Wells Voice November 2017 by Wells Voice

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wellsvoice November 2017 Issue 5

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Vodafone unveil new phone mast proposal VODAFONE have unveiled plans for a base station with 15m-high mast at Whiting Way, Wells. Having met strong opposition to proposals for base stations at Strawberry Way and Bath Road, they are hoping for a more positive response to the new plans. They are currently engaged in a pre-application consultation process. Wells city councillors who discussed the scheme at a planning committee meeting on October 19 agreed that the site, near the entrance to the Waitrose car park, is an improvement on the previous sites. “A site has to be found and the last two were totally unsuitable,” said planning committee chairman and deputy mayor Councillor Celia Wride. The Vodafone and Telefonica proposal is for a 15m replica telegraph pole mast and two associated small radio equipment cabinets. In a statement, they said: “Vodafone and Telefonica Continued on page 4

Temporary traffic lights for drainage works mean drivers will be seeing red again Turn to page 2

Runners can drink in local culture A new half-marathon event in Wells will see runners able to stop for cider after every mile Turn to page 3

£3.50 meal deal

A Six-inch Sub, regular dispensed drink or hot drink & a cookie or crisps for only £3.50

Two amazing DoubleSubway up and buy two Six-inch meals for £7 offers

Jigs working to get the Mendip Vale cart ready for this year’s carnivals. Wells club members talk about their entries and organisers offer reassurances about safety – pages 9, 10 and 11

WELLS BED SHOP l Great selection of beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture at unbeatable prices

l Free delivery available – and we can even take your old bed away l Visit our showroom at 44 Westfield Road, Wells, Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm W: www.wellsbedshop.co.uk

More delays due to roadworks

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A six-inch Sub, drink and cookie or crisps; or a salad and drink – both for just £3.50 Turn to page 17

Voucher code: EC24. EC24 Valid until 31.10.2017. 31 10 2017 Buy a Six-inch Sub, Sub regular (455ml) dispensed drink or a regular (341ml) hot drink and a cookie or crisps for only £3.50. Valid for two Six-inch Sub meal deals for £7 per voucher. Not valid for double meat, double cheese or any other extras. This voucher has no cash value, is not for sale, and is valid at participating Subway® stores in Wells, Galstonbury, Street and Bridgewater only. May not be combined with other offers, discount cards or meal deals. Limited to one per customer per visit. Void if transferred, sold, auctioned or fraudulent. Photocopies not accepted. Subway® store to retain the voucher. All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2017 Subway IP Inc.

As for

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wellsvoice

n NEWS Police make four arrests after ramraids on two High Street stores POLICE have made four arrests following two ram-raids on shops in Wells High Street. Perfumes and after-shaves were stolen after a car rammed the Superdrug store on September 26, and a similar raid took place on the Boots store on October 15. Four people have been arrested and released under investigation in connection with the Superdrug incident: a 28-year-old man of no fixed address, a 36-year-old man of no fixed address, a 26-year-old man from Hengrove, Bristol, and a 43-year-old woman from Knowle, Bristol. The vehicle used in the raid on Boots has been seized by police and is undergoing forensic investigation. Police are keeping an open mind as to whether that incident and the Superdrug incident are linked. A Boots spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an incident took place at our Boots store in Wells High Street. We are

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Boarded up doors after the ramraid at Boots working with the police and are unable to comment on their ongoing investigation at this time. At Boots UK we have a zero tolerance approach to crime in our stores and we are committed to continually improving security measures for the protection of our customers, colleagues and property.” Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5217235896 for the Boots raid, and 5217220315 for the Superdrug raid.

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CONTAC TS

LOC AL INFORMATION

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

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

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DECEMBER DEADLINE

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

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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. We strive to conform to the NUJ Code of Conduct for journalists: nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code Wells Voice is distributed each month to Wells residents and left at local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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November 2017

Motorists face more roadworks on A39 MOTORISTS will be faced with more delays when roadworks start again on the A39 Glastonbury Road in Wells this month. The road alongside Crest Nicholson’s new Vicarage Fields development is due to be dug up for work on a drainage system. A spokesman for Somerset County Council, which has responsibility for the maintenance of public highways, said: “There have been a number of recent roadworks near Glastonbury Road linked to the nearby development. “All the associated highway works are now complete, but the developer now needs to carry out work on a drainage system near the road. “This is due to run from November 3-14 and will require the use of temporary traffic lights on the A39 for safety while work is underway. “As is standard practice with any developer-led scheme, this will be subject to a postcompletion review of the works which will include consideration of the contractor’s performance.” Commuters and residents have been frustrated by a succession of roadworks on the same stretch of road.

The Mayor of Wells, Councillor John North, said: “It’s very disappointing that the people of Wells have had to endure so much for so long on a development where little progress has been made and that we have more roadworks to endure again.” A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said: “We apologise for the delay and disruption caused to residents and other road users regarding completion of the final stage of drainage works on A39 Glastonbury Road. “The works have unfortunately taken longer than originally planned, but are due for completion by the end of November and will require localised traffic-light control rather than the full closure of Glastonbury Road itself. “These works relate to highway drainage for the Vicarage Fields development and are not related to the Bishop’s Brook development. “We will continue to work closely with Somerset County Council Highways to ensure works are completed safely and at the earliest opportunity.” The Crest Nicholson development is not due to be completed for another two years.

Fashion chain to extend store into neighbouring building FASHION retailer M&Co is to expand its Wells High Street store into the empty shop next door. The site, which was most recently a dry cleaners but has been vacant for several years, is owned by M&Co. A section of wall between the two shops is to be knocked down to allow for the expansion. M&Co’s property director Neil McGeoch said: “We are happy to announce the expansion of our Wells store. “We have enjoyed great success in the city and opening up the unit next door means we are able to welcome more new and existing customers through

The M&Co store will be extended into the empty unit next door our doors this coming spring. At M&Co we pride ourselves on producing quality products, at the right price, supported by our famously friendly service.” The company hopes that the new-look store will be ready in March or April 2018.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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November 2017

n NEWS the best in West Country ciders, which runners will be free to sample. Local cheeses and apple juices will also be available. “The idea for the Ciderthon came from a similar event which takes place in the Bordeaux region of France called Marathon Du Medoc which is a full marathon with wine tasting stops every mile,” said race organiser Nikki Hawkes. “I tried to get a ticket but they had sold out. So I thought what if people wanted to do something similar near my home town Cheddar... but with cider?” She chose Wells as a location, she said, because “I wanted views of Glastonbury Tor and a pretty town centre for the run to start in or go through. “With the Wells farmers market I also felt it embodied Somerset really well.” Nikki, aged 22, started running herself when she decided to raise money for Parkinson’s UK in honour of her

grandfather. She said: “I haven’t looked back since, and have done a few half and full marathons and triathlons.” She was working as an actuary until recently, but having been involved in a lot of social enterprise and business projects at university, she realised that she wanted to do something different. The Ciderthon is her first new project. As well as aiming to be fun for participants, it will raise money for charity. Tickets will be available on the event website, which is due to go live any day. Organisers are also currently recruiting event stewards. Nikki added: “The main milestone for the half marathon now is to cement the partnerships with the cider companies who are interested in collaborating with the event. We want the very best cider from the very best producers around the South West.”

Ciderthon race director Nikki Hawkes with a cider press

Regular cider stops will be feature of new half-marathon A NEW half-marathon event with a very Somerset flavour is being launched in Wells next April. Entrants in the 13.1-mile Ciderthon will be able to stop every mile for a glass of cider. The first event of its kind in

the UK will start and finish in the Market Place, and take runners – who will be encouraged to take part in fancy dress – on a scenic tour of the surrounding countryside. Every mile along the way there will be a stall showcasing

Remembrance silence and services THE Royal British Legion will mark Remembrance Day with the annual two-minute silence and short service in Wells Market Place at 11am on November 11. The Remembrance Sunday civic service will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church on November 12 from 10.15am. This will be followed by the wreath-laying at the war memorial in the church grounds

at 11am, and the march-past and parade along the High Street for another wreath-laying at the Harry Patch memorial outside Wells and Mendip Museum. Major General Simon BrooksWard, the Deputy Commander of the Field Army, will join the civic party to take the salute in the High Street. u Churches Memorial Poppy Trail, page 26

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November 2017

n NEWS New charity shop in call for donations and volunteers

An illustration of the planned new base station, main image, and a photograph of where it would be sited, left

A NEW charity shop will be opening in Wells this month. Children’s Hospice South West is  taking over the former camping   and outdoor clothing store at 1 Queen Street. The shop will be officially opened by CEO and co-founder, Eddie Farwell, on November 22. It will accept donations of good quality clothing, toys, games, books, media and bric-a brac at any time from November   6 onwards (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).  The shop also needs volunteers. People interested can contact volunteer advisor  Stephanie Robey by emailing volunteer@chsw.org.uk or calling 01271 313319, or attending one of the drop-in Volunteer Open Days at the shop on November 9 and 10, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.  

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Plans for new mast by Waitrose

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customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel. Base stations are low powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius, therefore we have to put base stations close to our customers. “Vodafone and Telefonica identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in Wells and have  proposed a base station in Whiting Way, close to the Waitrose car park. We are now consulting with the local community on this proposal. The proposed development will provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage

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ABBEYFIELD are holding their first Christmas Fair at Abbeyfield House, 25A New Street, Wells, on Saturday, November 25. The fair is open to all and will include homemade Christmas cards and tree decorations, stocking fillers, jams and chutneys, a Christmas raffle and lots of present ideas and goodies. Everyone is welcome to go along and browse between 10am and noon and get into the festive spirit with coffee and mince pies. 

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to Vodafone and Telefonica customers.” Wells MP James Heappey said: “There has been a long running campaign for better mobile phone signal in Wells. It is great to see the mobile  companies are answering that call. Local residents will also be able to contribute their views with the planning process which accompanies these projects.”

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Illustrations of the intended location

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www.thebritanniainnwells.co.uk

November lunch special 2 meals for £10 from

the home-made specials board with this coupon Offer available Monday to Friday 12 noon to 2pm Cut out this coupon and hand it over when you order to claim your special deal

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November 2017

n NEWS

Food maker recruiting 50 more staff FOOD producer Charlie Bigham’s is to create a further 50 jobs this winter following the opening of its Food Production Campus in the Dulcote Quarry site, near Wells. Bigham’s has transformed the disused quarry into a thriving food production site that already employs more than 120 people. Following a successful first few months, the brand is looking for a further 50 people to join its team in January as it increases output by adding more dishes to its repertoire in the West. Bigham’s is looking specifically for people to join its late shifts, which begin at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, and it has partnered with local company P & V Minibuses to offer employees free transport to and from work in order to make it easier for those working these shift patterns.

