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October 2018 Issue 16
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Former mill to house stained glass studio THE largest and most prestigious studio for stained glass in the country is moving into an old mill building in Wells. Holy Well Glass, which was granted a Royal Warrant in April, has been operating in Wells since 1995. It specialises in the conservation of stained glass in historic buildings across the country. With a dedicated team ranging from apprentices to people with more than 30 years’ experience, the company is relocating from Lovers Walk to the more spacious former premises of Wells Trading Post in West Street. “We’ve been at the site in Lovers Walk for 19 years but we’ve outgrown it somewhat and space was a concern,” said codirector Jack Clare, whose father and fellow director Steve set up the company. “We’re looking to expand our role as a design studio, taking on more work of this nature and creating a national stained glass Continued on page 3
Group goes round saying thank you Plastic Free Wells team show appreciation for businesses’ support in recent campaign Turn to page 4
Lions call time on beer festival Organisation cancels event in face of objections and will now review its role in other events Turn to page 4
Wells in Bloom presentations Winners collect certificates and trophies during awards night ceremony at Town Hall Turn to page 8
Members of the group behind Wells in Mosaic had a stall at Wells Market on September 26 to publicise and raise funds for the project. Pictured from left are artist Ruth Ames-White, Steve Wilson, Ian AmesWhite, Chris Winter and Philip Welch. Once completed, the giant mosaic will be sited in the Recreation Ground
Cultural events to take centre stage Food festival, literature festival, Wells Art Contemporary and new music wells all on horizon Turn to pages 13, 19, 20 & 21
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wellsvoice
October 2018
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n NEWS
Stained glass experts moving into mill From page 1 design hub for artists to see their designs realised.” Holy Well Glass is renowned as a centre of excellence in the UK, and is the only royally appointed stained glass studio. As well as work at Windsor Castle, the company has worked on Wells Cathedral’s Jesse Window, one of the finest examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, and is currently working on projects for Winchester and Arundel cathedrals and the chapel at Peterhouse, Cambridge, the oldest of the university’s colleges. Jack, a former Blue School student, said of the move into The Old Mill: “It’s hugely exciting. When I first looked round the building I just fell in love with it and thought it would make a fantastic workshop space.” A mill on the site is
Conservator Gemma Curtis leading up a panel, and medieval glass on the lightbox at Holy Well Glass
mentioned in the Domesday Book, and it is said to have been built as a grain mill to feed the workers who first built Wells Cathedral. It is the only one of the five or six mills that were once in Wells that has retained its machinery. Most of the old mill workings are still intact apart from the water wheel, which blew off in a storm in the 1960s. Jack said that Holy Well Glass studio manager Sarah Knighton is going to hand paint the building’s hanging sign with a design featuring a crosssection of the mill, otherwise the company is not planning any alterations. “We’re involved day-to-day in the conservation of historic buildings and as such we very much appreciate the history of the mill,” said Jack. “We very much appreciate and respect the history of the building and will ensure it remains untouched.”
Call for listing of old mill building A COUNCILLOR has called for the former Wells Trading Post premises in West Street to be made a listed building. Councillor Norman Kennedy told the city council’s planning committee at their meeting on September 6 that it was an important building because of the old mill workings it contained, and said that something should be done to protect them. “It’s a fascinating building. You can see all the workings from when it was a mill. It’s the only one left in Wells as far as I’m aware that’s got its bits and pieces,” he said. “I was amazed to find it was
not a listed building. I’m asking this committee to back it to get it listed.” Town clerk Felicity White said that it would require more pressure from more councillors, particularly district councillors, and suggested getting local organisations such as the civic society and Wells Mills Interest Group involved. n The committee had no objections to plans for a new hand car wash at Tesco; for the temporary installation of 60 solar panels on the roof of the Elim Connect Centre; and for an extension of The Spinning Wheel Cafe in Guardhouse Lane to create a covered terrace.
Chance to join Christmas market WELLS Christmas Market will be returning this year from Wednesday, December 19, until Saturday, December 22, Mendip District Council has confirmed. The council hopes that more than 100 traders will take part selling a range of gifts and produce. Organisers also want the
Market Place to be filled with Christmas music and carols and are on the look-out for local organisations, clubs and schools who would like to play a part. To register interest as a trader, or as a performer or musical group, email markets@ mendip.gov.uk or call 0300 303 8588.
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October 2018
n NEWS Businesses thanked for support THE Plastic Free Wells team have been handing out their logos and thank you letters to the many businesses in Wells and district that supported the Surfers Against Sewage campaign to reduce single-use plastic. The businesses to receive thank you letters and logos are Andre’s Cafe, Bar Italia, Branch and Bloom, The Naked Pantry, The Good Earth, Da Luciano Pizza, Pickwicks, Pilates Body Aligned Studio, Wookey Hub,
Cafe 21, The Quarter Jack, Wells Film Centre, The Globe, Steamer Trading, Whitings and Protec. “From speaking to the businesses it seems that Wells residents are joining in and doing their bit to reduce their own plastic footprint,” said Tom Ronan of Plastic Free Wells. “Many people have been buying their sustainable alternative products from their local Wells shops, who all now stock a wide range of goods.”
wellsvoice
www.wellsvoice.co.uk CONTAC TS Editor and publisher Andy Vallis andy@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157 Advertising sales@wellsvoice.co.uk 01749 675157 Editorial news@wellsvoice.co.uk 07906 499655 01749 675157
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wellsvoice Follow us on Twitter: @wells_voice View every issue online at issuu.com/ wellsvoice A member of the Independent Community News Network
LOC AL INFORMATION
NOVEMBER DEADLINE
Wells City Council www.wells.gov.uk 01749 673091 Police www.avonandsomerset.police.uk General inquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.dsfire.gov.uk General inquiries: 01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS www.nhs.uk Urgent calls: 111 Emergency: 999
To ensure your news or letter is included in the November edition, please contact us by October 17.
YOUR VIE WS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters.
COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details bove. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk This month 6,650 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages
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Businesses to receive logos and thank you letters include, clockwise from top left, Protec, Pickwicks, the Pilates Body Aligned Studio and Bar Italia
Wells Lions forced to call off beer festival THE City of Wells Lions have been forced to cancel Wells Beer Festival. The event was due to take place in The Bishop’s Barn on October 26 and 27. They took the decision after discussions with district council officials and representatives of the police and fire services. “Naturally, we’re bitterly disappointed especially given the time and effort made by members of the organising committee and the generosity of so many local companies in supporting our efforts,” said City of Wells Lions Lions president Paul Clegg. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for small charitable and service organisations to comply with the conditions set for public events. “Public safety is paramount, something we have always taken seriously at the many events we
have held over almost 45 years. “In this instance, we were encouraged to follow the lead set by a similar Lions event. Unfortunately, the objections raised have meant that the event as we envisaged was no longer viable. “We have concluded that we have no option but to withdraw our application.” The Lions say that people who had already bought tickets for the beer festival will be refunded. They will now be considering their role in other events in Wells that they organise. “The additional administration and planning requirements have a serious impact on the feasibility of public events, such as May Day and the Moat Boat Races, and we will now have to consider the role that the City of Wells Lions play in these events in future,” said Paul.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
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n NEWS
Marathon glory at age of 70
Invitation to fill councillor role
THERE was a nice surprise for Wells runner Pat Challis two days after she took part in the Loch Ness Marathon – a message from organisers telling her that she had finished first in the Female 70 category. “I was totally shocked I got 1st female 70, I wish I had been at the prize giving but wasn’t aware what time it was,” she said. Pat ran the marathon with other members of the Westfield TT running group, which is based near Radstock. She says that running has helped her stay positive after twice undergoing cancer treatment. “I last ran a marathon in 2006 just after going through breast cancer treatment, and raised over £6,000 for the RUH cancer breast unit,” she said. “I said I didn’t want to run another marathon, but was persuaded to by John Reynolds, founder of Westfield TT. I
PEOPLE are being invited to put themselves forward to fill a casual vacancy on Wells City Council. The Central Ward vacancy has arisen because of the resignation of Councillor Alison Gibson. Public elections cannot be held until May 2019 but until then sitting councillors may co-opt to fill the vacancy. Anybody wishing to fill this vacancy should write to Town Clerk, Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB on or before Friday, October 12. Applications will be considered by council members at the council meeting to be held on October 25.
Halloween Spooktacular
Council elections Pat Challis with her medal for completing the Loch Ness Marathon
ELECTIONS for a city councillor and a district councillor are to take place on Thursday, October 25. The elections are taking place after the death of St Thomas Ward councillor Danny Unwin.
s ho H ea oup me ot ch a m lu va ad nc ila e ht bl im e e
decided this time to run for me, as I have had to go through all the cancer treatment again within the last couple of years. “Running has helped me stay positive, and I have so many supportive running friends plus my lovely family. I really enjoyed this marathon, so well organised and friendly. I am really chuffed with my result. “At age 70, this only goes to show you are never too old to be active.” Pat also runs with the Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers. She runs at least three times a week, and has amassed a large collection of medals. Her husband Chris organises the annual Railwells model railway exhibition in Wells Town Hall. He said: “A lot of other younger runners really look up to her for her achievements over the years including running whilst going through breast cancer treatment twice.”
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October 2018
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GP services set for expansion with increase in population GP services in Wells are likely to be expanded as more houses are built in the city and the number of patients increases. Michael Bainbridge, Head of Primary Care at the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, the body responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services in the county, said the issues Wells was facing were being recognised. Addressing a meeting of Wells City Council on September 27, he said that the current provision was more or less sufficient for current needs. But he said that the hundreds of new homes planned over the next few years “will have an impact on health services that we will need to mitigate”. Mr Bainbridge said that he had been in discussion with the city’s GP practices based at Priory Medical Centre, and they would like to expand into the empty top floor of the building. “We think over the next five to ten years there will be investment in premises,” he said. “There hasn’t been any significant investment in premises in Somerset since 2013.” He said that the clinical commissioning group tried to work collaboratively with planners to match services to
Doctors feeling the strain as pressure grows
Michael Bainbridge outside Wells Town Hall after addressing the council
Change of number THERE will be a new telephone number for enquiries, appointments and prescriptions at Wells City Practice from October 17. A new telephone system is being installed so from October 17 the number to call will be: 01749 601333. population, but added: “The planning system is far from ideal. The reality is that infrastructure needs lag behind the delivery of housing and that causes problems.” NHS and care services are facing real challenges, he said,
with issues including an ageing workforce in the NHS, as well as an ageing population living with one or more long-term health conditions. There is also a reducing number of GPs, although he said that there has been growth in the numbers of other health staff. A health and care strategy, Fit For My Future, is being devised at the moment that aims for greater prevention of ill health and a more integrated approach to service provision, he said. The proposals to try to solve some of Somerset’s health challenges will be discussed with people informally over the autumn.
Health centre introduces new ways to get advice STARTING from October, patients at Wells Health Centre can expect a quicker response to their health concern. Alongside a number of changes, the staff will be operating an ‘on the day’ clinic for people who need attention and cannot wait for a booked appointment. Dr John Machling said: “We want our patients to get the right help when they need it. We are introducing a new system that will help us to achieve this.” The reception team at Wells Health Centre has been trained to be able to offer a range of options for patients according to their need. “For this system to work properly, patients calling the
practice need to be prepared to answer a few questions about their one main concern so that the receptionist can direct them to the best care for them,” said Dr Machling. “This will include being asked for the reason for their call.” Clinicians will also be asking patients who have requested an appointment to consider what they feel is their one main concern before attending. “When you do need an appointment with one of our health care professionals, we ask that you come prepared to discuss your main concern,” said Dr Machling. “This is because we have noticed that people often leave their most important health problem until last. This means
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that we are either short of time to deal with it in the right way or that we over run and keep other patients waiting. Neither of these are what we want for our patients.” There is a rising demand nationally on health care professionals due to people living longer with more health difficulties. Many practices across Somerset are changing the way they work to be able to work safely and effectively. Wells Health Centre is working closely with other community providers such as pharmacists, local authority and voluntary services so that together they can support people to find the right solution. For further information, go to www.wellshealthcentre.co.uk
THE pressure on local health services has become an increasing topic of conversation in Wells as the population of the city grows. Concerns have been raised at public forums, including by city councillors, and patients are reporting a longer wait for appointments. Staff currently working in the NHS are reluctant to discuss the issue, but a former GP in the area, who asked not to be named, has spoken to Wells Voice about the subject. He said that GPs are seeing their workloads rise “inexorably” and that practices across the country are finding it harder to recruit and retain doctors. At one time a trainer, he recently met one of his former trainees, who is now an experienced GP. She told him that most of her days at work begin at 8.30am and she rarely arrives home before 8.30pm, and even then she still has to go through emails. He said that while there would often be 40 or 50 applicants for each training post when he ran a local training scheme, in many areas now it is difficult to fill the posts at all, and the number of whole-time equivalent GPs has fallen in recent years. “We already delegate a lot of tasks to excellent specialist nurses to try to offset the fall in GP numbers but there is a limit to this delegation and ultimately responsibility for care lies with the GPs,” he said. “Of course, the decreasing numbers of GPs have to look after an increasing population who are older and frailer and often have several different conditions to attend to, thus requiring longer appointments.” He continued: “What can the public do? Probably not a lot. No one gets sick on purpose and all the doctors I know genuinely want to do their best to help all their patients. “Perhaps we just need to be aware of the pressures and try to understand if the GP is running late or he or she can’t, except in an emergency, provide an immediate appointment.”
