Wells Voice October 2023

String of accidents on problem pavements

A VISITOR to Wells who tripped on a pavement in the city says she intends to make a claim for compensation from Somerset Council.

Tracey McRae, who lives in Cambridge, was visiting Wells for the first time with her husband Keith and dog Betty when she tripped on the edge of a manhole cover set into the pavement in Queen Street.

She is just one of several people who have been sent sprawling by the city’s pavements in the past three weeks alone.

Wells Voice spoke to Tracey two days after her fall on September 12, and she said: “I kind of rolled my ankle on the lid and went flying. It was a shock. Luckily I didn’t break anything, but I am bruised, and my left shoulder and arm and palm are sore, my knees are bruised and I’m stiff.”

She said that she has been in touch with Somerset Council –

Continued on page 6

Vanessa Gordon,

friends of Heads Up and the dress that they are working on for the Mayor’s New Clothes project. Sophie’s Dress, as it has been named, will represent suicide awareness. See page 2.

Picture: Philip Welch

second from left, with

Dress with focus on lives lost

By Philip Welch

WEDDING dresses stir powerful memories. But few as strong as the one unveiled at Heads Up on September 19.

The mental health charity based at South Horrington has named it Sophie’s Dress in memory of a young local girl who took her own life last year.

“The dress represents the almost 6,000 people in the UK who killed themselves in 2021,” said Vanessa Gordon, a Heads Up trustee who is leading the project.

Every flower on the bodice represents a life lost, with the 50 suicides in Somerset that year each remembered with a larger flower.

The dress was designed by a mental health nurse in Australia who did her training at the Priory Health Park in Wells. It features bright and dark colours to show the bright and dark

sides of mental health. Under the dress are trousers which represent how people cover up mental illness.

In the new year Sophie’s Dress and many more will be auctioned to raise money for the two charities of the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Tanys Pullin –Whizz Kids and Heads Up.

Whizz Kidz supports young wheelchair users up to 25 years old. They provide the equipment

Mayor of Wells Councillor Tanys Pullin is pictured on the left with some of the dresses in her Mayor’s New Clothes project, in which dozens of groups and individuals are working to transform used wedding dresses into beautiful ballgowns. The finished dresses will be auctioned off at an event in the Town Hall in the new year to raise money for the Mayor’s chosen charities, Heads Up and Whizz Kidz.

and skills they need to live life as independently as possible so the young people can enjoy the opportunities and activities that others take for granted – at home, school, work and beyond.

Heads Up provides activity-based learning and development workshops for adults experiencing mental ill health and dementia, as well as those with learning and physical disabilities.

Carers treated to spa sessions

SOME of the carers supported by the Heads Up charity at South Horrington have been treated to spa sessions hosted by Montigo Resorts Charlton House Hotel, Shepton Mallet (previously Bannatyne’s). The sessions have been donated by the hotel.

“Having quality ‘me’ time is such an important piece of the jigsaw for carers to manage their own well-being; and Heads Up are truly thankful that Montigo Resorts has kindly provided these pampering sessions to some of the many carers which Heads Up supports,” said Bridget Harvey, Service Director.

“The hotel will also be providing Heads Up staff with an afternoon of relaxation at the end of September, something the staff are very much looking forward to.”

Heads Up trustee Vanessa Gordon will be providing the hotel staff with some mental health first aid training.

Call for help to hunt down Asian hornets

BEEKEEPERS are appealing to the public to help them in their battle against the Asian hornet.

Members of the Central Somerset Beekeepers Association were at Wells Market on September 9 to highlight the dangers posed by Asian hornets and encourage the reporting of sightings.

“The Asian hornet is an invasive species which has covered most of southern Europe and is now here on mainland UK. It destroys hives, as these are easy targets, but it also eats other flying pollinators,” said Association Chair Nick Potts.

More nests have been discovered in the UK this year than in the previous six years combined. A single nest can contain up to 6,000 workers and 350 queens.

There are currently 45 confirmed nests in southern England but there may be others that have not yet been discovered.

“In mainland UK nearly all the nests have been found by tracking hornets which have been reported by members of the public,” said Nick.

“Our aim at Wells Market, as it was at the Mid Somerset Show, was to ask people to download the Asian Hornet Watch app, which is totally free, and photograph any flying insect with yellow legs, these are Asian hornets and should not be confused with European hornets which are much bigger.

“We probably spoke to over 500 people and the aim is to get everyone and anyone looking for the Asian hornet and reporting it. Pictures taken on the app which aren’t Asian hornets are not a problem as we would rather have 1,000 wrong ones to find one Asian hornet.”

Asian hornets look like large, black wasps with yellow legs, an orange face and an orange band on the body.

European hornets are almost entirely yellow.

The British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) is warning of the threat not just to honey bees but also to people. It says that people should be cautious when picking blackberries and trimming

hedges as many Asian hornet nests have been found in patches of brambles and in hedgerows, and there are fears that

foragers and gardeners could inadvertently disturb a nest.

BBKA Chair Diane Drinkwater said: “Foragers and gardeners should check hedges carefully to avoid disturbing an Asian hornet nest. Normally they don’t attack, but if you are near a nest, or disturb it, they can become extremely aggressive and dangerous.”

She added: “Normally Asian hornets are not seen in the UK until the end of September but this year there has been an unprecedented number already.”

One hornet can devour up to 50 honey bees at a time, and she said: “Asian hornets are a top predator – they are the lions of the insect world.”

“We need the public’s help,” she continued. “If you see an Asian hornet, take a photo and report it immediately using the Asian Hornet Watch phone app or via the BBKA’s website (bbka. org.uk).”

Yourlocallegal experts

Nick Potts, third from left, with other members of the Central Somerset Beekeepers Association at Wells Market; below, an Asian hornet

Community walk to mark path’s opening

A NEW multi-user path has opened in Easton, safely linking the communities of Easton and Westbury-sub-Mendip 60 years after the railway line was closed in September 1963 as a result of the Beeching cuts.

The new path has been made possible thanks to Somerset Council, The Strawberry Line Society, Greenways & Cycleroutes, contractors MP & KM Golding Ltd, local landowners and volunteers.

The Strawberry Line is part of the Somerset Circle which, when completed, will form a 76-mile traffic-free circuit linking Bristol, Bath, the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels.

The path in Easton is 1.8km long and features a new accommodation bridge, fencing, levelled off sections and benches located to take advantage of views of the Mendips and Levels, as well as more 5,000 hedges and tree saplings planted.

The moment was celebrated with a community walk along the new stretch, from Lodge Hill in Westbury-sub-Mendip to Easton Village Hall, followed by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Invited guests included the former HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, and Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets at Somerset Council, Councillor Ros Wyke. Fellow councillors and

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council staff were also present, alongside representatives from Shepton Mallet Town Council, Greenways & Cycleroutes and volunteers from The Strawberry Line Society.

Cllr Wyke said: “The community walk marked a significant moment for the communities of Easton and Westbury. It was a celebration of being reunited after 60 years since the Beeching railway

Recently sold

closure. I’m particularly pleased that children can now safely walk to school in Westbury and the communities can safely reach and enjoy each other’s facilities and events.

“We continue to open more paths and get ever closer to completing the Somerset Circle and it’s only been made possible through partnership working.

“I would like to thank The Strawberry Line volunteers for their commitment in reconnecting Somerset communities as well as the former Mendip District Council for funding the path, Somerset Council staff and the local landowners for their support.”

Mick Fletcher, Chair of The Strawberry Line Society, said: “Our ambition is to see a continuous, traffic-free path from Shepton to the sea at Clevedon.

“This stunning new section of path is an important step towards realising that vision.”

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Crowds joining the community walk along the new multi-user path in Easton, that was officially opened on September 16 Picture: Rose Atkinson

A mid-Victorian gold, turquoise-enamel and diamond scroll bracelet - Sold £2300

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LOCAL INFORMATION

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Frustration at lack

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the local authority responsible for the pavements – which has logged the incident, and that she is going to appoint a solicitor to take up a claim for compensation from the council.

“I love Wells, it’s lovely, but you don’t want people to be put off coming,” she said.

Rob Bevan of Protec says that Tracey’s accident is one of many he has seen outside his shop in Queen Street. He is planning to raise the issue of hazardous pavements and kerbs again at the Wells City Council meeting on September 28, when he will urge city councillors to put pressure on Somerset Council to carry out repairs.

Rob said it seems that there is unlikely to be repair work carried out unless something is protruding or sunken to a certain depth, but he said: “When you trip on an uneven, rocking pavement or kerb, it’s a tripping hazard full stop. Please maintain our beautiful city.”

the people to fall recently outside the A2 Gallery. She said: “It was on August 30, I was walking home to Priest Row, about 5pm – there was hardly anyone about, but I caught my left toe on one of the stones outside the Gallery and fell over. I fell flat onto the ground; shopping, keys, everything dropped.

“I bruised the inside of my left knee and grazed my right knee plus hurt my right hand and grazed that too. The reason I don’t like falling over – apart from the indignity of it – is because I have osteoporosis and my bones don’t heal well.

“The pavements in Wells really are bad and not helped by the fact that the council won’t remove the weeds anymore.”

Another woman tripped over the same protruding paving slab and had to be taken to hospital with cuts to her face and a suspected broken nose.

Simon Schachter, owner of the A2 Gallery at 80 High Street, said: “The retailers of Wells are fed up with having to deal with shoppers, visitors and tourists falling due to the lack of maintenance of the pavements here.

“Wells is littered with broken paving stones which do not get repaired. Most of this is caused by vehicles parking or driving on the pavements. I have a raised paving slab outside the gallery which has been a trip hazard for years. I have reported it twice this year after pedestrians have fallen and had facial injuries, and Somerset Council still insist it is ‘not a safety issue and not severe enough’.”

Jean MacCormack was one of

The 72-year-old – who asked not to be named – said: “I am pretty used to navigating the wonky pavements of Wells, having lived in the area for decades and being a frequent visitor. But on September 9, at around 4pm, I had just visited the Bubwith Almshouses on their Open Day and was making my way to visit friends. One second I was walking along the pavement, the next I had done a spectacular ‘face-plant’ and was aware of acute pain, lots of blood and a small crowd of concerned people who had come to my aid, helping me to my feet, offering me tissues and wet wipes and generally being lovely and helpful. A big thanks to them, and to Simon who had heard me hitting the deck.

“A phone call to my friends meant that they were soon on the scene and they took me to the MIU at West Mendip Hospital. I sustained extensive bruising and lacerations on the right side of my face and a suspected fracture to my nose.

“My grievance with Somerset Council is their refusal to do anything, up till now, about something which is, obviously, a recurring trip hazard, and the fact that any claim against them would automatically be declined because of a nonsensical ‘one inch’ law.

The paving slab that people have been tripping on outside the A2 Gallery at 80 High Street

of action to make the pavements safer

“Probably if it had been a more obvious fault, I would have noticed it, and would have been able to avoid it.”

Tonia Carter, who works at Merlins the Jewellers in Sadler Street, also tripped recently on the pavement outside Superdrug, and bruised her hip, elbow and wrist. She said that the pain meant she could not sleep properly for two weeks afterwards.

“It was horrible, it was embarrassing. I felt myself going down in slow motion. It could have been so different if I’d smacked my head.”

Tonia is in her 50s, and said it is not just the elderly and the infirm who are suffering accidents.

She added: “I’d love my parents to move here but I’m thinking it’s just not safe for them.”

Wells City Council is keen to investigate taking over

delegated authority for minor pavement repairs if agreement can be reached with Somerset Council, which currently has responsibility for the pavements and Market Place.

Meanwhile, causes of falls can be reported at Wells Town Hall and this information will

be passed on for the attention of Somerset Council.

Wells City Councillor Denise Denis, Chair of the city council’s Planning & Environment Committee, said: “The broken kerbs are caused by delivery vans and lorries and is a great concern. If there is no loading bay available the vehicles have to do this but it causes kerb stones to dip in and crack. This compounds the hazards pedestrians face, along with the channels which seem to add to the complexity of crossing or stepping off the pavement.

“Wells City Council had been asking for a traffic survey with the view to traffic calming measures prior to the pandemic. I have requested this to be done since the unitary authority came into being but I have not had a reply to my request.”

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “We carry out regular inspections across our

network, including pavements in our towns and villages.

“With 4,172 miles of roads to cover our Highways team has to prioritise, and order maintenance works based on need and relative risk. This is not based on specific measurements only but also on position and prominence of the issue, and specifically if it has been reported as causing problems by the public or local partners such as the parish or town council. Any problems identified from site inspections or notification from the public will be programmed for repair accordingly as quickly as possible.

“Residents and businesses owners have a key role to play and if you spot a problem you can report it quickly and easily by visiting our online ‘Report a problem on the road’ portal at somerset.gov.uk/roads-traveland-parking/report-a-problemon-the-road”

An image taken from CCTV footage that captured the moment Tracey McRae fell while walking along Queen Street

Finger-licking fun at Wells Food Festival

CHILDREN will be taking centre stage at this year’s Wells Food Festival on Sunday, October 8. Whilst the grown-ups can enjoy visiting almost 200 of the region’s finest food and drink producers in the Artisan Market and visit some new feature areas, the younger members of the family have a whole section devoted just to them.

“We are always looking at ways to make the day fun for children,” says Jon Abbott, festival director. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could spark an interest in food and cooking, even just for one child.”

