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May 2022 Issue 59

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History in the making He Ba rbe lc rt h

Pictures: Ann Cook

W Tu illi rn am er

Be Bi ck sho yn p to n

Well-known figures from city’s past that will appear on community mural in museum garden are nearing completion – turn to page 6

The most important local elections for years take place on May 5. Find out more and meet the candidates who are standing in and around Wells on pages 23-27

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May 2022

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Contributions help gardens blossom THIS spring has certainly seen the fruits of the labours of the teams of volunteers who have been working hard on some very special gardens in Wells. The Chair of Well Civic Society, Chris Winter, became aware of plans to develop the gardens at The Lawrence Centre and at the Wells Museum. She said: “The period that we were only allowed to meet outside because of Covid restrictions was an opportunity grasped by many to garden. But volunteers did not just do a bit of weeding; in both gardens teams have worked together to make huge improvements, in access as well as in the look of the gardens, to ensure that more people have beautiful green spaces to enjoy. “The Civic Society may not have been able to meet as usual

during the pandemic but we were still very active in supporting a number of ongoing projects, and I am delighted that we have been able to make donations to these projects.” The Lawrence Centre offers day opportunities for older people including those living with memory loss and health issues five days a week. It is an opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, make new friends and have fun. Maggie Charlesworth, Manager of The Lawrence Centre, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Civic Society for their help and support in providing the funds for sleepers edging the flower bed in our car park which is so helpful in keeping cars at bay and containing our beautiful flowers

Members of the volunteer gardening team at the Wells Museum garden take a break: from left, Norman, Marianne, Mary, Annie and Marcilla and shrubs. We were able to buy many of these with a grant from Dobbies Garden Centre in Shepton Mallet.” Museum Trustee, Clare Blackmore, said: “The museum

is very grateful for the generous donation from Wells Civic Society which has enabled the hard working garden team to do some more planting to further enhance this special space.”

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‘A car park isn’t just tarmac,’ said Maggie Charlesworth in The Lawrence Centre garden

Approval to install Jesus sculpture A LIFE-SIZE standing figure of Jesus holding a crown of thorns and looking up at Wells Cathedral is to be installed in the Cathedral’s Camery Gardens. Mendip District Council has approved an application for the siting there of the work by eminent sculptor David Backhouse, who lives and has his studio in Wells. The sculpture, entitled Atonement, will be the last major piece of the artist’s career as he has leukaemia. In a letter that accompanied

the planning documents, Mr Backhouse wrote: “I have always felt a spiritual affinity with this city, the Cathedral and particularly the Camery Gardens. These gardens, in themselves, provide a quiet, contemplative place and a focus for people’s thoughts and prayers. “This is to be my final major sculpture, my illness, which is leukaemia, thus preventing me from further work.” The cast-bronze sculpture is 2.22m tall, weighs 791kg and has an estimated value of £70,000.

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May 2022

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

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LOC AL INFORMATION

JUNE DEADLINE

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

To ensure your news or letter is included in the June issue please contact us by May 11.

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

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

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

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Maggie Stephens in Amba with her loyalty shopping scheme vouchers

Loyal shopper rewarded THE latest winner of Wells Loyalty League vouchers is looking forward to spending them with the independent businesses run by scheme members. Maggie Stephens was handed her £50 worth of vouchers in the Amba fashion store, where she is a regular customer. She said: “I like Wells because it’s got quite a few independent shops and when you go in you are always greeted nicely, and people remember you. They are very warm and welcoming, with good service. That may attract more people to come here, and to start businesses here. Once the

shops are here, people are loyal to them and go out of their way to shop in them.” Maggie has her own upholstery and soft furnishings business, Harris Stephens Design, based at Worth, near Wookey. To be in with a chance of winning loyalty league vouchers, shoppers can collect a loyalty card from participating retailers, which is stamped with the value of their purchases. When there are £100 worth of stamps on the card it is dropped into a box at the TIC to be entered into the monthly prize draw.

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

Portway Annexe grand launch MEMBERS of the public will be able to have their first look inside the reborn Portway Annexe in May. The new improved community venue for Wells will have its grand launch on Saturday, May 14, from 11am to 2pm. The building has been bought and refurbished by

Wells City Council ready for community use. It is hoped that people will go along on May 14 to view the improvements and the opportunities the building provides. For more details, contact Kevin Westwood, the Town Hall Manager, on 01749 673091. u Wells Rocks, page 6

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May 2022

n NEWS

Appeal to provide support for carnival WELLS Carnival President Maurice Day has appealed for financial support to help keep the carnival show on the road. Wells Carnival will be back this year on Friday, November 18, after a two-year pause because of the pandemic. Payments have still had to be made over the past two years for costs such as insurance and storage fees, while there has been very little opportunity to go fundraising. Now, carnival organisers have to pay for road closures, for the police and for the attendance of St John Ambulance personnel as well. “We will be struggling this year, we’re going to be short of funds,” said Maurice. “It may result in the clubs not getting as much turnout money or prize money, and likewise the people that help us might not get quite as much for doing so. Whatever we will run the show, and provided we have a good

The Gorgons Carnival Club entry seen in Wells in 2019 night there is no reason why next year we shouldn’t be back on par.” He said that the easiest way to provide financial help is to become a member of Wells City Carnival Ltd, something which would be widely publicised. There are also opportunities to provide sponsorship or advertise

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North Petherton – Saturday, November 12 (7pm), Midsomer Norton – Monday, November 14 (7.30pm), Shepton Mallet – Wednesday, November 16 (7.30pm), Wells – Friday, November 18 (7pm), Glastonbury – Saturday, November 19 (7pm). John Owens, SCGFCA President, said: “I am absolutely delighted our carnivals are back this year, and I really cannot wait for them to begin. It’s always a very special night when the carnival comes to town, and to feel that excitement, atmosphere and enjoyment once again after so long will be a joy to behold.” John added: “The pandemic has been difficult for us all in so many different ways, and it has had a big impact on the carnival towns and entrants in terms of fundraising and cash flow. However, we are absolutely determined to put on a special show for 2022, and bring the smiles back to everybody’s faces.”

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in the carnival programme, he said, or simply go into Lloyds Bank in Wells which has the necessary details to accept donations. To find out more, call him on 07383 978470. He would also be pleased to hear from people who can help in other ways. “We’re always on the lookout for people to help us,” he said. Despite the difficulties, Maurice is excited to think that the carnival is returning. He said: “We’re glad to get it back and so are all the carnivalites. It will still be a good show.” Wells Carnival is one of the carnivals for which the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association (SCGFCA) is the umbrella organisation. The full list of this year’s carnivals is: Bridgwater – Saturday, November 5 (6pm), Burnhamon-Sea – Monday, November 7 (7.30pm), Weston-super-Mare – Friday, November 11 (7pm),

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May 2022

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Mural’s trio of figures nearing final form

THE three figures which will appear on the Wells Museum Community Mural are nearing completion. The mural has been designed and organised by Philippa Threlfall, Museum Trustee, and is being created at her Black Dog studios in Tor Street. She has gathered a group of 28 volunteers to make the mural under her direction. It will depict Bishop Beckynton, Dean William Turner and Herbert Balch, who all contributed significantly to the development of Wells, with relevant background detail. Three separate groups of volunteers visited the studios on different days over several weeks and learned how to work in clay relief and later, how to handle glazes. The result: the three different figures have now been glaze-fired and are laid out in their full glory. Some adjustments are necessary – re-glazing and

Pupils from Stoberry Park School who worked on tiles for the mural Picture: Ann Cook

another firing – but they are very nearly ready for the next stage. “This will be putting the jigsaw pieces which comprise the figures into a resin and fibreglass backing which will make the

figures into strong panels ready for erection,” said Philippa. “This process cannot be done by the volunteers because it involves resins which are toxic when being used. Two volunteers

who have worked before with resins are joining me to do this work. “The process will go on over the next months; my son Daniel and daughter Tabby will join us if they can.” The completed mural will be about 9ft long, and when finished, will be fixed to a wall in the museum garden, probably in September. There will also be two descriptive panels: one naming and dating the figures and the other attributing the mural to People of Wells in 2022, the year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Children from Stoberry Park School went to the studio recently to make patterns on the small tiles that will surround these two panels. Wells photographer Ann Cook has been recording the project by taking a series of photographs of the various stages of work.

Booking open for rehearsal space and music lessons Wells is starting to rock, say the Wells Rocks team THE booking system is open. If you want to rehearse at the Wells Contemporary Music Centre, you can. Just contact Alex Westwood (details below). The rates are very affordable, with the main rehearsal room at £17 a session and the smaller electronic music room at £7. The doors will open in May. There will be three sessions per day

initially, mornings, afternoons and evenings. Who is interested in a bit of Seventies nostalgia? If you play an instrument or can belt it out like Ozzie, McVie, Daltry or Hynde, some people are interested in a regular Seventies rock-based jam session on

Wednesday afternoons. Not sure how contemporary that is but we want to appeal to all ages. If that is your gig, get in touch. James Packer’s Wells Music School will be launching in May with sessions at the Wells Contemporary Music Centre on Saturday mornings. You can find more information and book lessons at https:// wellsmusicschool.co.uk June 21 will be World Music Day. We have booked the main

hall in the Portway Annexe to lay something on. World Music Day events are free, please put it in your diary and keep an eye on wellsrocks.org for details. For session bookings, contact Alex Westwood at comms@wells.gov.uk or via 01749 673091. If you are interested in supporting the Wells Contemporary Music Centre, contact us through the website www.wellsrocks.org

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May 2022

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SwanCam live after eggs laid

Jerram artwork here in October

EGG-CITING news was announced in April at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, where the famous Swans of Wells have laid eggs in their nest and a new SwanCam is now broadcasting live from the Moat onto the Palace’s website. The pair, named Grace and Gabriel, are always popular with tourists and residents alike, and in previous years thousands of viewers have tuned in daily to the Palace’s SwanCam to catch a glimpse of the swans and their cygnets. This year, Palace staff were keen to encourage Grace to nest in a safe location alongside the Moat, by the Palace’s office door. The Palace gardeners left some tempting foliage near this location, and the clever birds decided to construct their nest in the preferred spot. The popular SwanCam has now gone live on the Palace website. With infra-red

LUKE Jerram’s artwork Gaia, which represents the Earth at a scale of 1:1,800,000, will be installed in the Nave of Wells Cathedral from October 11 to November 9. This follows the success of last year’s Festival of the Moon. A schedule of associated events taking place around Gaia is currently being organised.

Eggs in the nest this year, and some of last year’s cygnets on the Moat capability, the SwanCam runs 24 hours a day and is trained on the nest. The Palace’s ‘Swan Whisperer’, Moira Anderson, said: “Installation of the camera was done very quickly so that Grace was not disturbed and the camera is located a good distance from the nest. It looks like Grace has laid at least five eggs in her nest, which are being kept safe and sound and covered in feathers to keep them warm. Grace is being very vigilant and

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she remains on the nest for the majority of the day, only taking short breaks to clean.” Grace is now settling down to incubate the eggs, a period which usually lasts for around five weeks, and fans of SwanCam can compete to be the first to spot a cygnet emerging. To watch SwanCam, viewers should head to the home page of The Bishop’s Palace website, www.bishopspalace.org.uk, and scroll down to the ‘Latest Videos’ section at the bottom.

Chancellor will head to Canada WELLS Cathedral’s Chancellor, the Rev Canon Dr Rob James, is leaving at the end of June to take up the post of Professor of Anglican Formation and Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology in Canada, as an Associate Professor. The school is an affiliate college of the University of British Colombia.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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May 2022

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Vaccination centre extends opening hours THE new vaccination centre at St Thomas’ Church Hall is now open for longer because it has been so busy. The centre had been opening on Fridays from 3pm-7pm for people who had booked an appointment and for walkins, but because of increased demand the providers, Locking Pharmacy, have extended the opening hours to 9am-7pm. The move comes as Somerset County Council’s Public Health team urges older and more vulnerable residents to take up the offer of a free, further Covid-19 booster vaccine. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), as part of its latest review of the UK vaccination programme, has recommended an additional spring booster dose for the most vulnerable individuals. People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people,

A sign on Bath Road pointing the way to the vaccination centre

‘It is really important that those eligible for their spring booster come forward as soon as they are invited’ and those individuals aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems, will be offered a spring booster of coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine.

Professor Trudi Grant, Somerset’s Director of Public Health, said: “The pandemic isn’t over and with Covid-19 case numbers still high across all age groups and at record levels in our hospitals, it is really important that those eligible for their spring booster come forward as soon as they are invited. “We know the vaccine is safe, effective and provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and as legally mandated restrictions have been lifted, our first lines of defence, like vaccinations, become even more vital.” Gary Risdale, Programme Manager for Somerset’s Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “The spring booster has been rolled out for these groups of people because they are at higher risk of developing severe complications from Covid-19. Protection from their previous vaccinations may be lower and

may decline more quickly over time. If the number of infections increases over the summer, this booster should help to reduce their risk of developing serious illness and being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.” Across Somerset, there are more than 80,000 people eligible to receive their spring booster. They will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to receive the vaccine, although anyone eligible who has had six months since their last booster can also go online to book through the National Booking System, call 119 or attend a walkin clinic. A vaccine programme has also started for 5 to 11-year-old children, with parents receiving information offering them the chance to make an appointment for their child to be vaccinated. Nearly 13 million vaccine doses have so far been administered in the region.

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May 2022

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Fundraising for poorest of poor FUNDRAISING and campaigning will take place in and around Wells in support of work in Zimbabwe and elsewhere this Christian Aid Week in May (May 15-21). In Zimbabwe, the climate crisis is causing aching hunger for families. This is made worse by increasing food prices due to the conflict in Ukraine. Assistance is needed to provide taps and seeds W E Lof LtheSpoor so that the poorest can survive. Last year the Wells Christian Aid group raised more than £6,000 from Wells even in a Covid pandemic, and would like to top that this year.

Rowena Francis, Chair of Christian Aid in Wells, said: “Christian Aid Week is an amazing celebration of our potential to change the world. It’s remarkable what a difference we can make.” Red envelopes will be dropping through letterboxes with householders invited to donate in them what they can, and there will be house-to-house and church collections throughout the week. On Sunday, May 15, there will be a Christian Aid Service at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, at 6.30pm, and on Saturday, May 21, there will be a street collection in Wells.

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New chamber of commerce Chair WELLS Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has a new Chair with the election to the post of Sean Sloan at the AGM held in Wells Town Hall on April 4. He succeeds Judith Ludovino. The other officers elected were: Vice Chair – Mike Tucker, Treasurer – Jonathan Orchard, Membership coordinator – Rod Major. In her report, Judith said that in the past year, the chamber has launched a new website, has continued to support other

groups that have a positive impact on the city, and provided additional one-off funding for the Antony Gormley project and Wells in Mosaic. Activities have included a visit to Ruth Ames-White’s studio where she is building the Wells Mosaic, a visit to the Festival of the Moon organised by Wells Cathedral, and talks from the Strawberry Line Association and Strode College. The chamber’s next meeting will be on Monday, May 9.