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
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October 2018
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The children are back at school, the mornings are feeling fresher, and the trees have a golden glimmer... it must be October already! The nights might be drawing in but Wells still has lots to offer this month. In particular, the annual Food & Drink Festival which, this year, we are excited to be participating in the market place. Please pop down, say hello and enjoy one of our homemade sweet treats or a savoury snack from our wonderful kitchen brigade, see you all soon! With best wishes from all the team. Tudor & Lucy Hopkins
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS AT THE WHITE HART HOTEL Join us for the Christmas dinner event of the year, which combines fine food and comedy action, served up ‘Only Fools and Horses’ style. Marlene & Boycie are hosting a Christmas dinner, but will things go to plan with Del, as one of the three wise men, Rodney as archangel Gabriel and Trigger as an ELF! Uncle Albert is roaming around with mistletoe in his cap? An evening of chaos and mayhem with an extra large portion of comedy is the order of the night.
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Expect a fun night out in a friendly party atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors in the land, professionally produced to the highest standards. Join us at The White Hart on 21st December at 7.00pm. Your night of entertainment will be complimented by a delicious 5 course taster menu, created by Executive Chef Dean Toon and served during the performance. As the entertainment draws to a close, the DJ will begin and you can dance the night away. With laughs, dancing and good food, this is the perfect option for your Christmas party this year. £55 per person To make a booking email Megan Young at megan@sleepingbearhotels.com
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU - Cauliflower soup and crisp quail’s egg with parsley - Game terrine with artichoke and truffle cream - Lemon sorbet - Roast breast and braised leg of turkey, chipolata and seasonal condiments - Christmas pudding with brandy sauce
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wellsvoice
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October 2018
n NEWS
Award winners with their certificates and trophies, above; winners of the schools competition are pictured right
Bloom awards given out as gardeners’ efforts rewarded MORE than 100 people attended the Wells in Bloom awards evening at the Town Hall on September 20. Certificates and trophies were handed out to dozens of worthy winners by Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride. “One of my dreams when I became a councillor was to join Wells in Bloom because it is so worthwhile and does such a good job for our city,” she said. She presented a special Mayoral Award to Jenny Jones who has been a volunteer with Wells in Bloom for 17 years and
is now retiring from the post of Schools Competition Secretary. John Beauchamp told the audience: “Every year the Wells in Bloom committee are amazed at the skill of you gardeners.” He said that this year had been a bigger challenge than usual after snow, rain, and then a blistering heatwave. “And yet once again you’ve come up trumps,” he said. “The three judges had their work cut out trying to decide which garden was better than another because they all have their points to offer.”
WELLS IN BLOOM ROLL OF HONOUR n Private house front garden: Bronze: Mr R Thorne; Tony and Maureen Bishop; Silver: Mary Read; Silver Gilt: Adrian Guise; Gold: Madge Feltham. n Private house back garden: Bronze: Helen Lovell; Denise Denis; Tony and Maureen Bishop; Silver: Richard Leworthy; Silver Gilt; Madge Feltham; Gold: Adrian Guise. n Flower containers: Bronze: Tina Blackwill; Mr M R Day; Silver: Kath Bristow; Silver Gilt: Colin
Westley; Gold: Graham Talbot. n Fronts of hotels and public houses: Bronze: Swan Hotel; Just Ales; Silver: The Sun Inn; Silver Gilt: The Globe Inn; Gold: The Britannia Inn. n Courtyards of hotels and public houses: Bronze: Swan Hotel; Silver: The Crown; Silver Gilt: The Sun Inn; Gold: The Globe Inn. n Businesses: Silver: Swan Hotel; Silver Gilt: The Crown; Gold: Rock House.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
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n NEWS
‘Drop investments in fossil fuel firms’ WELLS MP James Heappey has called on the MPs’ Pension Fund to drop investments in oil, coal and gas companies owing to concerns about climate change. Mr Heappey has signed the Divest Parliament pledge, calling for the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund to phase out its investments in fossil fuel companies such as Shell and BP. The campaign has also been supported by 180 crossparty MPs, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and a growing number of Conservative MPs including David Warburton (Somerton and Frome). Mr Heappey has joined the campaign after a meeting with members of the Sustainable Wells group, who expressed their concern that continued investment in fossil fuels adds significantly to the risk of
flooding in the South West and of extreme weather across the globe because of climate change. He said: “Across the energy industry investment is shifting from fossil fuels to clean technologies. It’s clear that their race is nearly run and so the smart thing to do, not just for our climate but financially, is to embrace the change and invest in the technologies that will be an important part of our future. Parliament must show leadership in divesting early and I’m pleased to support this campaign.” Sustainable Wells member Stewart Crocker said: “James Heappey should be congratulated for backing the campaign to drop pension investments in fossil fuel companies, whose business practices continue to fuel climate change and ultimately put the people and livelihoods of people in the South West and across the globe at risk.”
Launch of new circle dance group A NEW circle dance group is being started in Wells. The sessions will be held at Wells Methodist Church Hall, Southover, on the second Tuesday of each month “Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience and everyone is welcome. So come on
your own or with a friend – you do not need a partner – and join in,” said Wells United church minister Rowena Francis, who is helping to organise the sessions. The first class will be on October 9, at 7.45pm. The cost is £4 per session. Contact Rowena on revrowenafrancis@gmail.com or 01749 679300.
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Participants, from left, Richard Green, Clare Blackmore, Andrew Tucker, Julia Wood and David Mather
Record broken as crowds turn out in force for Heritage Open Days A RECORD-BREAKING 821 people attended the Heritage Open Days event at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, September 8. Dr Julia Wood, Wells City Council Archivist, who organised the event, said: “We smashed last year’s record of 595 visitors. I’m staggered and thrilled by the number of visitors who came along to enjoy what we had on offer. “We had some superb local history exhibitions and we also staged a hilarious suffrage playlet, and we received excellent feedback. It could not have happened without the many volunteers who took part and I extend my warmest thanks to them.” In recognition of the centenary of the Universal Suffrage Act, the event incorporated the national Heritage Open Days theme of
Extraordinary Women. There were displays on Women’s Suffrage in Wells, Women’s Firsts in Wells, Women of Wells: A Selection from History, and Women at the Wells Charter Fairs. The specially-created exhibition called Mills of Wells was extremely popular. Put together by the Wells Mills Interest Group, there will be another chance to see it at Wells Museum in February 2019. Wells Railway Fraternity also exhibited, with an eye-catching display marking the fraternity’s 50th anniversary. Other venues that took part in Heritage Open Days were Mendip Hospital Cemetery and Chapel, Wells Cathedral, City of Wells Almshouses, Wells & Mendip Museum, St Cuthbert’s Church, The Old Deanery and The Bishop’s Palace.
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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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October 2018
n NEWS
Children working to put poppies together THE Somerset Poppies, a remembrance event involving nearly 4,000 children, takes place this November at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Almost 8,000 silk poppies will be displayed, each one representing a Somerset serviceman who lost his life during the First World War. Every poppy will have been created by children from 19 schools in and around Wells, with every child in each school having taken part. The poignant and moving display will be free to view between November 11 and 25, and poppies are available for sale, to pre-order for £5, at www. somersetpoppies.co.uk Dan Vidler, a teacher at Coxley School, who is organising the project, believes that children of all ages should have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of remembrance through participation, reflection
Nearly 4,000 children will be involved in making poppies and research. He said: “Wearing a poppy each November is important, but for many children, that’s where their involvement ends. “We hope that with children
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of all ages taking part, they’ll be able to recognise the scale of loss for our county 100 years ago, learning more about remembrance through educational resources designed for each age group. “As well as feeling a sense of pride in contributing to one of the largest commemoration events involving children in the country, we hope the learning and understanding that children develop will have a lasting impact.” Alongside the educational and artistic aims of the project, the final outcome will be to raise money for the two charities: Wells branch of the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, through the sale of poppies. “The whole project would not have been possible without the financial support we
have received, offered generously by Wells City Council, Wells branch of the Royal British Legion, David Wilson Homes and Wells Civic Society, as well as many local businesses, all of which are listed on our Facebook page,” said Dan. “We are extremely grateful to every organisation that has sponsored The Somerset Poppies, as well as to The Bishop’s Palace for kindly hosting the event.” There is an opportunity to view the display before it opens on November 11 by buying tickets to a ‘Preview’ event, on the evening of November 10, where the poppies will be displayed under floodlights with children from local choirs singing songs from the First World War era. Tickets cost £15 and only 100 are available to buy from The Bishop’s Palace Shop or online at ticketsource.co.uk/ thebishopspalace
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
n NEWS
Desire for greater variety of shops while 45 per cent were more upbeat and described it as “bustling”, “quaint”, “attractive” or “atmospheric”. Some 24 per cent of respondents wanted to see lower rents and rates to help stimulate retail activity and make the city more accessible for independent businesses. But many respondents had their own ideas as to how activity on the high street could be stimulated, ranging from market day or permanent pedestrianisation or diversion of traffic (20 per cent of respondents) to events to attract shoppers such as music and popup food events. The full report setting out the results of the surveys will be made available at the Wake Up Wells stakeholder conference on October 7. For details on Wake Up Wells contact Kirstie Harris on 07957 713539 or Emma Lefevre on 07540 071914.
Charity will benefit from art event
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A SPECIAL art preview evening is being held at Wells & Mendip Museum in October to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. All money raised from the sale of Wells artist Derek Smart’s paintings and the £5 entrance fee will be donated to the charity. “I have been involved in charity work most of my working life in some form or the other. l began painting six years ago and art has become my passion,” said Derek. “The aim of the evening and the continued exhibition is to raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile charity.” One of his paintings, Swan Splendour, was created with the charity in mind, “capturing strength, support, uplifting with a spark of splendour and not forgetting an association to Wells”. The preview will be on October 26, from 6pm-10pm,
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RESIDENTS would like to see a greater variety of shops in Wells High Street. This is one of the findings in early analysis of the Wake Up Wells questionnaire that was published online and in Wells Voice in July. More than 650 people responded to the survey aimed at capturing the views and ideas of locals about the city. When asked what they would like to see on the High Street, the most popular priority (23 per cent of respondents) focused on improving the variety of shops. But while some wanted a local presence of the traditional “big names” such as M&S, others would like to see a return of food shops, greengrocers and a small supermarket in the centre of the city. Opinions were also mixed in the use of words to describe the High Street, with 55 per cent labelling it “dying”, “declining”, “struggling”, “tired” and “tatty”,
11
Derek Smart’s painting Swan Splendour in the first-floor exhibition hall. Free refreshments will be served during the evening. The exhibition will then continue from November 12 to January 15, 2019.
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12
October 2018
n NEWS
Councils explore future options
Discussion of savings plans
THE leaders of Somerset’s councils say that work has started to find a partner to assist the process of assessing all the options for the future of local government service provision in the county. It comes after the council leaders agreed a broad set of principles which they say will inform the work to make sure that the best interests of all Somerset communities are served. The councils – Mendip District Council, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, South Somerset District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council – have issued a statement saying they are working together to determine the best future for local government in the county. “This is with a view to considering the possibilities for service delivery and financial
AN extraordinary full council meeting of Somerset County Council is being held on October 17 to discuss contingency plans if drastic savings proposals do not match expectations. Proposals agreed by the council’s Cabinet Committee in September aim to address a projected £11.4 million overspend this financial year. Up to 130 staff posts could be lost, and other savings include reducing the winter gritting network from 23 to 16 routes and removal of funding from Citizens Advice Bureau services. “These are very difficult decisions. But this council, legally, has to deliver a balanced budget,” said Council Leader, Councillor David Fothergill. Wells county councillor Tessa Munt said that she and her Liberal Democrat colleagues feared that the “latest painful cuts” will not save the authority from bankruptcy.
Mendip is one of the councils discussing future service provision efficiencies within the context of significant reductions in funding for councils across the country,” the statement said. “Procurement has started to identify an organisation to work with the councils on the feasibility and potential benefits of a range of options. All of Somerset’s MPs will invited to participate in the process to discuss and identify common ground.
The Changing Room
“Bath and North East Somerset Council along with North Somerset Council have also been invited to be part of the conversation on the future of local government. “The process began in May when Somerset County Council announced its intention to start a conversation with the district councils and other partners to explore what model of local government could be a better way to deliver public services in Somerset, within the context of increasing demand, changing customer and community needs and reduced funding. “The councils will continue to work together to assess local government delivery in Somerset and all the options for change. Our residents and businesses are at the heart of that conversation and this is about ensuring local government in Somerset works more efficiently and effectively for them.”
Chance to look round new vets NEW vets practice Wells Vets – a branch practice of Shepton Vets – will open for appointments in Wells on Monday, October 15. The purpose-built practice will have an operating theatre, X-ray, dental and ultrasound facilities. More serious emergencies, animals needing hospitalisation and out-of-hours calls, will be cared for at the main practice in Shepton Mallet. The surgery will be open from 8.30am-6pm Monday to Friday and Saturday morning until 10.30am, with later
appointments available at the main practice. A family open day is being held on Saturday, October 6, from 12pm-4pm, when people will be able to see behind the scenes before the practice is fully operational. There will be games and activities for children, face painting, a mini dog agility course, a reptile display, practice tours and afternoon tea. Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride will open the practice at 12.30pm.
