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September 2019 Issue 27
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New awards a way of saying thank you BA 5 AWA RD S
Nominate people in the community who deserve recognition A NEW awards scheme is being launched to reward people whose work in the local community deserves recognition. The BA5 Awards have been instigated by a partnership between Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Wells Civic Society and Wells Voice. Members of the public are invited to nominate people or organisations they think merit an award for their contribution to Wells and the surrounding area. Five will be chosen as winners of the inaugural awards, which will be handed over at a special ceremony in December. They will each receive a
‘Legend’ notches up 600th game Club presents award before match to celebrate footballer Mark’s amazing achievement Turn to page 3
GP merger talks Wells City Practice and Wells Health Centre may join forces Turn to page 4
Post office latest Search goes on to find new site to offer post office services Turn to page 5 Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism chair Robert Powell, Wells Civic Society chair Chris Winter with an example of the sort of terracotta tile the winners will receive, Philippa Threlfall of tile-maker Black Dog, and Wells Voice editor Andy Vallis in Wells High Street certificate and a specially chosen terracotta tile made by Black Dog, the renowned Wells tilemaker. “The BA5 Awards for Services to the Community of Wells will look across all sectors,” said Robert Powell, chair of the
chamber of commerce. “These might include education or school-based activities, sport, tourism, business, culture, the environment, young people’s activities, or support
Guide to what’s on when during Heritage Open Days Turn to pages 28&29
Results round-up
Continued on page 3
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How students fared in this year’s A-level and GCSE exams Turn to pages 30&31
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September 2019
3
n NEWS
Club honours Mark on his 600th game WELLS City footballer Mark Randall received a special award before the first home league game of the season to mark his 600th game for the club. He was handed a glass trophy on behalf of the club by his father Paul, the club president, in honour of the landmark achievement. Mark, who grew up in Wells and went to Wells Central and Wells Blue schools, played his first game for Wells City FC 18 years ago at the age of 14. It was a third team game against Frome Collegians that ended in a 2-2 draw. “We managed to get promoted in our first season before I moved on to the Reserve side under Julian Coppell and Steve Parfitt,” he said. “I got into the first team at 16 under Mark Leaney where we won the Somerset Senior Cup in 2007 and promotion to the Western League the following year. “Two years later we managed to win the Western League for the first time since 1949 and I’ve been playing in the first team ever since, apart from a season at Street in between.” Mark reached another milestone at the end of last season when he scored his 100th goal, against Cheddar. “My most memorable
Mark Randall, second right, receives a special trophy from his father Paul, the Wells FC president, flanked by joint first team managers Nathan Truckle, left, and Tom Clifford Jones game was a 5-1 victory against Imperial from Bristol where I scored a hat-trick and an own goal,” he said. “Also playing in all three senior sides with my dad, who played for Bristol Rovers and Stoke City.” First team joint manager Nathan Truckle paid tribute to Mark’s talent and commitment. He said: “Rands is a club legend and he’s only 32. He’s been playing men’s football since he was 14 and he still shows so much devotion and dedication to not only the club but the sport.
“To reach 600 games in men’s football is a feat in itself but to do that for one club and to have played many of those games at Western League level is truly
remarkable and won’t happen too often if at all. “I’ve known Rands for most of his senior football career and you would struggle to find a more genuine bloke in the game, he is a gentleman on and off the field. “The quality in that wand of a left foot has not wavered and we still rely heavily upon him in the first team set up. It has been a privilege to play alongside him for many a year and now have the privilege to manage him. Let’s hope we have a couple more memorable seasons before he hangs those magical boots up.” Mark was given the honour of being captain for his 600th game, a Toolstation Western League Division One match at Wells on August 17 against Ashton & Backwell United – which ended in a 3-1 win for the visitors. u Sport, pages 24&25
New community awards scheme From page 1 for the elderly or infirm, but nominations don’t need to fit a particular category. Nominees might be well known figures or they might be ‘unsung heroes’ – the awards are open to anyone and everyone.” Chris Winter, chair of the civic society, said: “We would like to acknowledge and reward those who ‘go the extra mile’, and the five awards, which we hope to make annually, will recognise the many and various voluntary roles carried out by people all over Wells which contribute to the wellbeing of the community.” If you know someone who fits the bill and deserves recognition, send an email explaining who
they are and why you think they deserve an award, in up to 100 words, to awards@wellsvoice. co.uk. Or write out an entry and drop it off at Basil Powell Shoes, 1-5 Broad Street, Wells. Include your name and contact details, and details of how to contact your nominee. Nominations must be submitted by noon on Friday, November 1. Winners will be contacted by Friday, November 29, and invited to attend the Wells Civic Society seasonal celebration at Wells & Mendip Museum on the evening of Wednesday, December 11, when the awards will be presented. The winners will also be announced in a future edition of Wells Voice.
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OC TOBER 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
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COMPL AINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
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September 2019
City’s GP practices in talks about merger DISCUSSIONS are taking place about the two GP practices in Wells merging to become one practice. Wells City Practice and Wells Health Centre believe a merger will help them to meet the present and future primary care needs of their patients. Patients would still have access to their current named GP if the change goes ahead, but more services will be available to them. Dr Jonathan Bench, Partner at Wells Health Centre, said: “By becoming one practice we will have the ability to offer our services in a new way that will improve the healthcare service to the people of Wells. We plan to redesign our urgent on-the-day service, and to have the opportunity for patients to be able to access longer appointments for those with complex problems.” The two practices were moved from separate sites in Wells to a purpose-built surgery at Priory Health Park accommodating them both in 2004. They kept their separate identities and patient lists while delivering the same services from the same building, but a number of discussions have taken place over the past few years about whether the two practices should merge into one large practice. Dr Josephine Newton, Partner at Wells City Practice, said: “We strongly believe that
The entrance to Wells City Practice and Wells Health Centre becoming a single practice and pooling our clinical and staffing resources will enable us to continue to offer a high quality professional and personal medical care to the growing population of Wells.” Becoming a single practice will mean being able to share the resources of both practices in a way that should allow them to expand their range of services to all their patients, such as the first contact physiotherapist, paramedics and nurse practitioners. The practices will be discussing the proposed merger with their Patient Participation Groups and other key stakeholders before submitting their plan to Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group for approval.
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September 2019
5
n NEWS
What now after post office plan collapses? THERE is uncertainty about the future of post office provision in the centre of Wells after the collapse of plans to relocate Wells Post Office in Market Place to Spar in Tucker Street. The Market Place branch is due to close at the end of September with the retirement of the postmaster, and Post Office Ltd had been consulting on a move to the Spar store. But the day after a public meeting organised by Wells City Council in Wells Town Hall to discuss the proposed move, rumours began to circulate that Spar operator Blakemore Retail had pulled out. The company confirmed that the proposal had fallen through in a statement to Wells Voice that said: “Blakemore Retail can confirm that the post office will not be relocating to its Wells Spar store on Tucker Street. “The company does not wish to provide further comment.” The Post Office has repeated earlier calls for a retailer who is willing to take on post office services at their premises to come forward – and was in any case looking for a location for a one-counter post office service in addition to a bigger post office operation at Spar. A Post Office spokesperson said: “We have recently been consulting on the proposed relocation of Wells Post Office, however, the retailer has recently decided not to progress further with their application. “We understand how important a post office is to a community and we would like to reassure customers that we are committed to providing post office services in central Wells. “A public meeting, attended by Post Office Ltd representatives, was held last week to discuss the proposed relocation of Wells Post Office as
Matt Walls, above left, and Stuart Taylor, right, after the public meeting in Wells Town Hall chaired by city councillor Louis Agabani, centre, to discuss the proposed move of Wells Post Office (seen left) to the Spar store, which has since fallen through the current postmaster for Wells wishes to retire. “We are exploring ways to maintain post office services in the area. We are in talks with the current operator, the council and an interested party. “Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the post office and incorporating it into their business should email ND.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or phone 0333 345 5560 option 2.” Whether there will be a post office in the centre of Wells after September 30 remains unclear. Wells City Council has had a meeting with Post Office officials to discuss the situation, and councillors are working to try to find a solution moving forward. Stuart Taylor, who looks after the Post Office’s external relations, and area network
Memorial Clock coming soon THE Memorial Clock being fixed to Wells Town Hall has been ordered and could be in place by the end of September. The clock will be installed over the circular window on the outside wall of the Town Hall, and a plaque will record
the names of loved ones whose families have contributed funds towards the clock. The names of the two councillors who died during the last term of Wells City Council, Danny Unwin and Chris Briton, will also be recorded.
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change manager Matt Walls were at the well-attended public meeting chaired by city councillor Louis Agabani on August 13. They explained why relocating the post office to Spar was being considered, saying that that a full range of main post office services would be retained. They were met with some hostility by members of the audience unhappy about the proposed move and the loss of a convenient central amenity. Mr Taylor said that more than a dozen businesses had looked at the existing Market Place premises and none thought it could be run as a viable operation. “I can’t believe there isn’t a single business in Wells that doesn’t know we’ve been looking for a location to run a post office from and we haven’t been killed in the crush,” he said. He also told the audience that there was no Plan B.
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September 2019
n NEWS
Day will raise awareness of diabetes issues A SPECIAL event is being held at Wells Town Hall in October to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes. Health experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, people with the condition will discuss their experiences, and there will be videos, leaflets and interactive games to help share knowledge about causes and prevention. The Wells Diabetes Day is being organised by Wells Lions, and Lions president Steve Whitby said: “Four million people in the UK have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are undiagnosed. “In Somerset it’s a growing concern, but not many people are fully aware of it. That’s why it is so important to raise awareness and help people reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”
Wells Lions president Steve Whitby: ‘It is so important to raise awareness’
Type 2 diabetes causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to problems with eyes, heart and feet. On average, 150 foot amputations are said to be carried out in the UK each week as a result of type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to being overweight or inactive, and £315 is spent every second by the NHS on diabetes treatment. The event in the Wells Town Hall is being held on Saturday, October 5, from 9.30am-1.30pm, and will be opened by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis. Among those speaking will be leading expert on the condition Dr Campbell Murdoch, registered nurse Jude Glide, nutritionist Alison Preston and two patients who are now in remission. Experts from Diabetes UK and other health professionals will be on hand for one-to-one
sessions and to answer questions. “We want to get the general public aware of what their risk might be,” said Steve. “We are also trying to get parents along to recognise some of the things their children are eating that are not doing them any good.” The children are welcome too, and one of the games they can play on the day is aimed at getting them to think about what foods they should and should not be eating. Because diet is so important in managing or preventing type 2 diabetes, the Lions plan to follow up the Diabetes Day by launching a monthly Diabetes Cooking event for continued support and guidance. The half-day sessions will take place at The Lawrence Centre on Saturday mornings, with the first scheduled for November.
Extra support available to help people with diabetes PEOPLE with type 2 diabetes in the Mendip area are set to benefit from an award-winning behaviour change platform called the Low Carb Program. All three Primary Care Networks across Mendip (Frome, Mendip and West Mendip PCNs) have been announced as joint winners of a competition run by Ascensia Diabetes Care. The competition, launched during Diabetes Week, was aimed at NHS organisations and offered the chance to win free licences to the Low Carb Program.
GP practices in Mendip formed three PCNs on July 1 as part of a nationwide drive for primary care to work together at scale, seen as a key building block of the NHS long-term plan. This is one of the first of many joint projects that the three PCNs within Mendip will work on together over the next few years. Dr Robert Weaver, GP partner at Grove House Surgery and Clinical Director of Mendip PCN, said: “We know that around 60 per cent of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by
maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active. Reducing the proportion of carbohydrate in the diet has been found to be an effective strategy for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve their blood sugar control and as a result feel better, live longer and reduce the need for medication. I am delighted that patients across Mendip will be able to benefit from this extra support.” Michael Bainbridge, associate director of primary care, Somerset Clinical
Commissioning Group, said: “We are very pleased that the GPs in Mendip have won this award. Primary care teams play an important role in combatting diabetes. By working together in this way, the practices in Mendip are making a real difference to their communities.” Dr Robert Taylor, GP partner at Frome Medical Practice and Clinical Director of Frome PCN, said: “I am really hopeful this will have a big impact for the people of Frome and the Mendip area.”
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wellsvoice
September 2019
n NEWS
7
PRIORY D E N TA L WELLS
A petition opposing fire service changes has been circulating in Wells, and can be signed online. Wells fire officers and councillors are pictured here in Market Place where they were gathering support, with a banner and T-shirts provided by the Fire Brigades Union
Gratitude for help after damaging fire
MEET THE TEAM Dr Helena Morrell
Helena originally qualified in Leeds, and spent over 12 years providing private dentistry in Australia. She has worked for a number of years in both Wells and Shepton Mallett, and has an excellent reputation in the area. GDC 76006
Dr Ewan Davidson
Ewan spent 20 years running his own dental practice in Bristol followed by a period working in Glastonbury. He comes with extensive experience, and is very highly regarded by patients GDC 60245 and colleagues alike.
