Wells Voice October 2020

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October 2020 Issue 40

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Police take action in bid to make Wells a no-go area for tool thieves – see page 26 St Andrews Ward beds to be moved Mental health unit beds being transferred from Wells to Yeovil Turn to page 2

Fears for future of film centre Public urged to get behind Save Your Cinema campaign Turn to page 5

Mini food festival in Market Place Theatre school has a new base for the new term, while celebrating news that is has achieved champion status for its teaching excellence – page 9

Rewards for shoppers and boost for traders New loyalty scheme with monthly voucher prizes will encourage people to shop local – see page 3

Plan to set up more than 30 stalls alongside virtual event Turn to page 7

Virtual display of cutting edge art Online visitors invited to view competition’s shortlisted works Turn to page 10

SHOP ONLINE WITH US FOR ALL YOUR CARE PRODUCTS The Oakville Care Centre team are currently operating from the Frome branch (tel: 01373 455415), and all our infection control products can be ordered online. You can also use our website to order all your mobility aids and personal care products.

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wellsvoice n NEWS

wellsvoice

October 2020

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

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network

LOC AL INFORMATION

NOVEMBER DEADLINE

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

To ensure your news or letter is included in the November issue, please contact us by October 14.

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

COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong.

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

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

Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 6,800 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages.

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Staff from local garden and landscaping company MTL dressed in their finest pirate attire when they took to the water to remove vegetation growing from the walls of The Bishop’s Palace Moat. The company said the work was a gift to the people of Wells as it tried to do its bit for the community that has supported it so much over the years.

Beds at St Andrews Ward to be relocated THE 14 beds at the St Andrews Ward mental health unit in Wells are to be moved to Yeovil.

Members of the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body unanimously voted in favour of the proposal at a virtual meeting on September 24.

The decision followed a review of mental health services in Somerset; the Fit for My Future review concluded that moving the beds to Rowan Ward at Yeovil made sense because of the proximity of additional support in an emergency, being closer to hospital emergency care if needed and the provision of 24/7 medical cover.

Maria Heard, programme director for Fit for My Future and Somerset CCG Governing Body member, said: “We know that in Wells and the surrounding area there were strong feelings about the proposal to relocate the 14 adult mental health in-patient beds and some people will be disappointed by the decision.

However this proposal was approved to help us provide safer care to people who need this level of mental health support across the whole of Somerset.”

Jane Yeandle, service director

for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Directorate which runs the mental health inpatient wards, said: “Following the decision we will now work with our staff, patients and carers to take this forward. We will also listen to feedback from current and former patients of St Andrews Ward, their carers and current staff about what they value about the service. We will use their feedback to directly inform the way care is provided for everyone on our acute mental health wards in Taunton and Yeovil.

“There will be a considerable period of building work to create the new ward in Yeovil and to upgrade the facilities on the adjacent Rowan Ward. We will work with service users to ensure that they are involved in the planning of the new ward on Rowan and support colleagues working in the service throughout the period of transition.”

A 12-week public consultation was held on the proposal earlier this year. Of people from the Wells area who responded to it, 75 per cent opposed relocating the beds.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

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n NEWS

Launch of local shops loyalty scheme A REVAMPED reward scheme for loyal shoppers will launch in October to boost the city’s shopping centre.

Shoppers in Wells will be given a loyalty card which the traders will stamp with the value of the purchase. When there are £100 worth of stamps on the card it should be dropped into a box at the Town Hall Tourist Information Centre.

Every month a completed card will be drawn and the winner gets five £10 vouchers to spend in shops run by league members.

Chalmers HB of Chamberlain Street is sponsoring the scheme. The company’s David Winter said: “As a local firm of accountants, we are delighted to sponsor the new Wells loyalty scheme.

“Wells is a unique city with great character and charm, helped greatly by its abundance of independent shops and places to eat.

“We hope that this scheme encourages the local people of Wells to provide the much-

David Winter, a director of Chalmers HB, left, with Steve Luck outside the Tourist Information Centre which will be the base for the new-look loyalty scheme that will launch in October needed support to these businesses which are so valuable to our High Street ensuring their survival in this period of economic recovery.

“Supporting these independent businesses will also benefit the other local businesses that in turn support

Remembrance activity changes COMMITTEE members of the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion have had to make some major decisions about this year’s Remembrance events.

“These have not been taken lightly but with the safety of our members, our helpers and the public in mind,” said Wells Poppy Appeal organiser Derek Cooper.

The Legion’s main aim is to ensure that the public can still take part in Remembrance but in a safe way, and be able to get their poppy. It is hoped that 7,000 supermarkets and 5,000 shops across the country will take supplies direct from the head office and have them available for the public to obtain and donate.

In Wells, there are likely to be poppies available in about 10 shops, including a couple of the supermarkets, but this is yet to be finalised. There will be no house-to-house or street collections.

Discussions are taking place with schools about having the

usual school boxes available for pupils to donate.

Derek said: “We are very sad to say we have cancelled the Poppy Appeal Concert which would have been our 99th, that we normally hold in the Town Hall in October. With regards to Remembrance Sunday and the normal church service, we are in talks with St Cuthbert’s as to how this might take place.

“We believe the normal wreath-laying outside can’t be undertaken in the normal way with large crowds gathering in the area. The march up the High Street to the Harry Patch Memorial will not take place.

“I do have all the wreaths delivered ready for any organisation that wants one but where and how we deal with the laying of them is currently under discussion with the church.

“Rest assured we as a branch will, like all branches across the country, do all we can to ensure Remembrances in Wells will happen but in a safe and sensible way.”

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them, including the local produce suppliers, tradespeople and other support services.”

The new-look reward scheme has been devised by Robert

Powell of Basil Powell Shoes, Rob Bevan of Protec, Louis Agabani from The Bishop’s Eye and Deputy Mayor Philip Welch.

“This is a great opportunity to reward the loyal shoppers of Wells and help the retailers of Wells to work together to recover from the coronavirus lockdown in the spring,” said Robert Powell.

The loyalty league’s former treasurer Rodney Angel, who used to work at the city’s NatWest bank, has passed the financial baton to Wells Town Clerk Steve Luck.

“I am delighted to support this brilliant scheme,” said Steve, who will work as treasurer in his own time as a volunteer.

Participating traders will be publicised in Wells Voice.

Wells Voice editor Andy Vallis said: “It’s great that this scheme is taking off again. We all want to see a flourishing city centre and hopefully this will help.”

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4

October 2020

n NEWS

Old Deanery attracts good level of interest THE Diocese of Bath and Wells says that there has been plenty of interest in The Old Deanery since it went back up for sale.

The historic building on Cathedral Green is being marketed again with a guide price of £1.6 million. It was being used as diocesan offices but staff have now been relocated to Flourish House at Cathedral Avenue.

A spokesperson for the Diocese said: “We are very pleased with the level of interest shown in the Old Deanery since it was returned to the market.”

At least one potential purchaser is said to have submitted an offer and to have indicated that, if successful, they might be willing to work with the Save the Old Deanery community group to develop parts of the building for the

benefit of local residents and tourists. The community group are awaiting further information but also remain keen on trying to buy the building themselves, and there have been discussions recently between representatives of the group and of the Diocese to explore things further. The group’s vision is to turn The Old Deanery into a community hub incorporating a world-class art gallery or museum, workshops, cafe and a restaurant.

The group say they have been overwhelmed with the level of public support for their campaign. More than 1,500 people have signed up to back their bid, and more support is coming in all the time.

“We’re determined to secure the building’s future for the people of Wells and its visitors, and we’ll do whatever

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The Old Deanery is seen in the distance in this recently taken aerial image it takes to achieve that,” said a spokesperson for the group.

Discussing the sale of The Old Deanery in Country Life magazine in September, columnist ‘Athena’ described it as “one of the most important grand residential buildings from the 15th century to survive in Britain”.

The author said that given the interest, location and associations of the building, its future ought to be a matter for

open discussion, and that “there should be some weight given to the public benefits of the sale, as opposed to the financial return in exclusivity”. The author draws parallels with the attempt by the Church Commissioners to sell The Bishop’s Palace at Wells “in the teeth of local opposition”, and concludes: “The result for the Commissioners was a humiliating fiasco. Please, let’s not have a repeat with the Old Deanery.”

Work on garden comes to end The Old Deanery Garden Steering Group explain why the group has had to close AS soon as the Old Deanery was put up for sale in September 2019 by the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF), many local residents raised the question “But what will happen to the Garden?”

By the time the DBF were scheduled to move out of the building on March 27, 2020, no purchaser had been found and there was no indication that there would be any future role for the volunteer Old Deanery Garden Group. Combined with the lockdown, this made access to the Old Deanery Garden impossible. The Old Deanery Garden Group therefore had no choice but to close down.

This was an extremely difficult decision. Members of the group had spent 17 years in reviving what was the private garden (his ‘Privy Garden’) of the remarkable Dr William Turner, Dean of Wells under Edward VI and Elizabeth I, Doctor of Medicine and popularly called “the Father of English Botany”.

Many locals, as well as tourists,

The Old Deanery Garden had enjoyed visits – often repeated – to the garden’s popular Open Days. The group had arranged talks on related interests, from herbal medicine to Tudor music, established links with national garden history collections and built up a flourishing body of Friends.

In order to create a garden in the style Dr Turner would have recognised, a great deal of historical research was carried out. As a result, the Old Deanery Garden Group has a sizeable archive and an important collection of books relating to Turner, his work and his world. It is in the process of finding a new home for both archive and books. A further announcement will be made once these arrangements have been finalised.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

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Film centre facing fight for survival WELLS Film Centre has made an urgent plea for people to support it or it will have to close its doors for good.

The cinema reopened in July after a four-month closure because of the coronavirus restrictions.

Since reopening, customer numbers have been disappointingly low, with many screenings seeing only a handful of film-goers – and some films having no customers at all.

The film centre has taken the decision to temporarily close again from October 2, hoping to be back for the new James Bond film No Time To Die, due out in November.

In the meantime it is launching a Save Your Cinema campaign in a bid to keep the business alive.

“Since opening again in July numbers have been at an all-time low,” said film centre proprietor Sally Cooper.

“We’re not bringing in enough to survive. We need people to be aware of how serious the situation is.”

The coronavirus pandemic has meant the loss of some crowd-pulling blockbusters as distributors delay or cancel big film releases.

It has also left some people nervous about venturing out to the cinema, and with fewer customers, sales of popcorn and sweets that are so vital to cinemas have dried up, and screen advertising is down.

Measures had been put in place to make the cinema Covidsafe and reassure customers, including plastic screens in the foyer, allocated seating, and an enhanced cleaning regime between shows.

“The films we had lined up were excellent but people don’t

Sally Cooper at Wells Film Centre necessarily know about them because of a lack of marketing,” said Sally.

“We hope to reopen again in November and we hope that people will come back. Unless they come back, the people of Wells will not have a cinema.”

The film centre hopes the Save Your Cinema campaign will help it keep going for now. The campaign will invite people to Sponsor a Seat, which will then have their name on it; to Sponsor a Screen; to Sponsor a Show; to buy a Christmas gift card early; to ‘round up’ spending at the cinema; or simply to make a donation.

The cinema is also planning a board in the foyer on which people can pay to have their name recorded, or pay for the name of a local essential key worker who deserves recognition.

Private screenings could

Parents offered tours of school INSTEAD of holding the usual Open Evening, St Cuthbert’s Infants and Pre-school is offering one-to-one Parent Tours to prospective parents before they have to apply for their school place in January 2021.

This year, the school feels that this is the most appropriate way to keep everyone as safe as it can.

Parent Tours will be held on Wednesdays from October 7 until January 6, 2021, and will be bookable in 15-minute slots.

For enquiries and to book a Parent Tour slot, contact the school office on 01749 672591 or sch.395@educ.somerset.gov.uk.

The school is sited at Keward Avenue in Wells.

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also be a lifeline for the cinema.

Numbers might be restricted at

normal social gatherings, but when it reopens, the film centre plans private screenings at which it could welcome parties of up to 30 or 40 people in groups of up to six (unless from the same household), to adhere to current social distancing rules, for a private show that can include extras such as goodie bags.

“It’s all about a shared experience but the only people in there are the people you know. Get in touch with us and we can tailor something to your needs,” said Sally.

She said that more details of the Save Your Cinema campaign will be released soon.

“This is a community cinema. The community has supported us immensely and we need that support now more than ever,” she said.

For general enquiries or to book a private screening, email info@wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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6

October 2020

n NEWS

Leaflets sent out to explain new service

EXPANDED Recycle More collections are starting in and around Wells at the end of October.

Recycle More leaflets outlining Somerset Waste Partnership’s expanded recycling service have been sent to all homes receiving the new collections. A detailed collections calendar will arrive soon. There will be no changes until Recycle More begins.

Anyone with a weekly recycling collection will be able to add: n Household and food plastic pots, tubs and trays. n Beverage cartons/Tetra Paks. n Small household batteries. n Small electrical items.

Just before Recycle More starts, residents will receive a base-weighted, reusable ‘bright

blue bag’ to take these materials: plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles, plus cans, aerosols and foil.

The green box will be for beverage cartons, glass bottles and jars; the black box for paper and card; the food bin for all food waste; and add carrier or smaller bags with small household batteries and small electrical items.

Because that extra weekly recycling means less rubbish, waste in bins or black sacks will be collected every three weeks instead of every two. The changes to collection days will be listed in the calendar leaflet.

There will be no changes to garden and clinical waste pickups, or at Wells Recycling Centre at Dulcote.

Those with communal

The new Recycle More scheme is expected to be introduced in Wells over two weeks from Monday, October 26 collections of recycling and rubbish are not affected for now; their Recycle More changes will come next year, and they will be sent full information in advance.

Mickey Green, Somerset Waste Partnership’s managing director, said: “We saw the new service work well in our trials here in Somerset and similar systems are working well for many people in other parts of the UK. “People want to recycle and we are making it easier for everyone to recycle even more and help protect our environment.