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May 2022

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Donated items from Wells on way to Ukraine HUMANITARIAN aid collected in Wells will be transported to Ukraine by the end of April. The collection of muchneeded items was organised by Wells resident Maria Gregg, who is treasurer of the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion and a Wells Community Network volunteer. “People have been amazing. The ball started rolling and people just started giving and giving,” said Maria. She wanted to help partly because of her own military background, with her father in the Royal Engineers during the Falklands War in 1982. “I thought I’ve got to do something, what is it that I can do? I know a lot of people, I have contacts and I am well connected with businesses. “It’s not just me, it’s a whole team of us. We just say could you help us do this, could you do this for me? The community has

been fantastic. Without them we couldn’t do it.” Following a public appeal, items such as toiletries, baby powder milk, torches and colouring books and pencils were collected at Wells Town Hall, and then stored in a container provided for free by Tincknells of Wells. The KNW hire company on Glastonbury Road provided a van to take the items to a collection point in Staffordshire, from where two Polish drivers are transporting them on to Ukraine. Money has also been donated to the cause, with the Avalon Club in Glastonbury alone giving more than £500, most of it raised at a quiz night and with a jar on the bar. Children at St Benedict’s School in Glastonbury made some cards to send over with warm messages inside. Others to have helped include the DH

Quiz Night at hall A QUIZ Night in aid of the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is being held at Croscombe Village Hall on Friday, May 20, at 7.30pm. Teams of six, with a bar and raffle. Tickets are £12 each to include a two-course supper, available from Janet Chaplin, 01749 347780, janet.k.chaplin@ gmail.com, or Mary Cadogan, 01749 572875, marylucia. cadogan@gmail.com

Donations processed at the storage container, top; Maria Gregg, above

James camera shop in Wells and the city’s Morrisons store. Maria said: “One of the ladies packing the donations is from Ukraine and she says ‘It’s so nice how the British are helping us’.” But she added: “Everybody is willing to do something right now, but as time goes on we will forget them and they will still need help. They will need years and years of help.”

Fundraising evening of entertainment

Tina Blackwill has lined up a night of entertainment at Wells Town Hall

AN entertainment extravaganza to raise money to help the people of Ukraine is being held at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, May 21. Being organised by Tina Blackwill, Entertain For Ukraine! will take place in the Ballroom from 7.30pm-10.30pm. Tina said: “I, like everyone else, have been watching the news in complete shock and disbelief. “The trauma, loss, despair and hopelessness those poor

people must be feeling is just terrible. I wondered if there is anything I could do to try and help, so I decided on raising some much-needed money for the Ukrainian Red Cross.” The show will be opened by Wells Town Crier Len Sweales and promises an evening of dance, music, song and entertainment. Confirmed acts so far are Shepton Mallet Ukulele Group, Beside The Gray, Hetta Falzon,

Dance Fusion Wells, Sarah Stott, Georgina Sweet, Shepton Mallet Gymnastics Club and Kodie McCall, with more lined up. All the acts are giving up their time for free, and each will be performing a 10-15 minute set. There will be a bar, a raffle and a free glass of fizz on arrival. Tickets are £10. They can be purchased from Wells Town Hall or by emailing tina.blackwill@ live.co.uk or calling 07450 367805.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Entries invited for four competitions POETS and wordsmiths worldwide are being invited to send in entries for the four competitions that are part of the 2022 Wells Festival of Literature. The Open Poetry category is one of the competitions run annually by the festival, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. A top prize of £1,000 is up for grabs in the popular poetry competition that last

An audience at last year’s festival year attracted more than 1,000 entries from around the world. There are also second and third prizes of £500 and £250 respectively, plus £100 for a local poet. This year’s judge will be Tristram Fane Saunders, poet and journalist at The Telegraph newspaper.

Younger writers aged 16-22 also have their chance to shine in the Young Poets Competition, to be judged by Caleb Parkin, Bristol City Poet 2020-22. There is also a Short Story Competition, to be judged by award-winning writer Lucy Jago, and the Book for Children category whose judge will be Lucy Cuthhew. Lucy has written more than 30 books for children and is a lecturer at Bath Spa University. Both categories have a top prize of £750. Entries for all four competitions opened on April 1 and will close at midnight on June 30. Poetry readings for both the Open Poetry and Young Poets will take place immediately before prize giving for all four categories. This is a festival highlight at which the winning writers will be revealed and rewarded. For full details of the rules of each of the categories and how to enter go to www. wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk and click on the competitions section. This year’s festival runs from October 14-22.

Campaigners from Extinction Rebellion Wells unfurled a banner on the bridge across the A371 Wells to Shepton Mallet road in two protests about fossil fuels in April. The banner read ‘Fossil fuels are killing the planet’, with similar actions taking place across the UK.

Singing sessions to nourish brain WEEKLY Singing for the Brain sessions have come to Wells and organisers are welcoming new participants. Through a combination of singing well-known songs and rounds, playing, creating and copying rhythms on the djembe drums and using percussion instruments to produce a meditative soundscape, music specialists Eliza Wylie and Emma Wheat from Somerset Arts Well create what they say is not only an immersive experience which improves wellbeing and brain function for those living with dementia, but also enables carers to see their loved one meaningfully participate, communicate and remember words and routines.

One attendee said: “The session was a wonderful illustration of the power of music in people with memory problems. “It was moving to see the impact on some people in particular. Some grew in confidence and were better able to communicate. Some looked happier and more relaxed. It was heart-warming.” The sessions take place on Wednesdays from 11.15am12.45pm at Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells. For more information, contact Emma at Somerset Arts Well: 01749 595735, emma@ somersetartswell.co.uk Support has been provided by Mendip District Council.

The deadline for the June edition is May 11

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Circus skills workshop and kids’ cookery classes just part of fun

THE Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Wells will include a range of free fun workshops. There will be an opportunity to learn circus skills from Wookey Hole Circus School, cookery classes for children organised by The Fun Kitchen, and even the chance to have a go at morris dancing and sea shanty singing. The activities are part of the day-long extravaganza of entertainment being organised in the city on Sunday, June 5, to celebrate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. After the opening ceremony in Market Place at 11am, there will be a fancy dress parade and procession led by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Corps of Drums, followed by a range of things to see and do throughout the afternoon.

Cam Valley Morris Men will start proceedings at the Bandstand in Wells Recreation Ground at noon, and will also be the first act at the Performance Zone on Cathedral Green at 12.30pm. Other acts on the Bandstand will include Shepton Mallet Big Band and Wells band The Portraits, while among those performing on Cathedral Green will be Wells Theatre Festival and Wells Good Afternoon Choir. Wells Classic Motorcycle Club is organising a display of bikes, a

Tea Party is being held in Wells Cathedral, and there will be will be rides and slides for children, stalls and ice cream vans, sports activities with some of the city’s sports clubs, and much more. Parking will be available at Palace Fields all day for £4. The Wells Jubilee Celebrations are being organised by Wells Rotary Club working in partnership with Wells City Council, Wells Cathedral, Project Factory, TIME, Wells Voice and other local organisations.

Lord Lieutenant starts wheelchair ‘Jubilee Jaunt’ THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, will help to open the Wells Jubilee Celebrations on June 5, and judge and present prizes to winners of the children’s fancy dress parade. Annie, who broke her back in a horse riding accident 20 years ago resulting in paraplegia, has already started to celebrate seven decades of the Queen’s reign with the first leg of an ambitious 70-mile wheelchair marathon

Wells Quaker Meeting for Worship

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

that she describes as her ‘Jubilee Jaunt’. On April 3 she began seven days of journeys – each ten miles long – across Somerset, each planned and escorted by young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. “I am very excited to be doing this with young people, and it seems right that they should be those participating in the scheme which was so close to the heart of Her Majesty’ dear late husband.”

Annie Maw

Parish holding several events ST Cuthbert Out Parish Council is helping to organise a number of events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. On Thursday, June 2, there will be a beacon-lighting ceremony at the Cheese Yard, West Horrington. This will be an evening of food, fun, live music and ceremony to mark the start of the Platinum Jubilee tributes in the parish, from 8pm-11pm. On Sunday, June 5, a Big Platinum Jubilee Lunch will take place at Coxley Recreation Ground, an afternoon of gettingtogether for a bring-and-share lunch from 11am until about 4pm. An afternoon picnic is being organised by Easton Village Hall Committee at the Jubilee Playing Field on June 5, from 2pm.

Bunting challenge TO mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, South West-based law firm Mogers Drewett Solicitors is running a special Jubilee competition. The company, which has an office in Wells, is asking all primary school aged children in the region to design some bunting for the Jubilee. The winning schools will win £500 and the winning children a £50 voucher of their choice. Mogers Drewett will also turn the winning entries into bunting to hang up in the children’s schools. To enter, download the template from the website mogersdrewett.com or request a template by emailing louise.kelly@mogersdrewett. com. The closing date is May 6.

Tribute to Queen sees new trees planted SIX Somerset students working towards their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award planted some new trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The youngsters had a glorious spring day for the occasion as they planted the new trees at the SSE Outdoors Centre in Kilve. The 30 trees were planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy – a project devised by HRH The Prince of Wales to commemorate the Queen’s legacy and have a positive impact on the environment too.

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The Silver Birch, Rowan, and Wild Cherry saplings had been donated by The Woodland Trust. Deputy Lieutenant Chris Davies unveiled the Queen’s Green Canopy Plaque on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw. “It was fantastic to see these young people working as a team to support the natural environment, and it was a great privilege to be part of this tribute to the Queen from the Somerset DofE service.” Ben Batley, the Deputy Head of Somerset Freemasons, added:

“I was delighted to be able to join with DofE participants taking part in the QGC scheme and see Somerset Freemasons’ recent bursary donation in action.” Carol Authers, DofE Operations Manager for Somerset County Council, said: “We had a great morning planting trees with this group and it was a lovely way to see what a difference the DofE award can make to young people. They did themselves proud and have created a lasting legacy that will be there for years to come.”

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Event packed with advice on diabetes

ADVICE on managing and preventing diabetes will be available at the special Diabetes Awareness event that has been organised by the City of Wells Lions Club. The free event will take place in the Town Hall Ballroom on the morning of Saturday, May 7. “How do we fix an epidemic of diseases that shouldn’t exist, reverse type 2 diabetes, and live a longer and happier life?” says Dr Campbell Murdoch, who will explain how he believes the problem can be resolved. He will be joined by Rachael Rowe, Head of Long Term Conditions, Operations Directorate – Integrated Care, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and her team, who will give presentations on Diabetes Prevention, the New Low Calorie Programme and MyWay Diabetes.

Also there will be Anthony Bray from the Somerset Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, and Samantha Briggs and her team from Spark Somerset who will be running a clinic to help anyone who wants assistance with loading or accessing the MyWay Diabetes app on their tablet, mobile phone or laptop, or the Somerset ORCHA website. ORCHA is a public library of medical apps with links that have been reviewed by clinicians as suitable for public use. Doors open at 9.30am. Seating is limited so in order that they can monitor the number of people wishing to attend the presentations, organisers are asking people to collect a ticket from the Swan Hotel or the Tourist Information Office. But entry will not be refused on the day provided there is space.

Boules players in action at a previous tournament in Wells Market Place

Boules returning in new setting BOULES is coming back to Wells on Sunday, June 12, when the Wells Jubilee Boules Tournament takes place. This time the popular event will be set in the gardens of The Bishop’s Palace, with background music provided by Panama Jazz Band. People are invited to get a team together and join in the

fun. Contact Chris Borrison for more information on 07311 173799. Charlie Bigham has sponsored this event, alongside other local businesses, and all proceeds will go to Heads Up, the local charity supporting those with mental health, learning or physical disabilities.

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The Mendip Hospital Cemetery will be open to the public on Wednesday, May 4, for those who are intrigued, interested in discovering this special place and find it hard to make it on a Sunday. It will be open from 11am to 4pm along with the chapel and access to an exhibition of some of the patients’ stories and the life of a Victorian asylum. Dogs are welcome if on a lead, and if parking in Hooper Avenue, visitors are asked to consider the residents. The cemetery can also be accessed along the footpath below Tor Woods from Tor Street in Wells.

Thousands raised for good causes FUNDS will be going to the South Western Ambulance Charity and Wells in Bloom thanks to the Wells Good Afternoon Choir. This year there will be 25 Good Afternoon Choirs across the West Country. The choirs were started by Bath-based music man Grenville Jones 14

years ago, and they have already raised more than £8,000 to help organisations across the region. The Wells Good Afternoon Choir meets on Tuesdays at St Thomas’ Church from 2pm-4pm. u Grenville honoured for ‘valuable service’, page 29

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Writer encouraged to publish anthology THE Wells writing community has helped encourage resident Utpal Barua to produce an anthology of collected works that is available to buy online. Born in India, where he began his training as a doctor, Utpal has lived in the UK for most of his life. He worked in hospitals and as a GP in Scotland, Sheffield and London before retirement, and moved to Wells with his wife Birina nearly four years ago. Wanting something to occupy his time when he returned to the UK after a stint volunteering in India for Global Vision International, he joined Wells u3a, becoming a member of the u3a’s writing group, and attended weekly sessions of the creative writing group that met in Wells Library and went online when Covid hit. “Because I come from a different background, my stories are a bit different to what the others produced,” he said. “They

Utpal Parua with a copy of his book

‘There is quite a bit of autobiography. I feel happy that I have had my stories told’ said that they are interesting and I should try to publish them. My biggest problem is that English is

my second language and so I was a bit hesitant.” But after encouragement from his fellow writers, friends and family, he decided to take the plunge. He has now published An Anthology: A Collection of Memoirs, Flash Fiction, Short Stories, Poems, Travelogues. There are stories of family life and medical experiences, memories of visits to Angkor Wat and Venice, poems about coronavirus and a first Easter. One concerns a woman he treated who required many years of facial reconstruction and skin grafts after a bomb explosion during the Blitz. “There is quite a bit of autobiography. I feel happy that I have had my stories told,” he said. He and Birina moved to Wells to be nearer their children who had settled in the area. Their son is a neurosurgeon in Bristol, while their daughter, who

lives in Oakhill, is a marketing consultant. Moving here was a stroke of luck, said Utpal. “It could have been anywhere. I am getting to know people more now. My wife is very happy as she has made many friends. We have found this the least stressful city we have lived in.” Utpal has recently joined Wells Civic Society, is a Friend of Wells Festival of Literature, and goes to Shared Reading Group sessions at the library, while Birina – who used to be a parttime lecturer teaching English to foreign students – volunteers at The Bishop’s Palace. “I am still writing,” added Utpal. “Last week I wrote a poem on Ukraine. Ukraine is really bothering me.” n An Anthology: A Collection of Memoirs, Flash Fiction, Short Stories, Poems, Travelogues is available on Amazon priced £7.51.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

More support provided to mosaic project

AS work progresses towards the halfway mark of Wells in Mosaic, the team received another very welcome donation from a Wells community organisation. Representatives from the City of Wells Lions visited the studio of mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White early in April and presented her with a cheque for £200 to sponsor the Moat Boat Race quatrefoil. Ruth said: “Some of my own family have participated in Wells Moat Race over the years. The event always has a real sense of fun and evoked a community atmosphere; it has a worthy place in the Mosaic.” Steve Wilson from the WiM team added: “A big thank you to our committed supporters, City of Wells Lions, who were instrumental to the project right at the start and gave us one

of our very first donations, so we are very grateful for their continued support and all the other great work wells in mosaic that they do for the local community.” Mary Ellis, Treasurer of the Wells Lions, said: “We are so pleased to give further support to this wonderful project and sponsoring the quatrefoil that will depict the Wells Moat Boat Race, a community project that we are particularly committed to, is very special.” There will be another opportunity to see work in progress on the project at an Open Studio and Garden Fundraiser Event on Sunday, May 15, from 2pm-5pm. For more details follow the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/wellsinmosaic or email Treasurer Mary Ellis and President Alan Sanderson of City of Wells Lions contact@wellsinmosaic.org present a cheque to Ruth Ames-White at the Wells in Mosaic studio

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS More chances Singing before to learn first aid drink at pub

The Swan team in action in 2019

Boat Race back for bank holiday fun THE Moat Boat Race is to take place again on August Bank Holiday Monday. The City of Wells Lions Club, with the assistance of a group of community volunteers, has announced that the popular event will be returning this year. The event, which sees a number of raft races take place on the Palace Moat, was last staged in 2019, but due to the pandemic it was not possible to hold it in 2020 and 2021. Organisers say that this year the event will take place without any commercial stall holders, thereby making the Boat Race an event that is happening for members of the community of Wells rather than a sales opportunity for traders. They say that they took this decision unanimously after receiving feedback from local people.