Dr Hannah York
Hannah worked in London and Bristol for many years before settling in Somerset. Since joining Priory Dental she has gained a reputation for putting patients at ease with a calm and friendly manner. GDC 177544
Dr Ryan Hughes
Ryan has worked extensively in the South West, having studied both Dentistry and Medicine in Bristol. He brings considerable knowledge and experience to the care of patients at Priory Dental and oversees the management of the practice. GDC 85731
The couple say that it is important for people to engage with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s public consultation on proposed changes to the service, which runs until September 22. The plans could leave Wells with one engine crewed 24/7 with ‘on call’ staff, and the second crewed at night only. More details at www.dsfire.gov. uk
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29 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset. BA5 1SU
THE QU AR (WETHE TER JACK RSPO ONS)
THE SQ UARE SOFT PLAY
ROAD
Firefighters tackle the blaze at Robert and Sarah Powell’s home
PRIORY
WELLS residents Robert and Sarah Powell have thanked the community for showing such kindness after a fire devastated their home. They say the incident underlines the importance of people responding to the current consultation about changes to the fire service that could leave Wells with only one fire engine during the day. Firefighters got to their house in Chamberlain Street within three minutes of a call reporting the blaze on August 4. Despite the efforts of the fire crews, the centre of the house suffered extensive damage and part of the roof collapsed. “We were told that if we hadn’t had the doors closed it could all have gone because the fire was quite ferocious,” said Sarah. “It’s amazing how shutting doors can help.” She and Robert – who is chair of Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism – run Basil Powell Shoes in Broad Street. They have found long-term accommodation while their house is restored, which is expected to take about 12 months. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. “We want to thank our neighbours, the firefighters and the Red Cross who looked after us and have done so much,” said Sarah. “They were brilliant. We feel really fortunate to live in Wells, and we’ve had such kindness.”
Priory Dental are pleased to announce that we are nearing the end of an extensive refurbishment programme, allowing us to offer the very best in modern advanced dental care in Wells. We are accepting new patients to see our experienced dental team. We do not charge more for new patients, and our dental plans start from only £9.49/month. Please see www.priorydental.com/fees for full details.
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Priory Dental is a trading name of Dr Ryan K Hughes, registered with the General Dental Council (registration number 85731) – see www.gdc-uk.org. Priory Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – see www.cqc.org.uk.
wellsvoice
8
September 2019
n NEWS
Cafe closing – but now salon can expand
A LONG-ESTABLISHED Wells cafe will be closing at the end of August in the face of increased competition. The cafe in Guardhouse Lane previously known as The Spinning Wheel, now called Hidden, is owned by Jarek and Wendy Cyrek. It will close its doors on August 31 – but it will not be empty for long, because Wendy will be expanding her adjoining Wendy’s hair and beauty salon into the cafe area. “It has been one of the longest running cafes in Wells to my knowledge, running for more than 40 years,” said Wendy. “After struggling the last few years we tried to revamp the cafe at the beginning of this year and had a refit and renamed it. “But unfortunately we have had to take the very hard decision to close our doors. “In the past seven years since Jarek and I have owned the cafe
“Luckily this will not be another empty business, but a growth opportunity for Wendy’s hair and beauty salon.” The salon was established in 2007 and has gone from strength to strength, said Wendy. Her aim is to create a new beauty area with a quieter and more relaxing environment, and disabled access for most of the salon’s services. “Our outdoor area will be finished soon giving the option of having a drink to relax in our private patio area,” she said. “Our new pedicure chair with back massage will be taking pride of place in our new setting, while the hair side will still be going strong with more space to relax. “With the addition of a sunbed joining us very soon and all this new space, hopefully customers can continue to enjoy Wendy’s hair and beauty salon as much as we do working in it.”
Jarek and Wendy Cyrek in Hidden cafe in Guardhouse Lane so many places have opened up we can no longer compete. “We would like to thank our
ABBEYFIELD ANNUAL
GARDEN PARTY
lovely customers over the years past and present. You all will be missed by us and our staff.
Public invited to Garden Party ABBEYFIELD are keeping their fingers crossed that the summer is not over yet as they are hosting their annual Garden Party on Saturday, September 21. “A lot of hard work has been taking place in the garden over the last year with some new planting together with a brand new greenhouse and it is lovely to be able to show the garden off to the public,” said the
administrator, Isobel Panton. The garden at Abbeyfield House in New Street, Wells, will be open from 2pm to 4pm and everyone is welcome. Visitors will be able to meet some of the residents and volunteers, have a look around the house and enjoy a cream tea. Entry is free – and Abbeyfield are hoping that the sun will continue to shine.
Event will benefit poorly children
2-4pm at Abbeyfield House New Street Wells BA5 2LE
Cream Teas available
Saturday
and everyone welcome
face painting, blind bake off and plenty of coffee, tea and cakes. The Christmas party is a big event in the children’s calendar. People are asked to go along and support the coffee morning to help make it wonderful for them. If anyone would like to donate a cake or a raffle prize they can get in touch at ezzysjourney@yahoo.com.
All welcome at Acoustic Night
SEPTEMBER
21
EZZY’S Journey are hosting their fourth coffee morning to raise money so that the children who are receiving cancer treatment at Musgrove Park Hospital can have a special Christmas party. The coffee morning is being held at the Wells Blue Sports Centre on Saturday, September 14, from 10am until noon. There will be a bouncy castle, tombola,
www.abbeyfield-wells.co.uk 01749 679049
INDEPENDENT CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
GORGONS Carnival Club is holding an Acoustic Night at The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, on Saturday, September 14. Confirmed acts are Magpie22,
Terry and Friends and Chloe Warren. The event starts at 7.30pm and all are welcome. Entry is free but donations will be gratefully received.
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wellsvoice n NEWS
September 2019
‘Martin was what carnival is all about’ WELLS Carnival president Maurice Day has paid tribute to friend and fellow carnival committee member Martin Coppell, who has died of cancer at the age of 58. Martin was Wells City Carnival’s chief marshal for more than 20 years – and Maurice revealed that despite being ill, Martin was still working on preparations for this year’s event. “It’s a very sad time for the community and for carnival,” said Maurice. “Martin was what carnival is all about. Dedicated, hard working and above all very knowledgeable. Whilst he was ill he was working on the road closures and so on for this year’s show and has left us with everything in place. Typical Martin. His legacy will live on for many years to come. “Having dedicated the last 20 years to the Wells committee and the Mendip Vale Carnival Club before that he leaves a great void in our lives. “This year’s carnival will be dedicated to Martin and we will be working hard to make sure it will the best yet in his memory.” Martin, father of Craig and Steven, told Wells Voice last year how he was looking forward to playing football with his grandson Alfie, who was born two weeks before he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Another close friend of his, Merv Colenutt, said that Martin
Martin Coppell, who has died at the age of 58 was an outstanding football referee, as well as being a fine bowler for both Wells and Horrington cricket clubs. He said that Martin was a carnival great, and that Wells City Carnival will not have the same feel for years to come. “Martin Coppell was a very big character who had that ability to lift people when they were at their lowest ebb,” he said. “He was a very special man, but his greatest love of all was his family.” Martin’s funeral will be at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Friday, August 30, at noon. u Letters, page 34
Bishop will be wishing walkers well BISHOP of Bath and Wells the Rt Rev Peter Hancock and his wife Jane will be there to offer encouragement at the start of this year’s Wells Dementia Action Alliance fundraising walk. Bishop Peter said: “I’m delighted that once again the Walk for Wells Dementia is starting from The Bishop’s Palace on Sunday, September 22. Jane and I intend to be there to wish all the walkers well. “We have our own experiences of dementia with
family and any event that brings together those living with dementia and their families, and those who have experienced dementia, is to be encouraged. “We hope the weather is kind and look forward to the event. “ There are three- and five-mile routes, both starting at 10am, with tea and cakes provided afterwards in the Town Hall. The entry fee is £10. For more details, email tom. ronan46@gmail.com or call 07934 284440.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
11
n NEWS
Pyrolysis proposal moves to next stage A PLAN to carry out pyrolysis research and development trials on land at the St Cuthbert’s paper mill site in Haybridge is to be scrutinised by Somerset County Council’s Regulation Committee. The application is expected to be discussed within the next two months. The meeting will also be another opportunity for the public to put their views. The suggestion to ask the Regulation Committee to look at the application was made by county and district councillor Mike Pullin after it was considered at a St Cuthbert Out Parish Council planning meeting on July 31. A sometimes heated debate at a packed Wookey Hole Village Hall ended with parish councillors recommending approval, with five in favour, three against and three abstaining. The application to Somerset County Council by Pyrocore Ltd seeks permission for the creation
of a removable slab for the siting of equipment for “R&D trials demonstrating portable waste management technology with greater efficiencies during and post pyrolysis for a period of up to 12 months”. In pyrolysis, materials are decomposed at high temperatures. The parish council meeting was attended by Pyrocore CEO Linda Page and planning consultant Paul Wormold, who heard members of the public raise concerns about the potential for increased traffic, harmful emissions near residential areas, and the possibility of a full-scale pyrolysis plant in the future. Ms Page said that it would be a very temporary arrangement, until they can move to the Bristol & Bath Science Park. Emissions are already very low, she said, and could be virtually zero in 18 months. She explained that the aim of the technology, which has
Two resignations SINCE the parish council meeting, two parish councillors have resigned in protest. Jacqui Zorab told Wells Voice: “I have always taken as axiomatic that the role of the parish council is to represent the views of parishioners on matters that will have local impact. At the meeting on July 31 I did not feel that the view of my fellow councillors took any account of the pertinent concerns articulated at the meeting or in writing. I no longer feel that I can be part of this council if decisions are to be taken in spite of the wishes of the local community.” Edwin Danson said he was “incensed, not just by the outcome – which I could have lived with – but by the manner in which it was reached and by comments levelled at the residents”.
been in use by the British Navy for ten years, is to help with environmental disasters and in war zones, dealing with waste such as plastic, oil and medical waste. “If you support British innovation you should be behind this,” she said. There was a feeling among some councillors that Pyrocore had jumped the gun by moving containers on to the site before permission has been granted, and that it was simply not the right site for the planned operation. Cllr Jenny Henderson was in favour of the proposal, saying: “I’d be quite happy to have it built at the bottom of my garden. It should enable progress. I think we should back it.” When the Regulation Committee considers the application, it could approve it, reject it, or delay a decision while more information is gathered.
Bowley’s co-owner Jason Tunnicliffe, right, presents a cheque to SOUP organiser Ross Young
Financial backing for good causes A CARING garage is helping Wells SOUP support four more good causes. Bowley’s of Westfield Road has match-funded the grantgiving lunch on Saturday, October 5, to the tune of £350. “We’re always pleased to support local charities,” said Bowley’s co-owner Jason Tunnicliffe.
The venue for October 5’s SOUP will be the Connect Centre at the corner of Chamberlain Street and Portway from 1pm2pm. All are welcome. “Bowley’s support for local charitable events is outstanding,” said SOUP organiser Ross Young. “We are hugely grateful to them.”
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wellsvoice
12
September 2019
n NEWS
Working on leisure centre fit for Wells IMPROVEMENTS are being made to services at Wells Leisure Centre in response to feedback from the community. Fusion Lifestyle manages the leisure centre in Charter Way on behalf of Mendip District Council. At a meeting with representatives of Fusion Lifestyle and officers from the district council to look at the services being delivered, district councillor Caroline McKinnell, the ward member for St Thomas in Wells, raised some of the
The entrance to the leisure centre concerns she had heard from users. She said: “I am pleased to have been able to visit the centre and meet with members of Fusion Lifestyle to look at what facilities are available and how the team manage the centre. “As a Mendip councillor, elected to represent a ward in
Wells, I was keen to build a positive relationship with the team at Fusion Lifestyle and learn more about how they operate, so that I can understand the services available for local residents. The meeting also gave me the opportunity to raise feedback and concerns that I have had from the local community since becoming a councillor. “I feel the team listened to the issues that I raised and I am confident that they are working hard to deliver a leisure centre that the city deserves.” The centre has recently undergone a £750,000 refurbishment updating the gym, studios and indoor cycling studio. There are also new sauna and steam rooms. Rob Taylor from Fusion Lifestyle said: “Fusion Lifestyle are pleased to be developing Wells Leisure Centre with the support and help of the community. It is essential that we all work together to shape our future.” In 2015, Mendip District Council granted a 50-year lease to Fusion for the leisure centres at Frome Leisure Centre, Shepton Mallet Lido, Strode Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, Tor Sports and Leisure Centre and Wells Leisure Centre.
The Wells Railway Fraternity’s Railwells model railway exhibition was held over the weekend of August 10 and 11 and was a great success. Many members of the public said they enjoyed the show, especially the layouts. Pictured is the fraternity chairman, Colin Price, left, presenting a cheque for £500 to David Maidment, chairman of the Railway Children Charity. This money will be used in their work with children who run away from home and are picked up at railway stations.
