Wells Voice March 2024

Independent Vets Est. 1922 Sadler

Students making good use of new social space

STUDENTS at The Blue School, Wells, have started making use of the new sheltered area next to Bailey Hall that was funded by the local community.

Parent Rachel Sherman launched the fundraiser after an appeal to parents and carers by Headteacher Mark Woodlock for help in the aftermath of the discovery of cracks in the concrete floors in Kennion block.

Twenty classrooms have had to be closed as a result, and the school also lost a significant amount of social space.

Employees of shelter supply and installation company Premier Ltd spent the February half-term break building a canopy under which students can now gather at break and lunchtime.

Plans have also been revealed for 12 temporary classrooms to be installed from early March on the Kennion Courts behind Holland Hall, which will eventually allow all students to return to school full time.

Mark Woodlock said: “We

School Headteacher Mark Woodlock and Rachel

at the new sheltered social space that has been created for students; inset left, cracks above a classroom in Kennion block

have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our community. What began as a plea for help from local businesses has snowballed and we have received donations and

wonderful messages of support from far and wide.

“Current and former students, parents, staff and

Continued on page 2

Plans for sedan chair race at Rec

Rotary challenging teams to build sedan chair and take part in steeplechase challenge

Turn to page 5

Return of stone carving spectacle

Festival back after gap of six years, giving masons chance to share passion for their craft

Turn to page 8

More stars added to comedy line-up

Nish Kumar, Tim Key and Flo & Joan are among those who will feature in this year’s festival

Turn to page 15

Chess congress

City’s inaugural event taking place at Town Hall in March

Turn to page 20

Blue

Sherman

‘A really fabulous and much-needed space’

From page 1

businesses have contributed and many schools and sports clubs have been ‘wearing blue for The Blue’ and collecting donations for us. Glastonbury Festivals donated an extremely generous £10,000 and sizeable donations have been received from other companies and individuals.

“Rachel Sherman’s JustGiving page set out to raise £30,000 which was achieved within days and the total now stands at nearly twice that. Our PTA will now be continuing the fundraising via their JustGiving page, anticipating that our need will be longer term in view of the uncertainty around the building works that will need to be carried out.

“The canopy is ready for the students to use. We are making plans to spend the additional funds to enhance further social areas for the students and

work will be starting on our ‘Kennion Village’ which will be an installation of 12 temporary classrooms on our Kennion Courts, and which will allow all students to return to school full time after Easter. Our

Holy Week and Easter at Wells Cathedral

heartfelt thanks go to all who have supported, and continue to support us.”

He welcomed Rachel to the school after half-term to see the newly completed canopy.

She said: “This fundraiser

has been a phenomenal display of kindness, support and appreciation. We have now raised over £80,000 for The Blue School from the JustGiving page and donations direct to the school. Absolutely amazing.

“It’s been wonderful to see the excitement and community connection this has brought to Wells, so many people have given it their all and it’s truly amazing. Seeing the canopy built and finished has been a very heartwarming experience, a really fabulous and much-needed space.

“This has been achieved by everyone that donated and gave their time to help raise funds. Thank you again everyone so very much. You’ve all made a huge difference to our muchloved secondary school in Wells.”

The extent of the building measures required for the old Kennion buildings is still being assessed.

24

25 March

Midday Office and Reflection

5.15 p.m. Choral Evensong (Vicars Choral)

26 March Tuesday of Holy Week

10.00 a .m. Diocesan Chrism Eucharist

12.05 p.m. Midday Office and Reflection

5.15 p.m. Choral Evensong (Choristers)

27 March Wednesday of Holy Week

12.05 p.m. Midday Office and Reflection

5.15 p.m. Choral Evensong (Cantoris Vicars Choral)

9.00 p.m. Choral Compline (Decani Vicars Choral)

28 March Maundy Thursday

12.05 p.m. Midday Office and Reflection

7.30 p.m. Solemn Eucharist of the Last Supper (Cathedral Choir)

29 March Good Friday

12.00 p.m. Three Hours’ Devotion

2.00 p.m. The Final Hour (Cathedral Choir)

7.30 p.m. Bath Camerata: Music for Good Friday

30 March Easter Eve

8.00 p.m. Easter Vigil with Confirmation (Cathedral Choir)

31 March Easter Day

8.00 a .m. Holy Communion bcp

9.30 a .m. Cathedral Eucharist (Cathedral Choir)

11.30 a .m. Choral Matins (Cathedral Choir)

3.00 p.m. Festal Evensong (Cathedral Choir)

Mark Flinn and Alex Thomas from Premier Ltd working on the shelter at The Blue School during the half-term break

Centre visit brings ‘wonder and smiles’

CLIENTS of The Lawrence Centre in Wells were able to handle 400-year-old tiles during a presentation on The Great Hall at The Bishop’s Palace.

The Lawrence Centre provides activities and support for older people, including those living with health issues and memory loss.

The event there was the result of a collaboration between the Museum To You (MTY) and The Bishop’s Palace to create a project aimed at reducing the barriers for care home residents and others to enjoy community learning.

MTY bridges the gap between community learning opportunities and underrepresented audiences.

The aim of the latest project was to help community members who had previously been unable to access The Bishop’s Palace to feel more connected with this unique local landmark. A multisensory presentation based on The Great Hall was designed for this purpose.

Attendees were able to listen through headphones to an introduction by Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager at The Bishop’s Palace, about the Palace and Great Hall.

The visit featured fragments of 400-year-old tiles and complete replicas, which showcased various tile motifs.

“I can’t believe I got to touch 400-year-old tiles – it was so wonderful,” said Mike.

Every person also had the opportunity to design a card

using motif stamps, paint, and rollers. There was a floor tiles puzzle and dressing up clothes, including a King, Bishop, and ‘Lady’ outfit, specially modified to make them easy to put on.

MTY Director Suzannah Cook said: “Our visits support lifelong learning and community connections for everyone. We believe that everyone has a right to be included, learn and have new experiences.

“We have really enjoyed our collaboration with The Bishop’s Palace, you can see the wonder and smiles these experiences bring to everyone we visit.”

wellsvoice

www.wellsvoice.co.uk

CONTACTS

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

LOCAL INFORMATION

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

YOUR VIEWS

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

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice

View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice

Follow on X (Twitter): @wells_voice A member of the Independent Community News Network

APRIL DEADLINE

To ensure your news or letter is included in the April issue please contact us by March 20.

COMPLAINTS

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,100 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

Wells Voice shortlisted again for national newspaper award

WELLS Voice has been shortlisted in the Hyperlocal Newspaper of the Year category in this year’s Newspaper Awards.

It is the second year in a row that the free local newspaper for Wells and district has been shortlisted for one of these prestigious national awards. The other five titles from around the UK to be shortlisted this year are: Hackney Citizen, The Bristol Cable, The Edinburgh Reporter, The Peckham Peculiar and The West of Dorset Magazine.

There are 13 categories

altogether, including National Newspaper of the Year and International Newspaper of the Year. The award winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on March 26.

The news comes a month after Wells Voice was named Business of the Year in the Wells Civic Awards.

Cinema freezes ticket price at £5

WELLS Film Centre has frozen the price of tickets at £5 for the whole of 2024.

The decision has been taken after the success of the price reduction, which was first introduced for the school summer holidays seven months ago and has remained in place ever since, in attracting people back to the cinema.

Terms and Conditions apply, and the offer does not include Event Cinema or special events.

Sally Cooper, proprietor of the Film Centre, in Princes Road, said: “I am delighted to extend our £5 ticket offer for the rest of 2024 and be able to make cinema more accessible during these difficult economic times.

“The feedback we have had from customers since we reduced our ticket prices has been amazing and we hope this will enable more people to come back to the cinema and watch more films during the year.”

New interest in group at new venue

THE Wells and Shepton Amnesty Group has recently been looking to attract new members with the group trying out a new venue for its monthly meetings.

The group’s first meeting at the Loft Cafe in Wells Cathedral took place on February 8 and several potential new members attended.

The group has thanked the Loft Cafe for hosting the meeting and for making everyone feel welcome.

Amnesty International calls

for an end to torture and the death penalty and campaigns for the release of prisoners of conscience worldwide. The Wells and Shepton group recently attended the Wells Community Day in Wells Cathedral and 64 campaigning letters were signed by members of the public.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the Wells and Shepton Amnesty group can contact the group’s secretary, Jane Rendel on jjrendel@yahoo. com or telephone 01749 345355.

Entries invited for art competition

ENTRIES can now be made for this year’s Wells Art Contemporary. The exhibition of works selected by a prestigious panel of judges from the entries will take place in Wells Cathedral from August 3-31.

Applications for site-specific installations must be made by 5pm on March 11.

Applications for the gallery must be made by 5pm on May 9.

More information at wellsartcontemporary.co.uk

Last year, almost 3,000 entries were submitted to the competition from 55 countries, and there were an estimated 23,000 visitors to the Cathedral during August.

Get set for Sedan Chair Steeplechase

WELLS Rotary is planning a new event for Wells – The Great Sedan Chair Steeplechase.

Subject to permission from Wells City Council, the Recreation Ground will be the venue for the event on September 29.

Teams of five people will be invited to build their own sedan chair and enter the races around the course set out in the Recreation Ground.

There will be four people carrying the sedan chair and one person in the chair. Teams will race one at a time against the clock.

The actual sedan chair can be as simple or sophisticated as the teams wish. Safety inspections will be carried out before the teams can compete.

The teams will be encouraged to wear fancy dress and there will be prizes for the best fancy dress, the best built sedan chair as well as for the races.

FUTURE SALES

MILITARIA, STAMPS, COINS & CLOCKS

Tuesday 5 March at 10am

Viewing: Monday 4 March,10 - 7

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES

Saturday 9 March at 10am

Viewing: Thursday 7 March, 10 - 6, Friday 8 March, 10 - 7

MODERN DESIGN & INTERIORS

Tuesday 19 March at 10am

Viewing: Monday 18 March, 10 - 7

FARM BYGONES & IMPLEMENTS

Saturday 23 March at 10am

Viewing: Friday 22 March, 10 - 6

Entries invited. All sales live and online.

VALUATION DAYS AT THE AUCTION ROOMS

Silver & Jewellery - every Monday and Wednesday

Militaria, Coins & Stamps - Monday 4th March

Open for valuations of all items between 10am and 3pm

Monday to Thursday (no appointment necessary).

Free home visits available. House clearances arranged.

Rookery Farm, Binegar, Somerset. BA3 4UL.

Tel: +44 (01749) 840770 | e. enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

In keeping with the title ‘Steeplechase’ there will be a few obstacles or ‘jumps’ that the teams will have to negotiate during the course of their race.

Music on the Bandstand is planned, as well as trade stalls and other attractions making the event a family fun day.

Enquiries are sought from teams whereupon more details, rules and an entry form will be sent. Also, anyone interested in sponsoring the whole event, or maybe one of the obstacles, is invited to get in touch.

Wells Rotary member Chris Borrison said: “This Sedan Chair Steeplechase will bring a new spectacle to families in Wells, promising a fun day for competitors and spectators alike.”

Proceeds from this event will be donated primarily to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Contact rotary.sedan@ outlook.com

Unreleased David Bowie - 1989

'Take the

Mayor of Wells Councillor Tanys Pullin sits in a sedan chair being lifted by members of Wells Rotary

Recent sales

Ian Fleming - A set of the 007 James Bond Centenary edition of novels. Sold £360.

An Edwardian gold, cabochon ruby and old -cut diamond oval cluster ring. Sold £1000.

A late Victorian diamond crescent and scroll brooch. Sold £700.

Money' white label 7" vinyl single. Sold £500.

Edward Lear (British, 1812 -1888), watercolour sketch. Sold £3400.

Cartier, a French 18ct gold 'Love collection' bangle. Sold £3400.

Special event to mark D-Day anniversary

A SPECIAL history day will be held at Wells Town Hall in June to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Maria Gregg, a member of the Wells Branch Royal British Legion committee, is organising the event on behalf of the Legion.

It will take place on Saturday, June 8 – the nearest weekend to the anniversary of the start of the invasion of Normandy during the Second World War that was launched on June 6, 1944 (D-Day).

She is planning a number of display boards and exhibition areas on different aspects of the war, and would like to hear from anyone who has interesting items from the era that can be exhibited.

She would also like to hear from people who have a link to D-Day or to the Second World War in general, including people who might have moved to the Wells area as evacuees, so that

their stories can be told on the display boards.

“I want the whole community involved. It’s all about the community, and us all pulling

together,” she said.

To get the younger generation involved, one of her ideas is for schoolchildren to write postcards to send home as if they were

evacuees themselves.

She would like to provide information about how some of the buildings in Wells were used during the war, the contribution of women, and what people ate at the time, including soldiers.

She is also planning afternoon entertainment on June 8 in the form of singalong dance music from the 1940s.

“I want to portray what life was like for people at the time, and bring back memories,” said Maria, who will display some of her own memorabilia.

She comes from a military family – her grandfather and uncle were involved in the Second World War, and her father was in the Army.

“I’m passionate about military history,” she said.

If anybody has memories of the war to share or artefacts that can be exhibited, they can contact Maria by emailing mgsd@live.co.uk

Maria Gregg comes from a military family; her war memorabilia includes a collection of posters such as the one on the right

Survey finds more pavement problems

A SURVEY of the Charter Way and Lethbridge Road area has been completed as part of the Proper Pavements for Wells campaign – and it has been described as one of the worst bits of pavement network evaluated so far.

Wells resident Theo van Hensbergen and his neighbours Bob Payne and Brian Clarke have already compiled a report on pavement issues in the city centre that make life difficult for less able users. This was submitted to Somerset Council and Wells City Council in December.

Now they are widening the survey to outer areas of Wells with the help of disabled residents.

Theo said of their Charter Way and Lethbridge Road findings: “This is probably one of the worst bits of pavement network we have yet encountered. There is little

evidence to suggest the needs of mobility-aid users have ever been considered on this estate.”

They found that there is a lack of drop kerbs on the pavements along Charter Way and Lethbridge Road, there are no drop kerbs in all but one of the 15 Closes radiating off those main roads, and several of the barriers in the footpaths are so tight that they cannot be negotiated in a scooter.

“On an estate where many residents have mobility problems this means many people cannot get to their cars without significant help, and cannot ride into town or reach their friends locally,” said Theo. “Even crossing the road to visit friends can be quite challenging.”

A report on the issues will be written up and submitted to Somerset Council, which has responsibility for pavements.

“Taking into account that many have told me they have complained about these matters to the council over a number of years the absence

of remediations really starts to feel like indifference and discrimination against disabled people,” said Theo.

When the initial pavements report was handed over in December, Somerset Council councillors said that they would see what can be done to improve things.

More volunteers are being sought to help survey other areas of Wells. People interested should contact Theo by emailing wellspavements@gmail.com

Theo has also raised the question of why the proportion of disabled parking bays in Wells does not match the proportion of blue badge holders in the city.

There are reported to be 1,400 residents who have a blue badge. Theo says that this is 11.7 per cent of the population of 12,000, while there are just 18 disabled spaces out of 329 spaces in council car parks – 5.5 per cent of the total.

Theo van Hensbergen, Brian Clarke and Bob Payne when they first started their pavements survey

Stone carving festival making fresh start

SIX years after Wells stonemason and sculptor Paul Roddan staged the first Wells Stone Carving Festival the event is returning to the Bishop’s Barn, the medieval tithe barn owned by Wells City Council.