Head of people Lauri Duncan said: “Our first few months in the West have been incredibly successful and the progress we’ve made so far has been fantastic. “We will be launching more dishes from our West kitchen in the new year so we need to recruit around 50 people to join our team in January, which is really exciting. “The standard of applicants in the West has been extremely high and we are really pleased with the team that we have created at our new kitchen. “People are embracing life at Bigham’s and we can see this in the quality of the food being made. We’re sure we’ll get applications from more great people looking to join our team again this time. “However, we know that the site isn’t the easiest to get to, especially at certain times of the

Charlie Bigham, top, whose company have entered into a partnership with P & V Minibuses

day, so we have partnered with P & V Minibuses to make sure people can get to and from work easily.” Peter Combat, founder of P & V, says he is more than happy for P & V to help. He said: “We think it’s great that Bigham’s is creating more jobs in Wells and when they came to us asking about a potential partnership to help get their employees to and from work, we were delighted to be able to help. “It’s extremely important that local people can get home quickly, easily and safely so I’m sure this will be the start of a long and happy partnership.” People interested in working for Bigham’s, or who want to find out more, can head to www. bighams.com/join-us, email careers@bighams.com or call 0208 453 9894.

Classic Film & Television

The reception children at St Cuthbert’s Infants’ School, Wells, and those that attend the Preschool had the chance to improve their cycling skills. They were visited by KiddiMoto and the Balance Buddies to a have free trial of their balance bikes. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves on a beautiful autumn morning going around a course laid out on the school playground.

Shakespeare acting opportunity ARE you a budding actor? Are you a Romeo? Or a Juliet? Always wanted to perform? Fancy giving it a go? Wells Theatre Festival is looking for actors aged 14 and over to audition for a community Shakespeare project. Anyone who would like to have a go at a leading role, or who would rather just be

part of the crowd, is invited to get in touch. Email a photograph of yourself and an explanation of why you would like to be involved to info@ wellstheatrefestival.org Auditions will take place on December 10 this year, and performances will be on Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14, 2018.

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November 2017

n NEWS

Free parking during festive market days THERE will be free parking in Wells during the four days of this year’s Christmas market. Mendip District Council has confirmed that Mendip’s car parks in Wells will be free for the duration of the market, though time limits will still apply. The market will open on Wednesday, December 20, and run until Saturday, December 23, from 9am to 4pm each day. Centred on the Market Place, more than 100 traders will be offering a range of gifts and produce, including mulled cider and wine, cheese rounds, organic beef, spicy sausages, Christmas puddings and festive pies. There will also be music and carols. Councillor Nigel Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood and Community Health Services, said: “Hundreds

of people attended last year’s market to get that final bit of Christmas shopping done before the big day and pick up that individual gift that you wouldn’t necessarily find in big high street shops. “There are still a limited number of commercial and food stalls available, so if you want to be part of this year’s Christmas market contact the council on 0300 303 8588 and ask for the senior markets officer or email neighbourhoodservices@ mendip.gov.uk” The council is also on the look-out for local clubs and schools who would like to play a part in the market in some way, such as musical groups or performers. If interested, email neighbourhoodservices@ mendip.gov.uk

Carolyn Partleton in Cloth with Morj, a French bulldog crossed with a pug

Couple on safe ground with Cloth CAROLYN and David Partleton have left the earthquakes of New Zealand behind and moved their business nearly 12,000 miles to Wells. The couple have just opened Cloth, a clothing, interiors and antiques shop, in Broad Street. They were living in Christchurch but after six years of earthquakes they decided to relocate to Englishman David’s home country. “We knew we wanted to be in

the South. We started looking at Salisbury and then discovered the Blue School,” said Carolyn, explaining that the school’s extensive playing fields helped persuade them that this was the right place for their sporty 13-year-old son. “We drove here and fell in love with Wells. “It ticked all the boxes and people here have been amazing, super-friendly. It’s a great little place.”

Culture bid meeting with minister REPRESENTATIVES from Wells’ City of Culture 2021 bid have met with John Glen, Minister for Culture and Tourism. The minister, MP for Salisbury, and Phil Redmond, the chair of the UK City of Culture Independent Advisory Panel, also met representatives from the cities of Hereford, St David’s and Perth. Mr Glen had been struck by the ambition of the four smaller cities entering the City of Culture 2021 competition and wanted to

discuss how their ideas might be progressed, even though none of these cities were shortlisted for the next phase. He said that he would consider the ideas presented and continue the discussion with another meeting towards the end of the year. Within Wells, the Cultural Forum will regroup following the October festivals to discuss how initiatives can be taken forward. It remains keen to hear from anyone with ideas: email info@ wellscityofculture.com

Chance to sponsor theatre seats WELLS Little Theatre is looking for sponsors for its new seating. Sponsorship costs £50, for which a brass plate will be affixed to a seat with the sponsor’s

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

name, or that of their choice. All the existing plates will be removed from the old seating and placed in an artwork that will be displayed in the theatre.

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November 2017

n NEWS

Nautical adventurers set to follow saints around Britain DESPITE the fact that Wells is an inland city, that does not mean it is not home to any sailors. The underground waters here are well known across the land, as is the cathedral and Saint Swithun. On May 10, 2018, a Wells inhabitant, the Rev Dr Howard Worsley, will be chartering a sloop that will leave the port of Bristol and travel up the river Avon, heading out to sea to circumnavigate the British Isles. “This is a voyage of discovery and of Christian adventure that invites other people to accompany the boat for different sea legs and to set up events around the country over a period of three months,” said Howard. He is married to Bishop Ruth, the Bishop of Taunton, and she

Howard Worsley on the water will send the ship off with a blessing on Ascension Day. The ship will be revisiting the sites of those early Celtic Christians who first set out to bring the Christian message to these islands. The project is

Navigators of Faith

calling itself ‘Navigators of Faith’ and the ship will be calling in to Wales (St David), Ireland (St Patrick), Scotland (St Columba and St Brenda), and then on round to England again (St Augustine etc). “Right now I am busy arranging the ship’s sea route, gathering sponsorship and organising events on shore where the boat will call in to have public conversations about the Celtic saints,” said Howard. “My interest is to write a book based on this voyage that retells the stories of those 6th century saints from a 21st century perspective.” In ports where they are invited, larger public events will be held. Elsewhere, smaller conversations, ‘table talks’, will take place, bringing together

Men and Women wanted for hazardous journey. No wages, bitter cold, long hours and under public scrutiny. Safe return possible but not assured. Honour and recognition in event of success by a higher authority. Please contact: http://www. navigatorsoffaith.com

specific groups to discuss the Celtic Christian message and spirituality involving diverse groups that will include interfaith, LGBTQI, men and women, and various levels of clergy and the laity. “Our intention is to cover the diverse nature of modern Britain, recording them to form a video diary that is attractive to a mainstream broadcaster,” said Howard. Anyone who is interested in the project is invited to check the website – see the advert above – and consider joining the ship for a sea leg, or sponsoring the trip.

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November 2017

n NEWS

Becky treated like royalty on wedding day

FORMER Wells Carnival Queen Becky Cooper had a right royal surprise when she got married last month. Her parents Derek and June had secretly arranged that her wedding transport would be the Carnival Queen Coach. “When June and I were thinking of how we could surprise Becky by taking her to church in something other than a car, we thought how she had been the only girl ever in the city of Wells to be Carnival Queen twice in its over 100 years of the carnival, and that it would be nice if she became Queen for another day,” said Derek. “It was delivered a few days before the wedding under great secrecy and hidden in Haybridge caravan park behind our house. We were very grateful to Jason of the park. “We then secretly decorated it, making sure Becky was not around, and on the day Maurice Day, president of Wells Carnival and a great friend of the family, became our chauffeur for the day.” Becky, the oldest of Derek and June’s six daughters, married Aaron Collett at Wookey Hole Church on October 17. She was taken in the coach from her parents’ home to the

Wells City Council news for October City council meetings At the September council meeting a vote was held to fill the seat made vacant by the death of Councillor Chris Briton until the end of the current term in 2019; Councillor Richard Greenwell was co-opted onto Wells City Council by majority vote and was welcomed by the mayor. Wells City Council has once again received a completely clear Accounts and Governance Audit Report (Year 2016-17), with no items for action. Important work for committees during October will be preparation for the budget process; to comply with government requirements local councils must start planning now for the financial year beginning April 1, 2018. Councillors are mindful of their responsibilities

church, and from the church to the reception at the Swan Hotel. She is the manager of her sister Sally’s cinema Wells Film Centre, where Aaron also works. The couple met while they were both serving in the Territorial Army, now known as the Army Reserve. Becky’s tours with the TA took in the war zone of Iraq and a Kenyan training area. Aaron has also served in the regular army as well as the TA, with tours in Cyprus, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Jordan. They spent their honeymoon travelling around North Wales.

Top, Becky Cooper and Aaron Collett with members of the Cooper family in front of Wells Cathedral, and above, arriving in the carnival coach in respect of managing public funds. Town Hall Wells City Council is pleased to announce that a key decision has been taken to extend its public toilet services to include a ‘Changing Places’ facility for the severely disabled. This will make Wells the first town in the district to provide fully accessible public toilet facilities for all. The project will redevelop an existing space at the Town Hall. City centre Wells will benefit when the company that brings Poldark to our TV screens returns to the city centre for two days of filming in November; the film company works closely with the authorities and makes a contribution to local council funds. Donations from filming are put towards the costs of community projects in the town centre.

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Wells welcomes buskers; this traditional activity can enhance and contribute to the atmosphere and variety in our medieval city centre. We are grateful to the local police team and district licensing officers for their support in coping with the rare cases when street performances involve other activities such as begging, or unlicensed street trading. Open Spaces You might wonder what the Open Spaces team does in the winter? Well, November is one of the busiest months, indoors and out. In the basement at the rear of the Town Hall, staff are assembling the city’s Christmas lighting displays; this is a mental as well as physical challenge. The team have already been up trees and buildings testing electrical installations. Elsewhere, secure within the Town Hall, a willing band

of volunteers are sorting and preparing trays and collecting boxes ready for the national Poppy Appeal; the dedication of these people is amazing and the council does all it can to help, working towards the Remembrance events on November 11 and 12. It’s great to see the Wells in Bloom wheelbarrows being prepared in another area of the Town Hall basements. Straight after the carnival on November 17, the Wells in Bloom team of volunteers, supported by council staff, will go out to do the winter planting; then the Christmas lights will be put up on the Monday and Tuesday evenings by experts and trained staff. Please excuse any slight traffic delays; vehicles cannot drive under the lights while they are being fixed in place. Offers of hot drinks and passing words of encouragement would be much appreciated!