Bishop Ruth Worsley was pleased to give permission for the Boat Race to be held, and the organisers are now working with the Church Commissioners, Wells City Council and Mendip District Council to ensure that all required insurance and health and safety measures are fully complied with. It is anticipated that entry forms will be sent out in May detailing the rules and regulations governing the races, and there will be trophies for the winners, presented at an awards presentation evening. The organisers say they aim to make this event a fun day for competitors and spectators and hope that the Recreation Ground will be used as a picnic area. So the Moat Race is an inclusive event for all members of the community as it brings people together to have a good time.

Gratitude for £5,000 donation WELLS Skatepark Community Group has offered a “massive thank you” to Blair Foundation, which has supported the group by donating £5,000 to the Wells Skatepark Project. Blair Foundation is a small family fund-giving charity which supports a variety of causes, and the Wells Skatepark Community Group

says it is very grateful for its help and recognition of the value the project will bring to the city. Meanwhile, the £15,000 allocated from the Mendip Communities Fund is currently being spent on a full feasibility study of the skatepark site. Surveys and assessments are currently in progress.

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ST John Ambulance has recently given first aid training to more than 250 young people in two local schools: Horrington Primary School and Fairlands Middle School, Cheddar. It has also held community first aid awareness sessions at its headquarters in Charter Way, Wells, and has more planned for Wednesday, April 27. These will be from 8pm-8.30pm, and 8.45pm-9.15pm. The sessions will cover basic life support and how to use a defibrillator. Booking in advance is required, and details have been posted on social media. The organisation is willing to give basic first aid awareness to local groups that would like to get in touch for help and advice. Leave a message on the answerphone by calling 01749 676359 and somebody will respond.

IF people are looking for a lively and sociable choir which gets together to sing well-known pop, rock and soul hits from the 1960s-present, then Pop, Rock, Pub Contemporary Choir could be the group for them. Each week, the choir will learn and sing full harmonies to well-known pop songs. All songs will be taught by ear, there is no need to read music and no previous experience is required. And after a good sing, there is the chance to celebrate together with a drink at the pub. Singing sessions take place from 8pm-9pm every Thursday during term time at the Methodist Church, Southover, BA5 1UG. The choir is on Facebook, or for more information contact Emma Wheat: prpcontemporarychoir@gmail. com or 07746 299348.

View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

Wells City Council Elections - May 5th With the cost of living rising you need a safe set of hands for Wells. Your Conservative candidates are: confident, experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable councillors. Current Wells City councillors have: Increased the City Council's share of Council tax by 40% this year alone. Secured a £620,000 loan which residents will be paying for the next 25 years for the purchase of the Portway Annexe. We pledge to fight against any future council tax rises.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS Plans for up to 50 new homes

Elwyn Morris, with trustees and staff from Abbeyfield in Wells

Tributes paid to valued supporter A TOAST was made and tributes paid to a long-standing supporter of the Abbeyfield retirement homes in Wells. Elwyn Morris joined the executive committee of Abbeyfield more than 20 years ago following a career in the fire service.

With extensive experience of health and safety, Elwyn advised the committee on all aspects in this field. In the last three years Elwyn took over the role of chair and oversaw various refurbishments in the home in New Street, including replacing the roof

as well as steering the charity through the Covid crisis. Now Elwyn is retiring himself and Margaret Wilson, the new chair, thanked him at Abbeyfield’s AGM in Wells Town Hall for his valued support and commitment over the two decades.

NEW plans could see up to 50 homes built on farmland next to Underwood Business Park on Wookey Hole Road. Land Allocation Ltd has submitted an outline planning application for the scheme to Mendip District Council, proposing a mix of 30 market housing units and 20 affordable homes. Planning documents say: “The site provides an excellent opportunity to provide good quality housing that integrates well within this existing residential area. There are no physical or environmental constraints at the site, providing an opportunity to provide sustainable development.” A previous application by the company for 148 homes at the same site was refused by the district council two years ago, and an appeal against the decision was dismissed by a Planning Inspector.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Entrepreneurs win two Queen’s Awards A WELLS resident who helps babies to sleep all over the world has been honoured with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Matt Dyson founded Somerset business Rockit in 2016 with his brother-in-law Nick Webb, after Nick invented a product to help his daughter sleep. The invention gently rocked Abby’s pram so that she stayed asleep even when Nick stopped wheeling her along. The business has since gone on to considerable international success and Rockit is one of only seven companies in the UK to achieve two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2022. Rockit has been recognised for its excellence in both international trade and also innovation. Rockit designs, manufactures and markets sleep aid devices for babies and toddlers. They launched their leading product, the Rockit portable baby rocker, in 2017, and have achieved exceptional success both in the UK and in international trade with sales to over 40 countries. The early prototypes for Rockit were developed using

business, from design innovation through to marketing, sales and logistics. We are really excited to have been invited to Buckingham Palace to be presented with the awards. “It’s really strange to think that the early 3D printed prototypes were made in Wells and now the product is being sold all over the world. I have to pinch myself when I spot a Rockit on someone’s pram as I wander through the market place or on Cathedral Green at the weekends.” Now in its 56th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are regarded as the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years. The awards reception at Buckingham Palace to which Matt and Nick have been invited takes place on July 12.

Rockit co-founders Nick Webb and Matt Dyson 3D printers in Matt’s office in Melbourne House, Chamberlain Street, Wells. As the business has grown the Rockit team have moved to offices closer to Bristol. Rockit inventor and cofounder Dr Nick Webb said: “I invented our first product to help my own daughter to sleep when her pram stopped moving. All our products have innovation at their core and are now sold all over the world, so it is particularly satisfying to

win both the innovation and international trade awards.” Co-founder and director Matt Dyson added: “It is a fantastic achievement to be honoured with two Queen’s Awards, especially given the fact that we are such a small team and have to turn our hands to all aspects of the

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Make Your Finances Simple From left, Sue Marland, Claire Chettoe, Ann Whally and Neil Johnson with the cheques they received at the SOUP lunch in April

Good causes in pitch for funds THE Wells SOUP grant-funding lunch returned on April 9 after a Covid-enforced break, with four good causes getting the chance to explain what they do, and receiving funds towards their work at the end. More than 80 people were at the Connect Centre to listen to Neil Johnson of Wells Theatre Fetival, Claire Chettoe of Wells Dementia Action Alliance, Ann Whalley of Project Factory and

Sue Marland of Wells Foodbank. Wells Dementia Action Alliance left with £350 after being chosen by attendees to receive the largest slice of the money available, and the others each received £118. Bowley’s Garage had donated £350 and the remainder of the pot came from takings on the door. The next SOUP will take place on Saturday, July 9.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Thanks offered for work at surgery WELLS Health Centre has thanked Wells Community Network (WCN) for its hard work in transforming the centre’s courtyard garden. Members of WCN’s gardening group have given the previously neglected garden a makeover, including planting more than 400 daffodil and tulip bulbs in the large planters, and it has been looking bright and beautiful this spring. As well as the work that has gone into the new-look garden, Wells Health Centre – at Priory Health Park on Glastonbury Road – has also thanked WCN for the donations that have made the transformation possible. Covid With the high numbers of Covid cases being experienced at the

current time, patients who visit the health centre are being reminded that they are still required to wear a face mask whilst in the surgery. With the recent change in Covid guidelines, this has become harder to enforce, with some patients questioning why they have been asked to continue to wear a mask. Patients are requested to wear a mask during their visit to try to protect any vulnerable, elderly or immunosuppressed patients, explains the health centre. The patients who are exempt from wearing a face covering or refuse to wear a mask are being asked to wait in the foyer area until the time of their appointment.

Members of the WCN gardening group with plants for the courtyard Contact details All patients registered at Wells Health Centre are asked to make sure the surgery has their most up-to-date contact details. This includes mobile numbers and email addresses. As a result of the pandemic, the centre has communicated

with patients more and more via text messaging and emails, which works well if the patient details are up to date. Patients can update their details via the health centre website, in writing or by informing the person they speak to when contacting the surgery.

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THE Somerset Guild in Wells is preparing for another busy spring and summer season in its gallery in Broad Street. New work arrives every week from a wide range of makers across Somerset and surrounding counties. The Guild has attracted a number of new members over recent months including printmaker Steve Manning, brush maker Jonny Tapp, jeweller Emma Mogridge, ceramicist Ingrid Johannesson and stone carver Stephen Paul. These new makers bring their contemporary designs to a well-stocked gallery and visitors can find a wide selection of work from the affordable to more unique one-off pieces for a special occasion. Plans are also being drawn up for a series of craft demonstrations to be held in the gallery during the summer where visitors can see craftspeople creating their work and they will be on hand to answer any questions people might have. More information about everything happening in the gallery – tucked away down an

A glimpse inside the Somerset Guild gallery archway on Broad Street, next to Pickwicks Cafe – can be found on the guild website at www. somersetcraftguild.co.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Family firm celebrates 70 years of printing It is not just the Queen celebrating a Platinum Jubilee this year – Wells printers St Andrews Press will mark their 70th anniversary in June. Managing Director Tom Wood tells the company’s story

Company founder Arthur Wood at the North Road business premises

‘St Andrew, the patron saint of Wells Cathedral, was the natural inspiration for Captain Arthur James Wood who was a Vicar Choral for 17 years’ pace of print, two Ricoh Graphic Arts Digital Presses were purchased in 2015. Both were upgraded in 2020 and this move provides a high-quality solution for art printing, short run commercial printing, targeted mailing, and short run books which complement longer run commercial and book work. Sadly, Tim passed away after a short illness in January 2017. More than 300 family, friends and colleagues remembered a hard-working, warm, calm and quite mannered gentleman, and he would be proud to see how his colleagues have continued to drive the business forward. Only six per cent of businesses make it to a third

Royal souvenir

A tribute to

Her Majesty Queen Elizab

ST Andrews Press has just printed a commemorative brochure for the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. Full of photographs by Jason Bryant and others, it is a tribute to The Queen from the people of Wells. Produced by Project Factory CIC it will be available from early May as a souvenir of this unique royal event.

eth II

On the occasion of her

Platinum Jubilee 1952 - 2022 From the people of Wells

generation, which is a statistic that helped convince me – Tim’s son – to follow in his footsteps. It seemed fate that Iain Macleod-Jones, who lives in

PLATINUM JUBILEE

IT all started with the first docket, for the first customer, Harris & Harris Solicitors who are fittingly situated in the Market Place under the shadow of Wells Cathedral. St Andrew, the patron saint of Wells Cathedral, was the natural inspiration for Captain Arthur James Wood who was a Vicar Choral for 17 years and who founded the company on Monday, June 30, 1952, in his house in Vicars’ Close. Arthur combined printing and singing for a short time before growing the business and relocating to North Road, where he also built his family home – with a little help from his friends. Many years were spent setting lines of type for his Heidelberg Platen, but throughout the early Eighties Lithographic printing processes replaced Letterpress, and he passed the baton to his youngest son, Tim, who relocated the business to St Andrews Park in 1999. Tim and Arthur were both great advocates of apprenticeships and indeed, four apprentices have been part of the journey for more than 35 years. Sales Director Steve Collins and Sally Masters are the two faces that many will know well and are both still integral members of the team. The company has also recently partnered with Strode College in providing a T-Level placement, providing valuable work experience to young people. Always striving to keep up with the changing

30th June 1952: Captain Arthur James

Wood founded St Andrews Press with only a hand-operated Adana Letterpress. Seventy years on, the world has changed a little, but our belief in building strong and lasting partnerships hasn’t changed.

18/04/2022 10:33

JubileeBrochure.indd

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the same house on Vicars’ Close where printing started in 1952 and sings in the same position in the Quire as Arthur had, should enter the fold as a full time Graphic Designer alongside Tim Malone, who joined two years later. More recently, the business has relocated to a new home at Keward Mill Trading Estate and has just agreed a new partnership to unite two family-run printers, as Murray Wallace from Direct Offset in Glastonbury has been welcomed as the newest member of the team. Although we are still using Arthur’s original Heidelberg screwdriver for repairs, the world has changed enormously since 1952 and whilst we celebrate 70 years of printing in Wells with pride, our thoughts are also with those who are far less fortunate in Ukraine and on how quickly life can change.

STAP Jubilee Programme Advert.indd 1

70 YEARS SINCE 1952

05/04/2022 10:12

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Legion announces new Palace concert WELLS Royal British Legion has announced that its second Summer Concert will take place at The Bishop’s Palace on Sunday, June 12. Derek Cooper, who is producing the concert, says it will feature Wells City Band and The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir. The gate will open at 6.30pm, with the concert at 7pm. Tickets in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and The Bishop’s Palace will be £15, available direct from the Palace website: bishopspalace.org.uk Derek said: “We hope for good weather as last year and look forward to an evening of music celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Do book early as last year was a sell-out.” Money was also raised for the Poppy Appeal, and for Médecins Sans Frontières, at a special

screening of new film Operation Mincemeat at Wells Film Centre. The two good causes will share more than £700 from a collection at the screening, that had been organised by Wells resident Alison Cholmondeley. The film tells the story of a hoax dreamt up by her husband Charles that aided the Allied invasion of Sicily and changed the course of the Second World War. “A packed house thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The film was played three days before release and at the same time as the premiere in London,” said Derek. “Operation Mincemeat was very well received. We were very grateful to Warner Bros for giving us the film and to Alison for choosing us to do the screening.”

Alison Cholmondeley with her granddaughter Katie at the special screening of Operation Mincemeat at Wells Film Centre

Highlighting climate emergency

A new exhibition has opened at Wells & Mendip Museum: The Changing Shops of Wells in Photographs will run until June 6. Pictured are Julian Powell and Roy Yates, who have both contributed to the exhibition.