Paul said when he held his first stone carving festival that he hoped to stage it annually. But events conspired to prevent that, not least with the Covid lockdowns and Paul and his partner, Shona, having a baby.

This year Paul is ready to run the second Wells Stone Carving Festival at the same venue as the first (the Bishop’s Barn). And once again he is hoping this will mark the start of what will become an annual May Day highlight of the city’s calendar.

As well as being a qualified stonemason, Paul is a Yeoman of the stonemasons’ Livery Company in London (The Worshipful Company of Masons), which is once again supporting this year’s festival. There is further support from Whiteway Quarry, which is supplying the Marnhull stone the competitors will use; Toolmaker G Gibson & Co; Glastonbury Marquees, which will supply the marquee the carvers will work in; and creative street and hoarding advertising specialists Buildhollywood. Sponsorship opportunities are still available if anyone else wants to get involved.

Paul says: “While it’s been a whirlwind getting everything together for this event there’s a buzz of excitement that comes with putting on a stone carving

festival. I’m really hoping we can capture the same success we had back in 2018 – the feedback then was overwhelmingly positive and the idea of hosting a second festival has always been burning away in the background.

“These events give us masons and carvers a chance to come together, sharing our passion for the craft. Carving and banker masonry can be a solitary task at times, so these gatherings are a chance to connect with peers and contemporaries. Unlike the usual

straight lines of our day-to-day work, the festival lets everyone go in whatever creative direction they fancy.

“The public response in 2018 was incredible and I’m confident we’ll see a similar turnout this time. It’s a chance for the public to witness the thought, effort, and skill that goes into each piece over the two-and-a-half days.

“And, of course, the auction on the Bank Holiday Monday at the conclusion of the event of the

works produced adds excitement for visitors, giving everyone the opportunity to own a unique piece of art crafted by some of the best stone carvers in the country at a fraction of their true worth.”

The auction of the 16 works produced at the 2018 festival raised more than £6,000.

Visitors to the event, being held over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend of May 4-6, could also take home one of Paul Roddan’s stone carvings (the bookends pictured on the left), which will be the prize in a competition during the festival.

Paul added: “Now I’m just crossing my fingers for a repeat of the lovely sunny weather we had in 2018.”

For those taking part there will be three prizes: one chosen as the best piece by the masons and carvers taking part in the festival; one judged by the organisers; and one judged by the general public who visit the event. Any mason or carver who would like to take part should contact Paul Roddan on stonecarvingfest@gmail.com. There is an entry fee of £60 per person.

Paul says for those not interested in entering the festival as a competitor but willing to help out, there is plenty to do in keeping the masses happy during the event – such as manning the have-a-go stand, demonstrating a different craft, giving talks, or anything else that will interest the public visiting the event. Again, contact Paul on stonecarvingfest@gmail.com

Paul Roddan at work; and the bookends that will be a prize in a competition during the festival

Charity succeeds at last in buying base

THE home of an important charity has been secured for the future.

Heads Up, which supports vulnerable people across Somerset, has announced that after years of negotiation they have managed to buy their base at South Horrington, Wells.

Hundreds of clients have improved their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing thanks to the dedicated work of the charity.

Heads Up chair of trustees Wendy Attridge said: “After many years of aspiration and the dedication of so many, we are thrilled to have been able to secure this wonderful community asset.

“As a charity passionate about supporting local people with their mental wellbeing and dementia support needs, we like many within the voluntary sector, have seen demand for our services growing sharply in the

last two years, partly because of the pandemic.

“Contributions of any size, both financial and nonmonetary, have been so

Activities in March at Wells Library

ACTIVITIES at Wells Library in March will include:

n Switch Club: Book a place at the popular Nintendo Switch Club, for children aged seven and up, on Saturday, March 2, and Saturday, March 16, at 10.30am. Free of charge – booking essential – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk

n IT Help Sessions: Need help with a new device? Book a one-hour session with the library volunteer on Wednesdays at 10.30am or 11.30am or Thursdays at 10.30am or 11.30am. Email wlslib@

somerset.gov.uk for more information or to book a place.

n Ancestry Group: Interested in ancestry? The library is running a group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm by emailing wlslib@somerset. gov.uk. The next session is on Tuesday, March 5.

n Lego Club: Children aged five and over are invited to see what they can make at Lego Club on Saturday, March 23, at 10.30am. Free entry. Places can be booked by emailing wlslib@somerset. gov.uk

Grants available for green projects

ST Cuthbert Out Parish Council has an opportunity for any aspiring environmentalists who are currently looking to expand existing projects or start completely new ones.

This year’s Green Village Grant applications are now open, and the council can offer up to £500 to applicants who meet its criteria.

Anyone who is concerned that their project is too vague is invited to apply and the council will see what it can do to help

craft a viable and beneficial project for the area.

Applications that show promise but need work will not be turned down, the council will work with the applicant to build something of value for the community.

The deadline for submitting an application is March 31.

For more information, contact the Assistant Clerk for Environmental Affairs: assistantclerk@stcuthbertout-pc. gov.uk

important to Heads Up. We wouldn’t still be here 12 years on without the help of so many.

“Thanks to all these organisations, individuals and

the hard work of the staff and trustees, we are delighted to now have the security of owning our building, and we will strive to keep making an impact within our community providing mental wellbeing and dementia support.”

Heads Up’s building offers many multi-functioning spaces including a woodworking room, creative activity studio housing kilns for pottery sessions, an award-winning garden, a wellequipped kitchen to support cooking sessions and a place for meetings.

Heads Up are now looking to the future and carefully considering how they can best continue to serve the local community.

For further information about Heads Up, visit www. headsupsomerset.org.uk or phone Michelle Payne, Operations Manager, on 01749 670667.

Wendy Attridge, at the front, with the other Heads Up trustees

Family strive to hit fundraising target

THE family of a 19-year-old woman who was left with an acquired brain injury resulting from an illness at 23 months old are making two major fundraising efforts this year to provide specialist equipment for her.

Poppy Garton’s family hope to achieve their goal of raising £24,000 towards an Innowalk for their daughter. The individualised disabled cross trainer, for which they have so far raised £15,000, will help Poppy to exercise and remain healthy.

On Saturday, July 20, a 12hour spinathon will be hosted by

instructor, who has organised a charity spinathon for the past few years, said: “This is my last spinathon, and it’s going to be the most successful yet. Poppy desperately needs this training equipment as she transitions away from children’s to adult services, when she will no longer receive the therapy or service support she currently accesses at her specialist college.”

Poppy’s family are urging people to participate to make sure every spin bike is spinning for the entire 12-hour session. To sign up to an hour’s spin session (or multiple hours), email Rachel at Rachel.rr@sky.com

“We desperately need our local community to support this fundraising effort. We’ve been fundraising for over five years now, and with Poppy planning to go to university in September, she needs this essential equipment to ensure she can exercise safely and pain-free.

“Most of us take even just walking for granted, let alone exercising for health. Poppy doesn’t enjoy this luxury. She needs your generous support to raise the remaining £9,000.”

Individuals or companies that can support any aspect of the campaign, whether that be a homemade cake, an hour’s spin, auction gift, loan of eight gazebos to keep the spinners dry and in the shade, or a company that can sponsor the event to cover its costs, are asked to contact Lisa at lisareakes@mailbox.org

Later in the year, in October, Lisa will trek the Inca Trail. She will need to train over several months to ensure she can endure the 43km trek over five days, reaching 4,200ft altitude and culminating in sun rise over Machu Picchu in Peru.

Of her trek, Lisa said: “Caring

is a very demanding role, and so this trek will really be an extraordinary effort not just in Peru but the weeks and months leading up to it. I’ll be slowly increasing my stamina and endurance to make sure I see the day break over the ancient Inca site to achieve my fundraising target.”

These events can be sponsored at https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ keepmewalking and there will be spinathon collection boxes up and down the high street in Loaf cafe, Bijou Salon (both on Market Street), Whiting & Son, The Good Earth Natural Foods, and City News.

Poppy said: “I just want to be able to continue to exercise and keep myself as fit as I possibly can. My limitations dictate what I can and cannot do, and I can’t just rock up at a community gym; the equipment is simply not safe for me to use.

“But I can use the Innowalk – it might be all I can do on my feet, but this activity will keep me healthy and avoid complications or surgery later in life. Please get involved.”

International Women’s Day event

SUPPORT for women impacted by conflict around the world is the theme of this year’s event to mark International Women’s Day in Wells.

Organised by WOW (Women of Wells) the free event will be

held on Saturday, March 2, from 3pm-5pm in the Lecture Hall at the Wells Museum. Everyone is welcome – sharing thoughts, ideas, tea and cake.

For more details, watch www. facebook.com/WomenOfWells

Poppy Garton on an Innowalk, and with her mum Lisa

Budget agreed but big challenges ahead

SOMERSET Council has voted through plans to set a balanced budget for the coming financial year but received a stark warning of significant challenges in the years ahead.

Described as a “budget to avoid a S114 notice” (issued when income is not expected to meet forecast expenditure), Members agreed to a range of measures to bridge a funding gap of £100 million for 2024/25, including significant savings, increasing council tax by five per cent, and using reserves (a council’s equivalent of savings).

The proposals also include a ‘capitalisation direction’ of £36.9 million – this is where councils are given permission by Government to borrow money or sell assets to pay for day-to-day running costs.

Council Leader Councillor Bill Revans said: “Since declaring a financial emergency in response to the soaring cost of social care, we have done everything in our power to avoid a S114 notice.

“We have looked at all our non-statutory services to find savings and have taken a

series of heart-breaking and unpalatable decisions, including cuts to services, increases to council tax, fees and charges, spending reserves, selling assets and property, and embarking on a top-to-bottom transformation programme which will reduce the size of our workforce by more than 20 per cent.

“Despite this, we are still reliant on the Government agreeing to a capitalisation direction – a short-term, one-off measure which, while welcome,

does nothing to address the longterm issues. Today we have set a balanced budget but it is clear that we have a broken model for funding local government and social care which urgently needs a national solution.”

The meeting also received an update from the Chief Finance Officer – known as a Section 25 Report – which comments on the robustness of the budget proposals.

This provided assurance around the estimates and the adequacy of reserves for this year, but also warned there is “high level of concern around future years and the financial sustainability of the council”. It highlighted a need for new and significant savings in future years and concluded: “Based upon current forecasts there is a high likelihood that a Section 114 notice will need to be issued in respect of 2025/26.”

Some of the services initially put forward for savings have been protected through devolution and partnership working with city, town and parish councils.

This includes savings linked to Somerset’s CCTV service, highways maintenance, school crossing patrols, and important democratic functions. Negotiations with Somerset’s household waste recycling centre contractor will continue before any savings in this area are taken forward.

The BBC has reported that as a result of the council tax rise, a Band D home will pay Somerset Council an extra £82.14 a year from April.

Campaigners and union members had lobbied councillors as they arrived for the meeting in Bridgwater on February 20.

UNISON Somerset branch secretary Alison Hann said: “The outlook is incredibly bleak for council workers in Somerset. There’s been over a decade of cuts to Somerset Council, and the size of the local authority has reduced significantly.

“These latest cuts could see over 1,000 workers lose their jobs. This is a problem that’s happening all across the country and can only be solved by government intervention.”

Help sought with investigation into damage to CCTV cameras

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to identify a person in connection with a criminal damage investigation. Officers are keen to speak to the individual pictured right wearing all black clothing as they believe the person can assist in enquiries.

Between 6pm-7pm on Monday, January 29, in Harewell

Walk, Wells, an unknown individual damaged some CCTV cameras.

Police say they appreciate the CCTV footage is not the best quality but they hope someone may recognise the distinct facial expression of the individual and be able to identify them.

Officers are also keen to hear

from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from that area around the same time.

Anyone who can help, or was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious, is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote reference 5224025002.

Council Leader Councillor Bill Revans Picture: Daniel Mumby, LDRS

Club organises city’s first Chess Congress

WELLS Chess Club are hosting the first ever Wells Chess Congress on March 8-10 at Wells Town Hall.

It is sponsored by Rugantinos Restaurant and will be a five-round Swiss format event running from Friday evening to Sunday evening. There are three sections: an under 1600 grading Minor section, an under 1900 Major section and an Open section. Admission is £30 for Major and Minor and £35 for the Open with a £5 juniors discount.

Prizes will be £350, £250 and £150 in the Open and £250, £150 and £110 in the other sections for first, second and third as well as a £50 team prize and other grading prizes.

Many of Wells Chess Club’s own players will be there as well as players from Somerset, Bristol and the South West and

further afield. Friend of the club, Grandmaster Keith Arkell will be playing as well as International Master Chris Beaumont. Many other strong players have also signed up for the event including Wells’ Ukrainian board 1 and Somerset Champion Sasha Matlak.

The public can go to see the event while taking care to keep to tournament rules of staying quiet in the playing hall and not taking mobile devices into the playing areas. There will be a chess social night upstairs at the White Hart on Saturday night too.

The club has thanked Rugantinos Restaurant for sponsoring the event and The Swan and Frome Chess for their support. Entry is on Wells Chess Club website: wellschess.co.uk

u Sport, page 47

Choirs doing their bit for charity

CHOIR singing in the afternoon is proving to be a hit across the West of England, raising thousands of pounds for community groups.

In 2023, across all the 24 Good Afternoon Choirs, from Gloucester to Cornwall, the sum of just over £30,000 was raised.

The Wells choir raised £3,750.60 for suicide prevention charity Papyrus. In 2024 they will be fundraising for the I See

Holistic Reflexology and Massage

Jacqueline Abbott-Slade Holistic therapist with over 20 years of experience.

Holistic Reflexology relaxes and re-balances the physical body, emotions and mind.

It can be very effective for treating sleeping difficulties, poor circulation, back pain, headaches and hormone imbalances.

Massage and reflexology can help relieve stress, anxiety, post-surgery trauma and boost the immune system.

Free Initial Consultation by phone or in person

Therapies in Wells and Frome 07859 796119

j.abbottslade@yahoo.com

Deeper Balance, Mendip Court, Upper Breach, South Horrington, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3DG

You community social fund that brings music to elderly care home residents. Their first fundraising concert for the new charity will be on Saturday, March 9, in St Thomas’ Church, Wells, where they will be hosting a concert with special guests Launceston Male Voice Choir.

Tickets are priced £8 and available from gac.ticketlight. co.uk or by calling 0844 888 9991.

Love in the air for Valentine’s Day

A WELLS care home was filled with flowers, cards and sweets in celebration of St Valentine’s Day.

Staff and residents at Crandon Springs celebrated the day of love with Valentine’sthemed activities where they created heart-shaped messages to loved ones that they then placed on the home’s memory tree and put on show in the reception area.

Residents also had a special Valentine’s meal, where the chefs made a selection of hand-crafted desserts to celebrate the day.

General Manager, Alex Bowman, said: “We’ve had

a whole range of treats and Valentine’s-themed fun and we have enjoyed every moment of it.”

Bryan Carey, a resident at Crandon Springs, and his wife Zilla had a private Valentine’s dining experience organised by the home’s hospitality team.

Zilla said: “The room was all made up for us and looked stunning and the food matched it. It was amazing to see the effort the chefs and staff put into the meal to make it a very special experience for us.