Concerns at new homes scheme A PLAN to build four houses behind the former Mermaid Inn would be over-development, members of Wells City Council’s planning committee decided at their meeting on August 1. They recommended refusal of the application to Mendip District Council for the four twobedroom homes by three votes to two, adding that three houses, as proposed in a previous
application, would be more acceptable. A proposed change of use of Canon Grange, Cathedral Green, from boarding house to offices was recommended for approval. Solicitors Chubb Bulleid want to buy the former Wells Cathedral School boarding house and use it as an additional office in Wells. They already have an office in Market Place.
Bird flying displays will hark back to medieval times A FALCONRY expert is bringing a selection of falcons and owls to show off their flying skills at The Bishop’s Palace. Tony Bryant from Raptor Care will put the birds through their paces in front of visitors on the South Lawn at the Medieval Falconry Day on September 14. The flying displays will take place twice a day and will demonstrate how the birds would have been used in medieval times, and by whom. In between the flying displays, visitors will have the chance to get up close with some of the birds and handle them, while finding out more about them from their handlers.
Tony Bryant from Raptor Care with one of the birds of prey Displays will take place at approximately 12pm and 3pm (weather permitting). Rare Plant Fair A Rare Plant Fair will take place at The Bishop’s Palace on September 8.
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Rare and unusual plants, including perennials, shrubs and trees, alpines, bulbs and exotic plants, will be on sale from a selection of top nurseries from all over the South West. All of the nursery owners are experts in the plants that they grow and are happy to offer visitors the advice required to select and grow the right plants for their garden. Harvest Festival A new festival at The Bishop’s Palace on September 28 and 29 will celebrate the harvest season. The Harvest Festival will encompass a range of activities and entertainment, including
an array of stalls, selling everything from cheese to cider and chutney, a variety of talks and Q&A sessions with tips on growing fruit and veg and on using local produce, dancing from local Morris Men, live music acts including the Wells City Brass Band and a chance to see and understand the Palace Allotments. For younger visitors, there will be crafting activities with autumnal and eco-themes and a chance to take part in some hands-on gardening sessions in the Community Garden. n More details about all these events at bishopspalace.org.uk
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wellsvoice
14
September 2019
n NEWS
Festival line-up attuned to public mood VISITORS to last year’s Wells Festival of Literature may well have had a questionnaire thrust into their hand. Festival organisers wanted to discover the types of events that capture their attention and ensure that the 2019 festival will top the £20,000 profits from 2018 ticket sales raised for local schools. Festival-goers voted for history, memoir, fiction and the arts – with science, psychology and current affairs hot on their heels. So 2019 offers both established names and new, often challenging but always exciting, voices across all these areas. We live in controversial and often confusing times so organisers are delighted to welcome some heavy hitting big names – Chris Patten; Melvyn Bragg; BBC news editor Kamal Ahmed; constitutional and political law expert Vernon Bogdanor, CBE; disinformation expert Peter Pomerantsev; Channel 4 foreign affairs correspondent Joanathan Rugman – all of whom figure regularly in the press, on our
Kamal Ahmed and Henry Normal are among those coming to Wells
screens and newsfeeds and will challenge our thinking, share insights and personal experience of current events from murder in the consulate, twitter revolutionaries, governing Hong Kong to covering terrorist attacks and life beyond Brexit. These will be weighty events but, like the range of memoirs on offer, based on vivid experience, they will never be dull. Festival week provides much cheer too, with hints of scandal, secrets, comedy and intrigue alongside lunches with authors such as the accident-prone
traveller Keggie Carew and the chance of sharing your version of the shocks and changes of the Sixties with Peter Hennessy. Punk pop singer Tracey Thorne shunts us back to teenage wannabe tearaway life in 1970s suburbs; Jane Glover shadows Handel through the intrigues and viper pits of 18th century London, while iconoclastic Shakespeare expert Emma Smith asks whether you have thought what might have happened without Katherine and Petruchio’s final clinch at the end of the Taming of the Shrew, and weaves Homer Simpson and Friends into her refreshingly irreverent take on Shakespeare.
A glance at the brochure reveals the eclectic range coming to Wells. The challenge is what to choose. Festival committee treasurer Alex Kolombos is “very much looking forward to hearing Henry Normal talk about his ‘Normal family’. “As performer with Pulp, cowriter of the Royle family, producer of Gavin & Stacey, Radio 4 performer and poet ‘A Normal family’ will be an enlightening and amusing insight into one family’s struggles and joys with their ‘mildly severely’ autistic son.” Brochure distribution campaign organiser Linda says: “Ooh difficult, there are so many, but I think it will have to be Jim Al-Khalili. I really enjoy his radio programmes as he manages to explain scientific matters in a fascinating way such that I, without a science background, can readily grasp. I think I am really going to enjoy his novel Sunfall.” Tickets are available on the website www. wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk or by phone 01749 834483.
Monitoring continues of pigeon deaths around city INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into a number of pigeon fatalities in Wells. Wells Voice reported last month that a number of dead birds have been found around the city, and more have been found since. Reports have also
been made of odd behaviour by pigeons, including disorientation and trouble feeding. A spokesperson for the Animal and Plant Health Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said
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it was aware of reports of pigeon fatalities in the south of the country, which are being investigated under the Diseases of Wildlife Scheme. The agency does not suspect a notifiable avian disease, and initial screening for bird flu in
ten pigeons was negative. “The cause of these fatalities may be canker or Trichomoniasis,” said the spokesperson. “Canker is a nonnotifiable infection of pigeons often observed during a warm, wet spring and summer.”
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wellsvoice
September 2019
15
n NEWS
From left, Paul O’Bryan, PCC Sue Mountstevens and PC Darren Pearson at the awards ceremony
Pair honoured for action to tackle antisocial behaviour TWO people who worked together to tackle anti-social behaviour in Wells have been given awards. PC Darren Pearson of the local beat team and Aster antisocial behaviour officer Paul O’Bryan were recognised at a PCC Pride Awards ceremony hosted by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens. The pair were nominated for their partnership working when
they tackled a spree of anti-social behaviour in Wells. “I’m absolutely delighted to have been awarded the PCC Pride Award,” said Paul. “We work incredibly hard to ensure that our communities remain safe and our partnership approach to resolving anti-social behaviour or criminal activity is a key part of the work we do. “Being able to make a real, positive difference to the lives of others is so important to me. I’m
really pleased that by working in partnership with the police and with other agencies we’ve been able to stop a particularly horrible string of harassment and extortion from continuing. “By securing various court orders PC Pearson and I were able to protect vulnerable victims from the harassment they were suffering and ensure they remain protected. “It’s a privilege to be awarded the PCC Pride Award jointly with Darren but, most importantly, I’m just so pleased that we were able to help people to feel safe in their homes again.” Darren said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our collaborative working. It’s always great to see the outcome of many different agencies working together so effectively.” The awards, which took place on August 13 at Police and Fire Headquarters in Portishead, saw the PCC recognise 13 worthy winners with PCC Pride Awards. Recipients and their guests were then invited to have lunch with the PCC and Assistant Chief
Constable Stephen Cullen before being taken on a tour of the communications centre where 999 and 101 calls are received. PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I always look forward to the Pride Awards as I get to say a big thank you to some truly extraordinary people; people who go about their everyday lives who make a difference to their local community with little or no recognition. “These awards highlight just some of the very special individuals we have living and working amongst us and their exemplary efforts are hugely appreciated. “It’s important we take the time to celebrate these inspirational and selfless individuals who work hard to help keep our communities safe and feeling safe.” Others who received awards included a Burnham-on-Sea karate instructor and a Bath security guard who helped the police catch a prolific offender. n On the Beat, page 26
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wellsvoice
16
September 2019
n NEWS
Young teacher dies in his sleep
Cathedral date for choral choir
A 32-year-old teacher and author has died in his sleep at home in Wookey Hole. Jack Cannon, a former Wells Blue School and Strode College student, was found by his mother, Julie, when he failed to come out of his room to prepare for work on Wednesday, July 31. The attending ambulance crew told her they suspected a blood clot as the cause of death but tests are continuing. Jack had returned from South East Asia in mid-June after many years teaching English as a second language. While there he drew on his experiences to write the handbook A Teacher’s Guide to Living and Working in Vietnam. In the last year he had switched from classroom to online teaching. He had secured a contract to supply one-to-one tuition to students in China ahead of his return to the UK. Jack’s father, former BBC
RENOWNED choral choir The Sixteen, who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, are bringing their annual Choral Pilgrimage to Wells Cathedral on September 6. This year’s programme, entitled An Enduring Voice, spans choral works over six centuries to capture music past and present, highlighting the choir’s choral journey over the past four decades. There will be performances of English polyphony juxtaposed with works by Tavener and Eric Whitacre. The Sixteen’s close relationship with award-winning composer Sir James MacMillan continues with a new commission, O virgo prudentissma, based on a fragment from the Eton Choirbook. Tickets are available from Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office (01749 672773), tickets.ncem. co.uk and at the door.
journalist Paul Cannon, said: “We are of course consumed by grief. Jack returned to us so happy and healthy. He was very keen on keeping fit and would head out for a run or ten-mile hike in the Mendips most days after finishing work. “This seems such a waste of a talented, young life. “But we take some comfort from the knowledge that there are now thousands of people in the developing world speaking good English through Jack’s efforts.” In Jack’s memory, his family are seeking donations to the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation which rescues and supports street kids in Vietnam. It is the charity to which Jack pledged the proceeds from his book. Just before he left Hanoi he gave them his motor-scooter to pass on to a poor family. Donations can be sent via www.bluedragon.org
Jack Cannon with his guide for English teachers abroad
Wells MP appointed PPS to PM WELLS MP James Heappey has been appointed as one of two Parliamentary Private Secretaries to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The other is Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar. Mr Heappey said: “I am honoured that the Prime Minister has asked me to be his
PPS at this pivotal time for our country. The PM grew up in Somerset and my co-PPS Alex Burghart was educated here too. So it will be great to have Somerset’s voice at the heart of Government and I look forward to working with ministers across Whitehall to deliver for the Wells constituency.”
Dental practice plans new move THE Rock House Dental Practice at 81 High Street, Wells, is planning a move to Priory Road. A planning application has been made to Mendip District Council for change of use from residential house to dentist’s practice at 5 Priory Road. The application also proposes to
convert an existing single garage into a staff room, with a singlestorey extension link between this and the existing building. Planning documents say that the practice is in the process of purchasing the building and intends to relocate its surgery rooms and office there.
Second outing for comedy night THE second Silly Sausage Comedy Night is being held at The Venue in Wells on September 7. The headliner will be Louise Leigh, and the other acts are Alex Kitson, Dani Johns, Connor Cooke, Frances Jackson,
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Rebekah Louise and Burt Williamson. MC will be Heather BrysonBanks, and the doors open at 7.30pm. More details including how to buy tickets on the Silly Sausage Comedy Facebook page.
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wellsvoice
September 2019
17
n NEWS
Open Days are big hit at almshouses
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said: “The excellent weather on both of the Open Days showed off the almshouses and their gardens to their very best, encouraging visitors from both Wells and further afield to see what beautiful accommodation there is for our 33 residents within the centre of Wells. “We offered ploughman’s lunches and cakes throughout the day and were grateful for support given by residents, supporters and local businesses. It is important that the gardens and medieval chapel are shared on occasions with the wider community. We were astonished at the generosity of our visitors, who donated much needed funds towards our chapel restoration.” Visitors will be welcome again for Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 21, from 11am to 4pm. More on page 29.
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Mayor and Mayoress of Wells John and Holly Osman at one of the Almshouses Open Days, and Mo with cakes for sale
A COMMUNITY interest company, Project Factory CIC, has been set up by the Wake Up Wells team to enable them to continue the voluntary work they started by having access to funding opportunities. Through the new company, Wake Up Wells founders Kirstie Harris and Emma Lefevre aim to deliver further courses, events and projects in partnership with other local organisations. Following the successful lantern making courses for the Lantern Parade, Somerset Skills and Learning have invited them to bid for further funding. Plans are underway for the second Lantern Parade and a Burns Night Ceilidh on January 25, 2020. Project Factory CIC wants to build on the experiences of Wake Up Wells, to develop engagement and involvement, to celebrate the diversity of all that is happening here and contribute to building a strong, connected community.