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n WELLS CITY CARNIVAL

Reassurances about health and safety ORGANISERS will be very conscious of health and safety at this year’s Wells Carnival following the accident at Chard. A woman was seriously injured when she became trapped under a vehicle at the end of Chard Carnival last month. Wells Carnival chairman and chief marshal Martin Coppell said: “As always when these very rare incidents occur action is taken. “We have in carnival very strict guidelines for health and safety, more so in fact than that of industries nationally. I can assure people that these measures will be in place for Wells Carnival. “The ground crews are trained to a very high standard in these areas of health and safety.” Martin reminded the public to stand well clear of the carts as they pass by, and asked parents to keep a close eye on

Neil working on the Mendip Vale entry, and Becky at work on the Gorgons entry. More on how the Wells clubs are preparing for this year’s carnival on pages 10 and 11

their children at all times and prevent them from running on to the road to pick up coins when a collection vehicle passes. The carnival will get underway at 7pm on Friday, November 17, starting at the roundabout by the Sherston Inn. Carnival-goers are being urged to buy light-up novelties from official sellers this year rather than the growing number of pedlars trying to cash in on the occasion. Organisers say that contrary to the perception, pedlars do not contribute to carnival, whereas money made by official sellers will go back into the local community and help secure the future of carnival. “We lose a lot of money to the pedlars,” said Wells Carnival president Maurice Day. “We’re selling our own tat – totally awesome toys – this year, so please buy from us.” There will be official sellers

– wearing special tabards identifying them as such – at three points around the route in Wells. As usual, there will be a number of road closures because of the carnival. These include the closure of Burcott Road (East of Coronation Road), Tucker Street, West Street and Wells Relief Road (from Dinder Lodge Junction to Glastonbury Road Junction), from 3.30pm to 11pm on November 17. On the same day, Broad Street, Chamberlain Street, Constitution Hill (towards Dulcote Junction), Glastonbury Road, High Street, Mountery Road, New Street (south of The Liberty), Portway (Coronation Road to New Street/Chamberlain Street), Priory Road, St Andrews Street (west of East Liberty), Sadler Street, Tor Street and Whiting Way will be closed from 4.30pm to 11pm.

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November 2017

n WELLS CITY CARNIVAL On tour with the music makers GORGONS CC WELLS will be rocking when the Gorgons cart takes to the streets this year. The Regeneration Rock Tour is based on a music factory where the punks and rockers are making the instruments. Members of club, based at The Britannia Inn, have been working on the 60ft cart since February, and Sammie Bennett said: “I love that we are busy all year to put on the show in November. Behind the scenes when we tuck the cart away after Glastonbury Carnival we are still out in all weathers fundraising.

Sammie Bennett, left, and a glimpse of this year’s entry, above There is no time to be bored, it’s a hobby that will definitely keep you occupied.” Sammie, who lives in Wells and is a physics technician at the Blue School, joined the club a year ago with her sister Katie. Between them they set up and

run the 100 Club that is drawn monthly via a live stream on Gorgons’ Facebook page. Sammie’s favourite memory from the past 12 months is of being Santa on Gorgons’ cart last Christmas. “Waving, dancing and handing out sweets to lots of

Potent mix of myth and magic GLOBE CC THIS year’s Globe entry, White Magic, promises to be a spellbinding spectacle. “It’s based around snow and ice and wizards casting spells and dragons,” said cart captain Jon Day. “It’s going to be spectacular and atmospheric.” For music Globe have chosen Luc Arbogast’s version of O Fortuna, a tune familiar to many from the Old Spice advert. “It’s quite a modern take. It should be good,” said Jon. The 40-strong club are based at Wells Football Club and will

Chris, left, and Mike busy preparing this year’s Globe entry celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. They are using LEDs

IRISH SET DANCING Are you new to Wells, newly retired? Try Irish Set Dancing – take exercise moving to music – recorded; sometimes with a band. Fun social dancing in square sets of 4 couples. With a caller. Come on your own or as a couple. This is NOT Riverdance.

for the first time this year for 50 per cent of the lights – which

children running out from their houses in their PJs and seeing how happy they are, pure joy,” she said. She is feeling a familiar excitement as the date of this year’s Wells Carnival approaches. “I have been attending Wells Carnival for over 20 years, I love it,” she said. “Everyone looks forward to seeing what all the clubs bring to the city for a spectacular evening of entertainment. When you see the lights from the carts reflecting in the windows of the houses and shops and the anticipation of what is heading along the road builds, your inner child can’t help but come out. Carnival is something truly amazing that Wells has to offer and I really hope that as a community we continue to support this great event for many years to come.” means they have been able to cut down the generator size – as well as halogen LED floodlights to wash the cart with colour. The theme was chosen in February and they have been working on their entry ever since. “Everybody’s got their own sections and their own job,” said Jon, whose father is Wells Carnival president Maurice Day. The Wells Carnival is always special for Globe members, Jon added. “It’s our home town so it’s always going to be nice to come home,” said Jon. “We do most of our fundraising in Wells so it’s nice to show people where their money’s been spent. It’s also the best party – we let our hair down.”

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November 2017

n WELLS CITY CARNIVAL LEDs to light up besieged city MENDIP VALE CC MENDIP Vale will be blazing a trail this year with a cart on which all the lightbulbs have been replaced by LEDs. The LED chips – white, orange and colour-changing RGB – will create a similar effect to the bulbs, but will cut fuel savings by more than £1,500, according to club chairman Neil Kinnersley. They are the first carnival club in mid-Somerset to use just LEDs. There will be nearly 4,000 of them, each individually wired and programmed to change in time to the music: Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Two Tribes. The music will be pumping

Ashley Guise with an illustration of his design, and Matt at work welding out as soldiers with swords and shields and women in Greek costume act out a city under siege

in Mendip Vale’s entry Troy. Designer Ashley Guise, a painter and decorator, said: “It’s based

Inside Santa’s busy workshop

Santa’s workshop is the theme of this year’s Cobra entry

For the first time Cobra – based at the Tramways club in West Street – are entering the carnivals with a 60ft cart, but expect to be back next year with a 100ft cart. This is their 25th anniversary year, and current chairman Vince Graham is a founder member. Charlotte has been involved with Cobra since 2010, and as usual, she is looking forward to Wells Carnival with particular excitement. She said: “Wells is great, we are a Wells-based club so to be in our home town and seeing people in the crowd that we know makes it even more enjoyable.”

representative and also the choreographer. “I have formed such a great bond with the

u Things to bear in mind on carnival nights: On the Beat, page 22

COBRA CC COBRA will be unwrapping a Christmas-themed cart for this year’s carnival circuit. The entry will see Santa and his elves busy in Santa’s workshop finishing the last of the orders for Christmas. The club’s 45 full members, many associates and supporters, have been busy themselves for the past year fundraising and working on the cart. “It’s incredible how a trailer can be transformed into something so amazing,” said Charlotte Serpis, the club’s vice secretary, gangs and features

on Ancient Greece. I had the idea of doing a horse on the front of the tractor. “It’s a bit different. It’s never been done in carnival before.” Mendip Vale are based at The Venue in Wells and were founded in 1965. They currently have 34 members, many of whom have been busy for months at Butler Carnival Park, Glastonbury, getting the cart ready for the carnival circuit. “In June and July we’re down here twice a week, then from September 1 it’s every day,” said Neil. “Now we’re down here for 12 hours a day on weekends and from 6.30 to 10 or 11 in the evenings. There’s a lot of work goes into it.” “It’s a way of life at this time of year,” added cart captain Tom Sheppard.

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people who are in our club, they really are a fab bunch, we are like an extended family,” she added.

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November 2017

n NEWS

Left, Mayor and Mayoress John and Gail North at Wells Food Festival with Town Crier LenSweales; and right, Jolyon Stonehouse from Old Mill and his wife Alison presenting the award for Best Stall in Show to Somerset jam and chutney producer Francine Lee from Bumblee’s Preserves

Crowds out in force as food festival has the city buzzing WELLS was thronged with visitors who poured into the city for this year’s sun-blessed food festival. Organisers estimate that the annual event, being staged for the fifth year running, attracted more than 15,000 people. “The crowds exceeded all our expectations. There was a fantastic buzz from the moment the festival started right to the very end,” said Charlotte Steele, one of the festival directors. Founding director Paddy O’Hagan said: “It was a magical day. Obviously the weather was fantastic and it turned into the biggest and best picnic we could have hoped for. “It’s a real team effort; we might have been exhausted by the end of the day, but it was all worthwhile when we saw the number of ‘Sold Out’ signs on the stalls.” More than 150 artisan food

and drink producers were at the event to showcase Somerset’s rich and varied culinary talent. Stalls lined the Market Place, the Bishop’s Green, along the Moat and into the Recreation Ground, and everywhere was bustling with visitors who had come from far and wide to taste their way around the world – in Wells. They were in for a real treat. There was everything from pies and paella, cheese and chocolate, dosa and dumplings, biltong and burgers. Drinks included mead, cider, real ale, fruit juice and lemonade, cassis and local sparkling wine. “The diversity of food styles and ingredients on offer just demonstrates the passion and creativity that Somerset’s food scene is currently enjoying,” said Charlotte. For those who were interested in digging deeper into the culinary world, the attractions

WELLS FOOD FESTIVAL 2017 AWARD WINNERS

Best Alcoholic Drink Stall: Rolling Cocktail Company n Higos Insurance Award for Best Non-Alcoholic Drink Stall: Herby 4 n The Charlie Bigham’s Award for Fresh Meat, Fish and Fruit Stall: Somerset Charcuterie. n Wells Chamber of Commerce Award for Best Cooks’ Ingredients Stall: Ebb Tides n The Crest Nicholson Award for

THERE were 13 awards, each sponsored by a local company, including an overall Best in Show award. n The Chubb Bulleid Award for Best Cheese Stall: Wootton Organic Dairy n The Jon Thorner’s Award for

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Top, Wells Market regular Thanida Harrison of Secret Recipe, winner of the Best World Street Food award; and The Wells Marshmallow Company stall Best World Street Food: Secret Recipe n The Waitrose Award for Best Snacks and Savouries Stall: Moist n The Greenslade Taylor Hunt Award for Best West Country Street Food Stall: Beech Ridge Farm n The Enterprise Mendip Award for Best House and Home Stall: Four Legged Fancies

and interactive stands in both the Discovery Zone and the Children’s Zone proved popular with a steady stream of people throughout the day. There was an opportunity to meet the farmers, attend cookery and foraging demonstrations, and master the art of sausage and burger making. Younger visitors were not left out of the fun: the Bishop’s Barn was awash with cupcake decorating and forest school activities. Visitors were also able to listen to a number of entertaining talks from Christopher Somerville, walking correspondent for The Times; cider expert Bob Chaplin; artist and social historian Kate Lynch, and food writer William Sitwell. “We were delighted that Wells Cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace were keen to be involved with the festival this year,” said festival director Jon Abbott. “Holding the talks in both venues was an immense draw. The exclusive cathedral tour offered to ticket holders was a triumph.” The festival is a community event, run by a dedicated team of volunteers, with the backing of generous local sponsors, providing support for Somerset’s artisan producers. n The Harris and Harris Award for Best Cakes and Desserts Stall: Barleysugar Bakehouse n The NFU Mutual Award for Best Preserves Stall: Bumblee’s Preserves n The Wells Journal Award for Best Confectionery Stall: Gilbert and Swayne n The Old Mill Award for Best Stall in Show: Bumblee’s Preserves

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n REVIEW

n NEWS

Deliciously different entertainment

Plan for planters and benches

EGGS OR ANARCHY AND WALTON’S FACADE Cedars Hall, Wells

From left, Ben Palmer, William Sitwell and Zeb Soanes then or now would have dreamt that out of this subject you could also make an enthralling slice of music theatre. But this was the piece, with period-style music by Ben Palmer, that was premiered in Wells’ Cedars Hall on October 8 as a postscript to a wonderful city-wide food festival. A bonkers idea but, as with all the best menus, actually a palaterefreshing surprise. BBC Radio 4’s Zeb Soanes

THREE planters and three benches are set to be installed at the Wells Bus Station coach park. Wells City Council has agreed to fund the street furniture to enhance the area for visitors, and give them a better first impression of the city as they step off their coaches. The council will also pay for the planting and upkeep of the 2.4 sq m planters, formed from railway sleepers, if Mendip District Council approves the scheme. Future plans include a shelter for the ‘Welcome Crew’ who will be meeting and greeting coach visitors. Wells City Council has already taken on the management of the toilets and waiting room at the bus station. Improvements have been made to the lighting and heating, and the council hopes to install two vending machines and increase the range of tourist information available.