“It’s an important change and we are here to help, so get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.”

Somerset Waste Partnership has held its first Facebook Q&A

sessions on the Recycle More scheme. Dozens of queries were answered on the @ somersetwaste Facebook page, and there will be more sessions on Saturday, October 10, from 11am to noon, and Thursday, October 29, from 7pm to 8pm.

SWP is also hosting Recycle More discussions as part of Mendip Talking Cafe Live events run by the Community Council for Somerset. The next is on Wednesday, October 14, from 11am-noon, at facebook.com/ talkingcafesomerset n Somerset’s 16 recycling sites, including at Dulcote, will go over to their winter timetables from Thursday, October 1. Weekday opening hours will be 9am-5pm while weekends remain 9am4pm. Summer hours resume on April 1, 2021.

Craft guild attracts wide interest THE Somerset Guild of Craftsmen has seen a surge of interest since reopening the doors to its shop and gallery in Broad Street, Wells, in July.

Loyal customers returned and there have also been many new visitors.

“We have seen a huge surge in visitors as more people are ‘staycationing’ and it seems Wells in general has been bustling with many positive comments about the ‘cosmopolitan’ feel we now have with the cafe atmosphere in the Market Place,” said guild manager Tanith Tothill.

“During lockdown our members have been busy creating new work to such an extent we started a public

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Facebook group for them to showcase and called it ‘Inspiration in Isolation’.

“We are also very proud to welcome new members including Misha Seelhoff’s anodised jewellery, Lucy Howell’s papier mache, Northan Viking Silver, Bodrighy Wood, Mary Kembery’s pottery, Jack Beaumont’s narrative jewellery and acclaimed ceramicist Heidi Warr.

“This means we now have a cornucopia of new work for our customers to peruse.

“One of the unusual sideeffects of lockdown is that we are seeing some extremely early Christmas shopping as people are concerned that we may have to close again.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

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Stalls set to appear in mini food festival THE main Wells Food Festival might be going virtual for 2020, but the organisers have announced that there will still be a presence in the city on Sunday, October 11.

“The Saturday farmer’s market has been running responsibly in the Market Place for months,” said festival director Jon Abbott. “So, working within Government guidelines, and with the support of our sponsor, Charlie Bigham’s, we felt it appropriate to put together a mini Wells Food Festival for local visitors to enjoy.”

Over 30 of the previous award-winning market stalls from the last seven years of the festival will be making a welcome return to the Market Place. These include Wells companies Fenny Castle Vineyard which won last

year’s Best in Show Award as well as the Best Alcoholic Drink Stall; winner of the 2019 Best Non-Food Stall Award, BsBees, and Wookey Goat Farm which won the 2018 Best Cheese Stall.

“Championing our artisan producers has always been at the heart of the festival so what better way to celebrate the very best that Somerset has to offer than by bringing back our winners in one unique bite-sized Artisan Market,” said Jon. There will also be live filming throughout the day, including workshops such as a masterclass in creating a hand-tied bouquet with Georgie Newbery of Somerset’s Common Farm Flowers. These can be attended on October 11 in Wells or visit the virtual festival at wellsfoodfestival.bighams.com

Centre nearing completion THE Wells Enterprise Centre at Cathedral Park is nearing completion. Work is being finalised for the remaining fitout, and it should be open to tenants by the end of the year.

The centre will offer two large offices and ten smaller offices, with two meeting rooms. There will also be five industrial units on the site.

Car park agreed

Georgie Newbery will be giving a masterclass in creating a hand-tied bouquet with garden flowers

HORRINGTON Primary School has been given the go-ahead to create a new car park and extend the playground and playing field.

Mendip District Council said that “the significant benefits to highway safety arising from the new car park outweigh any limited harm to the openness of the countryside and the setting of the Mendip Hills AONB”.

The car park will create more than 30 additional spaces.

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

8

October 2020

n NEWS

Network on alert as virus cases increase

SOMERSET’S Director of Public Health is urging everyone to remain vigilant and keep following government guidance as the county sees an increase in coronavirus cases.

Although Somerset figures continue to remain lower than other areas of the country, 69 new cases were reported in the first fortnight of September, with Mendip seeing a slightly higher level than the rest of the county.

Dog walking for people selfisolating is one of the services provided by the Wells Coronavirus Network However, the Wells Coronavirus Network is ready to ramp up its services if Covid-19 should become a greater threat in the city, and more people have to self-isolate.

WCN’s volunteers continue to help with shopping,

prescription collections and telephone befriending. Anyone needing these services can call 01749 467079 or email hello@ helpwells.co.uk.

From September 14, meeting socially in groups of more than six has been banned – indoors or outdoors.

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health at Somerset County Council, said: “I cannot stress how important it is we continue to remain vigilant and follow the government guidance.

We are seeing increasing cases across the country, including here in Somerset.

“We’re all in this together and preventing spread of the virus and protecting our loved ones is up to us. The only way we can do this is through our behaviour. Remember HANDS – wash regularly and for at least 20 seconds; FACE – wear a face covering in settings, if you can; and SPACE – stay two metres apart from others or one metre plus with extra precautions in place such as increased ventilation or face covering if two metres is not possible.

“If you do start to show symptoms, however mild, please self-isolate immediately and book a test online at www.nhs. uk/coronavirus or phone 119.

Please keep trying throughout the day if local test slots aren’t available. And please don’t book a test unless you are showing symptoms.”

Competition winner Nikki Toole

Calf given sweet sounding name THE winning entry in the Roly’s Fudge Pantry name-the-calf competition is Sweet Cowaline.

Nikki Toole suggested the winning name, which was chosen from dozens of entries by shop owners Steven Jones and Sarah Orton.

Nikki wins £25 of vouchers to spend in Roly’s Fudge Pantry.

She said: “I am absolutely over the moo-n with winning. I love words and spent some time trying to create a connection between something sweet and fudgy with a cow inspired name. Once I thought of Sweet Cowaline I was happy and

thought it would be a fantastic fit for your scrumptious products.”

The runners up, who win £10 of vouchers, were: Kensa Pridham, aged eight, with Simooon Cowell; Jo Espley with Buttermilk “to reflect your lovely ingredients”; and a joint runner up prize to two members of the same family who put the spotlight on Roly’s best-selling flavour with equal humour – Paul Emery with Camilla Vanilla and Jamie Emery with Priscilla Vanilla.

The life-size calf has taken up permanent residence in the shop window.

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A demonstration took place outside Wells MP James Heappey’s office in Broad Street in a protest against British Airways. BA staff and Unite union members displayed a banner and waved placards as part of a nationwide campaign urging MPs to push for a review of the airline’s privileged landing and take-off slots. They say these should be reviewed unless BA ends its ‘fire and rehire’ plans to terminate workers’ contracts and rehire them on inferior terms. According to the union, more than 240 MPs have signed a pledge calling for government action, and campaigners were lobbying Mr Heappey to increase the pressure on the government to act.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

9

n NEWS

Double celebration for theatre school

By Angela Brennan

Miss Penny, centre, with staff and student helpers outside the Drama Barn

P

means that we can provide an environment that is as friendly and welcoming as it can be, while recognising the new stringent health and safety protocols under Covid-19.”

To ensure social distancing each pupil will have their own

UT CU & T KE E

stages eight shows a year giving all students an opportunity to perform.

Miss Penny said: “We are really excited to have a new base and one that is in the centre of Wells. Our new home means we can expand the opportunities for our students to experience the fun and joy of learning through performance.

“We offer a classes for pupils from the age of four to 18 giving them a wide range of theatrical experiences. The new base

O

WELLS Academy of Theatrical Arts has a double reason to celebrate as it starts a new term this month.

Not only has it been appointed a Trinity Champion Centre but the academy has a new home having moved to the former Centre Space building in Market Street which has now become the Drama Barn.

The news comes as the academy, founded by principal Penelope Lambert (AISTD dip) in 2000, marks its 20th anniversary.

The recognition by Trinity College London is for the successful delivery of Trinity qualifications in Drama and Musical Theatre. Trinity College London is a leading international exam board and independent education charity that specialises in the assessment of communicative and performance skills covering music and drama, combined arts and English Language.

The school has been running musical theatre classes and summer schools in the local area since it started and it successfully

Hollywood-style star on the Drama Barn floor.

Miss Penny added: “It’s an exciting new era for the academy and we are looking forward to the future.”

Becoming a Trinity Champion Centre means the academy will be able to inspire organisations by sharing its practice and advocating accreditation in their communities and more widely.

Miss Penny added: “Wells Academy of Theatrical Arts is pleased that Trinity College London has recognised the way we have inspired our students to succeed. A Trinity qualification is recognised by OFQUAL.” Trinity classes are taught

by Beth Hancock (BA Hons Performing Arts, MA Popular Performance, PGCE Primary Education).

For more information about classes visit wellsdrama.co.uk or email info@wellstheatricalarts. co.uk

Best foot forward for charity witnessed many occasions when a child has had to cope with the death of a parent.

“It isn’t easy to know what to do or say for the best and sometimes people choose to say nothing because they’re frightened of getting it wrong,” he said.

Paul plans to walk 160 miles and will start from the centre of Florence on October 1. He will be walking alone and will carry everything he needs in a rucksack and aims to arrive at the Basilica di San Francesco two weeks later. He is hoping to raise £1,500 for Winston’s Wish through his JustGiving page.

“I’ve raised nearly 70 per cent of my target so far. I’m absolutely delighted,” said Paul.

“I’ve been learning Italian for several years now, so I’m really looking forward to meeting people along the way. I just hope the knees hold out.”

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Hullo From

EARTHCRAFT of WELLS

Crafts, Gifts & Cards Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 3pm Thank you for your patience in these curious times.

It will be lovely to see you but our small space means we can only have one customer at a time, for short visits – sorry.

Unless exempt, please

wear a mask (not a visor) Please DON’T SHARE YOUR AIR Thank you

"

PAUL James, of Wells, has been in training for many weeks now.

In October he will be following part of The Way of St Francis from Florence to Assisi in Italy to raise money for Winston’s Wish.

“It’s a charity which is very close to my heart,” said Paul, pictured above. “Winston’s Wish does fantastic work to support children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling.

The charity has helped thousands of young people cope with grief and, in time, to feel hopeful about the future.”

Paul’s own father died in 1972, leaving behind his wife and six children. He said: “If we had had support at the time from an organisation like Winston’s Wish, things could have been so much better for us all.”

Having worked in education for over 30 years, Paul has

8 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SY 01749 674728 info@earthcraft.co.uk

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wellsvoice

10

October 2020

n NEWS

Virtual showcase for contemporary art FROM October 1, visitors will be able to view the finest contemporary art in a unique virtual exhibition.

Now in its ninth year, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) received a record-breaking number of entries from 50 different countries for its open competition.

Out of nearly 3,600 submissions, a shortlist of 128 pieces has been selected.

Although the physical event cannot be held in Wells Cathedral, a large screen in the South Transept will be showing the virtual exhibition.

“The Cathedral was such an inspirational setting last year,” said Paddy O’Hagan, chair of WAC. “With the full support of the Dean of Wells, we felt it was important that the collaboration continued this year.”

All shortlisted works will be available to view and to purchase

Shortlisted artist Jack Paffett at work in his Bristol studio in the digital exhibition. With pieces from emerging and established artists priced from £200 to £25,000 and spanning painting, drawing, sculpture,

video and photography, there will be a piece for every collector and budget.

There is also a Community Room featuring work from local

art projects: Heads Up, Art Bank and Imagine, Learn & Create.

“The original aim of WAC was to support visual artists and that is needed now more than ever,” said Paddy.

“We have been helped by a grant from Arts Council England and we are also overwhelmed with the generosity of our sponsors. We still have lifechanging prizes which will be presented in a virtual awards ceremony.”

These include the Next Generation Art Prize from Andelli Art Gallery in Wells and the new Somerset Art Works Festival 2021 Award, to be presented to one of the shortlisted Somerset artists.

Visitors can also get involved by voting for their favourite work for the Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize. Voting begins on October 1 when the exhibition opens at www.wellsartcontemporary. co.uk/2020-wac-awards

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wellsvoice

October 2020

11

n NEWS

Artist imagines how buildings could look A WELLS artist is going to release pictures throughout October of buildings in Wells as they have never been seen before.

Caryn Peiffer has designed a series of imaginary murals on small businesses and notable buildings across the city, each created with digital illustration and photography.

“Wells is gorgeous and definitely doesn’t need a makeover, but I’d like to think that the art can bring a little playful energy to the city,” she said. “The idea to create the series came from a simple thought: what if I could reimagine Wells in a way where giant murals were the norm?

What would that look like?”

The series is called ‘City of Walls, Somerset’ – a reimagination of the City of Wells – and the ten featured businesses are Loaf Bakehouse, Chop Barbers, Pickwicks Country Kitchen, Strangers With Coffee, A2 Gallery, Queen Street Delicatessen, Branch and Bloom, Bar Italia, Ye Olde Sweet Shop, and Tincknell Country Store.

The businesses are being asked to place a small poster of their imaginary mural in their shop windows for the month of October, which Caryn will also share on her social media platforms.

“I chose to, at least initially, only feature local businesses that are away from the high street, as a way of supporting the ‘Beyond Wells High Street’ efforts,” she said.

“I also chose to feature those

Pickwicks Cafe, left, and Ye Olde Sweet Shop adorned with murals as imagined by artist Caryn Peiffer that my family uses. If my five-year-old had it her way, she would be Ye Olde Sweet Shop’s best customer, for example, and I love the coffee at and have a great relationship with the gang at Loaf. All the featured businesses are in buildings that make for a pretty good canvas for their reimagination, as well.”

To see the pieces online and other work by Caryn, look for @carynpaints on Instagram or Facebook.

Caryn has painted real murals locally for Loaf Bakehouse and Rockers and Rollers Day Nursery.

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Work continues on new post office THE Post Office say that they are working hard to get a branch open again in Wells, but the coronavirus pandemic has caused delays.