ON May 19, Wells Quakers will be holding another of their regular vigils on the Cathedral Green in which they uphold concerns for the climate emergency. The group have doubled their meetings to two a month and now meet in Wells Town Hall on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1.45pm. Meanwhile, Mid Somerset Quakers have organised their first Climate Emergency Lecture in which Alastair McIntosh, a Quaker from Glasgow Meeting

House, Professor of Human Ecology and well known author, will talk on work drawn from his most recent book Riders on the Storm: Climate Change and the Survival of Being. This will take place on Monday, May 9, via Zoom and at Street Meeting House (lecture 7pm- 8pm, Q&A 8pm-9pm). This event is free to attend although donations towards developing the series of lectures are welcome. Booking is required by emailing StreetQuakersClerks@ gmail.com

Repairers ready to fix items again PEOPLE who have broken items at home can take them along to St Thomas’ Church Hall on Saturday, May 14, between 10am and 12.30pm and see if the repairers of Sustainable Wells Repair Cafe can help mend them. They will be there that day as part of a ‘Big Fix’ involving repair cafes across the country. There are repairers to mend or help people mend wooden things, electrical, electronic and mechanical appliances, bikes, textiles, leather items, jewellery

and more. There will also be the chance to chat over a drink and homemade cake. All this is free, though donations are welcome. Despite Covid, a Repair Cafe was held on April 2 at St Thomas’ Church Hall, and there will be further Repair Cafe events there on July 9 and September 3. Anyone who has any questions or who would like to join the team of repairers and helpers should contact Amanda Phillips on 07522 193788 or avjphillips@gmail.com.

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Wells Dementia Action Alliance will be promoting National Dementia Awareness Week at Wells Market on May 18 with information-giving and forget-me-nots made by Heads Up. Meet Alliance members to find out what it does to help to make Wells a dementia friendly city. There is also more information at www.wellsdementia.org.uk

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Voters going to polls in key elections VOTERS will go to the polls on Thursday, May 5, for the most important local elections in Somerset for many years. Councillors will be elected to Somerset County Council in advance of the creation of a new unitary council in April 2023 – the first major change to the way the county is governed in almost 50 years. At the same time, elections are being held for all 16 councillor positions on Wells City Council. As a result of the local government reorganisation that will see Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council and the other district councils in Somerset replaced by the single Somerset Council, Wells City Council will have more assets and services to manage in future, and city councillors will have more responsibilities. Twenty-two people have put themselves forward to become a city councillor. They will serve

Wells Town Hall, the venue for city council meetings a five-year term, as will those elected in the county council elections. For their first year, the county councillors will take responsibility for all current county council services and oversee the local government reorganisation to establish a single unitary council on April 1, 2023. District councils will remain

until March 31, 2023, and the councillors serving on them will continue in their roles until that date. From April 1, 2023, the 110 councillors of the unitary council will be responsible for services that are currently delivered by the county and four district councils, ranging from adults and children’s social care to highways and housing, and

from libraries to planning and licensing. When urging people to register to vote, Stuart Brown, the Electoral Registration Officer for Mendip District Council, said: “Electing the county council, which will then become the new unitary council on April 1, 2023, will be the biggest reorganisation of local authority structures in Somerset in almost 50 years. “These elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Somerset.”

MEET THE CANDIDATES Find out what the candidates standing for election in this area have to say, in their own words, on pages 24-27

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wellsvoice

May 2022

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Mendip Hills Division

Number to be elected: 2

Mendip West Division

Number to be elected: 2

DAVID BAKER

DAVID HINE

STUART KINGHAM

HEATHER SHEARER

Conservative Party

Green Party

Conservative Party

Liberal Democrats

David Baker lives and runs a business in the Mendip Hills, providing vending machines to farmers. He ran a communications company in London for 20 years and was a secondary school governor. He also worked for the Department for Education as part of a task force to support 70 inner London schools. If elected, he hopes to bring energy to the new unitary system to get things done.

“You are wrinkly Grandad!” confided my granddaughter dishing me a cautious peck – an improvement on my Dutch niece’s legendary fatalism: “Never mind Oma – you are quickly dead!” prompted by her gran’s innocuous cough. With similarly arresting childlike clarity the IPCC declared it’s ‘now or never’ to implement zero carbon, the Conservative response was overpriced radioactive jam tomorrow. Get real, get down with the kids and vote Green on May 5th!

EDRIC HOBBS

TONY ROBBINS

Liberal Democrats

I grew up in Priddy. I’m into outdoor sports – I cycle, run, walk and occasionally go caving. I founded Shepton Mallet parkrun 5 years ago and teach Bikeability in primary schools. I am passionate about road safety for cyclists and have worked as a Mendip Councillor to create new cycle paths. I want to improve rural bus services and get buses to carry bicycles. I have been a school governor and youth representative on my parish council.

Tony has lived locally since 1979, having come to Somerset on holiday one Easter and moved here a week later. He is married with one grown-up daughter. He and his wife have run a pub, The Venue, on South Street, Wells, and used to run a fish and chip shop. Tony is a long-serving councillor and hopes to use his experience to deliver for the villages of the Mendip Hills on Somerset Council.

DAVID SWAIN Conservative Party

David Swain is a hard-working campaigner and previously a local councillor who has been working closely with community projects across the Mendips for a number of years. His main focus is to encourage improved transport links for rural areas and support for the farming community and other local businesses. If elected David intends to make sure there is a loud voice at county hall championing the most northern residents in the county and their priorities.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

As a portfolio holder for Sedgemoor District Council, Stuart is passionate about the Climate emergency and the environment. If elected Stuart will work towards Unitary and the Government’s goal of reaching carbon neutral Somerset by 2030. Stuart says: “We are in a critical position and need to ensure the promises that have been made will be kept.” Stuart is born and bred in Somerset and understands the needs of its residents. MANDY THOMASATKIN

Heather is Cabinet member at Mendip DC with responsibility for Community Health & Services, working with healthcare agencies and charities to improve people’s lives, and to improve enforcement of rural crime and the prevention of fly-tipping. She chairs Somerset’s Community Safety Partnership and Avon and Somerset’s Police and Crime Panel. Heather runs a modular building company and has worked in the private and public sector for over 30 years. ROS WYKE Liberal Democrats

Conservative Party Brought up on a West Country dairy farm, Mandy followed a career in private banking. Whilst raising her three (now adult) children, she was a Church Warden, set up a food bank, volunteered for a Credit Union and ran a community café. As a past District Councillor, Mandy focused on children’s services, the disabled, health and well-being, a voice for the vulnerable as well as recycling. She is a Trustee for an Agricultural Show.

A committed local person with a track record of helping individuals and the wider community. A successful business career, 8 years chairing Somerset’s NHS hospital, a parish and district councillor, leader of Mendip DC providing, not cutting services, keeping to budget, and a top 10 Green council nationally. Long term local campaigner for affordable housing, right houses in right places, multi user paths, dark skies, local decision making and parish councils.

DECLARATIONS OF RESULTS

May 6: Count of votes and declarations of results for 110 councillors to the County of Somerset. May 7: Count of votes and declarations of results for city, town and parish councils. The results will be reported soon afterwards on local authority websites and social media.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES WELLS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Wells Division

Number to be elected: 2

Central Ward

Number to be elected: 4

THEO BUTT PHILIP

DAVID GRACE

LOUIS AGABANI

SARAH POWELL

Liberal Democrats

Green Party

Wells Independents

Theo has lived in Wells almost all his life, he grew up here, went to school here and is raising his children here. Theo was a member of Wells City Council for eight years and served as Mayor of Wells 2012-13. Having taken a break from active politics to start a family, Theo now wishes to serve his community again. Theo’s campaign is focused on sustainable transport, affordable housing and services for children and families.

David has lived in Wells for 12 years with his partner and children. A former secondary school teacher, David works as a horticultural consultant. His priorities for council include increasing access to social housing, establishing area planning boards and local community networks as well as more EV charging points, cycle tracks and improving bus routes. With three children in Somerset schools and as a previous teacher, improving Education funding is a key priority.

I have been a Wells City Councillor since 2018. I first moved to Wells in 2001. As a councillor, in 2019 I was elected to chair the Finance committee. I now also chair the Open Spaces committee. Working with other councillors, Town Hall staff and residents, there have been many successes including securing the future of the Tourist Information Shop in the Town Hall and the long-term organisation of the single largest acquisition by the city council, the Portway Annexe.

I came to Wells just over 26 years ago to start a family and to be closer to the family business, Basil Powell Shoes. It was a privilege to be newly elected to the City Council in May 2021. I have joined the Planning and Open Spaces committees and been involved in helping a project to redevelop the skatepark. I am particularly interested in helping the City Council’s net zero by 2030 target. I am always happy to hear about ideas to improve the City of Wells.

RICHARD GREENWELL

TESSA MUNT

TANYS PULLIN

SARAH SLOAN

Conservative Party

Liberal Democrats

Conservative Party

The new Unitary is a great opportunity for Somerset and Wells in particular to get the get the attention it deserves. Wells is a great place to live but is too often neglected in favour of other settlements that are felt to have “greater need”. If elected I will fight for Wells so that it gets its fair share of the transport and parking, mobile and broadband coverage, GPs, schools and housing it needs, not housing for quotas.

I’ve held surgeries (when rules allowed), made visits and calls, attended almost every City Council meeting in five years. I know what’s going on being at 170 County meetings and asked hundreds of questions on your behalf. I’m proud of my Wells roots – my family‘s lived here for 50+ years. You and I want to see Wells improve every year as a place to live, work and enjoy. I’m well and truly up for serving you again!

Since being elected in 2021 Tanys has sat on the Outdoor Spaces committee. She is currently campaigning for the Connect Centre, to ensure that adequate provision is maintained for those most in need in the community. She is a determined local individual who thrives under pressure and believes others would describe her character as honest, motivated, and trustworthy. Tanys says: “Together we can build a better Wells, where we are all proud to live.”

AMANDA PHILLIPS

HARVEY SIGGS

PHILIP WELCH

Green Party

Conservative Party

Wells Independents

Wells has been my home for 30 years. I’m a teacher, climate campaigner and co-ordinator with Wells Community Network. Like all Greens, I will push for fairer sharing of resources and services, tackling the climate crisis, supporting people on low incomes, meaningful democracy including citizens’ assemblies, wellbeing over growth, walking, cycling, cheap public transport, renewable energy, insulating homes and safeguarding future generations’ rights.

Harvey believes that what he can offer to a new Unitary County Council is experience of how both District and County have worked and how the new Council can use the best of both. He will fight to keep a local access to services. He will press for a sound management of the budget. “We have seen Council Taxes rise unchecked in some areas. We will be paying back debts for many years to come,” he says.

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Sarah is a local businesswoman who runs various events and activities within the City. If elected, she would look to boost the visitor economy to Wells to help local independent businesses. Sarah is wells placed to know what will work for Wells from a tourist and business perspective and is looking forward to being tasked by the residents of Wells to breathe new life into the City. Sarah says: “The unique opportunities Wells has cannot be wasted.”

I am honoured to have served the city as Mayor of Wells 2020-2022. My voluntary work includes: cofounder of the Wells Coronavirus Network; Trustee at Heads Up, Wells Almshouses and Wells Civic Society; Chair of the steering group organising June’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Wells; Fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support; and Editor of the Wells Journal and four other weekly Somerset newspapers (1997-2013). I am married with four children and five grandchildren.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

WELLS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES St Cuthbert’s Ward

Number to be elected: 6

JASMINE BROWNE

STEWART CURSLEY

SHIRLEY EDEN

SEBASTIAN JOHNS

Liberal Democrats

Wells Independents

Conservative Party

Jasmine lives in the City, is a qualified teacher and works at the Blue. She has been one of your City Councillors since 2020. An active volunteer in the community, Jasmine volunteered with Wells Community Network during the pandemic and has been a section Assistant at Wells Scouts. Jasmine set up Wells City Council’s first Community Awards. She is a great supporter of the planned new skate park and better family and youth services.

I was born and went to school in Wells, worked internationally and returned to Wells. I am a member of a small team of councillors working on the impact on Wells City Council following the creation of the new Somerset Unitary Authority. We have already agreed the return of some of our historic buildings back to Wells, which were previously transferred from Wells in 1974. My main role as councillor is to continue to listen to and represent the residents of Wells.

I moved to Wells in 2020 having previously lived in Cheddar. I retired from Avon and Somerset Police, at the rank of Chief Inspector, in 2018 after 30 years’ service. I have a wealth of experience that would transfer to serving the people of Wells as an independent councillor. I would be grateful for the opportunity to act upon residents’ concerns and suggestions to ensure that our City continues to develop and provide services and opportunities for all.

Since winning his seat Sebastian has honoured his promise to see out his term to the next parish election and has saved the council from spending thousands on another by-election. Sebastian served briefly as Vice Chair on the climate and biodiversity committee and is now the deputy councillor for Finance on the Finance and Council Matters committee. He has also become the one of the representatives for the Wells Sports Club.

NORMAN KENNEDY

EMMA KNOTT

HARVEY SIGGS

SEAN SLOAN

Liberal Democrats

Wells Independents

Conservative Party

Norman live in Wells and is the longest serving member of the City Council, having served the City’s residents for 40 years this May. A former Mendip District Council councillor and twice Mayor of Wells, in 2021 he was given the Freedom of the City of Wells. He has a particular interest and expertise in planning, has chaired the Planning Committee and is keen to serve the City again.

I have lived in Wells for over 15 years and raised my 5 children here. I have witnessed Wells grow, change and through Covid unite and pull together as a community. I have been a very active member of several voluntary organisations locally and I am now keen to focus my energies on the city, its residents, and its future. I would be honoured to represent the people of Wells and work with the other councillors to look after the best interests of our wonderful city.

Harvey has proved over many years that he is about making things work for local people. He sees these elections as a springboard for the new Councils. Sound management of finance and resources along with a commitment to local access to services will be his commitment. He lives in Wells, worked in Wells, played sport in Wells, ran the Wells Youth Centre, and served on City, District and County Councils. He believes in working in partnerships.

Sean Sloan has lived and has run businesses in Wells for over 12 years and is chair of the Chamber of Commerce. Sean is active in the community, volunteers for local charities and has raised substantial funds. He has experience in large events and would be an asset to Wells. The pandemic brought the most difficult years for our retail outlets in the City. Sean’s focus is on Wells’ economic recovery and opportunities that come from the Unitary authority.

Sunday 5th JUNE

freefall abseil wells cathedral north-west tower raising funds for sos africa children’s charity, wells cathedral & bath ruh appeal. book online: www.sosafrica.com

Procession with fancy dress parade, children’s activities, sports and fun workshops, picnics and bands.

lls Jubilee Celebrations e W

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performances of dance, theatre, choirs and many more...

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

WELLS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES St Thomas’ Ward

Number to be elected: 6

THEO BUTT PHILIP

DENISE DENIS

GORDON FOLKARD

RICHARD GREENWELL

Liberal Democrats

Wells Independents

Liberal Democrats

Conservative Party

Having served on the City Council for eight years before, Theo knows how it works and how to get things done. He’s also standing for the County Council and hopes to provide a link between the two Councils as the City Council continues to take responsibility for more of Wells’ assets and services. Theo will work to ensure Wells gets a fair deal from the creation of the new unitary Somerset Council.

After 23 years running a care home, I retired and moved to Wells 7 years ago, as I have family here. I came to know the community through volunteering in various organisations and I was elected councillor at the end of last year. It has been an enjoyable experience working for constituents, serving on the Outside Spaces Committee and working on the draft Wells Neighbourhood Plan. I have also worked hard to restore the Wells in Bloom Competitions.