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THE City of Wells Almshouses have held two Open Day events so far this year, one in June and one in July, both of them big successes. More than £1,700 was collected in donations and the weather was excellent each time. Resident and catering volunteer Agnes Morrison said of the July event: “It was a lovely day and everyone who attended was fascinated by the history and loved the entertainment and refreshments. Many people stayed all day and there were more young people than in previous years.” Visitors enjoyed historical talks in the chapel on both occasions, with a string quartet in June, and the Grey Dogs jazz band playing in the beautiful garden in July, encouraging some visitors to perform a jive. Chair of Trustees Nick Wilson
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wellsvoice
18
September 2019
n NEWS
Investigation after fish wiped out in river pollution incident By Emma James THE Environment Agency is considering how best to help the River Sheppey recover after a pollution incident that killed an estimated 8,000 fish. The agency has been working with Wessex Water to identify the source of the pollution which affected a 15km (9.3-mile) stretch of the river near Wells. Mike Dunning, from the agency, said that invertebrates that provide food for fish and other aquatic life were also wiped out in the incident. The water surface was initially agitated to increase oxygen levels by spraying water and churning with ‘floballs’. “Left to itself, the river could take up to 10 years to recover fully, but the agency is considering re-stocking it to speed up the process,” said Mr Dunning. “Invertebrate surveys will be carried out this autumn as part of the monitoring process before any possible re-stocking.” The Environment Agency refused to comment further on the source of the pollution as the investigation is ongoing and there could be further action, including prosecution. It said that its officers are working with all relevant parties to identify the problem and prevent reoccurrence. It is believed the pollutant entered the river on Friday,
Special nights at film centre A DOWNTON Abbey Gala night is being held at Wells Film Centre on Friday, September 13. Tracey Hartnett is running the London Marathon 2020 and is raising money for Outward Bound Trust. Tickets for the fundraising gala are £12.50 and include a glass of wine or orange juice. The film is rated PG. Members of the cast will be attending a special preview of Tomorrow (15) on Tuesday, September 24, at 7.30pm. From executive producer Martin Scorsese, the film explores difficult themes of loneliness, PTSD, disability, war and HIV. The result is an uplifting, feelgood movie, which has won numerous awards at film festivals around the world.
Fundraising Gala Evening
George Phelps removes dead carp from the lake at Woodford Farm, and some of the fish laid out on the bank August 2. The river was reported to have turned milky grey, and dead fish were seen floating on the surface. Anna Phelps, owner of Woodford Farm wedding venue in Coxley, lost 400 ornamental carp that were in a lake fed by
the river. She told The Sun: “It’s heartbreaking. “They’ve all been killed because there was no oxygen in the water. “Some were over ten years old and up to 15lb. They were lovely, a real feature of the venue.”
A GALA Evening at Wells Film Centre on Friday, October 4, will raise funds for The Lawrence Centre. There will be a reception at 6.30pm followed by the screening of Judy (12A), a film about Judy Garland starring Renee Zellweger, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 to include a glass of wine or orange juice. Contact Richard Leworthy, rjleworthy@gmail.com, 01749 670102, or Maggie Charlesworth, 01749 676839. View every issue online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
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wellsvoice
September 2019
19
n NEWS
Group set for ‘glorious meeting’
Recital by mum and daughter
ABSOLUTELY Glorious Meeting – that’s what Sustainable Wells have chosen to call their AGM in September. It is open to all supporters of the local organisation which has become more familiar over the past year through activities such as the Repair Café, Freecycle, the Eco Café and their regular monthly Gatherings. The speaker at the Sustainable Wells AGM is also local to the Mendips. Anna Francis, resilience manager for Frome Town Council, will be talking about what Frome has done and what they plan to do in the future to meet the challenge of low carbon living and climate adaptation. “This year Sustainable Wells has focussed on publicising the actions we all need to take given the climate crisis,” said Laura Sorensen, one of the Sustainable Wells organisers. “Now with Wells City Council, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council all committed to action it will be
DANISH mother and daughter Maria and Giuly Johannsen, also known as Duo con Moto, will give a violin and song recital in Wells as part of their UK tour. They will perform a programme of masterpieces by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and R Strauss in St Thomas’ Church on October 12. Soprano Maria Johannsen specialises in Lieder and also gives talks in German, Danish and English. She has given recitals including both opera and oratorio arias, and Lieder, in Germany, Denmark, Italy, Saint Petersburg and England. Now with her daughter Giuly Johannsen, as Duo con Moto they will be sharing their passion for Lieder and the violin repertoire, especially for Russian music, with audiences in Bray, Oxford, Burgh House Hampstead Heath and St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. Tickets for the concert in Wells are £10, students £8, under 12s free. Doors 6.30pm for 7pm. Enquiries to Jenny Henderson: 01749 671006 or hendersonfamily@hartershill. co.uk
Kath Elliot demonstrates making rugs from old T-shirts and Mike Philliskirk repairing a broken china pot at the most recent Repair Café held at St Thomas’ Church Hall on August 17, when nearly 40 items were repaired great to see what we can achieve together. For example, Frome have a great project called Solar Streets which supports householders to install a 14kW Solar Photo Voltaic system for £3,750. We would love to see these sorts of projects spread across the Mendips and come to Wells.” Tom Ronan, another one of the organisers, added: “Frome Town Council is a parish council
just like Wells but if you have a look at the Frome website you can see that sustainability and resilience are priority issues. We want to make sure we know just what it’s possible for a parish council to do and how to do it.” That Absolutely Glorious Meeting takes place on September 9 at Wells Little Theatre from 7pm-9pm. All are welcome and refreshments will be available.
Police officers join teenagers in community projects MORE than 40 teenagers from Wells and its surrounding villages took part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) this year. NCS is a governmentrun scheme that helps 15- to 17-year-olds develop greater confidence, self-awareness and responsibility. It encourages personal and social development by working on skills such as
leadership, teamwork and communication. Police officers from Wells joined one group for a couple of their community projects – a litter pick and sponsored haircut and dye – which raised more than £800 for charity. “It is heartening to see young adults aiming high for the future and giving something
back to society,” said PC Rowan Hawkins. “This age is a significant time for the transition from being viewed as a child to that of a young adult. “It is really heart-warming to see the personal gain that these young people achieve. I would urge all those eligible to consider taking part.”
Nosh-stalgia THE name of the cafe/bistro in Union Street was spelt wrongly in a story in the August issue. Apologies. The correct name is Nosh-stalgia.
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wellsvoice
20
September 2019
n NEWS Greener cleaner litter collection WELLS litter pickers are joining forces with the Somerset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England for their next clean-up weekend in September. The Wells litter pick on September 20, 21 and 22 will be part of CPRE’s nationwide Green Clean campaign. CPRE is campaigning for a Deposit Return System in which vending machines will pay out when plastic bottles and cans are fed into them, as an incentive to stop littering. In the Green Clean, those collecting the litter will also count and record the number of plastic and glass bottles and cans of different sizes. The information will be collated and used as evidence in CPRE’s campaigning, which might mean more work at the time, but could lead to less litter in the long run. Councillor Celia Wride is once again organising the Wells litter pick in September, and will be at Wells Town Hall at about 8.30am on the Friday and Saturday, and 9am on the Sunday, to hand out equipment. New volunteers are welcome. Previous litter picks around Wells have seen dozens of bags filled with rubbish.
On August 5 and 6, the Wells Beat Team hosted a ‘Detective for a Day’ event for youngsters at Wells Leisure Centre. PCSO Samuel White led the children around, following clues to solve the Wellsbased crime. Here is a selection of photographs from the event.
Bus station improvements being planned PLANS are being drawn up for improvements to Wells Bus Station. Wells Voice reported last month on calls to carry out work such as repairing railings and filling potholes, and to enhance the general appearance of the site. A spokesperson for Mendip District Council, which owns the land, said: “Mendip District Council is currently working to undertake some longer term improvements in the coach/bus station, working with a number of partners to ensure that the space is fit for the future and meets a range of needs. “While there are no timescales against this work at
the present, we will continue to work with and update all partners and the public of any upcoming works.” Work would have the full backing of bus operator First West of England. The company’s head of operations, Chris Hanson, said: “We are very supportive of moves to improve the aesthetics of the bus station for our customers and are happy to work with Mendip District Council, local councillors and residents to look at practical ways in which this might be achieved.” Responding to reports of schoolchildren acting in an antisocial manner and damaging property at the bus station, the
district council spokesperson said: “There is CCTV in place operating 24/7 and it is used to assist with any investigations. Anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour should report this through the usual channels via the police 101 number.” The spokesperson also confirmed that coaches will be able to continue parking for free at the bus station, and that there are currently no plans to end the scheme. Waiving charges has been credited with bringing more tourists to Wells, and encouraging coach drivers to use the bus station rather than the bay in Sadler Street; this sometimes has other vehicles
parked in it which can lead to the temporary blocking of the road. There have also been complaints about diesel fumes from the idling engines. The continuation of free parking for tour buses has been welcomed by Wells’ district councillors. Councillor Lois Rogers said: “We all very proud of what Wells has to offer and I am keen to see as much effort as possible to encourage coach tourists into the city. “It has been calculated each of them spends an average of £13.50 here bringing in a total of more than £500,00 a year. “They are a vital source of revenue for the local economy.”
The deadline for the October issue of Wells Voice is Wednesday, September 18 To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
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September 2019
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n NEWS
Still time to enter talent competition THERE is still time to enter Wells’s Got Talent which is taking place in Wells Town Hall on Saturday, September 28. Tina Blackwill is organising the talent show, open to any family-friendly acts, in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. “The show is open to all ages with any talent,” said Tina. “We don’t mind if you are not perfect, we just want to see you there.” It will cost £10 to enter, and there will be cash prizes for first, second and third place. The four judges will be recent Mayor of Wells, Celia Wride, Philip Welch of GFM, Jacky Edwards, who played Wishy Washy in Wells pantomime, and Michael Smith, a children’s entertainer. The compere for the evening
is Allan Trinder of GFM. BBC radio presenter Emma Britton, a patron of St Margaret’s Hospice, will also be at the event. Audience tickets are available to purchase at £5 a ticket, and Tina said that she is hoping for a big audience to cheer on the acts. “It promises to be a very glitzy and glamorous evening. As well as an evening full of razzamatazz and entertainment there will be a drinks interval and a fabulous raffle,” she said, adding that there have already been plenty of entries for the show. The four judges will give a positive critique of each act, score accordingly, and then decide the winners. To enter Wells’s Got Talent, email Tina on tina.blackwill@ live.co.uk or call her on 07450 367805.
Shoppers back Poppy Factory
Michael Smith, Tina Blackwill, Allan Trinder, Philip Welch, Jacky Edwards and Celia Wride
SHOPPERS in Wells showed their support for ex-servicemen and women by casting their votes for a charity that helps veterans with health conditions back into work. Customers gave their backing to The Poppy Factory, which was awarded £12,000 in four separate Bags of Help schemes in Somerset through grants raised from carrier bag sales. The total included £2,000 from Tesco in Wells. Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the community funding project. Another £4,000 was awarded to The Poppy Factory through votes cast at the store in Glastonbury, along with £4,000 from the Tesco Extra in Yeovil and £2,000 from the Chard store. The funding will help The Poppy Factory support more wounded, sick and injured veterans in Somerset and the South West.