Hopes that it would open in Peacocks in September have so far been dashed, and there is still no confirmed opening date.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “The relocation of Wells Post Office to the Peacocks store was delayed due to the

temporary closure of nonessential retailers during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know how important a post office is to a community and we are working hard to restore a branch in the city centre as soon as possible. There is no confirmed opening date yet.

“In the interim alternative branches include St Thomas Street, Westbury-sub-Mendip and Pilton.”

For news online see wellsvoice.co.uk

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

12

October 2020

n NEWS

Vodafone appeals against decision to refuse phone mast VODAFONE has launched an appeal after it was refused permission in March to install a phone mast on Wells Cathedral School playing fields.

Mendip District Council turned down the application for a 12.5m lattice mast with ground-based cabinets and ancillary development at the sports ground at Torhill Lane, Wells. The council said that the need for the mast had not been adequately justified, and that it would have a detrimental impact on the visual character of the area.

Now Vodafone has appealed against the decision. A spokesperson for Vodafone said: “Vodafone customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel and we require additional sites in order to ensure our customers in Wells have strong and reliable coverage.

“With Cornerstone, who manage our planning applications, we have proposed a new site at Strawberry Fields to provide 3G and 4G services.

Unfortunately, this proposal development was refused by the Local Planning Authority. After assessing this refusal we still feel that the proposed development is the best solution available locally and have now submitted an appeal against this decision.”

Peter Welsh lives near the playing fields and said: “The Tor Furlong path would become an access road to the mast tower forever altering its current role as a peaceful artery between East Wells and the town centre.

“The area targeted is a school field next to meadows and National Trust woodland which serves as a vital and precious resource during the pandemic for people of all ages to enjoy.

“It is my view that this appeal seeks to ignore local political and planning judgements regarding this green space.”

St Cuthbert Out Parish Council and Wells City Council both recommended refusal of the original plans, and Wells Cathedral School said it had not been consulted.

Dozens of members of the public wrote to the district council to object, while a number of people wrote in support of the planning application, saying that the area needs a better mobile phone signal.

As well as gaining planning consent for the mast, Vodafone also needs an agreement to be signed by the school.

A spokesperson for Wells Cathedral School said: “The school has not signed the agreement allowing Vodafone permission to install a mast on its grounds.”

Ben Potter, a guide and welcomer at Wells Cathedral and a singer in Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir, raised £1,500 for the Cathedral’s Bounce Back appeal with a sponsored ride on his recumbent tricycle from Taunton to Wells. He left Taunton at 10am and arrived at the West Front of Wells Cathedral at 4.30pm on September 19.

Plans being made for 2021 events WELLS Lions have begun to plan a programme of events for next year in the hope that the situation with the coronavirus will have improved enough to stage them.

They have been in discussion with The Bishop’s Palace about the possibility of staging maypole dancing there, and are also hopeful that, with the assistance of the city council, the Moat Boat Races can be staged again next August.

Two music events are being planned in 2021, one at Saint Thomas’ Church and the other at Saint Cuthbert’s Church, both subject to the prevailing coronavirus restrictions. One of the events will be a choir concert

and the other a rock concert.

“We will keep the people of Wells abreast of our ambitious current planning,” said club president Rod Major.

The club continues to donate from its charity fund, and at its most recent meeting on September 14 – when four new visitors attended – members agreed to pay the insurance premium of £250 for the Wells Community Shed at South Horrington.

The club also agreed to pay £600 to the Lawrence Centre as a PPE donation, and has previously donated £500 to the Elim Connect Centre for the homeless to receive vouchers for fish and chips.

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wellsvoice

October 2020

13

n NEWS

Fundraiser clocks up £1,500

Special ingot goes on show

WELLS City Band’s clock-ina-box fundraiser has raised a whopping £1,500.

The band launched the fun challenge after all its bookings were cancelled because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Marcus Fisher of Gallery Jewellers in Wells High Street wound a clock, which was placed in a box, and for a £5 entry fee people were invited to guess at what time it would stop.

The winner was Sarah Briton who guessed 4.56. She wins £200.

Sarah is widow of the late former Mayor of Wells Chris Briton, and was delighted to support the band as Chris developed a close association with them while he was mayor.

In second place and winner of a £50 voucher to spend at Gallery Jewellers was M Belton-Simmons, another band supporter.

The total profit, with donations, was £1,500. The fundraising effort was supported by band players, family and friends (39%), regular supporters in Wells (33%), new supporters (21%) and local churches (7%).

Support came from Wales to Essex and Cumbria to Hampshire.

“Thanks to Marcus Fisher for his support with the smooth

WELLS & Mendip Museum is exhibiting a Roman lead ingot or ‘pig’ that was found at Westburysub-Mendip in 2016. This ingot is special for several reasons. It is precisely datable, it is further evidence of Roman lead mining at Charterhouse-on-Mendip, and it indicates previously unrecognised significant Roman activity at Westbury.

The ingot is on loan from the South West Heritage Trust and its acquisition is dedicated to the memory of Barry Lane (1944-2017), former curator of the museum who was passionate about uncovering the rich history of his home village, Westbury.

The museum has reopened to visitors every Saturday, and on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am4pm. In October, it will be open each Saturday, and on Tuesdays October 13 and 27, and Thursdays October 8 and 22.

Marcus Fisher with the clock after it came to a stop

running of this challenge,” said band treasurer Geoff Baker-Hytch. “Thanks as well to the people of Wells for their encouraging goodwill support that was as welcome as their generous financial support.”

The donations will help to buy any protective equipment needed for the band to eventually practice indoors, which will lead to playing outside for the people of Wells.

“The band are being advised

by Brass Band England and the risk assessment is being

constantly updated – we will only return to play when it is safe for players and audience,” said Geoff.

Fashion shop change of location FASHION shop Amba has moved to a prominent new site in Wells Market Place.

The store was based in Priory Road, but owner Karen Bell is delighted to have had the chance to move to the new site.

“It’s a fantastic location,” she said.

“The Market Place has great character, and it’s a busy place with lots of shoppers and tourists.

“I’m really pleased with the new shop – we’ve been very busy since opening, and customers have been very complimentary about it.”

Amba has just celebrated its 17th anniversary of being in Wells.

It is currently offering a ten per cent discount for purchases of more than £50. Customers

Amba is now in Wells Market Place should cut out the voucher in Wells Voice (right) and present it in the store to claim their discount.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

14

October 2020

n NEWS

Repairs carried out after vandals target giant toads

The three giant toads are now looking as good as new

REPAIRS have been carried out to make good the damage caused by vandals to three giant toads made by Wells artist Philippa Threlfall and her husband Kennedy Collings.

The toads were made for the Old Pig Market shopping development in Taunton in 1983, and were a popular feature until they were removed for redevelopment of the site.

They were subsequently relocated to Victoria Park in Taunton, where they became a target for vandals.

Last year the Victoria Park action group asked Philippa to mend the toads, and this year

Daniel sitting on a half-modelled toad when he was aged nine or ten she and her son Daniel and daughter Tabby have carried out repairs so that they now look as good as new.

Climbers nearly halfway to space station

By Philip Welch FORTY “astronauts” have climbed the equivalent of more than 18 Mount Everests – all on their home stairs or midSomerset hills.

They have now covered 40 per cent of the way to their target – the International Space Station – as part of a fundraiser for a good cause organised by Sue Jones from Wells.

“Our star climber has ascended the equivalent of four and a half Everests since May and is now managing to ascend 9,500 feet each week,” said Sue. “Wells resident Gulsen Kockaya is truly remarkable and very dedicated.”

Originally from Turkey, Gulsen has lived here for 20 years and is full of energy and

enthusiasm. She is scaling 9,500 feet a week despite having three part-time jobs.

“To my knowledge, our Stairway to the Space Station fundraiser is a world-first,” said Sue. “I don’t think any person or group has tried climbing the vertical height to the Space Station before.

“And our main hill climber?

He’s reached 53,000 feet, nearly two Everests, just in his local countryside.”

Meanwhile lots of others are climbing their stairs as normal, or just a bit more to keep themselves fit.

One 80-year-old checked with a physiotherapist that it was OK for her knee. The physio replied: “Start earlier in the day and do it more often.”

Carry on climbing: Gulsen Kockaya is a star of the Stairway to the Space Station fundraiser

Climbers don’t have to seek sponsorship or pay registration.

Nevertheless nearly £2,000 has been raised for domestic abuse services.

“We are nearly halfway and would welcome lots more astronauts to join us,” said Sue. “Either write to stairwaytothespacestation@ hotmail.com or ring me on 01749 676216.

“Just measure the vertical height of your stairs and send in each week (ending on a Sunday) how often you have climbed them, or what height you have climbed on hills. And hey presto your heights will be added to everyone else’s.

“At the moment we are climbing one Everest a week, and we hope to double or treble that.”

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wellsvoice

October 2020

15

n NEWS

Work starting up on new police station CONSTRUCTION is beginning on the new police station in Wells.

The new station will be home to the local neighbourhood policing team and will be co-located with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DFSRS) at their site on Burcott Road, alongside South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWAST).

The neighbourhood police team will remain at the old site on Glastonbury Road until the new site is complete, which will ensure continuation of policing services to the local community.

Carefully managed construction phase planning means that DSFR and SWAST call-out provision will also continue to be maintained during the building work at Burcott Road.

It is estimated that the work will take 20 weeks to complete

The new police station is being built at the fire station site in Burcott Road and it is anticipated that the new police station will be fully open for use in early 2021.

Chief Inspector Sharon Baker said: “The current police station in Wells was built in 1950 and is no longer fit for purpose for modern day policing.

“The decision to invest in a new facility in Wells is an exciting development for our police team and the community of Wells.

“The changes to the police station will not affect the number of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs in the area.

Local police officers will still be working in the neighbourhood, continuing to deliver policing

services for the population of Wells from the heart of the community.”

Hannah Hood, PCSO Supervisor in Wells, said that the neighbourhood team in Wells were delighted at the start of construction work.

She added: “We will remain at our current site throughout the construction phase and will continue to be out and about in the area, working alongside the local community to resolve any issues or concerns.

“We are particularly looking forward to soon being able to resume our community engagement events, such as Beat Surgeries, which have all been on hold due to the social distancing restrictions.

“Our Facebook live sessions have also been a particularly successful way for us to connect with the community during lockdown and we are delighted to announce that we will be continuing with these online sessions as well.

“You can find all the details of upcoming events on our website.”

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I understand how important it is to local communities in Wells to have a neighbourhood policing team and we have been committed to ensuring there is a visible policing presence in the city.

“The new police station is another step in our move away from over-sized and expensive old police stations to more appropriate buildings alongside our partners where local people can access multiple services under one roof. The new station will also help officers to meet the needs of local residents and continue to keep the community safe.”

As Wells Voice reported last month, the old police station on Glastonbury Road has been acquired by Churchill Retirement Living with a view to building retirement apartments on the site. u On the Beat, page 26

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AUCTION OF QUALITY OFFICE FURNITURE, ARTWORK & DECORATIVE ITEMS Auction: 10.30am Saturday, 17th October 2020 (viewings on Saturday, 10th October 10.30am–12 noon) At: Westbury-sub-Hub, 22B Lodge Hill Business Park, Westbury-sub-Mendip, BA5 1EY 20% of nett proceeds to British Red Cross See online catalogue at: www.westbury-sub-hub.co.uk/ items-for-sale/ Contact: 07770 231244

wellsvoice n NEWS

16 WELLS VETS

October 2020

Flu vaccinations at Wells Health Centre Wells Health Centre has provided the following information about flu vaccinations

Trigger has done extremely well since his operation

Unusual swelling removal under chin Name: Trigger Age: 5 years 7 months Breed: Border Collie Likes: Running around the beach Dislikes: Salivating in the wrong place!

TRIGGER came in one morning because he had developed a swelling under his chin. This could have been a number of things so a sample was taken which found it to be filled with a fluid substance but not obviously infected.

This fluid material was therefore sent to a lab for analysis which identified it as saliva. An accumulation of saliva in the wrong place is known as a salivary mucocoele, or sialocele.

Under the chin is a common site for a sialocele as following damage to salivary gland/ duct saliva then accumulates.

Whilst this can be drained they inevitably refill and so the only

Trigger needed to have a salivary gland removed

definitive treatment is to remove them. In worst case scenarios the saliva accumulation can get so large that breathing can be affected. The surgery is complicated given the number of blood vessels and nerves in the area and takes a number of hours. As it wasn’t immediately obvious, before the operation an X-ray showed us that the damaged salivary duct/gland was on the right-hand side. This allowed us to remove not only the mucocoele, but the damaged gland also.

Trigger went home the same day on antibiotics and pain relief and has done extremely well. The operation site has healed very nicely and he has been rested to ensure he doesn’t knock the area.

He can now begin to exercise more normally and can even start salivating over his favourite foods again without fear of another sialocele developing!

Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1FD

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THE staff at Wells Health Centre have been working hard this year to make sure that we can safely and effectively offer our eligible patients their annual flu vaccination whilst maintaining social distancing in line with the government guidelines. This year we plan to hold our flu clinics on a Saturday along with appointments throughout the week to meet the demand.

Flu clinic dates and times Saturday, September 26: 08:30 to 12:30 Monday, September 28: 08:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 Tuesday, September 29: 08:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 Friday, October 2: 08:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 Saturday, October 3: 08:30 to 12:30 Monday, October 5: 08:30 to 12:30 Tuesday, October 6: 08:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 Friday, October 9: 08:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 All patients who are eligible to receive a flu vaccine will be sent an invitation to contact the surgery and book an appointment.

Before you attend for your vaccination please read and note the following: l Attend the surgery at your appointment time; this is different due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we are not running these clinics as ‘drop-in’ clinics as we have done before. l Please wear loose fitting sleeves and have your coat removed ready for your vaccination. l There will be no toilet facilities. l Please wear a mask if possible. l Carers should only attend if necessary.

Are all 50- to 64-yearolds eligible for a free flu vaccination?