This year’s Children’s Zone, located next to the Bishop’s Barn, is supported by PTAs from local primary schools: Stoberry

There are plenty of activities planned including making seed bombs, an interactive quiz to test knowledge of foodie facts and the chance to create a bee-themed

To get young taste buds tingling, some street food vendors will be serving up adventurous dishes in kiddiesized portions. These include Guyanese/Caribbean food from Mahalia’s Kitchen, Mexican tacos from Miz Street Food and pizza from Pizza Rocket. If this inspires some chefs-

of-the-future, a visit to the next door Fun Kitchen marquee is a must. The pop-up cookery school run by Simon Gray will be providing free cooking sessions for children throughout the day. This year the theme is Oodles of Noodles, creating a ‘posh pot noodle’ packed with vegetables to take home. The 45-minute sessions start at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. They are free to attend but numbers are strictly limited so it is worth booking a place when first arriving at the festival.

Finally, to let off some steam, there is the new Charlie Bigham’s Plate Spinning Championship next to the Children’s Zone. With heats for all ages, this is ideal for anyone wanting to give it a whirl, under the watchful eye of two plate-spinning professionals.

The festival runs from 10.30am-4.30pm. Entry is free.

WELLS has been named as the UK’s favourite destination in a survey of inland towns and villages by consumer organisation Which?.

More than 9,000 Which? members were asked to rate their experiences of visiting inland towns and villages in the

Criteria included scenery, food and drink, peace and quiet,

tourist attractions, and value for money.

Wells came out on top with 83 per cent, the city scoring a full five stars for attractiveness and tourist attractions, and four stars for shopping, scenery, food and drink.

It was followed by Avebury in Wiltshire (82 per cent) and Corfe Castle, Dorset, and Port Sunlight, Merseyside (80 per cent).

The most bus information stalls

SOMERSET Bus Partnership, with the help of local Bus Champions, will run more bus information stalls than any other county during the September Catch the Bus Month.

A stall was scheduled to be held on 25 occasions in different locations across Somerset,

including two in Market Place, Wells, on September 20 and 23.

People who would like to support local bus services can get in touch by emailing somersetbuspartnership@gmail. com

u Bus services update, page 21

Wells ‘favourite UK destination’ Free Entry

More HSBC pop-ups at library

MORE dates have been scheduled for the HSBC community pop-ups in Wells

Customers of the bank will be able to call in on Wednesday,

October 4; Wednesday, October 25; Thursday, November 9; Wednesday, November 22; and Thursday, December 14.

All the pop-ups will be from 9.30am until 12pm.

The pop-up cookery school will be one of the attractions for children at this year’s food festival

Businesses merging at Keward Park site

TWO of the Wells area’s best known home improvement companies are joining forces.

Mercia Kitchens and Bathrooms will be moving from its showroom at 18 Broad Street, Wells, to merge with Somerset Tile at its base at Keward Park on the Glastonbury Road, just outside of Wells.

“Since taking over the Mercia Kitchens and Bathrooms business in September 2018, we have had the pleasure of working closely with Somerset Tile at Keward Park; pretty well all of the tiles that we have delivered to customers have come from there,” said Mercia owner Graham Lake.

“I’m excited to share the news that we are merging the two businesses and Mercia will be moving to Keward Park on Wednesday, October 11.

“The combined showroom will be called Mercia, but there will be acknowledgement to the

more than 20 years of history of Somerset Tile in that showroom in the signage.”

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customers in and around the Mendip area.

Somerset Tile displays a wide range of tiles for walls and floors, to use in bathrooms, kitchens and other parts of homes. The tiles are mainly from Italy and Spain. It also sells tiling accessories such as adhesives, grouts, sealants, tools and cleaning products.

Ahead of the merger, many of the displays in the current Mercia Kitchens and Bathrooms showroom are being sold at a discount. Graham said: “The majority of the displays in the Broad Street showroom are for sale at vastly reduced prices. Do drop in to see what is available.”

And he said of the new showroom at Keward Park: “The showroom will be developed over the period up to Christmas so do keep checking in to see what is new.

“We look forward to welcoming you there.”

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Graham Lake of Mercia Kitchens and Bathrooms, right, with Matt Harvey of Somerset Tile

Opinions sought on how to spend legacy

EVERY household in a Wells parish is being invited to take part in a survey about how to spend a substantial sum of money left in a legacy.

St Thomas’ Church is delivering a form to each home in the parish asking for opinions on potential options if the money was to be used to redevelop the church hall or the church as a community hub.

In a letter to parishioners with the survey form, the Rev Claire Towns, Vicar of St Thomas’ Church, says: “We have recently received a substantial sum of money in a legacy. This generous gift isn’t intended to be spent on our everyday running costs. Instead, we’d like to use it for the benefit of the wider communities of East Wells and the Horringtons, you, the people who live in our parish.

“I think many of you would agree with me when I say that this part of our city and beyond

to the Horringtons has very few facilities.

“The loss of The Britannia Inn has meant the loss of an important community gathering space. We’re wondering if we might be able to use this money to improve facilities in some way.”

There are no definite plans at this stage, she says, but ideas

that have been thought about include:

n Redeveloping the church hall and providing a fully-accessible, carbon neutral community hub to possibly offer a community cafe and bar, a lettable hall and smaller rooms which could be used for many different purposes.

n Redeveloping the hall in a

carbon-neutral way with socialhousing above it.

n Redeveloping and ‘futureproofing’ the inside of the church to provide a more flexible space for worship and wider community use, with more sustainable energy usage.

“These are just ideas at this stage. We would genuinely love to hear your thoughts, not only about our ideas, but also about anything you think our community needs. That would really help us in taking any plans to the next stage,” says the Rev Towns.

Parishioners are requested to return the questionnaire by October 31.

One possibility mentioned on the form is to make more use of the church hall for local routine medical clinics, although the NHS has not been consulted about this yet. The hall is about to be used again as a Covid vaccination centre.

Schoolboy takes on Channel swimming challenge

NINE-YEAR-OLD Samuel Summers, of Wells, is taking on a Channel swim to raise money for charity.

He is swimming 22 miles –the distance across the English Channel – in 12 weeks in the Aspire challenge to raise money for people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury.

Samuel is already a keen swimmer and is a member of Wells Swim Club. He normally swims 50 or 60 lengths of the

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Wells Sport & Fitness pool each week, and is doubling that number to meet the challenge, which equates to 117 lengths of the Wells pool every week for the 12 weeks.

A pupil at Stoberry Park School, he has been swimming after school and at weekends, and hopes to have completed the challenge – which runs officially from September 18 to December 11 – at the start of December.

“He’s so calm about it,” said

his mum Candice Butler. “He set himself a target of raising £500 and he is so grateful to everyone who has donated so far, and is hoping he can raise as much money as possible for the charity.

“We are so proud that he’s taking on this massive challenge.”

Anyone who is able to make a donation can do so at https:// www.aspirechannelswim. co.uk/fundraising/samuelsfundraising-page2024

is the course I didn't realise I needed.”

Young swimmer Samuel Summers

St Thomas’ Church Hall

Revealing glimpses into speakers’ lives

PERSONAL stories are at the core of this year’s Wells Festival of Literature, and – let’s face it – other people’s lives can be fascinating.

So the festival – which runs from October 27 to November 4 – opens with a weekend of memoirs, obsessions and confessions, and closes with reportage of a real-life thriller in Ukraine.

Some of the speakers are famous – politicians Wes Streeting and Chris Patten among them – and some not so, but the common denominator is that they all have a good story to tell.

Why, for instance, would a young man today pick the priesthood as a career? The Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie will reveal all.

Or why would Robin Ince, co-presenter of Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, visit more than 100 bookshops in Britain?

His is a story of romance, addiction and tall tales.

And how can theatre change the world? Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of the Globe Theatre for many years, examines those times when the performing arts from Hitchcock to the Sex Pistols have had a radical impact.

Wells F sti v a l o tiL eratu re

new home in her English country garden.

Politics and psychology also feature with Jolyon Maugham KC, founder of the Good Law Project, explaining what has inspired him to dedicate his life to legal activism.

Sociology professor Hein de Haas takes a radical view on migration, and psychologist Kimberley Wilson discusses the link between diet, behaviour and mental health.

Throughout the week gardeners, poets and raconteurs are all crowd pullers. There’s an afternoon dedicated to prize giving for the winners of the festival’s poetry and story-telling competitions with readings and the chance to vote for the festival’s favourite poet. Entries for the four categories pour in from around the world, this year topping 1,500.

For the green-fingered, a double bill of gardeners digs up some new possibilities. Alice Vincent takes a foray into the world of women gardeners, while Marchelle Farrell – uprooted from the beaches and hills of her native Trinidad – discovers a

The festival comes to a close on its final Saturday night with a tale of life, death and defiance in Ukraine from award-winning BBC foreign news correspondent Andrew Harding.

His book A Small Stubborn Town tells the story of an unlikely ‘Dads Army’ in the village of Voznesensk where a group of plucky pensioners fought against the invading Russian army in the early days of the war. With more pluck than weapons, their plan was to blow up a small bridge and stymie the Russian advance. The odds were terrible.

For booking and details of all events pick up a brochure (available from Waterstones and other venues), visit www. wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk or call 01749 834483.

Activities at library in October

COMING up at Wells Library in October:

Historical Creative Writing Workshop

Local author Beth Webb will give an illustrated talk and mini writing workshop on Saturday, October 14, at 10.30am. First she will talk about her faction novella Broken Angels produced in collaboration with Wells-based historian Mark Hutchinson. This starts from a list of punishments at Glastonbury Abbey which are then developed to give an intriguing story.

This will be followed by a workshop for participants to try their own hand at ‘faction’. All adults welcome, but not suitable for children.

Beth has published a number of books for all ages including a series of children’s classics, the Fleabag trilogy.

Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team

People can drop in and speak to a member of Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team on Wednesday, October 4, between 11am and 12pm. Someone will be on hand to help if people want to raise a concern about an issue in the community. Repair

Saturday at Wells Library

Reduce, reuse and repair… members of the public can take items to the library on Saturday, October 7, from 10am-12.30pm, when the repair fixers will have a go at repairing most things taken along.

HSBC Community Pop-Up HSBC will be in the library from 9.30am-12pm on Wednesday, October 4, and Wednesday, October 25. There is no need to book, just drop in.

From left, Andrew Harding, Marchelle Farrell and Alice Vincent

Picture: Sam Harding

Picture: Lydia Goldblatt

Picture: Richard Grassie

Club in show of support for fellow boxers

By Philip Welch

MAKING a difference on the other side of the world – that’s Wells Boxing Club.

They are supporting the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in a poor part of South Africa with cash donations and boxing kit.

“Achieving success in sport can be a way out of poverty,” said Wells boxing coach Andy Lovell.

The South African club’s name derives from the fact that they are on the Cape of Good Hope coast where whales are frequently seen.

The OWBC is run by Mzi Damesi, a security guard at night who in the day started the club in a ramshackle old building. Crime is a problem in the area and the

club is seen as a way of helping young people keep out of trouble. After hearing that Mzi’s boxers had to walk for three days to get home after winning a championship tournament, the EMS Foundation stepped in.

It funds deserving projects and decided to sponsor OWBC which is enabling a new boxing club to be built.

It will be opened on November 24, and on Saturday, November 26, three Wells club boxers will take part in various exhibition matches with OWBC members. They are Jack Allen, Morgan Davis and Roan Gerson, who will be accompanied by their coaches Graham Kelly and Andy Lovell.

Graham is a contracts manager at the Castle Cary office of Stonewood Builders.

He said: “Although Stonewood Builders, Stonewood Design and the EMS Foundation are meeting some costs, Wells Boxing will still have to pay around £2,000 for the

vaccinations, insurance, and excess baggage as we want to donate more boxing kit to the OWBC.

“If you would like to help sponsor this worthy cause please feel free to contact myself or Andy Lovell through our club’s Facebook page, email us at wellsboxingclub@gmail.com or give us a call – me on 07395 604395 or Andy on 07850 663329.

“We live in an affluent city and raising a little money here will make a real difference there.”

Graham and Andy want to give the Wells boxers an experience to widen their horizons and hope to bring OWBC boxers over here next year.

The three boxers going to the opening of the new club, Jack Allen, Morgan Davis and Roan Gerson with their coaches Graham Kelly (centre) and Andy Lovell (right)

These members of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club are holding Lonsdale boxing boots given by Wells Boxing Club. Their tops were donated by the EMS Foundation.

Mzi Damesi with a trophy won by a team from his boxing club

Wells City Council Wells Civic Awards – Nomination Form

Nominations are limited to one per award, per Wells resident. In order to ensure this, we will require

Your surname: _____________________________________ Postcode: ______________________

Your nominations (you can nominate in as many categories as you like)

l Citizen of the Year:

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Volunteer of the Year:

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Community Organisation of the Year:

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Business of the Year:

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Senior Sportsperson of the Year (18 or over):

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 18):

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Young Person of the Year (under 18):

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Environmental Champion:

Name of nominee:_________________________

l Extra Mile Award:

Name of nominee:_________________________

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:____________________________________

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

Reason for nominating:

If your nominees are selected, we may need to contact you either by Telephone or Email for further information. Please fill in the sections below. If you do not wish to be contacted, simply leave these sections blank.