“We had such a lovely time celebrating.”

Concert start of busy schedule

THE summer and autumn of 2024 is going to be busy for Wells City Band, with a number of events already confirmed and more in the booking stages. We are looking forward to playing at some new venues as well as some of our regular ones.

The first of these events will be our Spring Concert on

Sunday, May 12, from 3.30pm5.30pm in Cedars Hall, Wells. This concert will be raising money for our 2024 charity, The Teenage Cancer Trust.

The first half of this concert will feature the Wells City Band Brass Academy and pupils from Wells Cathedral School, and the second half will be the main Wells City Band. Tickets for this concert will be available from the Cedars Hall website.

Tanya Flagg reports the latest from Wells City Band

Good Afternoon Choir attendees at their recent Big Sing in Wells Cathedral

Launch of new monthly music sessions

The White Hart will be the place to be on the first Friday of each month, say the Wells Rocks team

SOME new dates for your diary. If you would like to hear and experience a diverse range of local musical talent and support your community music centre at the Portway Annexe, please put the first Friday evening of each month in your diary.

These are the dates that Wells Rocks will be running events to showcase local musicians at The Harts Head venue within The White Hart, Wells. A proportion of the ticket sales will go towards improving the Wells Contemporary Music Centre.

The first evening will feature The Syndicate. This talented local band, which rehearses at the Portway Annexe, will perform two sets: an Eric Clapton tribute and rock classics. Lots of great tracks that will no doubt bring back memories for

Local band The Syndicate will perform an Eric Clapton tribute and rock classics when they appear at the first of The White Hart Sessions on March 1

some and introduce others to an amazing era in British music.

Tickets for this event may be purchased in advance on Eventbrite (£5 + booking fee). Whilst tickets may be available at

the venue, capacity is limited so please do book in advance if you want to guarantee entrance. Book at eventbrite.com/e/ the-white-hart-sessionstickets-826851373717

Set on the edge of the beautiful skyline of Bath, for over 40 years we have been Bath’s private hospital of choice, providing first-class healthcare to the wider community.

We offer fast access to diagnosis and treatment for routine and complex procedures. We are home to a Private GP Practice with daily appointments, and a fully equipped diagnostic suite, including MRI, CT and X-ray facilities.

With no long waiting times, treatments can be more affordable than you think.

Booking is simple, you can book online with a Consultant of your choice at www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/bath and in most instances we do not need a GP referral.

Flexible finance options are available.

For more information call 0808 1010365 or visit circlehealthgroup.co.uk/bath

Events currently planned include:

n March 1: The White Hart Sessions – Rock, The Syndicate

n April 5: The White Hart Sessions – Country & Western evening

n May 3: The White Hart Sessions – Shepton Mallet Big Band

n June 7: The White Hart Sessions – Folk, The Portraits + The Shalaings

n July 5: The White Hart Sessions – Electronica

There will be more to follow. Wells Rocks would like to thank the management at the White Hart Hotel, the musicians and volunteers supporting this initiative to help build Wells’ live music scene and the affordable, local, rehearsal facilities. Please come and see what Wells has to offer and add your support to the cause.

Wells Rocks is a volunteerled, not for profit organisation.

Benefits of going private for healthcare include:

Skip the waiting lists and get fast access to treatment

The choice of when to have your treatment

The ability to choose your preferred Consultant

Petty Sessions papers available online

WELLS City Archives has just launched a major new online database summarising the Petty Sessions papers covering the years 1822 to 1899.

The database can be accessed free of charge and contains information from the original records of particular relevance for family and social history research.

The Petty Sessions sittings represented the lowest level of the court system of the time and give a fascinating insight into life and society in Wells in the 19th century. The cases feature incidences such as drunkenness, assault, traffic offences and claims against putative fathers of children born out of wedlock.

From 1872, the court also began to approve licences for the sale of alcohol. Serious cases were referred to the Quarter Sessions, the middle tier of court cases, with the Assizes above and the Petty Sessions below.

Picture: Copyright Wells & Mendip Museum

One example from the database comes from Frances Short, plaintiff, who in July 1832 accused James Carver of throwing stones at her in Wells Market Place. It emerges from the notes of the case that Carver had thrown stones at an earlier date in Croscombe.

For the Wells incident, he was fined 5/- with costs of 7/6d or 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The papers are also an interesting look into the lives of those responsible for the city’s law enforcement. Sergeant James Knight appears frequently and was even tasked with ensuring that alcohol sold in

the city was to an acceptable standard. John Bennett can be seen to be in breach of this in 1885, when Sergeant Knight’s pint of gin was found to be of poor quality.

The database has been created by a team of committed Archives volunteers under the direction of Dr Julia Wood (former City Archivist). The volunteers have worked diligently through all the available original records, and Wells City Archives has expressed its gratitude for the dedication and expertise of all those who have produced the database.

Archives Manager Jonathan Chivers said: “This database will be really useful for anyone who may be researching their family history, or anyone interested in the lives of people in trouble with the law during the 19th century. It is a fantastic social history resource, and an interesting part of the history of Wells that has not had so much attention in previous years.”

The Petty Sessions database is one of three searchable databases now available for online access, with the others showing sacrament certificates, and property ownership and occupation in 1860. They can be accessed from the Wells City Archives page of the Wells & Mendip Museum website, www. wellsmuseum.org.uk

The unabridged original documents can also be viewed by appointment with the Archives Manager, Jonathan Chivers, who can be contacted by calling 01749 673477 or by email at archives@ wellsmuseum.org.uk

Sergeant James Knight, who is frequently mentioned in the records

The City Archives box-listing team in 2017 Picture: Copyright Wells City Council Archives

More star names added to comedy line-up

WELLS Comedy Festival has revealed its third batch of shows for 2024 with more of the best comedians in the country heading to the city this May.

The new announcement includes work-in-progress shows from The Mash Report star Nish Kumar, and poet/comedian Tim Key performing a spooky work-

in-progress and a chat about his book. They join fellow Wells favourites Harriet Kemsley, Sara Barron and Stuart Goldsmith, while making their Wells debuts are musical comedy duo Flo & Joan, QI star Kemah Bob, Radio 4 star Priya Hall, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ania Magliano and podcaster/

author/stand-up Amy Annette. Also appearing are the already announced James Acaster, Harry Hill, Rich Hall, John Kearns, Desiree Burch, Jessica Fostekew, and many more.

Wells Comedy Festival will take place over the weekend of May 24-26. The venues are Wells Little Theatre and Cedars Hall.

l

l

l

l

All shows are on sale at www. wellscomfest.com

The Wells Comedy Festival was founded in 2015. Previous line-ups have included Stewart Lee, Rhod Gilbert, Alexei Sayle, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett and Bridget Christie.

Wells Voice is the Festival’s official media partner.

Pilates and Its

Performers at this year’s Wells Comedy Festival will include, from left, Nish Kumar, Flo & Joan and Tim Key

Picture: Matt Stronge

Donation towards singing sessions

WELLS Dementia Action Alliance (WDAA) is a small charity which aims to promote and protect the physical and mental health of people living with dementia and their carers and families in the community of Wells and its surrounding area, through the provision of support, education, information and practical advice.

Over the last year it has run network meetings for professionals and organisations

working with people living with dementia, so when it learnt of the difficulties that Somerset Arts Well was facing with funding its Wells-based Singing For the Brain sessions, WDAA Trustees decided to offer some funds raised last year from its own fundraising events.

Denise Denis, the Chair of WDAA, presented a cheque for £250 to Somerset Arts Well at Seager Hall on Wednesday, January 30. She thanked them

for their commitment to provide a very valuable service to Wells and said how much happiness it has brought to the people who drop in every Wednesday for coffee, cakes, and a lovely singing session – at which point the group burst into song.

WDAA will be offering Dementia Awareness Sessions to businesses and traders in Wells over the coming years. For more information, contact denise. denis1@icloud.com

Gig-goers expected to be dancing in aisles

POPULAR local rock band Loose Ends and the City of Wells Lions are working together to put on a concert at St Thomas’ Church.

Loose Ends were formed 30 years ago by local plumber Steve Abbott and Phil Lukins. Kevin Butler and Paul Carpenter soon joined them, and they have not looked back, playing many gigs in the area since then.

The concert with Wells Lions will take place on Friday, March 15, to support the work of The Lawrence Centre and Lions charities, while also helping to maintain the church that provides a valuable service to the community in many ways. Peter Douglas, the men’s outfitters in Broad Street, has offered to sponsor the event.

Steve says he expects that there will be dancing in aisles

as the band play popular music from the Sixties and Seventies. There will also be a licensed bar.

Tickets are £8 and available from the Wells Tourist Information at the Wells Town Hall (cash only). People who wish to purchase by BACS or

need additional information about the event can email wellslionsevents@gmail.com

Tickets are limited but may be available on the evening at the door, internet permitting for credit cards. Doors open at 7pm and the gig starts at 7.30pm.

Asian Hornets’ sightings plea

SOMERSET Beekeepers Association is again urging people to report any sightings of Asian Hornets.

It is repeating the warning reported in Wells Voice last October about the spread of the invasive species, that can decimate honeybee populations and other flying insects, and attack people who get too close to a nest.

School grounds staff, council workers and contractors whose job it is to clear and cut shrubs and trees or carry out maintenance work and grasscutting on playing fields and parks are advised to beware of inadvertently disturbing the nests of Asian Hornets.

Anyone who spots an Asian Hornet is asked to report it using the Asian Hornet Watch App or by sending photos and videos by email to alertnonnative@ceh. ac.uk, so that sightings can be investigated and specialist teams deployed to find and destroy nests.

Asian Hornets have a dark velvety body, distinctive orange band on the fourth segment of their abdomen and yellow legs.

Freecycle event

THE next Sustainable Wells Freecycle will take place at the Good Earth car park on Sunday, March 24, from 1pm-2.30pm.

The event is like a car boot sale but with no money changing hands. People donating items are asked to arrive by 1.30pm at the latest.

Sustainable Wells has thanked Wells Parking Company Ltd for providing the car park free of charge.

Lidl demolition

LIDL has submitted a planning application to Somerset Council to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed demolition of the existing Lidl store at Strawberry Way South, Wells.

The company wants to clear the site before the construction of a new store, which has already been approved. It says that it expects the proposed demolition works to take place between April 1 and April 26.

Denise Denis (left) from Wells Dementia Action Alliance presents a cheque for £250 to Eliza Wylie (second left) of Somerset Arts Well at the Singing for the Brain session in Seager Hall, Wells, on January 31. Eliza runs the Singing for the Brain group with Jo Coomber (right) and Emma Wheat (not pictured). Money is needed to keep the sessions going in Wells and Glastonbury.

Loose Ends will be playing a concert in St Thomas’ Church on March 15

Concert to support Ukrainian refugees

By Philip Welch

A CONCERT for Ukraine will fill Wells Town Hall’s ballroom with all sorts of music on Saturday, March 16.

It will feature the amazing voice of Olha Hornykh, an Ukrainian refugee living with a West Country family who has an audition with the Royal Opera House in London.

“We have promised for some time to put on a fundraising concert for Ukraine,” said Merv Colenutt, one of the organisers, “and as soon as we heard Olha at the Kevin Westwood Concert in January we knew this was the right time.

“I have never seen so many in an audience with tears in their eyes. This will be a very special evening.”

Every penny raised will go to

support Ukrainian refugees who have fled their war-torn country. They live in fear for the safety of relatives bombarded by ruthless Russians and their own soldiers who face much bigger and better equipped armed forces.

Headlining the show will be Tim Pitman who said: “This will be the best show we have ever put on.”

Tim is one of the most versatile artists around who will perform pop and rock, as well as a dramatic duet with Olha.

Also on the bill will be classical band Encanto.

The doors open at 7.30pm with an 8pm start. There will be a bar.

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

Olha Hornykh and Tim Pitman

Picture: Kevin Westwood

Pottery provides insight into past lives

AN exhibition has opened at Wells & Mendip Museum showcasing a collection of 500 years of pottery that was excavated from the museum garden in the 1990s.

The collection includes everything from 14th century wine jugs to exotic Chinese export ware and a range of sanitary ware, including a rare late 18th century flushing toilet. The show – Smashed in the Cellar – will also feature the major painting The Tea Party by Richard Collins, on loan from The Goldsmiths Company in London.

Local artist Duncan Cameron has been working on a contemporary response to the collection and his original artwork is included in the exhibition. As well as creating his own work inspired by the pottery, Duncan has been leading workshops with clients and members of The Lawrence

Centre and Heads Up in Wells. Participants’ work will also be on show at the museum.

“Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have been able to create one of those spine-tingling moments that you get in museums,” said project curator, Oliver Kent.

“Every piece of pottery in

this exhibition was bought for use and lived its life in the house before it became a museum. We cannot meet the people who lived there, but these objects are theirs and speak for them. They give a sense of their choices, likes and dislikes, their tastes in decoration and food.”

Who had used the pots and who threw them away? When?

Who made them? Where and how did they get to Wells? The museum hopes that visitors to the exhibition might be able to help in the quest to find answers to these questions.

“The project team and I are extremely grateful for the funding made possible by the players of the National Lottery and for the support we have received from the Museum and the community,” said project manager Vicky Dawson.

“The wonderful response of local people to my call out for volunteer gallery stewards to invigilate the exhibition has been tremendous. Without their time and commitment we would not have been able to borrow the magnificent painting, The Tea Party, from The Goldsmiths Company.”

The show is open until April 11, from 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday, at the Museum at 8 Cathedral Green, Wells.

Admission to The Bishop's Palace

Easter activities are included in the value-packed Admission Ticket which allows 12 months of return visits on any normal sightseeing day.

Plus year-round events, 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, medieval Palace building and Dragon's Lair playground.

Buy tickets online or onsite

Easter Holiday Activities

Easter Storytelling (no booking)

2nd April, 11am & 1.30pm

Helpful Nell’s Wildlife Trail

29th March-14th April

There are twelve clues to help you guess what will be in twelve pictures. Return your trail to the ticket office for a chocolate’y prize!

Medieval Falconry Day

13th April, displays at 12pm and 3pm

Dragon‘s Lair Play Area

Vicky Dawson preparing some of the pottery exhibits for display

Cat in need of settled home that can offer bucket-loads of love in return

MONTY is a 10-year-old fellow who urgently needs a new forever home. Monty was living a happy life and loved his owners but unfortunately family circumstances changed in a way that Monty found hard to cope with. His family tried to change things so that he could stay with them but this involved him spending long hours alone in a strange place. He is a cat who loves humans and has been used to company and being deprived of this made him unhappy and lonely.

Now Monty is in our care and receiving regular visits from his fosterer but in his mind it isn’t the same as having the comfort of humans around and being in a home. He is a brave fellow and has settled down fairly well but it isn’t the life he should have. He hasn’t done anything wrong and he deserves to be happy again.

Monty needs a quiet settled home possibly with an older couple who don’t work full time and can give him the companionship he desperately needs. We don’t mean that he needs to sit on a lap all day being fussed, we know he does like to go outside and explore a little. But he needs the reassurance of the presence of humans around him.

He is healthy, would like a garden in a quiet area where he can sit in the sun and watch the world go by and in return he has bucket-loads of love and companionship to offer.

Please complete our online application form or phone Gill on 01749 850660 if you would like to meet Monty.