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In C de o f pe s th t of in fee nd e ft W Sh en si h de e el op t M ls of a

MANY of us will know William Sitwell as the urbane but slightly intimidating one of the trio of “restaurant critics” who pronounce on Masterchef finalists’ dinner menus on the telly. What may be less well known is that he is also an entertaining and authoritative food historian whose latest book Eggs Or Anarchy is a must-read history of British food during the Second World War, and especially of our charismatic Minister of Food, Lord Woolton. The remarkable fact is that, against the odds, the nation ended the war better nourished than it began it, largely due to Woolton’s chutzpah in making healthy nutrition part of the War Effort. Woolton Pie may not have been everybody’s cup of tea, but it filled you up and kept you healthy. However, nobody

– looking far to young for his sonorous Pathe News pronunciation – narrated with aplomb, the Covent Garden Sinfonia played with Michelin star precision and Sacla UK, makers of pesto sauce, provided prosecco and snacks. Half an hour of pure delight, even if the Woolton Pie made specially for the occasion was more of a curiosity than a treat. After the interval the whole group, and William himself, cooked up a period family recipe of his own – Dame Edith Sitwell’s Facade, with music by William Walton. Great-aunt Edith was at her most eccentric too in this piece, with poems narrated in time to the music that sound fun but turn out to be almost total nonsense. A day of sunshine, vibrant flavours, good company and that eccentric charm that Wells is so good at. And an evening to match. Bill Lloyd

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November 2017

n SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Day to celebrate individuality that makes city special DOZENS of businesses in Wells will be hoping for an extra influx of customers on Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Saturday, December 2. Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign that aims to support, inspire and promote the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, and is this year celebrating its fifth anniversary. Blue balloons will be decorating small business premises in Wells on the day, and street entertainment in the city centre is also being planned. Wells Chamber of Commerce

chairman Robert Powell said: “We are lucky to have a large number of small businesses in Wells. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate the individual spirit they bring.” Wells MP James Heappey is a keen backer of the campaign. He said: “Small businesses are the absolute bedrock of the Somerset economy and we should all do our best to support them all year round. “But with Christmas coming, why not make a point of visiting some small businesses near you on Small Business Saturday?”

There are small businesses aplenty in Wells Last year saw £717 million spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, up 15 per cent on the previous year. The campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter on the day with more than 130,000 campaign-related tweets being sent, reaching over 140

million people globally. Meanwhile, Wells Cathedral School sixth-form students Ben Webb and Olivier Lefevre have been working on a website to help promote local retailers as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. It was due to go live at the end of October: wellshighstreet.com

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November 2017

n SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

‘The fuel of the engine of a local economy’ Jane Bowe, pictured right, a director of local accountants Probusiness, explains how small businesses bring big benefits IT’S both wonderful and peculiarly appropriate that there is such a thing as ‘Small Business Saturday’. Wonderful because small businesses are so often the fuel of the engine of a local economy, and appropriate because so many small business people work at weekends. It makes me smile when I hear the Government’s definition of a small business as being something with under 500 employees. That number would be a distant dream, or nightmare, whichever your point of view. No, we are the 0 to 15 or 20 brigade, and proud of it. You know, when the recession

was at its deepest, I travelled around the country a fair bit. It struck me then that the countryside was buzzing with vans and small lorries with names such as ‘Fred Bloggs & Son’ or ‘Bloggs Bros, Building Contractors’ emblazoned on their sides. Oh, there was work alright, and quite a bit of it was being done by small businesses across the country. Our company in Wells is a proud member of that community, and so are many of our clients. Hardworking people who put roofs over the heads and food on the tables of their children. The other neat thing about small businesses is that we can (and do) work as colleagues to achieve things which we couldn’t do on our own. That is the

amazing thing about working in smaller communities, such as Wells, where we can get to know each other and understand how we can complement each other. We are also proud to be a part of the wider business community, and to be able to punch well above our weight because we have all the necessary skills of the big city companies, but very few of the overheads. Some of us can boast customers and clients with multimillion pound turnovers, and with multinational businesses based in the big cities, but who have learned the trick of finding more cost-effective expertise elsewhere. Despite all these grand things, we are, however, firmly rooted and grounded in our local community. We all owe it a fair bit, and it is good for us to treat it fairly and with respect. It’s especially encouraging that here in Wells we have our own local Mendip Business Hub (soon to

be transferring to Westburysub-Mendip) which actively promotes and supports new small businesses as they launch in the community. When Wells holds events such as the food festival or the literary festival, or a concert in St Cuthbert’s Church perhaps, it gives me a real lift to see that a local business has sponsored it. It’s good to see local business people stepping up to work for charity in a number of ways. Yes, small businesses do so much more than employ the people who live in the area. So, here’s to Small Business Saturday and here’s to small businesses everywhere... but (and I’m not biased) especially in Wells! n Jane has previously run her own rural business, worked as a volunteer for various charities and been a business show presenter on Glastonbury FM

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n NEWS

Creative ideas at Bishop’s Barn Open Day SUGGESTIONS for future uses of The Bishop’s Barn range from a climbing wall and vintage fair venue to a roller disco party or music and performance venue. Members of the public had the chance to put forward their views at an Open Day held in the barn on September 30. More than 400 people turned up for a free afternoon of theatre, re-enactment, poetry, craft and cake, organised as part of Wells Recreation Ground Trust’s plan to re-engage the local community in the barn. Survey results collated so far reveal that 84% of respondents would like to see activities for children, 79% would like to see theatre, film and dance performances programmed at the barn and 86% of people who responded to the survey want to have a space for the community to hire. When questioned about what three main things would

The Bishop’s Barn Open Day improve Wells, 69% of people felt that more opportunities for the community to come together was of greatest importance, 57% cited

building further creative, cultural and artistic provision in the city and 51% mentioned space to hire for events. Louise Lappin-Cook, project development manager for WRGT and The Bishop’s Barn, said: “Through the survey we are also trying to look at where the gaps are in cultural provision in Wells. The survey so far gives some clear indicators about things the community wants to build on and grown in the city.” Only 6% of people who responded to the survey rated provision for under 5s in Wells ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, and 91% of people felt that provision for teenagers was ‘Poor’ or ‘Needs Improvement’. The day involved two free theatre shows from Squashbox Theatre; lots of displays to gather the feedback about what people would like to see the barn used for in the future; a timeline sharing the barn’s rich

cultural history with information from the Wells and Mendip City Archives on display; poetry workshops from professional poet Forgotten Bee, Bryony Brook; a display from Wells Civic Society; and craft activities for younger visitors provided by staff from Little Wellies at Wells Cathedral School. The event was also attended by local re-enactment group The North Somerset Yeomanry Regiment who re-created a camp outside the barn. The whole event was supported by Wells Festival of Literature Education team – who funded both the free family theatre shows and the community poetry workshop – as well as supporting the running of the event. The barn and recreation grounds were a gift from Bishop Hervey and this year marks 130 years since the site was given to the people of Wells.

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WELLS Cathedral has been given £10,000 to carry out roof repairs. The cathedral is one of 11 ecclesiastical buildings awarded a grant in churches charity Allchurches Trust’s latest funding round. Its beautiful fan vaulting makes the ceiling of Wells Cathedral one of the most famous in the world but heavy rain in 2016 caused lead sheets on the nave roof to slip, exposing the original medieval roof timbers and stone ribs beneath. Although this area of the roof is largely unseen by visitors and worshippers, it is nevertheless vital as part of the primary building fabric.

The Very Revd Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, said: “Wells Cathedral is enormously grateful for this grant from Allchurches Trust which will allow us to continue our care for this glorious building. To have the nave roof in good order is, of course, key for us, and this grant is greatly appreciated.” Allchurches Trust distributes the profits of insurance and financial services company Ecclesiastical Insurance Group in the form of grants to churches, charities and communities. Since 2015, it has given 68 grants to churches in Somerset, including five previous grants to the cathedral.

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November 2017

n NEWS

Festival performers sparkle AT the special Silver Anniversary Festival of Literature, which finished on October 21, there were certainly plenty of golden moments. Nick Clegg got the festival off to a rousing start with a packed marquee-full of enthusiastic supporters. And from then on, it simply got better and better. Saturday saw a varied programme which included Adam Rutherford on genes, novelist John Boyne on the impact of society’s expectations and a fascinating discussion on the use of memory and personal experience in literature from three local authors. Discussing the third volume of his biography, former Cabinet Minister Alan Johnson had the audience crying with laughter, as did the evening’s final guest, the hilarious Andy Hamilton. The Festival’s Book Group event is always popular but this year’s discussion with

Helen Czerski on stage Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent) was voted the best yet. Sarah spoke as engagingly as she writes. There were some unexpected treats in store as well: Matt Frei was a last minute booking who lifted the lid on Donald Trump, whilst Fergal Keane’s moving memoir of the Irish uprising combined tragedy with hope.

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Hurricane Ophelia and Storm Brian attempted to ruffle the canvas of the sturdy Chubb Bulleid-sponsored marquee but were unable to make an impact. Some 6,000 tickets were sold for the week’s events and every ticket-holder remained warm and dry inside. One memorable event occurred on the final Friday evening: Michal and Anne Heseltine were prevented (by the vagaries of the A303) from delivering their event on Thenford. So William and Caroline Waldegrave gallantly stepped into the breach and the audience were delighted by the resulting entertainment. Topics covered included Roy Strong, trousers, courgettes and life on the high seas. A wonderful week ended with a sensational talk from Helen Czerski who brings a sprightly bounce to physics.