Telephone:____________________________ Email:_______________________________________

Please return to reception at Wells Town Hall or submit your form online via: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WellsAwards2023

SERVICES

l Corns and Callus removal l General nail cutting

l Thickened problem nails l Ingrowing toe nails

l Cracked heels l Verrucae l Athlete’s foot

l Bunions l Heel and Arch pain l Flat feet

l Footwear and footcare advice and many more

To arrange a consultation contact Molly: Mobile: 07960 530293 Email: molline01@gmail.com

‘Honouring people who make a difference’

Surge of nominations for community awards

DOZENS of nominations have been submitted for the community awards launched last month by Wells City Council, in partnership with Wells Voice, that will honour those who make a difference.

The Wells Civic Awards have nine categories that aim to recognise the contribution shown by individuals, groups and businesses to the service of the local community.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Town Hall on Friday, January 12, when they will each receive an awards memento.

The categories are:

n Citizen of the Year: A person who has made an important contribution through their work in the community.

n Volunteer of the Year: Someone who has given their time voluntarily for the benefit of the community.

n Community Organisation

of the Year: A voluntary organisation delivering a service to the community.

n Business of the Year: A business which has supported or worked with the community.

n Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Someone aged 18 or over who has had an impact in the world of sport.

n Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Someone aged under

18 who has had an impact in the world of sport.

n Young Person of the Year: Someone aged under 18 who has given their time to support the community.

n Environmental Champion: An individual/ business/organisation that has demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental issues.

n Extra Mile Award: Someone who has gone above and beyond in providing a service to the community.

Nominations can be made by completing the form on the left, cutting it out and dropping it into the box at the reception desk at Wells Town Hall.

Forms can also be submitted online via: https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ WellsAwards2023

The closing date for nominations is Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Winners of Civic Awards two years ago, when Freedom of the City awards were also presented to Councillor Norman Kennedy and Wells Branch Royal British Legion

Prompt action needed if cat shows signs of shock

KITTY was rushed into Shepton Vets after she had been attacked outside her home by a large breed dog. She initially had considerable bleeding, so the owner was advised to apply pressure to the wound en route to the practice.

Following her arrival, the bleeding had nearly stopped, but poor Kitty was so distressed by the encounter she wouldn’t even open her eyes. She had multiple puncture wounds to her torso and tummy which needed to be bonded closed, she was given pain relief and a long-lasting injection of antibiotics as dog bites commonly become infected.

During the consultation Kitty’s demeanour improved, and she opened her beautiful eyes and was able to walk around demonstrating there were no obvious fractures. Kitty showed no signs of serious shock so was allowed to go home and have her owner monitor her overnight, and we would see her for a follow-up appointment next day.

Kitty is a very sweet 10-month-old Sphynx cat, weighing only 2.65kg at the time of her ordeal, if not for her owners’ prompt rescue, things

may not have had a positive ending.

If your cat has been involved in an incident and shows signs of shock, it is important to speak to us for advice, as things can go downhill very quickly. Shock in cats can be a potentially life-threatening condition. Recognising the signs is crucial for prompt intervention and seeking veterinary assistance. Here are some key indicators:

l Accelerated Heart Rate: Cats in shock often exhibit a rapid heart rate.

l Rapid Breathing: Another common sign is rapid or shallow breathing.

l Paleness: A noticeable change in the colour of your cat’s gums, lips and the area under their eyelids is indicative of shock; unusually pale, and it could be a sign of reduced blood flow.

l Cold Extremities: If paws and ears feel unusually chilly to the touch, it could be a sign of shock.

l Lethargy and Confusion: Shocked cats may appear weak, drowsy, or disoriented.

l Trembling: Shivering or trembling can also be a sign of shock. If your cat seems to be shivering uncontrollably, it’s important to take notice.

l Vomiting: Some cats in shock might vomit as a response to the body’s distress.

If you suspect your cat is in shock based on these symptoms, contact us without delay. Early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcome.

Nurse Pamela Anderson

Charity walk raises more than £4,500

A 100-MILE charity walk in memory of much-loved wife, mother and grandmother Sheila Coggan has raised more than £4,500.

David Coggan and daughter Sarah walked the Somerset Circle with family and friends over the course of the summer as a fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

David’s wife Sheila died last year from Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 77, having been diagnosed with the condition in 2021. The family decided to raise money for MNDA for research and as a way of thanking the charity for the support it provided for Sheila. The walk took in 100 miles of disused railway track and countryside away from main roads, on the route that links Wells, Cheddar, Winscombe, Sandford, Congresbury, Clevedon, Portishead, Bristol, Bath, Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet and back to Wells. For the final leg, family members and friends walked along the newly-created stretch of the Strawberry Line between Easton and Westbury-sub-Mendip.

David said: “Sarah and I found it an exhilarating experiencing walking the Strawberry Line, coastal paths, River Avon Trail, Fosse ways, and footpaths.

“The flora and fauna was superb. The Somerset Circle is a brilliant leisure concept and a haven for rare flowers, birds, and small mammals. It was a delight to see the sheer number of grasshoppers, butterflies, bullfinches and the odd weasel.

“Thing to watch out for: 25 sturdy and enquiring Aberdeen Angus steers together with ticks.

“Complete strangers were very generous in supporting MNDA. Such a cruel disease.”

Sheila was a teacher for more than 35 years, and immediately after retirement, she took on voluntary work as secretary to the Wells District Neighbourhood Watch committees. At the same time, she played an active role in the Wells City Ladies Inner Wheel helping to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

Further donations to the fundraising for the MNDA can be made online at https:// sheilacoggan.muchloved.com/

Business awards open for entries

ENTRIES have opened for the Somerset Business Awards 2024, which celebrate the best of Somerset’s wide range of companies, charities and organisations. Now in their 19th year, the awards are organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

There are 14 categories, the awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of Somerset Chamber to take part.

Businesses have until November 24 to submit their entries via the website at www. somersetbusinessawards.org.uk

David and Sarah about to walk from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol to Bath; right, Sheila Coggan

Kitty was distressed after being attacked by a dog

Lions say thanks for Boat Race support

CITY of Wells Lions have said a big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the teams at this year’s Moat Boat Race.

Encouraged by Allan Trinder in the commentary box, there was keen competition at this year’s races, which took place on The Bishop’s Palace Moat on the August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Lions, the volunteers and supporting organisations –Wells Air Cadets, Bristol Corinthians Yacht Club and the St John Ambulance Brigade –appreciated some of the comments that they received, and said that it makes it all worthwhile: “You (Lions) are a small group, but certainly pack a big punch!”, “The Bishop is such a good sport and his blonde wig will enter Boat Race legend”, “Yesterday was one of the best

organised volunteer events I can remember”.

Organisers expressed their gratitude for permission to stage the event from The Bishop’s Palace Trust, the Church Commissioners and for sponsorship from local businesses: Amba Wells, Harris and Harris, Priory Dental Practice, Ellis and Co (Shepton Mallet), Bowley’s Garage, Wells Voice, Ron Thompson Carpets, Philip Welch, Tramways Club, Wells and Limited Edition Disco, Charlie Bigham’s, Chubb Bulleid, Glastonbury FM, The Venue, The Globe Inn, The Rose and Crown, Bishop’s Eye and Wells & District Darts League.

To be part of the event next year, whether rafting, volunteering or organising, email cityofwellslions@gmail.com or call 0345 833 6736.

TV cameras were at this year’s Moat Boat Race filming New Life in the Country star Sarah Beeny and her family, who took part in racing on their raft The Sinking Symphony. The Channel 4 programme follows property expert Sarah and the family as they swap London for Somerset.

RESULTS

Junior Races: Sprint: 1st Wells ATC (Jurassic), 2nd Sidmouth ATC, 3rd Glastonbury & Street Sea Cadets, 4th The First Aiders, 5th Ilminster ATC (Aquaholics); Backwards: 1st Wells ATC (Jurassic), 2nd St John Juniors (The First Aiders), 3rd Sidmouth ATC, 4th Ilminster (Aquaholics), 5th Glastonbury & Street Sea Cadets; Challenge: 1st St John Juniors

(The First Aiders), 2nd Wells ATC (Jurassic), 3rd Ilminster (Aquaholics); Obstacle: 1st Wells ATC (Jurassic), 2nd Ilminster (Aquaholics), 3rd Glastonbury & Street Sea Cadets (Excalibur).

Adult races: Bishop’s Cup: 1st Likely Lads, 2nd Sarah’s PS, 3rd Wells Magic, 4th Palace Princesses; Lions Cup: 1st NWA Greater Good, 2nd Sidmouth ATC, 3rd Likely Lads, 4th Sarah’s Preservation Society; Community Challenge: 1st Sidmouth ATC, 2nd Likely Lads, 3rd NWA Greater Good, 4th Wells Magic; Obstacle: 1st Likely Lads, 2nd Ilminster ATC, 3rd Sidmouth ATC, 4th Sarah’s Preservation Society. Fancy Dress Juniors: Wells ATC; Fancy Dress Adults: Palace Princesses; Best Raft: Likely Lads; Wettest Team: Wells Magic.

Phone collection for good cause

CITY of Wells Lions Club are supporting the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s mobile phone initiative to recycle unwanted mobile phones to benefit their essential public service.

The Lions have placed a secure box in the reception at Wells Town Hall where unwanted mobile phones can be left ready for collection. Already hundreds of phones have been donated to support this cause.

There are an estimated 60 to 90 million mobile phones languishing in drawers and

cupboards around the UK. If these phones end up in landfill sites, their toxic components become a threat to human health and the environment.

If the phones are recycled, they eliminate this threat to the environment and also decrease the strain on the planet’s resources. Reciproc8 (reciproc8mobiles.co.uk/ recycling) are removing the component parts from the collected phones, all of which helps generate funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

MOAT BOAT RACE

Film Centre extends its £5 ticket offer

WELLS Film Centre has extended its £5 ticket offer until the end of the year.

In August, the cinema reduced its ticket prices to just £5 each in a bid to encourage more customers to attend after what it said had been a difficult start to the year. Although the offer seems to have helped in some respects, the bulk of customers visited to watch two films over the summer, Barbie and Oppenheimer.

Wells Film Centre decided at the end of August to extend this offer to include September, and has now made the decision to carry this on until the end of 2023.

Proprietor Sally Cooper said: “We are very grateful for the support we received over the summer and have decided to carry on the £5 offer in the hope

it will encourage more customers to come and watch a variety of films over the next few months, with a line-up that includes: Ken Loach’s The Old Oak, The Great Escaper, The Miracle Club, Paw Patrol The Mighty Movie, Trolls 3: Band Together, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Cliff Richard, Andre Rieu, Wonka and The Colour Purple. We are not out of the woods yet.”

Wells Film Centre has not recovered fully since the Covid 19 pandemic, she continued, and with the added pressures lots of businesses are facing “this is the time to use your local cinema”.

The £5 offer is not available on any Special Events or Event Cinema shows. For more information and too see a full line-up of future releases, visit www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

Forthcoming films at Wells Film Centre include The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes; The Great Escaper; and The Miracle Club

Local pair named winners of drawing competition

THE winning entries for the DRAW! competition, part of Wells Art Contemporary’s August programme, were announced on Saturday, September 9.

The subject of the drawing competition, in collaboration with Heritage Art Gallery & Studios, was the West Front of Wells Cathedral. The winning entries were by local artists Julian Claxton and Sue Wordsworth.

Prizes for the winners were donated by Somerset Frames, of Sadler Street, Wells.

Chair of the judging panel, and President of WAC, Professor Anita Taylor, said: “It was a privilege to chair the panel reviewing submissions to this community project as part of the Wells Art Contemporary –and to see such a range of

all it encapsulates of centuries of human endeavour, spirituality,

community, and individual experiences.

“We were delighted to award two prizes – one to a sensitive, immediate charcoal drawing, that captured both a sense of monumentality and of human scale, interaction and approach; and the other, to a drawing that found the form of the Cathedral through an atmospheric rendering of the darkness of storm clouds gathering above, the subsequent rain penetrating and weathering the drawing – a fitting allusion to the weathering of the Cathedral itself.

“Congratulations to all who participated, those with highly commended drawings and awards, and to the WAC team for organising this tremendous drawing challenge.”

DRAW! will be back next year.

Procession installation people’s favourite

AS this year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition in Wells Cathedral drew to a close, the eagerly anticipated Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize was announced. The award relies on visitors voting for their favourite work of art and this year it attracted more than 3,700 public votes.

The winner for 2023 was Frances Carlile’s installation on the Chapter House steps, West Wind Procession, described by Frances as “sailing through the great ship of the Cathedral in procession”. The runners-up,

in no particular order, were: Mobius T Clef by Bill Prickett, Study of a Wing III by Emily Lawlor, Whaley McWhaleface by

Olivier Leger and The Sprinter by James Lake.

Paddy O’Hagan, chair of WAC, said: “Huge congratulations to Frances. It’s fascinating that once again an installation has won the People’s Prize, along with two of the four successful runners-up. It seems fitting as they all celebrate the fabric of this glorious building in some way.”

It is estimated that Wells Cathedral welcomed 23,000 visitors through its doors during August.

“There can be few cities in

Great Britain, let alone very small ones like Wells, which can annually bring such a wealth of international visual arts to the public. We hope everyone has felt enriched by seeing the works of art, whether in person or through the accompanying virtual exhibition,” said Paddy.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank the Dean, Chapter and all the staff at the Cathedral, as well as the WAC team of volunteers, experts and sponsors who enable this extraordinary event to happen.”

Julian Claxton, from Priddy, presented with his prize by Heather Jane Wallace from Heritage Art Gallery & Studios in Wells drawings of the remarkable façade of Wells Cathedral, and

Part of West Wind Procession

Progress with some aspects of bus services

Rosa Kell of Wells Bus Users Group provides an update on bus services in the local area

BUS operator First West of England has agreed to put up a real time announcement board at Wells Bus Station Information Office. The board will be going up soon and it will be visible from outside the office, so that passengers will still be able to see the information when the office is closed.