Paper doves to hang in Nave adorned with messages of peace

VISITORS are invited to leave messages of hope and peace and become part of Peace Doves, the latest art installation coming to Wells Cathedral in April.

Peace Doves is a large-scale mass-participation artwork created by artist Peter Walker and features about 18,000 paper doves suspended on ribbons from the Nave ceiling. The installation is lit in different colours and accompanied by a soundscape by composer David Harper.

The paper doves will be decorated with messages of peace, hope and love – many of which will be created by members of the local community, schoolchildren, parishes across the diocese, local businesses and organisations – all of whom are being encouraged to create their own peace doves to hang in their classrooms, shops and windows.

From now until the exhibition is installed, dove templates can be found on a special station in the North Transept for anyone to go in and create a dove to be included in the Peace Doves artwork which opens on April 26.

The Acting Dean of Wells, the Rev Canon Anne Gell, said: “Wells Cathedral is here to be a beacon of hope and light and we offer this space and this artwork to enable a sense of serenity and peace as people enjoy the Peace Doves and reflect upon the messages that make each installation unique to those who took part.

“We are living in turbulent and challenging times in which peace feels increasingly fragile, and so the messages that make up this installation have even greater poignancy.

“We look forward to welcoming people to the Cathedral and pray that all will find something here of reassurance, peace and hope.”

Peace Doves was first staged at Lichfield Cathedral in 2018 when it was designed to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. It has also been seen at

several other Church of England cathedrals including Liverpool, Derby, Rochester, Sheffield, Chichester and St Albans.

Artist Peter Walker said:

“I am delighted to bring Peace Doves to Wells Cathedral. Previous installations have been very well received and have created a prideful sense of community and togetherness.

“Sometimes, art has the ability to transcend just being an object and become the focus of our collective sentiments. That is the purpose of Peace Doves, which allows thousands of people to create, and express their own personal emotions as part of an ensemble which produces a beautiful final composition, and a series of smaller community works.”

Peace Doves opens on April 26 and is open to the public until June 8. There is a series of special events, including children’s activities, storytelling, music from the Sound of Wells Festival, tours, educational visits, a specially designed prayer tree and a local shop window competition.

There is more information on the website at www. wellscathedral.org.uk

Peace Doves on display at Liverpool Cathedral

Running festival offers motivating goal

NEW and returning runners who join a new Couch to 5k course starting in Wells in April will be able to ‘graduate’ at the Wells Festival of Running eight weeks later.

Led by UKA-qualified coach Sharon Bowles, the Couch to 5k course will start on Wednesday, April 3, and end on Wednesday, May 22, meaning runners will have a guided training plan right up to the 5km race at the Wells Festival of Running on May 26.

After a Covid-enforced break, the Wells Festival of Running returned with great success in September 2022 with more than 650 runners taking part.

The event includes 10km and 5km road races starting at the Market Place and ending with a picturesque and well-supported finish along The Bishop’s Palace moat.

It aims to attract families with races for junior runners as well as club runners and first-time

runners alike. The festival is entirely organised by volunteers, many of whom are members of local running club the Wells City Harriers.

Sharon, who is treasurer at Wells City Harriers and runs her own local fitness business, says:

“The Couch to 5k course is for new and returning runners over the age of 18. I tailor the sessions according to the fitness of each runner, grouping similar abilities together, and we work in gentle stages each week to give runners the confidence to tackle a 5k.

“The Wells Festival of Running welcomes runners of all abilities and all ages and will be a fantastic goal to aim for – the event promises to be a fitting graduation ceremony from the Couch to 5k course and is an opportunity to be cheered on by friends and family.”

The Wells Festival of Running, previously known as Wells Fun Run, has been an annual fixture in the local running calendar for many years and brings visitors into the city.

Runners can enter by visiting www.wellscityharriers.co.uk/ wells

The Couch to 5k course will take place every Wednesday at 6.30pm from Wells Leisure Centre starting on Wednesday, April 3. Places are limited and cost £20 with the option to become a member of Wells City Harriers for the year. Email couchto5k@wellscityharriers. org.uk to register an interest.

Sharon Bowles with the 2023 Couch to 5k group

Delight as post boxes repainted

By Philip Welch

WATCHING the tourists spurred Wells resident Jon Jefferies into action. They were taking photographs in the Market Place, as they do, and in the background was a tatty post box.

“It looked derelict,” said Jon, “and as I walked through our city I found that most of the post boxes were decidedly scruffy.

“So I raised this issue with Wells Civic Society, where I am a member, and wrote to the Post Office on their behalf.”

In his letter Jon asked, very politely, when and if the post boxes in Wells, especially the ones in the market square and High Street, would be repainted.

He pointed out that the boxes were looking extremely tatty and negatively affecting the overall visual appeal of Wells both to our residents and the thousands of tourists who come to look around our historic city.

His final sentence read: “Your urgent attention would be much appreciated.”

That was two months ago and the Post Office did not reply,

but they have now repainted the post boxes in the High Street and Market Place.

And Jon’s response? “I am absolutely delighted.”

Best wishes are sent to King

MOHAMMED Saddiq, LordLieutenant of Somerset, has sent best wishes to King Charles after the King was diagnosed with a form of cancer.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “As Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset I would like to express my complete support to the Royal Family at this difficult time.

“There are families all around the globe who know what it is like to suddenly get a cancer diagnosis. His Majesty The King has made it clear in his public statement that he wanted to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.

“And as patron of a number of cancer-related charities, he will know how important public awareness is. On behalf of everyone in Somerset, we send our best wishes to His Majesty and the entire Royal Family for a speedy and full recovery.”

Jon Jefferies with the Wells Market Place post box now and a photo showing how scruffy it was

Bishop leads pop-up Ashing Service

ON Ash Wednesday, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, held a Lenten Service in the centre of Wells and offered locals and visitors the opportunity to receive Lenten ashes, on their forehead, their hand or on a printed card which

they could take away. Afterwards Bishop Michael said: “For many of us Ash Wednesday is a long way away from our everyday lives and yet it’s a symbol that seems to connect with many, many people. We saw that in the marketplace in Wells, people

stopped, listened, and came forward to receive the ashes. It was extraordinary to see the response that took place and a wonderful way to mark the beginning of Lent.”

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is the time Christians

receive a sign of the cross with ashes made from palm crosses. It is a time to reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats, following the example of Jesus, who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.

Bishop Michael offered locals and visitors to Wells the opportunity to receive Lenten ashes on February 14

Palace searches for more volunteers

THE search is on at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells for 12 people who have some time to spare and would like to volunteer at the site.

The Palace says it would like to hear from people who can spare two to four hours every week or so and would like to welcome visitors or be a guide. Training will be provided, some

travel expenses can be covered and there are indoor and outdoor opportunities available for volunteering.

Pam Philipps, who has been welcoming visitors to the Palace every week for more than ten years, says: “This is such a calm, happy place and I like to feel that

I am helping people to enjoy it. Over the years I have become good friends with some of my fellow volunteers.”

Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager at The Bishop’s Palace, is also keen to point out the contribution that the volunteer team make. She said: “Our volunteers are so dedicated and hardworking. With our busiest time of year approaching we would like to welcome a dozen more volunteers into our friendly team.

“There is always plenty to do here every day, but we would particularly like to hear from people who have some time to spare at weekends. It is a great way to gain skills and experience if you are just starting out into the world of work, trying to build your CV, or simply feel that you’re at a stage in your life when you have time to give something back.”

An added bonus to volunteering at The Bishop’s Palace is that the team gets together throughout the year for social events and training.

More information is available from Gemma Palmer, the Palace’s Community Engagement Assistant. Email gemma. palmer@bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 204, or visit the Palace’s website at www. bishopspalace.org.uk for more information via the Volunteering page.

Community Shed members renovate another bench

MEMBERS of Wells Community Shed at South Horrington have recently finished the renovation of a fourth garden bench for The Bishop’s Palace gardens. The bench was in a bad state and in need of repair.

Wells Community Shed members have now started work on a fifth bench. The first bench they renovated for the Palace had been donated by the family of Paul Vasey, the father of Tessa Munt, Somerset Council councillor for Wells. She was so pleased that she visited the Shed to thank some of the members for their good work.

Wells Community Shed gives people a safe space in which to pursue hobbies and learn new skills, and as somewhere for companionship. By bringing people together, it helps combat loneliness and isolation.

Activities in the Shed include woodworking, with members making items such as garden benches, planters, coat racks, shelves, shoe racks, bird boxes and hedgehog boxes, and woodturning.

Items are then sold to help subsidise the Shed’s running costs. To find out more, contact Steve Whitby on 07468 317217.

Tessa Munt visits Wells Community Shed to thank members for their work on a family bench, top; and the latest bench to be renovated, above

Volunteers at The Bishop’s Palace

Allotment giving us more than just crops

Wells allotment-holder David Smith describes the pleasures his plot brings

SARAH and I have had our newly-halved allotment at Burcott Road since late 2022. It was divided into two equal parts when John the previous tenant retired (well into his 80s). It was a brand new experience for both of us but we loved the idea of growing our very own organic veg and watching it develop with the seasons, whilst fighting off the attention of birds, slugs, snails, insects, badgers and the odd human. Some great advice from our neighbour, Colin, an amazing gardener also in his mid-80s, was that he does all the labouring, nature does whatever it likes and he’s learned to ‘share’ any crops he’s lucky enough to harvest on a ‘75 per cent for me and 25 per cent for them’ basis. Hearing that instantly removed all the stress of fighting off the

opposition. That said, we try hard.

The best part of our allotment is a) the process of growing stuff, and b) the people all around us doing the same thing. We have met some wonderful people on our plot and really enjoy seeing them. We’re as encouraged by their ‘failures’ as we are by their successes and ever-welcome tips. We share

our failures, too, but don’t feel experienced enough to offer tips yet.

Allotments are hard work. Winter’s great because it’s ‘time off’ for good behaviour. Trouble is, we know spring is around the corner, so we spend the time planning, tidying up, weeding and dreaming of how brilliant next year’s crops will be. That’s OK. We haven’t been going long enough for disappointment to dull our enthusiasm. We’re still ‘meany-keenies’ and, in our world, everything we plant will grow perfectly.

Did I mention that we’re also ‘no-dig’ enthusiasts? Oh yes! Sarah gave me a birthday pressie of a day with Charles Dowding, the world’s no-dig guru, based just south of Shepton Mallet, and we’re converts. What’s not to like? A layer of flattened cardboard over the entire plot, 10cm of mushroom compost on top and plant away. Brilliant. It

works. Crops flourish, weeds are few and easy to pick, and there’s no digging!

Apart from the satisfaction of growing things and the ego-boost of (nearly) believing it’s entirely due to our own brilliance and nothing to do with nature, the allotment gives us joy, responsibility, friendship, exercise (we mostly walk the three miles there and back) and vegetables. There’s also the humbling thought that our ‘prize’ allotment is the product of dozens of previous tenants – probably all much more knowledgeable – and that, perhaps, hundreds will just as excitedly follow us. Perhaps we’ll have our ashes scattered there and carry on contributing!

n Wells City Council lets 59 allotments at Burcott Road, Barnes Close and The Bishop’s Palace. There is currently a waiting list. More at wells.gov. uk/allotments

David and Sarah’s allotment

Farewell to Air Cadets after more than 50 years

By Philip Welch

A WELLS Air Cadets veteran has hung up his uniform for the last time after more than 50 years’ service.

Flight Lieutenant John Heath joined the city’s 1955 (City of Wells) Squadron in 1971 because he was interested in aircraft. His father had been a cadet there and a national serviceman in the RAF.

“I left after about six weeks,” said John, “then the Flight Sergeant saw me in the playground at school and told me ‘the CO wants to see you.’ I put my uniform on to attend the next parade, knocked on the CO’s door, ‘You wanted to see me sir’, his retort, ‘Get on parade’.

Nature trail with clues to follow

LOCAL author and illustrator

Rebecca Gryspeerdt has devised an Easter Nature Trail for children, in The Bishop’s Palace Gardens in Wells. The trail will be set up from March 29-April 14. There will be 12 clues to solve and 12 pictures to find dotted around all parts of the gardens, including in the Dragon’s Lair play area. Completed forms can be exchanged for a small prize at the ticket office.

Rebecca will be reading her popular children’s picture book, Helpful Nell in the Palace Undercroft on Tuesday, April 2, at 11am and 1.30pm. Her story

“I did, never thinking my Air Cadet career would last so long.”

His career included becoming commanding officer of the Wells squadron and later taking responsibility for eight other squadrons.

“The Air Cadets helped to shape me more than school ever did,” said John, “and today the values of developing others with an interest in aviation, adventure and friendships still hold strong. There are not many organisations where you can go fully aerobatic in an aircraft on your first flight, and the flying is free.

“My top memories are of seeing cadets’ faces after an event, first flights, first awards, looking smart in Wells on

parade, looking on in wonder at a group of teenagers who are doing themselves and Wells proud. Seeing young people develop and be part of their journey is a privilege.”

John has flown in many different aircraft, the Chipmunk and Chinook, refuelling fighter jets over the North Sea and flying in the Queen’s Birthday Parade in 2016 in a Voyager with Typhoons off the wing tip at 1,000 feet over London.

He and Flight Lieutenant Blackburn have worked together on five exchange trips with an Air Cadet squadron in Oshawa, Canada, and they still have friends across the pond today.

“Other highs include our

is set in the Palace gardens and features the swans and cygnets, plus the Town Crier.

Copies of the book are

available to buy from the Palace gift shop, the Cathedral shop and from Cadeaux & Co on Wells High Street.

dozen International Air Cadets Exchange Scheme (IACE) Cadets, to Australia, Sweden, Israel, Canada, Hong Kong and Nigeria. It’s all about the cadets. Working alongside the City of Wells Lions Club to develop the Moat Boat Race was also immensely rewarding.

“I’ve worked alongside many very gifted and dedicated adults in the Air Cadets who have given up their time for help Wells Air Cadets to punch above their weight,” said John. “I owe them a debt of gratitude, I have had a blast.”

Now retired, John is volunteering as a Wells Ambassador and a WCN trishaw pilot.

Puppet treat for all the family

AFTER an absence of two years, Angel Heart and Rattlebox Theatre are back with a puppet treat for all the family at Westbury-sub-Mendip Village Hall. Sam O’Shanty is a nautically comic show filled with fact, farce and fantasy, in which storytelling, puppetry and the singing of shanties all play a part.

It will take place on Friday, March 8, at 6pm. Tickets are: Adults £8, Children under 16 £5, Family (2+2) £24. This includes tea and cakes afterwards, and a chance to meet the puppets.

Tickets are available from Westbury Village Stores.

Flight Lieutenant John Blackburn shakes hands with fellow Flight Lieutenant John Heath (right) watched by air cadets at 1955 (City of Wells) Squadron and senior officers

An illustration from Rebecca Gryspeerdt’s children’s picture book

Darkness matters to us all, not just moths

Wells resident Denise Denis is an advocate of ‘dark skies’, believing that reducing the illumination from street lights will have big environmental benefits. Here, she discusses moths and light.

A COMMONLY held theory is that moths are attracted to the moon and so fly higher on moonlit nights, but it’s more likely that moths use the moon and stars to orientate themselves, flying in a direction that keeps the light at a constant angle from the source.