Hundreds attend celebration to mark 125th anniversary NEARLY 400 people attended a special service at Wells Cathedral to celebrate YMCA Mendip’s 125th anniversary. The charity was formed in a coffee shop in Wells in 1892. To reflect its work with young people across the Mendip region today, the celebratory event, which took place on Saturday, October 21, had a lot of youth involvement. One of the most emotional moments came when Chiara Docherty spoke about her journey from homelessness to becoming a member of the organisation’s staff. The audience included staff, trustees, volunteers and individuals and organisations that help fund the group. “It was a real thank you to a range of people and organisations that help us make our work possible,” said chief executive Karen Deverell.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

Mayor aiming to make positive difference This monthâ€™s focus is on the current Mayor of Wells, Councillor John North

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, John and Gail North

well as sitting with the Carnival Queen in the parade. It is safe to say the year is full of many opportunities to put a smile on someoneâ€™s face. Itâ€™s not only events the mayor will have to attend in their year in office, they are also the head of the council and will chair many of the important meetings which have an impact on the day to day running of Wells. Things you may not notice daily but that are important for the safety and welfare of the city. In preparation, John was lucky enough to sit down with the town clerk to discuss the impending year, what to expect and how to organise everything accordingly. Former mayors are also still councillors who were all there and ready to prepare John for the up and coming year. John can be contacted via the town clerk at Wells Town Hall. More information is available online at wells.gov.uk

P GU MA RIC AR TC E AN H TE E

JOHN North, the 644th Mayor of Wells and a councillor for the past 10 years, has embarked on a year of attending events, chairing meetings and raising money for his chosen charities. It is a busy year for John; however, thanks to wife Gail, the mayoress, he has enough support to see him through to the end. Each year the new mayor chooses two charities to support and raise money for. This year John has chosen the Air Cadets and Heads Up Somerset. â€œThe Air Cadets because of the association Gail and I have with the RAF through our families,â€? said John. â€œWe wanted to do something for young people who were looking to have a career in our armed services or to become better equipped and ready for

what the world has to offer them as young adults. â€œSecondly, Heads Up because of the fantastic work they do for mental health sufferers. So many people can be affected by mental health issues because this type of issue does not discriminate between men or women, young or old. With Heads Up people have a place to go and work with a specialist team, who can help them move forward with their lives.â€? For his year as mayor, John says he wishes to make the most of his time wearing the chains by having a positive influence in peopleâ€™s lives, however small it is, even just a smile. That will make it all worth it. Knowing the appreciation groups and individuals show when the mayor turns up to their event, this shouldnâ€™t be a problem. Over the years the mayor has attended events such as school fetes and church ceremonies, as

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n NEWS

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Head chef Stan Ballok at the entrance to the Sherston Inn

THE new landlord of the Sherston Inn in Priory Road aims to turn around its fortunes with high standards and excellent service. David Sims has been brought in by Punch Taverns to make the inn a popular destination again, after what he says has been a rocky few years for the Sherston. Originally from Swansea, he has owned and run restaurants in Cardiff for many years, most recently Pier 64 at Penarth Marina, owned by former Welsh footballer Craig Bellamy. Now he is excited by this new challenge, and said: “We want to instil confidence that we are here for the duration, and that a quality offer, super service and great standards are the drivers. “This is an interesting project – and Wells is a great little city.” A refurbishment of the five bedrooms – managed by David’s wife Carol – bar and dining area

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are planned next spring. A new menu has already been introduced, which includes the use of SteakStones so that customers can cook the meat to their liking at the table. There is also a new head chef, Stan Ballok, who said: “I want to build a great reputation for food that will have people coming back time after time.” Stan, whose previous employers have included Ask in Wells and the Strode Arms at Cranmore, is currently looking for apprentices to work with him in the kitchen. He is also focusing on the Christmas menu as the party season approaches – the Sherston will be offering a five-course Christmas meal for parties, and will also be serving meals on Christmas Day. Keen to spread festive cheer, David has already started putting up the Christmas decorations.

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Victorian night needs keyboard THE Swan Hotel is appealing for a keyboard to provide the musical accompaniment for its special Victorian Evening. The event will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Wells and Mendip Museum, and pay homage to the Mayor’s Civic Dinner which was held annually and for which the beautiful menu cards have recently come to light in the city archive. In keeping with the theme of the evening, as well as some

Victorian parlour entertainment, there will be a sing song of familiar Victorian classics. As the Swan does not possess a grand piano or even a baby grand, it would like to borrow a keyboard, with pedal, for the event on Sunday, February 4, 2018. If anyone can help they are asked to contact Natasha MingoWest at the hotel in Sadler Street by emailing natasha@ swanhotelwells.co.uk or calling 01749 836300.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n NEWS

Slimmer back to her sporty self WELLS Cathedral School’s head of sixth form Sally Rowley has won a Slimmer of the Year title after losing four stone in less than four months – and then maintaining her weight loss for more than a year. She said “the moment of horror” that made her realise she needed to lose weight came

when she was standing by the photocopier at work. “One of my colleagues idly remarked that she supposed I ‘didn’t have time to think about diet and exercise in my job’,” said Sally. Spurred on to shed the pounds, she stocked up on Cambridge Weight Plan products

and set a date – the first day of the summer holidays – to “start my return to life as I wanted it to be. I also took the massive step of actually telling people what I was going to do. Somehow, that made it real.” Starting at 14st 2lbs on July 10, 2016, by the time Sally returned to school in September

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Sally Rowley before and after losing weight she had got down to 12st 5lbs. “All my colleagues noticed the difference, not least because I was so happy. Their encouragement and compliments kept me going once I was back in the routine of school,” she said. Having enjoyed gymnastics, horse-riding and athletics as a teenager, Sally’s participation in sport had lapsed, but now she felt encouraged enough to take up running. By November she was down to her target weight of 11 stone and was enjoying running so much that she entered a 5k race and then a 10k, followed by a cycling sportive. Where once she was seen as the ‘mummy who stood on the sidelines’ holding the coats or going for a walk while her boys did the active stuff, Sally said: “For the first time in years we’ve enjoyed swimming, sailing and kayaking together. Now we can all go cycling and on holiday in Cornwall, even my 15-year-old son deigned to come running with me. Clearly, I don’t cramp his style any more.” Sally has been guided by Wells Cambridge Weight Plan consultant Caroline F, who also helped Mayoress of Wells Gail North lose weight, as Wells Voice reported last month. Caroline said: “Sally is now back to her old sporty self. She is such a great role model to her sixth form students and is very deserving of my Slimmer of the Year title.”

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n NEWS

Modern facilities for new boarders BOARDING facilities for Wells Cathedral School, at Ritchie House in New Street, have been extended over the summer, following completion of a newbuild addition to the existing boys’ boarding house. The new facility, which has replaced an old drama studio and music practice rooms, is a two-storey building adjacent to the original house, but set down within the landscape to maximise light levels and maintain visibility for neighbouring houses. The new building houses 19 boys in shared ensuite rooms, along with a new common room and accommodation for house staff. The extra space has allowed the school to expand its numbers in line with national demand for boarding in a flourishing marketplace, providing modern

facilities which are built in line with current regulations. The single-storey section of the new building also supports a green sedum roof, which is both visually attractive and ecologically beneficial for wildlife and plant ecosystems. Work on landscaping the gardens is continuing, and the school is looking forward to seeing the growth of bulbs and flowers, as well as fresh grass, in the spring. Ritchie houseparent, Andy Davies, said: “It’s great to welcome 19 new boys to the Ritchie family this year, and we’re all looking forward to choosing photos and pictures for the walls of the new common room, and later to enjoying evenings in the landscaped gardens, once the spring is upon us.”

The school’s new boarding accommodation outside and inside

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From left, Maurice Day of Wells City Carnival, Kirsty Jenssen of the library service, Dougal Mackay – who sounds a gong when a speaker’s four minutes have elapsed – Simon Lawder holding the cheque on behalf of the Wells Bipolar Support Group, and Peter Mullins of Wells Macular Group

Charities given helping of funds FOUR more charities each made a four-minute pitch for funds at the Wells SOUP lunch in October. Audience members who packed the Seager Hall decided that Wells Bipolar Support Group deserved the lion’s share of the money available. Burns the Bread matchfunded the total paid by those attending to provide a prize fund of more than £700. The bipolar support group walked away with £350, while

Wells Macular Group, Wells Home Library Service and Wells City Carnival each received £118. The delicious soup enjoyed by those attending was prepared by catering students at Wells Blue School from ingredients supplied by Waitrose. Soft drink and beer were donated by Morrisons, wine by Sante Wine, and flowers by a stall-holder at Wells Market. SOUP is run by Wells Independents. The next is due to take place on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n ON THE BEAT

Things to bear in mind on carnival nights

News from the local policing team with PCSO Ben Cleaver

THAT time of year has arrived once again… carnival season! Carnivals can be a very busy but exciting part of the winter season for everyone, with lots of lights and spectacular carnival carts to enjoy. While it can be an exciting period for many, it’s also worth bearing in mind a few pointers. So here goes: n Exercise good journey management arriving and leaving the event. n Those that plan on driving, leave in due time to locate parking as the carnival route will be closed prior to the starting time. n Utilise carpooling and park-and-ride services. This eases traffic congestion on the roadways and minimises the risk of accidents. n Do not leave any valuables on show in your vehicle.

Christmas Fair

● Saturday 25th November ● 10am – 12pm

n Only take small amounts recognise uniforms and name of money for things such as badges. refreshments or food. n Agree on a designated meeting n Avoid withdrawing large place in case you get separated. amounts of cash at any one time. Never choose the entrance to a If possible use ATM machines venue or the parking location. during the daytime The ideal meeting place before attending. is an information centre, ‘Always n Please make sure ticket booth or a clearly you wrap up warm remember to noticeable landmark. as you could be If you wish to report have a good nsomeone standing around in missing or time and enjoy report a crime, please the cold for quite some time. yourselves’ locate a police officer or n Do not leave steward patrolling the children unless carnival. supervised by a responsible n Report your child missing adult. straight away. n Parents and guardians – the n We are contactable either via safety of your children is your 101 (non-emergency) or 999 in sole responsibility any emergency. n Reinforce who are the best Please take into consideration people to ask for help. Make it all the above pointers when clear to your child that he/she visiting carnivals this year, but is not to approach unknown always remember to have a good persons. Ensure they are able to time and enjoy yourselves!

Lunchtime dancing during the Rotary conference in Wells

Global message at Rotary gathering

Abbeyfield House, 25A New Street, Wells BA5 2LE

Abbeyfield Wells Society Tel: 01749 679049 Find out more at www.abbeyfield.com

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MS/WellsXmasFair/1010/01

Join us for a wonderfully festive Christmas Fair featuring stocking fillers, cake stalls, Christmas treats, raffles, coffee and mince pies and much more, all in aid of older people’s charity Abbeyfield.

ACT locally, impact globally was a theme celebrated by Rotarians from Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire at their annual conference in Wells in October. This phrase was repeated many times by the various partner organisations with whom Rotarians have worked to change lives on a global scale. Speakers at the event in Cedars Hall expressed how important their relationship with Rotary is to their work, be it providing actual help, such as building health centres in Nepal, or by saving “ring pulls” which are the basic material for enabling Philippine families to run small businesses creating bags and jewellery, or taking part in abseil and zip wire challenges to raise funds to educate children in South Africa.

The speakers emphasised how important it is for them to work with local Rotarians, wherever local is, and that can sometimes be in a country in crises where local Rotarians with local knowledge can help small charities, by buying services locally, saving money and giving trade to local businesses, an option not always available to large charities. There were many lighter moments during the event – which was opened by Michael Eavis – with presentations from Atlantic rower Sally Kettle and Dr Phil Hammond, NHS doctor, journalist and hilarious comedian. Eternal Taal, Indian dancers and drummers, provided some lunchtime fun with “join in the dancing” entertainment.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n NEWS IN BRIEF Poldark actors back

asked to contact Janet Woodward on 01749 880545.