I have been lobbying parish councils along the route of the 126 bus, which runs from Wells to Axbridge, and gave a presentation to Cheddar Parish Council on August 29, representing Somerset Bus Partnership and Wells, Cheddar and Axbridge Bus Users Groups. There is a lot of support for the full reopening of the route to Weston-super-Mare before Christmas.

With the closure of the

Bridgwater Bus Depot and reorganisation by First Buses of Somerset, the 29 (Taunton) and 75 (Bridgwater) services are now run by First West of England and based in Wells. It has been announced that Wells Depot will soon also take in the 77 from Yeovil Depot.

Timetable changes from September 3 mean that both the 77 and 75 have lost some early and late journeys. I will be be putting current timetables on the Wells Bus Users Group Facebook page and will have paper copies at the bus stalls in Market Place on September 20 and 23. Do come and say hello and sign up if you can help at future events or have an hour or so a week to help with admin work.

The 67 community bus will soon have stops along Jocelyn Drive, enabling passengers along its route to reach both

the local junior schools and the GP surgeries without the need to take a second bus from the bus station. Passengers needing help getting to the Wells Bus

Station can also use the Slinky Bus service by phoning 01749 344141. The Slinky service is available to everyone unable to access the main bus network.

The fare for many bus journeys is currently £2, until October 31. A return trip to Bath, Bristol, Yeovil, Shepton Mallet or Clarks Village in Street costs just £4 (two singlecapped fare tickets). The 29 from Glastonbury can take you to Taunton where a £1 capped fare takes you through Taunton. The £1 Taunton fare is available from the Park & Ride and new Taunton buses use the new railway station hub.

It’s cheaper than parking at a meter and you got no stress about the meter running when you want to stop longer in town, and no petrol and car wear. Have fun with your kids, let them enjoy our beautiful scenery and leave the car at home at least once a month.

Rosa attaches a sticker promoting the £2 bus fare to a bus shelter

Unusual exhibition inspired by Museum and its collection

STARTING towards the end of September, an unusual exhibition will take place in the Wells & Mendip Museum.

Local artist Philippa Threlfall is a trustee of the Museum and has used the Museum and its collection to inspire her work. Making drawings on site and working with them back in her studios, she produced the paintings and sculptures which form the exhibition.

Minerals, carvings, porcelain, an embroidery and dolls’ house are amongst many other objects reinterpreted in paint and clay.

She is joined by Anneke Dissevelt, a potter from Devon who has been working with clay for more than 20 years. She loves the freedom of clay and how it

does its own thing, ending up with objects that are functional with a twist.

The resulting plates, vases, buttons and beads, boxes, figurines and sculptures have a life of their own. Although not directly inspired by the museum they reflect its variety and excitement and all encourage people to look at clay with new eyes.

The exhibition, Clay, Paint and Transformation, will be open from Wednesday, September 27, to Tuesday, October 10, except for Sundays and Mondays when the Museum is shut. Entry to the exhibition is free and Philippa and Anneke will be in the gallery throughout to talk about their work.

FLOSSIE

Playful tortie who loves cuddles

Little tortie FLOSSIE really needs someone who will love and understand her. We think she is about six years old, and she came to us when she was abandoned at the local vets with her few worldly possessions. For a couple of months she was happy in foster care during which time she was neutered and given a dental check-up and we sorted out what food suited her best. Flossie is a typical tortie, she loves human company and cuddles but on her terms, she also likes to relax in her own company at times and she is quite playful. She needs a settled home as the only pet, although being a tortie she would probably accept a quiet, cat-friendly dog who didn’t bother her. We wouldn’t home her with young children but older children who would treat her with respect would be fine. Please complete the online application form or phone Gill on 01749 850660 to offer Flossie her forever home.

Wells Cats

Philippa

dolls’ house, top, and painting of porcelain found in the Museum Garden, left; and a ceramic figure by Anneke Dissevelt, right

Plans for synth jams, and start of performing arts school tuition

The Wells Rocks team report on the latest activities

THE second Synth Club meeting in August looked at two synths brought in by members. One, a modular kit of clip together components, allows people to build their own synth. This could be interesting for the next Portway Annexe Open Day.

In the meantime, plans are being made to hold synth jam events at the Hart’s Head. Watch this space.

The next meeting will be in the Portway Annexe on October 19 (7pm-9pm). Feel free to come along.

The newly formed Portway Performing Arts school for 8- to 18-year-olds

aims to provide outstanding tuition at weekends in an inclusive, collaborative and fun environment. Sessions are divided into Performance (theatre, dance and singing) and Production (band, costume and set design). Look out for its new logo.

For more information, contact lydia@ portwayperformingarts.co.uk

The Wells Djembe Circle’s fundraising for two local charities is progressing well at the time of writing, with their first Fundraising Workshop held on September 23. The Wells Foodbank and Heads Up will be sharing the proceeds from this. Regular drumming sessions are run on Tuesday mornings (10am-11.30am) and Thursday evenings (6pm-7.30pm).

Deadline for the November edition: October 11

Threlfall’s painting of a

Release soon of album recorded in Wells

AN album that was recorded in Wells is being released by New York City musician Cannonball Statman on October 22.

Hard to Break is an 11-track album described as an indie art rock album about coming to life after a long hiatus.

It was recorded with a full band in September 2022 at Axe & Trap Studios on Underwood Business Park, Wells, with producer Ben Turner.

Cannonball Statman has released more than a dozen albums, and toured extensively in America, Europe and Asia. He will be touring in the UK in October and November following the new album’s release, including performing at The Gallimaufry in Bristol on November 7, with Clayton Blizzard and Chubaby.

Cannonball’s friend JD Meatyard, who he often tours with in the UK, had recorded an album with Ben Turner in the

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late 2010s, and recommended Ben to produce some of Cannonball’s albums.

“Ben is from Yeovil originally, and a lot of his work is at Axe & Trap Studios in Wells,” said Cannonball’s music publicist Kléo Michel-Valentin SPARK.

“This studio seemed like a good fit for this project, as it has a good collection of keyboard and percussion instruments that were used on the album.

“Wells also seemed like a good fit as a place to record and to stay during the week of recording – everyone in the band found it to be a more relaxing environment.”

He added: “Cannonball is from New York City, and a lot of his bandmates are English –such as Gem, who played drums and keys on the album, and James Robinson, the classical tenor who sang additional vocals on a lot of the songs – so he often records in the UK.”

ON 19

Cannonball Statman’s forthcoming album was recorded with a full band at Axe & Trap Studios on Underwood Business Park, Wells

LADY’S WHITE GOLD, EMERALD, RUBY AND DIAMOND-SET RING WATCH BY PIAGET, CIRCA 1976 SOLD ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2023 HAMMER PRICE: £18,000

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Charity benefits from full-house concerts

THE Wells Good Afternoon Choir has held two full-house concerts so far this year: the first with the Cheddar Male Choir and the second with the Village Voices Choir. These concerts, and other fundraising events, have so far raised £2,220 for this year’s chosen charity, Papyrus.

Papyrus is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide, and more concerts are planned in the run-up to Christmas including a visit of Glastonbury Male Choir at St Cuthbert’s Church on Saturday, October 7. The annual open Christmas celebration will take place at St Thomas’ Church on Tuesday, December 12.

Across the West, the 24 Good Afternoon Choirs have already raised £14,415 for many local charities. Choir founder Grenville Jones said: “Last year

our total was over £22,000 and with the fantastic support of choirs like the Wells members and with Christmas concerts ahead, I am hoping we can reach £24,000 by the end of the year.”

The Wells Good Afternoon Choir is led by Grenville and meets every Tuesday at St Thomas’ Church from 2pm-4pm. Following their summer break the choir started back Singing in the Afternoon on September 5. There are no auditions, everyone is welcome, and there is no charge for the first rehearsal.

Many of the members are looking forward to attending the annual Good Afternoon Choir ‘Big Sing’ which will take place at Wells Cathedral on Wednesday, November 15. More than 500 singers will take part.

See www.goodafternoonchoir. org for more details.

Every August for the last nine years various local young people, together with director Nic Rauh, have put on an open-air theatre play in Croscombe. For this year, audiences were transported to 1900 and the garden of a country estate in Ukraine, with a splendid production of the relationshipdriven masterpiece Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov.

Fletcher House | Wells BA5 1TN

Radio breakfast slot a dream come true

By Philip Welch

AN amazing dream has come true for former Blue School student Charlie Taylor. He didn’t want to go to college. He didn’t want to go to university. Charlie only wanted to become a radio presenter.

So teenage Charlie went for work experience at GFM, the fledgling community radio station for Glastonbury, Street and Wells.

He learned quickly and was given GFM’s first ever Breakfast Show. GFM veteran Allan Trinder, who does the commentary for the Wells Moat Races, takes up the story: “If you can get yourself to the empty Abbey Moor stadium at Glastonbury from Wells early every morning, engage listeners from GFM’s original base in a grim black Portacabin there that was freezing cold in winter, boiling hot in summer and

lacked basic facilities, present and produce a breakfast show on your own, be a friendly and engaging voice for listeners, then you are a committed and talented presenter.

“That was Charlie Taylor, nobody else at GFM could face getting up that early. And if he missed his bus after working late, Charlie would walk home to Wells.”

He then went on to BBC Radio Somerset, starting as a volunteer and building up to where he is today – the new presenter of their flagship programme, the regular breakfast slot.

“It is no exaggeration to say that this is a dream come true,” said Charlie, who went to St Joseph and St Teresa school in Wells before going on to the Blue.

He is taking over from Claire Carter who has presented the Breakfast Show for eight years.

Above, Charlie Taylor interviews Wendy Ray of Wells Rotary Club at the King’s Coronation celebrations on the Cathedral Green, and left, Charlie returns to GFM in 2018 to be interviewed about his career

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Singing cyclists call at care home

TV presenter, wine expert and singer Oz Clarke and the Armonico Consort team of intrepid cyclists he was leading called in at Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells during their four-day bike tour in September.

They were taking part in the tour for the fifth successive year, covering 200 miles and climbing 10,000ft on a journey from

Armonico’s base in Warwick, via the ‘Three Choirs’ of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester, and then on to Wells Cathedral.

Their aim is to raise £20,000 to set up more Memory Singers choirs for people living with dementia and their carers.

They called in at care homes along the way, and at Crandon Springs they were joined by

singers from Wells Cathedral School to entertain residents with their mix of baroque music, well-known songs and inspiring rhythms. Even residents with advanced dementia respond by singing along, clapping and playing percussion.

Donations to the fundraiser can be made at https://www. armonico.org.uk/bike2023/

Richard Briggs

Oz Clarke and the Armonico Consort at Crandon Springs, top left; Oz with Home Services Advisor Glenn Schafer, top; and Christopher Finch of Wells Cathedral School with Christopher Monks of Armonico

Delight at repair to POW’s wooden toy gift

THE wooden toy seen in the picture on the right was made by an Italian carpenter, who was a prisoner-of-war in England during the war. The weight below the base is attached to the birds by string, making each peck down for food as it moves round. The Italian POW gifted the toy to a mum walking with her baby daughter in a park in 1943, for her daughter.

The daughter kept the toy, which eventually broke. Her daughter, Laura Mitchell, took the toy to Wells Repair Cafe two months ago. The picture shows Laura – the granddaughter of the original recipient of the gift – in Wells Library, clearly delighted with the repair. The gentle tapping sound as each bird’s beak hit the wooden base was both delightful and soothing.

The next Repair Cafe is at the library on Saturday, October 7, from 10am-12.30pm. There is no cafe (which means neither coffee nor cakes), but the advantage of a more central venue. Contact Amanda Phillips (repaircafe. wells@gmail.com) with any queries or to get involved.

Launch of fundraiser to pay for work on cemetery chapel

THE Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery have begun fundraising to pay for maintenance work required on the historic cemetery chapel.

The Mendip Hospital Cemetery – which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2024 –receives no funding apart from donations from visitors and the Friends group. All the research, guiding and garden maintenance is done by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

Nationally it is unique, in that the plan of the burials and the original planting are still in place, it still has its mortuary chapel and still has the original grave markers.

The site was saved from being put up for sale in the year 2000 by local people when the NHS put it on the market for housing development.

Over the past 23 years the

Domestic abuse advice sessions

SOMERSET Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) will be holding a community ‘pop-up’ hub in the Portway Annexe, Wells, on the first Monday of every month between 10am and 1pm, starting on October 2.

This is an opportunity for people to attend and get advice, support or speak to one of the trained staff members about support that can be offered and any other agencies that may be able to help and support them.

SIDAS offers support for victims, children and people who cause harm in domestic relationships and anyone is welcome to attend the community pop-up sessions.

Advice is also available via the helpline 0800 6949 999.

Witness appeal after collision

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a road traffic collision near Wells.

At 2.25pm on Sunday, September 3, a Peugeot 208 and a Triumph motorcycle collided on the A371 near the Titlands Lane junction.

The rider, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital, where he remains, with serious injuries.

AGM in chapel

THE Mendip Hospital Cemetery will be holding its Annual General Meeting in the chapel at the cemetery site, just off Hooper Avenue, on Tuesday, October 3, at 6pm. Refreshments will be available after the meeting and residents are being urged to go along and show their support to this unique and historical part of Wells.

volunteers have worked hard to initially save the overgrown three acres and then to begin to research the stories and the histories of those buried who had long been forgotten.