Whilst rays from a celestial source would seem parallel, those from artificial light are radiating around and can cause confusion and cause the moth to collide with the lamp. They may spend a lot of time travelling to artificial lights or circling them, leaving them too exhausted to

find food or to breed.

Why does this matter to us?

Well, moths are a very important pollinator insect and are a vital part of the food web which we all depend on and can be responsible for up to 35 per cent of pollinator activities.

There are around 2,500 species in the UK which come in all shapes and sizes. Until

recently we haven’t taken enough notice of the vital role they play in pollination. Dark skies are not just a treat for star gazers, they are crucial for many nocturnal animals and birds and insects like moths.

There is more information at butterfly-conservation.org/jointhe-dark-side

We can all do our bit to create

a better environment for moths and other nocturnal animals by switching off our garden/ outside lights when not needed, and considering whether our community needs night lighting in every area all night long or could reduce to part night lighting in some places.

It may seem a radical change but it may be crucial to the future of growing crops as 97 per cent of native wildflower meadows have disappeared and more than 20,000 bees are facing extinction due to pesticides and loss of natural habitats.

Somerset Council is currently working towards reducing the environmental impact of street lighting in Somerset, and you can read more on their website: somerset.gov.uk/roads-traveland-parking/reduction-in-streetlighting-in-somerset

Attractions join forces to provide special offer

SIX South West attractions are joining forces again to bring back the South West Attractions VIP Pass, which offers visitors savings on family days out. Visitors who

buy a full-priced ticket with Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Brean Leisure Park, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Puxton Park and West Country Water Park will qualify for a 20

per cent discount off of the admission price to the five other attractions – double the discount offered last year.

The offer is available for tickets used by June 2, 2024.

New Director of Music named

WELLS Cathedral has announced that Timothy Parsons has been appointed as its next Director of Music. He will take up the post on September 1.

Timothy has been Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral since April 2021. Before this, he was Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral.

A report on the Wells Cathedral website says: “He is a gifted conductor with a talent for encouraging and bringing out the best in singers of all ages whilst improving on the level of performance.” It adds that he “will enhance the worship and mission of the Cathedral, by working collaboratively with colleagues, promoting musical outreach and finding ways of ensuring that the high standard of music in Wells is sustained”.

Dispute over proposed auction of land

ST Cuthbert Out Parish Council is in dispute with Somerset Council about the proposed sale of land at Coxley, near Wells.

Two parcels of Somerset Council-owned land at Bowring Close are due to be sold by estate agents and auctioneers Hollis Morgan in an online auction on April 17. Each has an auction guide price of £35,000.

The details on the Hollis Morgan website states for both: “This Freehold parcel of land has development opportunity for a residential scheme subject to planning consents.”

The parish council is opposed to the sale of the land, to protect it from possible development and preserve it as communal, amenity space for residents –who raised a number of concerns when the land was considered for auction by Mendip District Council a year ago.

The new land sale proposal was discussed at a meeting of the parish council in Dinder Village Hall on February 12.

Council Chairperson Councillor Jacqui Zorab said

that the council had only been notified by Somerset Council on February 6 that the land would be going to auction, and the details were published on Right Move the next day.

The parish council had refuted a claim by Somerset Council that the land has no community value, she said, as it had done in both January and December of 2023. She added that Somerset Council was asked for permission, as the landowner, to approve an application to register Bowring Close as a village green – which can protect land from development – but this was not granted because, it was claimed, the criteria for such action was not met.

An alternative route for applying for village green status was therefore pursued.

Somerset Council councillor Heather Shearer, who was attending the meeting, said that the best way forward was to “get in the room and thrash this out. Talk about it – that’s the best thing to do.”

She said that the financial situation at Somerset Council meant that there is a drive to sell land it no longer uses. “We’ve got to look at everything,” she said.

Councillor Tony Robbins, another Somerset Council councillor, agreed that talking to the relevant officers at Somerset Council was the only way to resolve the matter.

Parish Councillor Jim Reeves said it seemed that a decision had been made and there was no going back, and that Somerset Council seemed to be determined to ignore its own policies of assessing assets on a case-bycase basis in relation to the sale.

Councillor Tony Hathway said that the loss of green spaces was widespread, but that they had great value to people as places for children to play and the elderly to spend time

outdoors, and they were also important environmentally.

Councillors debated what next steps they might take to prevent the auction of the land.

They agreed to submit an application immediately to register the land as a village green, and to notify the auctioneers that a village green application had been submitted which should be declared in the legal pack, and that there is an ongoing dispute with Somerset Council over the sale of this land.

In other issues discussed, Councillor Philip Blatchford said that it seemed there is a resident in Dinder who is rescuing town foxes, and releasing them up on the Mendips, where some then attack livestock. They are being shot, and ten have been shot so far. He asked whether the parish council could forewarn residents generally, no doubt well intentioned, of the fate of, and damage by, some of these rehabilitated foxes.

The next full council meeting will be in Easton Village Hall on Monday, March 18.

‘It’s a good area for local kids to play around’

RESIDENTS fear that if new homes are built on the land either side of the entrance to Bowring Close, it would make parking more difficult, pulling out of the junction more dangerous for drivers, and spoil the general appearance of the area.

Above all, they and their children value it as a safe space to

play, with attractive mature trees, one of which has been fitted with two swings.

Terry Wadman has lived opposite Bowring Close for 50 years and his own children used to play on the grassy areas.

“It’s a good little area for local kids to play around,” he said.

“The alternative is quite a walk

up the main road which would not be advisable for little ones.”

Marcia Dunn told Wells Voice: “It would be sad if the land was to be lost. It’s a safe place for our children to play.”

Marley, aged nine, said: “I’d be sad. I like the swings and there would be no swing to play on.”

Ten-year-old Erin said: “If the

ground wasn’t here any more then there would be no fun games to play, no swings to swing on and nowhere to run around. It would all be boring.”

Casey, also aged ten, said: “I would be sad if the land isn’t here any more because when my brother grows up there will be nowhere for him to play.”

A sign on one of the areas of land

Residents on one of the patches of green space at Bowring Close that they value so much

Proud of role managing PCSOs

I AM Jason Wyatt, the new PCSO Supervisor for Wells City and Rural policing team, along with Street and Glastonbury.

I have recently transferred from Bridgwater where I was a PCSO for seven years where I covered a very rural part of the Quantocks.

Over the seven years I built up some great community contacts, colleagues and friends. I decided that I would like a new challenge so I applied for the PCSO Supervisor in a new area.

As a PCSO Supervisor my day-to-day work is very different from being a PCSO.

I manage ten PCSOs who cover the beat area of Wells, Street and Glastonbury.

I ensure that the team are briefed with what is happening in the area, the team will tell me about any concerns on their beats or things of interest, they also tell me about upcoming events.

The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Supervisor

Jason Wyatt

‘The team are working on some fantastic community-based projects’

I attend lots of meetings with partner agencies like councils, education providers and housing associations to name a few, I also manage part of the social media for the Mendips where I am the area lead.

I work alongside Police Sergeant Simon Lancey who manages the PCs on the same beats.

We work together to problemsolve any issues with the team, we look at local concerns like speeding and shop theft for example but also major events like the carnival.

I am really proud to be the PCSO Supervisor for Mendip West, the team of PCSOs and PCs are working on some fantastic community-based projects like Community Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Farm/Horse Watch, where they get some really positive feedback from members of the public.

More than 60 volunteers took part in the latest litter pick to clear rubbish from the streets of Wells and its approach roads from February 2-4. Sue Freeman, Andy Whitehouse and Nancy Moynihan are pictured with sacks of rubbish they picked up from the car park area at Waitrose. The next litter pick will take place from May 25-27. More volunteers are always welcome. If interested, contact organiser Deborah Orrett by emailing deborahwoolvenorrett@ gmail.com

Work ongoing to tackle flooding

THERE have recently been several key issues which have cropped up across the constituency which we are working hard to resolve – one being flooding.

You do not need me to mention the weather over the past month or so, which has been extremely challenging for this part of the world.

The heavy rain – as we know all too well in Somerset – is always a cause for concern in rural areas.

In my constituency advice surgeries, there have been a range of areas across the Wells constituency which have been identified as problematic, including around Wells, Croscombe and Wedmore.

Understandably, people have been concerned about the impact this heavy rain (and subsequent forecasts) has had – and is set to have – on their property, farmland, and the constituency.

Thoughts of Wells MP

James Heappey

Hearing the personal stories and seeing the floodwater first-hand puts the issue into context. I have since engaged with the Environment Agency (EA), Somerset Council, Wessex Water, and relevant developers to understand how certain areas are prioritised and how a collaborative approach can help prevent further issues and put people’s minds at ease.

I also hosted a meeting with some local farmers and the EA as it felt important for both sides to be able to share their views on areas which should be prioritised. The body of work being carried out by the EA is difficult to comprehend –especially in a challenging patch such as this one.

I think being able to communicate this really helped and the EA were able to offer additional guidance on flood prevention, for which we were all extremely grateful.

We all hope the weather does improve, but there may be opportunities for the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) to fund some flood prevention schemes – something we will all continue to investigate.

As with all issues of this nature, I will endeavour to keep constituents updated and share the best points of contact for the EA, council and SRA.

Events to help businesses soar

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will be staging two of their popular ‘Bootcamps’ in the South West for the first time this spring.

Six speakers – along with the official crowning of the South West’s best small businesses –have all been lined up for local SMEs when the free-to-attend ‘Bootcamp’ takes place in March.

The first event will take place at The Future Skills Centre in Exeter on Wednesday, March 13, from 9.30am-2.30pm. The event is themed Make Your Business Soar and is open to FSB members and non-members alike. Tickets for the event are available at https://www.fsb.org. uk/event-calendar/fsb-businessbootcamp-make-your-businesssoar-130324.html

A second FSB Bootcamp will take place on Wednesday, April 24, at the Army Flying Museum on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border.

Quilts handed over to hospice

A GROUP of volunteer needleworkers have been using their talents to create homemade quilts for a local children’s hospice.

Project Linus, a group of needlewomen based across the UK, including the Wells area, handed over a number of quilts to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The colourful quilts will be used at CHSW’s Charlton Farm children’s hospice, near Bristol.

Children and young people using the hospice are also able to take the quilts home with them.

Members of the Bath, Wells and surrounding areas Linus Group which handcrafted the items called into the hospice to present the quilts to staff.

Linus Bath and Wells coordinator Linda McGregor said: “The aim of the quilts is to bring comfort and cheer to babies, children and children needing a hug.

“All the quilts and blankets are homemade and unique.”

De Colle from Charlton Farm’s care team said: “The children and their families really appreciate these lovely quilts –they really brighten up the hospice.”

Charlton Farm opened to families in 2007 and is currently supporting almost 200 children and young people from the local

area living with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses; meaning that it is unlikely they will live into adulthood.

The hospice provides a range of support including day visits and overnight stays for the whole family at the hospice itself, home visits, 24-hour telephone support, emergency stays, end of life care and bereavement support.

Help available at pharmacies

RESIDENTS who are registered with a Somerset GP can now call at their local pharmacy for help with seven minor conditions which would previously have required a GP appointment.

More than 96 per cent of community pharmacies in the South West, nearly 1,000 in total, will be able to assess and treat patients for: sinusitis (children over 12 years and adults), sore throat (children over five years and adults), earache (children one to 17 years), infected insect bites (children over one and adults), impetigo (children over one and adults), shingles (over 18s) and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) (women 16-65 years).

Should the pharmacy team be unable to help, people will be directed to their GP surgery or A&E as appropriate.

To find a pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk/service-search/ pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Invitation to join walking group

NEW participants are being invited to join the Wells wellbeing walks that take place each week, come rain or shine.

Walkers numbering anywhere from four to 14 meet under the now redundant entrance canopy to Morrisons in Wells every Tuesday at 11am.

The route is decided on the day and may be influenced by an individual’s ability / fitness.

The walk lasts for about an hour at a leisurely pace so that so that people can easily walk and talk. Some stop for a hot drink afterwards, and occasionally there is a social lunch after the walk. There is no registration, no fees, no forms, and no requirement to turn up.

Anybody who would like to take part is invited to go along and give it a try.

Wells wellbeing walkers pictured before an outing

Members of Project Linus hand over the homemade quilts to staff at Children’s Hospice South West Charlton Farm children’s hospice

Chance to help run new-parent groups

PUBLIC Health Nursing teams in Somerset are seeking volunteers to help with the running of groups for new parents and children across the county, including in Wells.

These groups are provided by Somerset Council to support families from pregnancy through to the child’s fifth birthday, with the Public Health nurses play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing illness among families.

Public Health Nursing Support Volunteers would support Public Health nurses and nurses who are passionate about supporting families.

Volunteers will aid in facilitating clinics and groups. Responsibilities might include

meeting and greeting attendees, providing refreshments, and offering general administrative support.

The Wells group meets on Thursdays from 1pm-2.30pm at Seagar Hall, Wells United Church, Union Street.

Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity at Somerset Council, said: “This volunteer opportunity offers a unique chance to make a tangible difference in the community while gaining valuable insight into the roles and services provided by Public Health nurses.”

For more information contact the Volunteer Team on 01823 359200, and to apply, visit Somerset Council’s Volunteer Portal.

Examples of strange bequests in wills

By Sandra Moores

IN the UK we are not very good at drawing up wills. Fewer than half UK adults have done so, leaving 26 million people with no formal instructions for what should happen to their possessions on their death.

Perhaps we’re just not imaginative enough. After all, for some people a will is not just a list of bequests. It’s a chance to leave a loved-one a final thoughtful gesture or show a hopeful relative how much you preferred the dog. Here are a few strange bequests left in wills for anyone needing a little inspiration.

A daily rose – US comedian Jack Benny left an unusual but touching instruction in his will. “Every day since Jack has gone the florist has delivered one long-stemmed red rose to my home,” said his widow Mary Livingstone. “I learned Jack had included a provision for the flowers in his will. One red rose to be delivered to me every day for the rest of my life.”

Anonymous donation “to clear the national debt” – A public-spirited donor made a halfmillion pound bequest to Britain back in 1928, which is now worth more than £350 million. Unfortunately, the anonymous donor specified that the money should be spent only once it is enough to clear the entire national debt. Sadly, the national debt currently stands at £2.4 trillion and the country can’t touch the money.

The “second-best bed” –Poor Anne Hathaway, aka Mrs Shakespeare, has gone down in history as being snubbed by the Bard from beyond the grave. In his will, Shakespeare left her his “second-best bed” while the vast bulk of his estate went to his daughter Susanna.

$12 million to a dog – In 2004, billionaire hotelier Leona Helmsley left instructions for her $4 billion (£2.5 billion) fortune to be spent caring for dogs having apparently rethought an earlier draft that left it to the poor. Her nine-year-old Maltese, Trouble, received $12 million (£8 million), with her grandchildren either cut out or ordered to visit

their father’s grave annually in order to inherit their share. Trouble’s inheritance was later cut to $2 million (£1.2 million) by a judge, although the dog still needed to go into hiding amid death and kidnap threats.

Flowers for Sidmouth – When self-made millionaire financier Keith Owen, 69, was diagnosed with cancer and given a few weeks to live, he decided to donate his entire £2.3 million fortune to his favourite holiday spot, Sidmouth in Devon. The money was given to the Sid Vale Association for a million flowering bulbs to keep the coastal town awash with colour. His will specifies that the capital should not be touched, but that the interest – about £125,000 a year – be spent on maintaining the town and two nearby villages. The town has not yet planted all million bulbs, saying this could take a few more years.