Whilst we’ve received information that all 50- to 64-year-olds may be eligible for

a free flu vaccination as part of plans to protect more people against seasonal flu, these free vaccinations will be subject to delivery later in the year. This allows us to focus on those who are in an at-risk group, such as pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions.

They will be given priority and offered the vaccine first; if you are in this category you will be contacted.

If you are aged 50-64 and not in one of the at-risk categories you will told in the coming months if you will be able to attend for vaccination.

If the programme is extended this is likely to be November or December.

Of course if you wish to access

Flu season is fast approaching a vaccine prior to this date you can pay to have this at your local pharmacy as in previous years, otherwise please wait for more information.

How can I see my GP? Telephone triage will remain to be the first contact you will have with a health care professional who will try and help you over the phone. If they decide they would like you to be seen they will give you a mutually agreed time for you to attend. This enables us to be “Covid-secure” even for our most vulnerable patients.

In order for us to be able to contact you quickly and efficiently please make sure we have your most up to date contact details (land line, mobile phone number, email address).

Updates to how we are working and flu clinics can be found on our website: www. wellshealthcentre.co.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

17

n NEWS

Free expert help for Wells businesses A LARGE number of Wellsbased professional firms and several retired senior business executives – ‘sympathetic ears’ – all assembled by the Business Beyond Covid team at Wells Coronavirus Network, are now ready to offer their experience, free, to any local business in need of fresh ideas.

The Covid-19 emergency has hit every business hard, in different ways, and the fact is that most are still struggling to recover, to make sense of the ‘new normal’.

As society adjusts to working from home, the impact of social distancing, the surge in online buying, the collapse of certain markets and the emergence of new ones, job security and planning for the future have never been as tough as this.

“When businesspeople need advice, their first port of call is usually their accountancy practice,” said Christopher Bond,

Sympathetic Ears: from left, Simon Lawder, Helen Thompson and Mike Pottinger the programme’s co-leader. “We have two leading Wells practices in our team but some of the advice they need will require other skills: making your website work harder, WordPress, digital and social media marketing, short and long-term strategy, public and press relations, lease

negotiation, getting the best from Mailchimp, setting up on your own for the first time… We have them all, ready to help, one-toone or in workshops.”

The Business Beyond Covid programme will be launched officially on Thursday, October 8, at 7pm on Zoom. Many of

the Local Professionals and Sympathetic Ears will be on hand for business owners to talk to and arrange to meet up.

To register for this event, use the Eventbrite link: https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ business-beyond-covidtickets-120979511977

Progress with chapel plans THE City of Wells Almshouses have been successful in several applications for grants to assist in the renovation of their medieval chapel.

They have a long way to go in their quest for funding and grants, but are moving in the right direction.

In addition, individuals and organisations have expressed strong interest in using the chapel for small-scale, intimate events such as recitals, concerts, readings, presentations, seminars, workouts, rehearsals and more. The chapel will remain a place of worship for residents and local people, but will, when the restoration is complete, also become an ideal venue for the people of Wells and the surrounding areas to enjoy, use and visit.

The residents of the almshouses have all remained in good health throughout the current crisis, but the popular open days and other events were cancelled due to Covid-19.

However, the almshouses will reschedule more entertainment as soon as is safely possible.

Trustee Chris Vigar said: “If

Facing the challenge of business recovery after lockdown or starting a new business after Covid?

The beautiful chapel window anyone has any photographs of the chapel we would be delighted if you could send them to us to copy after which we will of course return them. In the meantime, please remember that the chapel is a hidden treasure for Wells and any expressions of support, of whatever nature, will always be very welcome.”

Any interesting materials about the chapel can be sent to the office at 4 Bubwith House, BA5 2QE, or email manager@ wellsalmshouses.org.uk

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Book your free place, log on and meet the specialists who are offering you their practical experience to help local businesses to survive, recover and reconfigure post-lockdown.

The WCN volunteer-led Business Support service is designed and run by experienced local business specialists who are giving their time free to support the local business community and revive the Wells economy.

Book your place on Thursday, 8 October, 7pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-beyond-covidtickets-120979511977.

Email: wcnbusinessrecovery@gmail.com or leave a message on 01749 467 079 https://helpwells.co.uk/wcn-business-support- services/

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

18

CAN YOU GIVE A CAT A HOME?

wellsvoice n NEWS

October 2020

Introducing Gypsy... Winners named in A complex cat in need of somebody she can trust GYPSY is a 7yo ginger and white cat who really, really needs a friend right now. She has been in our care since last December and in spite of our best efforts, we just haven’t found the right home.

Gypsy had been living as an outside cat. It isn’t clear how long she had been surviving as an unloved stray but in spring 2019 a family in Glastonbury discovered she had been sleeping in their shed for some time. She was very thin and so they started to feed her and gradually she became more friendly and would have moved into their house had it not been for their small dog who wanted to be friends with her, but she had other ideas. Realising that Gypsy needed her own humans, she was handed into CP care.

She is a complex cat who needs an experienced cat owner to take her on. She can be loving and affectionate but also unpredictable, mostly she just swears but can lash out if she thinks liberties are being taken. But she is always very anxious and shamefaced

after any such incident. We do feel that being penned, even a very spacious one with outside space, is part of the problem.

We wouldn’t home Gypsy with dogs or children but given enough space she may be OK with a laid back male cat.

Ideally she needs somewhere with a conservatory or garden room where she can start her new life and then be gradually introduced to her new surroundings and the outside world. She would like to have more freedom and shows every sign of being a good hunter.

We know there is someone out there prepared to take on a challenge like Gypsy and that with the right handling she will become better mannered and more affectionate. We just need to find that person.

Please phone Gill on 01749 850660 to know more about Gypsy. Clearly life has not been kind to her in the past and she just needs someone to help her to trust humans again.

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Email: gill@straymoggie.co.uk Telephone: 01749 850660 www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

writing competition TWO local writers have won the ‘beat the virus blues’ writing competition set up in lockdown

by St Cuthbert Out Parish Council The council, which serves all the villages around Wells, suggested a starter phrase inviting writers to take readers on a journey.

The adult prize was won by Margaret Haslam of Campkin Road, Wells, for her story A Timeless Love. Margaret took up writing in later life, some time after she and late husband Barry moved on from running the former Miners’ Arms restaurant near Priddy.

After joining a writing group whilst living in Westbury-subMendip, Margaret went on to win prizes in the Bath and Mid Somerset Literary Festivals and is currently a shortlisting judge with the Wells Festival of Literature.

Winner of the junior prize was Ailish Tyerman, aged eight, of Dinder. Her story, Lilly The Vampire’s Daughter, was originally written for the BBC Radio’s 500 Words writing contest but mum, Tanya, said it was posted just too late to meet the deadline.

“Ailish is over the moon to have won,” said Tanya. “She’s a voracious reader and loves telling and writing her own stories.”

Her school, St Joseph and St Teresa’s in Wells, supports her and other pupils to develop their creative writing talents.

The competition judges were

Competition winners Margaret Haslam and Ailish Tyerman impressed by the range and quality of the entries and the council would like to thank all those who took part. The winners have been awarded £25 book tokens as prizes. The winning stories can be read on the St Cuthbert Out Parish Council website.

Service to remember loved ones THERE is to be an online service from Wells Cathedral to remember those who have died during the Covid pandemic.

Led by Bishop Ruth and the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Dr John Davies, candles will be lit in memory of the bereaved, whose families have sent in their names, and the names will be read out.

Bishop Ruth said: “So many people weren’t able to attend funerals or grieve properly when their loved ones died in the last few months, because

of restrictions imposed by the pandemic. We hope this service will offer people a chance to come together and mourn their loved ones by name, alongside others who have also been bereaved.”

The service will include music and prayers, as well as a reflection from someone who survived Covid, and will be available to watch on the Wells Cathedral website and on the website of the Diocese of Bath and Wells from September 30.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

19

n NEWS

Festival will go ahead one way or another

DURING these weeks of changing rules, who can we meet, where can we go, can we plan for anything? Well, people can rely on the Wells Festival of Literature.

Regardless of any new rules around attendance at Cedars Hall during festival week, from October 16-24, the show will go on, even if audiences and writers end up participating from their sofas.

People may have to look more carefully for a brochure since many venues are unable to host them, but they can be found, or browsed on the festival website (wellsfestivalofliterature.org), which is where developments will be shared.

More than 30 writers will be discussing what is currently on their minds. Among them will be Dr Rachel Clarke, specialist in palliative medicine, who is in the news; Dear Life, Waterstones’ book of the month, a love letter

Robert Winder and Rache Clarke will be sharing their thoughts

to her father, her profession and life itself, is short-listed for the 2020 Baillie Gifford prize.

Philosopher AC Grayling’s premise that politics is too often the enemy of good government is timely and urgent. His book The Good State: On the Principles of Democracy emphasises

ways of reconciling the right to a voice and the right to good government.

There will be more discussion about State power with Robert Winder, exploring Soft Power: The New Great Game – the use of seductive insinuating persuasion rather than command.

Professor David Omand, formerly of GCHQ, will unveil exactly what spies have on their

minds and how their rules for gathering information can help with decision-making.

For distraction, go for dangerous women of crime Lucy Atkins and Elly Griffiths – puzzles with reassuring resolutions; or post-civil war Spain with Salvador Dali and Jeremy Vine’s novel The Diver and the Lover; Max Porter’s book group novel Lanny – praised as ‘heart shaking’ by Kamila Shamsie; or escape into Summer Kitchens: Recipes and Reminiscences with Olia Hercules and Caroline Waldegrave.

Tickets are refundable, should the pandemic close Cedars Hall, and writers will live-stream free online. Registration will be via the website soon.

People are asked to consider a donation to cover streaming costs and enable funding to continue for festival education projects in local state schools.

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20

October 2020

n NEWS

Project tells stories behind the names MOST people in Wells know Whiting and Son, the hardware shop on High Street – and Maurice was the ‘Son’.

He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1943, trained as a pilot, and was posted to 17 Squadron, RAF, in 1945.

Maurice died in India on July 19, 1945, aged 22, about a month

Flight Sergeant Maurice Whiting in uniform after getting his ‘wings’.

Picture courtesy of Mrs Michelle Machin, Maurice’s niece before VJ-Day, when his Spitfire XIV crashed while training for the invasion of Malaya.

Maurice’s story has been researched as part of a special project designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of

the Second World War. The 39 men and women of Wells who served and died during that war and are named on the Wells war memorial are being commemorated in this project.

It is a collaboration between Wells and Mendip Museum and Wells City Archives, who have produced a brief biography of each of these people.

“Maurice’s sad story is made even more poignant when you see the touching photo of him and realise just how young he was when he died,” said Dr Julia Wood, the Wells City Archivist.

“Tracking down photos of these men and women and releasing them along with their stories is another way of honouring them.

“We’re still looking for photos. So far we’ve managed to get hold of images of only 12 of the 39 men and women involved.

We appeal to readers to get in touch if they’re able to help with this.”

If anyone has a photo of any of them and they are willing to share it, they are asked to contact the museum’s researcher, Peter Trueman, by email (petertrueman100@aol.com) or by phone (01749 670162).

The stories are being made available via the museum’s social media and, in a fuller version, via the museum’s website. The first story appeared on VJ-Day, August 15.

The calm before the storm... Tim Bamford took this dramatic picture from Queen Street of dark clouds over Wells during a visit to the city at the end of August

Support for people with sight loss A BEFRIENDING service run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People has been offering a range of support to people with sight loss in the South West during the coronavirus pandemic.

RNIB’s Talk and Support service invites people with sight

n LETTERS Dogs off lead are a danger to cyclists SINCE lockdown I have taken up cycling for exercise and I regularly use the cycle paths around Wells. Unfortunately, many local dog owners behave irresponsibly on these shared paths by allowing their dogs to be off the lead. Indeed the other day I encountered a lady on the cycle path between the leisure centre and Haybridge with three dogs running out of control, of which one she told me

loss across the UK to connect with others weekly using a phone or computer. Trained staff and volunteers facilitate the calls and match people for general conversations and fun quizzes.

More at rnib.org.uk/ talkandsupport or call 0303 123 9999.

Email news@wellsvoice.co.uk was deaf and another blind. She was completely unaware of the danger she posed.

Clearly uncontrolled dogs on shared pathways are a menace and pose a hazard to cyclists and the dogs themselves.

Recently, a cyclist, albeit not locally, was awarded £65,000 in compensation after suffering injuries when he became entangled in a long extendable lead on a shared path. This took place as he cycled to the left of a group of pedestrians and after ringing his bell one of the pedestrians’ dogs darted out in

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front of him. The cyclist suffered serious head injuries.

Dog owners should also be aware that should I or any other cyclist collide with a dog not on a short lead on a path and the dog is injured, they would be unlikely to be able to claim any cost for vet bills provided that I was not cycling recklessly.

While there is no legal requirement to keep dogs on a lead on cycle paths the advice in the Highway Code is very specific. Rule 57 states “that dogs should be on a short lead on a path shared with cyclists”. This

advice is really common sense when one considers that bikes on cycle paths are usually travelling between 8 and 15mph.

With the advent of more cycling around our city and the possibility of more shared pathways being constructed, it is important that pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists themselves behave responsibly.

That way we can all enjoy our local cycle paths and the stunning surrounding countryside.

Clive Edney By email

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

21

n NEWS

Learning service to close centre in city EDUCATION and training provider SS&L has decided to close its Wells centre located in the Portway Annexe.

The decision follows a review of its presence in Wells, based on the existing and future demand of the facilities the centre offers.

SS&L says it has established a strong partnership network in the Wells area and will continue to collaborate with this network. The organisation says it is confident that, via this partnership network, the core offer for local residents will be maintained.

It is currently looking to increase its presence in the Mendip area and is exploring other venue options in the district.

In the meantime, adult and community learning provision for Wells continues through the Community Learning Partnership, distance learning and at the organisation’s other

The Portway Annexe is being handed back to Somerset County Council centres across Somerset. SS&L’s current Wells-based students continue to learn via distance learning or are currently studying at one of the other centres.