This autumn the chapel requires a certain amount of work: replacing some of the floor slates, some electrical work, replacing old lights with spotlights which can better highlight the exhibition, and refurbishing some of the oak panels which run along the side walls.

The Friends also want to create a purpose-built archive cupboard and a more functional tea-making area for the volunteers.

A Go Fund me page has been set up for people who would like to make donations to the project at gofundme.com/f/the-friendsof-mendip-hospital-cemetery

Anyone who has any information, witnessed the collision or has any relevant footage is asked to call 101 and quote reference 5223213722.

Opening of new children’s centre

A NEW children’s centre set up to allow children in care in the local area to spend time with their siblings and wider families has its grand opening on Wednesday, October 4.

The centre, run by non-profit organisation FordHaven (www. fordhaven.org), is at Paddington Farm, Maidencroft Lane, Wick, Glastonbury, BA6 8JN. It will be open to visitors on October 4 from 12pm-7pm.

The first fundraiser will be a Halloween jumble sale on Saturday, October 28, from 10am-4pm.

The gates that lead into Mendip Hospital Cemetery and its chapel

Laura Mitchell in Wells Library with the wooden toy that was originally given to her grandmother by an Italian prisoner-of-war, and was mended recently at Wells Repair Cafe

Lack of progress disappoints

Wells Skatepark Community Group have released the following statement about the future of Wells Skatepark:

THE skatepark continues to gain support locally, members of Wells City Council are supportive and we have now raised more than £80,000 towards the build. Our latest donation has been from The NASS Foundation for £1,500 for which we are very grateful.

However, we are disappointed at the length of time it is taking to make progress and with the lack of response from Somerset Council regarding the land on which the skatepark currently resides.

Our journey started over four years ago after some of the young people in Wells brought the need for a new skatepark to the community and the council’s attention, working hard to develop a plan and fundraise

for new facilities, something we know is sorely lacking in Wells for this age group.

Unfortunately, Somerset County Council would not allow a long enough lease on the current land to be able to satisfy funders or the city council for such a large investment. Other potential sites included the Recreation Ground and the land by the leisure centre and although both suitable locations for a skatepark, they would take significantly too long to negotiate and so they are currently not on the table.

Somerset Council agreed to re-look at a community asset transfer or start negotiation of a longer lease in April once the

unitary council was complete but despite efforts from our city councillors, we have yet to hear from them. The future of a skatepark for Wells now rests in the hands of Somerset Council.

If anyone would like to support the group or help us negotiate this process, fundraise etc, please get in touch: wellsskatepark@gmail.com

Wells Voice approached Somerset Council for a response. The council said:

THERE has been an agreement between the former Somerset County Council and Wells City Council since 2002 and the new Somerset Council is not seeking to terminate that arrangement. The Estates Officers at Somerset Council are happy to communicate with the group about their requirements and do what they can to assist.

People thanked for donations

AMNESTY International Wells group has thanked the generous people of Wells who contributed to their annual street collection recently.

It was the first after 2019 and brave volunteer collectors stood in the rain to make a total of £659.41.

Amnesty members campaign to free unjustly imprisoned victims of governments around the world and against torture and the death penalty. More information about the Wells group can be obtained from jjrendel@yahoo.com

Planning refusal

SOMERSET Council has refused a planning application by Gleeson Land for up to 50 homes at New House Farm, Haybridge Hill, Haybridge, near Wells. Plans for up to 68 homes on the same site were refused in December 2020.

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Market returning to bring festive sparkle

SOMERSET Council will host the annual Christmas market in Wells on Saturday, December 16.

The traditional ‘Christmas in Wells’ Market, run by the council’s Mendip Markets team, will operate from 9am-3pm and will welcome more than 100 stalls to the Market Place and on the Bishop’s Palace Green.

There will be seasonal gifts and local food and drink, and visitors will be able to embrace the holiday season with live music and entertainment.

The council is hoping that residents and visitors alike will join in the Christmas spirit,

and support stall holders at this important trading time.

Councillor Federica SmithRoberts, Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, said: “Our successful festive market returns to the much-loved city for a day of Christmas shopping, entertainment and family time.

“Our teams are currently working hard to ensure the market sparkles for residents, visitors and local businesses alike. We hope you’ll join us for an exciting, community-focused day, centred around our fantastic regular and seasonal markets traders.”

Difference between freehold and leasehold properties explained

By Sharon Stevenson

share in the entire building. This is known as a “share in the freehold”.

WHAT is the difference between freehold and leasehold properties?

If you own a freehold property you own the property and the land that it stands on for an unlimited period of time.

If you own a leasehold property you do not own the land that the property is built on. Your ownership is also only for a set number of years or decades. You essentially are renting the property from the freehold owner.

Houses generally are sold as freehold properties as there tends to be one property on one piece of land.

In recent years leasehold property owners have been complaining that they have been mis-sold or misled over the terms of the lease and feel that they have been taken advantage of.

The common complaints are:

1. Escalating ground rents.

2. Expensive service charges and Management Company charges.

Loud boos and cheers filled St Cuthbert’s Church on the afternoon of Saturday, September 16. But this was not the congregation expressing their views about a sermon, but them enjoying a hilarious pantomime about key moments in the history of this Wells landmark. This photo of the cast was taken by Philip Welch.

New development consultation

RESIDENTS and businesses in Somerset are being urged to help shape the future of the county and have their say on how best to create places that put people at the heart of their design.

Somerset Council has launched a public consultation to seek opinions on a set of outline ‘principles’ that are designed to steer new development in Somerset.

These should guide developers towards creating attractive and high-quality

environments, but also inclusive and accessible places for all, where people enjoy living.

The consultation will run until October 16. People can take part via Citizen Space https:// somersetcouncil.citizenspace. com/planning/creating-placesfor-people

Paper copies will also be available at a number of locations including Council Offices, Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT (MonFri, 8.30am-5pm).

In England and Wales most flats are leasehold properties but this is not always the case.

Some flats especially those that have been converted from a house into flats are sold as leasehold but the owners of the flats own a

3. Short or inaccurate leases that make it difficult to sell or mortgage a leasehold property.

n Sharon Stevenson is a Residential Conveyancer with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk

In England and Wales most flats are leasehold properties. Houses generally are sold as freehold properties.

Action taken against number of offenders

latest from the local policing team with PC Dan Williams

IT’S been a busy summer for Wells Police but we have continued to provide a highly visible presence within the city and surrounding villages. This is key to building trust, rebuilding confidence, and reinforcing policing by consent.

Our routine presence is an essential ingredient to earning trust and building confidence. We won’t be successful if we only try to engage with the public at times of crisis.

I have had the pleasure of attending various community events across the city including the Moat Boat Race where the spectator numbers were unlike anything I had seen in previous years. We have made efforts to visit local nurseries and schools

to reach out to as many of you as we can across our area.

Wells Police take pride in listening to the community, we have noted that there is a potential rise in theft and antisocial behaviour in the city centre. To that community, we’ve listened and acted swiftly, we have targeted patrols within the town centre and I would like to share with you just some of the incidents Wells Police have dealt with within the last four weeks where offenders have been identified.

We received a report of theft of signs from around the city; a tracker had been fitted to one of the signs, officers attended the location identified by the tracker, recovered two signs which were returned to the victim and identified a suspect. The offender was interviewed and dealt with by way of suitable criminal justice sanctions.

Theft, shoplifting by an adult

female from a local shop: officers have viewed the CCTV, identified the suspect, interviewed the suspect and given appropriate criminal justice sanctions to the offender who now has a police record for shoplifting which will remain on our police systems.

Theft of a van in Wells: local officers attended the scene, spoke with the victim, obtained details and then conducted an area tour locating the stolen vehicle within an hour of it being abandoned. The contents (tools) had been stolen. This is now an ongoing investigation by local officers involving Ring doorbell footage, appeals for witnesses and forensic opportunities.

Theft, shoplifting by a juvenile male at a local store: CCTV was obtained, the suspects identified by the neighbourhood team, parents were contacted, and in company with the juveniles an appropriate sanction including apology and repayment has been made.

Theft, shoplifting by juvenile females in the High Street: in consultation with the parents and victim a suitable sanction and reparations have been agreed and will be completed within the coming weeks.

Criminal damage: a local shop had its window broken overnight. Through CCTV enquiries local officers identified a suspect for the offence. This is an ongoing investigation where the suspect will be interviewed, and a decision made on a suitable sanction.

There was a public order incident in the Market Place

where a neighbourhood officer on patrol witnessed and identified the suspect, who was then dealt with by officers, being interviewed and given an appropriate sanction agreed by the victim.

Following reports of begging in the High Street by a male and female with a dog, I am pleased to say Wells Police have assisted in rehoming them and they have adequate support from appropriate agencies.

Wells was also lucky enough to receive a visit from our Chief Constable Sarah Crew who PC Darren Pearson and I took out on patrol within the city centre. The Chief Constable engaged with shopkeepers and listened to the needs and thoughts of local residents.

Wells Police are conscious that this article is concentrating on the city centre but we aim to remain consistent with our patrols and resources across the whole Wells area.

Over the next few weeks we hope to continue to target the growing number of tools being stolen from workers’ vans. Please keep your tools locked away at all times!

If there is something you think we should be focusing on within your area, have an establishment or community event you would like us to visit then please let us know.

If you are a victim of a crime then I would urge you to report it to the police, after all if we don’t know about it we can’t investigate it. To contact me, call 07889 658319.

The

PCs Dan Williams, right, and Darren Pearson with Chief Constable Sarah Crew on her visit to Wells

Book provides helpful guide to understanding dyspraxia

A LOCAL NHS professional has written a book to help parents and teachers understand more about dyspraxia – also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) – using both her professional and personal experience.

Author Sue LLoyd is an occupational therapist with the Children and Young People’s Therapy Service (Somerset NHS Foundation Trust) at its Wells clinic at Priory Health Park, and also lives in the city.

It is estimated that DCD affects five to six per cent of the childhood population in the UK. DCD is a frequently underdetected condition that chiefly affects physical coordination but also impacts on many other aspects of life.

These can include social, emotional and educational

development as well as fine and gross motor skill development and coordination difficulties.

Sue wrote the book with a colleague from the north of England, Laura Graham, as part of the How to Help series published by Pavilion that has

just been completed. Sue also has experience of working professionally with children in Denmark and Canada.

She explained why she and Laura wrote the book, Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) – How to Help: “The book was inspired by our shared experiences of being firstly parents to children with additional needs including DCD, and secondly occupational therapists working to support children, young people and their families through their DCD journey.

“Our primary goal has been to make the book a useful source of explanations, strategies and resources to support needs arising from a diagnosis of DCD.”

The book is available now in bookshops and online, and on loan from Wells Library.

Award won for adders project

THE Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Service has won a national award for their project to build new homes for adders.

The coveted Bowland Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the work of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is voted on by all 34 AONBs and presented at the annual conference. The conference this year was in Bath and included a field trip to see one of the adder hibernacula.

The adder hibernaculum project resulted in 15 new overwintering sites for the reptiles being built across the Mendip Hills.

Adders are Britain’s only venomous snake and are considered a ‘threatened’ species. This is one of the reasons the Mendip Hills AONB Service has chosen it as one of the ‘champion species’ of the area to focus conservation work on.

Sue LLoyd with a copy of the book

n IN DAYS GONE BY With Clare Blackmore

Magistrates gave girls another chance

THE Borough Petty Sessions held in the Town Hall before the Mayor of Wells and several magistrates made up of the great and the good of Wells, tell the social history of the working classes in Wells in the language of the time, and give a real insight into the life of the city beyond the focus on the ecclesiastical.

George Savage, J Dudderidge, W Oldfield, C Grist, J Huish, G Brooks, L Lukins, J Smith, J Harris, C James, W Brine and J Wickham were sworn in as Special Constables at the Borough Petty Sessions before the Mayor J G Everett on October 23, 1858, and they included some good Wells surnames.

Specials were initially selected from amongst “the most respected inhabitants” of a district but after 1820, Specials could also be appointed from among the poorer classes. Originally, there were financial inducements to undertake the work such as a reward for the apprehension of rioters or a fixed daily payment, but later Specials became a volunteer force, largely unpaid except for out-of-pocket expenses.

The court record reports that:

“Two girls, Eliza Brown and Mary Ann Standard, apprentices, were summoned by their master, Mr Joseph Parsons, proprietor of the brush factory, High Street, for absenting themselves from his employ, without leave on October 5.

“Mr Michael Westcott, foreman at the factory, said

that the two girls had absented themselves on several previous occasions but Mr Parsons had overlooked the offences in the hope that the girls would amend their conduct.

“The present offence specified that they had left their work twice, without leave, on the day in question.

“Brown said she had absented herself through illness and produced a note from Dr Livett certifying that she was a patient under his care on September 25 and on several following days.

“Mr Parsons said that she should even then have asked permission. Brown’s conduct since she had been issued with the summons had been very refractory and, if not retrained, would tend to destroy the discipline of his establishment but Standard had promised to reform, he would not, therefore, press the charge against her.

“The Bench said that both girls were liable to be imprisoned for their conduct, but the magistrates would give them an opportunity to improve.

“As Mr Parsons had kindly consented not to press charges against Mary Ann Standard she was discharged but Brown’s case was adjourned to the next Petty Sessions in order to give her time to amend her conduct.”