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September 2019
n NEWS
Cycling marathon will benefit homeless SOMERSET company director Charles Dowson stopped off in Wells during a charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Charles set off on the 950mile journey on August 22 and is due to arrive at John O’Groats on September 1 after ten days in the saddle. The second night was spent in Wells before he cycled on north through North Somerset and Bristol. Charles is a director at both DIY Doctor, a home improvement website that operates from Frome, and its building arm, Foundations Up Construction, which provides a wide range of building services across Somerset, Bath and Bristol. The idea was conceived at the companies’ joint Christmas party last year when DIY Doctor master joiner Gervase Evans announced that he was going to
Charles Dowson about to set off on his charity cycle challenge build a bamboo bike and cycle it from Land’s End to John O’Groats. In support, Charles offered to join him – on a normal bike – if Gervase would go
through with the challenge. Bike building and training began in earnest this year. Sadly, Gervase has recently been diagnosed with bowel
cancer so has had to drop out to receive treatment. He is responding well, and hopes to lead another challenge next year, but so close to the event, Charles decided to continue this year and is riding in aid of the charity Crisis UK, which works with homeless people. His companies focus on helping people making their homes more comfortable, and he feels it is important to stop and consider people who don’t have a home at all. He said of the marathon cycle ride: “It started as a bit of fun and a challenge to ride the length of the country, but while we are doing it there is a great opportunity to raise awareness and some money for a great cause. Every penny we can raise will help to make each gruelling mile a little less painful.” Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/diydoctorfoundationsup
Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care. We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset. We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and non-clinical. Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team. We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles. Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here www.sironacic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you
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wellsvoice n FROM THE TOWN HALL
September 2019
n NEWS
Latest update from Wells City Council
A busy Artisan Market at a previous Wells Food Festival
Food festival back and fresh as ever GET your forks at the ready: the free, family-friendly food festival is returning to Wells for the seventh year running. What began in 2013 with 35 stalls and approximately 3,000 visitors has now increased to a real celebration of Somerset’s food heritage with 175 food stalls in the Artisan Market and an anticipated 15,000 visitors. One of the secrets of its success has been keeping it fresh each year, with new areas to discover and activities and events organised to really explore the subject of food. To get the creative juices flowing, there is an exclusive Food Photography competition this year, open to amateur photographers in three age groups: 11 & under; 12-17 and 18 & over. Up to five digital photographs can be entered, each with a food theme. The deadline for submissions is September 30. Full entry details are available on the website, www. wellsfoodfestival.co.uk. The judging panel, headed by food and lifestyle photographer Neil White, will select the best photographs in each age group for an exciting exhibition in
Wells Town Hall to be held on the day of the festival. Elsewhere in the festival, visitors can taste their way round Somerset in the Artisan Market. Expect to find everything from fabulously fermented foods to traditional sausage rolls, washed down with a range of drinks from mead to locally distilled gin. An interactive Children’s Trail will take younger family members on a journey of food discovery around the festival. Meanwhile, the Charlie Bigham’s Discovery Zone in the Recreation Ground will be celebrating the county’s heritage of dairy farming, as well as taking an informative look at composting and food waste. The Royal Bath & West of England Society Farmyard will bring a range of agricultural activities and farm animals to the city. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about farming and where their food comes from, with a variety of ‘hands, eyes, ears and noses-on’ learning. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, October 13, from 10.30am-4.30pm. For further information, visit www. wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
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CONTROL of the Recreation Ground and Bishop’s Barn were given to Mendip District Council in the 1970s. Wells City Council wants control of these important assets returned to Wells. The barn in particular is a building of national importance but hardly used and in need of repair and heating. They were given to the people of Wells to mark Queen Victoria’s Silver Jubilee by Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and looked after by the mayor and aldermen (senior councillors) of Wells. Then in 1974, as part of a national reorganisation of local government, Mendip District Council was formed and powers passed to it – including control of the Recreation Ground and Bishop’s Barn. Mendip is the sole trustee and day-to-day decisions are delegated to the Wells Recreation Ground Trust Committee
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which comprises six Mendip representatives and two Wells city councillors. We have asked Mendip to increase the Wells representation to four. But the committee would still only make recommendations with all major decisions staying with Mendip. There is money in the Recreation Ground and Bishop’s Barn trust from the sale of Park Cottage on the corner of the palace moat for £550,000 in 2007 and car parking charges on land owned by the trust off South Street. The barn is a Grade I listed building built in the 15th century as part of the bishop’s farm for threshing and storing grain. Later uses included an armoury, drill hall and music venue. Bands that performed there in the 1970s include Status Quo, Slade and Supertramp. Other Bishop’s Barns have found successful new roles, like Glastonbury’s becoming a Rural Life Museum. Wells city councillor Philip Welch
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Diabetes Awareness Day at Wells Town Hall Four months left of 2019 – how has this year been for you so far? Goodness-Me have shared a number of articles for Voice readers this year, covering useful tips to keep people on track to feeling good about themselves. We continue to provide information on our website by updating new articles each month, check these out at www.goodness-me.co.uk or contact us on hello@goodness-me.co.uk We help many people reverse chronic health conditions by lifestyle intervention alone. Being armed with the right information will make a difference in itself. When our health is out of sync, we need support. We need to find out what is the cause of our ill health. You will be surprised by how the simplest of changes can make the biggest improvements. We work closely with local people as we feel it is important to get the message out there in regards to how we can help ourselves by having the knowledge available. One of the fastest growing modern day diseases is Type 2 diabetes and yet it is preventable. To raise awareness of this disease, the City of Wells Lions Club are organising a free event at Wells Town Hall on Saturday 5th October. Goodness-Me will be supporting them and providing information to anyone who has any questions on the day.
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September 2019
n SPORT Players from Wells RFC with the CSU Long Beach Rugby team
Picture: Paul Nicholls
Wells sides well placed after latest wins CRICKET Minehead 2nd XI v Wells 1st XI WELLS made the long trek to Minehead on August 17 and elected to bowl first on a damper wicket than expected. Perry Reeves and Ollie Smart opened the bowling and put great pressure on the top order, bowling good lines and length. Smart took the important wicket of Godfrey (20), and though Howard and Taylor battled away, they were not given any bad balls by Reeves (nine overs 0-17) and Smart (seven overs 1-21). Spinners Leo Boot (1-31) and Jack Moore (4-22) kept the
pressure on the Minehead top order, and with the rate below three an over, eventually the wickets began to tumble. The only resistance came from Brandan Rawle who batted well for 39. Vassalli and Williams (3-32) bowled decently at the death in restricting Minehead to 157 all out. Leo Boot and Dave Stacey opened for Wells, and got off to a good start, taking the score to 35 for 0 before Stacey was adjudged LBW for 24. Boot then kicked on and alongside Jack Moore they mustered an excellent partnership, taking the score close to 100 for 2 until Boot was bowled for 36. Dan Vassalli joined Moore with
60 still to win. The pair made sure there were no wobbles as sensible batting and elegant strokeplay ensured Wells romped to a sevenwicket win with 10 overs still to spare. Moore and Vassalli finished on 30 and 27 not out respectively as Wells claimed a first win away to Minehead for as long as anyone can remember. Wells 2nd XI v Mark WELLS 2nd XI made light work of their tie with third-placed Mark in Division 8N on August 17 – potentially completing their game quicker than the 1st XI commute to Minehead.
Wells CC’s junior bowlers Ryan Cooper and James Barber (who both collected their GCSE results this week) made quick work of bowling out Mark for the total of just 11 runs in eight overs, James collecting a 5-for with two clean bowled, two LBWs and a catch from 15-year-old Matthew Williams. Ryan meanwhile took three wickets, all clean bowled. Father Dave Barber (8*) and Paul Skinner (1*) quickly chased down the total in 2.3 overs. Both Wells 1st XI and Wells 2nd XI currently sit in second place in their respective leagues with two crucial fixtures remaining.
Wells Tennis Club’s regular Wednesday ‘Rusty Rackets’ group held their end of season fundraising night on Wednesday, August 21. Twenty players competed in short mixed 20-minute sets followed by a quiz, raising £210 for charities including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. Anyone interested in improving their tennis skills can join the group which is open to non-members and runs all year round. The next session will be on Wednesday, September 4.
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wellsvoice
September 2019
Well prepared for kick off RUGBY JUST a couple of weeks now until the new rugby season kicks and whatever comes to pass, Wells have really prepared well for the kick off. Training numbers have stood up well despite it being the holiday season as each session attracts at least 40 plus players. The new season kicks off when Wells travel to Nailsea & Backwell on September 7. On their last visit to West End Park, Nailsea, way back in October 2011, Wells won by 40 points to eight. Earlier this month Wells welcomed visitors from the USA when the CSU Long Beach Rugby team from California played the
first match of their short UK tour. Wells used the match to give as many of their players game time and over the course of the 80 minutes no less than 45 took to the field. The match itself was an entertaining affair watched by a sizeable crowd. In a match of varying fortunes, the visitors ran out winners by 40 points to 31. Before the match, the American visitors were given a welcome to Wells by the Town Crier, Len Sweales, on the Cathedral Green, a quick tour of Wells and a meeting with the Mayor, John Osman, in the Town Hall. This was followed by a reception at the club and an exchange of mementoes.
Ladies win relegation fight TENNIS WELLS A ladies had a final match relegation showdown with Woodland A to stay in Division 2 of the North Somerset Tennis League. Wells’ first pair of Marie Bruckshaw and Julia Nest had a three-set battle with the Woodland first pair. With some exciting rallies both teams fought well but Wells kept determined and took the rubber. The second pair of Wendy Edwards and Caroline Moule steamed ahead against the Woodland second pair, taking more points in this crucial tie. The weather was heated, like
the match, and moving into the final rubbers, all four Wells ladies kept their cool. Both pairings kept the momentum and won in two sets to take overall victory 10-1. This meant Wells were raised out of the relegation zone and stay in Division 2. Captain Nest couldn’t have been more proud of her team. The start of the season was difficult for all but Nest was thrilled with her team’s resilience and ability to adapt, earning them many wins in the second half of the season. All four of the Wells ladies teams competed well this season and Nest was pleased to see so many ladies getting on court and enjoying tennis.
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City come up short on Mark’s big day FOOTBALL Wells City 1 Ashton & Backwell United 3 CAPTAIN for the day Mark Randall nearly made his 600th game even more memorable by marking it with a goal. But a 36th-minute strike from 30 yards was parried to safety and hooked clear by the centre half, and a half-volley from 15 yards a few minutes later after a Harry Foster flick on saw the ball clear the bar. The first 15 minutes of the game was a rather drab affair with no incident of note. Then on 16 minutes Wells suffered a major blow as Craig Herrod came off injured after potentially pulling his groin, to be replaced by Dale Hunt. Apart from Randall’s efforts, Ashton & Backwell had the best chances of the first half, the striker blazing over on the volley from six yards after 18 minutes, and Kieran Hodges getting a fingertip to a shot on 41 minutes that just deflected the ball past the far post. Ashton took the lead in the 58th-minute when a cross to the far post found two players free and the No. 10 headed the ball back across goal and into the far corner. Three minutes later they doubled their lead. A corner was headed against the bar and their players were quicker to react and
Mark Randall, in blue, gets a foot in during the game against Ashton & Backwell United poke the ball over the line with Wells once again asleep at the back. Wells pulled a goal back when substitute Alex Camm slid the ball into the near post corner after excellent play by Charlie Crook and a quality pull back, but the two-goal lead was restored when a long ball by the Ashton defence causeed confusion between Hodges and Ross Padfield, leaving the Ashton striker with an easy finish. Overall it was a disappointing display from Wells considering the start they have had with two excellent away wins, against Oldland Abbotonians (4-1) and Sherborne Town (4-2), but on the day they were second best and rightly lost.
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September 2019
n ON THE BEAT
Remember to secure car at beauty spots I HOPE all readers have had a fantastic summer break and are now back into the routines of normal day-to-day life. Recently I have had an opportunity to assist in covering the rural beat area for the Mendips. During my time carrying out patrols particularly at beauty spots such as Stockhill Woods, Ebbor Gorge, Deer Leap and Velvet Bottom, I have become very aware of how many motorists, both local and tourists alike, assume that because we live in a relatively safe policing area, they are less likely to become a victim of car crime. Most are generally mindful of the importance of securing their vehicles when on a walk or having a picnic. However, there are still quite a number who are not, forgetting how easy it can be for an
News from the local policing team with PCSO Bev Searle opportunist thief to steal items from their parked vehicles whilst they are out enjoying themselves.
Just a reminder: n Always lock doors, windows and sunroof every time, even just for short amounts of time. n Don’t leave handbags, coats or loose money on view within the vehicle (even putting a handbag under a seat is inadvisable as it can be seen). n Take all valuables with you – these items are often irreplaceable and have sentimental value. n Refrain from leaving driving documents or personal letters in vehicles – they can be used to assist thieves in selling your car should they steal it, or even provide a reasonable excuse should they be stopped by police. n Remove sat-navs left on display when away from vehicles. If built-in devices, try not to set your home address into your satnav for start or return journeys; use an area that is near your
home as thieves may use your settings to direct them to your home address, particularly if keys have been stolen too. Generally be wary of anyone who may be lingering in their own vehicle at beauty spot locations – they may be watching to see if you put any valuables or other items in your boot (out of sight). Once you have left the vehicle, it only takes them seconds to break in and steal those items. Best advice is to take them with you, however inconvenient this may be, to avoid these incidents. In the unfortunate event that you do become a victim of car crime, please inform the police via 101, which enables us to identify areas that offenders are frequenting to commit these crimes, also ensuring we are able to increase our patrols to those areas.
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wellsvoice
September 2019
n NEWS
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Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
Worrying picture for small claims access to justice By Carla Jones
Back row: Denise Blackburn and John Blackburn of the Classic & Historic Motor Club; middle row: Annette Chant, Sandy Riley and Bob Riley of the Classic & Historic Motor Club, and Jelena, Emma and Zoe of Macmillan Cancer Support; front row: Ray Clarke, Classic & Historic Motor Club treasurer, Mark Tobin, Macmillan Cancer Support chairman, and Roger Dollins, Classic & Historic Motor Club chairman
Charity gets £2.5k from 2019 car tour MACMILLAN Cancer Support has received more than £2,500 after another successful Mendip Vintage & Classic Tour this year. The tour is organised by the Classic & Historic Motor Club, and Macmillan Cancer Support is its nominated charity. The Wells committee of Macmillan Cancer Support, led by their chairman Mark Tobin, raised £1,114.71 from the raffle on the day and the Classic & Historic Motor Club donated £1,400 from the Mendip Vintage & Classic Tour. Mark said the charity was overwhelmed at the amount raised. “The money will be used to help improve the lives of people suffering from cancer in Somerset. Our heartfelt thanks to the Mendip Tour sub-committee and the Classic & Historic Motor
Club for all their hard work,” he said. Roger Dollins, chairman of the sub-committee, said: “We are delighted to have raised such a large amount for this amazing charity, the support they give to cancer patients and their families is truly wonderful. Mark and his team are dedicated to helping create as much money as possible for the charity and worked tirelessly throughout the day, they are a great team. “I will pass on a big thank you to all the club members and the Mendip Tour sub-committee who make it such a great event, also to our main sponsor Debbie Fortune Estate Agents, and our other sponsors Ian Studley Cars Ltd and Kestrel Motors. Also, to all the entrants who support the Mendip Tour with their wonderful classic cars.”