Staff and students are said to have adapted well to the challenges faced, with SS&L providing additional support wherever necessary.

SS&L says it is aware that

there will still be a need for faceto-face learning. To outline its planned presence and provision in Wells during 2020/21, it has already agreed to partner with The Elim Connect Centre and Heads Up. It is also in discussions with The Project Factory, The Bishop’s Palace and Wells Cathedral regarding community learning courses.

Susie Simon-Norris, CEO

of SS&L, said: “SS&L are committed to providing high quality learning opportunities for people to develop their skills and confidence across Somerset. In these very difficult times, we are ensuring that we have targeted our resources to achieve this aim.

We are focused on supporting people and employers to aid Somerset’s economic recovery and we are also working with partners to support individual health and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to start your learning journey.”

Contractors are due to visit Portway Annexe in the near future, in order to tidy up the outside area. Later this autumn, the building will be handed back to the owners, Somerset County Council.

Staff previously based in Wells are now working from home or have been relocated to other centres.

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wellsvoice

22

October 2020

n NEWS

Climate catastrophe red alert

Eat Out scheme hailed a success

Trisha Fine of the Wells XR (Extinction Rebellion) group explains why their climate campaigning is so necessary

A TOTAL of 144,000 meals were claimed in the Wells constituency under the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Diners were able to claim discounted meals at eateries that had registered for the scheme on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

In the Wells constituency, there were 146 registered restaurants. The total amount of discount claimed at them was £715,000, and the average discount per meal was £4.95.

Wells was third out of the nine constituencies in Somerset for the number of meals claimed, behind Weston-super-Mare and Bath.

On average, each registered restaurant in Somerset claimed 883 discounted meals – 68 a day for the 13 eligible days. More than £5 million was claimed in discounts across the county.

Wells MP James Heappey said: “I am so pleased to see the Eat Out to Help Out has been a huge success here in Wells.

We have so many fantastic restaurants who have had such a hard time having to shut and so to see them safely reopen and welcome customers back in good numbers is very welcome indeed.

“Having lost a lot of business from tourists, it was important local people had the opportunity to support businesses while saving money, too. I hope this has also given people the confidence to return to restaurants following lockdown.”

WHY did we stand in the pouring rain last bank holiday, holding a banner saying ‘Climate Change Act Now Tell The Truth’ from a bridge over the A371? Why were we seen walking slowly and silently through Wells, with red robes and white faces? Why did we spend so long preparing ourselves and these outfits, plus rehearsing the slowmo language of gesture?

The red worn by the Red Rebels is the blood shared by all humanity. Which binds us. It also signifies the blood of those species already dead as a result of climate change.

Red Rebels, there are groups of us throughout the world, always move with deliberate restraint. Their silent witness is like spirits from beyond the grave, mesmerising audiences and inspiring deep emotions.

You’ll know if you’ve seen our group here in Wells, and you’ll remember us. Our white, silent faces speak the archetypal language of street theatre.

Why is climate change particularly important here in

The Red Rebels at Wells Cathedral Wells? Because Somerset will be particularly vulnerable to the flooding due to melting Arctic and Antarctic icecaps, and more rainfall due to warmer seas evaporating. The sea-level rise on the Somerset coast is predicted to be somewhere between 1050cm by 2050. Besides which we have the Bristol Channel, quite a few rivers, and the large, flat expanse of the Somerset Levels which is already prone to flooding.

Mendip District Council has resolved to make Mendip carbon neutral by 2030. Many changes

will be needed for us to achieve this essential target. It means all of us being aware and doing what we can to help. Extinction Rebellion is about rebelling against everything in our world that threatens our survival.

Our rebellion is not a violent one. Violence is the complete opposite of everything we stand for. Our rebellion is not a criminal one; criminality is also the opposite of what we stand for. Contact us at xr.sw.media@ protonmail.com The crisis we face is not going away. And neither are we.

Protests at pension fund investments EXTINCTION Rebellion activists from XR Wells and XR Glastonbury joined protests across Somerset at council pension fund investments in fossil fuels.

The demonstration outside the Mendip District Council offices in Shepton Mallet was mirrored by similar protests at the offices of Somerset County Council and the county’s three other district councils.

XR says that the use of fossil fuels is causing climate breakdown.

Sarah Briton from Wells said: “The fires in California and the melting polar ice cap are examples of the climate emergency.

“We still have time to make a difference but we need to act now. Transferring investment from fossil fuel to renewable industries is well overdue.

Repairer quick to fix machine

XR Wells activists at a council pension fund investments protest “Pension funds need to step up now and do the right thing for future generations.”

A Mendip District Council spokesperson said: “Mendip District Council does not have any direct control of the Somerset County Council pension fund but we have open

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communication with the fund and they are aware of our views on the climate emergency.

“We are fully supportive of the initiatives taken by the fund via the Brunel Pension Partnership to measure and through time lower the carbon impact of all investments.”

IT might not be possible to hold a Wells Repair Cafe at the moment, but items are still being fixed.

When Jo Godbold needed a sewing machine to be repaired, she contacted repair cafe organiser Julie Wright, who put her in touch with fixer Brian Sorensen. He quickly had the sewing machine working again, and suggested a bag of food for Wells Food Store as a donation, which was duly delivered.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

23

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

‘Privilege to work in such a beautiful place’ DID you know that there are more people buried in Wells cemetery than live in the city?

I only found out by chatting to Mark Culliford, the manager of this 15-acre site off Portway.

He is naturally cheerful and positive, which is an asset when your office is in a large graveyard.

“It is not a job for everyone,” said Mark, “but for me it is a privilege to work in such a beautiful place.”

The site was privately owned and given in 1855 to Wells City Council who formed a Burial Board to run it.

In the 1890s two chapels were built – one Nonconformist, which is now used by all denominations, and one Roman Catholic, now used to store machinery.

During the Second World War most of the intricate iron railings were melted down for munitions but the elaborate

The Open Spaces team: Derek Payne, Andy Allen, Dave Gray, Paul Frost and Mark Culliford Grade I listed gates survived.

Now the cemetery is maintained in pristine condition by the city’s dedicated Open Spaces team and is the only land the council owns.

“There is a great team spirit here,” said Dave Gray, who was seconded from the Town Hall staff as the cemetery stayed open during lockdown, and he has been doing the Wells in Bloom

watering and deadheading normally done by volunteers.

The team work all year and wet weather can cause problems.

“We have had to give a fireman’s lift to several women whose high heels got stuck in mud,” said Mark. “Nothing is too much trouble.”

Between 40-50 burials are done each year but more families prefer cremation now, partly because of coronavirus. Ashes can be interred or scattered in the Garden of Remembrance.

A recent addition is the Green Burial extension where Mark is keen to encourage biodiversity.

Those buried there include two recipients of the Victoria Cross and the first wife of the first husband of the Duchess of Windsor, for whom King Edward VIII gave up his throne in 1936.

Wells city councillor Philip Welch Email: p.welch@wcc.wells.gov.uk

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

Care in your own home No need for an expensive care home

From September to December 2020 the charity will offer vouchers to help with neutering costs of cats whose owners are on low income or income support benefits.

We are repeating the special price we offered Stay in independent at home with your own live in carer Care your own home in our last campaign. Owners will pay £5.00 No need for an expensive care home nre home per cat and the charity will pay the balance Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older in your own home Care in your own homeyour cat for free. care home yneed independent at home with your own live in carer and, also microchip for an expensive care home No need for an expensive care home in Glastonbury, Wells, Care inhome your own home r own want live into carer in your own Care in your own home This offer is open to residents eople stay inCare their own as they get home older Care in your own home endent at home with your own live inproviding carer Featherbed Care has been live in carers since 1986

No need need for for an an expensive care home No home Street, Cheddar Shepton home as they get olderNo expensivecare care home Stay independent at home with your own and live in carer Mallet Noneed need for for an an expensive expensive care home ant tobelieve stay in their own home as they get older We in only the very best care affordable cost Stay independent independent at at home home with with your your own ownat livean in carer carer surrounding areas.

Stay live in bed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home home with your own in carer Stay independent with your own livelive inpeople carer Many want to stay in their own home as they get older ve in carers since Contact a volunteer for your voucher: Many people wantcare to stay stay in their their own home home as they they get get older older eve in only the 1986 very best at in an affordable cost Many people want to own as Many people want tocarers stay in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they been providing live into 1986 ere athas an affordable cost want

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Julia on 07833 634087 only the very best care at has an affordable cost Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 1986 Featherbed Care has been providing liveon in carers 1986 has been been live carers Featherbed Care Emma 07717since 837040 Featherbed Care has providing live in carers since 1986 We believe in only very best carelive at We an affordable cost Featherbed Care hasthe been providing in carers since believe in 1986 only the very bestHolly care on at an affordable cost We cost We believe believe in in only only the the very very best best care care at at an an affordable affordable cost 07780 955151 We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost

Gill on 01749 850660 A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher.

oday Call for a brochure today Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be 800 111 4885 issued for participating vets.

0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800a 111 4885 Call for brochure today Call for a brochure today omecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Call a today 0117 9860710 / for Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Glastonbury and Wells Cats Protection 9860710 0800 111 4885 re.co.uk / Freephone: Call for a brochure brochure 0800 today 0117 9860710 9860710 Freephone: 111 4885 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 111 4885 0117 //// Freephone: 0800 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: 0117 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland) Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call for a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk

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wellsvoice

24

October 2020

n NEWS

Lidl sets out plans for larger new store LIDL has submitted a planning application for the development and relocation of its Wells store.

Wells Voice reported last November that the company had acquired the Travis Perkins site next to its store in Strawberry Way so that it could expand its Wells operation. Demolition of the Travis Perkins buildings is scheduled to start once the builders’ merchants lease expires early next year.

The plans for a larger, more modern supermarket detail a sustainable store with an increased 1,297 square metre sales area, and will create up to ten new jobs for the local economy in addition to the current store team.

The supermarket will also feature facilities including an instore bakery, a customer toilet, electric vehicle rapid charging spaces and ample parking for

The existing Lidl store in Wells, which could be replaced by a larger store on land next door currently occupied by Travis Perkins both cars and bicycles.

Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Glen Stidever, said: “We have received an incredible amount of support from the local community since we opened nearly 25 years ago and are delighted to confirm our plans

to build a bigger, better, and more sustainable store for our customers in Wells.

“The new store will accommodate our latest range and merchandising whilst providing a pleasant and modern shopping environment.

“We have submitted a planning application to Mendip District Council which, if granted, would represent a multi-million pound investment in the city and will facilitate the creation of new jobs when the store opens.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and feedback so far and look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s £1.45 billion investment in its expansion across Great Britain in 2019 and 2020. The latest Kantar Worldpanel results highlight Lidl’s increase in sales year on year and market share of 5.9 per cent.

The company says that if the plans go ahead, the existing site in Wells will be leased to an alternative occupier.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

25

n NEWS

Pool returning to use after doors reopen for gym and classes

The jazz concert in Wells Market Place was well supported

Collection provides boost for musicians MONEY collected at a jazz concert in Wells Market Place will benefit live music venues and musicians whose income disappeared with the start of lockdown.

The Market Place was buzzing as people sat in the sunshine and enjoyed the free concert staged in front of the Town Hall on August bank holiday Monday.

A collection raised more than £500 from people attending the show.

“This is the foundation of what we are calling the Wellspring fund for live music recovery in and around the city,” said Paul Cannon of Wells Jazz Collective, one of the musicians who performed at the event.

“We are seeking to grow it with sponsorship from local

businesses to support a series of live music events at the same location next summer.

“The first is scheduled for May 3 as part of the next Wells Community Day. The team behind that – The Project Factory – is also working towards setting up the whole summer series. We are aiming for a varied programme of music across a range of genres with the emphasis very much on presenting and celebrating local musicians.”

The jazz concert was organised by Wells Coronavirus Network and Wells Independents, and WCN volunteers were handed slices of cake by Lavinia Byrne and Ann Mackay to thank them for their work over the past few months.

WELLS Sport & Fitness reopened its doors for gym and classes on September 14 after six months of closure.

In this time, the centre at Charter Way has undergone a layout change in both the gym and studios to adhere to Covid-19 secure guidelines.

This has included the addition of hand sanitiser stations around the centre, reduced capacity within the gym and cleaning stations located in both the gym and sports hall for use before and after a gym session or class.

The centre says that members who have already visited have commented on how they feel safe to work out in the centre and use the equipment, and on the effectiveness of the new one-way walk system that is in place.

Similarly, the use of online booking in the reduced capacity

gym has proved to be both useful and effective in ensuring that all centre users have space to work out safely at a time that works for them.

Booking a gym session, class or swim has been simplified with the use of the Fusion Lifestyle app which is available free on the app store/Google store.

The 25m swimming pool will return to use on Monday, September 28, with Swim School restarting on the same day.

Fusion Lifestyle has invested £50,000 into improving the operation of the pool plant and ambience of the pool hall, to future-proof the operation of the swimming for years to come and improve energy efficiency.

Comments from members who have returned to the centre have been positive. Janice said: “I feel very safe with the new layout. It all works well. So happy to be back.”

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Musicians perfomed in front of Wells Town Hall

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wellsvoice

26

October 2020

n ON THE BEAT

n NEWS Caving feature wins top award

Action to combat tool theft News from the local policing team WELCOME to this month’s On The Beat.

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out crime prevention initiatives throughout September.

We had a fantastic turnout at our ‘Tool Marking’ event on September 21 and 22 with more than 85 local tradespeople taking up the opportunity of a free DNA tool marking kit worth £68. Your neighbourhood team secured funding for these kits so that they could be given to local tradespeople free of charge.

This has not been done anywhere else in the force area.

The idea of this was to make Wells a ‘no go area’ for tool thieves.

Inside each kit was a vial of paint that contains micro-dots which when viewed through a microscope, have a unique reference number specific to that individual vial of paint. When dry the paint is invisible to the eye and can only be viewed under ultraviolet light. There is enough paint to mark between 60 and 80 individual tools or pieces of equipment.

