLS resident Peter Butler When they got home, they has written a series of children’s missed their rock pool friends, so books inspired by holidays in mum Britt would write pretend Cornwall with his family, the letters from them which they first of which will be launched on then had posted from Cornwall. his 80th birthday in March.

“You can imagine the The stories, illustrated by excitement when those letters Wells artist Kathryn Pow, tell the popped through our letterbox, so exploits of Gripper the Crab and much so it made me think that his sea creature friends who live one day I could take it all a step in a rock pool in the fictitious further and write a series of fun Cornish town of Porthmeric. yet informative stories about The adventures life in and around : The tales of Gripper the Crab &R are intended to be a rock pool,” said fun to read and listen Peter. to but also have His plans important messages suffered a setback about sea pollution, in 2016 when he global warming, was diagnosed with over-fishing and bowel cancer. After homelessness – and an operation and also lessons about chemotherapy, the Peter Butler how sometimes in cancer went into life, things are not all remission, but it they seem to be. has now returned, “The books are to enjoy, to which has given him an extra encourage children to write, and spur to get the six Tales of to encourage parents to read to Gripper the Crab published. their children,” said Peter.

“It gives me a very good “Each story also has a reason for living,” he said. message from which our “You can’t stop and think children and even mums and about bad things. If you’ve got dads will learn.” cancer or know someone who’s The stories were inspired by got cancer or not got the will to family holidays with his wife live, there is always something and two daughters in Cornwall, you can do. Cancer is not the end where the girls enjoyed playing of life, it is the beginning of a in the rock pools learning about new one.” the creatures who lived there, The sea creatures’ adventures and then giving them names. are told by Barnacle Boppy, and

Peter Butler in the Fisherman’s Hut he has created to inspire his writing; left, the cover of the first Gripper the Crab book Peter has converted the shed at the bottom of his garden into a Barnacle Boppy Fisherman’s Hut complete with lobster pot and fishing nets, which is where he writes his stories. The first to be released is Heidi’s New Home.

He said of the sea creatures: “They’re a family. The family is the greatest institution in the world. We families can make the world a happier and better place.”

He says that the age group for the stories is anyone from 3 to 93. There will be more information online soon with details about how to buy the

books, and how to donate to child cancer charities if desired.

Peter’s working life started at Sheldons in Wells, where his father was a director, and he went on to become a TV commentator, primarily on powerboat racing, and producer.

His 1952 MGTD has become a familiar sight in the annual Mendip Vintage & Classic Car Tour, and he has restored a classic car and vintage caravan known as Milly and Tilly – a 1958 Hillman Minx Convertible (Milly) and 1959 Vintage Caravan (Tilly) – that he still hopes can be used to raise money for cancer charities.

Illustrator pleased to bring author’s characters to life THE illustrations for The Tales of Gripper the Crab are the work of Wells artist Kathryn Pow. Kathryn grew up in Wells and went to school here before studying fashion at university.

After working as a fashion designer in London for eight years, she returned to Wells, where she got back into illustrating and started up a business – Kathryn Pow Art – selling her prints and artwork.

She had not illustrated book characters until the Gripper tales, and said: “It was something that I’ve wanted to get into, and it’s been brilliant to do.

“It was nice bringing them

One of Kathryn Pow’s illustrations for the The Tales of Gripper the Crab

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to life for Peter because they are such a big part of his life as he’s written and thought about them for such a long time.”

The two of them discussed how the characters would look based on Kathryn’s rough sketches. She then drew the illustrations in pencil, applied watercolour paint, and finally used pen to create the finished images.

She was also responsible for putting the books together.

She thinks that they will resonate with parents and children, and said: “I’ve read them to my daughter and she really likes them.”

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Pancake race as fiercely fought as ever WELLS Cathedral School Choristers joyfully took part in their annual pancake race along Vicars’ Close on Shrove Tuesday.

Eagerly anticipated each year, the pancake race is one of many traditions involving the school’s Choristers.

The Choristers are a core part of life at the Cathedral and the school and have a duty to represent both at the highest standard. However, their important role is not without its fun and the joy was evident on their faces as they stood wielding their frying pans.

Vicars’ Close is a beautiful setting for the Choristers to test their flipping skills and the competition is fierce; the winners enjoy bragging rights for the year, but the race isn’t as easy as it looks. They have to be exceptionally careful not to drop their pancakes on the ancient cobblestones as they run along in their cassocks, cheered on by

Wells Cathedral Choristers taking part in the traditional pancake race their peers who shout with glee as they cross the finish line.

Juliette Coakes, the school’s Chorister Coordinator, said: “The Choristers look forward to Shrove Tuesday every year, in fact we all do. It is a

wonderful tradition, watching the Choristers dressed in their cassocks, as they race with pan in hand flipping their pancakes up and down Vicars’ Close. It’s not all about the finishing line, but also seeing who can flip

their pancake the highest whilst remaining upright as they race over the ancient cobbles.”

Alexander Hamilton, Acting Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, said: “Our Choristers work incredibly hard all year round preparing and performing music for the daily services in the Cathedral. However, alongside all our musical commitments, we try to have a great deal of fun, too, and the annual pancake race is definitely a highlight.

The Choristers had a great time on Shrove Tuesday running up Vicars’ Close, flipping their pancakes as they went, and cheering each other on.”

The Choristers also had a special surprise when they found themselves on the front cover of The Guardian newspaper the following day which was later discussed on BBC Radio 4. Jason Bryant was thanked for his photograph of the group mid-flip.

Open Day Saturday 13th May Book your place: https://wells.cathedral.school/openday admissions@wells.cathedral.school

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Good causes benefit from choir concerts MEMBERS of the Tuesday Wells Good Afternoon Community Choir have celebrated raising almost £3,000 for their two chosen charities, Southwestern Ambulance Charity and Wells in Bloom, with their fundraising concerts in the past year.

The purchase of a new community responder vehicle for the Southwestern Ambulance Charity to use in Wells area was a specific need, and more than £2,400 went towards buying one.

Wells in Bloom also received support totalling £450.

The Wells Good Afternoon Choir has more than 60 members who meet every Tuesday at St Thomas’ Church in Wells from 2pm-4pm. Their conductor is Grenville Jones who started the no audition choir five years ago. Everyone is welcome to go along and meet Grenville and the choir on a Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the Wells Good Afternoon Community Choir with the community responder vehicle Each year the members choose a new organisation to support and at the rehearsal on January 31 Wells members chose PAPYRUS (Parents’ Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide) to benefit from their 2023 fundraising events.

The charity PAPYRUS was originally founded in 1997 as the Parents’ Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide.

Founding members were parents who had lost children to suicide who wanted to make sure no other families went through the same agony, and suicide remains the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, with up to 200 school children being lost to suicide every year.

The charity supports communities on suicide prevention projects, supports a

network of volunteers who have lived-experience of suicide and offers suicide prevention training to groups and individuals. n The Wells Good Afternoon Choir will present their first concert of the year at St Thomas’ Church on March 11 at 7.30pm.

Special guests will be the Cheddar Male Choir. Tickets £8, call 01761 472468, or available on the door.

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Don’t be afraid to open up, says mum WELLS Good Afternoon Choir members chose suicide prevention organisation PAPYRUS as their charity to support this year after being told about its work by choir member Cathy Allen, whose daughter Elizabeth committed suicide in 2021 at the age of 25.

Elizabeth was a junior doctor living in Salford at the time. She was well known in Wells, having been brought up and educated here, and St Cuthbert’s Church was full for her funeral.

With mental health issues and depression such significant problems, including locally, Cathy said that she wants to help other people who might be feeling suicidal by urging them to talk to those around them: “If you’re not OK, talk about it. If you think somebody is not OK, then talk to them.”

She added: “I want to smash some of the stigma around suicide. People cross the road

Elizabeth Allen when they see me because they don’t know what to say.”

An inquest into Elizabeth’s death recorded a verdict of suicide, but the reasons why she killed herself will never be fully known, said Cathy. She knew that like others working in the NHS, her daughter was under huge pressure, especially once Covid hit.

“It just kind of spiralled,” said Cathy.

“She did talk to me a lot but as a mother it’s very hard to intervene at that age.”

The alarm was raised when Elizabeth failed to arrive at work one day, and eventually the police forced an entry into her flat and found her. Officers then called on Cathy to break the news to her.

“I don’t know how I dealt with it. It’s a mother’s worst nightmare,” she said.

She said that Elizabeth had left a note saying “nothing you could have done would have stopped me” and “don’t blame yourselves”.

But when someone kills themselves, says Cathy, “The last thing you think about is the devastation you leave behind you – every single person who knew you is touched by that for the rest of your lives. You get rid of your pain but you just pass on

the pain to everybody else.”

Cathy has since tried to find ways to move on – including joining the Wells Good Afternoon Choir.

She said: “You kind of have to start your life all over again.

I think I accepted pretty quickly that it’s never going to make sense. It’s a very, very deep sadness that I have to live with.

I’m lucky that I’m quite strong.”

The PAPYRUS charity that she is supporting aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives, and to promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. To access the charity’s resources, or make a donation to its work, see its website at papyrus-uk.org. Its hopeline number for confidential suicide prevention advice is 0800 068 4141.

The Samaritans also have a free helpline number for people who need to talk to someone.

Call 116 123.

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wellsvoice

12

March 2023

n NEWS

New Bishop will set walkers on their way WELLS Dementia Action Alliance have rescheduled the annual Memory Walk postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It will now take place on Sunday, March 26, and be started by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, at 10am.

The walk will take a circular route of either 3km or 5km starting at the Bishop’s Palace moat and going across the Palace Fields to Dulcote, with an extension through Tor Woods for those taking the longer option.

Registration will be open at the Education Room in the Bishop’s Palace Stableyard from 9.15am10am on the day. Participants will be welcomed back to Wells Town Hall with tea, coffee and cake.

Denise Denis, chair of the Wells Dementia Action Alliance, said: “While we were

all disappointed to postpone the event, it has meant that the walkers will now be met and blessed by the newly appointed Bishop Michael. It has also given us time to recruit new young walkers and marshals, and we look forward to Beavers and Air Cadets joining us.

“The alliance continues to work to keep Wells a dementia friendly city and help improve the quality of life for those living with dementia and their carers.

All donations from the walk will be used to fund our charity’s work in the community.

“The walk is suitable for all ages. Do come and join in, it’s always a fun atmosphere and a great community event.”

If there are any questions or to make contact, email: admin@wellsdementia.org.uk or telephone: 07812 206693.

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Organisers of the Wells Community Network quiz in the Town Hall on February 24 which raised £1,186 for the charity’s work and the earthquake appeal. From left: Vicky Payne, Caroline Lowndes-Northcott and Claire Chettoe. Claire has just received an award for service to the community.

Award for community hero CLAIRE Chettoe, of Wells, has been recognised as a community hero at the latest Somerset County Council Chair’s Award for Service to the Community.

She was nominated by Mayor of Wells Stewart Cursley for the contribution she has made with her work for local organisations including Wells Community Network, Wells Dementia Action Alliance including the Memory Cafe, and Mendip Community Credit Union.

Claire was one of 43 nominees from across Somerset who were put forward by their parish and

Cathedral appoints Consultant WELLS Cathedral has announced that Bishop Trevor Willmott has been appointed as Consultant to the Wells Cathedral Community.

It follows a Visitation to the Cathedral last September by a three-person panel led by Bishop Tim Stevens to consider the leadership culture of the Cathedral and its effects on safeguarding and the well-being of staff and volunteers.

That was prompted by the publication of a safeguarding audit in May 2022 by the Social Care Institute for Excellence

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town councils in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their communities. They were all presented with a signed certificate and gift by the Chair of Somerset County Council, Councillor Mike Best, at this year’s ceremony at Taunton Rugby Club.

Claire said: “I’m very grateful to Cllr Best for this award and to Cllr Cursley for nominating me. I’d like to thank all the volunteers I’ve worked with over the years and the people we’ve supported. Volunteering has enriched my life enormously.”

that highlighted the concerns of some staff and volunteers about aspects of the culture and management of the Cathedral.

In reporting the appointment on its website, the Cathedral said the aim of the Consultant’s position “is to act as a listening, reflective, critical friend charged with helping the Cathedral put in place the culture change needed within its common life to enable the flourishing of all its people, volunteers, staff and clergy”. The consultancy work is expected to take place for one day per week until the end of the year.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 17/01/2023 11:38

wellsvoice

March 2023

13

n NEWS

Petition launched in bid to save bank

By Philip Welch HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services institutions in the world, serving millions of customers through its three global businesses.

Beryl Fricker is a widow and pensioner, 4ft 10in tall, and she is taking a stand against this financial giant.