Brown pleaded guilty to having stolen the boots and was found guilty, being sentenced to three months at Shepton Mallet Gaol with hard labour.

Eliza must have promised Mr Parsons that she would reform as there are no more appearances in 1858 before the petty sessions

But in March 1859, before the next Mayor of Wells, Mr W Berryman, both Eliza Brown, Theresa Ann Showering with Mary Ann Standard, Mary Oatley and Caroline Brooks were all charged with absenting themselves without leave from the service of Mr Joseph Parsons, brushmaker of the High Street, Wells.

Mr Parsons again demonstrated his wish to reform the girls and so did not press charges against Brooks, Showering and Oatley and they were discharged with a caution and ordered to pay costs of 4s 6d.

For Brown and Standard,

however, there was no leniency and the court declared them “incorrigible rogues” and they were both committed to Shepton for 14 days with hard labour.

At the same petty sessions court Eliza Sweet, of Southover, was summoned by her neighbour Mary Ann Churches, for being drunk and threatening to assault her on October 13.

Churches said that Sweet had not “been sober two days together for the last month and that when she were in that condition I am in considerable danger of my life through her violence”.

Edward Churches, husband of Mary Ann, corroborated his wife’s evidence.

Several witnesses were examined on both sides and their evidence showed the deplorable state of immorality existing in Southover.

Sweet was fined 5s with 8s costs.

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Further research shows that Eliza Brown was no stranger to the magistrates as in June 1857 she had appeared in court at Wells Town Hall charged with “having stolen a pair of boots from the shop of Mrs Bailey in the High Street”.

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Fun-filled centenary year celebration

SATURDAY, September 9, saw Mid Somerset Hockey Club, which began life as Moorland Hockey Club 100 years ago, celebrate their centenary year with a fun-filled hockey event at their home ground at the Blue School, Wells.

In the morning youngsters were given an opportunity to try their hand at hockey on the astro-turf during fun activities co-ordinated by some of the senior players and coaches.

Cameron Dunn, chairman of the club committee and ladies’ coach, said: “Hockey is a fantastic sport for the progression of youngsters promoting physical, mental, and social development while instilling valuable life lessons. It’s a sport that can have a lasting positive impact on individuals and help forge lifelong friendships.”

In the afternoon it was the turn of older players to take to

the pitch to battle it out in a mixed seven-a-side tournament.

Current Mid Somerset players were joined by veterans of the club and players from outside the county to battle it out in a hard fought but good natured contest.

In fact, one of the current Mid Somerset players competing on the day is related to a gentleman who turned out to play for the club in its inaugural season. After the exertions on the pitch everybody was able to enjoy a barbecue on the grounds of the local Scout Group which adjoins the pitch.

Cameron said of the event: “We were thrilled at the turnout. We were worried that the extreme temperatures might put people off coming, but they still came – I think that the local suncream outlets did well on the day.

“There was a perfect blend of fun and competition. Watching the juniors take to the pitch

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with such excitement and determination, undeterred by the weather, and players old and new giving their all in the sevena-side tournament made us extremely proud of our club.

“It’s an honour to chair the club during its centenary year and I’d like to thank all of the members of the committee who worked so hard to make the day a success and the Blue School Sports Centre who helped make it all possible.

“Big thanks as well to the Scouts who let us use their

premises on the day.”

On the back of a successful day it was announced that the children’s activities and seven-aside tournament would become an annual event for the club.

Mid Somerset Hockey Club is always looking to welcome new players, both male and female. They would be delighted to hear from people whether they have played hockey before or not. Visit their website at midsomersethc. co.uk to find out more.

u Sport, pages 44&45

Litter pickers to smarten streets

THE next litter picking weekend in Wells will take place on Friday, September 29, Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1.

Organiser Deborah Orrett will be handing out pick-up

sticks, hoops, sacks, high viz jackets, gloves and signs at Wells Town Hall on both the Friday and Saturday mornings from 8.30am-9.30am.

To get involved, contact her at d.orrett@wells.gov.uk

Cameron Dunn with participating youngsters at Mid Somerset Hockey Club’s centenary celebration, and players pictured in the the 1923/4 season

Funeral firm backs charity lunch

WELLS SOUP! has benefitted 80 local good causes and another four will go away with money on Saturday, October 14.

Ross Young of Wells Independents, who organise these popular events, said: “We extend a huge thanks to Wells Funeral Services for supporting our next SOUP! which will see more charities spread the word, make new contacts and raise much-needed funds.”

The firm is match-funding October 14’s grant-giving lunch to the tune of £350 and Rod Major, the company’s managing director, said: “As a local business we are proud to support initiatives which benefit the local community, and few have done so much for so many charities as Wells SOUP!”

The four good causes presenting on October 14 are: Wells Repair Cafe, City of Wells Lions, The Mayor’s New Clothes and the Strawberry Line. PromiseWorks will also be there to tell the audience how the £350 they received at July’s SOUP! has helped their work.

Joanna Davey of PromiseWorks had explained

how their rigorously trained mentors bring their life experience to give vulnerable children and young people weekly support. Wells had more mentors than any other place in Somerset, but 34 people locally are waiting for a mentor.

As usual, the venue will be the Connect Centre at the junction of Chamberlain Street and Portway, Wells. The time for this grant-giving light lunch will be 1pm-2pm but people should arrive there by 12.45pm if they want a good seat.

People Trust us with their Funeral Arrangements So Can You!

Collected plastic all recycled in UK

EVERY piece of plastic Somerset Council collected from households and via the recycling sites last year was recycled in the UK. The council says that 6,500 tonnes of plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays all went to UK companies to be turned into new products and packaging – from plastic wrapping and compost bins to fleece jackets.

The figure is up from 99.4 per cent the previous year and features in Somerset Council’s annual Recycling Tracker that was released in September for Somerset Recycling Week. The tracker shows what happens to every tonne of household waste at: www.somerset.gov.uk/ recycling-tracker

In Somerset, most types of plastic, including bottles, pots, tubs and trays, can be recycled with kerbside collections using the Bright Blue Bag.

Somerset Council is one of a handful of authorities taking part in a national trial of the kerbside collection of plastic bags and wrapping. This is working well in the small sample of properties in Frome and the aim is to expand it in years to come.

Town Crier Len Sweales watches as Ross Young thanks Blake Major of Wells Funeral Services for match-funding the next Wells SOUP!

Band able to buy new instruments

Tanya Flagg of Wells City Band provides the latest news about the Band

WELLS City Band Brass Academy had an excellent start to their autumn term in September. Thanks to some generous grants and donations from businesses and individuals they were able to purchase eight brand new instruments, meaning that all the Academy Band are now playing on intermediate level instruments or better.

This will greatly improve the overall sound of the band, and motivate players to practice more as they have a higher quality instrument to play, capable of meeting the needs of their emerging talents. Thank you to

everyone who has donated so far. Some members of the main band have been working on a very different project over the past few months in conjunction with Wells & Mendip Museum. The Museum will be hosting an exhibition about Wells City Band, opening on October 24 and running until mid-January. This exhibition aims to show how the Band has been an integral part of the community of Wells for nearly 200 years.

This is proving to be a very interesting project and we hope that you will enjoy viewing the exhibition as much as we have enjoyed researching and planning it. Our thanks go to Wells & Mendip Museum for giving us this opportunity.

Five of the Academy Band with their new instruments

n WHAT’S ON

Palace serving up festive feasts

CHRISTMAS is coming to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells with the chance for party-goers to celebrate the festive season in the medieval Palace building, decked out in all its Christmas finery.

Diners are being invited to book a space at one of the Palace’s festive banqueting tables which will be located within the vaulted Undercroft, transformed for Christmas.

Once seated, a Christmas medieval-inspired three-course feasting menu will be served, provided by the Palace’s caterer The French Kitchen.

This will be followed by a disco featuring all of the traditional fun party classics.

The package also includes exclusive access to the Palace’s Christmas gardens illuminations before the meal. A selection of medieval costumes will be available to try on as well –which could make for some fun selfies.

The new feasting parties offer

A Christmas medieval-inspired three-course feasting menu will be served at the Undercroft in The Bishop’s Palace on four dates in December

a way of celebrating the festive season with a group of friends or work colleagues, as both group and individual bookings can be made.

Four dates are available in December including Thursday, December 7; Friday, December 8; Thursday, December 14, and

SALE BARGAINS

Coxley & District WI are having a sale of pre-loved items at Coxley Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 7th, from 11am-2pm. Admission is free. Refreshments and cake will be available. Come along, meet friends and pick up a bargain.

Friday, December 15. January dates are also available if demand is high enough.

More details and booking is available via the Palace’s website at www.bishopspalace.org.uk/ whats-on/christmasparties, or enquiries can go to imogen. martin@bishopspalace.org.uk

Halloween entertainment and eeriness

THERE will be some spooktacular fun at Wookey Hole this Halloween with a fusion of magic, entertainment and eerie delights from October 21-29.

Young witches and wizards are invited to unlock their inner magician through interactive Magic & Mayhem lessons, and will receive a certificate certifying their newfound magical skills at the end of this immersive experience.

Wookey Hole Circus will be performing its Halloween show, drawing inspiration from the iconic character, Wednesday Addams. The Wookey Hole theatre will also host a daily

fancy dress competition, with an annual family membership up for grabs on a daily basis.

Ellen Ramsay, spokesperson for the Cottle Family Trust which owns Wookey Hole (and parttime Witch of Wookey), said: “This year’s Halloween event looks to be the best we’ve ever had.

“We’ve got a great line-up of things to do for every member of the family and we can’t wait for visitors to experience what we’ve got in store for them.”

Young adventurers can also explore Wookey Hole’s mystical corners on the Giant Pumpkin Trail, finding hidden pumpkins

and taking home a special Halloween treat at the trail’s end.

Wookey Hole’s adventure golf course will undergo a transformation into a realm of pumpkins and monsters, offering an exciting Spooky Golf Halloween experience for participants of all ages.

As guests exit the caves, they will encounter the Wookey Hole pumpkin patch with more than 600 pumpkins, adding an extra touch of enchantment to a Halloween adventure.

Tickets can be purchased from £17.95 for children, £22.45 for adults and £21.45 for seniors at www.wookey.co.uk

Tables available to hire for Table Top and Craft Fair

THE Connect Centre is holding a Table Top and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 18, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The centre is at the Elim Church, Portway, Wells BA5 2BE.

There are still tables available for individuals or groups to hire for a minimum donation of £15

– if interested, contact Janee on: 07714 271795.

Entry will be £1 and refreshments will be available. Those attending are asked to take cash.

All the money received from this event will go towards Evergreen House, a step-up

housing scheme for homeless men and women to help them rebuild their lives which is one part of the church’s Community Outreach projects.

For more information about this and any other projects visit the Connect Centre website: www.connect-centre.org.uk

Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am

WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm

THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

FRIDAYS Pilates 9.15am

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

TAI CHI

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

n DO YOU WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT?

We try to print as many listings as possible for free, but if you want to ensure your event is included and gets attention, we will print it with a colour background like this from just £7 + VAT. Find out more by emailing sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

Health Tai Chi

PilogaFit

n WHAT’S ON

Art gallery hosting autumn exhibition

A GROUP Autumn Exhibition is being held at Andelli Art at South Horrington from October 7-22. Works by Alex Relph, Philippa Robbins, William Balthazar Rose, David Storey and Nicholas Turner will be on display, and the exhibition will spill over into the gallery’s garden space, where the sculptural works of Frome artist Alex Relph will be showcased.

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (other times by appointment).

Quiz for charities

THE Mayor’s Quiz in support of Heads Up and Whizz Kidz will take place at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, October 28, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £5 per team member. Bar and refreshments available. Booking is essential by phoning Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com

Raffle prizes welcomed.

WCN Quiz Night

WELLS Community Network is holding a Quiz Night at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, October

21, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Teams of up to six, £5 per person on the door. There will be a bar and a raffle raising funds for the Community Day.

Contact Caroline to book: 07875 418680 or carolinelowndes@gmail.com

Meetings resume

WELLS Folk & Barn Dance Club resumed meetings on Wednesday, September 20, at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Doors open 7pm, dancing 7.30pm-9.30pm. For more, call 01749 674920 or see www. wellsfdc.co.uk

Social Dancing

SOCIAL Dancing (Ballroom, Sequence, Latin) takes place every Friday evening at Henton

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

village hall near Wells, BA5 1PD, from 7pm to 9pm. The cost is £6 per person. For more information, call 07769 603937.

Church activities

THERE will be a Harvest Festival at St Thomas’ Church on Sunday, October 1, at 10am. Contributions will be welcome to support the work of the Wells Foodbank, and all money collected will go to charity.

Other activities in October include Crafty Church on October 7 at 10.30am for families with toddlers and primary aged children, followed by a free lunch in the hall; and a Light Party on Tuesday, October 31, from 5pm-6.30pm, an alternative Halloween Party for toddlers and primary aged children in the hall with prizes for the best superhero costumes.

Board game nights

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, October 11, and Wednesday, October 25, from 7pm-9.30pm.

Local links to opera

WEDMORE Opera’s forthcoming production of Mozart’s Marriage

of Figaro will feature a number of local professional singers including Merryn Gamba, from Wells, as Marcellina, and former Wells Cathedral School student Ellen Steward as Susanna.

The opera, which has been given a 21st-century update, will take place in Wedmore Village Hall on October 11, 13 and 14, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wedmoreopera.com, and in the Wedmore Village Store.