Gordon has lived in Wells for 21 years since moving here with his family for its excellent local schools and the balance between city and country life. Until recently he worked in the NHS and before that the charity sector, as the public service ethos sits more comfortably with him than the simple pursuit of profit. Nonetheless, as a Chartered Accountant he values financial efficiency and has years of experience working with diverse interest groups.

We’re all facing a huge rise in the cost of living: local councils must face up to this – Since 2019 Wells City Council’s council tax demand has more than doubled – it’s hard to say that this increase has been reflected in the services the council provides. If elected I will fight to stop vanity projects and strive to ensure that the council, as everybody else has had to, tightens its belt.

TRACY LEACH

DEBORAH ORRETT

TONY ROBBINS

DAVID SWAIN

Conservative Party

Wells Independents

Liberal Democrats

Conservative Party

Since being elected to Wells City Council, Tracy has helped residents in St Thomas’. The biggest issue for the parish is parking, especially around Stoberry Park School. Tracy has listened to people and tried to help where she can. Tracy started a monthly surgery for the Parish which has been well attended. She is also the lead councillor for the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground and wants to continue the plans she has instigated.

Having lived in Wells for over 30 years I am committed to this unique city and its active community. I have chaired several Parent Teacher Associations, and am now proud to lead a team of 60 litter pickers. As a Wells Ambassador, I welcome and guide visitors. I have also stewarded for the Wells Coronavirus Network. I’m keen to address local public transport networks, to assess parking provision and to support the richly varied High Street.

Tony runs The Venue with his wife Sylvia, together they used to run Georgie’s Plaice – the fish and chip shop on St Thomas Street. Tony was elected to Wells City Council in 2007 and had been re-elected four times since then. He would love to continue representing you during what will be some tough times, he will make sure services in Wells are kept to a high standard and not sacrificed to pay for vanity projects.

Having served previously on the City Council, David is a committed councillor, dedicated to serving the people of Wells. During his previous time on the city council he was responsible for the creation of the Changing Places unit at the old Registrars Office. This allows parents with disabled children to provide care in a safe environment with the specialist equipment they may require. If elected David wants to use this opportunity to ensure the best for residents.

ISA VON MENSENKAMPFF

ST CUTHBERT OUT PARISH COUNCIL

Wells Independents

Councillors elected without contest

I have a passion for life and care about people. I have been involved in local politics since my early teens in Germany and have a thorough understanding of UK local government from living in the Midlands for many years. I have lots of experience of volunteering with charities for dementia and teenage mothers. Now Wells is my home and I hope to help Wells do more for families, for the elderly and for people exposed to domestic violence.

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THOSE validly nominated in the St Cuthbert Out Parish Council elections have been duly elected as parish councillors without contest. They are: n East Ward (The Horringtons, Masbury, Green Ore, Haydon): Ian Humphreys. n West Ward (Coxley, Polsham, Burcott): Martin Cooke, Margaret Mitchell, Jonathan Reeves. n South Ward (Dinder, Dulcote, Worminster, Launcherley, Woodford): Anthony Hathway, Gillian Pettitt.

n North Ward (Easton, Wookey Hole, Haybridge, Milton): Paul Cannon, Edwin Danson, Marcel Hayden, Mark Lunnon.

Vacancies for more parish councillors THE council has vacancies for more parish councillors. Parishioners who are interested are invited to get in touch by calling 07498 780143 or emailing parishclerk@stcuthbertout-pc. gov.uk.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

Come and join us and . . .

Sing in the Afternoon A friendly choir with a difference! YOUR

WELLS

goodafternoon

at ST THOMAS CHURCH, WELLS Singing from 2:00pm - 4:00pm

No Auditions - No Auditions - No Auditions!

Come along EVERY TUESDAY and meet us! ENJOY SINGING EACH WEEK FOR FUN

Grenville JONES

Meet Grenville our conductor and ‘discover’ great music, with NO CHARGE to attend the first rehearsal. Thousands sing in our 19 Good Afternoon Choirs across the West. There will be music, fun and concerts with special events and visits. The choirs support local charities, chosen by the choir members. Grenville Jones founded the Good Afternoon Choirs 11 years ago. He’s been seen on TV and Radio many times for his choir leadership AND as founder of the Golden-Oldies Charity.

EVERYONE WELCOME NO AUDITIONS

Call us 01761 472468 www.goodafternoonchoir.org Email: gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk

PORTING P U S E R WE ’ (Chosen by the members of the Choir)

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

Diet can help in preventing falls By Jenny Atkins

Grenville Jones, left, receives an award from Thomas Sheppard

Grenville honoured for ‘valuable service’ LOCAL music man Grenville Jones – the man behind the Golden-Oldies charity and the Good Afternoon Choirs, which includes one in Wells – has been presented with an award recognising his “great and valuable service to the community”. The award was presented by Thomas Sheppard just before his year as the High Sheriff of Somerset came to an end. Mr Sheppard said: “Grenville has always been involved with choirs and singing; he is wellknown for his appearance on radio and television across the world through his choirs and work with the Golden-Oldies charity that he founded in 2007 and for his reputation of getting people of all ages to sing. “He has raised thousands of pounds for both national and local charities and in July 2012

received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University in recognition of his reputation for bringing music to all age groups in communities across the West and Wales. “Grenville started Goldies in 2008 and it now numbers approaching 160 sessions across England and Wales. Many are now re-starting after Covid. “He also leads 25 choir projects including the famous City of Bath Male Choir, which received national acclaim in the popular BBC’s Last Choir Standing series. There are over 800 people enjoying singing in his various choirs; many of which raise funds for their locally selected charities. “Larger than life, but always focusing on bringing people together to enjoy the companionship and company of singing whatever their ability.”

NUTRITION is an important factor in preventing falls. As we age, ensuring we are taking enough nutrition becomes difficult but remains important to our health and wellbeing. When our bodies become frail due to age or illness our muscle mass and strength are affected as is our neuromuscular impairment, mobilisation and risk of malnutrition. There is also growing evidence that many older people are undernourished or malnourished, which reduces your ability to function independently, so taking time to revise and watch what we eat will benefit our health. Conditions such as dementia can also be affected by nutrition, thus increasing the risk of falls. It is important to do what you can to ensure that the person you are caring for enjoys their food and eats a healthy, balanced diet, recognising their taste may change and the need to make the food look appetising. Poor diet can be caused by loss of appetite, which could be a side effect of medication or a shortage of money. Other factors could be problems with eating certain foods or the risk of choking. Any of these reasons can be overcome or managed, so it’s best to seek support. There are experts who can identify if you are at risk of malnutrition or provide advice on

good foods for you to be eating. Any intolerances and allergies would be taken into consideration. Help is available through your doctor, a nutritionist, dietician or your home and community support workers. Below are vitamins that can help with different functions of our bodies. These should be taken in conjunction with a balanced diet and you should always seek medical advice first before taking any supplements or changing your diet. Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight, immune function, skin, bones and teeth. Vitamins B support a healthy metabolism, brain function, hormone production, regular heart operations, functioning of the central nervous system and cell duties. Vitamin C supports absorption of the mineral iron, helps to provide immune protection and encourages healthy tissue development. Vitamin D, along with the mineral calcium, boosts bone health as well as a solid body defence system. Vitamin E facilitates your body’s use of vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and bone health, as well as promoting the formation of essential red blood cells. A diet rich in a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, fortified dairy, whole grains, dried beans and lentils, and lean meat and fish helps you get all the vitamins you need to support your health and balance. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare.co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

Chance for role in Christie thriller WELLS Little Theatre is producing And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie’s darkest thriller. It is 1939 and Europe teeters on the brink of war. Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, an isolated rock off the Devon coast. Cut off from the mainland, with their generous hosts Mr and Mrs UN Owen mysteriously absent, they are each accused of a terrible crime.

As members of the party start to die one by one, the survivors begin to turn on each other. The show will take place from September 13-17. For people who are interested in being involved, an intro evening is being held on May 11 at 7.30pm, a workshop on May 13 at 7.30pm, and auditions on May 15 at 10.30am. For more information, see wellslittletheatre.com or email info@wellslittletheatre.com

Got News? Call 07906 499655

01749 37 21 97

wellsvoice

n COMMERCIAL SENSE

May 2022

With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants

Thoughtfulness – a help to us all

MY piece this month is inspired by someone I have known for two short years. I want to pay tribute to the late Christopher Bond, whose dedication to improving the lot of his fellow humans ensured that he left the world a better place for his presence in it. As you may be aware by now, I am a bit of a supporter of small businesses and start-up enterprises, so when the pandemic began to close the world down, all of us at Probusiness (as many other accountants and business professionals) were working flat out to ensure we could give the best guidance to our clients about the grants and allowances the Government was offering, and to ensure they knew how to claim them. In the midst of this chaos, I had a request for a Zoom meeting from Christopher, on behalf of the Wells Coronavirus

Network. Not only were that extraordinary group of volunteers offering help to those who were isolated, afraid and alone, but they also extended their care to people who were facing job losses, or whose small businesses were struggling. Christopher, who was on the cusp of retiring from the legal profession himself, undoubtedly understood the problems faced by business people and we had a number of discussions about the best support WCN could offer. Whether it was a listening ear or a package of pro bono support from professionals to assist new start-ups. A charming, gracious and thoughtful man, Christopher was clearly aware of the needs of others and wanted to ensure that support was available for them. His gentle influence ensured that we, and other professionals, were happy to be involved with this initiative.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

I must confess that our discussions often ended very far away from business, in the garden! An interest which I know he shared with his lovely wife, Lindsay, with whom he edited the Somerset Gardens Trust magazine. Christopher was a man with many and varied interests, a curious mind and a truly humbling generosity of spirit. He will be greatly missed, but I shall try to ensure that his values remain as my inspirations as long as I am a part of this community. SMALL businesses are still facing many a struggle despite the gradual easing of restrictions after the pandemic. We are now going to be dealing with a significant increase in the cost of living and whatever fall-out from the Russian invasion of Ukraine might come our way. In times like this, it is really important to plan. Little

things that we may have given no thought to a few months ago, have become much more important in the scheme of things. For example, a quick trip into town for something is now going to cost us so much more. Since the start of lockdown, fuel has gone up by at least 60 pence per litre, so all of us who use diesel driven vans and cars for business would be wise to plan ahead to ensure we do as few trips as possible and get as much done in each trip as we can. If we plan for every use of energy – whether it is heating, lighting or, indeed cooking – we will be able to shave some of the cost off our energy expenses, and simultaneously lessen our carbon footprints. Surely that has to be good, doesn’t it? So, kindness and expediency are my ideals for this spring. I hope you stay well and that business flourishes for you. Take care…

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Bus service funding less than hoped

By Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter PLANS to upgrade Somerset’s bus network have hit a snag after the government provided less than one-tenth of the required funding. Somerset County Council put together a bus service improvements plan (BSIP) following a request from the Department for Transport (DfT) under the government’s ‘bus back better’ initiative. The council submitted a request to the government for £163 million, with the plan formally taking effect on April 1 and the improvements – which included enhancements to Wells bus station – being phased in over a ten-year period. But the DfT has only provided £11.9 million of funding for Somerset out of a £7 billion pot – just over seven per cent of what officers estimated would be needed. Transport secretary Grant Shapps MP stated on April 4 that the funding would help to correct the historic imbalance of transport funding in favour of London and the South East. He said: “Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal. “The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.” Somerset’s allocation of £11.9

Peter Travis of the Somerset Bus Partnership, which campaigns for better bus services across the county million compares poorly to three of its close neighbours, with Devon receiving £14.1 million, Cornwall pocketing £23.5 million and the wider West of England and North Somerset receiving a whopping £105.5 million. A council spokesman said: “Eleven million pounds falls well short of our aspiration to transform bus services in the county, but we have always known that it will require a sustained campaign and not just a single funding round to achieve the ambitions we outlined in the Somerset BSIP. “We’ll work closely with the

‘We’ll work closely with the DfT to wisely target the funding we have received and to make the case for more’

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DfT to wisely target the funding we have received and to make the case for more. “It is likely that a county deal, much more likely after the new unitary Somerset Council comes into being, will give us the next opportunity to deliver the vision for bus services that the county deserves.” Seven key measures were included within the BSIP to improve Somerset’s bus services and drive up passenger numbers across the county: n Electrifying the Taunton park and ride to reduce emissions. n More frequent services across the day, including a minimum hourly core network by 2023 with guaranteed services from 7am to 7pm and a “last bus time” on key, strategic routes. n Improvements to the M5 corridor to reflect the housing growth and employment opportunities in Bridgwater, Taunton and Wellington.

n Extension of services into rural areas, including more demandresponsive transport (DRT) in the evenings and at weekends. n Lower-priced, easy-tounderstand tickets, which can be used on services run by multiple different operators – along with contactless payment and “flat fare town zones” in Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil. n Improvements to existing bus stations in Bridgwater, Wells and Yeovil, and work with partners to create a new facility in Taunton. n Tighter planning regulations to ensure buses can serve new residential developments, with financial contributions being secured from house-builders. The Somerset Bus Partnership, which campaigns for more frequent and betterfunded bus services across the county, has expressed its disappointment at the government’s announcement – with co-chairman Peter Travis describing it as “a slap in the face for the county and its bus passengers”. He added: “Only those who believe a glass that’s seven per cent full is better than a glass that’s 93 per cent empty can possibly welcome this news. “Somerset has the lowestrated bus services in England and the second-lowest bus journey per head – and yet transport accounts for nearly half of all our county’s carbon emissions. “If any local transport authority deserved a generous award to improve its bus services, it is Somerset.”

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n ON THE BEAT

Help keeping people with dementia safe BY 2025, it is estimated that over one million people in the UK will have a diagnosis of dementia – and almost all of us will know someone living with the condition. Dementia can affect people of any age but it is usually more common in people over the age of 65. As we all know there are many different types of dementia affecting people in many different ways. The most common being memory loss, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding – that usually get worse over time. Due to this, people with dementia are at a higher risk of going missing and are often found by members of the public walking the streets or country lanes in a very confused state. Avon and Somerset Police have been finding new ways to help locate, identify and safeguard individuals with dementia so we can ensure they get home safely and make their families, friends

News from the local policing team with PCSO Kayleigh Hallett or carers aware as soon as possible. Wells Neighbourhood Team are committed to keeping our community safe and would like to provide you with some useful tools to consider.

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

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

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

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

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Dementia Safeguarding Scheme (Herbert Protocol) This is a national scheme encouraging families, friends and carers to provide useful information which can be used in the event of a person with dementia going missing or being found confused by a member of the public. Useful information could include: previous addresses and employer details, places previously located, necessary medical information/ medication, telephone numbers, descriptions and a photograph of the person. This information will be captured on a form filled out on our website, to then later be added to our police database. A device, usually in the form of a wristband resembling the picture above, will then be sent out to whoever submitted the form. This device stores the above information electronically and will be sent with a simple user guide. Once set up the device requires no maintenance. Emergency services can then scan the wristband if the individual is found wandering. To apply for the scheme, visit the Avon and Somerset Police official website and search the above or www.avonandsomerset. police.uk/apply/dementiasafeguarding-scheme-herbertprotocol

Providing these details in advance could mean: n You do not need to remember vital information when reporting a missing person. This could help reduce stress at an already anxious time. n We are already aware of any locations the individual could be likely to go. This could mean we can start our search sooner. Often those with dementia return to meaningful locations such as childhood homes or places of work. The wristbands have since been adopted by a number of police forces nationwide and the scheme has even received international interest from police forces, groups and charities looking to adopt the scheme. GPS tracking devices If you feel a member of your family or someone you know may benefit from a tracking device, they are available to buy online. Smart Phone Tracking Apps If an individual is able to carry a smart phone, apps such as Life360 are free to download and are incredibly accurate. If you have any further questions that I have not covered in this article you can contact the Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team via the Avon and Somerset website by searching ‘your area’ and submitting an enquiry form.