The reason? HSBC have announced that they are closing their Wells branch. Beryl has been a customer of HSBC and its predecessor the Midland Bank for 50 years. She has started a petition demanding that the branch is kept open.

Beryl points out that Wells has a high proportion of elderly residents, some who are not even on the internet, and many fear losing large sums of money through online banking fraud.

“I have friends who have been hacked and lost money,” said Beryl.

Beryl Fricker asks Wells Town Crier Len Sweales to sign the petition Also there are many traders who need to deposit cash at the busy HSBC, particularly those who run stalls in the twice-

weekly markets. “HSBC are a multinational who may pay no attention to our petition,” said Beryl.

“They may not care about local people. But that does not mean we can’t have our say.”

In 1973 she married Alf Fricker, a larger than life character who was made a life member of Wells Operatic Society, now the Little Theatre, and was their stage manager for many years. He sadly died in 2020.

After collecting signatures for her petition in Wells Market Place, Beryl said: “Stall holders and the general public were very responsive and eager to sign and oppose the closure.

“One woman had travelled all the way from Keynsham to do face-to-face banking.

“People in distress want to speak to someone in person.” n Less than two months into 2023, UK banks have closed 46 branches and have scheduled another 250 for closure by the end of the year, reports the Financial Conduct Authority.

From bank to coffee shop?

HSBC could be replaced by a restaurant/coffee shop after the bank closes, as the company says it will, in June.

An application has been made to Mendip District Council for a

proposed lawful development certificate for a restaurant/coffee shop at the unit at 1 Market Place and 2-4 Sadler Street, Wells, so that the landlord can offer the property to a wider market.

Appeal back with call for volunteers THE Great Daffodil Appeal is back and end of life charity Marie Curie is urgently calling for volunteers in Wells to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in return for donations.

Hannah Drury, Community Fundraiser for Bristol and Somerset, said: “Volunteers are so important to us and we’re calling on the people of Wells to once again give a couple of hours of their time, don a big yellow hat and help us raise as much money as we can.

“All the money raised will help Marie Curie continue to provide vital end of life care for terminally ill people and their families during their final days, weeks and months.”

During the Great Daffodil Appeal on March 23, the annual National Day of Reflection will

Breakfast Launch Wells Business Forum CIC has been set up to offer business networking, mentoring and advice in the city. Come along to hear more about the forum, how you can join and get involved.

Collecting for Marie Curie take place to remember loved ones who have died and to support people who are grieving.

Marie Curie will be leading a minute’s silence at noon on the day.

Marie Curie is dependent on public donations. To sign up to volunteer to collect for its Great Daffodil Appeal, visit Mariecurie.org.uk/collect

Got News? Call 07906 499655

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

14

March 2023

n NEWS

More star names join comedy line-up

WELLS Comedy Festival has revealed its second batch of shows with even more of the country’s top names in comedy coming to the city.

The second announcement includes a live recording of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Never Mind The Buzzcocks regular Jamali Maddix, triple threat Rosie Jones (Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Trip Hazard) and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid.

Also joining the festival line-up are award winning comedians: Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Jordan Brookes, Chortle’s Best Newcomer Celya AB and Funny Women Award Winner Thanyia Moore. More

familiar faces return with the likes of Mark Watson, Paul Foot and Spencer Jones bringing their newest shows to Wells.

They all join the already announced Lou Sanders, Sam Campbell, Jen Brister, Jess Fostekew, Chloe Petts, Sikisa, Stephen Bailey plus a family show from musical duo Shelf.

Tickets have been in big demand with Tim Key, John Robins, Phil Wang and Kiri PritchardMcLean already selling out, with extra shows added for Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Phil Wang.

More acts will be added to the line-up and announced soon.

The festival will take place from May 26-28, and all shows are on sale at www.wellscomfest. com

Clockwise from left, Paul Foot, Mark Watson and Rosie Jones are among those who will be appearing at this year’s Wells Comedy Festival

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wellsvoice

March 2023

n NEWS

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and their teachers arrived by train on September 1, 1939, a blackout was rigidly enforced across the city and a communal feeding centre set up at Wells Town Hall which provided 6,000 lunches a month.

The book’s authors, local historians Geoffrey Dickson and Jeff Allan, also tell all about the Home Guard and their inaccurate portrayal in the BBC TV sitcom Dad’s Army.

At the launch Haydn Davies gave a brief talk about the Second World War. Then Geoffrey Dickson told how the book came about and gave particular thanks to Wells and Mendip Museum volunteer Clare Blackmore for her invaluable support, before signing books. n Copies of the book are available for £12 from the museum and the Wells Antique Centre in Mill Street.

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DID you know that there was a reservoir on Wells Cathedral Green?

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During the Second World War there were worries that the Cathedral could be firebombed by the Germans.

The Wells Fire Brigade prepared for such a catastrophe by pumping up water from The Bishop’s Palace moat, but silt quickly blocked the input valves so the decision was made to build a reservoir for the firemen on the Cathedral Green.

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wellsvoice

March 2023

17

n NEWS

The 80-strong cast and band of The Blue School production of Les Misérables. The epic musical set in 19th-century France was performed in four sold-out shows in Milton Hall from February 7-10.

Wells is important to us, says bus boss FIRST Bus Managing Director Doug Claringbold says that Wells is an important part of the company’s operation.

“We are proud to be part of Wells,” he told councillors during a presentation with the Operations Manager for Bath and Wells, Tom Hughes, at the Wells City Council Full Council meeting on January 26.

He told the meeting that First operate 22 buses out of the Wells depot, employing about 60 people who are proud of what they do here, and that the city “is important to us”.

He spoke about the challenges he said First are facing: removal of funding, patronage down, costs up, driver shortage, and zero carbon aspirations.

He said that patronage was about 75 per cent compared

to pre-Covid journeys. Most customers have returned, he said, but they are using the buses differently for reasons such as hybrid working.

“There is a huge funding challenge facing this business,” he continued. “We are a long way from where I want us to be but I am more optimistic about this location than some others.”

He said that First still have driver vacancies, and Mr Hughes said that Wells needed approximately another 15 drivers, with agency drivers providing some cover at the moment.

Mr Hughes said that reliability of bus services was not as good as First would like at present, and added: “The more drivers we have, the more reliable the service will be.”

Councillor Denise Denis told

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Mr Claringbold that attention to detail was important, and gave examples of timetables needing to be provided – holders have already been put up for them – and signs requiring repair.

She said that sometimes bus windows were too dirty to see through, and Mr Claringbold agreed that cleaning of buses, even internally, was not of a high enough standard, and said that the cleaning contract was going to be reviewed.

“How can we work with you on making sure Wells is a hub?” asked Councillor Harvey Siggs.

“I think this is a fantastic location. The reason I’m here tonight is to show my commitment to people,” said Mr Claringbold.

Members of the public also addressed the meeting on the subject of buses.

Beverley Anderson of Wells Constituency Labour Party said that she was concerned about young people who needed to get to Weston-super-Mare for their education now that the 126 service stops at Axbridge: “We’ve got a generation of young people that need this service.”

In other issues raised at the meeting, Councillor Philip Welch proposed writing a letter to HSBC bank expressing concern at the bank closure in June: “I think it’s important that we say something and don’t just let these things happen.”

Councillor Gordon Folkard suggested that the council writes to the remaining banks in Wells to see whether they can provide an assurance that they will be staying.

It was agreed that the Town Clerk would send such letters.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

18

March 2023

n NEWS

Major conference for u3a members

AN all-day conference for members of the Northern Somerset u3a Network is being held in Wells Town Hall on Friday, March 24.

Wells u3a is one of the u3as in this group, along with Westonsuper-Mare, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet, Winscombe, Burnham and Norton Radstock.

Sam Mauger, the CEO of the Third Age Trust, is a guest speaker at the event.

The full programme is: 09.50 Introductions: Colin Tincknell OBE, Chairman Northern Somerset u3a Network; 10.00 Welcome to the City of Wells, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Wells Cllr Stewart Cursley and the Mayoress Mrs June Cursley JP; 10.15 The Third Age Trust (TAT) – Sam Mauger CEO, What the Trust is doing for u3as, Looking to the future ending

with a Q & A session; 11.15 Tea / Coffee break; 11.30 The National u3a Network – Sue Russell, Chairman of the National Network Group, The benefits of belonging to a Network; 12.00 The South West u3a Region – Susan Parker – TAT South West Region Trustee; 12.30 Buffet Lunch / Networking; 01.30 Georgia Stokes CEO Somerset Wildlife Trust; 02.30 Somerset & Bristol Butterfly Conservation Group; 03.00 Bath and Bristol Group of the RSPB; 03.30 The Views of Young People on Climate Change, Wells Cathedral School: Questions to the students; 04.00 Next Network steps, Review and Close.

U3a members can obtain tickets to the event, which cost £5, from the website: Wells u3a Somerset, Contact page, Chairman.

Wells Rotary and Lions Club members collected in Wells to provide Water Survival Boxes for the people of Turkey and Syria

£3,500 raised to provide safe water A STREET collection by Wells Rotary raised about £3,500 to provide Water Survival Boxes to Turkey and Syria following the recent earthquakes.

The Wells Rotary collection team was supported by four members of Wells Lions Club, and the money they collected is enough for 23 Water Survival Boxes.

The main feature of these boxes is the water filtration pump that provides safe water, and this was demonstrated with the Mayor of Wells, Stewart Cursley, drinking filtered water from the moat.

“I am happy to say that he is still enjoying good health,” said Wells Rotary President Alan Webb.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

19

n NEWS

Pair to discuss power of community theatre THE organisers of Wells Theatre Festival say community theatre plays a vital role in building thriving communities, and they have been encouraged and inspired by what they have seen grow out of the foundation of the Wells Community Theatre Company.

The Company was created in 2018 as part of the Wells Theatre Festival. Since then, the Festival has nurtured a close-knit ensemble which has grown from strength to strength. Ahead of its 2023 Festival which will be held in July, the Festival team want to explore and build on the success of five years of the company and the burgeoning community theatre scene in Wells and the surrounding communities that has sprung up since the first Festival in 2018.

Wells Theatre Festival is hosting an event – Doctor Theatre – how theatre in the community transforms lives and builds resilience, on the evening of March 18 at the Union Church in Wells. It will bring together artist, director, and film maker Gary Andrews and local actor and writer, Richard Crowe in conversation. The two will talk about their own experiences of arts in the community. The audience will also be invited to share their thoughts and experiences.

Gary Andrews is known to tens of thousands of followers on social media as @garyscribbler.

He is an animator, artist, director and film maker, and his Doodle-a-Day Diary has become a hit on social media through which Gary charts his journey as a widower and as a lone parent, following the sudden death of his wife Joy in 2017.

Gary Andrews, whose Doodle-a-Day Diary has become a hit on social media Alongside his professional work as animator and film maker, Gary is also passionate about community theatre and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives.

Richard Crowe started writing for the stage when he was 17. His play Cock and Bull Story (Lyric, Hammersmith) has played on every continent since 1985.

Richard has also worked as a creative producer, leading on a diverse range of projects.

Over lockdown Richard developed his own digital practice, presenting a programme of online theatre nights; a series of podcasts on the future of theatre postCovid, and producing a film, In Search of Cinderella, honouring Somerset’s pantomime tradition at a time when live panto could not be performed.

Wells Theatre Festival was formed in 2018 and has produced sell-out community productions of Shakespeare’s plays under the artistic direction

Plans for creation of two new flats PLANNING permission is being sought to convert the ground floor of The Old Chapel building in Union Street from commercial to residential use, so that it can be turned into two flats.

Nosh-stalgia Restaurant has been occupying one half of the ground-floor area, and City Decorating Supplies was based in the other half before it relocated to Tucker Street.

The documents submitted to Mendip District Council say “the lease on the restaurant is imminently coming to an end and it is considered by the landlord that re-letting the units as residential will be considerably more viable”, and that “such a conversion would provide a good opportunity to create additional, high-quality housing in the town centre”.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

of Ros Johnson. In doing so it has created a close-knit community through which people from all backgrounds and experience have come together.

Ros Johnson said: “We are so excited to be bringing another

programme of professional theatre to Wells in the summer but for me the aspect of the festival I am most passionate about is the community theatre production. Over the years we have built a strong ensemble of performers and it has been wonderful to see them progress. I am so looking forward to hearing about Gary’s experiences and talking to our audience about what is important to them about community theatre, to inform our work going forward.”

Doctor Theatre – how theatre in the community transforms lives and builds resilience will take place at 7pm on March 18 at the Union Church, Union Street, Wells. Tickets are £10 and available at https://tinyurl. com/5n9xae4f Wells Theatre Festival will take place from July 6-9, 2023.