THE cast and crew of Poldark will be back in Wells this month to film more scenes for the hit BBC TV series. Star Aidan Turner confirmed in a Facebook post that location shooting will take place on November 23 and 24. Filming will take place at Vicar’s Close and St Andrew Street as well as Market Place and the Town Hall, he said.

New items on sale

Change of location WELLS Vineyard Church has moved its Vineyard Centre from Burcott Road in Wells to Unit 2, Keward Mill Trading Estate, Jocelyn Drive. Wells Foodbank now operates from the new premises, as does the church office and Storehouse Furniture Project. Sunday meetings continue at St Cuthbert’s Infant School, Keward Walk, Wells, starting at 10.30am.

Forty-one girls and boys, aged between seven and ten, came from schools across Somerset and beyond on October 14 for the annual ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event at Wells Cathedral where they met the cathedral choristers and participated in singing workshops. The day culminated in singing Choral Evensong in the Quire of the Cathedral with the world-renowned choir. Picture: Jacinth Latta

Music charity night

AVALON Coaches has had its licence revoked. Wells Voice reported last month that Somerset County Council had terminated its school transport contract with Avalon Coaches due to performance concerns. The firm had been transporting pupils to several schools in the area, including Wells Blue School. Now, following a public inquiry in which a catalogue of failings were reported, South West Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney has decided that the firm’s licence will be revoked from December 31.

TICKETS have gone on sale for a charity fundraiser in aid of Marie Curie at Wells Town Hall. The event will take place in the ballroom and will feature music and songs from the Twenties, Thirties and Forties, all played and sung by Lin Phelps, formerly of the Ivy Benson Band and The Silver Levels Band. The charity evening, on Friday, February 9, 2018, will run from 7.30pm-10.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and the price includes a free welcome drink. “It promises to be a lively and glitzy event so get your tickets quick,” said organiser Christina Blackwill, of Wells. Tickets can be bought from Wells Town Hall. More details from Christina on 07450 367805 or tina. blackwill@live.co.uk

Mending morning

Chinese investment

A REPAIR Café is being run at St Thomas’ Church Hall, 75 St Thomas Street, Wells, on Saturday, November 4, from 10am-noon, when broken items can be taken along to be fixed. There will be coffee, cake and the chance to chat to others who love making, mending, recycling and regenerating pre-loved items. To be involved call 07729 618368 or email lb.hpc@virgin. net.

A HANDMADE rug and crafts business has secured its longterm future thanks to significant investment from China. Oriental Rugs of Bath moved to the mezzanine at the Bookbarn International HQ in Hallatrow, near Wells, in 2013 after many years based in Bath. Manager Katya Maiseyeva said: “Our new investors Laurel and Ning Li heard about Oriental Rugs of Bath through a law firm

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in Manchester that specialises in connecting Chinese investors with UK SMEs. “This investment secures the long-term future of the business and makes a potentially fruitful connection with China.”

Hall hosts festive fair THIS year’s Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection Christmas Fair is being held in the Seager Hall, Unity Street, rather than the Town Hall. The event, on Saturday, November 18, will start at 10.30am and finish in mid-afternoon. Items for sale will include cards, calendars, gifts, jewellery and books. Anyone who would like to offer to help, or to donate saleable items or prizes for the tombola, is

A CALENDAR containing 12 striking images of the almshouses in Wells has gone on sale at Wells and Mendip Museum. The City of Wells Almshouses Calendar 2018 costs £5. The museum has also produced a leaflet detailing a 1.5-mile walk around the St Cuthbert’s district. St Cuthbert’s, Wells: A Parish Trail guides walkers around points of interest to the west of the city centre, starting and finishing at St Cuthbert’s Church. The leaflet costs £1.

Wacky Race Night PEDAL your way to glory... Wells Rotary Club is holding a Wacky Race Night in Wells Town Hall on Saturday, November 25, at 7pm. The fun event will be raising funds to supply heart defibrillators for Wells. Tickets are priced £20, which includes a buffet supper. Tables of about 10 guests. Contact Richard Leworthy, call 07974 917605 or email rjleworthy@ gmail.com.

Speed limit lowered DULCOTE residents are celebrating after the speed limit through their village was cut from 40mph to 30mph. New signs went up last month. Wells Voice reported in September on their long-running campaign to have the speed limit lowered.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

Students join ranks of Friends TEN students have been trained as Dementia Friends at Heads Up in South Horrington. All but one were from Wells Blue and sixth former Patrick Woods explained he now hopes to do work experience at the mental health charity to help with his Health and Social Care course at school. “It was a very interesting training session,” said Patrick. “I have a grandfather living with dementia and I did not know much about it before.” Five adults were also at the session, including two from OTS Training of Easton who hope to set up First Aid courses for carers at Heads Up. The training was done by Claire Chettoe on behalf of the Wells Dementia Action Alliance. She has also trained five of the Heads Up carers as

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Above, the students and three of the adults after completing their Dementia Friends training; and left, Claire Chettoe with some of the Heads Up carers after their training Dementia Friends. After the session two of the carers said, quite unprompted, that the alliance is doing good work and should keep going. It has now trained more than 830 Dementia Friends in Wells.

Some SS&L courses resume after ‘transitional’ increase in funding ADULT learning provider SS&L has resumed some courses in Wells after an increase in the funding it is due to receive this year. Wells Voice reported last month how courses had been postponed after the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) originally awarded it just £111,000 this year rather than the £3.4 million for which it tendered. They will now receive a total of just over £2.4 million, allowing SS&L to continue to deliver courses across Somerset for this year. “We’re obviously relieved that the ESFA has been able to find some additional funding, however, we need to remember this is just a transitional sum for this academic year only,” said SS&L chief executive Susie Simon-Norris. “As an organisation we will need to not only address the large shortfall in funding this year, but also prepare the organisation for future years under different funding priorities. It will mean changes to the organisation and

The SS&L centre in Portway Avenue, Wells some possible restructuring but at this point in time we don’t know what the optimum solution will be. “Our first priority now is to ensure our learners are able to start their courses and that they receive the high level of tutoring and service for which we are known. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and messages of goodwill which we’ve received from the Somerset community, our learners and clients and of course Somerset MPs who have acted on our behalf, and for that we are hugely thankful.”

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n WHAT’S ON

Gallery where artists can feel at home A NEW exhibition opened this week at the Andelli Art gallery at South Horrington. The paintings and constructions by Penzance-based artist Morag Ballard are on display until November 18. Andelli Art is run by Ellie Jones and the gallery is situated within her home, formerly part of Mendip Hospital. She said of this latest exhibition: “Morag’s paintings are truly striking, and we are thrilled to have her showing at our gallery. “The work juxtaposes geometric and linear elements, with clever manipulations of colour that suggest threedimensional qualities. Her characteristic precision and lightness of touch explores relationships between implied spaces using architectural inspired forms.” The gallery showcases British and European, 20th century

Work by Morag Ballard on display at Andelli Art and contemporary art, including work by regional artists. “The idea for setting up a gallery at home was to offer a more intimate and informal setting to look at art. It also enables potential buyers to more easily visualise how an artwork will look in a domestic setting,” said Ellie. “We have a dedicated gallery

Picture: Neil Juggins

space used to showcase the work of artists that we love, as well as putting on ‘themed’ shows. For example, we hold a ‘Figures & Faces’ show once a year, and that combines contemporary and 20th century works for sale, alongside work from our private collection… although, occasionally, buyers have been known to persuade me to part

with work that I’ve become attached to and hadn’t intended to sell. “It’s important, for me, to have a gallery space that doesn’t feel too clinical, and I think that many of the contemporary artists that have shown with us appreciate that. A white-walled cube may work very well to show art in a purely commercial environment, but we like a bit of colour (as long as it’s grey). Other rooms, beyond the gallery, are far from minimalist and are full of curiosities that complement the art. “There isn’t a particular style, or movement that unifies the works adorning our walls. Our premise for working with artists, and collecting, has been simple – we simply show art that we want to live with.” The gallery is open from Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. For more information, visit www. andelliart.com

Feast of music for start of winter WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society will serve up a feast of inspirational music for the start of winter with Vivaldi’s Gloria and Bach’s Magnificat on Saturday, November 11, at 7pm. The choir will be accompanied on period instruments by Music for Awhile Orchestra, who will also perform Vivaldi’s Concerto for Strings in A Minor. Antonio Vivaldi wrote at least three settings of the hymn Gloria in excelsis Deo, whose words

date probably from the 4th century. This is the best known setting of the Gloria, simply known as the Vivaldi “Gloria” due to its outstanding popularity. JS Bach’s Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise, a musical setting of the biblical canticle. It is scored for five vocal parts and a Baroque orchestra including trumpets and timpani. Tickets £10-£25 , Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office: 01749 672 773.

Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, Wells BA5 3ED 01749 670279

Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, November 25 2pm – 4pm 12 stalls selling Christmas craft items, plus mince pies, coffee, a raffle, cakes, and hot turkey rolls Got News? Call 07906 499655

Wreath making workshops November 27, December 7, December 14 Some tables are still available for preChristmas parties from November 20, £16 per person

MORAG BALLARD 28 OCT – 18 NOV OPEN TUE – SAT 10AM – 5PM Mendip House Upper Breach South Horrington Wells BA5 3QG www.andelliart.com

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n WHAT’S ON November 1 n Paintings and Prints by Sarah de Say: Mendip/Coastal Studies and a Racing Certainty, Wells and Mendip Museum until November 25. Museum entrance £3. November 3 n Fireworks display at Wells Football Club, Rowdens Road. Gates open at 6.30pm. Bar, hot food available. Adults £5, child £3, family £15. November 4 n 4mm railway modellers workshop, Wells Town Hall, 10.30am-4.30pm. Adults £5, EM Gauge Society members free. EM Gauge Society AGM 2pm. November 5 n Writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson will be in conversation with comedian, actress and singer Dame Patricia Routledge about her life in the world of musical theatre, Cedars Hall, Wells. Tickets from £12. Box office: 01749 834483. November 9 n Wells Cathedral Vicars Choral Commemoration Concert, 8pm9.30pm. Candlelit concert featuring a selection of some of the finest cathedral music for men’s voices and arrangements of popular songs. Tickets £15, available from Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office on 01749 672773. November 10 n Christmas Artisan Markets until November 12, Bishop’s Palace, 10am-4pm. More than 30 stalls with handmade crafts and products. £6 adult, child 5-18 £3, under 5s and Palace Members free. November 11 n Two-minute silence and short Remembrance Day service at the Market Place, 11am. n Vintage & Retro Fair, Wells Town Hall, 9.30am-4pm. Vintage clothes, jewellery, accessories, vinyl records, books, collectables, textiles, gifts, homeware and more. Entry £1, students 50p. November 12 n Remembrance service, St Cuthbert's Church, 10.15am, followed by wreath-laying and parade along High Street. n Wells Cathedral Remembrance Sunday Requiem, 3pm-4pm. Following the Cathedral Choir’s world premiere performance, in 2015, of Gary Davison’s Requiem, the work is performed again within a devotional Remembrance Day service, interspersed with