Molly Podiatry / Chiropody COMFORTABLE FEET Molly

BSc Podiatrist/Chiropodist Accredited member of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists SERVICES l Corns and Callus removal l General nail cutting l Thickened problem nails l Ingrowing toe nails l Cracked heels l Verrucae l Athlete’s foot l Bunions l Heel and Arch pain l Flat feet l Footwear and footcare advice and many more To arrange a consultation contact Molly: Mobile: 07960 530293 Email: molline01@gmail.com Mendip Court, Upper Breach, Wells, BA5 3DG HOME VISITS ALSO AVAILABLE

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Big interest in what Gormley has to say ANTONY Gormley, whose sculpture DOUBT is on loan to Wells Cathedral until March 2023, gave a mesmerising talk to the CHATS audience at Cedars Hall in Wells on April 3. Despite recently suffering a leg injury he insisted on making the trip in order not to disappoint the citizens of Wells. He was accompanied by his wife, Vicken Parsons, who is herself an artist painting mostly in oils, and also a sculptor, with works displayed in Tate Britain. Before the talk Gormley signed copies of a new and updated edition of the definitive monograph on his career by Martin Caiger-Smith and was presented with a drawing of DOUBT entitled Blockman and Friend drawn by sevenyear-old William du Plessis, a pupil at Bowlish Infant School, Shepton Mallet. William made the drawing during a trip to Wells Cathedral in February, as part of the educational outreach programme funded by CHATS and Project Factory. A packed auditorium, and many viewers of the livestream, heard Gormley in conversation with Professor Stephen Bann, Emeritus Professor of History of Art at the University of Bristol.

Antony Gormley with the drawing by school pupil William du Plessis Gormley asked the question “What can sculpture do for us? How can the sculpture of today have a conversation with the past?” In answer he looked back to the industrial revolution, where heavy industry exploited the relationship between man and material, and in so doing changed the world. We are now dealing with the consequences in terms of climate change. Auguste Rodin is the sculptor who created The Age of Bronze, a bronze figure with closed eyes which invites the viewer to empathise with the figure, rather

than spectate upon it as was previously the case. For Gormley it is a ‘hinge’ linking the past with the present. It is well known that much of his work is based on plaster casts made from his own body. “I made the first work in 1980 using my own body as a subject and I never thought I would still be doing it today. Plaster moulds capture a lived moment of human time in a carapace, and then the release from it. What I try to show is the space where the body was, not to represent the body itself.” Speaking about the siting of the iron sculpture on the West Front of Wells Cathedral he says: “It was an extraordinary privilege, but also a pleasure, to think of how one might continue the conversation, after rather a long hiatus, with what must be the finest and largest collection of 13th century sculpture in this country if not in Europe, and to do it in a meaningful way.” Of the work itself he says: “How would you feel separated from the ground on a windy corner of a stone building? I wanted the work to bring something actual in this context of a medieval hierarchy of heaven and hell. I think that

n LETTERS Website that helps in cheapest fuel search IN the latest Wells Voice there was an article on petrol prices and more transparency, with talk of an official fuel price search engine. Varying petrol prices infuriate me. A company should have a set price they charge and they keep it the same everywhere. Why is it that petrol 10 miles away can be so much cheaper? And did anyone notice when petrol shifted from being sold in gallons to litres, how much the variation changed? What used to be a 5p a gallon difference became a 5p a litre difference… around four times higher. Anyway, returning to the pricing comparison, I use the following website and associated

the notion of redemption, of states between grace and sin, has to be put aside in a time when each of us is connected to the entire history of our species through our computers. We are only going to survive if we take responsibility for our actions, and that means making our own morality. Doubt for me is the engine of Truth, and we each have to make our own Truth.” After answering questions from the audience he concluded by saying: “I’d just like to say that Wells is an extraordinary place, full of the imaginative objects of the past. If we think of DOUBT as this tiny thing that reanimates the whole of the West Front in some way, the fact that through CHATS and Project Factory who make these forums happen we can come together and talk about the representation of the world that we make for ourselves, is really inspiring. I want to thank Project Factory and this brilliant idea to get live chat to reanimate history.” The next talk in the CHATS series at Cedars Hall will be on Friday, May 20: The Story of The Ashmolean in 10 Objects by Dr Xa Sturgis, Director of The Ashmolean, Oxford. Tickets from cedarshall.events.

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk app to find the cheapest petrol in any local area. Other readers may wish to make use of this in the absence of any ‘official’ search engine – https://www. petrolprices.com/ Matthew Tamea By email

Shocked to see the rates charged here I HAVE just read your article on petrol prices in Wells and was surprised to read a different explanation to the one I was given by a Morrisons’ employee in their petrol station. When I moved to Wells 18 months ago, I was shocked by the price difference with Wells being several pence more expensive per litre than most areas. So I asked in Morrisons’ petrol station why this was

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the case. I was told that Wells needed another supermarket to open a petrol station in order to drive the price down. The companies can get away with it so they do and, as usual, the poor motorist pays the price. Jean Brown Wells

Heartfelt article is a good sign for future I HAVE just read the heartfelt article written by Wells Blue School pupil Autumn Goulding, about the effect the pandemic has had on the nation’s children (Opinion, April 2022). The future of this country will be in good hands if this articulate young person’s view is felt by others, angry at the way they have been let down and

confident to make their views known. Jenny Sleigh Wells

Insightful view of challenging time I WOULD like to thank you for giving Autumn Goulding an opportunity to express their views on the impact of Covid over the last two years. I felt they gave an insightful and understanding perspective of this challenging time for those in the latter years of education. The negative impact of the last two years cannot be overstated. Thank you for this thoughtful article. Juliette Sharp By email

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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GET IN CONTACT WITH OUR TEAM TODAY Should you be looking to carry out a project that would benefit from one of our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch today! We can discuss your requirements and what you are looking to achieve as well as discuss or recommend any services or equipment that may benefit you whilst trying to complete the task at hand. Although projects are likely to be highly unique, we have helped numerous clients so we have more than likely assisted in a project similar to your own.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Incorrect answers may be costly By Fran Hodgson

A community craft session

Crafters enjoying creating together AFTER the success of the Sew Buntiful Wells project and the craft courses run by Project Factory CIC in 2019, some of those involved took the initiative to form a new craft collective in which people can share their skills, learn new ones and take part in collaborative community craft events. Now, meetings of the Making Space Wells community craft collective run on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, one between 10am and 12pm at St Thomas’ Church Hall and the other between 7pm and 9pm at the Elim Connect Centre. All of the meetings are friendly and members familiar and new are welcomed every week. There is generally a theme but everyone can also do their own thing and take a project they have been working on at home. Organisers say they feel that what is important is there being an opportunity for people to gather together, make connections and enjoy crafting, chat and a cuppa. Although they have not

been going for long, meetings have already featured knitting, crochet, making felt pictures, making natural wreaths, chalk painting, willow work, bunting, mindful art, sushiko embroidery, boro, weaving, maintaining a sewing machine, macrame and more. Making Space Wells is a notfor-profit collective and wants meetings to be as inclusive as possible so tries to keep costs to a minimum. Donations towards room hire and refreshments are welcome but if money is tight they would rather that did not put anyone off going along – they say that loving crafts is far more important. Claire Axten, one of the organisers, said: “It is wonderful to meet people, and to witness their delight once they have made something, using a new skill. “Another positive aspect is having time to listen, to laugh, to comfort. We are all learning together and it is great.” To find out more, email makingspacewells@gmail.com

New food resilience grant deadline A NEW Food Resilience grant fund is being provided to help Somerset communities that support or directly work to develop food resilience. Any community group, charity, organisation, and agency in Somerset can apply for a maximum of £2,000.

The deadline for applications has been extended to May 31, 2022 – or when the fund runs out. The grant is funded by Somerset County Council and provided by Smart Communities Ltd. More at: smartcommunities. online/new-food-resiliencegrant-fund

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UPON the sale of your property, you will be given by your solicitor a Property Information Form to complete. The form is supplied to every person who wishes to sell their house and is a normal part of the conveyancing process. The form contains numerous questions regarding your property, and the buyer will use the information you have supplied alongside searches, surveys, etc, in their decision-making regarding the transaction. You are under a duty not to mislead the buyer by providing incorrect information or by omitting information from your answers. Below are some examples of questions you will be asked upon your property sale: Disputes and complaints – Have there been any disputes or complaints regarding the property? Are you aware of anything that might lead to a dispute about the property? Honesty is usually the best policy in all aspects of life but was particularly relevant in the case of McMeekin v Long. The McMeekins were reassured that the sellers’ relationship with neighbours was friendly, and this was indicated as so in the Property Information Form. The Longs answered “no” to the two above questions. However, it transpired that once the unsuspecting purchasers moved in, they became inundated with numerous ongoing disputes over an access way. As a result, the new owners issued a claim of misrepresentation against the old owners. The judge emphasised that the disputes were “precisely the kind of information which must be disclosed to a potential purchaser for them to be able to make up their minds whether they wish to buy a property with the running sore of constant disputes and antagonism existing between the owners of the access road and those who have rights of way over it”.

This seemingly small error of ticking an incorrect box on a form cost the Longs £67,500, not including their legal costs. The moral of this story; the truth costs nothing, but a lie may just cost you £67,500. Japanese knotweed – Is the property affected by Japanese knotweed? This would be a seemingly unimportant question to someone who is not a horticultural expert. Japanese knotweed was introduced during the 19th century as a garden plant. It can grow up to approximately seven feet tall and can spread rapidly. The roots can grow through foundations and concrete as well as some building walls which can cause structural issues. This has led to local authorities issuing notices and fines if your property is infected by the plant and if the owners take no further action to ensure its removal. Not only can it damage property, but it can also reduce the overall value as well. Due to the speed of growth, if it is not kept under control, it could encroach onto and damage neighbouring land such as in the situation of Smith & Another v Line (2017). Ms Line sold part of her property to Ms Smith, keeping some of the plot to herself. Not long after the transaction, Ms Smith spotted some of the knotweed encroaching over from her vendor’s property. When Ms Smith made a complaint highlighting this, Ms Line then argued exactly the opposite and said it was in fact Ms Smith’s property that was the cause. Experts were instructed, and they concluded the origin of the knotweed was Ms Line’s land, reducing the value of the claimant’s land by 10 per cent. Essentially, it is a costly tenant. The government website contains a list of information on how to deal with the issue of Japanese knotweed and how it can be removed. Furthermore, the Property Information Form gives you three choices to respond with: Yes, No, and I don’t know. Tick your box wisely. n Fran Hodgson is a trainee solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

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

wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS The students appear on stage together at the end of the concert

Students do schools proud at joint charity concert A JOINT concert at Cedars Hall finale when all the musicians on March 25 between students joined together on the stage from Wells Blue School and for a rendition of Status Quo’s Wells Cathedral School was a Rocking All Over the World. big hit. “It was a real pleasure to host The enthusiastic audience a fantastic evening of musicenjoyed nine performances in Cedars Hall,” Bath & Wells Funerals ad.qxp_Layout making 1 07/12/2021 15:45 Pagesaid 1 alternating between bands from Cathedral School head Alastair the two schools before a rousing Tighe.

“Having the students of the Blue School and Wells Cathedral School share a stage was a joy, and the talent on stage was inspiring. Let’s hope this is the first of many such collaborations.” Blue School head Mark Woodlock said the concert was

a “very exciting project to bring forward the young talent that exists in Wells and to give a stage to the musical ability in our area”. Donations from the audience raised £560 for Macmillan Cancer Support, the Mayor’s Charity chosen by Philip Welch.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n IN DAYS GONE BY

With Clare Blackmore

Statutes aimed to keep Vicars in check BISHOP Ralph of Shrewsbury, Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1329 to 1363, was responsible for the initial building of Vicars’ Close in Wells. The premise behind its construction was that Bishop Ralph wanted to give the body of the Vicars a collegiate character instead of living at random in the town and being influenced by the temptations that many of them gave in to. The duty of the Vicars or the Vicars Choral was to chant the divine service eight times a day, which unbelievably left them time to get up to mischief in the town. At one time Vicars who had been guilty of scandalous offences were made to atone for their sins by taking part in a crusade to the Holy Land and they were not permitted to return for three years, and were then readmitted to their office. Bishop Ralph was active in reforming abuses in the religious houses in the diocese at

‘They take part in dances, masques and day and night prowl round the streets of the city leading a riotous existence’ Muchelney, Ilchester, Keynsham and Cannington, and in the year of our Lord 1338 Bishop Ralph and the Dean and Chapter set up a series of statutes for “the due ordering of the Vicars attached to the Cathedral Church” who until then had indulged in behaviours and practices not befitting their status. The Bishop had noticed that: “It is the custom of certain of the Vicars to leave the choir during Divine Service and to gossip with lay persons of doubtful reputation in the nave and behind pillars, under colour of buying the goods exposed there for sale. In order to eradicate this scandal no Vicar may leave the choir until the office is over.” As records in Wells Museum library show, the Bishop’s statutes ordered that: n “All buying and selling in the nave of the church is strictly forbidden and the Sacristan shall be severely punished if he allow

it to be done. The Sacristan must keep the church free of noisy crowds.” n “The Vicars are not to go into the Market Place nor to the fish and meat stalls in their choir habits.” n “No Vicar who has been convicted of keeping a concubine and of having children by her is to allow their mother to visit him, to be present at social functions where she is likely to be, or to speak with her, save in the presence of persons of good repute.” n “The clergy of the church of Wells are in the habit of instituting theatrical displays between the feast of Christmas and the Octave of Holy Innocents Day introducing dressed up figures and going to the church there to exercise silly pranks and gesticulations. Since this is utterly opposed to clerical decency and hinders divine service and is forbidden by the Holy Canons it must cease at once.” n “The Vicars must wear suitable clothes, neither too long or too short, their hair must cover their ears and must be tonsured in the approved fashion as an indication that they have cast away the things of earth. Disobedience is punished by suspension.” n “The Dean and Chapter are gravely perturbed by the behaviour of some of the Vicars who sing the psalms hurriedly, leave part of them out or merely spend their time in idle gossip. Moreover, they are at present, spending their time hunting, fowling or fishing.” n “They take part in in dances, masques and day and night prowl round the streets and lanes of the city leading a riotous existence, singing and shouting to the great discredit of the clergy. Anyone behaving this way in the future shall be suspended from his habit for two months and therefore lose renumeration, and if he offends again, the Church of Wells will have nothing more to do with him.” n “Some of the Vicars are in the habit of frequenting city alehouses playing backgammon and of conducting themselves generally in a highly unfitting manner.” n “It has come to the attention

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Vicars’ Close was built to house the Vicars Choral of the Dean and Chapter that certain Vicars are in the habit of partaking in drinking bouts in which all oblige themselves to drink the same amount and he who drinks the longest cups earns the greatest praise. This custom must be utterly abolished.” n “Certain clerics of the Church of Wells have even dared to commit adultery with married women. The Dean and Chapter will fulminate the Great Excommunication against such wicked shepherds of the souls.” n “Harlots using the Church as a place of assignation with the clerics must be expelled from it.” n “The Vicars are forbidden to keep horses or hounds.” n “Women of doubtful reputation are not to be received into Vicars’ houses, if anyone persist in doing this after the third warning he shall be deprived of his house.” n “The bearing of arms by the clergy is strictly forbidden by divine and human law, nevertheless some of the Vicars and Altarists are so forgetful of

their obligations in this matter that they carry swords and inflict grievous bodily harm on others and even commit heinous sacrileges. This practice is forbidden by the Dean and Chapter.” n “If a Vicar leave anything in his will to a concubine such a bequest will be passed on to the fabric of the church.” n “No Vicar, Altarist or Chorister shall read a lesson, Epistle or Gospel unless he has been heard through beforehand so that mistakes in diction, action or syllables may be avoided.” A later order by the Bishop in 1347 required two Vicars to live together in one home in the close as a safeguard against scandal as it seems that the practice of having a concubine continued and this was a further effort to end it upon the pain of excommunication from the church. Bishop Ralph died in Wiveliscombe in 1363 after having removed there from Wells during the great pestilence, and he is buried in an alabaster tomb in Wells Cathedral. It is said that he was not a popular man having also enforced illegal trading in the market towns of Wells, Glastonbury, Yeovil and Taunton with his 100 clerical officers punishing miscreants with flogging, fines and imprisonment, but his legacy to Wells in terms of Vicars’ Close, the moat, drawbridge and portcullis of The Bishop’s Palace continue to impress several centuries later.