A legacy of bitterness –Michigan millionaire Wellington Burt used his will to put his enormous wealth out of reach of his family for almost a century. When he died in 1919, his will was discovered to specify that his vast fortune would not be passed on until 21 years after the death of his last surviving grandchild. She died in 1989 and the 21-year countdown ended in November 2010. About 12 people discovered they were beneficiaries of the strange will, described as a “legacy of bitterness”, and they shared $110 million.

Seventy strangers from a phone directory – Portuguese aristocrat Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara left his considerable fortune to 70 strangers randomly chosen out of a Lisbon phone directory. “I thought it was some kind of cruel joke,” a 70-yearold heiress told Portugal’s Sol newspaper. “I’d never heard of the man.”

While it might seem hilarious to write jokes into a will, it’s not without risk. It is better to err on the side of caution and take your will seriously. A joke or odd request could invalidate the will, so any outlandish request is best given in a separate letter of wishes.

n Sandra Moores is a Private Client Executive with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk

Virger Tim Jones carries out some spring cleaning at Wells Cathedral

n LETTERS

Plan now a factor in future decisions

DEAR Readers… and Voters

Wells Neighbourhood Plan

On Thursday, January 25 last, 1,114 citizens of Wells voted in favour of Somerset Council using the Plan to help determine planning applications affecting the city. Another 255 took the trouble to vote although they responded with a ‘no’ to the question on the ballot paper.

I am grateful to all who chose to vote although especially to those who voted ‘yes’. In addition, I am grateful to all those who have worked on the Plan over the last 10 years and took part in the consultation.

On February 14, Somerset’s Planning Committee officially ‘made’ the Plan and so all the policies contained in it are ‘material considerations’ to be taken account of when Wells City Council make recommendations on planning applications and Somerset make the actual decisions.

In addition, Wells City

Council can consider taking action on the 10 ‘projects’ in the Plan which include such issues as

l pursuing traffic calming in the High Street

l improving traffic signage and seeking solutions to the shortage of parking in the city

l improving bus services, and

l becoming involved in seeking appropriate infrastructure (ie. medical services etc) to match significant planning applications to name just four.

So I hope you will follow and even be part of the forthcoming

discussions within the city council.

It is your Plan and your council.

Many thanks and good luck.

Adrian I’Anson Chair of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (Now dissolved and its responsibilities passed to Wells City Council)

Houses should be for those with most need

IF, rightly or wrongly, the Church Commissioners get permission to build houses on Palace Fields, I propose it should be to provide, in line with Christian ethos, housing for those who need it most.

A 100 per cent social housing scheme would help reduce homelessness, enable younger people to stay in the city and provide housing for workers whose private rents are being raised beyond affordability –with many now having to rely on the Foodbank to feed their families.

wildlife, built in the right way they can make a positive contribution to nature and to the health and well being of people who live there.

3. A good nature-friendly development incorporating new meadows, green roofs, wetlands, hedgerows and woodlands, and joining them up with wildliferich gardens would enhance wildlife locally.

4. Ensuring the new homes are low carbon and resilient to climate change would be essential.

5. Purchasing a home has become ever more unaffordable for young people. New homes are needed to help local people stay in the areas where they want to live, as well as provide for people moving to an area.

Designed in the right way this development could be a great place to live whilst at the same time restoring wildlife populations and contributing to the country’s urgent need for more affordable housing.

Simon Nash

Environmental Consultant Wells

Care in your own home

Featherbed

need for an expensive care home independent at home with your own live in carer want to stay in their own home as they get older

I would prefer green fields. If we sacrifice these, let it be for social good not profit. That would give the church a good name.

Sue Jones

By email

Development could have major benefits

IN response to recent articles and correspondence regarding the potential development of the Palace Fields I would like to contribute to the debate with the following:

Who has memories of circus trains in Wells?

I VOLUNTEER at the East Somerset Railway and I am appealing on behalf of an author of children’s fiction who is preparing a story currently that features circus trains.

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

No need for an expensive care home

No need for an expensive care home

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 only the very best care at an affordable cost

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older

1. The agricultural fields earmarked for development have been intensively farmed for many years through chemical inputs and slurry spreading and are monocultural deserts, with a very low level of biodiversity.

We know that Bertram Mills Circus was performing at Silver Street in Wells on July 5 and 6, 1954, but there might have been other visits using these trains at other times. Do any readers remember seeing the trains arrive, being unloaded or reloaded or that circus itself, please? We are keen to hear from them if so, via the email address nlwaton@gmail.com or my number 07510 578723.

Featherbed

Featherbed

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986

Featherbed

since 1986

1986

Nick Waton

We

We believe in only

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

care at an affordable cost

in

We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

2. Housing developments don’t have to squeeze out

By email

Call for a brochure today

01749 349007

Call for a brochure today

9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

Call for a brochure today

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885

featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

Wells Town Crier Len Sweales spreading the word about the Neighbourhood Plan referendum

A funeral in just the way you want it

THERE are no laws in the United Kingdom relating to funerals. The law states: “Next of kin must dispose of the body of the person who has died by burial, cremation or other means.”

The only other requirement is that the death is registered appropriately.

Therefore, a funeral should be anything that you want it to be. Our role as undertakers is to support you rather than direct you and we are here to help you navigate your way to creating a funeral ceremony that is both meaningful and transformative. At Wells Funeral Services we believe in asking our clients what they want to happen at a funeral for their family member or friend rather than tell them what must happen. If they want to be involved in the lead up to the funeral we actively encourage this.

The funerals we have assisted with so far this year have all varied.

One included the husband and sons of the lady who had died visiting Musgrove Willow

Family members helped weave a willow coffin for a recent funeral, and the cortège included classic E-Type Jaguars

to assist with weaving her willow coffin. Guided through the whole process by one of their skilled weavers, they spent four hours carefully crafting her coffin. An experience that brought them together as a family and one they all found to be healing and therapeutic.

They asked if on the day of the funeral they could use cars from the car club they belonged to rather than our limousines. The cortège included beautiful classic E-Type Jaguars, with Wells High Street and market pausing for just a moment as they passed through. The ceremony that took place in the crematorium followed a format requested by the family, with a sing-along to some of her favourite songs, and rather than a committal the words of goodbye came from a favourite book.

Another was a burial. The family of the young lady who had died wished to have the funeral service in a church in Wells, despite not being particularly religious. They needed a venue big enough to accommodate the hundreds of family and friends that were attending. The associated vicar and celebrant worked side by side to deliver exactly what the family wanted, a ceremony with just a touch of religion that perfectly reflected the young lady it was for, with

People Trust us with their Funeral

Arrangements

So Can You!

her favourite music played rather than hymns and quotes from series such as Prison Break and Wentworth. The brief ceremony of goodbye followed at the graveyard for her close family and friends.

Then there was the lady who wanted everything completely stripped back for her husband. She requested a direct cremation but wanted to be completely involved with the preparation of her husband’s body in light of their beliefs relating to their heritage. Assisted by two of our team, she washed and dressed her husband; while doing so we played his favourite songs. Once he was ready and placed in his coffin she spent some time alone with him in our chapel of rest. On the day of the cremation, she rode in the hearse to accompany him on his final journey.

Every life is unique, therefore every funeral we deliver is unique. We will do our utmost to accommodate your requests, we will guide you if you need help, but we will never tell you what you must do.

With Clare Blackmore

Court told beggars ‘a regular pest in city’

THE reports of the City Police Court make fascinating reading and if interested in social history, you get a real impression of a layer of Wells society which is not recorded in the history books about the city.

Begging was an historical problem which is recorded from the earliest times.

There is evidence that in the wealthier parts of the city, the beggars would mark the doorsteps and gateways of houses with a private code to indicate which houses gave money and food and these were shared amongst the mendicants who inhabited and visited the city.

1860

This week a vagrant in the act of begging was caught by PC Rawlings, in the doorway of Mr Classey, Baker, of Sadler Street. On being searched it was found that he had 10s 5d in his possession.

He was sent to prison for seven days with hard labour.

The usual amount for food in the police lock-up was deducted.

1881

Isaac Nook was charged with being drunk and begging alms in Burcott.

Jane Hill said the previous day, Nook had come to her house asking for alms and she gave him a penny. He then asked for something to eat and she gave him some bread.

He afterwards left but at a quarter to ten PC Edwards said that he found Nook in a water

closet at Wookey and he was drunk. He moved him on but half an hour later he found Nook lying in a ditch at the roadside. His crutch, he only had one leg, was on the roadside.

Nook was sentenced to seven days hard labour for begging.

1882

Thomas Holms was charged with begging, hawking without a licence and using abusive language in Sadler Street and the Market Place.

Joseph Sheppard, Tailor, said he was standing in the door of his premises in Sadler Street talking to a customer when Holms accosted him and asked

him to buy some pins from him.

Sheppard declined to do so and Holms shouted at him: “The first Somersetshire man I get in Wales, I will kill him because I am a Welshman.” He then used obscene language and Sheppard went to call the police and Holms said: “The police can go to buggery and you can go with them.”

The police took him into custody and he certainly seemed to know what he was about and was not in drink.

PS Vowles told the court that Holms had been begging and abusing people about the town.

Holms said he was a seafaring man and had come across the channel from Newport to Burnham and he was obliged to beg to get a night’s lodging.

PS Vowles said that Holms had been seen to expose his arm which was dreadfully burnt and frightening people into giving him money.

PS Vowles said that beggars were getting a regular pest in the city.

To be imprisoned for 14 days with hard labour.

1882

Bridget Walters, alias Roddy, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in South Street and Southover and with begging in Vicar’s Close.

PC Richards told the court that he received information that Walters was drunk and refusing to quit the Railway Tavern in Southover. He went as far as St John Street and found Walters seated on the pavement very drunk and with a large crowd of people around her.

He told her to move on and she went as far as the end of St John Street when she saw her husband, who had two babes in arms.

The couple walked up South Street with Walters making use of obscene language all the way, kicking her husband and knocking him on the face.

PS Vowles said that Walters was very drunk and very abusive at the Police Station. It was becoming a daily complaint in the city of people going about

begging and using disgusting language when told to go away.

Mr Gleaves of Vicar’s Close subsequently told PS Vowles that Walters had been begging in Vicar’s Close and when told to move on she was very abusive to him.

The prisoner, Bridget Walters, appeared before the court with a baby in arms who was three weeks old, twins two years old and she had several other children.

Sentenced to seven days imprisonment.

1884

Jas Hawkins was brought up in custody before the Borough Police Court, charged with begging in Chamberlain Street.

Mr Drayton said that Hawkins begged from him and another gentleman and Drayton reported him to the police.

Sergeant Vowles told the court that he received daily complaints about people begging.

The Chairman of the court, Dr Livett, said that they were determined to put a stop to people begging in the city. Men like Hawkins only made people less charitable than they would be to people who deserved it.

Hawkins was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment with hard labour.

‘Sergeant Vowles said the town was swarming with beggars’

1884

William Dally of Plymouth was charged with begging and using obscene language.

Dally pleaded guilty to begging and said that he was very sorry but he met with a friend who gave him some beer and this quite overcame him.

Sergeant Vowles said the town was swarming with beggars and on Sunday night they were stopping people as they came out of church.

Dalby was fined 7s for begging and 7s for swearing and in default 14 days imprisonment.

The Police Station that was added to the side of the Town Hall towards the end of the 19th century Picture: Wells & Mendip Museum

Range of activities this Easter

YOUNGSTERS will be kept busy at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells this Easter, with a range of family-friendly activities taking place over the school holidays.

The holiday fun kicks off with Helpful Nell’s Wildlife Trail (March 29-April 14) where visitors will be encouraged to explore the gardens to find 12 spring pictures. Twelve clues will help suggest what will be in each picture and a small chocolatey prize will be on offer on completion.

On April 2 (11am and 1.30pm), storyteller Rebecca Gryspeerdt will also be reading from her book Helpful Nell, a story set in The Bishop’s Palace and featuring the swans of Wells.

For families looking for a day out with a difference, the ever-popular Medieval Falconry Day will take place this year on Saturday, April 13, from 10am-4pm with displays at 12pm and 3pm. Held on the South

Lawn, against the backdrop of the medieval Great Hall, Tony from specialist falconry firm, Raptorcare, will entertain crowds with a day of flying displays, fascinating information and beautiful birds.

The displays are aimed at all ages of visitor and will illustrate

Counselling talk at Coffee Morning

THE next Wells Labour Party Coffee Morning will take place at the Portway Annexe, Portway Avenue, Wells, on Saturday March 9, from 10am-noon.

It is free entry, with coffee, tea, cake, and opportunity for conversation. Everybody is welcome.

During the event, Sue Marland from Focus Wells, Charitable Counselling Service, will ask: Is it Time to Talk?

Sue is Practice Manager for Focus Wells, and will explain more about Charitable Counselling Service, which has been running in Bath for the past 25 years, and is committed to offering affordable counselling

to people in the community. The practice extended to Frome four years ago, and has recently added to the provision of mental health care for the people of Wells as well.

Concert to follow day of workshops

ONE of the world’s most innovative and groundbreaking chamber ensembles will be performing in Wells on Friday, March 22.

Using the music of West Africa as both core repertoire and a guiding spiritual influence, Ensemble Bash mix contemporary classical, jazz and music theatre into

their performances. Their concert at Cedars Hall will be the culmination of a day of workshops in Wells with all things percussion.

Warning: young percussionists may be coerced into sharing the spotlight during this performance.

More information and tickets at cedarshallwells.co.uk

how these birds would have been used in Medieval times and why. In between displays, visitors can have the chance to handle some of the birds.

All activities are included with the 12-month Admission Ticket and Bishop’s Palace Memberships.

£100 jackpot at Bingo sessions

GLOBE Carnival Club is organising two Easter Bingos.

The first will take place at Wells Football Club on Tuesday, March 19, and the second at Croscombe Village Hall on Monday, March 25.

Doors open at 6.45pm and eyes down at 7.30pm for both. There will be lots of prizes to be won and a £100 jackpot.

Quiz Night in aid of Foodbank

ON Saturday, March 30, there will be a Wells Foodbank and Furniture Store Quiz Night at Wells Town Hall, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £5 per team member (cash on the night). Reserve by emailing: tickets@wellsstorehouse.co.uk, or by phone/text 07587 125228. Raffle, bar and nibbles. All proceeds to the Wells Foodbank.

The Medieval Falconry Day will take place this year on April 13

Sue Marland will explain the benefits of sitting down for a chat

n WHAT’S ON Programme of music by women

TO celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, the Trio Paradis March Cafe Concert programme at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Monday, March 4, is Daughters of the Muse, a collection of varied music by women composers, including Germaine Tailleferre, Lili Boulanger, Pauline Viardot, Rebecca Clark and Rosalind Ellicott. The concert will last about 45 minutes, payment by donation. It starts at 11am with the cafe from 10.30am. All ages welcome, including children.

Quiz at Tramways

AN Oxfam Quiz Night will take place at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, March 3, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £5 per team member. To book, phone Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail. com. Raffle prizes welcomed.