Fundraising film gala evening Come in and browse our quality pre-owned modern, vintage and retro fashion over three floors 7 Queen Street, Wells BA5 2DP www.changingroomwells.com 01749 674896 To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
LOCAL charity Youth With A Future (YWAF) is holding a fundraising film gala evening at Wells Film Centre on Saturday, November 17. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (anticipated certificate 12A) is the second instalment in the Fantastic Beasts series, and YWAF is encouraging people to go along dressed as their favourite Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts character. There will be a prize for the best costume.
Tickets are £12.50 and include a glass of wine or a soft drink. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. To reserve a ticket, like the YWAF Somerset Facebook page and private message them, email them via their website www.ywaf.org.uk, or buy tickets at the film centre. YWAF helps to support young people aged 16 to 25 living in the Mendip area who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, primarily working alongside Mendip YMCA.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
13
n NEWS
Food festival to draw crowds
Help wanted selling cards
MORE than 15,000 people are expected at what will be the sixth Wells Food Festival, taking place on Sunday, October 14, from 10am to 4pm. There will be food and drink to enjoy from more than 150 producers and street food sellers in the Artisan Market, where visitors can expect to taste their way around the world with everything from chai to mead, Moroccan nut butter to traditional Somerset cheddar. For the first time, The Royal Bath & West of England Society will have a Farmyard Area at the festival. Chief executive Rupert Cox said: “We hope the visiting public will be able to participate, not just spectate. “We want to show the consumer where their food comes from and the challenges that the farmer faces in getting food to our plates.”
CARDS for Good Causes will be back this year in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells. There is a new management team in place, and now area manager Jasmine Dyer is looking for anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer in the multi-charity Christmas card shop. “Cards for Good Causes has raised over £40 million for charities across the UK in the last 10 years alone. But we couldn’t do it without the help and support of our incredible network of volunteers and seasonal staff,” she said. “Working and volunteering for Cards for Good Causes is a great way to make friends, stay busy in retirement or gain work experience. Furthermore, you will feel good about helping to raise essential funds for charitable organisations across the UK.” The pop-up shop runs from October 17 to December 9. To find out more, call Jasmine on 07543 478183 or email jasmine.dyer@cfgc.org.uk.
Jolyon Stonehouse from Old Mill and his wife Alison present the Best Stall in Show award to Francine Lee from Bumblee’s Preserves last year Preparations are going well for Sauerkrautathon, the unique Guinness World Record attempt taking place in Bishop’s Palace
Park during the food festival. Organisers Jo Webster and Katie Venner are inviting people to join them for a mammoth session of chopping, salting and bashing cabbage, turning it into the largest dish of bacterially fermented cabbage – sauerkraut. Alongside the record attempt, there will be the chance to taste some of the tangy ’kraut while listening to speakers talking about the importance of gut health, and explaining why eating more veg in general and tangy, fermented veg in particular is so important to staying healthy, both physically and mentally. Guy Watson of Riverford and Love Island DJ Alana Macfarlane Kempner are among the speakers. Chopping slots can be booked in advance at sauerkrautathon. com. Entry to the event – and to the festival – will be free.
FOODIE EVENTS ON THE MENU 11am-12.30pm: Open debate: It’s time we talked about local food, Wells Town Hall The debate has been organised by Wells Food Festival and the team behind last year’s bid for City of Culture. Confirmed speakers include: Rupert Cox, CEO of Royal Bath & West of England Society; James Small, a livestock farmer and the South West NFU regional chairman; Steve Mewes, policy and campaigns manager at Somerset Wildlife Trust; and James Simpson, co-founder of Somerset Charcuterie. Doors open for the debate at 10.30am.
1pm and 2.30pm: Food photography workshop, Wells Town Hall Learn the tricks of the trade, behind-the-scene tips and basic camera workings to achieve visually appetising content with food photographer Neil White and food stylist Helen Upshall at two separate free workshops. 11.30am-3pm: Soapbox, The Discovery Zone, Recreation Ground Using the starting point “Did you know?”, guest speakers will take to the festival’s Soapbox
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throughout the day for a series of informal and informative talks. The line-up includes Paddy Gordon, Shepton Vets, on “DYK… what dairy cows eat”; Jon King, a local poultry farmer, on “DYK... that chickens can lay blue eggs?” and seaweed expert Sandi Coulson from Ebb Tides on “DYK…that eating seaweed can have many benefits to your health?” An updated schedule will be displayed on the day. n All the activities are free to enter. For further information, visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
Mast approved VODAFONE has won approval for a mast at Whiting Way, Wells. Mendip District Council had refused permission for a 15m-high mast at the site near Waitrose but has now given prior approval for a 12.5m-high mast. “It is considered that the applicant has adequately justified the need for a new site for a mast,” said the case officer.
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wellsvoice
14
October 2018
n NEWS
Swan match-funds next SOUP
Robert Powell and Chris Winter with the plaque that was torn from the wall of Robert’s shop
Society counts cost of plaque vandalism AN act of vandalism is going to cost the Wells Civic Society a significant amount to reinstall one of the organisation’s city plaques. Retailer and chair of the Wells Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Robert Powell, found that a plaque which had been installed on the wall of his shop, Basil Powell Shoes, in Broad Street, had been prised off, leaving an unsightly bare patch. Fortunately, Robert found the discarded plaque and has offered to meet half the cost of replacing it. Chair of the civic society, Chris Winter, said: “I am very grateful to Robert for his generous offer. The plaque was very securely fixed to the wall and it must have taken some
force to remove it. The wall will have to be made good and new fixtures made.” The plaque in Broad Street is one of several, relating to the streets and buildings of Wells. It states that the street was originally called Wet Lane, but by the 15th century it was registered as Water Lane. “I have always been very pleased to have one of the civic society’s plaques on the wall of my shop,” said Robert. “They are placed all around the city to encourage residents and visitors to stop and find out about the historic places and people of Wells.” Information and a plaques trail can be found at https:// www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk/ plaque-award-map
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THE Swan Hotel has declared strong support for a Wells event that raises money for local charities. Kevin Newton, the owner of the hotel in Sadler Street, has given £350 to match-fund October 27’s Wells SOUP. “We take great pleasure and pride in supporting this amazing initiative,” said the Swan’s manager, Mark Tobin. “Local people helping local people is what Wells is all about. “Kevin and I applaud the Wells Independents for their work on Wells SOUP which has provided support for so many local charities and good causes.” The four that will tell the audience about their work and each go away with a cheque are Somerset Trust for Arts & Recreation (STAR), Horrington Cricket Club, Mendip MS Society and Wells in Mosaic. “We are delighted that the Swan Hotel, so much a part of the life of Wells, is matchfunding the next SOUP on Saturday, October 27,” said Ross
Mark Tobin, right, presents the £350 cheque to Ross Young Young of Wells Independents. “Very many thanks for Kevin Newton’s generous support which will see another four charities given the opportunity to spread the word and raise much needed funds and it will bring the total we have helped so far to 43.” Wells SOUP takes place in the Connect Centre at the junction of Chamberlain Street and Portway from 1pm-2pm with a light lunch. Best to arrive by 12.45pm for a good seat.
Examples of samplers. The one on the left is by Mary Millard, 1796, a Wells girl – in addition to the typical alphabets and motifs, she has added Glastonbury Tor into her decorative sampler; on the right is one by Honour Foxwell, aged 10, probably from Shepton Mallet, who may have suffered poor sight, as her design is crude and the material an unusually loose weave, perhaps easier to feel and see
Museum seeks sampler sponsors WELLS & Mendip Museum is inviting people to sponsor a sampler. Following the recent exhibition, the museum is establishing a rolling programme to clean, conserve, mount and frame more of the collection of samplers held in store. It will then be able to rotate the displayed samplers so more
can be seen. By sponsoring a sampler, anyone can help ready more of them for all to enjoy. Each sampler has a hidden story to tell about the girls who stitched them, their families and lives. To make donations, contact the museum at 8 Cathedral Green, BA5 2UE, tel: 01749 671770.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
n NEWS
Wide range on offer at new cafe/bistro A NEW cafe/bistro is opening in Wells in October. Catering specialist Leigh Say is converting the former Beah restaurant in Union Street into Nosh-stalgia, which will be open all day and offer tea, coffee and cakes in the morning and afternoon, light lunches, and early evening dinner in a bistrostyle format, as well as food and drink to take away. “We be offering yummy cakes, scones, biscotti, flapjack and so on, fabulous Anvil coffee, beautiful teas, fresh simple lunches that will change regularly with seasonal availability,” he said. “Dinner also will be no fuss simple dishes with the emphasis on the quality of the product and its seasonality. All suppliers are local.” Leigh started his career at the age of 13, working for a local butcher in the Somerset village he grew up in. “I was always in my gran’s kitchen from a tender age eating my grandfather’s tomatoes like they were grapes – still the best I have ever tasted,” he said. Since then he has cooked for chefs and celebrities around the
Leigh Say and Sarah Davies world, including Raymond Blanc, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Jeremy Clarkson and Prince Harry. He has delivered 60,000 meals at Glastonbury Festival and catered for cast and crew working on the Star Wars movie at Pinewood Studios. Past experience has also included working at Goodfellows and Sadler’s Brasserie in Wells. “I like a challenge and remain as ambitious, passionate and interested as I have ever been to develop with new experiences,” he said.
15
n BUSINESS VIEW
With Rosie Stevens
Strategic hiring – the key to business success The first in a series of business advice columns by Rosie Stevens, Director of Mployable, who works with businesses to bring their recruitment in house MANY businesses view recruitment as an administrative or transactional activity – however isn’t it true that your people are your business? Hire the wrong people at the wrong time and the implications for the business could be disastrous. Recruitment needs to be a strategic part of any business growth plan. Here are my three top tips for accelerating business growth through quality hiring processes: 1. Forecasting. You probably forecast your cash flow, you might forecast your sales or marketing – but are you forecasting your hiring? Facts plus educated guesses allow you to plan ahead. 2. Defining the needs of
the business. Identifying talent gaps, for both current and future requirements, will build a picture of the opportunities to hire or up-skill within your workforce. 3. Employer branding. In much the same way you would brand a product or service, your employer brand is how your message (or reputation) as an employer translates to your target audience. Are you saying the right thing? Are you transmitting to the right people? How are you measuring it? Paying closer attention to how, when and why you recruit is a key element of the successful and sustainable growth of your business. Rosie Stevens Director Mployable – take control of your hiring rosie@mployable.co.uk www.mployable.co.uk
Desk in shared office space - Wells
Clothes shop’s 15th anniversary A WELLS clothes store is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering its loyal customers a glass of bubbly and a 10 per cent discount. Karen Bell and Lizzie Hatcher set up Amba in Priory Road after a chat over coffee led to them going into business together. Lizzie left eight years ago and Karen, along with Amba stalwart Jayne Clark, has taken the business to its present form, which includes a small but growing online business and the opening a year ago of sister shop Six in Frome. “In Wells, a steady stream of regular clients as well as new faces enjoy the ever changing edit of brands,” said Karen “Guest brands change from time to time and are retained depending on customer preference.”
Amba owner Karen Bell She thanked the shop’s loyal customers and invited them to join in with celebrating the milestone with complimentary fizz and a loyal customer discount. “Pop in at any time before October 9 for a glass of Prosecco and 10 per cent off all women’s clothing,” she said.
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wellsvoice
16
October 2018
n NEWS
Rich pickings to be found underfoot With the mushroom picking season in full swing, Andy Vallis joins a forage on the Mendip Hills WE are deep a wood on the Mendips and restaurant consultant Simon Green is pressing a mushroom he has just picked to his nose. “Smell that,” he says, holding it out to me. “It smells like scaled fish.” I have no idea what scaled fish smells like. To me, it smells of the earth and moss beneath our feet. “When you’re smelling it you’re thinking, ‘What can I put with it?’” Simon continues. “A freshly picked cep smells like Jersey cream…” Five of us are on the Tuesday morning mushroom hunt: as
well as me and Simon, there is Simon’s brother Andrew, a fellow restaurant consultant; Simon Leyton, general manager at Ensemble restaurant in Wells; and Ensemble’s head chef Dawid Lach. The restaurant held a Wild Food Week in September, which featured wild mushrooms, as well as snails, sorrel and game birds. It intends to serve up dishes featuring wild mushrooms as long as the growing season continues – usually from September until the first frost in October. The Leyton family is proud of its wild food heritage. Simon’s grandfather Paul ran the Miners’ Arms, in Priddy, in the 1960s and 70s where he put snails
GAME FOOD WEEK 1 6 TH - 2 0 TH O F O C T O B E R
Simon Green cuts a mushroom, and inhales the aroma of another; left, the haul of mushrooms from a couple of hours of foraging – known locally as wallfish – on the menu. His uncle Nicholas can be seen in a 1965 British Pathé news film (YouTube, Snail Eating 1965) cooking snails at the pub. Back on the mushroom hunt, Simon Green, who has been picking mushrooms in the wild for 25 years, says this year’s hot, dry summer should mean a good crop, though nothing is guaranteed. “There are always mushrooms growing but not necessarily ones you can eat,” he continues. “If I don’t know what it is I won’t pick it. “What’s amazing about mushroom picking is it takes a bit of time to get your eye in. It’s a question of looking on the ground and in the trees, once you’ve found one, you always start to see more. I’ve been out hunting mushrooms for an hour and found nothing and you start praying to the god of mushrooms.” His best finds have included a 400gm cep, also known as a
penny bun, that he could have sold for £12, and a flush – a new crop of mushrooms – that weighed in at 20 kilos and he sold to Rick Stein. And it’s true – once you get your eye in, you spot mushrooms everywhere, though many are tiny and look unappetising. After an hour of searching, Simon finally finds a prized cep, though it looks as if it has been half-eaten by an animal, perhaps a deer. “Nobody’s ever managed to cultivate wild mushrooms very well, apart from oyster mushrooms,” says Simon. “They’ve never been able to mass produce cep so suppliers rely on foragers.” When we finally leave, he has a bag full of mushrooms to fully identify later. Some will be used in soups, dried for future use or just eaten on their own with some toast, parsley and garlic. “Mushrooms have been around since 3,000 BC,” he says. “They’re really unique. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Hairdesser wins place in UK finals
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STUDENT hairdresser Erica Czerny, from Wells, has won a place in the finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions. The 19-year-old will now compete against other hairdressers from all over the UK in front of more than 70,000 visitors at WorldSkills UK LIVE, taking place at the NEC from November 15-17. If successful Erica, a student at Strode College, Street, could be selected to represent the UK in hairdressing.