At the Heart of England’s Smallest City City of Wells Town Hall Various rooms to hire for: Conferences, Seminars Fairs, Shows, Exhibitions, Marriages, Receptions, all types of Meetings and Local Group Classes Very reasonable rates

For Prices and Bookings contact the Town Hall Manager- Tel: 01749 673091. e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n NEWS

Transport charity in need of new trustees AFTER 12 years as a trustee, including six as chair, Jane Gregory-Hook has decided to step down from the Board of Mendip Community Transport. Paying tribute to her, the charity said that her contribution, and in particular the support and guidance she has provided over the past couple of years, has been invaluable and helped ensure its continued success. Another of the trustees also retired recently and so there is now the need for some ‘fresh blood’ on the Board of Trustees. The trustees are unpaid volunteers who help provide an overview of the enterprise and give support and guidance from an independent point of view. The basic commitment is for a couple of hours, four or five times a year, plus some ad hoc events as required. Knowledge

From left: Julie Hotchkiss (Operations Manager), Colin Marsh (Driver), Jane Gregory-Hook (outgoing Chair of Trustees), Tim Blackburn (CEO) and Bob Powell (Interim Chair of Trustees) with the new MCT minibus of passenger transportation is an advantage, but not essential. People who live in the Mendip or Sedgemoor areas may be familiar with the blue or white Mendip Community Transport (MCT) minibuses. These provide essential services for community

groups, schools, including Special Educational Needs, and many others whose requirements are not satisfied by conventional public transport providers. Other services include the Tor Bus in Glastonbury, and the Slinky buses which are funded

by Somerset County Council and offer an accessible door-to-door service. Less visible, but an equally important part of the MCT operation, is the Hospital Car Service. This service is provided by volunteer car drivers who use their own vehicles and offer their time free of charge in exchange for mileage expenses, to provide essential transport to medical appointments. Across the various services, MCT travels about 500,000 miles a year, providing nearly 100,000 passenger journeys, all of which is co-ordinated by its dedicated staff based at Waterlip. For more information about MCT, including being a trustee, see mendipcommunitytransport. co.uk, or contact CEO Tim Blackburn on tim.blackburn@ mendipct.co.uk or 01749 880613.

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wellsvoice n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

May 2022

n NEWS

Car parks to get EV charging points ELECTRIC vehicle (EV) charging points are to be installed in Mendip District Council-owned car parks in Wells. The council, alongside partners EB Charging, has announced that 43 EV charging points will be installed in 13 council-owned car parks this spring/summer. The 22kW Alfen Twin chargers will provide battery topups to residents, commuters and visitors to the district. As well as Wells, the 43 charge points will be located in Frome, Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet. This will make electric charging more accessible to drivers, and enable the council to take important steps forward to meet its climate and ecological emergency objectives. Mendip secured 75 per cent of the funding for the project from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), while the remaining investment is being funded and delivered by EV infrastructure specialists, EB Charging. Gavin Fear, Contracts and Asset Maintenance Manager at Mendip District Council, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with OZEV and EB Charging to accommodate EV charging points in Mendip. “This project will add to the ever-growing web of chargers in the district. It will help tackle

43 electric vehicle charging points will be installed in 13 Mendip District Council-owned car parks the climate emergency, whilst making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their cars when parking in our city and towns.” Alex Calnan, CEO of EB Charging, said: “This is a major commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality across the region. “Installing 43 charging points in 13 car parks will make driving an EV a realistic and convenient option for the area’s residents, businesses and visitors.” Works will begin in the spring/summer and are expected to be completed by the autumn.

SITUATIONS VACANT Heads Up is a charity that works with individuals affected by mental health issues and other difficulties, including dementia. The service provides support to help people towards recovery, increased independence and improvements to their wellbeing and quality of life. Heads Up is looking for new people to join their wonderful team: l Finance Officer for 10 hours per week. l Bank Staff to provide support within our wellbeing workshops, memory groups and outreach work. l Volunteers willing to assist in our memory groups and wellbeing workshops; or provide time and energy to help us maintain our lovely gardens. For an informal chat about how you can be a part of the work Heads Up does, please contact Michelle on 01749 670667. www.headsupsomerset.org.uk

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY AT our April meeting Colin Price introduced our speaker, Andy Cope, as a railwayman, engineer, enthusiast and railway modeller. Andy comes from Stourbridge and he opened his talk by telling us about the Stourbridge Lion, a very early locomotive that had been built locally and then shipped to the USA to become the first steam loco to run in that country. Unfortunately the constructors of the ‘railroad’ had very little idea about what was required and the wooden rails that they laid were torn up by the loco. It was subsequently used as stationary engine. Andy had an interest in railways from an early age, but as he reached school leaving age all the signs were that railways were in decline. With an interest in electrical engineering he saw that television engineers were in demand. So he built his own TV and applied. But fate took a hand; unknown to Andy his

mother wrote to British Rail. There were only places for three apprentices at Derby but one had dropped out so Andy got the job. After three years Andy gained his Certificate of Apprenticeship and took up his first job at Oxley Carriage Sidings. He went on to explain the work done by the Wheeltappers to carry out rolling stock inspections. Moving on from Oxley, Andy was promoted and worked at various depots around the country including Craigentinny in Edinburgh and St Philips Marsh in Bristol. His final job was as a non-Executive Director of East Coast train operating company. Wells Railway Fraternity meets at Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month from September through to May. At each meeting there is an illustrated talk, and on May 10, Canon Brian Arman will be presenting To Scotland for Steam Part 2. u More reports on pages 43&44

SITUATIONS VACANT

Bowley’s Garage VEHICLE TECHNICIAN / MOT TESTER REQUIRED We are looking for a skilled person to join our workshop team. You may or may not have a current MOT tester licence but will have experience in a car service and repair environment. Competitive rates of pay. To find out more, call 01749 674554 or drop in to see us at Westfield Road Trading Estate, Wells, BA5 2HS

Upper Breach, South Horrington, Wells, BA5 3QG. Charity Number: 801391

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n WHAT’S ON Reading group PEOPLE are invited to “be part of a bigger story” by attending sessions of the Shared Reading group that meets on Fridays at Wells Library in Union Street from 2pm-3.30pm. Anyone interested can just drop in to enjoy listening to a story and poems. There is no charge, no booking needed and no pressure to talk or read. Fishguard Boats and Harbour – abstract collage by Sian Perry-Smith; and Grip on Life by John Farnham

First major exhibition of year HERITAGE Courtyard Gallery and Studios are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their summer exhibition from Saturday, May 14, to Thursday, June 2. Spring into Summer is their first major exhibition of the year. On display will be colourful abstract paintings, beautiful ceramics, fascinating multilayered figurative artworks and

some stunning sculpture by the well renowned sculptor John Farnham. John, who was Henry Moore’s assistant from 1960 until Moore’s death in 1986, will be showing some of his timeless pieces and attending the private view at the gallery and studios on Friday, May 13, from 6pm8.30pm. Directors Heather Wallace

and Rebecca Barnard said: “We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the gallery after such a long time. Do come along and enjoy the stunning works on display, have a glass of wine and chat with John and many of the other artists who will also be there.” Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios is at 6 Heritage Courtyard, Wells.

Board games WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on May 4 and May 18 from 7pm-9.30pm.

Dance events WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm. Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920. View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

exhibition

Musicians at the COSMiC Easter Concert

Music club invites more to join

spring into summer sat 14th may - thurs 2nd june 10.30am - 4pm tuesday to saturday Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios 6 Heritage Courtyard, Wells, BA5 2RR www.heritagecourtyardstudio.com

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

AN invitation has gone out for more musicians from Wells to join COSMiC (The Centre of Somerset Music Club), which meets at Crispin School, Street, every Saturday morning in term time. The club has been an integral part of the music scene locally for almost 50 years, drawing members from all across Somerset, and particularly Wells. The club is home to numerous music groups, from choir to rock, and everyone is welcomed, from children to adults of every age, standard and instrument.

The end of term Easter Concert took place on April 2 when the audience was treated to a morning of live music from the rock groups, the folk group – the Ukrainian folk songs were a real hit – the junior Phoenix Orchestra, the adult singing group and the senior Phoenix Orchestra. To join, turn up on any termtime Saturday morning at Crispin School between 9am and 12pm, or email infocosmicmusic@ gmail.com The summer term begins on Saturday, April 30.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n WHAT’S ON

A full summer programme of open air productions at Palace

THE picturesque surroundings of The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will play host to a full programme of outdoor performances again this summer. Held on the South Lawn, with a backdrop of the 13th-century ruins of the Great Hall, the Palace’s outdoor productions are renowned for offering the perfect combination of spectacular backdrop and high-quality entertainment. This year’s programme kicks off on Saturday, June 11, with Metamorphosis; Tales of Transformation. Inspired by the poetry of Ovid, the tales will be brought to life by Beth Webb with the musical virtuoso, Jenny Bliss Bennett. On Thursday, July 7, Palace favourites The Pantaloons will invade the stage in a funny yet faithful open-air adaptation of War of the Worlds. Using musical instruments, puppetry and enthusiasm, they will recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fighting machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. On July 14 and 15, Opera Brava will perform two operas: Tosca (July 14) and The Barber of Seville (July 15). The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return on Sunday, July 24, for the sparkling comedy As You Like It. One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies will present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed – in the open air.

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An outdoor production at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells Later in the month, on Sunday, July 31, The British Touring Shakespeare Company present Abraham Van Helsing’s most terrifying case – Dracula. On Thursday, August 11, Heartbreak Productions bring their jaw-dropping version of Jane Eyre to the Palace complete with astounding acrobats, jugglers, and a very special guest – the death-defying escape artist Jane Eyre. To finish the season, on Thursday, August 18, Heartbreak Productions will present an

adaptation of David Walliams’ Awful Auntie. Owls, ghosts, chases, escapes, motorcycle rides, and tiddlywinks all fill Stella’s days as she evades her menacing Aunt and saves the family home. Audiences are invited to take a picnic blanket or seating along with their own picnic and drinks and, as performances take place regardless of the weather, appropriate dress is recommended. Further details, prices and booking at www. bishopspalace.org.uk

Enthusiastic reception for first Cafe Concert ON Monday, April 4, Trio Paradis – Jacquelyn Bevan (piano), Lisa Betteridge (violin) and Linda Stocks (cello) – gave their first Cafe Concert in a new monthly series at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, to an enthusiastic reception. An eclectic collection of music under the title What’s in a Name? included classical pieces such as Armstrong Gibbs’ The Three Graces, alongside jazz standards Have You Met

th Tai Chi Heal

Miss Jones? and songs from the shows. Concerts continue on the first Monday morning of every month at 11am; the church cafe is open half an hour before the concert. Concerts last 40 minutes and entrance is free with donations invited on a pay-what-you-feel basis. May’s programme is Music in May, with music by Tchaikovsky, Faure, Turina, Novello and Cole Porter on the theme of the

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month of May, along with music inspired by spring mornings. Birds & Beasts will be the theme on Monday, June 6, at 11am. All ages are welcome, including children. Trio Paradis have been successful in attracting funding to start up daytime cafe concert series in Somerset and are planning to live-stream these to residential care homes and housebound individuals. Visit www.trioparadis.com for more.

Chair Yoga Classes for the over 55s or those with health issues Methodist Church, Southover, Wells, BA5 1UG Thursday 10.45 to 11.45am Starts 28 April Try your first lesson for free then £7.00 per class TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFO JANESTATONYOGA@GMAIL.COM WWW.JANESTATONYOGA.CO.UK 07951 313917

PILATES AND BARRE

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

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

CAN WE HELP? To advertise classes and events in Wells Voice from just £7 + VAT, email sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n WHAT’S ON

Star names all set to bring the laughter SOME of the biggest names in comedy will be heading to Wells in May when the Wells Comedy Festival returns. Harry Hill, Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter, Lou Sanders, Mark Watson and Kiri Pritchard-McLean will be among the acts appearing from Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29. Others on the bill include Amy Gledhill of cult double act The Delightful Sausage, Edinburgh Festival Fringe regular Spencer Jones and Mock the Week’s Rhys James. Altogether there will be more than 40 comedy shows taking place at four venues throughout the city. Some shows have already sold out, while tickets for others are selling fast. To check

availability and buy tickets, go to wellscomfest.com Festival Founder Ben Williams said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting our Somerset shindig again, three years after the last festival (for obvious reasons). No offence to previous years, but it really does look like our best lineup yet. We can’t wait.” This year, the festival has teamed up with Wild Beer Co and Sheppy’s Cider to bring some of the finest local drinks to the festival’s late-night bar. As well as Somerset beer and cider, there will be a wide range of other drinks available at the bar in Wells Little Theatre which will be open until the small hours, with no ticket required. Wells Voice is once again one of the festival’s official partners.

A corner of the garden at Milton Lodge

Garden being opened to public THE garden of Milton Lodge on Old Bristol Road, Wells, is being opened to the public on Sunday, May 8, as part of the NGS garden scheme (2pm-5pm). The Grade II terraced garden was restored to its former glory by the current owner’s parents who moved here in 1960. Across the road is the seven-acre

woodland garden The Combe, a natural peaceful contrast to the formal garden of Milton Lodge. There will be home-made teas and plants for sale. Admission is £5 (payable by cash only at the gate), children free. Milton Lodge will also be open on Sunday, June 5, and Sunday, July 3 (2pm-5pm).