Images from last year’s poppy trail in Wells

Churches Poppy Memorial Trail FIVE churches are taking part in a Wells Churches Poppy Memorial Trail this month: The Bishop’s Palace Chapel, St Cuthbert’s Church in St Cuthbert Street, Ss Joseph and Teresa’s Church in Chamberlain Street, St Thomas’ Church in St Thomas Street and the Methodist Church in Southover. Ladies, gentlemen and friends from the various churches knitted and crocheted poppies that will War Poetry. Admission free with a retiring collection in aid of the Poppy Appeal and Wells Cathedral Music. n Oxfam Quiz Night at the Britannia Inn, Wells, 7pm for 7.30pm start, £2.50 per person, teams of up to 6 people. To book your table, ring Terry on 01749 672342. November 13 n Complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas 4/5 with Krysia Osostowicz and Daniel Tong. Cedars Hall, 7pm. Tickets £10, free for 25s and under. Box office: 01749 834483. n Third lecture in History of Art series by Joanna Cobb MA: The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and power politics in late 16th century Europe. Dinder Village Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm, £8 or £15 for two to include handouts and refreshments. Also available at other local venues. The series continues in the New Year. More on 01458 832178 or ericjoanna@ waitrose.com November 14 n Wells Railway Fraternity meeting, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Talk: Hill Railways in Germany, Switzerland and India. Non-members £4. More details from Andrew Tucker, 01749 830695. November 15 n Public event examining

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

be on display in the churches during the day (check with each church for opening times) from November 9-14. Entrance is free. All the poppies – several thousand – have been made on a purely voluntary basis to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, those who were injured, and those who have died and those who are still suffering today as a result of further conflicts. modern slavery: the local picture with a variety of speakers and opportunities to discuss the challenges, Wells Cathedral Education Room, 2pm-4pm. The Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton, will open the event and lead the Q&A session to follow speakers. Free, no booking required. November 17 n Wells Carnival, 7pm. n Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock showcase their reworkings of the great jazz standards. Cedars Hall, 7pm. Tickets £10-£16, free for 25s and under. Box office: 01749 834483. November 19 n Gorgons CC quiz and raffle at The Britannia Inn, Bath Road, 7.30pm. £2 per player. November 25 n Christmas Fair at Abbeyfield House, 25A New Street, Wells, 10amnoon. n Festive Coffee Morning at Wookey Hole Community Hall, BA5 1BB, 10am-1pm. Craft stall; Fairtrade; bring and buy; raffle. Proceeds in aid of hall funds. More details from Jenny Lewis: j.lewis072@btinternet. com November 28 n Talk on Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Mendip Ponds Project, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7.30pm-9pm.

John Dickson presents a talk about the Reptile and Amphibian Group’s project to restore 14 Great Crested Newt ponds on the Mendip Hills. Members £2.50/non-members £3/ children and students £1. Book at somersetwildlife.org/events Every Monday n PilogaFit spine and core stability exercise class, Connect Centre, Wells, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. Every Tuesday n Smashup badminton for all abilities with music and your mates. Ages 11-18. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 7pm-8pm, £2.50 per session. Every Wednesday n Wells Table Tennis Club, Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, 6.30pm9pm. n Mendip All Drummers community djembe (African hand-drumming) group. Meet at Croscombe Village Hall, Fayreway, from 10am-1pm. Beginners and learners welcome; drums available. £4 per session. Ring Charles on 07881 304609 or just turn up. Every Thursday n Tai Chi For Health & Vitality, Westbury Village Hall, 12-1pm. Any age or ability. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n PilogaFit spine and core stability exercise class, Connect Centre, Wells, 9.30am-10.30am. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n Irish Set Dancing with caller, Dinder Village Hall, 8pm-10pm, £3 to include tea and coffee. For more details, call 01458 210051. Every Friday n Zumba Gold at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm. £5 per session (second class free if you stay for it). More details from Carole-Anne on 07484 216900 / 01278 722292. Every Saturday n Pay and Play badminton for all abilities, teenagers and adults, Wells Blue Sports Centre, 9am10am, £3 per session. n Badzone – Wells Junior Badminton Club for all abilities – ages 7-15. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 10am-11am, £3 per session. First Sunday of each month n Irish Set Dancing at Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am-1pm, £3; Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3; bring and share lunch 1pm2pm. For more details, call 01458 210051.

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n WHAT’S ON Nativity Festival

A new exhibition has just opened at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Alcantara… beyond the Wells is a new project involving Somerset artist Peter Lawrence and Jordanian artist Zeina Barhoum. Alcantara is an Arabic word meaning bridge and the exhibition will feature landscapes and impressions of Wells, Somerset, Europe and the Arab world. The exhibition of art will incorporate the launch of a book containing the paintings complemented by prose and poetry from writers in Somerset and the Levant region. The exhibition will be open daily from 10am- 4pm until January 31, 2018.

Place ‘n Space AN Open Weekend is being held at St Thomas’s Church this month to showcase the new facilities now that renovations are complete. The £460,000 refurbishment programme has seen the enlargement of the rear of the main body of the church and the construction of a new community room, where there are new toilet facilities. The result is a more flexible venue that can accommodate formal and informal gatherings of local people and groups. The programme for the Open Weekend to celebrate Place ‘n Space at the church, to which everyone is welcome, is: n Friday, November 24: Organ recital by Matthew Owens, Director of Music at Wells Cathedral, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 including a glass of wine. n Saturday, November 25: Place ‘n Space Open Day, 10am4pm. Tours and refreshments throughout the day. n Sunday, November 26: Place ‘n Space Dedication Service led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, 10am. The new facilities will be open throughout the afternoon.

Ready for parade

ST Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, will be hosting its renowned Nativity Festival from Friday, December 1, to Sunday, December 3. Stars are a new addition this year and many will be made by local children. Nativity sets from around the word will be displayed in a church filled with music and song. There will be festive refreshments, mulled wine, a raffle, a musical village and a chance for parents to photograph their children in Nativity outfits in the stable. Wells Miniaturists are creating a display of Christmas nativities and activities. Some depict the Christmas story while others show how busy everyone becomes in preparation for family gatherings and the exchange of gifts and cards. A host of heavenly angels will oversee the whole event. The festival will be open to visitors from 10am-4.30pm on the Friday and Saturday, and 11.30am-4.30pm on the Sunday.

Entrance is free. Charities that will benefit from the festivals are St Margaret’s Hospice and Christian Aid Refugee Crisis Appeal.

Christmas concert THE Gentlemen of Wells – a group of current and former Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral – will be performing a concert of Christmas carols and festive readings at West Pennard Church on Friday, December 8, at 7.30pm. Composers will include Rutter, Willcocks, Vaughan Williams and Bach. Tickets, priced £20, which includes wine and canapes, are available from Arnold Wills at Pilgrim Financial Planning, email arnold.wills@me.com or call 01749 670087 or 07808 803674. To have your local events and activities included on these pages, email brief details to: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

HERITAGE COURTYARD

STUDIOS PRESENTS PROGRAMMES have gone on sale for this year’s Wells Rotary Reindeer Parade. They cost £1 are available from the museum and the Crown Hotel. The event takes place on Sunday, December 3, and will be opened by the Mayor of Wells, An inspiring exhibition of new paintings, mixed Councillor John North, and the media works and soft furnishings to warm you president of the Rotary Club up during the dark winter months. Showcasing of Wells, Richard Cussell, at our studio artists alongside a selection of local 10.50am. HERITAGE COURTYARD STUDIOS The parade of Santa Claus and national artists and makers. in his sleigh, pulled through the PRESENTS city by real reindeer, will start WINTER OPENS ON at noon.

WINTER

SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER AT 10AM WINTER

Return of RAF band

Warming refreshments and canapes

AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS, MIXED MEDIA WORKS AND THIS year’s 1955 (City of Wells) SOFT FURNISHINGS TO WARM YOU UP Air Cadets and RAFA (RoyalDURING THE DARK WINTER MONTHS

25TH NOVEMBER – 20TH DECEMBER Air Forces Association) charity CONTEMPORARY WORKS FROM OUR concert will take place in theSHOWCASING NEW2017 STUDIO ARTISTS ALONGSIDE AN INSPIRING EXHIBITION

Concert Hall at Millfield School PROGRAMME BY A SELECTION OF LOCAL AND OPEN NATIONAL MAKERS MONDAY – on Wednesday, December 13, at ARTISTS AND SATURDAY 7.30pm. WINTER OPENS ON The concert will feature The TH NOVEMBER AT 10AM 2510AM-4PM Band of The RAF Regiment,SATURDAY who WARMING REFRESHMENTS AND CANAPES also played in 2016. Tickets are £15, and can be 6 Heritage Courtyard, DECEMBER 2017 obtained from Street Tourist25 NOVEMBER – 20Sadler Street, Wells, OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY Information or Millfield School. Somerset BA5 2RR 10AM-4PM For more information, email 07974 255016 1955@aircadets.org

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS WI DR Jo Newton, a GP from Wells City Practice, talked to members about Managing the Menopause. She skilfully combined humour and medical facts to demystify the menopause, talking about stereotypes, symptoms, what treatment is available and when it is necessary to seek medical advice. Dr Newton answered lots of questions from members about drug treatments, phytooestrogens, links to cancers, natural remedies and HRT, putting reservations about HRT into perspective with evidence about the greater risks to health posed by lack of exercise and alcohol consumption. Just over £56 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Research by selling home-made cake in the tea break, and the lucky winner of the October raffle took home vouchers to spend in a Wells deli. Over the next few weeks members will be visiting the former Shepton Mallet prison; meeting at The Globe Inn to discuss campaign ideas; watching a flower arranging demonstration

at the Little Theatre; enjoying live broadcasts of ballets, operas, musicals and plays at Wells Film Centre, and attending a Christmas Carol Service at Wells Cathedral. We will also be filling shoe boxes with toiletries, accessories, books, CDs and other nice things to make Christmas presents for people being helped by the YMCA and a local women’s refuge. The next meeting will be at the Wells and Mendip Museum at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 7. Things could get noisy as Wendy Easton will be leading a drumming workshop. Interested women can attend as visitors before committing to join. At the last meeting we welcomed our youngest visitor, Harriet Rose, aged three months. Veronica Howe WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY WELLS city councillor Celia Wride has become the 200th member of Wells Civic Society. The society is very pleased to welcome her, and as a new member, Celia was also

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Councillor Celia Wride, who became the 200th member of Wells Civic Society presented with a civic society mug. The civic society is always looking for new members to join to enjoy the evening talks on the second Wednesday of every month in the meeting room at Wells and Mendip Museum, where there is always an interesting speaker to inform and entertain about many and varied aspects of the history, art, life and times of Wells, and to take part in the various events that the civic society organises and takes part in across the city such as the planned Wells Mosaic and the recent Art 360 event on the Cathedral Green. Membership is £10 per year, £15 for a joint membership and £20 for corporate membership. To join, please contact membership secretary Clare Blackmore: blackmore.clare@ btinternet.com WELLS TWINNING ASSOCIATION