For more information visit www. wellstheatrefestival.org or email info@wellstheatrefestival.org

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

20

March 2023

n NEWS

Munt to be Celebration of scheme’s success Tessa candidate again THE team at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells has been celebrating the success of its Community Engagement programme following the completion of its most recent apprenticeship opportunity.

Matt Groom began his digital marketing apprenticeship at the Palace in September of 2021.

Run in conjunction with Strode College in Street, Matt received mentoring and training from the marketing team at the Palace in addition to his college studies.

Matt said: “I had already completed a Marketing degree but saw this apprenticeship as an opportunity to get handson experience of working and learning practical skills with a local employer.

“The training from Strode College helped me to develop my theoretical skills further and I was delighted to recently learn that I’d been awarded a Distinction grade.”

Community Engagement Manager at the Palace, Siobhan Goodwin, also said: “We have always tried to provide opportunities for people in our local community to get the experience they need to progress in their chosen career, or perhaps to explore a different career.

“We start early, by having Year 10 students on work experience, older students on placement doing T levels, apprenticeships and the Kickstart Scheme. Some people may be looking for a change of career and the Palace has a proud record of more than ten per cent of our staff team starting out here as volunteers.”

The work continues at the Palace with one member of staff, who has worked there for more than ten years, currently undertaking an apprenticeship as part of their professional development.

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WELLS Liberal Democrats have announced that Tessa Munt has been selected as the Party’s Parliamentary Candidate at the next General Election.

Tessa, who was the Member of Parliament for Wells from 2010-15, said: “I am committed to standing up for our part of Somerset in Westminster.

“With my loyalty, energy and experience, I am ready to serve the residents and organisations of Wells again.”

Sewer repairs

Matt Groom taking his drone licence as part of the digital marketing apprenticeship at The Bishop’s Palace

REPAIRS to the sewer network will mean the B3139 Wells Road, near Wookey, is closed to through traffic for up to three days. Wessex Water will be carrying out work to seal manholes between Henton and Bleadney from March 15, under a rolling road closure. The closure will be lifted in the evenings, and reinstated during daytime.

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10th March Somerset Libraries at

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19th March Rare Plant Fair (not inc

4th & 11th April Family Story Telling GA

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Full price tickets include 12 months of return visits to our 14 acres of RHS partner gardens and medieval Palace on any normal sightseeing day, including to many of these events.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

21

n NEWS

Chance for share of £30,000

Invitation to Lent lunches

CRANDON Springs care home in Wells is offering three grants totalling £30,000 in the name of a former Barchester resident, Jeanette Gill, who donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards.

Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards are open to groups and individuals in need in the local community, and will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health.

This year will mark the last round of grants from Jeanette Gill’s legacy.

There are three awards available:

THE Wells Christian Aid group is inviting people to Friday Lent Soup Lunches at the Seager Hall, Union Street, throughout March.

The lunches of home-made soups with bread will be served every Friday from March 3 through to March 31, from noon to 1.30pm, for a suggested donation of £4.

Monies raised will go to support Christian Aid’s work with partners in localities across the world.

Christian Aid works to eradicate extreme poverty. It tackles root causes by enabling people living in poverty to sustain livelihoods.

Hurricane-protected houses, wells for clean water provision and training of local health care workers are just some of the ways used to eradicate poverty.

Jeanette Gill Awards 2022 Gold winner Veterans Woodcraft n £15,000 Gold Award (open to groups) n £10,000 Silver Award (open to groups) n £5,000 Bronze Award (open to individuals) The Foundation is

particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting. To find out more about how to apply, visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk. The closing date for applications is March 26.

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare and Chairman of the Foundation, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping.

“The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need.”

View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

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wellsvoice

22

March 2023

n NEWS

Father and daughter are history makers

By Emma James WELLS City Council has its first father and daughter duo. Tony Robbins, who first became a councillor in 2007, has been joined by his daughter, Georgie, in office since January. Tony believes this is the first time that family members have been councillors at the same time in Wells.

Tony ran the fish and chip shop, Georgie’s Plaice, in St Thomas’ Street, with his wife Sylvia until their move to The Venue in South Street.

His business background has provided him with good training for his work on both the City and County Councils. Tony says: “It came about because a friend suggested I stand in St Thomas’ Ward. Working in the chip shop, you’re a captive audience. People

come in and talk to you all the time. It’s all about the people. I have a soft spot for St Thomas’ Street. It feels like home.”

Although she trained in music journalism, Georgie has always worked in hospitality, with plenty of experience helping out at Georgie’s Plaice and The Venue. She took over Daniel’s Sandwich Bar in Queen Street just before Covid struck in December 2019. Despite many suggestions that she stand for office, Georgie didn’t feel she had the time until recently. She says: “The by-election came up and I thought, I actually do have a bit more free time now – I’m just going to go for it.”

Tony is a very proud father.

“It’s worth noting”, he says, “that Georgie got more votes than the others put together. She was the right candidate.”

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Councillors Georgie and Tony Robbins Her motivation for joining the Council is very similar to Tony’s.

She explains: “I’ve always said that half of what I do at Daniel’s is helping people. It’s not just making sandwiches. It’s nice to be in a position where you can resolve issues.”

Georgie, who is Tony’s biggest cheerleader, is in a strong position, having watched her dad working for the Council for many years.

Both father and daughter feel strongly that their role is not to set an agenda but rather to react to what people want. Tony says: “There’s a lot going on. You have to find where you fit in the Council and then play to your strengths.” Georgie adds: “Now more than ever, people need their local council for guidance.

And we are both trying to keep our businesses going at a difficult time so we are relatable.”

At 32, Georgie is the youngest member of the Council. Many of her customers are local students, the future voters, and she feels it is important to listen to their concerns and ideas.

She is currently working with a group of young women who want to raise awareness of abuse.

Georgie is also interested in the arts and will be keeping an eye out for possibilities in this area.

Although they are members of different committees, the pair meets at the monthly full Council meetings. “We don’t sit together though,” says Georgie, “I don’t want people to think that we are ganging up! And anyway, there are things we don’t agree on.”

One view they both share, however, is that without the support of Sylvia, who holds the fort in their absence, none of their Council work would be possible.

Music Centre’s popularity grows The Wells Rocks team provide the latest update IT is good to see the number of people using the Wells Contemporary Music Centre continuing to grow. The Portway Music School is proving popular and organised a fun Pop Star Party with dancing, singing, video creation and a photo shoot in February. The University of the Third Age (u3a) now has a band rehearsing there and the Wells Djembe Circle is filling the AV Studio with rhythms. It is great to see it appealing to such a wide demographic range.

The Centre is also providing a base for Rick Payne to hone his latest project. Rick is currently

looking for a viola player to work with on that. If you think you could fit the bill, please contact rick@rickpayne.co.uk Fundraising has also continued for the electronic music studio facilities, with Wells Rocks’ sister organisation, Construction Rocks, donating £972 for additional equipment.

This will be commissioned in March. In the meantime, if you want to make music, Wells has a great place to do it.

For bookings, contact Alex at comms@Wells.gov.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

23

n NEWS

Mother and daughter go the distance

A WELLS mum and her sixyear-old daughter took on the challenge of covering 56 miles in February by running and cycling two miles every day to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Sophie Osborne ran around Wells, mainly the Cathedral Green, Moat, Recreation Ground and Palace Fields, accompanied by daughter Zara on her bike.

The fundraising was in memory of Sophie’s dad John Oakley who died of cancer about three weeks after his diagnosis 20 years ago when she was just 16.

“We have had so much community support and have already raised more than £430,” said Sophie.

“We completed 33.7 miles before my daughter went down with chickenpox and then had 22.3 miles to complete in six days which was a humongous challenge as I am not a runner and had struggled greatly with

Sophie Osborne, her daughter Zara, and her father John Oakley this challenge already. My daughter has been fantastic and I couldn’t be any prouder, she

rang her bell when I went too slow and sang to keep me going.”

Sophie was invited to talk on

BBC Radio Somerset about what she and Zara were doing and to raise more awareness of Cancer Research.

This year’s fundraiser follows on from another last year when Sophie set herself the challenge of walking 10,000 plus steps a day in March. Then, she raised £247.50 for Cancer Research UK to help fund life-saving research, so has already nearly doubled that total this year.

She said: “I would like to continue each year and push myself further each time to raise money for a cause so close to my heart and that of many people that we know.”

Some of the money has come from Zara herself, who sold her old bike for £20 and donated the money to the cause.

The page for online donations will remain open throughout March. Find it at https:// fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/ page/sophies-run-56

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

1st March to 30th April 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.

Single room available

Timeto toenjoy enjoy your your retirement Time retirement

Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Abbeyfield House, 25A NewNew Street, Wells, Wells, BA5 2LEBA5 2LE Abbeyfield House, 25A Street,

Julia on 07833 634087 Emma on 07717 837040 Gill on 01749 850660

Independent living in Wells At Abbeyfield House, we offer single and double bed sitting rooms

A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher.

Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be issued for participating vets.

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

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Independent living in Wells

A one ground bed sitting room is space, and abedroom 1 bed flat that allowfloor you tosingle enjoy the privacy of your own currently available. room a door to theWe garden whilst being part of aThe friendly andhas active community. have aand a new en suite shower room and kitchenette. number of fantastic amenities including: delightful well maintained gardenamenities: We• have a number of fantastic delicious home meals provided l •delightful wellcooked maintained garden daily supportivehome and dedicated of staff l •delicious cookedteam meals provided daily • organised events and acitivities on offof er staff l supportive and dedicated team help with cleaning and laundry l •organised events and activities on offer 24/7 emergency helpline l •help with cleaning and laundry l 24/7 emergency helpline For more information or to arrange a visit, please call Isobel,

07960 146022 or email eld.com Toonfind out more, call Abbeyfi Isobeleld-wells@abbeyfi on 07960 146022 eld.com orwww.abbeyfi email Abbeyfield-wells@abbeyfield.com

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

24

March 2023

n NEWS

Club sets ‘postcard’ artworks challenge WELLS Rotary Club is appealing to artists to donate postcardsized artworks that will go on sale at an exhibition in April to raise funds for the organisation’s humanitarian work.

Artists are being asked to provide, free of charge, up to three pieces of unframed artwork, 4in x 6in or 5in x 7in, in their chosen medium. The club hopes to attract artists of all standards, from beginner to expert.

These items will be displayed at a Reception Evening in Wells & Mendip Museum’s lecture hall on Friday, April 21, and will be available to buy for a standard fee of £20. Any items remaining after the Reception Evening will be displayed at the Museum for a further week.

Entry to the Reception Evening will be by invitation.

“Wells Rotary is part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world,” said Wells Rotary President Alan Webb.

“All that we do, locally and internationally, starts here at home with the local Rotary Club – Wells Rotary. Through our Charity Account we react positively and quickly within our community and more widely.

However it badly needs a boost following the demands of the last two or three years.”

The club is asking artists to use their skills to provide help and support.

The deadline for entries is April 14. To express an interest and to receive further information, contact Alan by calling 07836 254063 or emailing wemberhamhouse@ gmail.com

The Mid Somerset Agricultural Show Hedgelaying competition was held at Hill House Farm, Launcherley, Wells, on Sunday, February 19

Launch of climate change survey THE world’s climate is changing, and there are increasing concerns of how our lifestyles impact on the speed of those changes, writes Councillor Denise Denis.

In 2019 Wells City Council declared a Climate Emergency Motion, and has since set up a Climate Emergency Working Party in November 2022. The aim is to continue to build on the good work we are all doing – did you know that Wells householders already compare favourably in comparison with the national average carbon

footprint? What we need to do now is find out where we are at the moment, and then measure how much better that can be in 12 months’ time.

Please take five minutes by completing this survey online: https://www.smartsurvey. co.uk/s/BMK0P8/ before April 1.

If you prefer to do a street survey, we will be out and about in the High Street in the week of March 13, 2023. The survey can also be accessed from the Wells City Council Facebook and website – https://wells.gov.uk/ climate

CRAFT & ARTISAN FAIR

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The stained glass wings by artist Edgar Phillips at Wells Cathedral

King’s Coronation art exhibition AS part of the King’s Coronation Celebrations, Wells City Council is organising an art exhibition in the Cathedral Cloisters from May 2-12.

There will be exhibits by local artists covering a variety of medium including paintings, pottery including raku, stained glass, embroidery textiles and willow sculpture.

The city council is working in partnership with Wells Cathedral to plan many family fun activities and music which will take place on Sunday, May 7, on the Cathedral Green. Look out for more details in the April edition of Wells Voice.

For more information, contact Wendy Ray, tel: 07787 874198.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

25

n NEWS

ON Thursday, March 16, a conference in Cedars Hall, Wells, will see research findings from the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery Project presented publicly for the first time, alongside a number of talks designed to give a range of histories and perspectives on the issue.