PILATES AND BARRE

Unique combination at recital

THERE will be a Trumpet and Harp Charity Recital at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Thursday, April 4, at 7.30pm, in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer: CLIC Sargent.

The harpist will be Jess Hughes, from Wells, who attended Wells Blue School and was awarded a scholarship to Wells Cathedral School where she studied harp with Ruth Faber. She is a graduate of the Royal Northern College

Art group exhibition

6pm

Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

Pilates 9.15am Location Wells Town Hall.

Small, mixed ability classes. To apply, contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Charity concert

CONCERT pianist Nurry Lee, a former Wells Cathedral School student, will be taking part in a concert at St Swithin’s Church in Bath on Thursday, March 14, at 7.30pm alongside artists Matt Walters, aka Reductio, and Charlie Hooper-Williams. The concert is in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Tickets are available from bathboxoffice.org.uk

Silent Disco event

THERE will be a Silent Disco for people aged 18 and above at Wookey Hole Mill on Friday, March 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £20 per person. More at wookey. co.uk/silent-disco

HOLCOMBE Art Group will be holding an exhibition at Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, from Tuesday, April 16, to Saturday, April 20.

The Art Group has been meeting every week for five years but this exhibition in Wells will be their first major show.

The Museum is open from Tuesday-Saturday, from 10am4pm.

Mozart’s Requiem

WELLS Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra and Choirs will present Mozart’s Requiem over two nights in March at Cedars Hall. The iconic work will feature alongside highlights from Tchaikovsky’s ballet music on Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, from 7pm-9pm. More information and tickets at cedarshallwells.co.uk

Italian love songs

THERE will be an Evening of Italian Love Songs at Christ Church, Henton, near Wells, on Saturday, April 13, at 6pm. Sarah Davies (soprano), Hilary Wickham (flute) and

of Music, as is the trumpeter, Cameron Chin-See. They will be performing a varied programme of classical, romantic and contemporary music for this unique combination of harp and trumpet.

Tickets are £10 to include an interval drink. To reserve tickets, email jesshughes229@gmail.com or call 07807 891830. Tickets are also available from Cadeaux & Co on Wells High Street, or on the door.

Tricia Rees-Jones (keyboard/ organ) will perform music from the 17th and 18th centuries including Scarlatti, Lotti, Handel and Mancini.

Tickets by donation on the door, with all proceeds in aid of the church re-ordering fund. Wine and soft drinks by donation will be available before and after the concert.

Those intending to attend are asked to let jennycrossley@ mbzonline.net know.

Irish Set Dancing

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

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

TAI CHI

Pub music evenings

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

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

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

More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail. com

Sing-along sessions

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

Health Tai Chi

PilogaFit

Weekly dance nights

WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets on Wednesday evenings between September and July (although not the first Wednesday of the month) at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Doors open 7pm, dancing 7.30pm-9.30pm. No experience or partner necessary.

For more information, call 01749 674920.

Board game group

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 20, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Jess Hughes and Cameron Chin-See will be giving a recital on April 4

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

MEMBERS met on Tuesday, February 13, to be entertained by their own club members. The demonstration was entitled Anniversaries.

Our President, Non Hobson, opened the meeting and following the announcements introduced the first demonstrator, Vicky Andrews. Her design was entitled Spring and using a clever support she had previously made, she was able to arrange her flowers without using floral foam. Her design included white roses and lisianthus, lilac delphiniums and green viburnum opulus with a small pot of snowdrops at the side.

Debbie Johnson was next to the stage. Her arrangements depicted Birth. White roses and blue and white lisianthus were arranged in a white bird cage to represent a boy, while girls were depicted with a pink basket filled with a range of delicate pink rosebuds and spray carnations.

Sylvia Ingham moved on some years with her arrangement Silver Wedding. Her silver container contained pale apricot and green carnations as well as pussy willow and was enhanced by a white orchid.

Finally, with another leap of 25 years, Jenny Jones arranged flowers to celebrate 50 years of marriage. Two rings covered with gold ribbon were placed in the centre of the design to be surrounded by yellow spider chrysanthemums and roses as well as frilly green lisianthus.

Non gave the vote of thanks and invited the members to have a cup of tea served by Myrtle Stephens and club members.

Our next demonstration will be on March 12 when Barbara Clatworthy from Devon will present Bird of Paradise. It will begin at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells BA5 2UZ.

We also hold a practice class on the fourth Tuesday of each month where members practice their skills. We welcome new members of all abilities. It’s a good way to make new friends.

WELLS NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

AT the next meeting on Friday, March 8, at 7.30pm, David Cottle will give a talk entitled A Visible History of King’s Castle

Wood (following the AGM of the Society).

Between 1987 and 2022, David was the voluntary warden for the Somerset Wildlife Trust’s King’s Castle Wood. Although mainly interested in the wildlife found there, he became more aware of its history as his involvement grew. Even today, much of the history remains visible to any visitor to the reserve.

The meeting will be held in the Lecture Room at Wells Museum. Non-members of the Society are very welcome (£2).

WELLS CITY PROBUS CLUB

AT our February meeting one of our members, Geoff Egan, gave a talk entitled A Factory in Brazil. He told the story of building a razor blade factory for Wilkinson Sword in Manaus on the river Amazon. Manaus is about 1,000 miles from the coast in the heart of the Amazon rain forest.

One day at work Geoff received a note asking him to go and see one of the company directors. He was told the company planned to build a razor blade factory in Manaus, Brazil, and he was offered the job of doing it. He decided to accept the offer and made his first visit to Manaus to view the plot of land the company had acquired.

The plot was basically a muddy field bulldozed out of the jungle some distance from town. There was jungle on three sides and a road on the fourth. There were no services available on site – no water, electricity or drainage. Manaus was extremely hot and plagued by mosquitos.

Geoff didn’t know much about razor blade manufacture, but the company had factories around the world that he visited. As a visitor from head office he was not well received. On a visit to South Africa he met a man who was prepared to move to Brazil so Geoff hired him as the local manager.

Geoff visited Manaus several times but had difficulty getting answers to questions about services and other things. Electricity was very unreliable. The population of Manaus in the mid-Seventies was 400-500,000 and is now about 2.5 million. In the rainy season the river level can rise 14 feet causing flooding throughout the city.

The machinery to build the factory was sourced from India and shipped to the UK. On inspection it was all second-hand whilst Brazil required Geoff to sign that it was all new – which he refused to do. Eventually one of the directors agreed to sign for it and it was crated up and shipped by sea.

Some of the smaller stuff was

shipped by air freight but this was impounded on arrival in Brazil because the contract small print contained a clause that everything had to arrive in one shipment. The only way to get it released was by a direct payment to the local officials.

Geoff had also arranged to have a chain link fence built around the plant site, and on arrival was amazed to see a vulture perched on every fence post. One favourite phrase used by the contractors was “No problem” whenever they were asked to do anything, although there usually were problems.

This seemed to particularly to apply to the installation of toilets. Geoff remembers explaining to the contractors that the toilet required a water connection so that when the lever was pressed water ran into the bowl flushing any waste into the pipe which was connected to the main sewer in the road. “No problem” said the contractor but for many weeks telexes kept arriving in London saying “flush test negative”. One day a company director arrived in Manaus on a visit saying he figured it was OK to come because they had received a telex that said “flush test positive”.

Local wildlife also caused problems and Geoff remembers seeing 12 natives in the river fighting a 30ft anaconda. They also caught a baby caiman and installed it in the company pond, and the piranha fish kept Geoff from swimming in the river. Company photographers sent to visit the plant put a picture of the caiman on the cover of the company magazine. Life in the hotel was plagued by electrical problems and the girls who phoned incessantly offering their services. Eventually Geoff moved out to live with the local manager.

On one occasion Geoff was asked to bring a suitcase of parts for the plant and asked how he would get it through customs. He was told he would be met at the airport by the local agent and he was to do exactly what he was told to do. As he approached customs he was surprised to see the agent approaching dressed in full military uniform. He walked up to Geoff, gave him a full salute, said “Thank you very much sir”, picked up the suitcase and walked out to the car.

Continued on page 42

From left, Denny Johnson, Vicky Andrews, Sylvia Ingham and Jenny Jones, who gave demonstrations at the February Wells Floral Art Club meeting

AROUND THE SOCIETIES

From page 41

Absenteeism at the factory was very high because people still went fishing and hunting for food rather than buying it. They also had to close the factory when Brazil played Argentina at football. Health and safety was also a problem until one day Geoff closed the door and said no one could come in barefoot –because the most likely thing to be on the floor was razor blades. Samples of the blades made were shipped to London and tested by shaving in the office. On several occasions the Brazilian blades were rated the highest quality.

Business practices in Brazil were very different from Europe – especially finances in an economy with 50 per cent inflation, but Geoff remembers his time there with affection.

WELLS U3A

WELLS u3a groups are settled in to their meetings having received the winter issue of their newsletter which has been distributed to all members so that they can access any of the 57 groups available. The holiday to Lincolnshire in May, which was advertised in this issue, soon sold out. Members could also apply for a quiz at the golf club which was held at the end of February with 46 participants, along with a delicious cream tea. The proceeds of the raffle were given to a local charity.

Amongst the 57 groups there are five language groups consisting of German, Spanish, Italian and two French groups. The German Conversation group has now run for more than 18 months. They inevitably have a mixed range of abilities and expertise (intermediate or better). Nobody acts as the designated expert, but everybody tries to help and encourage everybody else. They meet twice a month, and the first 90 minutes passes very congenially with informal German conversation (together with some refreshments). They usually conclude by looking at one written study piece that everyone’s had a chance to prepare. This ensures that they cover a broad range of topics from a German perspective, ranging from Martin Luther to Angela Merkel, for example. More recently they’ve read about

Gaza-fuelled antisemitism, as well as a German news item about the Horizon Post Office scandal.

The Italian Conversation are a group of mixed ability Italophiles, meeting twice a month, on a Thursday morning, to chat in an informal but supportive way about their interests and news. This is followed by coffee and then activities or games to extend their language and learn a bit more about Italy. The guiding principles they follow are respect for each other and to avoid reverting to English, usually achieving two hours of non-stop Italian.

During Covid they carried on meeting on Zoom, in The Bishop’s Palace or Rec in their groups of six and that helped the group to continue. They now meet at the Portway Annexe. The group has reached a maximum number of 12 but can start a waiting list for interested people who are u3a members.

The Spanish Conversation Group does ‘exactly what it says on the tin’. They meet monthly in Wells Library for around 90 minutes for conversation in Spanish. They currently have ten members, although the number currently active is around five and a few more would be very welcome. They strive (but usually fail) to speak only Spanish during the meetings and there is no tuition in the language. The group is therefore suitable for those who have a reasonable grounding in the grammar and vocabulary, but not beginners wishing to learn the language. Current members

have lived, worked or visited mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and various parts of Latin America, and enjoy sharing their experiences of life in the Spanish-speaking world.

En Francais group meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 10am-12pm. They meet at a members home. If someone can’t make it they can join the meeting using the u3a Zoom link, which is set up just in case. The group’s tutor has lived in various countries in Europe and speaks fluent French. The group is a mixed ability group, some are more fluent in French than others but all levels are welcome.

The magazine Rendez-vous is the main source of literature and prior to each meeting, each member is allocated part(s) of an article to translate. During the meeting each member has the opportunity to read (in French) and present in English their translation.

Although the group does not converse much in French, they are trying to rectify this. They keep the group to a maximum of eight people, in order that everyone has at least one chance to read and translate during the meeting.

Conversational French meet in the home of one of the members twice a month. There is a wide range of fluency but the fluent speakers help the least fluent speakers who say that it is a great help. It has one member who has lived in France for 15 years so there is some guidance within the group.

In general it is a group of friends who meet for a chat just

as might be done at a cafe. The only difference is that it will be entirely in French except for a short tea/coffee break. For those who find it a bit difficult they tend not to interrupt to correct a mistake as this would spoil the flow. Instead they will make a mental note of it to discuss later.

So, if you fancy improving your language skills, maybe Wells u3a is for you. First you need to join Wells u3a via our website https://u3asites.org. uk/wells/home and then you will be able to contact the leader of the group you are interested in. Should the group be full, hopefully you will get on a waiting list.

Ann Brown, Richard Hathway, Denise Denis, Allan Caldwell, Ann Pittman, John Wheat

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

WE all get quotations wrong, sometimes deliberately in the hope that we are being witty. There’s a hoary old saying, probably from a hoary old gardener, which goes:

“A Chrysanthemum by any other name would be easier to spell.”

They should have tried ‘Eschscholzia’. I once came across a schoolboy’s attempt to quote from Romeo and Juliet in an English Literature paper.

“What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweat.”

And there you have it; a small misspelling and it all goes wrong. In the garden, plant names can be a minefield and the changing seasons do nothing to help. It would seem that many familiar names and notions require rebranding. That early flowering daffodil February Gold now appears much earlier. March Hares don’t necessarily stick to March and we have April showers all year round. What about names like Marigold, Summer Sunshine and Autumn Glory? One wonders who exactly decides on all these names. It cannot be as easy as we think. Confusion and debate must enter into it.

Years ago we hosted a talk on pelargoniums, where the audience was bombarded with a salvo of brightly coloured photos all named under rapid fire: Scarlet King preceded

Tea break during a meeting of the Wells u3a Conversational French group

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Scarlet Queen, followed by the rest of the regal troupe. We had Sunsets and Dawns of a multitude of tints and hues. We had technicoloured Pearls and Blossoms in abundance. Those in the hall who were nuts about pelargoniums loved it.

How one chose what went into the borders and baskets remained a mystery. But there was a feeling that the naming could have been a wee bit more imaginative. Nowadays commemorative efforts are the fashion and tend to border on the mundane, especially in the rose garden.

Wedding Day is now traditional but such card shop titles as Happy Retirement or Good Luck with your Fiftieth Interview don’t really belong in the flowerbed and others are more suitable in a racecourse commentary like For Your Eyes Only. Foreign imports bring a different challenge. Anything with Baby or Tootsie in it will hail from North America while from New Zealand comes a lovely popular pink floribunda with a name which needs a glance over the shoulder accompanied by a bit of throat clearing viz. Sexy Rexy. However, in this field the Germans take a lot of beating, or they did. One rose, happily now outdated commercially, really took the biscuit. You needed a good memory and an educated tongue to tackle Herzogin ViktoriaAdelheid von Coburg-Gotha. Kaiser Bill probably grew it or personally knew the Duchess. When his cousin George V changed the royal family name to Windsor he remarked that perhaps there would be productions of Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Saxe CoburgGotha. When it comes to foreign names it’s best to leave it to the experts – especially when faced with those bewildering Oriental Tree Peonies. There is a pretty front garden in the

neighbourhood which every spring has an eye-catching display of tulips in bunches and at the moment all helpfully labelled: Front Garden. That’s good old-fashioned no nonsense gardening for you! You know where you stand.

Common sense has to take over at some stage and I am very pleased to say that next month’s meeting of the Wells Gardening Club will help us cope in a sensible way with changes forced by our inconsistent weather. Called The Climate Change Garden, the talk by Sally Morgan will give down to earth advice on ways we can cope with whatever is thrown at us in our gardens. With Kim Stoddart, Sally has written an excellent book on the subject, copies of which will be on sale. That will be on Thursday, March 14, in the Town Hall at 7.30pm.