Erica Czerny, from Wells
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wellsvoice
October 2018
17
n NEWS
Wild ingredients add to beers’ allure A NEW brewing company is adding something special to its first batch of beer – fruit and herbs from the fields and woods around Wells. Yonder Brewing & Blending business partners Stuart Winstone and Jasper Tupman have been out and about collecting ingredients to give their drinks a true taste of Somerset. “Our local area is fantastic for wild food,” said Stuart. “The mixture of meadow and woodland, hills and moors, and even the coast, makes for a fantastic variety of edibles that inspire us daily. We also source these ingredients from wherever we travel. For example, Jasper recently stumbled upon wild thyme in Provence, which is making its way into one of our first releases. “We’ve recently been collecting plums and sloes for the same beer and these are things that certainly grow in abundance in Somerset.” The company is based at Rookery Farm just outside of Wells, where the first batch of beers are maturing. They are currently accepting pre-orders, and by October should have beer on the shelf in The Grape & The Good when it reopens at The Crown. They hope to launch a tap room in the stable area of their unit, which, if all goes to plan, will be open for the Rookery
bottles per batch. “Foraging is a massive part of what we do and the majority of our beers contain at least one ingredient that has been collected by hand,” said Stuart. “We are also very keen to support local businesses wherever possible. For example, Dunstan’s Exile is a pale ale, inspired by Belgian tradition, that contains dried lavender flowers from Somerset Lavender, in Faulkland. “Another beer, Yonder Pils, is mashed on a bed of meadow hay, giving a classic Pilsner Lager a Somerset twist. “We also forage recreationally. If you know what you’re looking for it’s difficult not to. I can quite often be walking the dog in Tor Hill or Stockhill woods and come back with a basket full of mushrooms, fruit or herbs. “Not everything makes it into the beer though!” Stuart Winstone and Jasper Tupman at the Rookery Farm base of Yonder Brewing & Blending Picture: Amelie and Issy Winstone
Farm Christmas Market on December 1. Stuart and Jasper both spent five years in a professional brewery before setting up Yonder, where the stainless steel and oak containers have a capacity of 1,000 litres, which equates to just over 2,000
Glowing range of autumn events AS temperatures begin to dip Wookey Hole Caves is turning up the heat with a series of events this autumn. The Circus of Horrors brings its latest incarnation The Psycho Asylum, on October 18 and 19. Wookey Hole Caves managing director Daniel Medley said: “The show features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre and fantastic circus acts woven into a shock horror story taking the show to a whole new level.” Continuing with the horror theme, Halloween at Wookey Hole runs from October 20 to November 4. Daniel said: “Costume
characters will be on site including our very own Witch of Wookey Hole who will be giving a free treat to every child. Come dressed as your favourite Halloween character and you could win a prize at the end of our 3pm Halloween Circus Show.” The Spooktacular Halloween Burlesque Cabaret Show for over 18s only turns the heat up to red hot with another super spicy show on Friday, October 26. Rounding up the autumn season is an evening of Murder and Intrigue provided by Murder International on Saturday, November 10.
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wellsvoice
18
October 2018
n NEWS
Pair look forward to new venture
Book on lives of 19 who died
WELLS kitchen and bathroom supplier Mercia is under new management. Graham Lake and Ethan Edwards have taken over the running of the company which has a showroom on the corner of Broad Street and Queen Street. They will continue to manage the design, supply and installation of kitchens and bathrooms within a 20-mile radius of Wells. “We want to build on the solid foundations that the previous owners, Nicki and Jonathan Wetton, built within the community,” said Graham. “We want to help clients create rooms of distinction, and will make sure we deliver on customer requirements.” He and Ethan previously worked together at Total Bathrooms in Bath, and are now keen to become part of the community in Wells. “One of the things we
AT the end of October a new book on ‘Wells and the Great War’ will appear. It draws on recent research by Eric Galvin of Portway into the lives and experiences of the 19 men listed on the roll of honour in St Joseph and Teresa’s Catholic Church in Chamberlain Street. They came from a crosssection of society. One was the son of a wealthy well-known barrister and another of the Indian doctor who ran the tuberculosis sanatorium at Green Ore. At the other end of the social scale, some had poorly paid irregular work and occasional brushes with the law. The book makes extensive use of contemporary reports in the local papers. It will be on sale at St Joseph and Teresa’s Catholic Church, Wells & Mendip Museum shop and from the author who is also available to give talks based on his research (eajgalvin@aol.com).
Ethan Edwards and Graham Lake in the Mercia showroom like about Wells is the real community feel,” said Graham. “With it being a smaller city, people have time for each other.” Ethan pointed out that Mercia
will be a real family business, since Graham is his father-inlaw. “We’ve always found that we work together well,” said Ethan.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
19
n NEWS
Eclectic line-up set to share thoughts AN eclectic line up of authors at the 26th Wells Festival of Literature includes Max Hastings talking about Vietnam, Ed Stourton on the BBC during the Second World War, Alan Titchmarsh with his latest novel and Jonathan Miller’s son William telling the stories of his famous father. Shrabani Basu wrote the book behind the successful TV production of Victoria and Abdul, and John Preston penned the scandal of Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott. Bishop Peter Price will talk on Conflict Resolution and John Gray on Seven Types of Atheism. In the 200th anniversary year of Women’s Emancipation, Lara Feigel tells the story of Doris Lessing, one of the first ‘Free Women’, and Anne de Courcy talks about the invasion of ‘Husband Hunters’ from America. More than 20 other authors are listed on the festival’s website. One of the main aims of the festival is to encourage a love of words and creativity with the English vocabulary. Great support is given to schools, with the festival funding writers, performers and even rap artists to speak to youngsters.
Children from St Benedict’s in Glastonbury are taking a theatre trip, and Alex Montgomery returns to visit West Pennard School – all paid for by the festival. The competitions have, over the years, given writers the start they needed, with some finding publishers after their work has appeared on the short lists. A unique feature of the Wells Festival of Literature is Write Up! Speak Up!, a fiveminute opportunity for local poets, artists, authors, musicians and wordsmiths to talk, sing and communicate in different media about anything that gets their goat, moves them or illustrates a different point of view. Curator Bryony Jayne Brook, journalist, poet and radio presenter, will choose the 15 most talented who will perform in Cedars Hall. School-age to a 90-year old, the acts can be a stepping stone to a new career. BBC Somerset’s Simon Parkin, host of In the Morning on BBC Somerset, will again be compering the event. Contact bryonyjaynebrook@gmail.com for more details. The festival takes place from October 19-27. More at wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
Carriage-driving for disabled group in search for new home ONE of Somerset’s biggest carriage-driving for the disabled groups is hunting for a new permanent home to ensure its survival. A long-term supporter of the Somerset Levels RDA CarriageDriving for the Disabled Group has offered to buy a permanent home, so the group is eager to find a suitable site within the area of Wells, Wedmore, Street, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet. With more than 30 volunteers, and the same number of disabled clients, the group has had to move home four times in the past seven years.
At one time the group, which is currently based at Binegar, had four ponies but it has had to reduce its operations to just one pony to deliver its twice weekly services. “We are eager to find a site of four to seven acres, where we could erect stables, storage for our carriages, and provide an arena and parking to deliver our services to disabled people,” said the group’s chair, Caroline Saunders. Anyone who can offer a suitable site for sale is urged to email the group’s treasurer, Caroline Sturgess, at c-sturgess@ lineone.net.
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WELLS
Festival of Literature A mind inflamed, neuroscience entwined with myth, a painter in sound, the bloody Middle Ages, liberation and life, a wild queendom, our love affair with hummus, she smashed windows and heckled Winston Churchill, peace in a time of war, his music pointed the way ahead, it was a surprise assault, the importance of place, the importance of gender, a scarlet nightingale, cash for coronets, the last battle of WWI, the bombing of Gernika,a gay penguin sanctuary, the republic of motherhood, how to eat a peach, sleeping rough in Devon, surviving in the Hebrides, a new life arrives, superbly disturbing. For the full story go to: wellsfestivalof literature.org.uk
19–27
2018
October
wellsvoice
20
October 2018
n NEWS
Premieres a feature of celebration of music THE new music wells 78-18 celebration of music will take place from October 12-18. Among the various world premiere performances will be a new work by this year’s composer-in-residence, Diana Burrell, whose new piece will be premiered by Wells Cathedral Choir on Thursday, October 18, at the 5.15pm service of Choral Evensong. She will be in conversation with fellow composer Michael Berkeley on Wednesday, October 17, in Quilter Hall (Wells Cathedral School), and will give a public composition masterclass in Cedars Hall on the afternoon of October 18. Admission to all these events is free. There will be five lunchtime concerts during the week, all at 1.05pm-1.50pm. Admission to all lunchtime performances is free, with retiring collections to
support Wells Cathedral Music. n Friday, October 12: Oliver Chubb (trumpet), accompanied by David Bednall (organ). n Monday, October 15: Specialist pianists from Wells Cathedral School. n Tuesday, October 16: Wells Cathedral School’s New Music Ensemble, featuring compositions by students. n Wednesday, October 17: Wells Cathedral School’s New Music Ensemble, featuring compositions by featured composer Diana Burrell. n Thursday, October 18: Jeremy Cole (assistant organist, Wells Cathedral) performs a recital of organ music for new music wells 78-18, including works by Michael Berkeley CBE (in his 70th birthday year), Judith Bingham, Barnaby Martin, and Tarik O’Regan (in his 40th birthday year).
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The poster for the original 1923 film
Cathedral screening of film classic THE great 1923 Gothic silent movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame is to be shown on the big screen in Wells Cathedral – England’s first Gothic cathedral – with a live improvised organ soundtrack. The film starred the great silent movie icon Lon Chaney as Quasimodo, the cathedral’s spectacularly deformed bellringer, not to mention a huge cast of up to 3,500 extras. Musical accompaniment to the film will be improvised on
David Bednall
the Cathedral’s great organ by David Bednall, one of Europe’s finest improvisers. He was formerly the assistant organist at Wells Cathedral and is now a Bristol-based performer, composer and lecturer. The showing of the film is a fundraising event for Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, which helps young singers from all backgrounds to train in a world-class musical environment regardless of their financial circumstances. It takes place on Wednesday, October 17. Tickets, priced £10£20, are available from www. wcct.co.uk or by calling 01749 834483. The screening is part of Wells Cathedral’s new music wells festival 78-18. More details at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/ music-the-choir/new-musicwells/
Collaboration links film and talk TALKING Film, a new collaboration between Wells Film Centre and local art historian and film enthusiast Joanna Cobb, will start with Art and Film in Focus: Girl with a Pearl Earring (12A) on Wednesday, October 3. The film stars Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom
Wilkinson and Cillian Murphy. Doors open at 6.30pm, talk at 7pm, interval at 8pm, feature at 8.15pm, with a 10pm finish. Admission is £10 including talk, handouts and film, and is bookable in person at Wells Film Centre box office, or by phone on 01749 673195, or online at www. wellsfilmcentre.co.uk
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
21
n NEWS
Chance to admire artistic invention ARTWORKS spanning painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, installation and video will be on display when the Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition opens at The Bishop’s Palace in October. The 123 shortlisted works were selected from 1,397 submissions from 26 different countries. The exhibition runs from October 6-21. Concessionary rates will apply to entrants to view WAC after 4.30pm, and students will be admitted free, with ID. A number of other events linked to WAC will also take place in Wells. They include the chance to listen to a Sound Sculpture at Wells Cathedral, and the sounds of Wells captured in Sound Jars – listened to like giant seashells – at a stall at Wednesday and Saturday markets. A specially produced art map gives more details of all the events and venues. Printed copies will be available around the city and it can be viewed on the WAC website. Competition prizes – which include cash, exhibition and professional development prizes – will be presented at a private ceremony on October 12.