Remembering life as an evacuee WELLS resident Audrey Gane will be reading from her memoirs of life as an evacuee at Radstock Museum on Saturday, September 7. From the East End, Audrey was evacuated early
in September 1939, first to Timsbury and then to Paulton. Her readings can be heard from 2pm-4pm, and event organisers say they will be an evocative and emotional recollection.
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RECENT reports have demonstrated that small claims are now taking longer than ever before to reach resolution. The Ministry of Justice found that in January to March 2019 the average small claim took 36.9 weeks to reach trial in the Small Claims Court. While that may seem like a relatively short time when compared to a multi-track matter (which take an average of 58.5 weeks to come to trial), let’s remember that small claims are often run by individuals (without legal representation) meaning they are “going it alone” for well over half a year. In addition, the difference in complexity, level of work required and value between a small claim and a multi-track matter is vast, meaning that a difference of only 21 weeks seems ludicrous. The decision that parties to small claims cannot recover solicitors’ fees was taken to keep costs down and enable everyone to have access to justice, even for low value claims. But with ever increasing delays in getting a result, one could argue that the inability to recover solicitors’ fees results in access to justice being threatened more than ever because people either have to take on eight months of litigation alone or put money towards legal fees which they will never recover. There isn’t any one reason for the increase in the life of small claims but contributing
factors are likely to include staff shortages within the administrative teams at courts, greater demands on judges’ time and, perhaps most importantly, more claims being issued. In addition, and perhaps more worrying, recent findings suggest that as well as more claims coming before courts, there is also a downward trend in parties cooperating. If there are more cases but parties are cooperating less, the upward trend will continue. The same Ministry of Justice report found that both parties had legal representation in just 54 per cent of cases, a statistic which demonstrates a growing trend for people to represent themselves in proceedings. Some 16,000 claims went to trial in the first three months of 2019 – an increase of eight per cent year-on-year. Multi and fast track trials were also up 15 per cent to 4,800. Taken together these statistics and findings paint a worrying picture for small claims access to justice in our courts. These matters are often low value (anything from £1 to £10,000) and the court delays mean that parties are likely to be embroiled in litigation for more than eight months. If this trend continues it seems inevitable that people will be dissuaded from issuing claims due to the severe delays encountered and if that happens access to justice in small claims matters will be seriously undermined. n Carla Jones is a Solicitor Director with Chubb Bulleid, which has offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.
Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100
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September 2019
n NEWS
Portraits breathe new life into past By Clare Blackmore WELLS & Mendip Museum held an exhibition of the Phillips Portraits in October 2018 which garnered an enormous amount of interest on the day from those with general interest and a continued interest by local people researching their family history. The portrait of Ismalia Kate Francis is a case in point. Ismalia worked at the Swan hotel as a chambermaid and married a local man, Thomas Bennett, with whom she had four children. They moved after their marriage to Hollybrook, just outside Wells. Thomas died at the age of 34 and Ismalia went on to marry again, a farmer called Weeks from Westbury-sub-Mendip. Through further research using the local newspaper
archive the report on Thomas’s death told that he was buried in the churchyard at Easton. Research in the burial records of the church showed the location of Thomas’s grave but this was overgrown with weeds and brambles and once uncovered, it was discovered that Ismalia was also buried there alongside her first husband. The Francis family of Coxley visited the Portraits Exhibition and were delighted to find the picture of Ismalia who was born in Coxley, and from there continued their own research and were able to fit Ismalia into their family history. A Francis, born in Coxley, now living in Canada, heard from the family about the photograph and she too was delighted to be able to see her great-aunt Ismalia and that has stimulated
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Miss Tuffin of Vicars Close, one of the Phillips Portraits Picture courtesy of Wells & Mendip Museum
the Francis family to do more research, which also uncovered a photograph in the collection of Mr Francis of Coxley, also related, and who, through the local newspaper archive, was discovered to have committed suicide. A new exhibition of the portraits is opening at
the museum on Saturday, September 21, for Heritage Open Days. It will run until October 4. Further enquiries from other visitors to the original exhibition continue to come in adding to local family histories and adding to the information that goes alongside this unique collection of photographs.
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Southover was once the main road into Wells
Spotlight on street at ‘Town’s End’ AFTER a successful open day last year, the residents of Southover are again opening up their homes and staging an exhibition in the Methodist Church Hall reflecting the rich heritage of the houses, the residents and the history of what was once the main road into Wells. The Southover Heritage Open Day will take place this year on Saturday, September 14, from 1pm-5pm.
Philip Hoare, who is heading up the research for the project, would love to hear from anyone in Wells who has memories, photographs or reminiscences of living or working in Southover in order to enrich the unique history of this important street. He can be contacted at phoarek@gmail.com – and everyone is welcome to go along on the day to learn more about this street at “Town’s End”.
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wellsvoice
September 2019
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n NEWS
Doors being opened to welcome public HERITAGE Open Days will take place again in September. As well as the events mentioned on the opposite page, other sites opening their doors in Wells are: St Cuthbert’s Church On Sunday, September 15, and Sunday, September 22, there will be a chance to meet Emma Norris and Lynne Humphries, specialists in architectural and sculptural conservation. Emma and Lynne worked on the unique painted medieval reredoses at St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells in 2016 and are returning to share their knowledge and demonstrate their techniques. On Sunday, September 15, at 2.30pm, Emma will talk about what the reredos statues and their frameworks would have looked like in their full 15th century pre-Reformation glory. She will describe and demonstrate the techniques used by conservators to find the evidence. On Sunday, September 22, at 2.30pm, Lynne will talk about and demonstrate how the fragments and frameworks might be cleaned, conserved and displayed. Some of the sculptures will be on display and there will also be tower tours, explorer challenges and cream teas to enjoy.
then visit the Archives Room (not usually open to the public) to hear the Cathedral Archivist explain evidence. Times: 10am11am and 3pm-4pm. Meet in the Cathedral’s West Cloister.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the gardens at City of Wells Almshouses City of Wells Almshouses On their final open day this year, the residents of the City of Wells Almshouses will be opening their Chapel, Guildroom and gardens for Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 21, from 11am to 4pm. Home-baked cakes, savouries and refreshments will be served in the Guildroom in Bubwith House, and the Simply Uke! ukulele band will be playing in the chapel between 2pm and 3pm. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome to go along and look at these historic dwellings, some of which date back to the 15th century, and to walk around the beautiful gardens and talk to the residents and volunteers. Four of the almshouses are located at the back of St Cuthbert’s churchyard and entry is from Chamberlain Street, St Cuthbert Street or Priest Row. The fifth, Llewellyn’s, is accessible from Priest Row. The Old Deanery There will be guided tours of the Grade I listed Old Deanery overlooking Cathedral Green on Saturday, September 14, every 20 minutes from 10am to 4pm. Its Tudor-style gardens will also be open to visit.
A painted head fragment, one of the items that can be seen at St Cuthbert’s Church
Wells Cathedral There will be a chance to meet the Cathedral Archivist and find
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out more about the Monmouth Rebellion on Tuesday, September 17. Take a 20-minute tour with a guide to discover how the events of 1685 included the Cathedral,
Mendip Hospital Cemetery For Heritage Open Days there will be special tours of the cemetery, opened in 1874 as the burial ground of the Somerset and Bath Pauper Lunatic Asylum (later known as the Wells Mental hospital, and from 1948, the Mendip Hospital). There will be a display of historic photographs and documents plus maps and plans of the Mendip Hospital in the cemetery chapel. Opening times: Saturday, September 14: 10am-4pm, tours 11am and 3pm; Sunday, September 15: 10am-4pm, tours 11am and 3pm; Sunday, September 22: 10am-4pm, tours 11am and 3pm.
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September 2019
n NEWS
Blue School results again a real cause for celebration
Pupils prove up to the challenge GCSEs
A-levels STUDENTS at Wells Blue School celebrated an outstanding set of A-level outcomes as a consequence of this year’s results. Students at all levels achieved exceptionally well. Almost half of all grades were at the highest A* or A grade, a figure that is likely to be nearly double the national achievement rate. Over 80 per cent of entries were achieved at grades A*-C, an outcome that demonstrates the depth of success within the school. With over 300 exam entries at the largest school sixth form in Somerset, this translates to a huge number of students who have given themselves the best opportunity for the future. Last year’s results placed the school amongst the highest achieving of any institution across the South West. It is likely that these results with be at a similarly high level. Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: “We are absolutely delighted that the hard work and application of our students has paid off for them with such exceptional results. These results illustrate the talent that the students possess, the excellence of the teaching they have experienced and the strength of the relationships that have been built within the school. “These results are the product of our educational and
Wells Blue School students happy with their A-level results local community, of which we consider ourselves a key part. We thank all of those who have supported these students during their time at school. We believe that our community should be justifiably proud of its students and of the school that serves Wells and the surrounding area.”
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The vast majority of students have achieved their first choice university place or are able to embark upon their chosen career path. These include numerous places at the strongest universities across the country, including Oxford and Cambridge, and a wide range of courses and careers. Bridget Cox, assistant headteacher responsible for the Sixth Form, said: “I am extremely proud of the achievements of all of our students. We consider it our mission to provide our students with the best opportunities for the next steps in their education and careers. This group of young people have amply demonstrated their academic ability, complementing the positive role models that we know they have become.”
GCSE students at The Blue School have followed in the footsteps of their A-level counterparts and produced a brilliant set of GCSE results this year. These students have been assessed under the new 9 to 1 scale and they have proved up to the challenges that this new system has presented. An incredible 16% of all entries were at the new 9 or 8 grade, equivalent to an A* under the old system. In addition, just under a third of all entries achieved a grade 7 or above, equivalent to an old A grade. Excellent outcomes have been achieved in a wide range of subject areas, justifying the Blue School’s philosophy that the breadth of the curriculum matters. The students have shown that they can achieve combined success in academic, creative and practical subjects, against the national trend, giving them the best opportunity for the future. Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: “It is a privilege to see such strong GCSE results being achieved this year. We are delighted for the students, who have lived up to their potential and set themselves up for the future. Our staff should also be congratulated on the support that they have given these students to reach these high levels. They have equally faced uncertainty in this new system and their professionalism and care has made a key difference to the students.”
At the Heart of England’s Smallest City City of Wells Town Hall Various rooms to hire for: Conferences, Seminars Fairs, Shows, Exhibitions, Marriages, Receptions, all types of Meetings and Local Group Classes Very reasonable rates
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wellsvoice
September 2019
31
n NEWS Impressive set of outcomes GCSEs
Wells Cathedral School Upper Sixth students in cheerful mood after collecting their results
Cathedral School students shine in variety of subjects A-levels UPPER Sixth pupils at Wells Cathedral School have received another strong set of A-level results; 99 per cent of pupils passed, and over a third of entries were awarded the top two grades, well above the national average figure of 25 per cent. Wells’ results were strong across a wide variety of subjects this year, with exceptional results in Mathematics, where 50 per cent of the cohort achieved A* or A grades, despite a downward trend in grades for this subject nationally. In Biology and Physics, almost a third of Wells pupils gained the two top grades, whilst 38 per cent gained A and A* grades in
Chemistry. One third gained the top grades in Geology. In the Arts, two-thirds of the Spanish cohort achieved the very top grade; whilst 40 per cent of those who studied French gained an A*. In English well over two-thirds of the cohort achieved grades A*-B; whilst in Music, over half of pupils gained A or A* grades. Over 80 per cent of Photography candidates achieved an A or A* grade, whilst 40 per cent of students taking History of Art achieved the top two grades. Nearly ten per cent of pupils achieved three or more A or A* grades or better, with seven pupils gaining more than two A* grades, including Maxim Cooper from Wookey Hole, Madeleine
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Perring from Westbury-subMendip and Catherine Stringer from Wells. Maxim will go on to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol; Madeleine will continue with her vocal studies at the Royal College of Music where she also has a financial scholarship; and Catherine will study Neuroscience & French at the University of Manchester. Headmaster Alastair Tighe said: “I am delighted that so many of our pupils have done so well, and it is pleasing to see the year group heading off to pursue such diverse courses at various institutions. They have been great ambassadors for their school and we wish them all the very best for the future.”