Also within the kit there are numerous tamper-proof stickers to put on the tools and also to place on the outside of vehicles including the glass, all of which advertise the fact that every tool is DNA marked, making the tools a lot less desirable to steal as it

WOOKEY Hole Caves has won a national award for its Wild Wookey adventure caving experience. It won Gold in the Experience of the Year category in VisitEngland’s annual Awards for Excellence, which celebrate the best of the country’s tourism industry.

The winners were announced during a virtual awards event hosted by Julia Bradbury from The Outdoor Guide. The South West outperformed all other regions with 13 award winners.

Grants available

Chris Grantham of CMG Handyman in Wells has tools marked by PC Darren Pearson with Nick Roach of SelectaDNA; left, a sticker warning thieves that a van’s tools have been DNA marked will be much harder to sell on, we will always be able to trace the tool back to the original owner.

Let’s make stolen tools in Wells too hot to handle.

Did you know that handling stolen goods carries a tougher maximum sentence than the theft itself?

If you are buying secondhand tools then please look out for the SelectaDNA stickers, if in doubt do not purchase the item and contact the police with any information.

It’s not worth getting a criminal record from buying stolen tools.

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The people of Wells have asked us to combat tool theft, we have listened and acted but we couldn’t have done it without the support of our local tradespeople, thank you.

We are now making attempts to combat bike theft. Police uniquely marked 40 bicycles at Charter House on September 12, and a further 12 bikes were marked at the tool marking event.

Another bike marking event was due to take place on Sunday, September 27, at Halfords in Wells.

Keep an eye on our local Facebook page for future events.

GRASSROOTS community groups based in Somerset are being invited to apply for grants of up to £2,500 from The Somerset Fund. Somerset Community Foundation manages the fund and is encouraging applications from smaller charities and community groups that run on less than £100,000 per year. The deadline to apply is October 16. Visit somersetcf.org. uk/somersetfund or call 01749 344949.

Funding chance FROM October 1, city, town and parish councils across Somerset are invited to bid for up to £75,000 from the £1 million Somerset Climate Emergency Community Fund scheme for innovative projects that can make a difference in reducing carbon emissions and countering climate change. Visit somerset. gov.uk/climate-emergency.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

n NEWS

27

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Bidding online may be tempting but do your research first

By Laura Maden

Ross Young presents the cheque to Sharon Edmonds

Funds donated after lunch postponed THE next SOUP lunch, which was scheduled for October 3, has had to be postponed.

However this grant-giving lunch that has already raised money and publicity for 64 charities and good causes aims to relaunch on Saturday, January 9.

“Charities need all the support they can get now as coronavirus has hit their fundraising hard,” said Ross Young of organisers Wells Independents.

The venue for SOUP is the Connect Centre which needs cash itself as so many of the activities it hosts have not happened since lockdown. So Wells Independents have given the centre £100 which more than covers the room rental they would have paid on October 3.

“We could have held October’s lunch but the number of people there would have been reduced to a socially-distanced 30 instead of the usual 100

paying £5 on the door,” said Ross.

“This would not have been fair on the charities as the money they received would have been reduced by the same proportion.”

They are: Children’s World, St John Ambulance Wells, Mendip Fibromyalgia Support Group and Wells & District Neighbourhood Watch.

We Hear You will return in January to tell the audience how the £400 they received at January’s SOUP has helped the charity.

“The Connect Centre is immensely proud to host such an amazing initiative as Wells SOUP,” said Sharon Edmonds, their administrator, “and we look forward to its return.”

Voluntary organisations or projects that would like to take part in a future SOUP can find details of how it works and an application form at www. wellsindependents.org/SOUP.

Lottery Fund steps in to help THE Bishop’s Palace has received £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help it to address the impact that the coronavirus crisis has had on this unique heritage site.

The Palace was closed from March 23 until May 24 and suffered catastrophic financial losses. Since reopening, it has seen great support from locals and tourists alike.

Rosie Martin, chief executive

of The Palace Trust, said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players, we can now bring back all our remaining staff from furlough, enabling us to plan our future and to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy this wonderful site. We will also be able to make specific adjustments which are necessary to adapt to the ‘new normal’, including developing our indoor cafe in a safe way.”

Got News? Call 07906 499655

FOR some years, many of us have been happy to bid on online auction sites such as eBay. However, due to Covid, some of the more traditional property auctions have also had to move online. This has of course made properties available to a much wider audience, attracting attention from both near and far.

Also, many online auctions, which run over a period of a day, allow parties to really consider exactly what they are willing to spend on purchasing a property.

Pre-Covid, when the auction was set out in a room full of people with the auctioneer collecting bids, it could be daunting, but now allowing parties to gather around a computer or have telephone conference calls, while watching the auction play out, has been seen by many as beneficial.

However, regardless of where the auction takes place, whether online or otherwise, it is imperative when you are bidding for a property that you have reviewed that auction pack before proceeding.

Certainly, if you require a mortgage in order to buy a property, everything must already be in place. This means you must be incredibly proactive as an auction bidder, and it can be an expensive process if you are then not successful at the auction itself and have already incurred time and expense preparing to bid.

For example, if bidding on

a property for which mortgage monies will be needed, a mortgage valuation ought to have been already carried out, and an offer issued before the date of the auction itself.

Equally, as well as being sure you can borrow the funds required to purchase, reviewing the auction pack is imperative to ensure that you are able to use the property as you intend.

Once the hammer falls, whether physical or virtual, if you are the final bidder, you are committed to that contract.

If you then discover something about the property that you were not aware of but could have been had you read the auction pack, you are still required to buy that property. If you are then unable or unwilling to do so, you will forfeit your deposit as a consequence and the seller may also have the right to pursue you for legal fees and costs which can be incredibly expensive.

The online auction world is tempting. Whether it is a piece of second-hand furniture from eBay, or a £100,000 block of agricultural land, technology has allowed us to bid on a huge range of items.

When purchasing land especially, however, it is essential you are aware as to exactly what you are committing to buy and the consequences of bidding.

Should you require any assistance with an auction pack review or selling a premises at auction, please do not hesitate to contact our property team. n Laura Maden is a solicitor with Chubb Bulleid, which has offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

Personal legal services for you, your business and your family www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

28

n IN DAYS GONE BY

October 2020

With Clare Blackmore

Rubbish and dung caused coach to overturn EARLY litter and traffic problems in Wells High Street were reported in the Hereford Journal: March 18, 1776 On Tuesday the 7th inst the coach from London to Exeter overturned in the High Street in the City of Wells near the Christopher Inn owing to a large amount of rubbish and dung which lay in the street. There were four passengers in it, Lady Dalston and four gentlemen.

Her Ladyship was taken up dead to all appearances. She had her collar-bone and two ribs broken and has lost one eye.

The gentlemen were very much bruised by the fall and also cut about the head. The coachman was also very much hurt and lies in a precarious state.

The Christopher Inn was where Mountain Warehouse now

The replica of Halliday’s that can be seen at Wells and Mendip Museum is in the High Street. It was first listed as an inn in 1404, and in 1407 it was owned by the Vicars’ Choral and occupied by John

Stokes, taverner, and run as a “Novum Hosptum” (a new inn).

It was rebuilt in 1534 and in front of the inn, in the middle

of the present High Street, were “Five little shambles or little houses including a butcher’s shop and an ironmonger”.

In 1622 the property, still an inn, was described as consisting of a “street parlour, a little parlour, hall, phoenix chamber, crown chamber, lion chamber, flower de luce chamber, portcullis chamber, staire chamber, half moon chamber, little chamber at staire head.

In the backside of the property are five stables with racks and mangers with pig pennings.”

In 1862 the inn was listed as the Somerset Hotel and had a portico projecting out into the street.

It then became Halliday’s furniture and antiques.

A beautiful small-scale replica of Halliday’s shop complete with miniature furniture and porcelain objects can be seen in the Wells and Mendip Museum.

Pub sign re-emerges and light shed on archive material LAST month’s ‘In Days Gone By’ has provoked a lot of interest.

The article recounted how St Thomas Street was known as “Turkey”, with its own mayor and council, and The Goat Inn was the “Town Hall” of the area in competition with the official city council.

As a result of the article, the pub sign for the old Goat Inn, taken down in 1935 by Jack Paul, has re-emerged.

It was thought that the sign had long been lost but at a farmer’s sale not long ago, and knowing of their interest in all things Wells, it was brought

The rediscovered Goat Inn sign

to the attention of the Masters family.

Although theirs anyway, by their right of having bought the building in St Thomas Street after it closed down as an inn, they bought the sign back and it is now returned to the city of its origin.

Also, further evidence has been uncovered in the archives of the Wells and Mendip Museum by museum volunteer Andy Haymes of the competing civic bodies.

One is an invitation of February 1840 from the Mayor of Turkey to celebrate the “nuptials of our Most Gracious Queen”, and the other, dated November 1840, nine months later, invites the city to celebrate the birth of the Princess Royal, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise.

The “Turkey” corporation invitation mimics the text and style of the Wells City Council.

Andy said that if he had not read the piece in the Wells Voice, the relevance of the two pieces of paper found in an old box in the attic of the museum would not have seemed significant, but now they have their context in the history of the city.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

An old photo of St Thomas Street reproduced courtesy of Wells and Mendip Museum, and items from the museum archives that reveal the similarities in announcements by the city council and its ‘Turkey’ rival

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

29

n NEWS

Drivers being urged to turn off engines

By Daniel Mumby

Local Democracy Reporter MOTORISTS are being discouraged from idling their engines in car parks in a bid to improve air quality and residents’ health.

Mendip District Council will be installing ‘no idling’ signs in all 51 of the car parks which it operates in a bid to change drivers’ behaviour.

Similar signs will also be put in place at the recycling sites in Frome, Street and Wells as part of an agreement with the Somerset Waste Partnership.

The council is also investigating ways of enforcing its no idling stance using traffic wardens – which would see motorists hit with fines as a last resort.

Councillor Heather Shearer, portfolio holder for community health services, gave an update on the plans at a virtual cabinet meeting held on September 7.

She said: “We are very lucky to have on the whole very good air quality, but that doesn’t mean

‘No idling’ signs will be installed in all Mendip District Council car parks, and at recycling sites we should rest on our laurels. We have had some warm words from Defra for trying to get ahead of the curve.”

The signs will be installed in the coming weeks at a cost of £4,500.

Search on for two new directors A MID-SOMERSET based energy co-operative is looking for two new directors to help speed up the move towards clean, safe, secure energy for Avalon.

Avalon Community Energy was set up in 2014 to promote, install and manage solarpowered projects to aid local transition to reduce local carbon emissions. It supports Somerset County Council’s declaration of an international climate emergency and that urgent action is needed. Now it needs two more volunteer directors to fulfil the roles of company secretary and of leading on financial affairs. The board meets around six times a year.

With a local focus on Wells, Street, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and surrounding villages, Avalon Community Energy raises funds through share issues to create large-scale solar installations, mostly on schools

and colleges. Initiatives include solar installations at Brookside Academy, Street, and Hugh Sexey C of E Middle School, Blackford, partnership with Solar Streets for local household installations and collaborating with others to create a panSomerset energy organisation.

Last year installations generated £23,000 income and saved 70 tonnes of carbon.

Chair of Avalon Community Energy Stewart Crocker said: “In response to the climate emergency, the need to drive down carbon emissions has never been more urgent or important. If this call to action sparks your interest, and you would like to have an exploratory conversation about the possibility of joining our board, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.”

For interest, email stewartcrocker1@outlook.com

The deadline for the November issue of Wells Voice is Wednesday, October 14

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Councillor Barry O’Leary said the council needed to work with schools to reduce idling on or near their sites, to prevent children from being put at further risk.

He said: “One of the unfortunate things is that commuting has gone up as a result of people commuting to schools, and as a result I’m very concerned that idling will also go up.

“I hope we can work in partnership with schools, because that will be where the greatest challenge is.

“Coming out of Covid, some behaviours we thought may have ‘legacy behaviours’ are being revisited – and in people’s desires to keep their children notionally safe from a virus, they are exposing them to the hazards of fumes, which are omnipresent.”

Ms Shearer said the district and county council would work

together on how the no-idling policy could be enforced, especially when it came to repeat offenders.

She said: “The intention would be to follow existing enforcement policy, and deploy antisocial behaviour legislation to issue community protection warnings as a first step, followed by a penalty notice if the warning was not effective in amending the behaviour.

“If a subsequent notice was thought to be breached, officers would focus on witnessing and issuing a fixed penalty fine (currently £100) or pursue a prosecution.”

Ms Shearer said the council would try to work with schools to highlight the issue around Clean Air Day on October 8.

She added: “The schools have an awful lot on their plates going back. It’s not a straight run, but we are certainly going to try [to work with them].”

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wellsvoice

30

October 2020

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Measures necessary to help combat virus

I AM writing this column just hours after the announcement from the Prime Minister on new measures to help us with our fight against coronavirus.

These are, I know, extremely disappointing and have been introduced by the Government with a heavy heart.

I must first say that here in Mendip, the infection rate remains low. While this does not mean we can be complacent, it is important the community is aware that while the headline figures can be worrying, we are doing well in continuing to halt the spread of Covid-19.

Secondly, this is not a second lockdown. Back in March, we knew very little about the virus and the way it spread. We have been able to model much better the way a second and third wave might affect us. In the South West, providing that nationally the R rate responds to the measures, we can expect

News from Wells MP James Heappey to see no more restrictions than those introduced as the national baseline.

So what do these new measures mean?

Well the most obvious is that after weeks of trying to get people back to work, we now need people to start working from home wherever they’re able. To be clear, wherever people can’t fully deliver their responsibilities from home, they’re allowed – and

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encouraged – to continue attending their workplace.

We had a higher than average number of home workers even before Covid came along. Yet asking people not to attend their office has a big impact on our town centres and I fear that the next few months will be very difficult for businesses that service office workers as well as for our high streets more generally.