CONTEMPORARY ART IN WELLS IN OCTOBER Human Nature, until November 25, The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens A new sculpture trail of ten artworks in the Palace gardens curated by Gallery Pangolin As Above, So Below, October 6-22, Wells Cathedral WAC has commissioned an immersive ‘Sound Sculpture’. The unique exhibition plays on light (in the Chapter House) and dark (in the Undercroft) using interconnected sound systems that are affected by light changes and people’s movement. As Within So Without, October 10, 13, 17 and 20 at Wells Market, October 14 at Wells Food Festival Zsofia Szucs continues the Sound Sculpture theme with Sound Jars. Having made field recordings of the city, each jar plays different sounds when opened.
Violent-delight by Zi Ling from Bath: a combination of surreal drawings and the portrait of an ordinary man
Paen by Eleanor Bartlett,
October 6-31, South Cloister, Wells Cathedral Art exhibition of wax sculptures by the notable artist, celebrating effort and endurance. Intervention, October 6-22, Wells & Mendip Museum Special exhibition from 10 members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, including workshops. Two specialist makers will also be exhibiting: Debbie Kolombos and Dickon O’Hagan. Landscapes by Dion Salvador Lloyd, October 3-19, Andelli Art An exhibition by the contemporary British painter, known predominantly for his landscapes. Komorebi – the filtered light, October 13-28, Heritage Courtyard Gallery An exhibition of specially curated work by Somerset textile artist Liz Clay and guest artist Miho Kanda from Japan.
Among the awards will be the Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize for the artist whose work is most favoured by visitors to the exhibition. Andelli Art gallery at South Horrington will be awarding the Next Generation Art Prize, offering the winner a two-week solo exhibition, mentoring and advice.
Free workshop will draw on past DURING the two weeks that the Wells Art Contemporary exhibition is being held in The Bishop’s Palace, Wells & Mendip Museum will have on display works of contemporary art by the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen which have been inspired by the more traditional displays in the museum collections. On Saturday, October 13, from 10am to 4pm, the museum will be holding a free workshop, open to children and adults, which will use museum exhibits such as the original swan taught to ring the moat bell, fossils, the finds from Wookey Hole Caves, skeletons, the First World War display and a penny-farthing bicycle.
Wells & Mendip Museum’s pennyfarthing bicycle exhibit The workshop will be led by local artist Philippa Threlfall and museum trustee Clare Blackmore to inspire and be used as a basis for a contemporary work of art in clay, paint, pen, pencil and collage.
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22
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wellsvoice n NEWS
October 2018
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Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride with residents at the start of the Road World for Seniors
Care home cyclists take on world RESIDENTS at Fletcher House care home in Wells have joined an international cycling competition. Wells Voice reported last month how two exercise bikes linked to a video screen have been installed at the home as part of a three-month project with Norwegian company Motitech. Now residents are taking part in Road Worlds for Seniors to see who can cycle the furthest
distance in kilometres. They will be competing with others internationally for the title of male and female World Champion, World’s Best Team and World’s Best Support Team. Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride and Councillor Colin Price were there to offer their support at the competition launch on September 3, when residents started to explore Wells, Chard and Canada.
Choir wins international contest THE talented singers of Choralia, an all-girls choir from Wells Cathedral School, won the Grand 1st Prize at the prestigious Musica Eterna Roma International Choir Festival and Competition over the summer. The choir, conducted by Wells Vocal Studies Leader, Christopher Finch, also took home the Category Prize, Youth Choirs of Equal Voices, and Christopher was awarded a special prize, for excellent programme choices and the choreography of the performances; thus winning the most categories of any group in
the competition. Choralia, who performed in the stunning surroundings of the Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli in the heart of Rome, were competing against choirs from Hungary, Austria, Italy, Israel, Finland, South Africa, Malaysia, Taipei and Hong Kong. The Choralia choir will reform for a special performance at the Choral Fanfare Concert in Cedars Hall on Sunday, October 7, to sing their final competition repertoire. For tickets contact the Box Office on 01749 834483 or via the website www. cedarshall.events
Jack powers way to bronze medal FORMER Wells Blue School pupil Jack Eyers, who had a leg amputated at the age of 16, won a bronze medal at the Paracanoe World Championships in Portugal in August. Representing Great Britain,
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Jack finished third in the VL3 Men’s 200m final. The male model and personal trainer last year became the first amputee to be crowned Mr England and will now go on to take part in Mr World in 2019.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
23
n NEWS
Concert inspired by support for father A CONCERT is being held in October to raise funds and raise awareness of the work of mental health charity Heads Up. Glynn Webster, a singer with local band The New Midrod Ends, says his father has vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease but benefits enormously from sessions at Heads Up’s South Horrington base, where he does things such as woodwork and gardening. “He comes three days a week and he loves it. He feels he’s working here and helping people. It’s good for him, and it gives mum a break,” said Glynn. The concert at The Club in Shepton Mallet on October 20 is already sold out, guaranteeing hundreds of pounds for Heads Up, while a raffle, auction and donations on the night will bring in more money. Glynn is keen to promote the charity’s work as much as possible and encourage more people to support it financially in the future.
“I’d hate for someone else to be in the same position and not have the chance to have somewhere like this because of a lack of funding,” he said. n Heads Up is starting new silent disco sessions on October 2 for adults with dementia. Silence is Golden will see music played through wireless headphones instead of loudspeakers. The activity will take place on Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7.30pm. To book a free place, call Bridget on 01749 670667 or email bridget@ headsupsomerset.org.uk n A course entitled Futures Bright starts at Heads Up on October 2. Through a mixture of practical, creative and workroom-based activities, it aims to help participants socialise and make friendships, understand ways to wellbeing, learn new skills and set goals for the future. For more details, call 01749 670667.
Call for volunteer drivers to give vulnerable lifts VOLUNTEERS all enjoy holidays but going away can leave gaps in their roles that need filling. The Lawrence Centre in Wells has a Volunteer Driver Scheme which enables vulnerable people to get there in the morning and back in the afternoon. The centre provides daytime activities for older people, including those living with memory loss and health issues. It helps them keep well and remain as independent as possible. “If there is no transport people are unable to attend which means that they become more isolated and we really want to prevent that,” said the centre’s manager Maggie Charlesworth. “We do need more drivers to help on a part-time basis to cover holidays or other absences. “We are able to pay
Residents at MHA Torrwood waving pom poms
Pom pom sessions prove a hit THE manager of a care home in South Horrington says that residents are loving the pom pom sessions run by Tina Blackwill. Wells Voice revealed last month that Tina and her pom pom classes were going to feature on BBC TV programme Inside Out West, part of which was filmed at MHA Torrwood. The care home’s manager Beverley Davies said: “Keeping residents active is really important, so it’s great that these
classes have proven to be such a hit. Women and men both join in – they love it. “Some of them are very honest and say they weren’t too sure at first, but after they gave it a go they saw how much fun could be had. You really can see the enjoyment in their faces during the sessions.” Tina takes her classes to more than 20 care homes in Somerset, and was also featured in The Sun in September.
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wellsvoice
October 2018
25
n NEWS Fun activities for half-term
Promiseworks, a charity that delivers mentoring for some of Somerset’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, was given a cheque for £1,000 at Wells Fire Station. Firefighters raised £500 after helping with the collection at last year’s Wells Carnival, a sum that was then matched by the carnival committee. A cheque was presented to caseworker Ali Hart, who said: ‘As still a relatively newly established charity, every penny makes a huge difference. It’s really nice that money that’s come from the community is going back into the community.’
Portrait of bishop unveiled A STRIKING portrait of the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, the current Bishop of Bath and Wells, has been unveiled and is now on display at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells. The portrait has been painted by local artist Richard Shepherd and continues a tradition which dates back to the 15th century when the oldest portrait in the collection at The Bishop’s Palace, that of Bishop Fox, was painted. “It was a real honour when Bishop Peter commissioned me to paint his official portrait. Through this process I got to know him well, he is a kind and understanding man,” said Richard. Bishop Peter became the 79th Bishop of Bath of Wells in 2014. He said: “When I walk along the Long Gallery in The Bishop’s Palace and see all the portraits of former bishops I am reminded of the previous generations of
people who have known God’s love and care and throughout the centuries.” He attended numerous sittings for Richard, including two hours where Richard, who likes to work in fine detail, concentrated just on Bishop Peter’s face. Richard said: “It was quite a challenge to fight my desire to keep going back and fine tuning every little detail of the portrait.” The portrait, which measures 1.65m x 1m, took Richard more than 1,000 hours to complete, using the tiniest of brushes. One of the toughest areas for him has been to recreate the fabric of the Coronation Cope which Bishop Peter is wearing in the portrait, last worn in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. “I wanted the painting to be extremely lifelike so the viewer feels they can almost touch the fabric,” said Richard.
THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells is holding a range of fun activities to keep little ones entertained during the autumn half-term holiday. The theme for the week is Dastardly Dragons, and the fun starts on Saturday, October 27, from 10am, when the new, dragon-themed trail will begin. Families can collect the trail at the shop upon arrival and follow the clues around the Palace & Gardens to explore and discover the site. On Monday, October 29, there will be a dragon-themed Make-it Monday session from 10.30am-3pm, when children will have the chance to make dragon masks and tails in the undercroft. On Friday, November 2, from 11am-3pm, the Nature Ninjas sessions will take place in the Gardens, using the natural world to create artistic pieces. All activities are included with standard admission.
Talk on aspects of Cathedral
The portrait of Bishop Peter is studied closely after its unveiling, before being hung in the Long Gallery
A SLIDESHOW talk on the cosmological and geometric symbolism in the design of Wells Cathedral, in particular the medieval chivalric and courtly love symbolism, is being held in the Cathedral on October 6. Tom Bree, a renowned geometer-artist who teaches at the Princes School of Traditional Arts in London, will be giving the talk, entitled Ascent to the Rose of Divine Love. The talk will take place in the Nave at 7pm, with a Q&A from 8.15pm-8.45pm. Tickets are £5, available from the Cathedral Box Office (01749 672773) and on the door.
Space Day just one of the October events being hosted at library WELLS Library is hosting a number of events to which people are invited in October. n Saturday, October 6: Space Day. Space facts and information by Wells & Mendip Astronomers, astrophotography displays, observe the sun safely with the Somerset Levels Stargazers, have
your photo taken in space, Space Detectives event workshop with the opportunity to experience space in a virtual world, 3D printing, and much more. n Monday, October 8, and Monday, October 15: Tai Chi for Health free taster sessions, 11.30am-12.15pm.
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n Saturday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 24: Jean Sheldon will be holding some shared readings of her book Letters From Libya 19661969, 11am-noon. This tale of a young bride who travels to Tripoli to join her husband, who is on secondment, is made
up with extracts from letters she writes home to her parents describing the wonder of her new surroundings. n Wednesday, October 17: Hear here! The latest Action on Hearing Loss free five-minute hearing assessment, 9.30amnoon.
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
26
October 2018
n ON THE BEAT
Summer was challenging time for police THE nation has this year enjoyed a long, hot summer. While this has been good news for some, it has in fact brought about many challenges for the police service. The old saying that rain is the police officer’s best friend is in some cases certainly true. This year’s weather, however, has led to a huge increase in demand which has not only affected the police service but other emergency services also. This increase in demand is not met with an increase in officers and staff and so the summer has been quite challenging, to say the least, and at times it has been a case of “All hands on the deck”. Our staff, however, have coped brilliantly. It is frustrating that we cannot always deliver the service that we know the public expect during such times, but our staff have shown great resilience and dynamism in adapting to needs, often going above and beyond of
News from the local policing team with Inspector Mark Nicholson what is expected of them. Adding to this increase in demand due to the weather, we have also been
providing staff to London for the visit of President Trump, and staff to Salisbury following the tragic poisoning incident, as well as to events within our own force boundary. In Wells, we have had two travellers’ encampments this year at the leisure centre. When dealing with travellers we have to balance the needs of the community with the needs of the travellers, and many such encampments will come through the area each year without causing any issue at all. We also need to take into account who the land owners are, as they are encouraged to take action themselves in the first instance unless certain conditions apply, in which case police powers will be used. The police powers are used only when the presence of an illegal encampment causes significant impact on the community, and so this is where it becomes vital that the public
reports matters to ourselves. Put simply, if we do not know about it then we cannot act upon it. The final message that we try to get across is that prevention is better than cure. We have had success this year (at the time of writing) with regards to preventing any ‘raves’ from being set up in the area. We have been working with land owners across the district where raves have previously been set up in order to target-harden their land. That, together with other measures that have been put into place, has made a positive impact and has allowed our staff to concentrate on other issues. As we now approach the autumn, both myself and the team will look forward to meeting people at on the district carnival circuit which as an organisation we always look forward to, but which again bring challenges of a different sort and which I will save for next time…
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wellsvoice
October 2018
27
n NEWS IN BRIEF Unit back on market THE retail unit on Princes Road that was going to be taken by Dominos is back on the market. Chartered surveyors RMW Knight are seeking other potential tenants for the recently built unit. Pets Corner have been trading in the adjoining unit since July.
Looking at options WAYS of preventing travellers from encroaching on land by Wells Leisure Centre are being investigated after two encampments there in recent weeks. Fusion Leisure, which leases the land from Mendip District Council, is going to study recommendations from a private contractor before deciding what action to take. A council spokesperson said: “As the land owners, the council worked with Fusion to assist with the enforcement action. As lease holders with responsibility for the land, Fusion are now looking at options to secure the site from future encampments.”