Forthcoming activities at library EVENTS at Wells Library in May will include: n Author Talk by GF Morton on Friday, May 6, at 11.30am. Lockdown or Blitz – which was worse? Maureen Armstrong will talk about the novel Bombweed written by her mother in 1947. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book a place. n Read & Rhyme: Join the ladies from Little Wellies Nursery for stories, songs, and bubbles. Thursday, May 5, and Thursday, May 19, at 10.15am. These activities are free of charge and aimed at children under five years of age. Children must be

accompanied by an adult. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n Lego Club is on May 21 at 10.30am. For ages five and up. Book a place to avoid disappointment – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. n Wells Library will be hosting the award-winning Mixed-race Children of War Exhibition from May 12-26. It is based on the book Britain’s Brown Babies by Professor Lucy Bland. The exhibition tells the stories of children born to black GIs and white British women, with a few Somerset connections (Shepton Mallet and some others).

Advice on growing fruit and veg THE next Wells Goes Green workshop, Let’s Get Growing!, will take place on Saturday, May 14. The workshop will be full of tips and advice on growing fruit and veg from home, and how to turn food waste into compost. It will be hosted by The Bishop’s Palace in the Community Garden. There will be a potting activity run by the

Community Gardener, a talk by the Compost Champions from The Somerset Waste Partnership and a tour of the allotments. There will be two identical sessions, a morning session and an afternoon session. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited. Book at shop.myonlinebooking. co.uk/BishopsPalace/sessions. aspx?tid=127

The deadline for the June edition is May 11

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

May 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS U3A IN March, Wells u3a held a special day for new members who had joined during and after lockdown in the meeting room at Wells Museum. They were welcomed by the chair, Sue Revell and members of the committee with coffee, tea and biscuits. Once in the main room they could wander round a few stalls of some of the groups available to them. They could chat to the group leaders and see if the group was for them. A screen at the end of the room was showing videos, made by a member, of groups in action, giving a vivid insight to the groups represented. Cookery books compiled by members were on sale so the new members could get an idea of the sort of projects members get involved with. It is hoped that from this event new members were made to feel welcome into Wells u3a especially people new to the area, recently bereaved or living alone. The perfect society to join. For more information go to www. https://u3asites.org.uk/wells/ home The wide variety of groups within Wells u3a continues to meet up again and are looking forward to a quiz evening in May and a cream tea to start the celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Several members have been working hard making bunting to adorn the bandstand in the park, available to admire towards the end of May. Ann Brown WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB ON the afternoon of April 12 club members met to welcome Coral Gardiner, a national demonstrator from Timsbury. Coral’s demonstration was entitled The Beauty of the Season. She began by arranging three designs of spring flowers without using floral foam in order to reduce the use of plastic. She then continued with a design of white lilies and roses ideal for a church at Easter. Coral’s speciality is her excellent use of colour and this was demonstrated in her next design oranges, gold and bronze. Her final arrangement was a

Saturday, May 7. The speaker planned for May is unavailable, so we will now be hearing a talk by Steve Luck, Wells City Council Town Clerk, about his 25 years working for the City, from being the Cemetery Superintendent through to being Town Clerk. How has the city council changed? What does the future involve due to local government changes? Your chance to ask what does the council really do! If you are not already on our mailing list and are interested in attending this, or any of our future meetings, send an email to wmb.bookings@btinternet.com or telephone 01749 675312. Sue Revell greeting new members of u3a in Wells & Mendip Museum delightful take on Easter eggs in creams and pinks. In addition to her floral skills Coral is an excellent raconteur and regaled members with tales of visits and mishaps when on her travels. She was recently invited to arrange flowers for the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service in Westminster Abbey, one of only six national demonstrators invited from the whole of the country. An honour of which she was rightly proud. Janet Avery gave the vote of thanks and Debbie Coburn served the teas. Our next demonstration is on Tuesday, May 10, when Kathryn Delve will present Waste not Want Not. It will be at 2.15pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Club members will be decorating the Bishop’s Chapel at the Bishop’s Palace for Platinum Jubilee celebrations of HM the Queen and it can be seen from Wednesday, June 1, and over the bank holiday weekend. Jenny Jones WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB THE American writer Dorothy Parker took a jaundiced view of spring. For her, spring came

Spring colour from Tulip ‘Aladdin‘

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every year not as a pleasant event but “with nasty little birds yapping their fool heads off and the ground all mucked up with plants”. No doubt most of us would take the contrary view and take delight in all the glorious abundance of a host of different and magical plants forcing their way through our well prepared earth – or in some cases through a mass of unkempt riotous weeds – they’ll still come through, messy gardeners, don’t worry. And the thing is that the vast majority of plants we have in our gardens are foreign, collected, imported, cultivated and hybridised to give us the splendid variety we all enjoy. To expand on this theme, the garden historian and former broadcaster Christine Stones will be giving our next talk on ‘India – a two way trade’, a beguiling title which promises another excellent evening. The talk takes place in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 12. Everyone is welcome – members £1, visitors £3. Refreshments. Pip Harwood WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of every month except August. We welcome men of all ages to a good English breakfast and a talk by a guest speaker. Meetings are at the Connect Centre, start at 8am and end at about 9.30am. There is no formal membership – just book in by answering the monthly email, or by telephone. The cost is £10. The next breakfast will be on

HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB ON Wednesday, May 18, we will be welcoming back Head Gardener James Cross with his talk The Bishop’s Palace – Past, Present and Future. James joined the team in 2004 after working for Sheffield Parks and Gardens and The Courts Garden in Wiltshire. So come and hear future plans for this much visited garden right in the heart of Wells. We meet at 7.30pm in Henton village hall. Raffle and coffee and a warm welcome to visitors. More information on our future speakers plus visits and items of interest can be found on our website: hentongardenclub.weebly.com. Also on Facebook. COXLEY & DISTRICT WI COXLEY & District WI met on April 5 at the Memorial Hall. We began our meeting welcoming Emma Duke, who gave us a very stimulating talk on The Lost Coast of Somerset. Emma is an artist who forages for ancient drift wood etc along the Somerset coastline, giving her inspiration and material to use for her art. She is an enthusiastic historian and was able to detail the stories attached to her finds. During refreshments we discussed WI topics and put forward future plans. The next meeting is on May 3, visitors welcome. Our speaker will be Carol Plenty talking about YMCA. Ursula Dann u More reports, page 44

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS TUESDAY WI AT the April meeting we talked about plans for the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations which include making a banner for the parade through Wells on the Bank Holiday Sunday. We plan to offer a netball challenge, a treasure hunt, a sale of potted sunflowers for Ukraine, and a teddy tombola. It is hoped to organise a murder mystery afternoon tea for members on the Thursday bank holiday that week. There are plans to organise a skittles match with the new Wells Monday WI. A visit to Shepton Mallet prison is proposed. Shirley will be leading some walks, and the Saturday singles are going out for fish and chips at Whitstones on May 7. A few tickets will be available for a tour of the Glastonbury Festival site before the events start, but there will probably have to be a draw to decide who gets lucky. There will be another chance for one of Santa’s popular cookery demonstrations on June 8. Several members are planning a trip to Wells Film Centre on Easter Monday to see Operation Mincemeat, the story of the wartime operation masterminded by the late husband of Alison, one of our members, as featured in Wells Voice. The resolution that came out top nationally this year was greater recognition, diagnosis and support for women and girls suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, to combat common misperceptions that such conditions only affect boys and men. We expect to see some national campaigning to raise awareness of this issue later in the year. Our speaker was Gael Witor of Plants and People, who talked to us about Going Native. A biologist and plant enthusiast, Gael’s message is to forage for free local food and reduce our dependence on supermarkets, whose fruit and vegetables have become 80 per cent less nutritious than they used to be. She explained the importance of insects for biodiversity, and that although bees and butterflies may be able to gather pollen, they lack natural habitats where they can lay their eggs and hibernate. She showed us ragwort and cuckoo flower and

Wookey Hole WI’s Jubilee banner, top, and the card to be sent to the Queen, left; a little egret as seen on a Wildlife Trust walk, above encouraged us to leave areas of our garden wild. Gael leads popular foraging walks, teaching people how to find and recognise edible plants, never taking more than 10 per cent to leave enough to set seed and feed wildlife. Gael brought along leaves for us to taste. We were urged to avoid using chemicals in our gardens that are harmful to insects, and try orange peels in vinegar as an ant deterrent, and a mix of vinegar, onion, cayenne pepper and garlic on our roses. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on May 3 at Wells Museum when we will hear from Ursula of Voices, a Bath-based organisation providing services to women experiencing domestic violence, and sell cakes and preserves to raise funds for them. Veronica Howe WOOKEY HOLE WI WOOKEY Hole WI ladies have shown great enthusiasm with their preparation for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations . It was suggested that all WIs in Somerset make a card to be sent to the Queen and a banner to be displayed at WI events including the Bath and West Show. Our card has been sent to our headquarters and we got rather carried away with pennant making. We sent in a banner with beautifully decorated pennants and had enough left over to make three for our own

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Jubilee Party in June. As there is a call for trees to be planted during this year our WI have bought five trees to be planted on our behalf by the National Trust. We have welcomed several new members in the last two months but if any ladies would like to join us we meet at Wookey Hole Community Hall on the first Monday of the month at 2.30pm – an ideal time for those who prefer not to go out in the evenings. A speaker, a good natter and tea and cake guaranteed. Jill Deane CONNECT-ED SOCIAL GROUP THIS inclusive board games group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at The Lawrence Centre, Wells, BA5 2PQ, from 3.30pm-5.30pm. Games are provided and refreshments are provided free of charge. All are welcome. SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST THE thing about wildlife is that it is unpredictable – it doesn’t always make an appearance when expected. The Wells Area Group had our regular ‘adder walk’ up on the Mendips in March and hardly any adders were to be seen. In the past we have seen 20 or more. However, on our recent ‘booming bittern walk’ at Shapwick Heath, despite being a dull evening, the bitterns were calling almost continuously;

all three types of egrets (little, cattle and great white) were present; we were also treated to aerial displays by returning sand/house martins and even a late starling murmuration. We have three opportunities for you to join us for outdoor events in May. The first is a morning walk (9am-11am) at Westhay reserve on Thursday, May 5. All kinds of wildlife thrive on the marshes – birds, insects and flora, and if it is sunny we are likely to see freshly emerged butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies. Many people these days are considering natural alternatives to conventional medicines and exploring herbal and homeopathic remedies instead. On Thursday, May 12, at 7pm our experienced herbalist Bett Partridge will be leading an easy stroll through the lanes and footpaths around Wookey Hole and pointing out plants that have had culinary and medicinal applications in the past – and may still be used today. Tuesday, May 24, at 7pm sees us back at Shapwick Heath. By this time there should be an abundance of birdlife. Bitterns may be seen on feeding flights, hobbies and swifts should also be performing astounding feats of aviation as they hoover up insects above the water. Numbers are restricted for these events so if you would like to join us, please book in advance with Jean Mantle: jaye.mantle@ btinternet.com, telephone 01749 677600. We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free. Jean will also be able to provide you with details of all our other events. Eric Lewis ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP AT our April meeting we had an absorbing hour hearing about Mary Cryer’s ‘Life as a Bishop’s secretary’. She kept us enthralled with an insight into what her job entailed as well as some humorous incidents that occurred. It was certainly a very interesting period of her life. We meet again on May 4 at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall when we welcome John Barkle with ‘Memories of a Grocer’. If anyone would like to join us we would be pleased to see them. Pat Dyer

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wellsvoice

May 2022

n SPORT

Club set to field more teams than ever For anyone who fancies going to watch a game one Saturday afternoon, the ground can be found at School Lane, South Horrington, Wells BA5 3DJ. Home matches in April and May are as follows (all starting at 1pm): n Saturday, April 30 – 2nd XI vs University of Bristol Staff CC n Saturday, May 7 – 2nd XI vs Bear Flat CC n Saturday, May 14 – 1st XI vs Shapwick & Polden n Saturday, May 21 – 1st XI vs Frome n Saturday, May 28 – 2nd XI vs Uphill Castle

CRICKET WELLS Cricket Club has been gearing up both on and off the field for players and spectators in preparation for the new season, which starts in late April. For the players, training sessions are moving outdoors in late April, and will be revolutionised by a brand new, state-of-the-art, two-lane allweather training facility at the club’s South Horrington ground. Competitive matches begin in early May, and the club will be fielding more junior and senior teams than ever before, including four adult weekend and midweek teams, a new women’s softball team, two junior girls’ softball teams, under 15, under 13 and under 11 cricket teams, and a new under 9 softball team. New players of all ages and abilities are always welcome, so whether people fancy trying cricket or softball for the first time, or are returning to the game, the club will give them

The new state-of-the-art nets at the cricket ground at South Horrington a very warm welcome. Rachel Richards, the club chair, is the person to contact, via wellscricketclub@hotmail.com. The club has also been working hard off the field to make its picturesque ground just as welcoming for spectators: a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund has

enabled the purchase of many new benches for the comfort of spectators; fundraising has paid for a new digital scoreboard to make it easy to follow what is happening on the field; and as always, the club’s large and comfortable clubhouse will have a well-stocked bar serving drinks and snacks during matches.

Pair raise £2,500 WELLS Cricket Club players Dan Vassalli and Jack Moore raised £2,560 to be divided between the club and mental health charity MIND with their extreme endurance challenge in March. The pair cycled together for 24 hours continuously on static bikes at The Bishop’s Palace.

Greens Team member selected for County 1st team GOLF MENDIP Golf Club was pleased to announce that popular member of the Greens Team, Tom Small, has been selected to play for the Somerset County 1st team. In addition the club is delighted that to emphasise the re-growth of Junior Golf, 5 Juniors are playing in the Somerset Schools Championships: Tom and Ffion Richardson, Sam Hughes and Polly and Ben Jones. Lulu Carolan and Margaret Allen were Mendip’s qualifiers this year in the Daily Mail Foursomes event and they completed a fine win over a pairing from Farrington, the match ending on the 23rd hole. They were advised by the newspaper that nationally theirs, not surprisingly, was the longest match. A maximum field of 132 Members played in the Shotgun Start Captains’ Drive In. Prior to the event a ceremony took place at the new 17th tee where the new 17th and 18th holes were officially opened.

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A busy clubhouse at Mendip’s Captain’s Drive In event, above, and Mendip’s incoming captains for 2022 Allison Rumming, Alan Roper and Thomas Richardson The Drive In saw an outstanding winning score from the best Men’s Team. After the golf the clubhouse was packed as the various presentations were made. Best Men’s Team Mark Necker/Stephen Cox/Nick Cox/ Stefan Golledge with 94 points. Best Ladies Team with 86 were Sarah James/Anita Butcher/ Phillipa Brown/Lyn Jones.

The League season is now under way and the Avalon C Team opened their account with an excellent 4-1 win over Brean. 41 ladies played in the 18 hole stableford event. Winning Division 1 by a clear margin was Jinhee Page with 35 points. Division 2 was won by Alison Kay with a best score of the day 38 points. Divison 3 went to Ladies Captain Allison Rumming with 36 points. The Ladies Inter Club Team opened their campaign with a hard fought 4-3 win over Worlebury. The Seniors held a singles stableford which saw 86 competing in difficult playing conditions. Division 1 went to Shaun Rich with 34 points. Division 2 saw Andy Parfitt winning with 37 points. The Veterans prize went to Michael Anderson with 36 points. The Seniors welcomed Saltford who found the very strong winds a little too testing resulting in a fine 5-2 win for new Seniors Captain Steve Davis to open his account with.

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wellsvoice

May 2022

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wellsvoice

May 2022

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