Since the conference was announced in January, a number of prestigious international figures have expressed their support for the project, including internationally-acclaimed opera singer, Peter Brathwaite, who said: “I’m delighted to see a conference like this happening.

To move forward, it is vital that we engage honestly and holistically with our past.”

Acting Dean of Wells Cathedral, Anne Gell, and Somerset African Caribbean Network representative, Susann Savidge, are also delighted to announce that the High Commissioner for Antigua and

Picture: Faye Thomas

Conference to discuss transatlantic slavery

Paterson Joseph, actor and author, who is recording a short performance especially for the conference; and a copy of the ‘Charles Tudway, MP’ oil painting by Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) in Wells Cathedral School Barbuda, HE Ms Karen-Mae Hill, and a representative from the Jamaican High Commission will be in attendance.

Conference organisers are also thrilled that renowned actor Paterson Joseph, author of the recent acclaimed The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho (Dialogue, 2022), is recording a short performance

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especially for the conference.

The conference will also mark the launch of the Wells and Transatlantic Slavery selfguided trail. This trail highlights treasured places – Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, and Wells & Mendip Museum, to name just a handful – and items such as paintings, stainedglass windows, and chandeliers

that all have connections to the enslavement of Africans.

Participants in the live conference will be given a free copy of this self-guided trail as a souvenir of the occasion.

Members of the public are invited to attend the conference in-person. The conference consists of a morning of talks and creative responses, followed by lunch and workshop.

A ticket for the whole day’s activities costs £14.60 for an adult, and includes lunch, refreshments, and the opportunity to interact with the speakers. Bookings can be made online via wellscathedral. eventbrite.co.uk For those unable to attend on the day, online access to the recordings after the event may be booked via Eventbrite free of charge, but will not include the option of taking part in the Q&A with the speakers, lunch, and the workshop.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

26

n COMMERCIAL SENSE

March 2023

With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants

Over millennia of doing business, what have we learned?

OVER the centuries and, indeed, millennia, that people have been trading with each other, business has always created divisions and friendships between men and women. Shylock, the infamous loan shark in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, believed businesspeople should act quickly and hold on to their wealth. To Jessica he says “Fast bind, fast find. A proverb never stale in thrifty mind.” Some may still agree that this is a very sensible way forward. Polonius, father of Laertes, Hamlet’s close friend, advises that his son “Neither a borrower, nor a lender be”.

Hm! Excellent advice as some of us will attest. It seems that Shakespeare had quite a bit to say about how to conduct business.

Even as a playwright, he needed to keep a cool head with regard to his financial situation!

I suspect that Shylock wouldn’t have given the time of day to a gentle, friendly approach to one’s clients, but thankfully,

these days we aren’t allowed to coerce our customers by threatening to take a pound of their flesh in payment of a debt.

(Phew!) Interest? Yes, we can do that when the terms of our debt have expired. We can also take recalcitrant non-payers to the Small Claims Court to recover our debt up to a certain level. If any just debt isn’t settled and the Court finds against the defendant, a CCJ (County Court Judgment) can be handed down.

This ruins an individual’s credit rating for years, and furthermore, they are likely to be liable to pay all the court costs and your costs as well as theirs.

Once you have looked out for your company’s interests when the occasional client (and sadly we will all meet with them) lets you down, it is wise and essential to look after your clients to the very best of your ability.

Make sure that you are available as promptly and as effectively as you can be. It’s true

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

that sometimes life just gets in the way (or, as we put it, ‘reality hits the fan’), and you do forget to call someone back or you are much later than you said you would be with a piece of work or a product for someone. In the event that this happens to you, and sadly it’s almost always the case that it will at some point, be open and honest about it. Begin with an apology, and where you can, perhaps offer a reduction in cost of the product or service.

Did you know that the majority of people who have complained about something and are heard and responded to with respect, will stay as your clients, recommend your business to others and have a happier outcome? On average they will tell nine people how good your company is. Those whose complaints are not heard and responded to positively, will go to the trouble, on average, of telling 16 others how bad your service was. You will certainly not keep

their custom, and you will have lost a potential advocate for your business, for life.

Poor reports, even when heard second hand, can also impact on our decision whether to use a company or not. One study showed that 61 per cent of customers will leave a company if they have a bad customer service experience. Worth bearing that in mind isn’t it?

Remember, you probably began your business because you felt you had a unique way of solving a problem for people.

They should, therefore, be able to leave that problem, or worry, at your doorstep, at a reasonable cost. So, goods or service given, goods or service paid for, job done! Stick to this rule, while remaining fair, pleasant and available to staff and clients, and you should get as much out of your business as it gives you.

I wonder what Shylock would say about that?

Good luck!

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

27

n NEWS

Writing workshop, Lego and more at library this month

Deputy leader Liz Leyshon introduces the budget alongside leader Bill Revans at the meeting on February 22 Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

New council’s first budget approved THE budget for the first year of the new Somerset Council has been approved, as has the council’s constitution.

The council will come into being on April 1, replacing the five current Somerset councils of Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council and South Somerset District Council.

It is not clear yet exactly what services and assets will become the responsibility of Wells City Council under the new arrangements, but discussions about these are expected to resume once the new authority settles down.

The logo for the new council The budget approved by councillors at their meeting on February 22 confirms an overall rise of 4.99 per cent in Somerset Council’s share of council tax, made up of a rise of 2.99 per cent in council tax and a two per cent adult social care levy.

It includes increases in funding for Adult Social Care and Children’s Services by £28 million and £19 million respectively, to reflect that growth in demand and cost. The new budget provides start-up support for the Local Community Networks.

A proposal to remove

funding for many parish grit bins was dropped after the option was criticised during public consultation and through Scrutiny, and will now concentrate on pilot projects to work with local communities to improve gritting of the secondary network of roads in Somerset.

As a result of these proposals the council tax proposed for a Band D property will increase by £78.24 each year, or £1.50 per week.

The constitution sets out how the new council will operate, how it will make decisions and the steps that are to be followed to make sure the new authority’s decisions are efficient, transparent and accountable to local people. Key detail on public participation, the committee structure of the council and Local Community Networks is contained within the document.

Details of planning and licensing committees, formerly the responsibility of the county’s district councils, are also included in the document. n Local residents are being invited to have their say on the new Somerset Council’s approach to planning matters.

The five current Somerset councils are consulting the public on a draft Statement of Community Involvement – a single approach to planning which will be formally adopted by the new council. The consultation runs until March 16. To complete the survey, visit somerset.inconsult.uk/sci/ consultationHome

Got News? Call 07906 499655

AUTHOR Jae Malone is running a Creative Writing Workshop at Wells Library on How to Write Ghost Stories for 9- to 14-yearolds on Saturday, March 25, at 10am. Jae will then go on to deliver a talk to adults about local historical facts that she researched for her book From Knight to Knave, including Judge Jeffreys and the prisonerof-war camp at Penleigh. This interesting talk on the local area will start at 11.30am.

Other activities coming up at Wells Library in March include: n Lego Club is on Saturday, March 11, at 10.30am. For ages 5 and up. Book a place to avoid disappointment by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n Police Beat Surgery – talk to a local PCSO at Wells Library

on Wednesday, March 22, between 11am and 12pm. No appointment necessary. n Tai Chi Taster Sessions – Monday, March 13, and Monday, March 27, at 10.30am. No need to book for these gentle, flowing workouts, which are free. Held outside in the courtyard, weather permitting. n IT Help – a free one-hour session providing assistance with a tablet or smartphone can be booked on a Wednesday morning at either 10.30am or 11.30am.

Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n Board Game Club – a new club where people can learn and play some traditional board games every other Friday at 2pm – March 3, 17, and 31. No need to book – just drop in and have a go.

Councillors ready to hear of issues at next surgery session

Councillor Gordon Folkard

LOCAL residents will have an opportunity to raise issues that concern them with city councillors on March 13.

They might include the HSBC bank deciding to close their Wells branch in June. Or what ideas they have about making best use of the historic Bishop’s Barn The two councillors are Gordon Folkard and Georgie Robbins who will be in Wells Town Hall from 6pm-7pm on Monday, March 13, to field questions and offer advice.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

28

March 2023

n NEWS

Recycling trial for plastics like crisp packets

By Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter CRISP packets, sweet wrappers and other flexible plastics could soon be easier to recycle in Somerset as part of a new trial.

Flexible plastics – which also includes bread bags, cheese wrappers and salad bags – are currently some of the hardest items to recycle, despite taking up a sizeable chunk of household waste.

The government has been running a pilot scheme since April 2022 with three local authorities (including two in Gloucestershire), with flexible plastics being collected at the kerbside for processing and recycling. The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has now confirmed that parts of Somerset will join the pilot in April 2023, allowing these materials to be collected for the next two years.

Flexible plastic packaging represents nearly a quarter of all UK consumer plastic packaging but only six per cent is currently recycled.

In Somerset, flexible plastics made up around eight per cent by weight of residual waste (ie.

SWP managing director Mickey Green at the upgraded SWP depot at Evercreech Junction Picture: Daniel Mumby

the contents of the large black bins) in 2018 – and there is no indication that this has declined since the Recycle More scheme was implemented.

Flexible plastics – which include plastics with laminated foil layers, such as food pouches – are difficult to sort and recycle; since they are often made of lowvalue material, it is difficult for them to be sold on to companies who reprocess them, and they cannot easily be reused for the same purpose.

The government has pledged to ensure that flexible plastics can be recycled nationally by

residents and businesses by 2027 – with the current trial being one step on the road towards that.

SWP managing director Mickey Green laid out the details of the trial at the final meeting of the SWP joint scrutiny panel on February 8.

He said in his written report: “Somerset has been chosen to represent a rural area with some levels of deprivation. The pilot area to be chosen needs to take this into account.

“Due to space constraints and capacity issues at the depots, the pilot will need to be run from our Evercreech depot. Flexible plastics that will be accepted are plastic bags and wrappers – for instance, bread bags, frozen food bags, salad bags, cheese wrappers and similar.

“It is expected that crisp packets and sweet wrappers will also be included. We await confirmation as to whether ‘wet’ materials, such as pet food pouches and baby food pouches, will be included.”

The first stage of the pilot in Somerset will comprise around 3,500 properties in the Mendip district (which includes Wells, Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton

Mallet and Street) and will last for around 12 months.

The second stage will run for a further year and will see the collections extended to a further 15,000 to 20,000 households – though it has not yet been decided which parts of Somerset will take part in this stage.

Each participating household will receive information leaflets at least four weeks in advance of the trial, and will be sent “blue translucent bags” into which their flexible plastic can be placed, rather than mixing it up with the existing materials which are collected at the kerbside.

Aside from some staffing costs, the trial is being funded by the Flexible Plastic Fund, meaning there will be little additional pressure on council tax payers.

Where possible, the materials will be processed and recycled – but as a last resort, they will either be “down-cycled” into benches or burned to generate energy.

The pilot scheme is due to conclude in 2025, after which the government is expected to bring forward new legislation to enable it to hit its 2027 target.

n ON THE BEAT

Anti-social behaviour as nights get lighter AS we start to see warmer weather, we automatically start to look forward to those days where the sun shines longer and improves our overall mood.

With this positive change, unfortunately it often opens doors where people within the community believe that it is acceptable to create anti-social behaviour. This has a significant impact on our communities, causing unnecessary alarm, harm and distress.

What is anti-social behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour is an action or series of actions that: n Cause harassment, alarm, or distress to any person of another household n Cause a person to feel personally threatened n Cause a public nuisance or

News from the local policing team with PCSO Coral Forde detrimental impact upon the environment n Cause a detrimental effect

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

upon the quality of life of an individual or the community as a whole What can I do as a caregiver to stop my child being involved in anti-social behaviour?

Contrary to stereotypes, young people are not the only social group who cause anti-social behaviour, however it is recommended you speak with them when they are going out without supervision.

It is important they understand that their behaviour can impact others including their family if they are seen to be engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Before they leave, be curious.

Ask them where they are going, who with and what are they planning to do. Remind them

to be safe, respectful of the area they are in and not to litter.

Wells Neighbourhood Police Team will continue to liaise with other agencies to utilise tools and powers at our disposal such as Community Resolutions, Community Protection Warnings / Notices and Public Space Protection Orders, to ensure anti-social behaviour is dealt with effectively. Not all anti-social behaviour logs can be attended, but it is vital it is reported to allow the team to identify any emerging hotspots, allowing us to tailor our patrol plans. Wells Neighbourhood Police Team will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols and we encourage you to approach us if you have any concerns, or even just to say hello.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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March 2023

29

n NEWS

A stunning view of Wells Cathedral seen during filming in February for the latest Alex Rider TV series. Alex Rider is a teenage spy who features in a series of novels written by author Anthony Horowitz. In the storyline of the sequence shot in Wells, the Cathedral was hosting an art exhibition.