Increased restrictions will be less damaging to our tourism industry over winter but we should also be clear that they needed to have a strong autumn to get their heads back above water after their trade was decimated in the spring and early summer. The Prime Minister has tried to keep restaurants, cafes, bars and visitor attractions open but with a curfew, however I know that these latest set of measures will be disastrous news for those in that industry.

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August 2020 Issue 38

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TEL: 01749 672029

Wells Coronavirus Network starts programme to help local businesses – page 9

Key workers celebrate being together again TWO key workers from Wells, Donna and Garry Marke, had an emotional reunion after the coronavirus pandemic kept them apart for more than two months.

The couple, who have been married for eight years, were separated for 70 days when Donna moved into the care home where she works to help look after the residents.

She has been deputy manager at Court House Retirement Home in Cheddar for five years, and moved into the care home on April 12 with some of the other staff.

She said: “I just knew that we had to protect the residents from coronavirus. At the time there was no testing. Court House is a very special place. It’s all about the residents.”

Garry, who works at Tesco in Wells, added: “Donna’s a carer

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Former nurse, 96, dedicates moving poem she has written to today’s healthcare workers: page 3

Spare a minute to help city band

Old Deanery to be marketed again

Triumph of love against the odds

Fundraiser invites public to guess time clock stops to be in with chance of winning £200 Turn to page 5

Historic property on Cathedral Green is going back up for sale as Diocese tries to obtain ‘the most appropriate value’ Turn to page 4

British soldier married woman he met in France on VE Day in 1945 who had stayed hidden from Germans in rabbit hutch Turn to page 6

Give thoughts on support group

Garry and Donna Marke together again at home in Wells

Fletcher House staff Izzy Ellery and Melissa Aspinall ready to take gifts left for staff and residents by the Rev Sam Denyer, Bishop Ruth and the Rev Jan Shellard-James. Full story on page 3

Launch of coach service to London Berrys Coaches getting back on road from August 1 with stop in Wells added to Superfast route Turn to page 6

Wells cricketers return to action Players pleased to have games again, following what has been busy time for club off the pitch Turn to page 28

Continued on page 3

PRIORY D E N TA L

RESTAURANT

WELLS

D E N TA L

By Emma James

LOW FEE NO FUSS

Some may argue that we should abandon these restrictions altogether – that the impacts of the virus don’t warrant the decimation of our economy. I’m afraid that having seen the modelling, I simply cannot agree. Our NHS will not cope if the virus can spread unchecked and many people will die unnecessarily as a consequence.

These are unprecedented times and there are no obvious answers. Different countries have tried different approaches and although density of population, demographics and public health all have an impact, the reality is that the virus keeps winning through.

I’m afraid there is no alternative but to batten down the hatches, abide by the restrictions, control the virus as best we can, and look forward to a vaccine arriving as soon as possible.

SHOP ONLINE WITH US FOR ALL YOUR CARE PRODUCTS The Oakville Care Centre team are still operating from the Frome branch (tel: 01373 455415), and all our infection control products that help with containing germs and viruses can be ordered online. These include Alcohol Hand Sanitisers, Surface Wipes and Masks.

Browse products and place your order at:

oakvillecarecentre.co.uk

Please note that the Oakville Care Centre shop at 32 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, is temporarily closed

Reopenings bring calls to support businesses TRADE is picking up in Wells now that shops have reopened, the market has returned and shoppers are beginning to venture out again. From July 4, pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers will also be able to

welcome customers, with the appropriate safety measures in place.

The moves have brought calls for people to support businesses as they reopen their doors.

The Mayor of Wells,

Councillor John Osman, said: “It is wonderful to see life slowly returning to the High Street. I hope that residents will shop local and support Continued on page 5

New menu: pages 10&11 Weight-loss meals: page 12

Take part in the consultation about how Wells Coronavirus Network could evolve Pull-out survey: pages 15-18

Wells MP writes for Wells Voice In his first column, James Heappey reflects on the efforts of people across the community to respond to Covid-19 Turn to page 24

Some of the many gifts that have arrived for staff at Wells Health Centre and Wells City Practice

Free tennis offer for key workers Wells Tennis Club is inviting key workers to join the club at no cost for three months Turn to page 29

The Bishop's Palace Gardens & Café Now Open Daily!

‘We’re so grateful’ GP practices and care home thank patients and local businesses for amazing show of support – see page 5

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Catch up with past issues at issuu.com/wellsvoice Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/wellsvoice

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Advertise in print and online. To find out more about our great packages, call 01749 675157 or email sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice

October 2020

n NEWS

31

Focus on health with Bluebird Care

Home care is an alternative

By Jenny Atkins

Lisa Lunnon with daughter Pip

Farm shop marks fresh start for Lisa

By Paul Cannon TIME spent in lockdown has prompted a Wookey Hole woman to take a new direction in life. Lisa Lunnon decided to leave her office job in Wells and launch a fruit and veg business, specialising in local produce.

Her shop is based at Myrtle Farm – run by husband Mark – in Milton Lane. Brightly painted signs at the farmyard gate are already attracting a steady flow of villagers and visitors to the store and display stall in front of it.

“There’s a lot of interest in local produce,” said Lisa. “That’s why we are sourcing as much as we can from very local growers.”

Also responding to customer demand, Lisa is keeping down

plastic use. Milk is supplied in reusable glass bottles and only paper bags are available for customers who don’t bring their own carriers.

Lisa admits it was a bit scary leaving her job and a regular wage behind but she’s determined to make a go of her new venture and already has expansion plans.

“I am hoping to stock things like cleaning products in reusable containers for people to bring back and top up when they need to. Lots of customers have said they are concerned about too much plastic waste.”

The Myrtle Farm shop is open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, until 5pm on Saturday and on Sunday mornings from 10am to 1pm.

Jewellery plea

Claire to host

PEOPLE in Wells are being asked to donate unwanted or broken jewellery to help raise funds for a new £2 million Breast Cancer Unit at Yeovil Hospital.

Almost £1.5 million has been raised so far, but fundraising events have had to be postponed or cancelled. People are now being asked to look in their jewellery boxes for any unwanted jewellery, broken pieces of jewellery and watches which they may like to donate to help the appeal. Those who can help should contact Maggie Hague, Breast Cancer Appeal Volunteer, on 01963 250108.

LOCAL BBC journalist and broadcaster Claire Carter will host the awards ceremony for the Somerset Business Awards 2021 at Weston-super-Mare’s Winter Pavilion on March 26 next year.

Businesses have until November 20 to submit their entries to the awards, organised

by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, via the Somerset Business Awards website: somersetbusinessawards.org.uk Entrants can get some tips on how to submit the best entry by listening to some advice from judges and previous winners in a webinar on October 14.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

MOST of us want to live independent lives in our own homes for as long as possible.

The good news is that even if you’re recovering from an illness or a fall, or you need help with your long-term care, there’s a variety of support services available to help you do this.

Moving to a care home isn’t just the only option for people and care at home is a viable and achievable option for those needing care or support.

Organising and starting care for anyone is a big decision.

Home care services can assist with a variety of daily tasks including light domestic tasks, assistance with shopping or appointments, food preparation, support with taking medication accurately, companionship, getting out into the community or more specialised personal care requirements. Receiving care in your home is increasingly common.

Care is provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance and protection of ourselves, someone else or something.

It can also be the attention or

consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage.

Every day we take care, whether of ourselves or others.

We take care of tasks needing to be completed, some of which we do not wish to do but are essential to our daily routines.

If you are struggling with daily tasks and not sure whether you are entitled to home care services by the Local Authority we suggest that you make contact with the Local Authority to arrange an assessment by a Social Worker to consider whether or not you have an eligible need.

Even if you will be arranging and paying for the care yourself, it’s still a good idea to have an assessment to help you understand and decide what sort of care and support you need, and what’s available. They also have access to homecare providers in your local area with whom you can make contact directly to also be given guidance.

Combating loneliness and isolation is very important in maintaining someone’s wellbeing. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare. co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.

01749 37 21 97

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

32

October 2020

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB IN 1927, Dr Werner Heisenberg, a German physicist, postulated a Principle of Uncertainty, which went roughly along these lines: The more precisely the position of a particle is determined, the less precisely its momentum can be predicted.

You know where something is but you don’t know where or how fast it is going. More or less. Dr Heisenberg was pretty uncertain about it as well but his theory made quite a stir. The fact that we are living in an Age of Uncertainty does not really help us and Quantum mechanics has little place in the flower borders and vegetable patch.

But the one certainty is that we aren’t sure of the future.

It would be encouraging to be able to fix a date when normal meetings with normal social interaction could take place in the Town Hall, but that is not possible for many more months.

One success over the summer period, however, was a hugely enjoyable evening visit to The Bishop’s Palace Gardens as guests of the president of the club, James Cross. There was a good attendance and many members had not had the chance to see each other for a time, nor to view the results of the prodigious efforts of James and his two staff over the lockdown period. Many public and private gardens have suffered over the year but the Palace Gardens have been spectacular. And there is clearly more in the pipeline, such as the proposed Stumpery with its plantings of hostas, ferns and brunnera. There is much to look forward to.

We keep in touch by newsletter and of course the website: wellsgarden.club And there’s enough to do in the garden.

Pip Harwood

Members of Wells & District Gardening Club pictured during their evening visit to The Bishop’s Palace will continue to get creative with outdoor events involving up to six members and see each other online using Zoom. Most of our tenth birthday celebration plans are now on hold, but some members will still do the planned guided walking tours of historical Wells in smaller groups.

Our speaker was our own member and treasurer Barbara, who told us about her career as a beauty therapist and talked to us about skincare. She trained as a beautician and hair stylist at Weston College and, once qualified, specialised in beauty therapy. Always self-employed,

she started as a mobile therapist before setting up her own salon in Wedmore several years ago.

She has many devoted clients who enjoy manicures and pedicures, massage, and face and body treatments using British products made from natural ingredients.

Barbara told us she feels lucky to still really love the work she does. She then demonstrated a skin cleansing routine. We all joined in from home, having had advance notice to prepare a bowl of warm water, cotton pads and our favourite products. Barbara showed us how to remove

WELLS WI WELLS WI met on Zoom again this month.

We talked about the results of our recent phone survey of members. One of the main reasons for the consultation was to help with planning to restart Covid-safe meetings at the museum but, now that recent guidance rules that out for the foreseeable future, we

Wells Culture Club enjoyed a long-awaited socially distanced and sanitised reunion after a long lockdown with lunch at the Swan Hotel. Members were greeted by host Mark Tobin who, as a man for all seasons and pandemics and of many talents, also cooked the lunch, and it was lovely to see Snowball the cat back in his natural habitat. It almost, but not quite, felt like normal, but the welcome had at the Swan was as warm and professional as ever.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

make-up without dragging on delicate skin around the eyes, and how to properly exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturise our faces, not forgetting our necks and decolletage where skin can show signs of ageing. She shared her knowledge about different products and answered lots of our questions. We all went to bed that night primped and preened, some vowing never to go to bed without removing make-up ever again.

We finished with a quiz that involved us guessing some of the little-known secrets of our fellow members: Who represented GB at discus and has a licence to drive racing cars? Whose wedding night was spent holding down tent poles in a gale? Who used to hang out with Hells Angels? Who had a phobia of buttons? Who has a tattoo (she showed us a photo)? Who is the qualified marine biologist and scuba diver? Learning surprising things about our friends shows you don’t always know people as well as you think.

While we cannot meet in large numbers in person, small groups of up to six will play boules on Cathedral Green, picnic in the park, do some netball training, take part in book clubs or simply meet for coffee. We will continue to email a monthly newsletter, send messages via our WhatsApp group, and update our Facebook page with news and interesting items. New women are always welcome.

Veronica Howe

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

33

n WHAT’S ON Sign up to receive six monthly quizzes WITH so many fundraising events cancelled this year, Oxfam needs support more than ever.

Locally, the Mid Somerset Oxfam Group cannot run its very popular pub quizzes so it has come up with an alternative for keen quizzers, that people can do wherever they are and in their own time.

The group is launching its Six of the Best Quizzes. Once someone has joined, the group will send them a new quiz, via email or post, every month for six months; they will then have a month to answer and return the quiz. It costs just £10 for the complete series of six and the three contestants with the highest scores will receive prizes totalling 20 per cent of the take.

Email msog@hotmail.co.uk

by October 15 to be sent the registration details.

“Are you sure it’s my round?”

“Who were you with last night?”

“When did you last see your

YOGA AND RELAXATION CLASSES Beginners level

1-hour Yoga classes will start on Friday, November 6 St Thomas’s Church Hall, St Thomas Street, Wells BA 2UZ 9.30-10.30am Beginners Yoga 11am to 12 noon Gentle Yoga All classes £6.00 per person For more details or to book contact Jane: 07951 313917 janestatonyoga@gmail.com F Yoga with Jane Staton father?” Don’t worry, MSOG has hundreds of questions better than these.

Yoga classes set to start up again YOGA tutor Jane Staton is starting classes again on Friday, November 6, in St Thomas’ Church Hall.

Beginners Yoga will take place from 9.30am to 10.30am, and Gentle Yoga from 11am to noon.

“The lessons are safe, small, friendly and will include breath work, movement, and relaxation,” said Jane.

“Due to the current situation student numbers are restricted and must be booked in advance – I am unable to admit anyone who attends without prior agreement.

I am also asking that everyone uses their own mat, but people who do not have one can call me to discuss on 07951 313917.”

Palace sets out trail for families to follow THE Bishop’s Palace is encouraging families to get out and about to explore the Palace Gardens with its ‘Squirrels and Leaves’ October half term Family Trail. Trails can be picked up from the Palace shop or downloaded from the website.

The site is open from 10am until 4pm daily.

Chen Tai Chi

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01749 673195

wellsfilmcentre.co.uk Due to current circumstances and the move of more major blockbusters, we have made the decision to temporarily close our doors from Friday 2nd October. We hope to reopen in time for the new James Bond - No Time To Die on 12th November 2020.