The meeting is open to everyone and all are very welcome. Admission for members is £1 and for visitors £3. Refreshments will be available. For more details, tel: 01749 679182 or visit the website welllsgarden.club

Pip Harwood

WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

MARCH is the time when spring starts to get into to gear and this shows itself in several ways we can look out for. Emerging flowers such as snowdrops, primroses, lesser celandines and bluebells are joined by wild arum (lords and ladies) and the white flowers of Blackthorn in the hedgerows, if they have not been cut too hard. If the temperature rises above 10 degrees bees will be active. Look out for the butter yellow Brimstone butterflies and keep an ear out for Chiff chaff: which sings its name from tree tops. Who knows, by the end of the month you may be lucky enough to spot the first House martins and swallows.

At our last meeting David Ramsden from the Barn Owl Trust outlined the ways in which climate change threatens the stability of the natural world. He highlighted ways in which we could help lessen the impact and help a recovery. These included: eating less meat, using renewable energy, ethical investing, insulating our homes and travelling less using airplanes

They could also increase tourism by encouraging more visitors to the area who will then walk the easy flat terrain. He pointed out how the Camel Trail in Cornwall has become a very popular tourist destination and boosted the local economy. Richard told us about the Somerset Circle which would be a 76-mile loop connecting all the Greenways.

and cruise ships.

Our next meeting is on Saturday, March 23, at 10am, when the group is meeting for a Reptile Ramble at Blackmore Vale. The walk around a reserve (10am-noon) will be led by John Dickson and will be looking for emerging snakes, reptiles and other amphibians.

Car share if possible. Park and meet at Blackmore Vale car park (ST 5050 5567).

Numbers are limited so booking is essential. £5 per adult (payable on booking), under 16s free. For more details or to reserve a place, email bookings@ wdwg.org.uk

Graham Allen

WELLS & DISTRICT CENTRE FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST

ON Saturday, February 10, Richard Jones gave us a very informative update on the Strawberry Line developments. He has been involved with the Strawberry Line for 10 years after moving to Draycott with his family in 2008.

The Strawberry Line was named as such after the strawberries that grew on the slopes between Draycott and Rodney Stoke. These were then transported by train up to the fruit markets in London. The Strawberry Line is a ‘Greenway’ which is a poetic term for a safe, traffic-free, good hard flat surface for anyone not in a car, such as walkers, wheelchair users, buggies and cyclists. Richard explained that a Greenway will help boost health and tackle amongst other things obesity especially in children by encouraging easy walking outside. They create safe routes to school. If fewer cars are being used there will also be better air quality. They provide a habitat for wildlife and flowers.

The Greenways use the disused railway beds as they are flat, safe routes, preserving old bridges, tunnels and embankments from the Victorian era that would otherwise be lost and fall into disrepair.

Richard was a very inspiring speaker and we were lucky to see some present day photos of parts of the Strawberry Line in and around Wells, then shown what these areas looked like when the railway and stations were in existence in the 1960s.

It was refreshing to be told about the many volunteers who help clear and prepare the Greenways and then the amount of maintenance needed to keep them looking good and fit for purpose.

Our next meeting in Henton Hall will be on Saturday, March 9, starting at the earlier time of 2pm as we will have a short AGM followed by a talk from Simon Larkins, of the National Trust, who is the General Manager for Somerset Coast & Countryside.

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

THE February meeting of the Wells Railway Fraternity was a presentation given by Fraternity member Richard Pelham.

Titled The Widow’s Railway, the subject was a brief history of the railways on the Indian sub-continent majoring on those in Pakistan and was illustrated with photographs taken by the speaker during several visits to the country up until 1997. Sadly, it is no longer to be considered a safe country to visit. The widow in question was Queen Victoria who became the Empress of the then un-partitioned India.

In addition to the many pictures of steam locomotives, most of which were built by a number of companies in Britain, and their trains images were shown of the rugged countryside of rural north-west Pakistan

Continued on page 44

Adders may be spotted on the Wells and District Wildlife Group Reptile Ramble on March 23

Mars – an appropriately named Camellia Picture: Pip Harwood

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

From page 43

with dramatic mountain scenery rivers and bridges. The line up to the Khyber Pass goes through the particularly rugged scenery of the Tribal Lands. In places the railway was prone to attacks by disenchanted tribesmen. This resulted in the trains having a wagon marshalled in front of the engine which was hauling the train, the purpose of which was to detonate any explosive devices before the engine passed over them. It seems rather foolish that the local railway men would ride on these wagons.

Other images showed railway infrastructure and personnel, non-railway people and structures.

In contrast, visits to the famous Darjeeling Railway in India were illustrated with greener, more verdant mountainous country. Perhaps the famous B class locomotives on this line look even more archaic than those in Pakistan, although indeed some of them still soldier on on this World Heritage status line. This line can still be visited.

This was an extremely interesting and well-illustrated talk on a subject about which many of the audience previously knew little.

Wells Railway Fraternity’s next meeting will be on the March 12 in Wells Town Hall at 19:30 Hours when the speaker will be Peter Lemmey talking about 1960s British Railways illustrated by Ian Cantlon’s photographs. New members and guests are always welcome. For further information about the Wells Railway Fraternity see the website Railwells.com

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

WELLS is renowned almost the world over for its medieval hub along with a miscellany of beautiful historic buildings spanning centuries. Indeed, it was only recently that the Wells Civic Society had a presentation about one of the city’s most famous landmarks, Vicars Close.

It is surely true, though, that few of the audience at the society’s February meeting knew that there are also perhaps half a dozen houses in the city which are not only brand new but contemporary in every way and shining examples of modern

design and building techniques. In each case, these houses have come to be created because their owners were deeply involved at every stage in their design and construction and were, in fact, the source of the original architectural concept.

One such is Christopher Charles and he spoke to the society in February of how and why he came to self-build his present home. Self-build means that you commission the whole project from scratch, in fact from the germ of an idea or dream, with the intention of living in it yourself. The result will be a house which is totally original. Thus, the starting point is very different from that of a major developer producing large numbers of houses to a relatively standardised formula and perhaps releasing them to the market when prices are right from the developer’s point of view.

Christopher sees the advantages of the self-build approach as including: comparative or relative economy, including being VAT exempt; a way to sidestep the lack of readymade suitable alternatives; the ability to insist on the highest quality; the chance to create the right amount and type of space for your own needs or wishes; the ability to cater for any specific needs or disabilities in the household; the scope to build in as many eco-friendly features as possible. He was also keen to stress what wonderful fun it is to

be able to mastermind the whole project, and to create something which is a substantial personal legacy, although there may be very few builders who will undertake a whole house project in this way.

Perhaps there are not many people willing to take on such a project. Or perhaps there are more than one might think: in Mendip in October 2022 there were 331 proposals for self-build, 78 of which were in Wells. A high percentage of these were proposals for detached properties and, significantly, 0% could be considered affordable. One way to improve on this last statistic would be through Community Land Trusts, who own land particularly with a view to making affordable housing a real possibility for and in a community.

Christopher went through the various stages to be undertaken from trying to determine the budget, finding a site, developing the plans and choosing the architect, choosing the builder and selecting the materials and method. You will be working with not only the architect and builder, but a number of other trades people, especially if you save money by doing the buying of materials yourself, so the choice is important.

The job will not be a short one and good working relationships will make the whole project that much more enjoyable. And, of course, there is planning permission. Obtaining this

will probably take time. The process may be lubricated by inviting councillors to visit the site and meet with you even before your application is on any agenda. Rather similarly, it is wise and courteous to make a point of meeting your would-be neighbours well in advance in order to allay any fears they may be harbouring.

Eventually, you will experience a sheer joy in having built your own property which you will greatly appreciate living in. You will have had the opportunity to help the local economy by employing local builders and using local suppliers. Ideally, you would have been realistic: things can go wrong. A supplier might suddenly go out of business; insurers and financial institutions may be surprisingly lacking keenness, despite the high quality of the design and the ultimate asset the house will be. Christopher feels, such institutions need to catch up.

But Christopher greatly favours self-build to the extent that he would like to see 20% of our new housing being the result of such projects. Not only that, he enjoyed the whole process so much, he would do it again.

The number of questions which followed and the positive discussion points which arose clearly demonstrated how interesting the audience had found Christopher’s presentation.

The next meeting of the society will be on Wednesday, March 13, when the topic will be The early economic development of Wells: 900-1400. This presentation will be given by the accomplished speaker, Mark Hutchinson. The starting time is 7pm, with drinks available beforehand and non- and new members welcome. Further details of this or the society in general can be found at www. wellscivicsociety.org.uk or by emailing the chair, Chris Winter, at chris.f.winter@btinternet.com

Richard Hanks

COXLEY AND DISTRICT WI

OUR December Christmas party seems such a long time ago now. So just a short note to say how successful and enjoyable it was. We had a large raffle in aid of Heads Up amongst many other goings on. We also enjoyed

Chris Charles about to give his talk on self-build housing at Wells Civic Society

Picture: Philip Welch

a very pleasant trip to Wells pantomime before Christmas.

On January 31 we met up at the Old Down Inn for what has now evolved into a new year lunch rather than the more conventional Christmas one. This is successful move as December is very busy for most folks and January can be long and tedious.

For our February meeting we welcomed Pauline Kidner from Secret World. Her topic was Caring about Wildlife. She took us through the stages of rescue, rehabilitation and then release back into the wild. She also showed us many slides, which illustrated what a wide range of animals come into their care.

Here in Somerset we appear very well blessed as many parts of the country do not have wildlife centres. Hers and other centres like it rely solely on charitable donations. Secret World also appears fortunate in that it has some famous patrons and close ties with BBC Bristol and their camera crews and programmes.

Secret World also plays a part in educating children and young people and offers wildlife courses in addition.

Our vote of thanks was given by Val. We had an informative and highly enjoyable evening.

The competition was a wild animal cuddly toy. Ursula came first, second was Peggy and Pat S third. Flower of the month was won by Pat H with Ursula being second.

Next month we meet on March 5 at Coxley Memorial Hall. Our Speaker will be Tim Richens, his subject will be Regain The Brain. We have a word exercise to complete for our competition.

Visitors and new members will be made most welcome. Our members enjoy many subgroups, including: walking, craft, book club and ladies that lunch.

Ursula Dann

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

ANYONE for whom eating is a problem is welcome at meetings of Overeaters Anonymous. The group is a 12 Step Fellowship –not a diet club – which meets in the Portway Annexe, Wells, on Tuesday evenings from 7pm8pm. More information from oagb.org or from local contacts: 07989 474570 or 07498 119862.

Stablefords continue in worst months of season

Collins. Div 2 was won by Maggie Brain with 18 points.

School pupils gain selection

NETBALL

SEVEN netball players from Wells Cathedral School have been selected for the England performance pathway, with two representing Northern Ireland and Wales.

Sylvie (Year 11) has achieved national selection, joining Northern Ireland, while Ada (Year 11) will be joining Wales U17 squad. Both girls train and play regularly in preparation for Netball Europe, an exciting tournament which will see them play against a number of other European teams over the course of four days in Gibraltar in March.

In addition both girls, alongside Holly-Claire (Upper Sixth), have been selected into one of Team Bath Netball’s regional hubs. The girls are training weekly with other Team Bath athletes and are developing their skills and understanding in the hope of representing Bath in the National Performance League (NPL) in the future. Another pupil, Ella (Upper Sixth) has been selected for the U19 Cardiff Dragons NPL squad after rigorous trialling and is now training regularly with the squad.

THERE have been four Pro Shop Stableford events at Mendip Golf Club. Seventy-three played in the event won by William Burns with 42 points after count back from young Georgie Powell. The next event was won by Simon Jefferies with 39 after count back from Clayton Merrett. The third event was won by Victoria Hicks with 40, Sean Thatcher was second with 39.

The hardy ladies of Mendip continue to play qualifying stablefords during the worst months of the season and it is hardly surprising that in the four events since the beginning of November, only one score has bettered par and that by a very high handicap player.

In the latest of these 9-hole events, Div 1 went to Jo Espley with 13 points after count back from Anita Butcher and Anne

104 Seniors played in the 4-man Texas Scramble event which produced some exceptional scores. Winning with a net 55 were Nigel Jarvis, Sandy Keen, Kelvin Lum and Mike Tout. Mike is back at Mendip having recently rejoined after a 10+ years absence.

With all eyes on the new season ahead, the Seniors Vice Captain Tony Scott presented the results of the 2023 Seniors Order of Merit. This competition was held with the best five scores from the nominated eight events counting. In total an astonishing 181 Seniors played in at least one of these events. The winner was young Senior Martin Myers with 119 points. In second place came Paul Wood with 98 points, and Bryan Lewis was third with 83. Peter Rumming won the Leading Veteran award with 68 points.

Dior, Olivia and Ariane

Lower down the school, Dior (Year 9) has been selected for the Somerset county team, and Olivia and Ariane (Year 8) are playing in the Somerset Satellite Academy. This is the start of the netball pathway for these girls who will hopefully follow in the footsteps of the older pupils in years to come.

Tammie Williams, Head of Netball, said: “I am so pleased that the hard work of these athletes is paying off; they all consistently work hard and have a thirst for developing their skills and understanding. It is exciting to see their various accolades and I hope their fantastic achievements inspire others around them.”

GOLF

Action from the Les Phillips Cup tie at Shepton Mallet on January 30 between Shepton Mallet, in black and white, and Wells City, which the home side won 2-0

Leon Nelson, left, in action at Portishead

Impressive results at Junior tournament

CHESS

LEON Nelson from Wells Chess Club competed in the Portishead Junior Rapid tournament on January 21. This was a 6-round tournament and Leon notched up a series of impressive wins in the early rounds. He finished the day in second place with 4.5 points from 6, only losing to the ultimate winner. Leon is competing in lots of events over the next few months and all this experience will see him improve and grow as a player.

Chris Strong and Ed Farms represented Wells at the Bristol Under 1850 Congress. It was a two-day, 5-round event with a quality field of 42 players. Ed started the stronger with 2.5 points from the first 3 rounds while Chris made up for a slow start with 2 wins in the final 2 rounds. Chris finished 10th on 3 points with Ed in 19th on 2.5 points.

Wells extended their lead in Division 1 with a victory over Sedgemoor. John Waterfield and Jamie Eales both secured quick wins on boards 2 and 3 in under 20 moves. Jamie played at his usual high tempo and forced the errors from his opponent while John was clinical in taking advantage of his opponent’s early errors. In a tight match on board 1 Sasha Matlak secured a draw having to exchange his two rooks for his opponent’s queen, while the final game to finish was Phil Johnson who narrowly lost out in a tricky end game. This gave Wells a 2.5-1.5 win and puts them 5 points clear in Division 1 at the midway point of the season. A subsequent 3-3 draw away to Sedgemoor lifted Wells to 9 points with a crucial match against Yeovil coming up.

Wells played host to Wellington in Division 2 and secured a 4-1 victory. Wins for Leon Nelson, Jamie Eales, Greg Roome and Jon Rossi puts Wells in a 3-way tie on 11 points with Taunton and Yeovil at the top of the division. This is all good preparation for the upcoming inaugural Wells Chess Congress on March 8-10 at Wells Town Hall.

Anyone interested in playing at the club or in the congress can find details at wellschess.co.uk along with other information about the club. They can be contacted at wellschessclub@outlook.com