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EACH year for over 600 years Bad Durkheim has held a Wurstmarkt or Sausage Market in early September. Traditionally, it showed off the traditional “Wursts” with a small number of samples of local wine to enhance the experience. But now, it has morphed into a huge fun fair and celebration of the grape harvest lasting ten days. Local custom is that the Burgermeister invites representatives of Bad Durkheim’s twin towns, Parayle-Monial, (France), Wells (UK), Kempton (Germany), Kluczbork (Poland) and Bad Berka (Germany) to visit for the first weekend of celebrations. This provides an excellent

opportunity not only to renew old friendships and make new friends but also to discuss amongst a wide group how twinning is developing across a large area. This year a party of 12 travelled to Bad Durkheim to attend the celebrations and the formal ceremonies. The Mayor and Mayoress of Wells and the chairman and secretary of the Wells Twinning Association were invited to a formal lunch by the Burgermeister, at which representatives from each twin town gave a talk on twinning in their town and their ambitions going forward. One clear message came through from each of the speeches and that was that current political circumstances increased the need for closer twinning arrangements between each town. Each of the town’s representatives agreed to work to further this end. We were entertained extremely well during the visit, particularly by the Burgermeister, Christoph Glogger and his family and Uli and Jutta Baer. We look forward to seeing them again in Wells in November, to celebrate our carnival. Richard Hibberd WELLS REFUGEE ACTION GROUP AFTER the pop concert in the summer we put on a classical piano recital with homemade tea to follow in September to a delighted udience, raising over £500 so far for refugee agency Safe Passage. WRAG has taken over the collection of clothes, blankets, sleeping bags etc for Safe Passage and other local charities each Friday from 10am-noon in Wells Town Hall. Also, there will be a second bric-a-brac stall at Wells Market in November, and hopefully in Shepton Mallet too. Anyone wanting to know more information will find two of us each Friday at the Town Hall, or search for Wells Refugee Aid on Facebook. MENDIP BRIDLEWAYS AND BYWAYS ASSOCIATION THE MBBA is one of the largest and most proactive bridleway associations in the UK, dedicated

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES to creating and maintaining safe riding routes. The aims of the association are to protect and preserve the character and status of Mendip’s green ways, to advertise their existence via our map marking service and to encourage the active participation of our members to identify routes in need of improvement. We are affiliated to the British Horse Society and we are an entirely voluntary association. All the money from our subscriptions and fundraising goes directly to improve the riding routes in the Mendip area. In fact, in the past eight years we have funded over £75,000 worth of improvements to routes in our area. We are also fortunate to have a good working partnership with Somerset County Council and indeed where possible, many of our projects are joint funded.

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To raise these funds we hold regular Fun Rides, our Glastonbury Ride being the most famous with an amazing route around the festival site and the beautiful surrounding countryside. We also host an annual Bonanza Fun Day – this year we were thrilled that Wocket Woy and Pwoducer joined us for the fun. Please visit our website www.mbba.org.uk and like our Facebook page. Better still, join us for just £15 per year and receive discounts on all the events we hold. We are also looking for area representatives who ride their local routes and are happy to let us know if there is a problem or to discuss issues that arise in their area. Although the positions are entirely voluntary, there is no commitment to come to regular meetings, this

Local services

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is simply a way for us to keep an “ear to the ground” and keep up our good work. You will be provided with a map of your area with the local bridleways and just need to contact us if an issue arises. Ginnie Jones WELLS GARDENING CLUB DAVID Usher was for 18 years head gardener at the prestigious Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton. While there he was responsible for the restoration of the Gertrude Jekyll / Edwin Lutyens gardens in front of the house. These were overgrown and many of the original plants and plantings in a dismal state. He and his team refurbished it in detail, bringing it back to its former magnificence.

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This work achieved, David found himself embroiled in a new restoration, that of the 18th century landscape garden at the rear of the property. His experience, therefore, speaks for itself. And he is going to speak to Wells Gardening Club on Thursday, November 9, in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm. His talk, The Answer Lies in the Soil, will look at plants and planting, dealing with that often neglected part of the garden, the ground itself. His advice will be well worth hearing considering his expert achievements so far. David now runs his own consultancy and gardening firm. Everyone is welcome at what will be the last meeting of the year. Visitors £3, members £1. For more details call 01749 679182. Pip Harwood

Thursdays

9.30 - 10.30am Drop in – Pay as you go – £5 a session John Beasley 01749 672482

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Westbury Village Hall Thursday 12 - 1pm

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n SPORT Encouraging line in sportswear

Martyn Holliday and Sarah Townsend won this year’s Chris Hicks Memorial Tournament at Wells Tennis Club

Memorial event test of teamwork RUNNING since 2005, the annual Chris Hicks Memorial Tournament took place on Sunday, October 1, at Wells Tennis Club. Twenty members competed in mixed doubles in a rotation of partners. Winners were the male and female leaders with the most games won - Martyn Holliday and Sarah Townsend. Runners up were tied for ladies Lorna Jenkins and Julia Nest and the male runner up was Ray Brooks. The annual President’s Ladies’ Tournament took place at the tennis club on October 7, with 16 ladies taking part in the fun doubles competition. The new formant was a round robin format with a twist, as each pair had a joker to play in

a round of their choice and this was key to the overall champions. It was nip and tuck between the eight pairs the whole way but two were on equal scores going into the final round with Natasha Smith and Linda Lester eventually triumphing by one point from Linda Hall and Lucy Thomas. Natasha and Linda were a little taken aback to be crowned winners but it was their perfect joker playing that brought them 12 points in a single round that really made the difference. Organised by ladies club captain Julia Nest, she said: “It was great to have so many members sign up for a fun and fast afternoon of tennis.” Meanwhile, the club has taken delivery of a much-needed bench thanks to sponsorship by local

firm Tweedie Evans Consulting. The club made the appeal for sponsors as much of the seating for players and spectators needed urgent replacement. It would welcome further sponsorship for benches from other local companies. Club president Tasha Smith said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to update our courts with some smart seating that should last for many years. On behalf of all club members I’d like to thank Tweedie Evans Consulting for their generous sponsorship.” Tweedie Evans Consulting employs 11 staff in Wells to provide contaminated land, ground engineering and soil waste consultancy services for builders and land developers across the country.

Young players hitting target WELLS City FC Under 7s are pictured after recording two good wins last month, beating opponents 10-2 and 4-0. With the players are managers Craig Davies and Jacob Wilson who say that performances so far have been as a team, resolute in defence and going forward as a unit. They highlight the support play off the ball as a crucial factor for the team, finding space in important areas, leading to opportunities to score, and say that the free-flowing football has been a joy to watch. Training sessions for Wells City Soccer School U6s, U7s and U8s are held on Saturday mornings from 10am at Wells City Football Club, Rowdens Road, Wells.

A FORMER Wells Blue School student is designing clothing that could encourage more women to get active. After studying performance sportswear design at university, Ada-Jane Moore has become a full-time designer for SheptonMallet based brand Boudavida. She is now solely responsible for overseeing all stages of design and manufacture for the activewear company. “It’s hard to design activewear that suits every woman’s taste, as there are so many different factors to think about, but

Ada-Jane Moore in her Boudavida sportswear at the company’s 10k I believe that the variety of sportswear that we make and sell should satisfy the majority of women and each body shape,” she said. To mark the release of the new autumn/winter range, AdaJane and other team members ran the Boudavida Women’s 10k, which takes place every September in Windsor Great Park, in the new kit. Ada-Jane is currently working on the designs for next year and said: “I hope to continue designing clothes that are flattering for all ages and body types.” Boudavida donate 5 per cent of all sales to projects that support women and girl’s sport, and say they are “changing the world of women’s sport, one pair of leggings at a time”.

Get in touch The Wells City FC Under 7s players and managers

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Email your sports news to: sport@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice

November 2017

n TAKE A BREAK

S T T T R C A L S A S F D R J Q I V R

T O T T E N H A M H O T S P U R B N O

N N I Z R A G U L R U S E A G U L L S

B C G H M C L Y D E A L Y X R W U F S

TXT PERT

K O E C J T R A I T H M L Y E J E A C

P H R O R E D D E V I L S K A T S R O

S E S O K O K D W I G A N Y O T E F U

W A W A N D E R E R S F S T O W N R N

I R I S O U T H A M P T O N E G L E T

N T Q N A L B I O N O Q V T O F F S Y

D S O U T H E N D K L I N C O L N A S

O G R I M S B Y E L L N K E G C I T Y

N P O X X K D A R L I N G T O N X Z Q

A L L O A U T R A N M E R E K R E D S

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SOLUTIONS

E S P U I A Y G U E L K E D E B R X P

VEGETABLE CROSSWORD

R E G W L S P J V F D R T R O M B O N

Across: Cauliflower, Tomato, Pepper, Carrot, Onion. Down: Cucumber, Eggplant, Beet, Potato.

O R S H A M I L T O N O I R E F M D T

TXT PERT

F P E N S I O N E R S Y N S C H Z A P

EASY for children

Across 1 Cot, 3 Mop, 5 Crib, 6 Washer, 8 Tile. Down 1 Car, 2 Tub, 3 Mow, 4 Pantry, 5 Closet, 6 Wall, 7 Hall.

I M I L L W A L L T W B U R N L E Y H

SUDOKU

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.

WORDSEARCH

This month: Football teams

Can you find 53 team names or nicknames hidden vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

Albion, Alloa, Aston Villa, Blues, Boro, Burnley, Bury, City, Clyde, Crewe, Darlington, Dons, Exeter, Forest, Fulham, Grimsby, Hamilton, Hammers, Hearts, Hereford, Hull, Ipswich, Jays, Lincoln, Luton, Millwall, Owls, Partick, Pensioners, Preston, Raith, Rams, Red Devils, Reds, Robins, Ross County, Saints, Seagulls, Southampton, Southend, Stoke, Swindon, Tigers, Toffs, Torquay, Tottenham Hotspur, Town, Tranmere, United, Wanderers, Wigan, Wolves, York

WORDSEARCH

VEGETABLE CROSSWORD The pictures are the clues – can you recognise all these different kinds of vegetables, and do you know how to spell them? Answers above – but no peeking yet!

This month: Around the home

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad Southampton

Clues Southend Across 1.Stoke 268 3.Swindon 667 5.Tigers 2742 6.Toffs 927437 8. 8453 Torquay

Down 1. 227 2. 882 3. 669 4. 726879 5. 256738 6. 9255 7. 4255

Tottenham Hotspur 2 is A, B or C 6 is M, N or O 3 Town is D, E or F 7 is P, Q, R or S 4 Tranmere is G, H or I 8 is T, U or V 5 is J, K, or L 9 is W, X, Y or Z United

Wanderers Wigan

WANTED

Wolves York

All Old / Vintage Fishing Tackle Reels, Rods, Cased Fish, Angling Books Collector pays cash. Will collect

Call Nigel on 01934 520543 or email nigel164townsend@btinternet.com

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