PUPILS at Wells Cathedral School celebrated excellent GCSE results on August 22, with the vast majority of subjects assessed against the reformed, more rigorous, GCSE examination grades. Almost half the grades awarded were the top 9-7 grades; very impressively, 17 per cent of pupils achieved a Grade 9 or A* (against a national average of 4.5 per cent) and 29 per cent of grades were awarded at Grade 8 or 9. The school achieved a 99 per cent pass rate. Just under one fifth of pupils achieved at least six or more of the two top grades, a notable improvement on last year; whilst 13 pupils achieved five or more 9s or A* grades, including Harry Chantrey from Draycott, Amber Cooknell from Winscombe, Hector Gummer from North Wootton, Katie Hastilow from Wells, Oscar Howe from Butleigh, Rose Ormond from Winscombe, Amelia Watson from Shapwick and Lily Webb from Launcherley. Wells performed very well across a wide variety of subjects this year, with particular success in the three sciences, with 50 per cent achieving grade 9, and 100 per cent gaining 7-9, in Chemistry; 91 per cent gaining 7-9 in Physics; and 75 per cent gaining 7-9 in Biology. Headmaster Alastair Tighe said: “All our pupils are to be congratulated on their achievement, and it is wonderful to be able to share in their success.”
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September 2019
n NEWS
Contemporary art admired by thousands THIS year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition, held for the first time in Wells Cathedral, has been hailed a major success. There were 25,000 visitors to the Cathedral during the three weeks of the show, which ran from July 20 to August 11. They were able to admire 96 artworks in the Cloisters and 13 installations located around the Cathedral. More than 3,000 people voted for the Chubb Bulleid People’s Prize, which was won by Hampshire artist Georgina Lowbridge with her painting Too Much Fun depicting two men dozing on a sofa. Visitors made dozens of complimentary comments about the show to the exhibition’s stewards, and in visitor books on the stewards’ tables. “All the WAC team were thrilled at the overwhelmingly positive response from the public,” said WAC chair Paddy O’Hagan. “Many artists attended too, both local and international, to celebrate the start of art in the Cathedral. “The setting is wonderful. As the Dean pointed out on the opening evening, what was cutting edge 700 years ago is reflected in the contemporary art that was on show. The installations all around the Cathedral itself are unique
Clockwise from top, Too Much Fun, the painting by Georgina Lowbridge that was the favourite of the public; WAC chair Paddy O’Hagan with another of the winning artists, Ruth Chambers; and Paddy with Lisa Hodges and Sally Dempsey from Heads Up, which displayed a piece created by some of its clients, and Chloe Morgan-Tyghe from The Connect Centre which provided an interactive art installation
to Wells. We are so grateful to the Dean and Chapter, the vergers and Jez Fry, the clerk of works, for making it happen so smoothly. “Thanks also to our sponsors whose amazing generosity was central to this huge success for WAC, the Cathedral and our Wells community. We hope to be even better next year.” The other prize-winners were: Next Generation Art Prize: Ned Armstrong, Alec Kronacker; JGM Gallery: Seamus Staunton; RK Harrison Award: Ian Burke/ Ade Adesina; PH Prize: Ruth Chambers; Cass Watercolour: Tricia Gilman for Moment Field 4; Cass Acrylic: Seongwon Jung for Memories Full of Forgetting; Cass Oil: Alex and Theo Gaibauldi Plytas.
Mental health first aid introductory training sessions TRAINER Vanessa Gordon, working in association with local mental health charity Heads Up, is celebrating World Mental Health Day by running three separate ‘Introduction to Mental Health First Aid’ training sessions at the special offer price of £65 per candidate. The training will take place on Thursday, October 10, at Heads Up Day Centre at South Horrington, and session times are 9.30am-1pm, 1.30pm-5pm or 6pm-9.30pm. This course is nationally accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, and the cost includes registration and accreditation.
Mental health first aid is an educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as people learn physical first aid, mental health first aid teaches how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health. Vanessa has worked in mental health services for more than 30 years encompassing older people, child, adolescent, acute mental health, inpatient and community services. She is a registered mental health nurse and a trustee of Heads Up. She
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The training room at Heads Up was the national clinical lead for NHS England patient safety for mental health and learning disabilities until her recent retirement. She now works for NHS England as a clinical reviewer for patients with
learning disabilities and runs her own mental health first aid training courses. In addition to the Introduction to Mental Health First Aid courses, Vanessa also runs a two-day Mental Health First Aid course. To book a place on one of the courses contact Vanessa by calling 07564 071477 or emailing beulahlight@outlook.com Heads Up works with individuals across the Mendip area who are affected by mental health issues and other difficulties. Call 01749 670667 or email info@headsupsomerset. org.uk
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
33
n NEWS
Old school uniform donated by bagful HUNDREDS of items of clothing will be going to charity after a change of uniform at Wells Blue School. Over the past school year, the school has been phasing in a new uniform. As this was going to lead to a large amount of obsolete uniforms from a school of 1,600 students, the PTA looked for a charity which would accept a donation of this type. The clothing had to go somewhere with a variable climate where both the sweatshirts and polo shirts would be of use. Working with RAFT (Refugee Aid From Taunton), a suitable charity was found, The Alabayan Trust, which takes containers out to Turkey and then on into Syria to refugee camps where the clothes will be given to refugee children. Just before the end of the summer term, emails went out to parents and carers, and posters went up at school, appealing to
Some of the donated clothing is sorted and bagged up students for old uniform to be donated, thus avoiding it going to landfill. There is a strong movement in the school towards reducing waste and recycling which is student-led by The Plastics
Books link-up adds more titles BOOKBARN has linked up with Bristol-based publishers Tangent and Bristol Books to extend the range of new titles available at its Hallatrow headquarters near Wells. The move is part of Bookbarn’s drive to work more closely with businesses in the region.
Newly appointed chief executive Nick Bates said: “The new ranges are selling well – people love books about their part of the world. “By working closely with these well-established local publishers we are massively expanding our new book offering across a range of unique and interesting titles.”
Team. The polo shirts and sweatshirts were made partly of polyester; like other polymers, polyester it is not biodegradable, so avoiding sending so many reuseable clothes to landfill is a notable achievement.
There was a huge response to the appeal for donations. Over three days, the bags piled up, and on the last day of term they were sorted and bagged up by members of the PTA. An estimated 1,500-2,000 items were donated. They were collected the following week and taken to Birmingham where the charity is based. Anyone who has other items they wish to donate to refugees can leave them with Wells Refugee Aid which has a general collection point at Wells Town Hall from 10am-11.45am on Fridays. The Blue School PTA said it was delighted with the response, and is extremely grateful to the school and wider community for their support. n The Blue School PTA annual quiz will take place on Friday, October 18. Keep an eye on the PTA Facebook page for more details.
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Introducing Sox...
Vicar moving on after eight years THE Rev Tobie Osmond is leaving St Thomas’, Wells, after eight years. His farewell service will be on Sunday, October 6, at 10am before he takes up a new role at St Mary Magdalene and St John’s, Taunton.
n A Big Cheese Tasting and Sale is being held at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Wednesday, September 18, 7pm for 7.30pm, in aid of the development fund. Entry is £10 to include food and a drink. Cheeses will also be on sale.
Music and cream tea fundraiser A CREAM Tea with Music fundraiser for St Margaret’s Hospice will be held at the Glastonbury Wedding and Events Venue in Godney on Sunday, October 6. Music from local musicians, pianists and singers will begin at
3pm, followed by the cream tea which will be accompanied by easy listening music. Tickets £10, available from Jennifer Collins on 01749 677756. Booking essential. Proceeds will be given to The Friends of St Margaret’s.
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SOX is a sweet and gentle eight-year old black and white girl who just wants a quiet, settled home with a human of her own to love and be a companion to. She is very loving lap cat and in the right home will be a joy to have. Sox needs to be the only
pet in the family. She isn’t an assertive cat and would always be bottom of the pecking order in a multipet household. She needs a home away from busy roads, probably on a quiet estate. Phone Gill on 01749 850660 to arrange to meet this dear little cat.
Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Email: gill@straymoggie.co.uk Telephone: 01749 850660 www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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September 2019
n NEWS
Awards handed to volunteers
Pop-up Syrian restaurant
ST John Ambulance volunteers from the heart of Somerset held their annual awards celebration in Wells Town Hall in July. The health charity’s City of Wells Unit welcomed local VIPs to their celebration, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells, John and Holly Osman, the chair of Somerset County Priory Group, John Roberts, and the president of Wells St John Ambulance, Tessa Munt, along with St John’s Director of Priory and International Affairs, Sarah Duthie. After prayers from Chaplain Reverend Woods, various awards were made to volunteers for achievements in the past year, including Super Badger and Grand Prior awards to St John’s young Badgers (aged 7 to 10) and Cadets (aged 11 to 18). In addition to supporting the community at events in and around the city, local volunteers ran free first aid training
WELLS Refugee Action Group is presenting a Syrian feast at Wells’ first ever Syrian pop-up restaurant. The four-course meal, created by the group’s own Syrian chef, will be served up at the Connect Centre, Portway, on Saturday, September 28, at 7pm. There will also be a licensed bar. Tickets, £20, are only available in advance. Tel: 01749 870703 or 07585 308350. All proceeds will go to the Help Refugees food project which distributes fresh food to families in 17 refugee camps across Europe.
Wells St John Ambulance volunteers, from left, Martyn Walker, Ian Abraham and Alex Fowler with the charity’s new support vehicle, donated by the Mark Master Masons sessions for the public at their headquarters in Charter Way, Wells, on Sunday August 4. The team will also be at the emergency services day, demonstrating life-saving skills on Cathedral Green, on Sunday, September 1. And on Saturday September
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Safe place to talk about grief THERE will be a Bereavement Cafe at St Thomas’ Church on Thursday, September 5, from 10.30am-noon. The cafe aims to be safe place to talk about loss and living with grief and maybe meet other people who are going through similar experiences.
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Loss of one of city’s great characters
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7, St John throws open the doors of its newly spruced up building for an open event. The charity is looking for new volunteers to join its busy Wells Unit. Find out more by contacting Emma Dockerty: emma.dockerty@sja.org.uk For further information on St John Ambulance, including how to make a donation and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja. org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.
WELLS has lost one of its great characters in Martin Coppell, not only ‘Mr Carnival’ himself, but a great man who did so much for all our community events, and above all one of the last few Wellensians who was truly proud of our city. From myself a fellow Wellensian and from my colleagues in the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain may we pass on our condolences to the Coppell family. Richard Green Honorary member of the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain
We are grateful for such generosity I WOULD like to express my sincere thanks to all your readers, their family and friends
who have donated to Macmillan Cancer Support in Somerset this past year. Through their generosity, our Macmillan Wells committee has now raised over £500,000. This has allowed the charity to invest in Macmillan nurses and other professionals who help people with cancer live their lives as fully as they can, no matter what it throws their way. In Somerset, we had ten professionals in funding at the start of the year, supporting people’s needs, and in 2018 £116,700 in grants was given to local people in urgent need of financial support because of cancer. None of this would have been possible without those who have donated, so I believe it is only right that I acknowledge the impact they have had in our area. On behalf of everyone who’s experienced support from Macmillan, we are very grateful. Mark Tobin Chairman, Wells & District Macmillan Cancer Support
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wellsvoice
September 2019
n NEWS Musical response to art display ON Friday, October 4, Amphion Consort will be performing a unique concert in the Undercroft of The Bishop’s Palace in Wells as a response to the ReFormation exhibition taking place throughout the Palace & Gardens. Jenny Bliss and Yair Avidor will be rounding up this summer’s exhibition with a profound musical experience. The group will perform sonatas by the 17th-century Rosicrucian mystic and violin virtuoso Heinrich Biber, including the Crucifixion and the Resurrection Sonatas from his collection of Mystery Sonatas. In the Resurrection Sonata, the violin tuning is transformed by swapping over the middle two strings making the shape of a cross. They will also perform the late Glastonbury-based composer Stanley Messenger’s moving alchemical song October in an arrangement for early instruments and voice, and a premiere of a work by Jenny which uses the positions of the planets and stars at the time of this concert encoded
Focus on health with Bluebird Care
Care at home increasingly common By Jenny Atkins
Jenny Bliss and Yair Avidor of Amphion Consort into musical notation, thereby creating a new music of the spheres. There will be drinks and canapes before the concert, which starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 from the Palace website and shop.
Author to discuss unfamiliar settings AUTHOR Sonja Price will be talking about unfamiliar terrain and exotic settings for story writing from 11am-noon on Saturday, September 14, in one of several events taking place at Wells Library in September. She knows a thing or two about the subject having set her book The Giants Look Down in the Himalayas, which she has never visited. Nevertheless, the story of a young girl’s quest to become a doctor in the patriarchal 1960s world of the Vale of Kashmir was shortlisted for the Joan Hessayon Award. Her new book takes place in the Canadian wilds which she has also never set foot in. To book a free place, email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk n A seven-week calligraphy course is starting at the library on Tuesday, September 3, from 10am-11.30am. Participants
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will be able to learn the art of beautiful writing, and beginners are welcome. Payment is required in advance (£45). Book a place by emailing wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. n Action for Hearing Loss fiveminute hearing assessments will take place on Wednesday, September 18, from 9.30amnoon. This is a drop-in session so there is no need to book. n More Peace, Less Stress, an introductory talk to The Bright Path Ishayas’ Ascension Meditation will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10.30am-11.30am. n An information talk is being given by Children’s Hospice South West on Thursday, September 26, at 10.30am. Anyone who would like to know more about the work the hospice does or wants to get involved can find out more at this talk.