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March 2023

n NEWS

31

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Adult social care reforms

By Deborah Cable

Ian Byworth, CEO of Citizens Advice Mendip, with some current volunteers

Search for more volunteer advisers CITIZENS Advice Mendip is looking to recruit new volunteers to help people struggling with problems ranging from benefits and tax credits, debt and Universal Credit to housing.

Last year saw an unprecedented demand for its services from over 3,600 people with more than 16,000 problems across the district. It can only do this work thanks to its 44-strong team of volunteers.

The charity is looking mainly for volunteer advisers

to handle incoming calls on its Adviceline. No experience is necessary as training will be provided, but basic IT skills are essential. Trainee volunteers will be expected to successfully complete self-study modules, supplemented by online sessions with a supervisor, and to commit to a minimum of two half-day sessions a week.

To apply, visit the website citizensadvicemendip.org.uk/ Volunteering.html and complete the online form.

Action to catch out rogue waste carriers MENDIP District Council has teamed up with Avon and Somerset Police to target illegal waste carriers in several stop and search exercises across the district. The operations were carried out at Wells and Glastonbury by the council’s Community Protection team, Licensing Officers and Police Neighbourhood teams.

A total of 38 vehicles were stopped during the latest initiative. Most were compliant with regulations, however, two vehicles were found with no road tax and two waste carriers were unable to provide the correct documentation.

The teams also visited Somerset Waste Partnership’s Dulcote Waste and Recycling Centre and found that the overwhelming majority of vehicles stopped were compliant, but some waste carriers will face follow-up action and further enquiries.

Councillor Heather Shearer, Portfolio Holder for Community Health & Services, said: “I’m glad

we’re finding that most waste carriers are complying with the rules, but it is satisfying to know that our joint efforts with the police to ensure compliance is working, and that we are catching rogue waste carriers offguard with these stop and search operations.

“We’re continuing to crack down on this illegal activity with more random checks planned for the coming months.”

Cllr Shearer added: “People who manage waste illegally cost the taxpayer millions each year in clean-up costs. They undercut legitimate businesses, pose a threat to sustainable growth in the waste management sector and take valuable resources from the public sector, in addition to having a devastating impact on wildlife and the environment.”

The teams spoke to drivers who were potentially carrying scrap metal and gave advice on how to obtain a scrap metal licence. Details of scrap metal licences can be found on the council’s website.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

IN September 2021 the Government announced plans to reform adult social care in England. One of the reforms was the plan to introduce a new £86,000 cap on the amount that anyone in England would have to pay for their personal care over the lifetime.

Only money spent on meeting a person’s personal care needs will count towards the cap.

Spending on daily living costs (commonly referred to as “hotel costs” in a care home) is not included. The Government said daily living costs would be set at a notional level of £200 per week at 2021/22 prices.

The adult social care charging reforms were supposed to be implemented from October 2023, however at the Autumn Statement 2022, delivered on November 17, the Chancellor announced that the reforms would be delayed for two years, with the funding allocated “to allow local authorities to provide more care packages”.

Inheritance Tax The Telegraph recently reported that HMRC is “targeting bereaved families with a raid on inheritance tax after it clawed back a record £326 million through investigations last year”.

Estates worth in excess of £2 million have been identified as those which will attract more scrutiny in future. However, it is important to note that in the vast majority of cases, families have not knowingly misled HMRC. They have simply failed to value the assets with sufficient accuracy.

Particular areas in which layexecutors are finding difficulty,

the Telegraph reported, are: n Gifts made within seven years of death and n Relying on estate agent market appraisals for property valuations rather than obtaining a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) valuation.

All of which points to the need for clients to take expert advice in relation to the probate process.

Lasting Powers of Attorney The Government has backed a private members bill that will allows Lasting Powers of Attorney to be made completely online.

The bill is intended to reduce the reliance on paperwork which has made the process unnecessarily complicated, according to Stephen Metcalfe MP who introduced the bill.

The Office of the Public Guardian are taking 20 weeks on average to process a Lasting Powers of Attorney application against the target of eight weeks.

Whether an online process will, as the Ministry of Justice hope, reduce errors remains to be seen.

Private client practitioners have not, in general, seen the move to online services has reduced the backlog or eased the process generally in relation to other areas of their practice. It also seems short-sighted not to improve the paper process since many clients do not have access to or choose not to use the internet.

The Law Society said that it supports the bill’s aim to improve access to powers of attorney through a new digital route but was disappointed that the bill does not address the need for Lasting Powers of Attorney certification to expressly include consideration of the donor’s capacity. n Deborah Cable is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid, which has offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

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

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March 2023

n NEWS

Special site being reopened to visitors

By Clare Blackmore THE Mendip Hospital Cemetery is the burial place of nearly 3,000 patients and staff of the Somerset and Bath County Pauper Lunatic Asylum, later the Wells Mental Hospital, then the Mendip Hospital, now South Horrington Village.

This precious and special place in the heart of Wells is reopening to the public on Sunday, April 2, from 11am to 4pm, and every Wednesday until the end of September from 11am to 4pm.

Set in three acres, the cemetery is unique, nationally, in that it still has its mortuary chapel, the original layout is still in place with many of the original trees planted in the 1870s and the numbered iron grave markers still in existence, some restored to their original graves.

On October 14, 1873, a group

Mendip Hospital Cemetery still has its chapel referred to as “the committee of visitors” paid the sum of £400 for “one close of meadow or pasture land... at a place called Broadstone”.

The committee intended that the land should be used as a cemetery for the Somerset and Bath Lunatic Asylum.

A few months later the

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committee purchased an additional strip of land to allow access to the cemetery from the Bath Road.

The chairman of the committee, Francis Henry Dickinson, gave the undertaking that the cemetery would be enclosed “by a substantial stone wall and secure entrance gate”, and that a chapel would be built and “furnished with all things necessary for the convenient performance of the burial service”.

By 1921 more space was sought which resulted in an area of land to the west of the cemetery being consecrated. This brought the size of the cemetery up to nearly three acres.

In 1948 the hospital cemetery was transferred to the Minister of Health by virtue of the 1946 National Health Service Act, and it has remained under the ownership of the NHS since then.

The last burials on the site were in 1963.

Later the upkeep of the cemetery passed into the hands of the Somerset Trust for Nature Conservation which intended it for use as a nature reserve.

Unfortunately their plans never came to fruition, and in

early 1997 the gates were locked and all maintenance ceased.

Things stayed this way until July 2000 when NHS Estates intended the cemetery to be sold at a public auction as a Development Opportunity.

It was withdrawn from sale at the last-minute following intervention by then Wells MP David Heathcoat-Amory representing the views of many local people.

The Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery were formed and since then volunteers have looked after, cared for and researched the history of the Asylum, the staff and patients buried there.

The care and future of this place is dependent on donations which can be made via a donate button on the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery website, or people can take advantage of the opportunities to visit and discover this hidden gem of Somerset history.

There is a display in the chapel of the treatment and medical knowledge of mental illness during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, patient stories and photographs which has been refreshed and renewed during the winter.

To help to support the work, there will be guided tours available during the spring and summer for history, social, education, heritage and village groups for a donation to the cemetery and by booking only.

Art groups are also welcome as the cemetery is a haven of peace, wildlife and vistas.

Contact: blackmore.clare@ btinternet.com or enquiries@ mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk There is more information online at mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk or Facebook: Mendip Hospital Cemetery.

Chance to have a good rummage PEOPLE can enjoy a good rummage at the Bargain Bazaar to be held at the Methodist Church Hall, Southover (BA5 1UG), on Saturday, April 1, from 10am-12pm.

Items will include clothes, books, bric-a-brac, children’s

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toys, and of course there will be refreshments available.

Proceeds will be shared between medical care charity Médecins Sans Frontières and the church.

Contact 01749 937487 for further details.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

March 2023

33

n NEWS

Enjoyable time at City Band awards night WELLS City Band players and supporters enjoyed their Annual Award ceremony at West Pennard Village Hall on February 4.

The evening included a delicious buffet and some challenging table quizzes as well as a time to chat.

Musical Director Paul Denegri gave an encouraging overview for the future of Wells City Band. He expressed appreciation of the commitment of both players and behind-thescene helpers.

The award winners were: Training Section Award: won by Briony Hurd, presented by Tanya Flagg (training co-ordinator); Beckington Bandits Award: won by Eleane Cann (absent); Most Improved Player: won

by Cole Craggs (absent); Best Bands’ Person: won by Angela Humphries, presented by Paul Denegri (MD); Best Supporter: won by Lucie Foley (absent);

Briony Hurd is presented with the Training Section Award by Tanya Flagg, and Angela Humphries is handed the Best Bands’ Person Award by Paul Denegri Pictures: JP Kitcher Long Service Award – and instruments: won by John Flagg, presented by Ben Collins (Chairman); Long Service Award – 35 years: won by Tanya Flagg, presented by Ben Collins (Chairman).

Wells City Band is in a strong position with a full complement of players and a thriving training section learning through the new Academy.

Tanya Flagg, one of the Academy leaders, was awarded

a 35-year badge to wear on her uniform, and a new trombone to learn (the only instrument she has never played in the band). She began at Horrington School playing percussion and progressed through the band to become the principal flugel player. Her enthusiasm and commitment has inspired many young people to enjoy playing music. Some are now professional music teachers across the country.

Exciting events will be taking place this year, including a concert in Cedars Hall on Sunday, May 14, in the afternoon; celebrating the Coronation on May 7 on the Cathedral Green; and playing at the Glastonbury Extravananza in August.

The Band thanked the people of Wells for their continued support.

For more information, ring Jane Hill on 01749 675668.

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March 2023

n NEWS

2023 Food Trail set to serve up more feasts

FOLLOWING the success of 2022’s Somerset Food Trail, which saw 8,500 members of the public visiting more than 190 sustainable food producers and retailers, the 2023 Trail dates have been announced, with a new overarching theme of The 30-mile Feast.

This year’s event will run from Friday, July 14, to Sunday, July 30, when foodies will be able to taste the best that the county has to offer at a series of feasts that showcase ingredients supplied by Somerset’s growing

‘We are trying to create a movement that gets consumers to wield the power they have to impact food production’

band of regenerative farmers and sustainable food producers.

Somerset Food Trail is managed and run by Sustainable Food Somerset (formerly Wells Food Network), a local advocacy group working towards a more nature-friendly food system.

They are putting out a call to encourage feasts and tastings that can showcase food gleaned and grown within a 30-mile radius.

“We are particularly keen to include events that showcase cost-effective sources of good food, such as foraging and community growing,” said new SFS board member, Graham Harvey, an environmental campaigner who for more than 30 years was a script-writer and agricultural story editor on the BBC’s longest-running radio drama, The Archers.

“Ultimately, we are trying

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The Shatwell On the Spoon feast during last year’s Food Trail to create a movement that gets consumers to wield the power they have to impact food production, supporting the shift to nature-friendly farming that is vital for our planet.”

2022’s Somerset Food Trail laid the way for feasts, with ticketed lunches and dinners at a variety of venues. In 2023’s Food Trail, a ‘feast’ could range from

a three-course sit down dinner to a picnic in a field – as long as most of the food is sourced from a 30-mile radius.

To find out more about setting up a feast, contact the organisers using the form on the Somerset Food Trail website: somersetfoodtrail.org. Deadline for event applications is March 15.

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wellsvoice

March 2023

n IN DAYS GONE BY

35

With Clare Blackmore

Officials sniffed out problems with closets THE city council was much preoccupied with closets and sewage during the late 1800s.

Despite being visually stunning, Wells really didn’t smell very pleasant, and the Medical Officers of Health and the Inspectors of Nuisances during that time were kept very busy monitoring effluent, its various aromas and their effects on the health of the population and visitors to the city.

May 1862 A report from the Inspector of Nuisances to the council stated that: “There are four cottages on the north side of St Thomas Street for which there is one small closet without a pan or drainage. The closet is situated close to the door of Mr Clement’s house and the smell is extremely offensive.

There is no drainage whatsoever from any of these cottages. The rooms are low and in a dirty state quite unfit for habitation. There is no private drain to convey the waste water from the house of Mr Tucker and four others.

There is a closet without drainage on the premises occupied by Mr G Lockyer and four other persons which should be taken down and a proper closet built with a pan and drainage into the sewer.

Manure heaps and cess pools drain into the adjacent premises occupied by Charles Lane.

The closet in the garden and rented by John Brown and James Croucher is overflowing and the floor has fallen in. The closet on the premises of Mr G Teale must be removed and emptied immediately and the recess filled up.