Major charity fair THE Mid Somerset Oxfam Group will be holding their biggest annual event, the One World Fair, at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, October 13. There will be a lot of different charity stalls, live music, refreshments throughout the day and lunches. This year the guest of honour is Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury Festival. Entry is by donation and
crimes reported in Wells in July compared to 142 in June. The biggest falls were in anti social behaviour, criminal damage and arson, and theft.
Quiz raises £1,600 The Oxfam shop stall at a previous One World Fair visitors will receive a directory giving details of all the stalls taking part together with a 50p voucher which can be used when ordering lunch. The event will run from 10.30am-4pm.
Dementia forum A ONE-Day conference about dementia is being organised in Wells by Creative Care and The Lawrence Centre for families, carers, community workers and professionals. The programme will include a keynote speaker; a talk, performance and training by Penny Garner titled Contented Dementia; workshops; and networking. Refreshments and lunch are included. Out of my Mind – dementia with a difference – will take place at the Connect Centre, Portway, on Thursday, November 15, from 9.30am-4pm. The price is £35 (concessions available). To book, email lawrencecentrewells@ gmail.com or call 01749 676839.
Crime figures fall THE latest police crime figures show that there were 118
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MORE than 160 people took part in the Mayor’s Big Charity Quiz in the Town Hall on September 22. The 24 teams helped raise nearly £1,600 for Wells Mayor Councillor Celia Wride’s two charities for the year, the Lawrence Centre and St John Ambulance.
Showcase for clients IN conjunction with World Mental Health Day on Wednesday, October 10, the Heads Up charity based at South Horrington is holding an art exhibition showcasing work by its clients in the Garden Room at The Swan Hotel in Sadler Street, Wells, from 10am to 4pm. The work in the Creative Minds exhibition will show the important role that creativity in paint, pottery and other media plays in expression and therapy for all ages and all types of mental health problems. Some pieces will be available to buy with all money going to support the work done by Heads Up. For more, email bridget@ headsupsomerset.org.uk
Open mic night THE Venue in South Street, Wells, will show its support for local mental health charity
Heads Up by holding an Open Mic Night on World Mental Health Day, October 10. Those wishing to play as a featured artist should get in touch via The Venue’s Facebook page. Those wishing to watch should be there by 8pm. There will be a collection for the charity on the night.
Games anniversary WELLS Board Game Group will celebrate its first anniversary on Wednesday, October 3. “It has been a great year, playing new and familiar games,” said founder Linda Bird. “We have played Blockers, Catan, Ticket to Ride, Cribbage, Rummikub, Scrabble and Baulderdash, just to name a few. As we approach the long and dark winter nights, come and join us for a game or two. We are a very open group and if you feel like popping in to join us for some games at 7pm on October 3 at the Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, please do.” For more information, contact Linda on 07849 688040.
Special concert WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society and London Mozart Players are presenting a First World War commemoration concert with new work by Jonathan Dove, For an Unknown Soldier, and Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem on Saturday, November 10, at 7pm. Tickets online at www.wcos. org.uk or some from Wells Cathedral Shop, 01749 672773, shop@wellscathedral.uk.net
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wellsvoice
28
October 2018
n NEWS
Exhibition will tell stories of past citizens
WELLS is in the unique position of having a nationally important collection of studio photographic portraits taken by Bert Phillips who had a shop in Wells Market Place. Through the diligent and expert work of photographer Steve Wilkinson, these exquisite pictures have been transferred from their original glass plates into a digital format. Some of these portraits have been printed out courtesy of the Swan Hotel and the background of the sitters researched by Diane Bingham and Clare Blackmore using census data and the archives of the Wells Journal. This research will be ongoing but the initial results, which tell fascinating stories of the people and their lives, will be exhibited at Wells & Mendip Museum on Saturday, October 27, from 10am to 4pm. It is hoped that contemporary residents of Wells can come and
Mrs Grist Senior, of the Nag’s Head in Sadler Street, whose portrait will be among those displayed at Wells & Mendip Museum in October
not only admire the photographic skill shown in the portraits but maybe add to the stories that are unfolding. The photograph shown here of Mrs Grist Senior, of the Nag’s Head, has uncovered a tale of family sadness. Mrs Grist’s son was Sampson Grist, landlord of the Nag’s Head in Sadler Street, now incorporated into the White Hart Hotel, and after its closure in 1908 Sampson then became landlord of the Rose and Crown in St John’s Street where he died aged 78 in 1923. Mrs Grist Senior was born Elizabeth Appleby. Son Sampson married Sarah Huntley and they had five sons. One of their sons, Albert, died in a tragic accident which was reported in the Wells Journal of July 1898. “On Monday Albert Grist, son of Mr Sampson Grist of the Nag’s Head in Sadler Street, was
engaged with a steam roller at Hewish, in front of which he was walking with a flag. “Seeing a vehicle approaching he turned around to warn the driver of the engine and slipping, fell underneath the roller by which he was crushed and mangled in a most dreadful manner. “He lived for about two hours after the accident.” At the time of Albert’s death his wife, Mary Ann, was pregnant with Elizabeth Grist’s first great-grandchild and Albert Ernest William Grist was born four months after his father’s death. Albert Grist Junior went to live with his maternal grandmother in Theale where he died aged 92. His mother, Mary Ann, went into service at East Harptree House. More fascinating stories will be told at the exhibition.
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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Dozens of people were shown around St Athelm Lodge in West Street, Wells, when Churchill Retirement Living held open days on September 7 and 8. More than 50 per cent of the retirement apartments are now sold. Pictured on the first day are lodge manager Wendy Burgess with visitors, from left, Eileen Woodward, Diana Miller and Audrey Crowe
Fashion show tickets go on sale AFTER the success of the spring fashion show, the Mistral clothes shop in High Street, Wells, is putting on a winter fashion show. Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz and nibbles and a pre-look at some of the clothes. There will be five models showcasing the new range, and a narrator explaining how to
put garments together to create that unique look. At the end of the show there will be the opportunity to purchase clothes at a 10 per cent discount. The event will take place on November 22 from 7pm-9pm. Tickets priced £5 are available from the Mistral shop and St Margaret’s fundraising on 01935 709485.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
Wells 01749 671020
Lettings 01458 844199
Glastonbury 01458 833123
New Instruction
Central Wells 3
New Instruction
£250,000 1
2
Street 01458 841411
C
A delightful, modern, cottage-style house set in an attractive courtyard just a short distance from Wells High Street. Enjoying a quiet yet central location with the benefit of a conservatory, garage and low maintenance, south facing, rear garden. Two generous bedrooms (both with built-in/fitted wardrobes). Double glazing. Gas fired central heating.
01749 671020
Wells
£625,000 3
4
4
Built in the 1930's and extended over the years, this substantial house underwent a comprehensive program of refurbishment in 2011 which included re-wiring, re-plumbing, re-plastering, new kitchen and sanitary ware throughout. Each of the four double bedrooms has an en suite bathroom or shower room. Enjoying a good sized plot with ample parking to the front and a south facing garden to the rear. A great family house!
01749 671020
New Price
2
To Rent
£625,000
Wells 2
4
C
E
£875 pcm
Wookey 2
1
2
E
Set on a quiet, no through, private road within central Wells and extended in 2011, this detached house sits within a good sized, south facing garden. There is also a useful outbuilding to the east of the house (currently providing garaging for two cars and a work shop/store) offering scope for further development (subject to any necessary permission). A rare opportunity!
A character cottage in this popular locality offering entrance, cloakroom, dining area opening to kitchen with appliances, living room, 2 bedrooms (both with en-suite shower rooms), garden and parking. Available early October. All tenants are required to pay £150 (inclusive of VAT) referencing and administration fee upon application. Deposit equivalent to 6 weeks rent.
01749 671020
01458 844199
sales
lettings
2/806. H&O Wells Voice Advert 180x250mm.indd 1
hollandandodam.co.uk 20/09/2018 16:10
wellsvoice
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n THE PROPERTY MARKET
October 2018
With Roderick Thomas of Roderick Thomas Ltd
Orchard Leigh, in Croscombe, is a four-bedroom home with lots of good living space
When is the time to sell? I’M very often asked this question and there is a general belief that the prime time is late spring. There is some truth in this as most properties look their best around May. However the time to sell is when you want to sell. Sounds trite but it is true. People sell property for a reason. This can be a marriage, divorce, birth, death, new job, loss of job, school move, kids leave home, kids return, inherit cash, need cash, or simply wanting a change. Very rarely are these reasons related to the season of the year. I’m currently dealing with a good example. We’re selling a house and we have just reduced the price substantially by £50,000. The reason? Nothing to do with the time of year but the
The price of the house has been substantially reduced sellers want to go and live in their house in France and want to be there soon. The house is in the popular
village of Croscombe between Wells and Shepton Mallet. This is one of the few remaining traditional villages, which has a
village shop, primary school and a good pub. It also has a very friendly and active community. The house, Orchard Leigh, has a really good position on a “no through” lane right in the heart of the village but with plenty of privacy. It has lots of good living space. On the ground floor it has a hall, large sitting room, separate dining room, well fitted kitchen and breakfast room and a study, which can also be used as a bedroom having a shower room next to it. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, a bathroom and an ensuite shower room. Outside are a parking area and a good size mature garden. As I said, the price has been reduced and is now £550,000 and it’s a great one to buy – regardless of the time of year!
The property is in in the heart of the village but with plenty of privacy and has a good size mature garden
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
31
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Five years of fitting fabulous shutters
SHUTTERCRAFT Somerset Ltd celebrates five years in business this December. When I first bought the franchise it was with some nervousness as I had never been self-employed before. I was Shuttercraft franchise number 7 and it has been fabulous to see S-Craft grow from being a supplier to John Lewis to having the confidence to fully embrace the franchise model. To date we have 22 Shuttercraft franchises reaching all the way from Cornwall right the way up to Newcastle. We have been successful because we offer the market leading product in terms of quality, a wider range of options than our competitors and first-class customer service. You can see what our customers feel about our work and products by looking at reviews on Checkatrade, Facebook and Google. The passion we have for transforming homes whether
Shuttercraft Somerset Ltd Director Simon Moody, and an example of Shuttercraft shutters fitted at a local home a new build in Vicarage Fields, a town house in St Thomas Street or a cottage in Wookey, shines through in the beautiful installations we pride ourselves on. The shutter market has been growing in the UK for more than 25 years and the future
is certainly bright. Plantation Shutters allow you to control how much light and privacy you want. They improve heat retention in your home, help reduce traffic noise and add a real sense of luxury and style to almost any window. Our waterproof Java range is ideal
for bath and shower rooms, our integrated shutters with blackout blinds are perfect for home cinemas, nurseries and those of us who love a dark room even in the middle of the day, and our shaped shutters provide the ultimate solution for arches, circles and gable ends. Not forgetting our fabulous track systems which give a flexible and practical look to any garden access which has patio or multifold doors. Thank you to all of our customers in Wells for supporting a local business and choosing us over one of our national competitors. We will continue to provide you with a fantastic product, excellent service and competitive prices and look forward to the next five years. Simon Moody Director Shuttercraft Somerset Ltd
Keep It Local
Price Match Guarantee!
Shuttercraft Somerset Ltd.
We will match any quote on like for like products!