Check out these amazing films coming later this year:

007 - NO TIME TO DIE, THE SECRET GARDEN, AMMONITE, WAR WITH GRANDPA, CATS & DOGS 3: PAWS UNITE, TWO BY TWO: OVERBOARD, BLACK WIDOW, DEEP WATER, SOUL, FREE GUY, PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY, DUNE, BLITHE SPIRIT, DEATH ON THE NILE Still want to support us? Check out page 5 for information or our website.

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VE AY Y* R T SE & P DU E R W P O M N TA S O N

PAY NO STAMP DUTY ON SELECTED HOMES ABOVE £500,000 AT CUBIS BRUTON, SOMERSET Cubis Bruton is a unique collection of bespoke houses, offering rural living at its best in the stunning Somerset town of Bruton. Intelligently and individually designed to be energy efficient and highly sustainable, each home has been finished to a high-quality specification.

Act now to buy with a 5% deposit on Help to Buy, with only two homes eligible and the scheme changing soon, do not miss out!

For a limited time only, save up to £23,250* in addition to the Government’s Stamp Duty Holiday as Acorn pay any remaining Stamp Duty when you reserve selected homes above £500,000.

4 bedroom detached houses from £555,000 Show Home open daily from 10am to 5pm Cuckoo Hill, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0FA For further information contact: T: 01749 598088 E: cubissales@acornpg.org W: acornpropertygroup.org Prices correct at time of publication. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. *Stamp Duty Terms & Conditions: If you complete on a residential property between 8 July 2020 to 31 March 2021 as your main residence, you only start to pay SDLT on the amount that you pay for the property above £500,000. Acorn will pay the remaining amount on selected homes throughout September. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Speak to Sales Advisor for details. Saving of £23,250 is based on a purchase price of £665,000 when the property will be used as your primary residence. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Credit is secured against your home. Subject to status, Help to Buy Terms & Conditions and available on selected properties up to £600,000 in England only. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings/deposit where required. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Full details will be provided on request.

wellsvoice

October 2020

35

n NEWS

First homes at new development on sale THE first homes have been released for sale at a new development in Wells.

Persimmon Homes is building a range of 110 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes at its Foxglove Heights development on Portway, north of the A371.

The first batch of properties have now been released onto the market, as the housing industry continues to rebound following the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. A mix of three and four-bedroom homes are currently available.

Carly Spear, sales director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said interest had been high. She said: “We’re delighted to launch this new development in a fantastic location.

“The lockdown has resulted in a lot of pent up demand in the housing market and, consequently, we have been very busy since rules were eased.

“Foxglove Heights includes

One of the houses available at Foxglove Heights homes to suit a range of buyers, from those looking to get on the property ladder for the first time to families seeking more space as they grow. We look forward to watching this development progress and mature.”

The houses are currently

Cash to help work with older people A SERVICE to help people in their homes in Wells has been handed a cash donation to help with its efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.

MHA Mendip Live at Home Scheme is run by older person’s charity Methodist Homes (MHA). It helps older people in the Wells area and has received £1,000 from housebuilder Persimmon Homes Severn Valley.

Persimmon gives away up to £1,000 each to two groups every month, and Persimmon Homes Severn Valley is currently focusing on giving money to groups that benefit people aged 70 and over in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

Lee Shergold, of MHA Mendip Live at Home, based at Torrwood Care Home at South Horrington, said: “Our aim is to eliminate isolation and loneliness among older people by connecting them in communities that care, allowing

them to live later life well.

We have adapted during the pandemic with virtual sessions, and by providing shopping, welfare calls and medication collections.

“This has led to increased costs at a time when our income is dramatically decreased.

Donations like these are crucial to our continued success.”

Persimmon Homes gives away up to £744,000 a year through Community Champions.

Carly Spear, sales director at Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has had a huge financial impact on groups and charities as their usual income streams have been decimated.

“We are delighted to be able to help some of the amazing organisations within our operating area.”

Persimmon is currently selling new-build homes on the edge of Wells at Foxglove Heights.

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being marketed from Persimmon’s Charlton Place development in Keynsham until an on-site marketing suite is ready.

Foxglove Heights is part of a wider 220-property development in the area.

Store teams up for deliveries THE Wells Morrisons store is going to start delivering groceries to residents of a retirement community.

Morrisons has partnered with retirement community developer McCarthy & Stone to extend its doorstep food delivery service to its homeowners.

McCarthy & Stone’s 441 communities, including Holmcroft Court in Shepton Mallet, can now order their groceries over the phone using Morrisons’ dedicated telesales line.

Once placed by Holmcroft Court residents, orders are then sent to their local Morrisons store in Wells where the items are picked from shelves and delivered the next day.

Residents are able to check their delivery and then pay on receipt. With their first order, McCarthy & Stone residents will also receive a complimentary bunch of flowers.

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wellsvoice n SPORT

36

n NEWS

Districts back two unitaries proposal SOMERSET’S four district councils have all endorsed a plan for two unitary authorities.

At Full Council meetings at Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset district councils, 84 per cent of councillors voted to support the proposal, known as Stronger Somerset. It would see Mendip merge with South Somerset, and Sedgemoor merge with Somerset West and Taunton.

In a joint statement, the Leaders of the district councils said: “This really is a momentous time for Somerset as we move forward with a plan that will make such a difference to the lives of everyone in our county.

“Central Government has made it very clear that they want a unitary solution for Somerset.

It is now up to us to determine the type of unitary we want.

Stronger Somerset is the plan that puts people, businesses and the environment first, investing in Somerset, while remaining close to our communities.

“District councils, which have been on the frontline in supporting communities and businesses through the Covid-19 crisis, are already leading the way with projects and services that make an economic and social difference but we know we can do more. Stronger Somerset, which is the result of extensive

research and expert advice, is our ambitious and exciting plan for how to do just that.”

Stronger Somerset is a rival proposal to One Somerset, the county council’s plan to replace itself and the district councils with a single council.

Councillor David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “We’ve always been really clear and positive about the benefits of One Somerset – it ends confusion, removes duplication and provides a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved with the things which matter to them in their communities.

“I would encourage everyone to look closely at the business cases and consider all the evidence carefully before making up their own minds about the best way forward for Somerset’s communities, residents and businesses.”

The business cases for Stronger Somerset and One Somerset will both be considered

by Robert Jenrick MP, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

There is expected to be an eight-week Government-run consultation later in the year, and councils have been advised that new organisations will be in place by April 2022.

October 2020

Training the focus for now RUGBY THERE may be no actual rugby matches, but there is life at Wells Rugby Club as the Senior Men’s teams continue to train, albeit under the strict guidelines issued by the RFU. Contact is restricted and the emphasis is on ball skills and fitness. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

There is still no date for the actual start to the season, but it is probably months rather than weeks.

The Minis and Juniors have also got back into action and had their Registration Day on September 13.

A new venture for socially distanced, ladies only, rugby fitness training has been started and runs on Monday evenings between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

Details and contacts for all the above can be found on the club’s website (www.wellsrfc. co.uk) or Facebook page.

Like many clubs and societies, Wells RFC held their recent AGM on Zoom.

Finally, some sad news.

Vandals recently destroyed large parts of the fencing and attached sponsorship boards which surround the main pitch. Besides being an unwanted expense whilst the club has virtually no income, it was a kick in the face for all those volunteers who over the summer had put in a lot of work to improve the ground and clubhouse.

Maybe those responsible would like to put their excess energy into playing rugby, rather than destroying people’s property.

Some of the damage caused by vandals at Wells RFC

Push to form coalition of parishes Belrose kicking off in good shape PARISH councils across midSomerset are being asked to join a coalition to defend the interests of rural areas in the face of a major local government shake-up.

The move is being led by a working group set up by Somerset’s largest parish council, St Cuthbert Out, which serves all the villages around Wells.

It will canvas views from 20 neighbouring parishes to establish key hopes and fears of rural communities as the change process rolls out.

Under the proposals, the current two-tier system – of the county council plus four district

authorities – will be abolished to make way for a one-tier or unitary approach.

As a result parish councils may be asked to take on additional functions. But there is no clear plan of what they will be and how they will be funded.

The St Cuthbert Out working group will be contacting the other 20 mid-Somerset parish councils with a view to setting up the coalition. The working group’s chairman, Councillor Pablo Foster, said: “We realise this will not be easy but we believe a collective response to change will help us as individual parishes.”

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FOOTBALL FOLLOWING the points per game outcome of the MidSomerset Division 1 2019/20 season, Belrose ended in a respectable fifth position.

The men in red begin the new campaign with a blank slate and reasons for optimism. Four friendlies ultimately culminated in two draws and two defeats but they can take plenty from games against Wessex, Pilton, Evercreech and Glastonbury opposition.

Containing both fresh faces and experienced heads, the team boast a healthy mixture

of youth and experience. A common theme has been a lack of cutting edge and defensive errors but the brand of football being played is easy on the eye, hopefully being successful in the long run.

The Bel can be fortunate to have the continued support of the Blue School for training and home matches plus the Tramways Social Club for the post-match amenities. Some tireless work behind the scenes has helped keep the club ticking over so it is now down to the squad to do the business on the field.

Alex Fudge

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

October 2020

37

n SPORT

Cup winners crowned before season concludes Special event to

thank volunteers

BOWLS CITY of Wells Bowls Club members have played a limited amount of bowls this season under Covid-19 regulations set

by Bowls England.

Since June 8 when some restrictions were first lifted, even though the clubhouse was closed, members were able to book time slots to play.

Men’s competition secretary Andy Barrett has successfully organised a Four Wood Pairs Competition, for the Covid Cup, run on a round-robin basis over a period of eight weeks with 14 pairs taking part.

With the competition coming to a close recently, the semi-finals were contested by Andy Barrett and Jon Friend against Franco Rossi and Alan Whitehead, and Pam Green and Eddie Norris against Trudy and David Bishop. Results meant the final on Sunday, September 6, was between Franco and Alan against Trudy and David. The

GOLF

From left, Covid Cup winners Franco Rossi and Alan Whitehead, organiser Andy Barrett, and runners-up Trudy and David Bishop game was supported by ‘socially distancing’ club members who saw Franco and Alan the winners.

A week earlier, a Two Wood Pairs Fun Day was also well arranged by Andy together with Jon Friend. Winners of the afternoon were Nick Waddington and Heather Willerton; second

were Hazel Moger and Alan Whitehead, and third were Jon Rossiter and Trudy Bishop.

City of Wells Bowls Club closed for the season on September 13. It is hoped that everyone can meet up again on the green next April for the 2021 Bowls Season, when new members will always be welcome.

Club makes most of opportunity CRICKET WELLS Cricket Club made the most of their shortened season by cramming in as much as possible.

The club decided to enter one senior side into the Somerset Cricket ‘Bubble’ League, fielding a mixed-ability side each week, with the existing, young and new players all stepping up with key performances against strong opposition. Players

also organised inter-club and mid-week fixtures with local opposition with a lot of very friendly cricket played.

The junior section returned with training, and an U13 side played friendly fixtures against local opposition.

A wet August did dampen the amount the juniors could play, but players are raring to go with indoor training in the winter as soon as a suitable location is found.

Wells Cricket Club is excited for the 2021 season and is always ready to welcome new players at any level, as well as new sponsors.

To find out more about the opportunities available, email wellscricketclub@hotmail.com For 2021, Wells will return with two Saturday XI sides, the return of Sunday Swans fixtures, more junior teams, and a dedicated girls section. Roll on 2021.

Strong start as Wells City A hit opponents for six FOOTBALL Coleford Athletic 2 Wells City A 6 MID-SOMERSET Division 1 champions Wells City A made the short trip to Coleford on September 19 to kick off their new season in the Mid-Somerset Premier Division. After only ten minutes, things got off to the best possible start for Wells when eventual man of the match Niklas Healy unleashed a spectacular dipping half

volley into the top corner of the Coleford net. Healy was at it again moments later, this time whipping in a corner which found its way in to the net via the far post to double Wells’ lead.

Coleford pulled a goal back midway through the first, but City quickly re-established their two-goal lead when, from a free-kick, centre-back Ben Warren drilled the ball into the top corner of the net from 45 yards out. Another lapse of concentration from Wells

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allowed Coleford to score again just before half time.

After a slow start the second half sprang into life on the hour.

Wells were awarded a penalty for handball and captain Dan Catley calmly converted from the spot. He saw a second spot-kick cannon back off the crossbar, but after a goal from Reece Cornish, Catley scored again in the final minute to condemn Coleford to their heaviest ever opening day home defeat in the club’s 131year history.

SINCE lockdown many members have volunteered their services to Mendip Golf Club helping out in several ways to improve the clubhouse offering. Large projects such as repainting the exterior of the clubhouse, replacing the shower flooring, manning the barbecue, watering the hanging baskets and general gardening were but some of the tasks carried out.

As a big thank you the chairman, Rob Needham, invited the volunteers to a special evening where they were treated to some excellent refreshments prepared by social committee chairman Ray Smith on the new barbecue, followed by entertainment provided by the Spice Girls. In his address Rob said that their voluntary work epitomised the spirit of a members’ golf club where members worked together for the mutual benefit of the whole Mendip family.

The Men held their annual running of the Sims Cup which attracted 136 entrants. Despite testing conditions with a strong wind and very unseasonable showers, there were some strong performances. The cup winner was nine-handicapper Stefan Golledge who put together an excellent net 65 with a model display of consistency – 14 pars and four bogeys.

Forty four Ladies played in a pairs competition, 4bbb with both scores counting on the Par 5s. Runaway leaders were Dee Garnsworthy/Jinhee Page with an outstanding 54 points.

Ninety nine Seniors competed for the Centenary Cup. The overall winner with 42 points was long-time member but recent Senior, Gary Lenihan. The Veterans prize went to the ever consistent Terry Carter with 35 points.

It was good to see John Hargraves back after a long spell off golf with illness and injury and commiserations to Hugh Glandfield, whose ball on the seventh mysteriously disappeared from just off the fairway while he was searching for his playing partner’s ball, resulting in a no score on that hole.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

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October 2020

n TAKE A BREAK

The FIEND

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For younger readers

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

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October 2020

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