Horses, donkeys, chickens and pigs adjoin these dwellings with their accompanying manure heaps.

Food for the cottagers is grown in the small patches of garden near the closet.

St Cuthbert Street The closet belonging to Mrs Slade is overflowing for the want of drainage. It requires to be removed and a proper closet built with pan and drainage.

There is a closet for the accommodation of C Allen,

St Thomas Street, where sanitation was an issue in the 1860s, and typhoid was ‘rampant’ in the 1890s Picture: Wells & Mendip Museum Collection Loxton and others which is overflowing and the closet belonging to Charles Cock and James Trigg is overflowing and broken down.”

October 1853 There was the threat of cholera which had hit bigger towns and cities and so a Local Board was set up to have the responsibility for the “Direct cleaning of the streets and the removal of filth, rubbish, dung, ashes and rubbish therein. The keeping in order of water-closets and privies and drains, the filling up or covering of places used for the collection of liquid filth, the removal of any nuisance from pig sties and the white washing and cleansing of filthy and unwholesome houses.”

June 1866 A report to the council from the Town Surveyor: “The Inspector will tell you that in many cases there are pumps with an adequate supply of water near at hand but people are too lazy to use it for the purpose of flushing their closets so regardless of the filth and stench these closets create they will not take the trouble to pump a bucket or two of water a day for this purpose.”

In 1892 Councillor Sheldon complained to the council about the “stench arising from the Mill Stream and said that one of his employees engaged in cleaning out the stream was made sick by

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it and the others could not work until they had opened the arch to let in fresh air. What they found there was disgusting, dead cats, dead dogs, dead and live rats, slaughter house refuse, boots, shoes, pots and kettles and it was a regular rubbish dump.”

Alderman Everett said that the Mill Stream in question had been thrashed out year after year.

“Hours have been spent discussing whose duty it is to clear out the stream.” He said that “It has been sought out to make it the responsibility of the adjoining owners and that it is a natural stream.”

“The only natural stream is the one which flowed down Silver Street. The Mill Stream was an artificial one made for the benefit of the Bishop’s Mill and that the Council had nothing whatever

to do with it. My advice to the Council is to refer Cllr Sheldon to the Commissioners and the less we have to do with the Mill Stream the better.”

In September 1898 the Medical Officer of Health for the city, Dr Purnell, reported that typhoid was “rampant in the city” particularly in St Thomas Street, South Street, Broad Street and Tucker Street, and that most of the patients were children.

On the case in Tucker Street Dr Purnell said that “The house is kept very clean but in the small yard behind there is a shared closet for six cottages housing some thirty or more persons which is in a filthy condition and unprovided with any form of flushing.”

In South Street the closet behind the house “was of an extremely old-fashioned type and dirty in the extreme”.

Dr Purnell recommended that “It would be a wise precaution to have all water closets in the city inspected and reported on in detail. An attempt should be made to induce owners of cottage properties to provide cheap and effective flushing apparatus.”

Cllr Crosse drew attention to the fact that, “all the typhoid patients are children and that children are in the habit of drinking from the gutters in the High Street. If they drank from the gutters on the west side of the fishmonger’s shops it would be a miracle that they didn’t have typhoid, for the entrails of the fish and other offal are thrown into the gutters whence children drink.”

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

36

March 2023

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

We’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes

BY the time you read this, it will be more than a year since the war in Ukraine began.

The anniversary is one we never wanted to reach, but it felt very poignant to mark the 365-day mark and reiterate to our Ukrainian friends that we continue to understand their plight, and that we will support them for as long as it takes.

The work in the Ministry of Defence has been one of immense commitment to ensuring not only do Ukraine have the capabilities to defend themselves against the Russian invasion, but they also have enough weaponry to effectively mount counteroffensives to retake territory.

The visit to Kyiv by the President of the United States was also a huge statement to the whole world that Europe and the US stand together in support of Ukraine.

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey ‘The bravery and leadership President Zelensky has shown has been nothing short of remarkable’ This barbaric war must end – but it must end on President Zelensky’s terms. I am sure many

of you were as moved as I was when he made his impassioned speech in Parliament. It was an honour to have him in Westminster, and the bravery and leadership he has shown has been nothing short of remarkable.

In my role as Minister of the Armed Forces, there have been countless trips abroad to gain support and weaponry to give to Ukraine, and I am so proud of all we have provided here in the UK. The training of Ukrainian soldiers has also been a big part of our work to support the country, and it was quite something to see the Prime Minister and President Zelensky visit the troops being trained by our superb Armed Forces.

Here in Somerset, we have also welcomed a number of people to this great country from Ukraine through the Homes for

Ukraine scheme. The gratitude those people feel to those who have opened their homes is undeniable, and it is a testament to the unity of us all to protect the people and sovereignty of Ukraine.

I know my office felt immense pride in helping get some of the visas over the line.

These things which have a profound impact on people’s lives are hugely important in terms of the way we stand in the world as a country. Globally, we have led the way in making clear that Vladimir Putin cannot be able to get away with these atrocities – and some of the world’s most powerful stands with us.

I have been clear for the past year that we will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to end this war on their terms. Slava Ukraini!

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wellsvoice

March 2023

37

n NEWS

MAKING FUNERALS LESS OF AN UNDERTAKING Our Funeral Services

Funeral Services & Arrangements Affordable Funeral Packages Bespoke Funeral Packages A cheque from Mogers Drewett for £1,000 is presented to Wells Foodbank

Firm gives money to local foodbanks WEST Country solicitors Mogers Drewett has started 2023 with a donation of £1,000 to three foodbanks local to their offices in Wells, Bath and Sherborne.

The money was raised by staff who sold raffle tickets in December 2022 for prizes donated by local businesses.

Sean McDonough, Managing Partner of Mogers Drewett, said: “Mogers Drewett wants to focus this year’s charitable activity on the food banks as we want to help those in our community who have been so deeply affected by the cost-ofliving crisis.”

Foodbanks are seeing an unprecedented rise in demand for their services.

Sue Marland, Senior Pastor and Foodbank Manager at Wells

Vineyard Foodbank, said: “We are now spending around £1,800 per month on groceries and other essential items as demand has outstripped the traditional donations of long-life products.

Financial support such as this is a lifeline and will help continue to support local people in desperate need.”

Sean added: “We see this as the start of a longer-term relationship through 2023 which will include the firm encouraging staff to volunteer at foodbanks and working with the foodbank team to identify additional support needed in 2023.”

To learn more about the charity visit www.wellsvineyard. com or to provide a financial donation to Wells Foodbank, go to https://gofund.me/3f498589

Premises wanted for family centre A SEARCH is under way for suitable premises to set up a family centre for children in care to spend time with their siblings and wider families.

Foster carers Roxie and Paul Ford are the directors of FordHaven, along with Hazel Degregorio, Donna Paul and Michelle Madgett. This is a new community interest company that aims to keep families

connected. If possible, they would like to find somewhere in Wells, Glastonbury or Street for the family centre to provide children and young people in the care system with a place to spend quality time with their families.

Anyone who can help is asked to email contact-us@fordhaven. org or call 07495 000680.

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March 2023

n WHAT’S ON

A knotty problem for police inspector to have to unravel WELLS Little Theatre’s next production is the comedy ForgetMe-Knot, which is running from Wednesday, March 8, to Saturday, March 11, at 7.30pm.

In this play Robert Zeinfeld is found wandering the streets of Leicester at 4am. There is no clue as to how he got there, he just has a bruised head and a suspicious police inspector for company. Robert’s wife is reluctant to help and Samantha just seems to add to the confusion, and just who is leaving messages on Robert’s mobile?Perhaps Robert hasn’t lost his memory at all; perhaps it’s all an elaborate cover-up. The deeper the policeman digs, the more confused he gets. But the

truth always comes out in the end. Or does it?

It is written by David Tristram, who also wrote Inspector Drake And The Perfekt Crime, The Opposite Sex and the Little Grimley plays, all of which have proved popular in Wells.

Tickets are available from the website at wellslittletheatre.com and from the box office at the theatre 45 minutes before each performance.

Right: The cast of Forget-Me-Knot, standing, from left, Sandra Marshall as Samantha, Dave Palmer as Inspector Monroe, Roberta Bass as Julia Zeinfeld, and seated, Glynn Webster as Robert Zeinfeld Picture: Greg Tresize

Community choral event MILLFIELD Music will be hosting its annual Community Choral Project at Wells Cathedral this month.

Bringing together students and staff from Millfield, singers from the local community and primary school children from three local schools, the evening of uplifting choral music, both old and new, takes place on the evening of Tuesday, March 21.

Rutter’s epic Requiem forms the highlight of a programme

that also features Alexander L’Estrange’s Zadok Rules – Hallelujah! and Haydn’s Insanæ et Vanæ Curæ. The Millfield Orchestra will also perform the Pas de Deux from he Nutcracker.

Tickets are £5 available from Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/e/ millfield-music-cathedralconcert-tickets-509247311417?af f=ebdssbdestsearch Doors open at 7.10pm and there will be a collection at the end for the Trussell Food Bank.

Oratorio Society Spring Concert WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society is presenting Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and John Rutter’s Magnificat in its Spring Concert at Wells Cathedral.

Performing these popular major works with the choir are the English Symphony Orchestra together with soloists Natalie Clifton-Griffith (soprano) and Matthew Minter (baritone).

The Conductor is Alexander Hamilton.

“The achingly beautiful Requiem and exuberant Magnificat are contrasting works both rich in glorious melodies. It

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Composer John Rutter is an evening of music to soothe and uplift the soul,” WCOS says.

The concert will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 7pm.

Tickets: wcos.org.uk/tickets

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n WHAT’S ON Fayre fun for all the family at rugby club

necessary, and no partner is needed. However, a reasonable level of mobility is required.

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

WELLS RFC Mini and Junior section is holding an Eggstraveganza Fayre on Saturday, April 8.

There will be stalls, Splat the Coach, a bar, food, kids’ craft area, cakes, bottle tombola, chocolate tombola and more.

All are invited to join the fun at the rugby club at Charter Way from 12pm until late.

Two Bingo nights TWO Bingo nights are being organised by Globe Carnival Club.

The first will take place at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Friday, March 24, and the second at Croscombe Village Hall on Monday, April 3.

Doors open at 6.45pm, eyes down at 7.30pm, with lots of prizes to be won.

PILATES AND BARRE

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

Pub folk sessions

Golden-Oldies sing-alongs take place on the first Wednesday of each month at the Methodist Church Hall in Wells 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.

Comedy drama WOOKEY Hole Cinema will be showing the film The Lost King, a comedy drama based on the discovery of King Richard III’s grave beneath a council car park in Leicester.

Starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan, it will be screened on Sunday, April 2, at 7.30pm, at the new venue upstairs at Wookey Hole Club.

Tickets on the door: WH Club Members £6, Guests £8.

More information: https:// wookeyholecinemaclub.weebly. com/

High School concert One-woman play ON Monday, March 13, more than 100 musicians aged 16-18 from the USA will descend on Wells to perform a charity concert in St Cuthbert’s Church in aid of WCN Ukraine.

From City High School, Iowa, ensembles will consist of a big band, symphony orchestra and choir, performing traditional, popular, jazz and classical music

by Chilcott, Rachmaninov, Percy Grainger, Vaughan Williams and many more.

The concert starts at 7pm and cash donations will be taken on the night in aid of WCN Ukraine.

All are welcome.

LOST in Blue is a one-woman theatre play written and performed by multi-award winner Debs Newbold.

It is the latest in a series of professional theatrical shows hosted by Croscombe Frolics thanks to the support of

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

Drawing workshop A MINDFUL Drawing Workshop will take place at The Good Earth on Priory Road, Wells, on Thursday, March 30, from 10am-12pm.

No art experience is necessary. The cost is £10.

If interested or for more information, contact Lyn on 07919 876566.

Lost in Blue, written and performed

by Debs Newbold, can be seen at Croscombe Village Hall in March

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Seated exercise SEATED exercise classes are taking place in Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm.

Carrie Hemmings is delivering the Love To Move sessions, which involve movement to music while sitting down. The cost to take part is £4 per person and £1 per accompanying carer. For more information, contact Carrie: 07818 303956 or email lovetomovemendip@gmail.com

th Tai Chi Heal

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

Scottish dancing

Golden opportunity GOLDEN-OLDIES sing-along sessions for older people take place on the first Wednesday of

Somerset’s rural touring charity Take Art. Lost in Blue is at Croscombe Village Hall on Sunday, March 12, at 7pm, with tickets £11 adults / £8 under 25s or low income via www.takeart.org/ whats-on

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

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

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

SCOTTISH country dancing group the Wells Scottish Dancers meet on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm at Portway Annexe, Wells.