Call us on 01749 649171
Got News? Call 07906 499655
somerset@shuttercraft.co.uk
shuttercraft-somerset.co.uk
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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October 2018
n WHAT’S ON October 1 n Wells Fountain Poets open meeting, LOAF Bakehouse, 38 Market Street, 7.45pm- 9.45pm. Guest poet: David Punter, Professor of Poetry, University of Bristol, and co-director of the Bristol Poetry Institute. Plus open mic. £3. Ffi: amabolton@hotmail.com n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n From the cradle to the grave: picturing the seven ages, latest in art history lecture series with Joanna Cobb MA, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30pm. £10 for one/£18 for two people. More from Joanna on 01458 832178 or ericjoanna@ waitrose.com. The series can be joined at any time. October 3 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, fish and chip night, meet at 6pm, games start at 7pm. October 6 n Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market, Wells Town Hall, 10am4pm. Admission free. n OCTOBER 6: Autumn Concert. Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band Reflect and Celebrate with BBC Radio Somerset’s Claire Carter, St Thomas’ Church, Wells, BA5 2UZ, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 include complimentary refreshments. Sales from the Parish Office, Queen Street Deli, DH James Photographics and Mansfield Opticians. Also on the door. October 9 n Wells Railway Fraternity anniversary meal at Swan Hotel, followed by talk, From Mozart to Moldova, by Colin Boocock. Details from Andrew Tucker: 01749 830695. n Wells Writers Group, The Globe Inn, Priest Row, 7pm. October 10 n Open Mic Night, The Venue, South Street, early evening. October 11 n Open Mic Night, Wells Golf Club, from 7.30pm. A good night for musicians and spectators alike. Just turn up. For further details call 01749 675005 or email secretary@ wellsgolfclub.co.uk October 12 n Wine Tasting. Local Wraxall
vineyard winemakers present their range of wines in St Thomas’ Church Hall, 7.30pm. In aid of the St Thomas’ Church Development Fund. Admission £10. n Start of new music wells festival. Continues until October 18. October 13 n Coffee Morning in aid of church funds, 10am-noon, Wells Methodist Church, Southover. n Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, with musical director Matthew Rock, will be singing at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, 7.30pm. Tickets £10, available from St Cuthbert’s Parish Office (01749 676906), Cadeaux & Co (01749 762332) or Jane Savery (01749 670527). n Be a Chorister for a Day at Wells Cathedral, for boys and girls aged seven to nine. Call 01749 674483 or email musicoffice@wellscathedral. uk.net October 14 n Wells Food Festival, 10.30am4.30pm. Market Place, Bishop’s Palace and Recreation Ground. October 15 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. October 16 n ABCD, the Book Arts group at Dove Studios in Somerset, will be exhibiting new work at Wells & Mendip Museum, 8 Cathedral Green, until October 20. Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10am5pm. Includes painted inscriptions on canvas by John RowlandsPritchard. Entrance to exhibition is free. Ffi: amabolton@hotmail.com October 17 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. October 19 n Start of Wells Festival of Literature. Continues until October 27. October 20 n Charity Night Music Quiz for World Challenge, Kennion Hall, Blue School, Wells, 7pm for 7.30pm. £5 per person up to teams of six. Cash bar, food, raffle. Tickets from Nikki Ambrosini, 07811 434219, or Donna Hand, 07814 433393. October 26 n Quiz Night, Wells Golf Club, teams of four to six, starts at 7.30pm, £8 per person including food. Booking essential, call
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
01749 675005 or email secretary@ wellsgolfclub.co.uk October 27 n Wells SOUP offers a light lunch as four local charities tell you what they do and are each given a cheque. 1pm, Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street/ Portway, Wells. Details: 07715 770454. n Halloween Spooktacular, Wells Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Pumpkin carving and spooky crafts, therapists, fancy dress competition, face painting. Ffi: sarah@enosisevents.com or 07941 506800. October 31 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, fish and chip night, meet at 6pm, games start at 7pm. REGULAR EVENTS Every Monday n Wells Breakaways Short Mat Bowls Club, meet every Monday except bank holidays, Kennion Hall, Blue School, from 6.45pm. Four mats available, try for three weeks for free, beginners welcome, equipment available, refreshments. n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.45pm. Drop in. Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193. Every Tuesday n Soda Art Group, 1.30pm3.30pm, Learning and Skills Centre, Portway. Special welcome for people with a disability. Tutorials, chances to exhibit, and expeditions out for workshops. More from 01749 673755 or 673334. n Wells Good Afternoon Choir, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm. ‘Singing in the Afternoon’ with Grenville Jones. Everyone welcome. gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk n Smashup badminton for all abilities with music and your mates. Ages 11-18. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 7pm-8pm, £2.50 per session. n Zumba Gold. Lower impact, easier steps, Wells Leisure Centre. 10.45am-11.10am, £5 a session. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up. n Latin-based cardio dance exercise, Wells Cathedral School dance studio, 6.45pm-7.45pm. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up. n Don’t struggle with your mental health difficulties alone. Come along to SEO Mental Health peer support group, Connect Centre,
Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm -3.30pm. £3 suggested voluntary donation to cover costs. n Wookey Choirworks (ladies choir), 7.30pm to 8.30pm, Wookey Primary School hall, no auditions, singing for fun, £4pw. Contact wookey.choirworks@gmail.com n Pilates mat class 9.15am, Wells Town Hall. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7pm-9.15pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea. Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. Every Wednesday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Wells Table Tennis Club, Seager Hall, Union Street, 6.30pm-9pm. n Mendip All Drummers community djembe (African hand-drumming) group. Meet at Croscombe Village Hall, Fayreway, from 10am-1pm. Beginners and learners welcome; drums available. £4 per session. Ring Charles on 07881 304609 or just turn up. n Wells Kettlercise, Town Hall, Market Place, 6pm. First class free. Pre-booking essential. Contact Sally Ann Frampton, zest2zen@ gmail.com, 07946 310877. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 7.15pm. First class free. Pre-booking essential: zest2zen@gmail.com, 07946 310877. Every Thursday n Tai Chi For Health & Vitality, Westbury Village Hall, 12-1pm. Any age or ability. Drop in, pay as you go, £5. n Mid Somerset Wargamers, Seager Hall, Wells, 7pm. Role play and board games. Members must be 18 or over; juniors (12 or over) can attend with adult member. facebook.com/ groups/1395072510738529/ n Pilates mat class, Wells Town Hall, 9.15am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Life Drawing, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Tutored class with life models, £12 inc tea. Tel Molly 07793 387848 or Paul 07918 731137. n Irish Set Dancing with caller, Dinder Village Hall, 8pm-10pm. £3, includes refreshments. For more details, call 01458 210051. Every Friday n Wells Country Market, Seager
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
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n WHAT’S ON PILOGAFIT Pilates Yoga Fitness Fusion for Spine & Core Stability Connect Centre Mondays 5.30 - 6.30pm Thursdays 9.30 - 10.30am St Thomas Church Hall Wednesdays 5.30 - 6.30pm Drop in - Pay as you go - £5 John Beasley 01749 672482 www.pilogafit.co.uk www.taichi24.co.uk
PILOGAFIT Additional exercise class SS&L Building - Portway Avenue Free Parking Fridays 12.15 - 1.15pm Details as above Hall, Union Street, 10am-noon. All home-cooked food plus craft and produce table. n Live music, The City Arms, High Street, 8.30pm. n Wells Refugee Aid collection at
Wells Town Hall, 10am-11.45am. Collecting donations in Wells for refugees around the world, distribution via RAFT in Taunton. Quality warm clothes, waterproof shoes, blankets and sleeping bags always needed. n Pilates class, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 9.45am; and seated and standing Pilates class for older adults, 11am. First class free. Prebooking essential: zest2zen@gmail. com, 07946 310877. n Zumba Gold at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm. £5 per session (second class free if you stay for it). More details from Carole-Anne on 07484 216900 / 01278 722292. n Tai Chi for Health class, Connect Centre, Wells, BA5 2BE, 2pm3.30pm. Very gentle exercise, can be done seated if necessary. Suitable for all. Everyone welcome. £3 donation. n Wells and Wookey Scottish Dancers, Wookey Village Hall, 7.15pm-9.45pm. All abilities welcome. For more information call 01749 672672 (all day), 01749 677548 (daytime), 01749 672805 (evening) or go to
DISABLED ACCESS IN ALL 3 SCREENS
wellsscottishdancers.btck.co.uk Every Saturday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Pay and Play badminton for all abilities, teenagers and adults, Wells Blue Sports Centre, 9am10am, £3 per session. n Badzone – Wells Junior Badminton Club for all abilities – ages 7-15. Wells Blue Sports Centre, 10am-11am, £3 per session. Every Sunday n Zen meditation, The Drawing Room, 4 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, 7.15am for 7.30am. Drop in. Suggested donation £5. Mats and cushions provided. Tel: Paul 01749 670193. First Sunday of each month n Irish Set Dancing at Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF. Workshop 11am-1pm, £3. Bring and share lunch 1pm-2pm. Ceili 2pm-5pm, £3. For more details, call 01458 210051. First Tuesday of each month n Wells WI, Wells & Mendip Museum. Start 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
n Wells Carers Group, Wells Fire Station Community Room, 10.30am-noon. Third Friday of each month n Goldies Sing&Smile in Wells, Elim Connect Centre, Portway, 1.30pm2.30pm. We’re not a choir but we love music. We sing along to popular hits of the Fifties onwards and socialise together. £2 donation requested. Third Sunday of each month n Gorgons Carnival Club quiz, Britannia Inn, Bath Road, Wells. Quiz starts at 7.30pm, teams of up to four people, £2 a player. There is also a raffle. More information from Shelly Ford on GorgonsCC@aol. com or 07894 078999. First and third Mondays n ‘Clickety Click’ knitting group, Wells Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 10am-noon. First, third (and fifth) Wednesdays n Open Mic Night, The Globe Inn, Wells, 7.30pm. n Email brief details of events to news@wellsvoice.co.uk
STATE OF THE ART 3D
PRINCES ROAD, WELLS, BA5 1TD
01749 673195
wellsfilmcentre.co.uk OCTOBER FILM RELEASES
UPCOMING EVENT CINEMA
MAYERLING - ROH BALLET A STAR IS BORN (15) - FROM 3RD MON 15TH OCT 7.15PM TH JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) - FROM 5 THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD 3D (15) CRAZY RICH ASIANS (12A) - FROM 5TH PETER JACKSON - TUE 16TH OCT 6PM TH FIRST MAN (12A) FROM 12 CLIFF RICHARD 60TH ANNIVERSARY VENOM (cert tbc) - FROM 19TH TOUR - WED 17TH OCT 3PM TH GOOSEBUMPS 2 (cert tbc) FROM 19 PETERLOO (12A) - PREVIEW + Q&A TH BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (cert tbc) FROM 24 WED 17TH OCT 6.45PM ST SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ (cert tbc) FROM 31 FUNNY GIRL - WESTEND MUSICAL SMALLFOOT (U) FROM 26TH WED 24TH OCT 7PM
PLUS MANY MORE, A WORLD OF CINEMA AWAITS!
Got News? Call 07906 499655
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
34
October 2018
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS WI THE August outing to the Hauser and Wirth gallery in Bruton was a great success. Members loved the guided tour of the exhibition of works by Alexander Calder, who invented the mobile and whose work throughout the 20th century was influenced by most of the major movements and artists. Many of us will return to visit the excellent restaurant and stunning gardens. At the meeting the new improved refreshments were a hit, with a wider choice of drinks and home-made biscuits on offer. The crafts and gourmet groups will be busy making and cooking in September, and the skittles players are entering a tournament. Members will be helping to look after Wells Food Festival participants on October 14, and coming up with ideas to raise funds for charities working to address loneliness, FGM and modern slavery, potential national WI campaigns shortlisted this year. The main event, for which we wore any pearls we possessed, was a brilliant talk by Frances Benton: Tears of the Dragon. Bewitched by her mother’s pearls as a child, Frances has travelled the world in pursuit of her passion, buying pearls that she strings in traditional fashion on knotted silk. Pearls can be divided into three categories: Simulated, which are really glass beads with a pearly varnish (you really can tell the difference between them and real pearls with your teeth). Popular with the post war twinset and pearl brigades, brands were often named after Queen Elizabeth
and Princess Margaret. Now most come from Majorca and Jersey. Real, or natural, pearls are formed inside the bodies of mussels and oysters in seas and rivers, mainly in South Seas of China, Japan, Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand. Only one in 10,000 oysters will contain a pearl, and the chances of finding it are one in two million. Consequently they are far more valuable than diamonds and a single perfect specimen has fetched £600,000 at auction. Modern science has enabled the development of cultured pearls. Contrary to popular belief, pearls are not formed by a grain of sand in the oyster. Instead they form as a result of an oyster’s self-defence mechanism when they react to the invasion of a parasitic worm by enclosing it in layers of bodily material that then calcify to form the pearl’s characteristic nacre. Pearl farmers stimulate the natural process by inserting tiny beads into molluscs. Frances brought along a dazzling display of pearl jewellery in a huge range of shapes and colours (there are 116 shades of white alone). Frances donates any profits to charity – £50,000 over the years – so many of us went home with a souvenir happy in the knowledge that the school for autistic children run by Frances’ daughter in Scotland would benefit. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 2, at 7.30pm at the Wells and Mendip Museum. New women are always welcome and can attend as guests before deciding to join. More details are on our Facebook page
Earn money delivering copies of Wells Voice
Monthly delivery rounds available in the Bath Road area of Wells Deliverers must be fit, reliable and available for a few hours at the end of each month Call Andy on 07906 499655 or email andy@wellsvoice.co.uk
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
https://www.facebook.com/ Wellssomersetwi/ Veronica Howe WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY WELLS Civic Society resumes its evening programme on Wednesday, October 10, at Wells and Mendip Museum at 7.30pm. The first speaker will be Sue Curragh, who in conjunction with the museums’ We Will Remember Them project has researched, written and published Lest We Forget, an in-depth research into the First World War soldiers on the Wells War Memorial. Some amazing stories have been uncovered by Sue and her team on the local men who gave their lives in the war. Alongside Sue, Dan Vidler, a teacher at Coxley School, will talk about his inspirational idea that will see 8,000 poppies, all made by local schoolchildren, placed on the lawn in front of The Bishop’s Palace for Remembrance Day. Members and non-members are very welcome. WELLS CARERS GROUP THE Somerset Carers Service can support people who regularly look after a friend or relative in an unpaid caring capacity with advice and guidance. Caring for another person is very rewarding, but can be overwhelming and lonely at times. Wells Carers Group meets at Wells Fire Station Community Room on the first Tuesday of each month from 10.30am until noon. This friendly,
informal group of carers shares coffee and a chat, and often has an interesting speaker or presentation. Anyone who would like to go along can contact volunteer Martin Cooke on 01749 765115 for more information. Somerset Carers Service can help link people to groups and events in the area, and find facts and information that will support them in their caring role. It is a free and confidential service and home visits can be arranged if required. For more, call the advice line on 0800 3168600, text ‘Carer’ to 78070, or see www. somersetcarers.org MID SOMERSET TINNITUS SELF HELP GROUP THE Mid Somerset Tinnitus Self Help Group will again meet in the Community Room at Wells Fire Station on Thursday, October 11. Our meetings start at 7.30pm although someone is always there from about 7pm. We’ve been very happy to meet some new friends there who have found the support and fellowship very helpful. We’re always happy to welcome new people – whether they actually have tinnitus and/ or hyperacusis or would just like to learn about it – and expect to see two new faces this time. Don’t be shy, we are very welcoming and really understand what it is like to have these conditions. For further information, phone me on 01749 673044 or email mstshg@live.com. Michael Rowe
Keep up to date with your local news... wellsvoice www.twitter.com/wells_voice wellsvoice www.facebook.com/wellsvoice www.wellsvoice.co.uk Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
October 2018
35
n SPORT
Trophies are handed out at a Wells City FC Soccer School presentation ceremony
Soccer School gets football education off to good start IN the early 1990s and with the ever-expanding demand for youth football, Wells City FC started its now much copied Soccer School. Initially the brainchild of Jon Day, it was club legend Monty Boyce who developed the Soccer School into the format that is still evident today. Soccer School runs on a
Saturday morning from 10am to 11.30am at Wells City Football Club on Rowdens Road. It caters for both boys’ and girls’ age groups from U6 up to U10. The coaches are normally mums or dads with children in the teams; the club will fund the relevant FA qualification including first aid and safeguarding courses to ensure
that all the Wells City FC Soccer School coaches are fully FA qualified. Initially just training sessions for the younger ones, as the children progress and grow matches are slowly introduced starting with five-a-side and developing to seven- and eventually ninea-side games. Initially for the
U6s’ the emphasis is on having fun, making friends, gaining confidence whilst gathering an understanding of the basics of football. There are numerous fun games with and without the ball ending in a little match scenario. As the children develop and progress so does the coaching, training and ultimately so do the games. All this is with the underlying emphasis on having fun and inclusion for all. Two important dates for Soccer School participants are the Christmas and the end-of-season parties, both superb days, with lots of prizes, games and fun for all. The older age groups enter into local leagues, initially nonresults based to help further players’ development and then on slowly to more competitive fixtures. The majority of Soccer School age groups run at least two teams and sometimes three, with all competing in various leagues across the Somerset area. Depending on age groups, match days can be Saturday or Sunday mornings. The teams also get invited to numerous football tournaments; these are great fun and well supported events giving the children an opportunity to pitch their skills against new and varied teams. Wells City FC host their own twoday tournament every summer attracting over 100 players from various clubs across the South West. Anyone who has a son or daughter who is interested in joining Soccer School or who may wish to start a coaching career in football is invited to contact Jordan Davies on 07508 067681.