Irish Set Dancing

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

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

Sing-along sessions

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

‘Buying Somerset’ can make such a difference

FOR this month’s column, I thought I would write about British Farming Day, which occurred last month as you read this, but it is a day which holds such significance for our part of the world. Representing a rural constituency, it has been a regular thing to engage with local farmers, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and those who have expertise in this area, and their knowledge is crucial to being able to represent them in Parliament.

Over the past few years, there have been a host of changes to the way we as a country farm, not only due to policy, but also because of environmental concerns. That being said, I am always impressed with how much of a priority sustainability has been for farms across the constituency. There have been incentives from Government to help facilitate this, but it is

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey

also key to this changing world, and allows for a more local and British focus on the food we eat.

On British Farming Day, the Government did make some more announcements through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). And, at the time of writing, the Sustainable Farming Incentive has just opened. This is a new and improved system for farmers

to apply to the scheme and be paid for actions which support business, food production and the environment. This now includes 23 actions, and it results in quick payments just a few months after the agreement is joined, as it has been made clear that cash flow has been an issue for many in the industry.

I am sure a host of farms in the Wells constituency will be signed up and ready to deliver and I look forward to hearing about how the new scheme is working. I recently visited a farm in East Horrington and the focus on being as sustainable and forward thinking as possible was clear to see and it was at the forefront of the last two meetings I had with the NFU, too.

As well as this, there is a clear priority to encourage buying British (or more to the point, buying Somerset).

Some of these announcements

made over the past month include support for a ‘Buy British’ button in online supermarket shopping, a new grant scheme for rooftop solar panel installation, confirmation that farmers enrolling in new environmental support schemes will be able to use them to meet public procurement standards, and a new £4 million fund to help upgrade existing small abattoirs to improve animal welfare, business efficiency and productivity.

These are all crucial steps forward and – as ever – I continue to encourage all of us (where we can) to shop that little bit more local. It makes such a difference to the economy here in Somerset and will allow farmers the freedom to continue to work hard on being as sustainable as they can be in an ever-changing world.

The Call by Philippa Robbins, one of the Andelli Art exhibitors

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELLS U3A

A GROUP of members from Wells along with a few from Weston-super-Mare u3a enjoyed a coach holiday for five days at the beginning of September, during a heatwave, to Suffolk. It is a long journey to the other side of England so a stop-off was made in Windsor. Not enough time to visit the castle but plenty of time to admire the views and have some lunch.

The journey continued to Ufford Park hotel with a spa and golf club, just outside Woodbridge. The first day started with a visit to Southwold where some could just enjoy the sea front and others could take a walk and a row boat ferry to Walberswick over the estuary. It was then on to Thorpness with the much televised “house in the clouds” made from a water tower. The day finished with a wander around the town of Aldeburgh famous for the home of the composer Benjamin Britten.

Day three was the highlight of the holiday for a visit to Sutton Hoo and the Anglo Saxon burial site of 18 burial mounds when in 1939 Basil Brown, with the encouragement of Edith Pretty, the owner of the land, did the famous archaeological dig and discovered the 90ft Anglo Saxon ship which contained the richest hoard of gold and silver items, belonging it is believed to the King of East Anglia, King Raedwald, ever found in Northern Europe. The group had a very detailed talk with a very knowledgeable guide, into the mounds and their history. There was also time to visit the house in the grounds of Edith Pretty where old pictures and film of the dig were on show. After all the excitements of Sutton Hoo the group took a two-hour cruise with a cream tea along the river Deben.

Day four started with a stop in the village of Lavenham with many half-timbered Tudor coloured buildings and the Guildhall, built in 1529-30, which is now a museum. From here we went on to Ickworth Estate, a National Trust property with the Rotunda House being the main attraction, showcasing the internationally renowned art and silver collection.

After four evenings of delicious food and good company the group had to make their way

back to Somerset but on the final day they enjoyed a stop off at Waddesdon House in the heart of Berkshire to marvel at the amazing collections of paintings, ceramics, and precious objects accumulated by the Rothschild family over the years.

In May next year a holiday to Lincolnshire is being planned to include visiting Stamford, Burghley and Belton House, the Spalding bulb fields at the height of their colourful display and of course a visit to Lincoln Cathedral.

The Out & About group does day trips where the members get themselves to a venue under their own steam and the September visit was to Fussels Fine Foods in Rode. The group were entertained by Tim Fussel who gave a very amusing guide to the factory with their three-stage filtration system, the fields and finally a cookery demonstration using all the oils and dressings made by their company. Just before the group left, they were able to taste the result of his demonstration with a delicious salad accompanied by garlic bread and homemade pesto.

There is always something going on in Wells u3a, so if you are not already a member look on our website https://u3asites. org.uk/wells/home to see details of all of the groups available.

Ann Brown

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

THE Society’s new season begins on Wednesday, October 11, with a meeting in the Lecture Hall at the Wells & Mendip Museum,

on Cathedral Green. Anyone interested in joining us is welcome.

Crystal Johnson will be giving a talk – Imagining an even more wonderful Wells: renewing the Vicars’ Close. Crystal is the lead on a Lottery-funded project to make improvements to this historic close.

The focus of Wells Civic Society, along with the many civic societies across the UK, is to preserve our historic legacy and promote the appreciation and enjoyment of our city. As a society we act collectively to meet challenges and undertake tasks that none of us could do individually.

Sixty years ago, civic societies were acting to prevent demolition of historic buildings in poor repair. They went on to oppose insensitive road developments, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. Today our challenge is to bolster up our communities at a time when local government has been compromised by real-terms cuts in funding, deemed necessary in the strong economic headwinds that we are enduring.

On November 8, Professor James Clark of Exeter University will give a talk – Wells and the legacy of slavery in the West Indies – then he will be joined by a panel that will discuss how Wells can best deal with this painful element of our heritage.

The Society’s Annual General Meeting, including the election of committee members, will precede this talk.

On December 13 we shall be celebrating the Christmas season with a social gathering for members, their guests and

anybody interested in becoming involved with Wells Civic Society.

Our series of talks will continue through 2024, but to strengthen our energies we shall be including meetings where topics such as housing, education and transport will be discussed and debated.

Do think to get involved and enrich our programme of activities. Look at www. wellscivicsociety.org.uk for the latest programme, membership information etc… and, of course, keep reading Wells Voice.

Wells Civic Society meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm for 7pm in the Lecture Hall at the Wells & Mendip Museum, 8 Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE. Meetings conclude around 9pm. Guests or visitors are always very welcome and membership actively encouraged. Come and share, be part of imagining an even better Wells.

CITY OF WELLS LIONS

DID you come to the Moat Boat Race? If you did you will have an insight into one of the wide variety of events City of Wells Lions have in their calendar. It’s a big event to organise and we are indebted to all the other organisations and individual volunteers who help make it possible. However persuading people to splash about in murky water is not the only thing we do.

Our club is passionate about serving our community be that raising funds through concerts (ABBA Tribute and local choirs have featured recently), street collections (for the earthquake appeal and supporting Rotary in their street collections), our Tree of Light in The Bishop’s Palace during December and by distributing daffodil boxes and collection tins for Marie Curie. The funds we raise go to local, national and international charities and Lions are part of a very large International organisation. We also get involved with community projects and can be seen out with the Wells litter picking teams amongst other activities.

Once a month we meet for our ‘business’ which includes discussing upcoming projects, thinking about new ones and considering applications for

Continued on page 42

A talk on the Anglo Saxon burial ground at Sutton Hoo for u3a members

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

From

funds from various charitable and welfare groups. These meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Monday of the month in The Lawrence Centre, in Wells. We also meet each month for an informal social get-together when we like to welcome guests who are interested in finding out more about us. This is held in the fourth week of the month and the day and time varies.

If you are interested in finding out more about City of Wells Lions please get in touch either by writing to Mary Ellis (President) at cityofwellslions@ gmail.com or leaving a message for our secretary on 0345 833 6736.

WELLS CITY PROBUS CLUB

AT our August meeting Victoria Northwood, Search and Learn Project Manager for the Wells & Mendip Museum, gave a talk on activities in the museum.

In 2019 the museum won National Lottery funding for new activities. Then the pandemic struck. The project finally started in January 2022 and has covered a wide range of activities. These included 30 volunteers creating and installing a mural, the renovation of the museum founder’s study, and city galleries on the first floor to show the social and commercial history of Wells. A temporary exhibition downstairs showed photos of shops and the high street and the latest Wells Pageant.

Volunteers also received training in mental health awareness, object handling, collections care and running trips. Working with the Job Centre four young people were recruited who now have paid jobs. Three Heritage Management students worked on film and digital sorting of collections.

Like many museums, 90 per cent of the assets are not on display – digitalising will help. Plans also include developing packages for schools and care homes and exhibitions of porcelain and drawings. The project will finish next year.

In September we welcomed Pablo Foster who talked about Libya. Africa is 5,000 miles wide in the north and 8,000 miles long. Libya is one of its largest

Wells City Probus Club Chairman Stan Gibby with Victoria Northwood, and with Pablo Foster

countries stretching for 3,000 miles between Tunisia and Egypt.

There was explanation of the country’s history from signs of wheat growth in 6000BC and the arrival of the Phoenicians in 1100BC to independence in 1956, and the Gaddafi-led revolution in 1969 that saw him become ruler.

During his rule he removed all foreign bases and built free housing for the entire population using revenue from oil and gas exports. He got rid of people he thought were a threat, but he became dependent on his tribal family for protection, and in the end there were not enough of them and he was killed.

WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

IT is proving a good autumn for fruit, nuts, berries and flowers, both in the wild and in the garden, and this bounty is being enjoyed by birds, insects and mammals. One plant whose value to wildlife is overlooked in autumn is ivy. It has a poor image but it has enormous wildlife value. Its late flowering from now on provides a late source of nectar for butterflies and other insects. It is estimated that over 70 species of insects feed on the nectar from it small yellow flowers.

The ivy bee, as its name suggests, is dependent on the ivy as a food source. The ivy bee looks very much like a honey bee but has a more orangey appearance with black and yellow stripes on its abdomen. The black berries which ivy produces later in the year are taken by up to 16 species of birds. The hedge beside the Lovers Walk path in Wells is a good place locally to see wildlife making use of the ivy.

Our next meeting takes place on Tuesday, October 31, at 7.30pm at the Wells Museum off the Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE. Nick Gates who was one of the producers for the BBC series Wild Isles will talk about how the series came about, the choice of stories, how the sequences were developed, and how they were filmed and finished with the music. He will also talk about the outreach off the back of the series with the Save Our Wild Isles campaign.

Details of this and other events can be seen on our website www.wdwg.org.uk or you can phone Jean on 01749 677600.

We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free.

Graham Allen

WELLS TUESDAY WI

A BOILING evening this month for our general meeting. Members were shown the wedding dress we are using for the Mayor’s New Clothes project and everyone sewed a sunflower that will form part of the train.

A lot has been happening over the summer with lots of ladies walking, reading and crafting. Walking netball has started – indoors again (now the exam season is over) and, despite our wish not to conform to stereotype, a great deal of jam making has been going on. Generous members have opened their gardens and shared produce. I’m certain a great deal of gin has also been made!

Our speaker this month was Michael Malagham, an ideal choice for a summer meeting. An amusing, light-hearted talk about his route to being a published author, from his journey as local journalist to TV script writer, and occasional film extra. Michael

had everyone laughing and showed he is an accomplished storyteller.

Lots to look forward to, a trip to The Tempest, a walk led by a local ranger, a trip to SS Great Britain, a local ghost walk, the return of skittles, and a group supporting the Charity Retro 1950s night at the Town Hall in October.

Anne Wison

COXLEY AND DISTRICT WI

IT was difficult to escape the very warm evening on September 5 for our meeting. However our president Val was able to distract us for a while. She had attended an Indian (Hindu) wedding this spring. So she was able to give us a very close up and personal account of this cultural event.

What an experience she had. The whole wedding was, as is usual for these affairs, spread over many days. This started with the civil ceremony, followed by an evening do. Then there was the henna party and a pre-wedding blessing. A street procession was also included, with dancing.

Then came the actual Hindu ceremony which has 14 steps. It takes approximately two hours. This was followed by a grand evening meal and party. Of course many outfits and dresses were required for these events. Val illustrated that with planning and ingenuity, this need not be as daunting or expensive as one may at first think.

Val supplemented the slide show and talk with various items of clothing that she brought along to show us. They were very glamorous. Christine gave our vote of thanks.

The business end of the meeting was led by Christine and Hilary.

Hilary told us all about the walk to Wookey Hub, from Coxley. The next walk will be around the Cheddar Reservoir, taking in Axbridge for coffee. It is scheduled for Friday, October 6, time to be arranged.

Peggy reported on the progress of our last craft meeting. We next get together on October 18 at 1pm at Peggy’s.

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

Our skittles team are getting practice in ready to meet Lypsham WI in the first round at the New Inn, Wedmore, at 12.30pm on September 29. The next committee meeting is at Jenny’s on September 28 at 10am.

Plans for our pre-loved sale are going ahead well. This is to be at Coxley Memorial Hall on October 7 from 11am-2pm.

The competition was ‘a wedding photo’; this was won by Ursula with Christine coming second. The flower competition was won by Pat H. Ursula was second.

Our next full meeting is on October 3 at Coxley Memorial Hall at 7pm, when new ladies are most welcome to join us. Our speaker will be Richard Raynstock talking about the Grotesque & Gargoyles. The competition will be Ugly Mugs.