All ages (over 18) are welcome, no experience is

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

Weeky 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

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March 2023

n WHAT’S ON Nigel Kennedy to give performance ACCLAIMED violinist Nigel Kennedy will be performing at Wells Cathedral on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, with a programme including music by Bach, Komeda, Kennedy and Sakamoto.

He will be joined for these concerts by cellist, Peter Adams, a renowned soloist and chamber musician.

The concerts will be the only chance to see Nigel Kennedy perform this programme in the UK this year. He was originally due to perform this programme with Peter Adams at Wells Cathedral in April 2020, but the concerts were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kennedy remains the bestselling violinist of all time.

His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire.

For more details and to book tickets to the concerts, which

The genuine Shroud of Turin which shows the image of a man who has been crucified is preserved in the Cathedral of Turin and the full-length replica is very rare.

One of the purposes of the exhibition is to show how brutal crucifixion really was and to tell the story of the crucifixion of Jesus. The exhibition includes original Roman nails, a replica whip and a spear, and there are information boards about art, history and the latest research on the Shroud.

Board game nights Violinist Nigel Kennedy will be appearing in concert at Wells Cathedral on March 17 and 18 start at 8pm, see wellscathedral. org.uk

Shroud exhibition A FULL-SIZE copy of the famous Shroud of Turin is coming to Wells Cathedral and will be on display from March 25 to April 27.

The Shroud of Turin exhibition includes a 15ft replica image which is a photograph printed onto cotton by an American photographer, Barrie Schwortz, who was the official photographer at the Shroud of Turin Research Project examination of the Shroud in 1978.

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

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

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March 2023

41

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Ian Green describes Towards a Better Balance between Heritage and Growth to Wells Civic Society members and friends at Wells Museum on February 8

Discussion of ways to better balance heritage and growth WELLS is to the forefront yet again; this time it’s of a major initiative to look across the country at the impact on historic towns and cities of newly-built and to-be built developments.

Surely, nowhere is more appropriate for such a study to be carried out than Wells and this is precisely what has happened, as was outlined by the chair of the Wells Civic Society, Chris Winter, at their open meeting in February. Wells was the pilot study, proving that such an enquiry was desirable and viable, and this was thoroughly expanded on by Ian Green, chair of the Oxford Civic Society.

The Wells pilot led to seven years of research, frustrated at times inevitably by Covid, in a total of 12 carefully selected, representative case study cities and towns: Canterbury, Chester, Chichester, Lancaster, Lichfield, Malvern, Oxford, Peterborough, Wakefield, Winchester, Worcester and, of course, Wells, with Chris and Ian being members of the research team.

The original initiative for such a wide-ranging study came from a group of civic societies which were concerned about the impact of new development on historic cities and towns – please note, this was not in any way to gainsay the need for new

development, the question is about how it is accommodated – and the resultant formation of the alliance of Historic Cathedral Cities and Towns (ACT). This so impressed Historic England that they offered to fund a wideranging study. To carry out this work, a remarkable coalition was formed consisting of the Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF), ACT, Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, and civic societies. It has uniquely brought together the views of local authority planning officers, local councillors, and civic societies to enable it now to make recommendations about best practice as communities develop into the future.

Crucially, the study adopted a bottom-up approach; it concerned itself with grassroots, which has not always been the case. Views were obtained through extensive, focussed interviews in this comprehensive investigation into how heritage and growth could be better balanced. With all views collated and analysed, a list of key recommendations is now published. They fall into four main categories for: national government; local authorities; Historic England; and civic societies themselves. In brief, these last are advised to: develop

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closer, positive relationships with elected council members and heritage and design officers; support local authorities in encouraging greater involvement of local people in planning consultations; bring local experts to the attention of planning, heritage and design officers and councillors so they can make a positive contribution to planning. There is also now a Toolkit to help civic societies better understand how and when

‘We are not endeavouring to look after the special places and character of Wells just for ourselves; it is for our children and grandchildren’ to engage over key issues during the whole planning process.

New housing was one topic much focussed on in the study.

No one was in denial of the need for new housing but a major question was asked as to whether the off-the-peg algorithm currently used to determine housing allocations can take into account the heritage value and character of historic towns and cities. Despite the fact that within the last few days the fifth

housing minister in 12 months has been appointed, this churn being generally seen as not likely to aid consistency, there may, however, be some sign of a breach in the intractable housing allocation barrier. Michael Gove, whose Secretary of State brief now includes Housing and Conservation, seems to be saying that the allocation should be considered as advisory and not mandatory. This makes it even more important that this study is seen at Westminster and there is hope that it will yet influence the National Planning Policy Framework, which sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.

In summing up the evening, and in thanking Ian for his in-depth contribution, Chris pointed out that Wells’ economy depends on tourism to a large extent. The city is a tourist centre because of its heritage.

It’s circular: if the city does not look after that heritage, the city’s economy will suffer greatly.

Another of her remarks was the profoundest of all: we are not endeavouring to look after the special places and character of Wells just for ourselves; it is for our children and grandchildren that we should strive to conserve the old and harmoniously accommodate the new.

Towards a Better Balance between Heritage and Growth is available online and probably for most people the executive summary will provide an easyread in sufficient depth to give an appreciation of the relevance and quality of this important, and it is to be hoped influential, study.

Each of the next two meetings continues the theme of local developments. On Wednesday, March 8, the speaker will be Jack Moulding, of SNUG Housing, and his topic will be Sustainable Housing, and on Wednesday, April 12, The Future of Wells will be the focus of a discussion with a panel of Wells city councillors.

The meetings start at 7pm, with some refreshments available beforehand, and are held in Wells Museum on Cathedral Green. For further details or general information, please go to wellscivicsociety. org.uk or contact Chris at chris.f.winter@btinternet.com Richard Hanks u More societies reports on pages 42-44

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March 2023

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES CITY OF WELLS PROBUS CLUB CITY of Wells Probus Club got the new year off to a good start with a talk in January from Len Sweales, our Town Crier.

Len attended in full uniform, complete with his bell, and gave a very interesting talk on town criers.

He explained all pieces of his historic uniform and pointed out that the first reference to a town crier in Wells was in 1437. His duties include opening fairs and markets and announcing births, marriages and deaths.

In February we welcomed Siobhan Goodwin as our speaker.

Siobhan is the Community Engagement Manager of The Bishop’s Palace and gave an entertaining talk on the Palace and its history.

The Palace was built by Bishop Jocelyn on land given by King John 800 years ago. Bishop Ralph (1329-63) dug the moat and built the Gatehouse and the walls. Water was given to Wells

by Bishop Beckynton (1443-65).

In 1953 Bishop Bradfield attended the coronation of Elizabeth II. The Palace has five paid gardeners and many volunteers to keep it going, including one who has been there for 40 years.

At our April meeting we will have a talk on South African Wines from Gerhard Perold of Perold Wine Cellar.

Probus currently has no waiting list for membership.

For more information see probusonline.org/city-of-wells WELLS TUESDAY WI THIS month is the deadline for choosing which of the possible shortlisted resolutions members would most like to see the WI adopt as a campaign nationally.

Wells WI members voted overwhelmingly to support the resolution: Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife. This proposal is aimed at improving water quality and even creating safe bathing sites. Next year we plan to devote the January meeting to greater discussion of shortlisted resolutions.

President Anne thanked everyone for their involvement in the wealth of activities that create so many opportunities for friendship, from walking, going to the cinema, visiting gardens, reading, playing netball or just

new members join which is very encouraging. The next talk, on Saturday, March 11, at 2.30pm, will be from James McWilliam about the Wellington Monument.

This talk will be preceded by a short AGM starting at 2.15pm.

Again potential new members are very welcome.

In May we will start our summer visits rather than meetings in Henton Hall. We are hoping to have visits to Cardiff Castle and city, Tredegar House and Kingston Lacy.

WELLS U3A

Wells Town Crier Len Sweales with City of Wells Probus Chairman Stan Gibby meeting for coffee. We talked about celebrating the Coronation in May by taking part in the community event on Cathedral Green by organising a human fruit machine game and raising funds for Voices, the charity we support that helps women experiencing domestic violence.

Our speaker was Sarah Cox, a nutritional therapist and health coach, who talked to us about gut health. Poor digestion has an adverse effect on our health, weakening our defences against bacteria and infection. Up to 45 per cent of people have some kind of food intolerance (as opposed to the more serious food allergy that causes anaphylactic shock).

Irritable bowel syndrome is an umbrella term covering a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Often the gut lining has become damaged by dysbiosis, a bacterial imbalance worsened by stress, alcohol, antibiotics, a poor or high-sugar diet, or previous gastroenteritis.

The good news is that the gut can nearly always be healed, and suffering alleviated, by improving our eating habits.

Sarah gave us her top tips for good digestion and invited us all to choose just one to put into action: n Eat bitter foods before a meal to stimulate production of the stomach acids that aid digestion: eg bitter salad leaves like rocket and chicory, or radishes, and add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water n Eat your enzymes: pineapple

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and papaya contain helpful substances n Try to include some fermented foods in your diet: fresh sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir n Aim to eat a rainbow of colourful plant-based foods to boost nutrient uptake n Eat mindfully, chewing food properly and avoiding consuming meals when stressed or busy n Avoid drinking too much water with meals, this can dilute stomach acids and prevent them breaking down protein and aiding absorption of vitamins and minerals n Avoid processed foods and those containing excessive sugar, they feed yeast and unhelpful bacteria in the gut Our next meeting will be on March 7. More information can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi Veronica Howe WELLS AND DISTRICT CENTRE NATIONAL TRUST THE Wells and District Centre National Trust met at Henton Hall on Saturday, February 11.

We had a very interesting talk and slides from Richard Grundy about Tristan da Cunha Island which is part of the Tristan Islands. It’s amazing how selfsufficient and resilient this small group of British citizens on the island have to be. It is the world’s most isolated settlement.

We have recently had some

WITH spring on the way, Wells u3a outdoor groups are getting out and about to enjoy the sunny days, even if some still have a winter chill. The groups on offer for some fresh air and exercise that you can join via Wells u3a for are Pétanque, who do play throughout the winter, Easy Rides cycling, who do use electric bikes, longer ride cycling, two walking groups and a strollers group.

Strollers have been keeping up their weekly walks all winter, with just a brief break for Christmas. Of late they have enjoyed the wonderful views from Burrington Combe and checked on the level of Cheddar Reservoir. The last time we visited the reservoir (in August), it was just a puddle in the middle. This time it was full or nearly full and, with a stiff wind blowing, there were waves big enough to make the ducks sea sick.

The Wildflower Walks group will restart in March and it will run with fortnightly walks around the Wells area and some trips to Somerset Nature Reserves and other sites that are further away by car-sharing if necessary. They will be identifying, learning about and enjoying our native wildflowers and trees in their natural environment. This may sometimes involve walking one or two miles, occasionally in hilly terrain, but advance notice of this is always given. New members for this group are welcome once you have joined Wells u3a.

Cycling – If you are an excyclist or a born-again cyclist then this group is for you. We go out twice a month sometimes locally but often to a venue generally up to 20 miles radius from Wells riding the lanes of

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wellsvoice

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43

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES that area for up to 30 miles (sometimes more), with a coffee stop and lunch break to socialise and to replenish energy levels.

Each active member organises and leads at least one run throughout the year, so the more members, the fewer runs an individual has to organise and the more variety we have.

Easy Cycle rides may be more to your taste. If you fancy pottering along country lanes by bicycle, while avoiding any serious hills, then perhaps this is the group for you to join.

Once a month the friendly group sets off for their easy cycle ride.

They stop for coffee and again, a few miles later, for lunch at a cafe or pub. They normally do a circular ride of about 20 miles at a very gentle pace and if you feel a need for a little assistance this is where your electric bike is welcome to join with the other cyclists. Sometimes they start from Wells but the majority of their rides are car-assisted to a starting point such as Wedmore or Castle Cary in order to explore some different countryside.

This group always welcome new members.

The Pétanque group meets throughout the year at Wells football ground, Rowdens Road.

Pétanque is a team game and is the best-known form of the French ‘boules’ (literally ‘balls’) family of games. It involves the rolling or pitching of hollow metal boules over a gravel playing area (or terrain) to rest as close as possible to a much smaller wooden target ball or jack (or cochonnet, literally ‘piglet’). The basic game is fairly easy to pick up and has a nice levelling mix of skill and with some elements of ‘chance’ (luck even!).

More details of all these groups, and many more can be found on our website u3asites. org.uk/wells/home or just Google Wells u3a groups. Some of the information of the groups above have films attached to them to get a real feel of the group.