CHALMERS HB
Chartered Accountants
20 Chamberlain Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PF 01749 685000
for accounting and tax problems large or small you can rely on us to tackle them all
contact david winter: david@chalmershb.co.uk
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Youngsters take part in a training session
Got News? Call 07906 499655
Chalmers HB A5 advert June15.indd 1
23/06/2015 15:27
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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October 2018
n TAKE A BREAK This month: Musical instruments
Can you find 53 musical instruments vertically, horizontally or diagonally?
O S I S L C U G O H W C X M G A L C T
TXT PERT
R O F Z H H I T A I C E P B H E F H O
S O E I I J A N E N I L Z A C D G A S
A N M T F T T R A T T L E T U V I N A
X E C R Q E H I P L A O R L L T G G X
S T L U R E L E C T R I C P I A N O C
C R A M E F D M R Y C I L X C B S X R
E I R P B D A A V G M T O O H O B O E
L A S E E R X R U E R B R S X R U M S
E N A T C U P I R E L N A A W L G O C
S G C N C M T N G Y E N Z L P Y L O E
T L H R V A K A R T T M H D S S E G N
A E W G R I L E P I A N O F O R T E T
K T B I W B L I R F I P P I B R O C H
H Q L T I M P A N I P C O W B E L L T
C H E N G E T A M B O U R A V I O L C
This month: US states and capitals
The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad
Across 1 6234766 (7) 3 638232 (6) 4 673466 (6) 7 4692 (4) 8 43246 (5)
Down 1 64776874 (8) 2 336837 (6) 5 6446 (4) 6 8824 (4)
1
2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L
6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z
SUDOKU
EASY for children
1 5
7 8
6
SOLUTIONS
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
2
3
4
© www.123rf.com/profile_Ksenya Savva
3 3 2 1
TXT PERT
N S F L C L R D U L C I T O N E M E L
Across 1 Madison, 3 Nevada, 4 Oregon, 7 Iowa, 8 Idaho. Down 1 Missouri, 2 Denver, 5 Ohio, 6 Utah.
E A E U F O R J M E L O T R O N U A A
Each fish has to find his or her way home to their mate – but how?
WORDSEARCH
T B B T U B A A S H A W M T G V A F Y
WHERE’S MY FISHY FRIEND?
Alto sax, Anvil, Bassoon, Bell harp, Bin, Buccina, Bugle, Celesta, Cello, Chang, Chanter, Cheng, Chimes, Clarsach, Cornet, Cowbell, Crescent, Crwth, Cymbals, Drum, Dulcimer, Dulcitone, Electric guitar, Electric piano, Fife, Flute, Gong, Lyre, Marina, Moog, Oboe, Organ, Pianoforte, Pibroch, Pipe, Quail, Rattle, Rebec, Regal, Shawm, Tabor, Tamboura, Tenor sax, Timpani, Traps, Triangle, Tromba, Trumpet, Tuba, Vina, Viol, Yamaha, Zither
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All Old / Vintage Fishing Tackle Reels, Rods, Cased Fish, Angling Books Collector pays cash. Will collect
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wellsvoice
October 2018
37
n SPORT
Wells cricketers win league title for second year in a row WELLS CC, on the back of winning the Somerset Division 3 title, were promoted to Division 2 and unsure what the 2018 season held in store. The first game saw Wells start the season as planned by comprehensively beating Long Sutton 1st XI at home, the highlight being a rapid 80 not out from Ben Stacey in chasing down 144 in just 24 overs to win by 8 wickets. However, the next three matches involved a thrashing at the hands of Butleigh, an 80-run defeat away to Minehead and then a 150-run defeat at home to Purnells, who amassed 358 for 9 in the process. Wells were now bottom of the league, struggling to get a team out most weeks and performances way below par as they seemed in disarray. Ollie Smart took over the captaincy, coinciding with an improved availability, and with regular first team players back, Wells’ form was to take a dramatic turn for the better. The turning point was undoubtedly a thrilling away victory over a strong Taunton side. After winning the toss and batting Wells found themselves 58 for 6 and staring down the barrel once again. They had an excellent partnership from James Dredge (39) and Jack Williams (27), who progressed the score past 140, and with some brilliant late hitting from Vince Johnson (29), managed to fight their way to a competitive 177. The strong Taunton batting line up only scored 40 for 4 from the first 20 overs and though they fought back, Wells kept picking up wickets and with 7 needed off the last over Wells picked up the final wicket to win an enthralling game by just 4 runs. Over the course of the next few weeks Wells beat Weston 2nds at home, Frome away and Bridgwater at home, all comfortably, the highlights being centuries from Ben Stacey, Harry Connock and Jack Moore. By the time Wells travelled to Cheddar, miraculously they were now top of the table. In an ill-tempered game, Cheddar scored a well over par 217 thanks in part to a poor performance in
The successful Wells CC team the field by Wells. Ben Stacey hit 94 as Wells eventually won by 5 wickets to cap off a good first half of the season, top of the league having won five on the bounce. In their return fixtures Wells skittled Long Sutton for 41 with Matt Rivers picking up 5 for 7. Then there was a great top of the table clash with Wells looking for revenge against Butleigh, who scored 232 for 9 off 45 overs. The Wells reply got off to a poor start but Jack Moore hit a fantastic 87 in ensuring the chase stayed on course. He was ably assisted by Vassalli (33) and skipper Smart who won the game with a 6 off the last ball. The following week Wells had yet another top of the table clash, welcoming old foes Minehead. Wells crawled to 190 all out, aided by 63 extras, then attack and fielders hunted like a pack of wolves in restricting Minehead to 127 all out for their seventh successive win. After a washout against Purnells, Wells were without Smart and Moore against an underrated Taunton. The Stacey brothers shared a 180 partnership with Ben claiming his second century of the season and Wells finished the innings on 277 for 3. Layton Ball (4 for 44) was the surprise package doing the job with the ball as Taunton were bowled out for 190. After a washout against Weston, Wells still had work to do if they were to win the league. They hosted Frome next, and
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only mustered 168 all out, but the bowlers all chipped in and Williams finished with a wicket maiden to ensure Wells won by 9 runs. Away to Bridgwater the home team mustered a decent 162 all out. The reliable Ben Stacey (50) alongside the steadying Dredge (20) broke the back of the chase, and Wells eventually won by two wickets which secured the title with a game to go. The Wells juggernaut had the small matter of a derby match to finish the season at home to Cheddar, with Wells desperate to prolong the unbeaten record. Cheddar collapsed to 136 all out. On a tricky pitch Wells were making a complete dog’s dinner of the chase, Vassalli and Ball both contributed with the bat but it took numbers 10 and 11 Wiltshire and Johnson to see Wells to victory by just one wicket in another thrilling game. This ensured Wells won a consecutive league title and incredibly are now on a 14game unbeaten streak as they look forward to playing in the Somerset Premier Division for the first time in the club’s long history next season. Key contributors were: n Ben Stacey: 655 runs @ 46.79 n Dan Vassalli: 332 runs @ 27.67 and 23 wickets @15.74 n Vince Johnson: 21 wickets @14.76 n Matt Rivers: 21 wickets @22.57 n Jack Williams: 20 wickets @16.75
Hockey player Lily selected for England squad WELLS Cathedral School student Lily Webb has been selected for the England U16 Girls’ Hockey Squad. Lily, from Launcherley, is one of only 38 girls from across the country to be selected for England following an impressive performance at the recent England Hockey Futures Cup competition, held in St Albans. She represented regional team the Wessex Leopards at U15 level, winning the Player of the Tournament Award and a significant financial sporting prize. She trained with the full England squad for the first time at Lilleshall in Shropshire recently, and will have significant ongoing training commitments throughout the season. Two other Wells Cathedral School students also represented the Wessex Leopards at the Futures Cup competition this year: Year 11 student Hugh Page from Charterhouse, who also played at U15 level; and Year 12 student Megan Taylor from Wookey Hole, who played in the U17 category. Each student was picked as one of the top 60 players in their respective age groups in England.
Lily Webb has been selected for the England U16 Girls’ Hockey Squad
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17 March 2017
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Wanted To Buy by Local Collector Photos, Postcards, Paperwork of Wells and local area Also Medals, Badges, Coins Contact Jeffrey Allen – 01749 677553 or Wells Antique Centre, Mill Street Fridays and Saturdays 9.30 to 4
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wellsvoice
October 2018
39
n SPORT
Lucy James and Sarah Townsend receive the trophy from Tasha Smith
Victors win by mere two points THE annual Presidents Ladies Tournament took place at Wells Tennis Club on September 8 with a wonderful turnout of 16 ladies. It was a doubles tournament with partners drawn on the day and a round robin format, with the added spice of a joker for each pair to play on the round of their choice. It was a very equal competition, with some exciting rallies and tactical joker playing.
Pictured with Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride are, from top, Black Dog, Club B’s and Kings Jesters
Winners collect their trophies Brian Nicholas with Councillor Celia Wride
The winner of The Venue Wells Summer League was Kieron Lane. He is pictured receiving the trophy from Andrew Stone of Stone Cold Ice Creams, sponsors of the League, and Sylvie Robbins, landlady of The Venue
WELLS and District Darts Finals Night was held on Tuesday, August 21, at The Venue in Wells. Organisers said it was the culmination of another great summer season of darts which was a credit to all the teams. They thanked Mayor of Wells Councillor Celia Wride for attending the evening. n Division 1 winners: Black Dog, Cheddar; runners up: Contenders, Wookey Hole Club. n Division 2 winners: Club B’s, Shepton Mallet; runners up: No Mates, Shepton Mallet. n Division 3 winners: Kings Jesters, Cheddar; runners up: Cheddar Valley, Wells. n Individuals winner on the night: Brian Nicholas; runner up: Mike Church.
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The eventual winners were Lucy James and Sarah Townsend by a mere two points over Wendy Edwards and Heidi Shakespeare. President, Tasha Smith, presented the prizes having enjoyed watching the tournament and cheering everyone on. Organiser Julia Nest (Ladies Captain) said she was so pleased to see the WTC ladies having a brilliant time on court and enjoying this fun tournament.
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New Purpose-Built Practice Opening 15th October Wells Vets is the new branch surgery of Shepton Veterinary Group; independent vets since 1922 Join us for a
Family Fun Open Event
on Saturday 6th October, 12-4pm Dedicated small animal only team Healthy Pets Club to spread the cost of routine healthcare Appointments available 6 days a week & 24/7 emergency service Free customer parking
Opening Hours Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6.00pm Saturday 8.30am - 10.30am
Wells Vets, 3 Cathedral Avenue, Wells, BA5 1FD
Call Shepton Vets on 01749 343955 for more details A27881 SHEPTON VETS Advert - New Practice.indd 1
19/09/2018 15:44