Ursula Dann

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

ON Tuesday, September 12, Chairman Sylvia Ingham opened the meeting with a thank you to all the members who helped at The Bishop’s Palace Flower Festival to celebrate our Platinum Anniversary. She also informed everyone that tickets are now available for our annual open meeting which this year will be held in the Town Hall. Mark Entwistle is our demonstrator, he will entertain us with Believe in the Magic. It’s on Tuesday, November 14, at 7.30pm and tickets are £15 from Suzy on 01749 672633.

Then it was time to welcome our demonstrator for the afternoon, Michael Bowyer MBE. He is an international flower arranger, former President of NAFAS and Creative Director of Salisbury Cathedral Flowers. Such is his popularity members from various other clubs in Somerset as well as our members’ guests attended to see his designs of Approaching Autumn.

His first arrangement represented the moon in the autumn solstice. Rings made of moss-covered straw were decorated with moons and stars and surrounded by white lilies and cream gerberas placed in test tubes, to avoid the use of floral foam. Next he arranged a variety of pink roses and Canterbury bells with lilac lizianthus and

purple carnations in a traditional style entitled Late Summer.

Next out of his box came a wonderful variety of unusual garden foliage which he combined with michaelmas daisies, lizianthus, pink achillea, yellow dahlias, statice and Santorini chrysanthemums and clematis to make a large handtied bouquet. A wire fruit basket filled with a range of garden dahlias and roses, and a mixture of pumpkins and gourds took us further into autumn.

Finally, a large copper bowl was filled with shades of pinks and peach through to golden brown of gerberas, chrysanthemums, roses and dahlias completed the demonstration. Non Hobson gave the vote of thanks while Denny Johnson and Ros Edney served the teas.

Our next demonstration is on Tuesday, October 10, at 2.15pm at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Area demonstrator Sally Taylor will be Sallying Forth Once More. Why not come along? Visitors £5.

Jenny Jones

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

FOR our September meeting we had a fascinating talk, with slides, of our Secretary Alison Baillie’s visits to animal reservations in Namibia. These

were started by a husband and wife team and run purely on charity donations and the volunteer help of people who are interested in the preservation of the native animals.

The first project was Naan Kuse where they take in animals that have been deserted or are in danger of starvation and neglect. They bring them back to health and if possible release them back into their native land, or if not able to do this keep them in very large fenced areas where they can lead natural lives.

With the success of this first programme they have since expanded and now have Neuras for leopards and hyenas, and also have started a vineyard producing white wine there. Kanaan is a reservation in the desert and there is a 5* centre for holidaying and animal trucking called Timbila.

The local San people, who are bushmen and the oldest tribe in Africa, are aided by the setting up of life clinics, schools and churches due in part to the generous help of Dutch investors as well as the volunteers of all ages who assist at the clinics and schools, as well as spending periods of time on the reserves checking on the animal welfare, feeding them and exercising them and helping with scientific projects.

Alison is hoping to return to Namibia for a fourth time and uses her craft skills and gives talks to raise money to help improve the life of the San people and the animals living in that region.

Our next meeting will be on October 4 at 7pm in St Thomas’ Church Hall when Jane Dyson will be entertaining us with Sleeping with Strangers, the Santiago trail. If you would like an interesting evening in a friendly atmosphere do come along. We will be happy to welcome you.

Pat Dyer

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

SUPERINTENDENT John Holt stepped in at the last moment when our speakers were unable to attend.

An entertaining morning was entitled Professional Anecdotes, which reminded us all of the changes in policing from when we were young. We

remembered with fondness our local policemen who we saw every day and who defused situations before they got out of hand. There grew up a personal relationship in the community.

Modern policing relies on updated technology to run alongside the true community values we still need.

Our respect was heightened by the situations in which our police find themselves, from dealing with car accidents to having to tell families of the death of a loved one. We thank them all.

Our meeting on October 4 will be a talk from Paul Denegri HonARAM FTCL LTCL about the value of music in care homes.

We meet at Binegar and Gurney Slade Memorial Hall from 10.30am-12.30pm.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SYCAMORE ’copters, insects on the sedum heads, Pampas plumes in full sway, berries reddening and softening and wasps on the fallen fruit, all are signs that autumn is coming through the garden gate.

But above all else, take an early morning trip up the garden path and you are met with a faceful of gossamer. Spiders, which have been seen nowhere throughout the year, mysteriously and defiantly erect their invisible barriers suspended spread-eagled across the path barring your way. We are told that they just launch themselves on a puff of breeze trailing a lifeline to construct the first anchor.

After that, it’s a piece of cake to do the rest. And they do it over and over again. Quite brilliant but still puzzling and disconcerting, even though most of us have recovered our composure about spiders since we saw the creature in The Thief of Bagdad (1940) or came across its offspring in a Tolkien story. The life of arachnids is all very mysterious and goes on unbeknownst to us.

Another autumnal mystery is the emergence of fungi of all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some we call mushrooms because it seems friendlier but they are all fungi. And they are literally everywhere, by us, beneath us,

Continued on page 44

Michael Bowyer and two of his autumn arrangements

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

From page 43

over us, on and in us. There’s no escape. I suspect that they are in league with the spiders. However, at our next meeting we shall be welcoming one of the most knowledgeable experts in the country to explain it all to us.

Michael Jordan is not only a renowned mycologist, author of The Encyclopaedia of Fungi of Great Britain and Europe, and has presented a television series on fungi, he is also an excellent and entertaining speaker.

The title of his talk to the Gardening Club is The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. The date is Thursday, October 12, at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. Everyone, whether garden owner or one who possesses just a plant on the windowsill, is very welcome. The talk is open to all. Members £1, Visitors £3, Under 16s free.

n SPORT

members who helped make it a successful weekend he reported that many exhibitors, traders and visitors expressed their appreciation of the event and the view that it is one of the best in the country.

Richard’s first talk covered a Great Western Society trip to the Isle of Man for a special event when The Isle of Man Steam Railway had four locomotives in steam, all bedecked in the flags of the four home countries and the Isle of Man. The engines were all products of Beyer Peacock in Manchester in different liveries contrasting with wooden carriages in uniform red and cream colours. The Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Tramway which is worked by the Fell Rack system on account of the steep gradients were also covered along with the Douglas horse-drawn trams.

Special day out a reward for devotion to rugby

Fungi will feature in the next talk given to Wells & District Gardening Club. Pictured is The Beechwood Sickener Picture: Dan Harwood

The accompanying photo is of a fungus called The Beechwood Sickener. Which sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes. Some fungi have intriguing names while others are downright unpronounceable. Come along and find out more.

More details and information at wellsgarden.club or tel: 01749 679182.

Pip Harwood

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

THE September meeting of the Wells Railway Fraternity, the first of the new season, was a presentation in two parts given by Richard Harman which covered the railways of the Isle of Man followed by Ancient and Modern Irish Railways coming into the 21st century.

At the start of the meeting Chris Challis said a few words about the recent Railwells Exhibition. After thanking the

The second talk covered the history of the railway system in Ireland from its origin in 1830 through its zenith in the 1920s and on to the present day. This fascinating talk showed the development from extremely early steam engines through to the introduction of diesels in the 1950s and on to electric traction. With diversions along the way to horse-drawn trams and the not very successful turf-burning steam locomotives. Today some routes are being reopened for passengers and freight, although sadly the once extensive narrow-gauge system has been discarded.

Wells Railway Fraternity’s next meeting will be on the second Tuesday of October in Wells Town Hall at 19:30 hours when the subject will be The Flying Scotsman. New members and guests are always welcome. For further information about the Wells Railway Fraternity see the website Railwells.com

HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

OUR October meeting promises to bring colour to your winter garden with Louise Burk’s illustrated talk on Winter Hanging Baskets and Tubs. We meet at Henton Hall (B3139) on Wednesday, October 18, at 7pm for coffee. Talks starts at 7.30pm. Raffle, sales table and warm welcome.

More information: www. hentongardenclub.weebly.com

WELLS resident Herbie Davies was rewarded for his services to rugby union in England with a special day out at Twickenham.

He was one of 11 individuals nominated by their constituent bodies to enjoy the VIP treatment when England hosted Wales in August, as part of the RFU President’s Value the Volunteer Outstanding Contribution Awards.

Herbie was nominated by Somerset County RFU, which said: “Herbie has supported rugby in Somerset for over 70 years, playing for Tor RFC until he was nearly 60. He is without question a fantastic example of the spirit of rugby, and as former Chair, President and now county archivist for Somerset RFU has been pivotal in the development of the Game.”

Herbie and the others were taken on a tour of the stadium on the day of the Summer Series

fixture, including the changing rooms and the fitness suite. He was able to sit in the royal box, and walk on the pitch, before having lunch and watching the game. “It was nice to see them doing something,” he said. “I was honoured to be asked.”

Welsh-born Herbie made a name for himself playing rugby for Pontypridd before moving to Somerset. He was a rugby coach at Millfield School for ten years.

RUGBY

Herbie back at home with a commemorative mini rugby ball that he was given

Herbie Davies at Twickenham with his son-in-law Steve Williamson

Herbie and Steve give a wave from the royal box

Wells player victorious in three events

WELLS Golf Club lady Joan

Stembridge enjoyed a run of success in August. Joan played in the Somerset Grass Roots Trophy at Enmore Golf Club. Players qualify at club level before playing the final. It is a Stableford competition played over nine holes and Joan won with 18 points. This is the third year running a Wells lady has won the Somerset Grass Roots.

Next, Joan played at Wells in the Ladies President’s Cup. Joan won the medal round with a nett 76 and received the cup from current Wells president, George Davis.

She was also a member of the winning team when Gwyn Macdonald, Wells Ladies’ Captain, hosted her Captain’s Day with an Australian theme. Gwyn managed to provide Australian weather with a sunny, hot day. Notable players included Crocodile Dundee, Steve Irwin and Dame Edna. Scones, jam and cream were enjoyed afterwards.

Wells Golf Club’s Freya Keirl was crowned winner of the female Race To Woodhall Spa

final after shooting 39 points on the Bracken Course.

Playing off 26, the 13-yearold made a birdie on the 7th hole and along with four pars, it was enough to see her edge 33-year-old Lauren Underwood in second place. Freya said: “It’s amazing. My very first major competition and to win it is

Charity Day a memorable occasion

WHAT a day it was at Mendip Golf Club for Ladies Captain

Aimee Sawyer’s Charity Day

in aid of the Katie Piper Foundation. A full house of 152 entrants, subsidiary competitions and challenges all over the place, an auction, excellent catering arrangements both on and off the course and a very full clubhouse made for a day to remember for Aimee, the charity and indeed Mendip GC.

Aimee and her family had put so much work into organising the event and she was so well supported by the professional team, many volunteer members and many local companies.

The main event, a 4-person Texas Scramble, was won by the Men’s Club Champion, 1 handicapper Scott Butland, who was supported by 23 handicap Steve Pugh and two higher handicap members

of Orchardleigh, an ideal combination for this type of event. They scored a remarkable net 49, with a Fosseway Team 2nd with 51 on count back from a Mendip Team, Simon Jefferies, Trevor Messenger, Colin Wiltshire and Nigel Wiltshire. However the main winner on the day was the Katie Piper Foundation for whom £8,623 was raised.

Mendip Seniors competed with 14 other clubs in the annual Enmore Stag Team event and came out winners with 183 points, 5 ahead of Wedmore in 2nd place with Long Ashton 3rd with 176. Representing Mendip were Robert Miller/Tony George, Tony Scott/Rob Richardson, Alan Edwards/Bryan Lewis and Paul Wood/John Ellis. This was Mendip’s first win in the event.

101 men competed in the annual running of the Sims Cup which saw the best 5 scores all being 68. Div 1 went to Alan

Clarke with 68. Div 2 was won by Dan Carey with 69 and Div 3 was won by 15-year-old Ben Roberts with 68 beating Roland Greenway on count back. However with the best of the 68s the Cup was won by Tim Crew. The best gross score went to Charlie Pike with a 2 over par 73.

The Avalon B Team beat Long Sutton 3.5-1.5 with wins from Cliff Hall/Rich Clifford, Tom Rowland/Jeremy Lawrence and Liam Robertson with Charles Whitaker/Rob Cook gaining a half.

The Ladies Pairs Madina Trophy was run this year as a one day event rather than the usual series of Challenges against the Ladies Captain and Vice Captain. The event was won by Louise Scott and Gina Howard.

The Millington Salver Mixed 4bbb event attracted a fine entry and saw some fine scoring. Glynn Haddock/Sarah James were the winners with 43.

amazing. My highlights were getting a birdie and playing some great golf, as well as playing with some amazing people. It’s been a great opportunity which I’ve really enjoyed, and I’d definitely encourage others to enter this tournament. I’m going to go out with my caddie for a nice meal to celebrate.”

Chance to play

BADMINTON

PLAYED before but want more practice? Looking to get back into badminton after a break? Wells City Badminton Club plays on Wednesday evenings at Wells Leisure Centre from 7pm-9pm. Standard is intermediate and above.

For more details, email enquirieswcbc@gmail.com or see the website at www. wellscitybadmintonclub.co.uk

Weekly meetings

TABLE TENNIS

WELLS Table Tennis Club meets every Wednesday at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells, from 6.30pm-9.30pm. For more details, email paulhambleton2@ btinternet.com

Gwyn Macdonald with the winning team at Captain’s Day, Sandy Heath, Diane Ramsay and Joan Stembridge; right, Joan Stembridge is handed the Ladies President’s Cup by George Davis; and below, Freya Keirl with her trophy

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