Ann Brown, Arthur Spain, John Wheat, Dick Bond, Pat Steele and Peter for pétanque WELLS ANALYTICAL PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY OVER the past 12 years or more, a participating audience of about

Members of Wells u3a walking around Cheddar Reservoir 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 knowledge and scepticism to ethical theory, from the nature of personal identity to scientific method, from French Existentialism to the foundations of mathematics, from abortion to Machiavelli. Everyone is welcome and no prior familiarity with academic philosophy is expected.

Our next debate (on March 6 and led by Colin Stott) is entitled Relationships: A New Approach to Old Problems. Just pop in for a friendly taster, or contact Alan Hobbs on 01749 677949 for further information. The topic for each month will be posted a fortnight in advance on the Wells Library noticeboard.

WELLS & DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP THE group began the year with a near full house at its meeting at the Wells Museum in January with a talk on the Long Legged Beauties of the Somerset Levels

by Damon Bridge of the RSPB. Waders such as lapwing, curlew and redshank are such long legged beauties and Damon described the measures being taken to give them a helping hand. These included surrounding nest areas with predator proof fencing, working with landowners to reduce disturbance and increasing the habitat.

As often happens increasing the habitat for one species often attracts other new species. In

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recent years this has included the arrival of several species of egret, with the possibility of white stork and new species of herons in the future. Damon went on to describe the methods which have been taken to aid the return of the crane to the UK. Captive breeding took quite a large part in making it a success.

This involved carers donning crane suits to prevent the cranes becoming too familiar with humans when they were released to the wild.

I am writing this on St Valentine’s Day: when birds traditionally find their partners.

However, having seen a robin with nesting material recently along with blue tits popping in and out of my garden nest box some have not waited that long to start breeding! Tawny Owls have finished noisily calling to establish territories and are already sitting on eggs in tree cavities. I’m sure other species such as blackbird, song thrush, robin and dunnock will be joining them once we get into March. March is the time when nature gets going. Frog spawn will be appearing in ponds. Bees and other pollinating insects will

Bees are important – but rewilding is not just about them

be seeking early nectar sources such as snowdrops, aconites and crocus. What is so pleasing is that all these signs can be seen, or heard, in your garden if you create the opportunities to invite them in.

Gardens are increasingly important for wildlife. It is estimated that Somerset has over 124,000 gardens providing over 4,700 acres of potential wildlife habitat. Our next talk on March 28 which is given by Jacky Morgan of ‘rewild chew garden by garden’ will provide ideas of how we can improve our garden for insects of all kinds.

Bees are extremely beneficial but not the only essential insects we should be taking care of in our gardens. Gardeners have a unique opportunity to help in this biodiversity crisis.

The presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 28, at 7.30pm at Wells Museum. We ask for a donation of £5 – under 16s are free. More details of this and other events can be found on our website www.wdwg.org.uk or phone Jean on 01749 677600.

Graham Allen WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB ON Tuesday, February 14, Valentine’s Day, members met to hear a talk by area demonstrator Sarah Chouglay entitled Wonderful Weddings. Sarah took us to ancient Greece to trace the origins of the wedding ring. More wealthy women would have two rings, an iron one to wear at home and a gold one to wear in public. The veil also has a long history, these were originally red, the bride and all her attendants would be similarly attired to ward off and confuse evil spirits. It was only in the Age of Enlightenment that love became important in marriage, before that most marriages of note were economic arrangements.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert typified this, not only was it a love match but it also took place in public. Until then royal weddings took place behind closed doors. Victoria also introduced us to white wedding gowns, before then they tended to be red. Hers was made of British satin and lace and adorned with a sapphire brooch, a gift from Albert.

Sarah also recalled memories Continued on page 44

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March 2023

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES From page 43

There were three raffle prizes.

Next month’s meeting will be at Coxley Memorial Hall on March 7 at 7pm. The speaker will be Emma Duke, talking about Trees and Their Wisdom. The competition is a poem about a tree (not necessarily selfpenned!).

All visitors are most welcome.

Ursula Dann

of her own wedding to a Moslem.

They were first married by a registrar before following the rites of a Moslem wedding.

Sarah’s father and the groom were actually in another room with the Imam for the beginning of the ceremony while Sarah and the women were in the next room. The Imam then heard Sarah’s vows before she and her husband were brought together.

The photograph shows Sarah with her wedding dress and her bangles. Bangles hold great significance in Indian weddings.

Debbie Coburn gave the vote of thanks and Denny Johnson and Enid Probut served the teas.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14, at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, when Ellie North’s demonstration will be Let’s Celebrate. Why not join us?

Jenny Jones HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB HAVE you just moved house or fancy a different view from the kitchen window? Then our March speaker will encourage you and established gardeners alike to tackle a project you may have been thinking about over the winter months.

Member, Noelle Mace, will be sharing tips on Starting a New Garden from Scratch. Noelle and her husband David moved to Wells in 2017 and began designing their new garden using her passion for interesting plants which add colour and interest to the garden and attract wildlife, and David’s surveying and building experience for the all-important ground work.

Together they have transformed what was a blank canvas into their “corner of heaven”. Noelle’s illustrated talk will show the stages they went through as the project evolved.

We meet in Henton Village Hall on Wednesday, March 15 – coffee served from 7pm, talk at 7.30pm. Raffle and Sales Table.

COXLEY & DISTRICT WI IT was a very chilly evening when our ladies met for our first gathering of 2023 on February 7.

As a change of routine we commenced with Richard

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Sarah Chouglay talked to Wells Floral Art Club about Wonderful Weddings Raysford, who gave us a slide show and talk about Somerset churches. He started off with outside views of churches, and we were given an account on their history.

Then came the artefacts, inside and out. Crosses, carvings.

This was an informative and entertaining event.

Helen gave our vote of thanks.

This was then followed by the monthly business, minutes from the December meeting, the donation of Christmas shoe box parcels. These were well received by the YMCA. Hilary reported on the last walking club event, the next is planned for March 16 at Timsbury.

The craft group will next meet at Peggy’s, and the project is Easter Stuff. Exact details will be discussed at the March WI meeting.

The book club will be on March 10 at Jenny’s. The book to be discussed is Still Life by Sarah Winman.

We were reminded that our 75th birthday will be celebrated on April 20, details next month.

Flower of the month was won

by Pat S with a lovely Hellebore.

The competition was a religious artefact and was won by Pat S with Jenny coming second.

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LIONEL Rothschild, banker and horticulturist, once wrote: “No garden, however small, should contain less than two acres of rough woodland.”

That puts most of us in our place as we do what we can in our relatively small suburban gardens. We can guess what Rothschild means by small and rough. An old gardening book on my shelf entitled The Small Garden defines a small garden as being about one and a quarter acres. How the author would approach the word rough can only be imagined. Judging by the illustrations: sharply neat edges to the flower borders, plants not daring to spill over the bowling green lawns and never a daisy in sight, neatness and control are in order.

Roughness nowadays is exactly what is needed. Those immaculate lawns and beds were not achieved without clobbering every living creature in sight and out of it. And it’s the small creatures which suffer first.

Some, we never knew existed until the right conditions arrived to suit them.

I once came across this oil beetle trundling across a patch of rough grass in the garden.

Apparently when hatched the larva clambers to the top of a flower stalk and awaits a visiting solitary bee on to which it attaches itself, hitching a lift to the bees nest where it feeds on the available nectar, bees eggs and pollen. Once the larva

An oil beetle

Picture: Peter Bone

pupates, it leaves the nest and trundles off to find a mate. All this was happening under my nose. That year I discovered nearly a score of oil beetles and never one since. It’s all very mysterious, which just adds to the appeal of gardening.

We need more beetles and insects of all varieties.

One person who is thoroughly committed to all forms of wildlife is the hugely enthusiastic naturalist Chris Sperring. We are fortunate to welcome Chris once more to the Gardening Club. His subject will be Wilding, a word we hear much about. Chris is a no nonsense speaker and if you have not heard him, then please take this opportunity to do so. If you have heard him, you will probably wish to hear him again. He is Conservation Officer for the Hawk & Owl Trust, broadcaster and TV presenter.

Details as follows: Chris Sperring MBE, A talk on Wilding in the garden, Thursday, March 9, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm.

Visitors £3, Members £1, Under 16 free. Everyone is welcome.

Refreshments.

Pip Harwood MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP IN February, John Hill from Wells First Responders gave an informative talk about their work in supporting the ambulance service. With 20 years of service the group in Wells was one of the first groups in the country.

Mendip Fibromyalgia Support Group meet at Binegar Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm; and in the Crispin Community Centre in Street on the third Monday of the month, 3.30pm-4.30pm. Both venues are suitable for most mobility issues.

Our next speaker at Binegar on Wednesday, March 1, will be talking about dog training. On April 5 it will be Dave Greenway, a Town Crier.

The cost is a small donation to help pay for the hire of the hall and speaker.

We now welcome people with long Covid as this has the same symptoms.

For more information contact Tanya – email: tanya@ mendipfmsg.org Website: www. mendipfibrogroup.org

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wellsvoice

March 2023

45

n SPORT

Action from the Les Phillips Cup game, above and right, between Wells City, in blue, and Shepton Mallet that was played at Shepton on January 31. Shepton Mallet ran out winners 1-0. Wells City continue to impress in the league, and with 13 games left to play, were third in the table.

Sustainability work impresses GOLF THANKS to substantial efforts that have been put in over the past couple of years, Mendip Golf Club has been nominated and is now in the final four nationally, for the Sustainability Project of the Year, a competition run by England Golf.

The selection committee have been impressed with the efforts the club has made on a number of fronts – installation of the bio mass boiler, creation of a bore hole and a number of projects carried out on the course to encourage indigenous species of wildlife to return and thrive, and the creation of a more natural feel to the course in keeping with being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There has also been a severe reduction in the use of chemicals and fertilisers.

All these projects enable the club to look to the future in a more sustainable way.

The winner of this award will be announced by England Golf in March.

The Seniors first event of 2023 saw 116 competitors play in the 4 person Texas Scramble.

The competition winners were Michael Anderson, Hugh

Harper Howerd has qualified along with Henry Lewer for the the World Junior Championships in Portugal Graham, Robert Needham and Martin Osborne.

The latest Mixed Social Golf competition saw a ‘partner changing’ event and a win, after countback with 44 points, for Pippa Brown playing with David Judge, just beating David’s wife Fiona playing with Clive Copp.

Two of Mendip’s youngsters have a great opportunity to further their experience having qualified to play in an event

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badged the World Junior Championships, run by The British Junior Golf Tour. With several age group categories this event is being held at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal, a resort that has two courses, one designed by Nick Faldo and the other by Christy O’Connor Junior.

Harper Howerd is 8 years old with a handicap of 43.6. Harper, who also plays at Wells, will meet seven other nationalities in her age group. She is fully supported by grandma Carol, a Mendip member, and father Chris who used to be a prominent Junior member at Mendip who still plays a few holes with Harper when time allows. There is a par 3 parent and junior event on day 1, a practice round on day 2 followed by 3 x 9 holes which these youngsters will certainly find a challenge with many approach shots over water.

Also playing is 11-year-old Henry Lewer. A member at Mendip since 2019, he regularly enters the men’s competitions and attends twice weekly for oneto-one coaching sessions with Assistant Professional Alex Todd.

Henry’s father Dean plays off 3.2 at Mendip.

Former professional footballer Paul Randall pictured at Wells City FC after having his head shaved to fundraise for Bristol Rovers player Nick Anderton, who has been diagnosed with bone cancer.

Randall is a former Bristol Rovers player, and also played for Stoke, Yeovil, Street and Wells. Anderton’s team-mates have all had their heads shaved in support.

Weekly action BADMINTON WELLS City Badminton Club is a Badminton England affiliated intermediate club now based at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre. It plays every Wednesday evening from 8pm until 10pm, The club has a team participating in the North Somerset Badminton League.

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

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

46

March 2023

n TAKE A BREAK

The FIEND

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Theme: Cooking

Easier sudoku Solution

Use the phone keypad to decode the clues.

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

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wellsvoice

March 2023

47

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holland odam 20 years for us £50 for you We are celebrating 20 years since we opened the doors here in the Wells branch of holland & odam and we wanted to share that landmark with you.

So, for a limited period, every property owner with a BA5 or BA4 postcode will receive a £50 voucher, simply by placing their property on the market for sale or to let with us in Wells.

And every property owner receiving a £50 voucher will also be placed in a draw for the chance of winning an extra £1,000!

We would love to see you so just drop into our Wells office or call to discuss your property with us.

01749 671020 wells@hollandandodam.co.uk Terms and conditions available upon request. £50 voucher courtesy of 'The Grape and the Good', independent wine merchants in Wells.