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ORGANISING and starting care for the elderly is a big decision that can be achieved in a number of ways. Our Way Ahead Care strives to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. We understand that every individual is different and will have their own needs, requirements and preferences. Moving to a care home isn’t the only option. Care at home is a viable and achievable alternative for people needing elderly care or support. Most of us want to have independent lives in our own homes for as long as we can. The good news is that even if you’re recovering from an illness or a fall, or you need help with your long-term care, there are a variety of support services available. Home care assistants may work with the elderly, disabled, mentally ill or terminally ill to provide personal assistance. They can help with a variety of daily tasks including anything from light domestic jobs, assistance with shopping or appointments, companionship or more specialised personal care requirements. They also combat loneliness.
Receiving care in your home is an increasingly common alternative to staying in hospital or moving into a care home. Not only do you avoid any upheaval and stay in familiar surroundings, it can also be a more economical alternative to residential care. Somerset County Council’s social services department can provide support to people in need of care. It’s called a “package of care” and will be written into your personal care plan. Before social services can help they must carry out an assessment of your care needs, which is something you have to apply for through the social services department. Even if you will be arranging and paying for the care yourself, it is still a good idea to have an assessment to help you understand and decide what sort of care and support you need, and also find out what’s available. After the care needs assessment, you will have a financial assessment to determine whether you need to pay for your own care, or whether the county council will contribute. n Jenny Atkins is Care Manager of Bluebird Care (Mendip), email CMMendip@bluebirdcare. co.uk, phone 01749 372197 or 01458 570015.
01749 37 21 97
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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September 2019
n NEWS
Male choirs uniting for charity concert THE combined choral talents of two Mendip choirs are coming together to entertain an expected sell-out audience in Wells next month, and help to raise £3,000 for a local charity. Wells Lions are staging a concert in St Cuthbert’s Church on Saturday, October 5, to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. The Men Of Somerset concert will bring together the Glastonbury and Mendip Male Voice Choirs for a two-hour performance of classic and contemporary music. These two acclaimed local choirs, who rarely perform together, have agreed to join forces to support the charity which provides care for children with life-limiting conditions. The concert will showcase the individual talents of each choir, and lift the church roof rafters when their 60-plus voices sing together in four-part harmony. The concert starts at 7.30pm. A full bar and refreshments will be available before the concert and during the interval. A raffle will be held with the top prize offering a night for two people
with champagne and breakfast in The Swan Hotel’s Cathedral Suite. Tickets are already selling fast. They cost £10, or £15 for reserved seating in the centre pews. Tickets are available from St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells Museum, The Swan Hotel in Sadler Street, Wells, or by calling 01458 210926. They can also be bought online at www.eventbrite. co.uk (booking fee applies). Wells Lions president Steve Whitby said: “It’s going to be a busy day for Wells Lions. We’re running a Diabetes Awareness event in the Town Hall in the morning, and organising this great concert in the evening. Two very different events that will benefit our community. It’s quite amazing what a small but dedicated group can do. “With more members, we can achieve even more. We’re open to everyone to join. We’d love to hear from anyone who can spare a few hours a month to give something back to our community, and wants to have fun doing it. Please email us at cityofwellslions@gmail.com.”
Paintings in variety of mediums THE work of local artists will be on show in the Cloisters of Wells Cathedral from September 7-14. The Art of Somer is an exhibition by Chilcompton Art Club that will include paintings done in various mediums, and
covering many subjects, some of which will be local to the area, and many of which will be for sale. It will be open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
From left, Doreen Grant as Marilla, Matilda Friend as Anne and Ken Edmonds as Mathew Picture: Greg Trezise
Anne of Green Gables to be theatre’s next production WELLS Little Theatre is bringing the classic story Anne of Green Gables to life for their next production. Stern Marilla and warmhearted Mathew hoped to adopt a boy to help work on their farm, but the orphanage sends young red-headed Anne to them instead and their lives will never be the same again. Anne’s warmth and wit affects everyone around her – even eventually Marilla – despite her
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ability to constantly get herself into one scrape after another. The play is being staged at Wells Little Theatre from Wednesday, September 18, to Saturday, September 21, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, concessions £8, available from www.wellslittletheatre.com or from the box office on 01749 672280, on September 7 and September 14, from noon to 1.30pm and then 45 minutes before each performance.
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T * SI ! V I TE U NA YO DO E W Churchill Retirement Living invites you and a friend to join us at our
COFFEE MORNING in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
On Thursday 26th September from 11am At St Athelm Lodge, West Street, Wells Last year we raised over £36,000 through our Macmillan Coffee Mornings! For every visitor who joins us, we will donate an extra £5* to Macmillan Cancer Support.
RSVP today to Madeleine Allen on 01749 987592 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk/st-athelm-lodge *Terms & conditions apply - see website for details at churchillretirement.co.uk
St Athelm Lodge, Wells
• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors
henleaze&westburyvoice wellsvoice
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July, 2019 September 2019
n FEATURE n ADVERTISING ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
How new locks can unlock a new you A HAIR salon in Kingswood is leading the fight against female hair loss, transforming the lives of clients. Charisma, on the Kingsway, set up a hair loss clinic seven months ago. Following the fitting of their integrated hair mesh systems, clients are leaving with a newfound confidence, delighted with their dramatic make-over. The hair loss clinic is based on the first floor of the salon allowing customers who may feel embarrassed or upset by their hair loss complete privacy. The intricate work is carried out by Emily Gil, who originally honed her skills at Charisma as a Saturday girl under the leadership of salon owner Becky Rendell. After qualifying as a stylist, Emily wanted to explore aspects of the business so went to work for a national hair loss clinic. She missed the staff and after several years decided she wanted to return to Charisma. Emily said: “I just wanted to come back as I loved the salon and loved working with Becky but I wanted to continue to work with clients with hair loss. I just wanted to make it more affordable for people. “Becky and I met up a few times and we started planning the clinic. It took about a year and a half to plan but now we’re up and running and it’s going really well.” Emily, 27, has seen clients of all ages with very different conditions causing hair loss or thinning. Her eldest client was in her late eighties but her youngest client was just nine years old. She had hair loss due to treatment for leukaemia. “It was very emotional,” says Emily, who lives in St George. “I had a lady who came in before having chemotherapy and I was with her through her whole treatment journey. I’ve seen alopecia, female pattern baldness and trichotillomania, which is where someone pulls their own hair out. “There are a lot of women suffering and I can understand they
Emily Gil might feel embarrassed but we are here to offer support. People are putting their trust in me so I make sure I listen to what they want and take care of them. I want to help every client who walks through my door.” Potential clients are given a one-to-one consultation where Emily talks them through her integrated mesh system which is attached to your scalp, with bonds made with your own hair in order to individually attach 100 per cent human hair extensions. “We have a chat and find out about their condition which is causing the hair loss and how long they’ve had it for. I do tests on the hair and see if it’s growing back. We also discuss what they would like to achieve in terms of thickness and length. I encourage clients to bring in photos of the sort of hair and style they would like to achieve. “If they are happy to proceed we match up hair colours and make a first appointment.” The system means clients can have their hair any thickness, length or colour they desire, with the added bonus that their scalp can breathe under the mesh, enabling their own hair to grow back, should their condition allow it to. Clients can treat the hair as
their own and can wash, blow-dry, straighten and curl it. Emily said: “It’s life-changing. You can tell that because you see how much confidence a person gains after having the system. They can be very timid and worried when they first come in but by the end of it you can see them glowing with confidence. We recently had a lady who came in with general thinning. She was very shy and apprehensive about what was going to happen but by the end, she was crying with joy - she just loved how she looked. She called me that evening and told me I had literally changed her life.” One of her clients is Kingswood resident, 55-year-old Debbie Bush. She had been going to Charisma for years for cuts but, with ever thinning locks, was intrigued by the salon’s integrated mesh system. “I have really thin hair which runs in my family. I’ve done loads of things to it - I’ve dyed it, bleached it and have gone through stress and the menopause so it all took its toll on my hair. I’ve always wanted long, thick hair but have never been able to grow it past a certain length. “I was nervous but excited and I couldn’t believe the result - it looked so natural! It’s given me a lot more confidence. I now bother with myself more and wear make
up because I’ve got nice hair to show off. “I wasn’t embarrassed by my thin hair but it was hard work. I had to wash and blow-dry it every morning just for it to look ok, but now it’s just once a week. “It was a considered purchase but I would say it’s well worth it as it makes me feel so good.” Clients need to return every six to eight weeks to have the system tightened as it becomes slightly looser once their own hair starts growing underneath. Once every six months the system is completely taken off, their hair and scalp washed and any repairs are carried out before the hair is connected back to the mesh. The system should last between two and two and a half years, depending on how it is looked after. Emily said she loves her work and is delighted to be back. “I always wanted to end up back at Charisma but I didn’t know what I wanted to specialise in. It was only when I got into hair loss solutions that I knew what I wanted to do. “You build friendships and personal relationships with clients as you go on a journey with them. “The best feeling in the world is watching their emotion at the end. It’s priceless and it’s what makes my job worthwhile.”
Debbie has always wanted long, thick hair
3 Kingsway, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8BF Tel: 0117 967 4040 Email: charismahairlosslinic@gmail.com To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
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n NEWS Invitation to cook for charity
The winning Flight, Foxtrot, with Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth. Harry is top middle
Wells RAF cadet Harry helps his Flight end week on a high AN RAF cadet from the Wells Cathedral School Combined Cadet Force graduated in the winning Flight from RAF College Cranwell’s prestigious Gold Air Cadet Leadership Course following a challenging week of physical and leadership training. Year 11 pupil Sgt Harry Chantrey, from Draycott, was one of only two cadets selected for the course from Somerset, with the 60-strong cohort made up of experienced CCF and ATC cadets from across Britain and Northern Ireland. Harry graduated as part of
the winning Flight of ten cadets, following a demanding week of training, an inspection by Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth and a passing out parade on the famous College Hall parade square at RAF College Cranwell. The 18-hour days in searing heat were tough, rigorous and action-packed, and included timed runs, long hikes, leadership lectures and command tasks in the field, two nights camping in the open away from base, drill, interviews and exacting inspections. Air Commodore Dawn
n IN DAYS GONE BY
McCafferty, Commandant of the Air Cadets, visited the cadets in the field to observe some of the Flights’ command tasks and was impressed with their commitment and skills. Harry said: “It was a huge learning curve – a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, push myself hard and meet some great cadets from across the UK. Many thanks to the instructors at RAF College Cranwell for a brilliant week and to the CCF Contingent at Wells for their indispensable advice and support beforehand.”
CHILDREN’S Hospice South West (CHSW) is asking people to get creative in the kitchen and take part in a month of foodie fundraising this October. The charity, which has a shop in Wells, is urging supporters to host a Cook Eat Give event for friends and family and ask guests to make a donation in return. The new fundraising initiative will help CHSW support more than 500 children with lifelimiting conditions. Tamara Downes, fundraising manager for CHSW, said: “Everyone loves a foodie get together – whether it’s a barbeque, pizza night or themed dinner party, the choice is yours and you can enjoy your food with the knowledge that you are helping us to support local children and families.” More at www.chsw.org.uk/ cook or call 01275 866600.
Digital appeal WELLS Theatre Festival is searching for volunteer marketing and digital expertise to help them increase visibility and awareness of the festival through its digital channels, marketing activity and in the run up to and during the course of the festival itself in July. For more information contact alex@ wellstheatrefestival.org.
With Clare Blackmore
Citizens left suffering in scorching summer of 1874 THE summer of 1874 was a very hot one and in Wells heat caused severe medical problems, as reported to the city council by the Medical Officer, Dr Purnell. “Diarrhoea has been very prevalent of late in the city. This is in all probability due to the extremely high temperatures in the summer rendering active those causes by which it is often produced viz the decomposition of excreta, human and animal, house refuse and other accumulations of filth near dwellings. Isolation of these nuisances for the poor is so seldom practicable in their confined and crowded dwellings.
“There have also been four cases of Typhoid fever in Boultings Court, St Thomas Street, attributed to the drinking of sewage contaminated drinking water. In a small yard behind the cottages I found a filthy piggery with 24 pigs and a large heap of manure. “I have examined the 12 houses to the north side of the Market Place and found that in every instance the closets emptied into the water course which runs under the Market Place through the Crown Yard and into the Mill Stream. Several of these closets were untrapped and effusive.
Got News? Call 07906 499655
“I have examined a large part of this city and there are large accumulations of house refuse and manure heaps almost everywhere but proper receptacles for them and trapped drains for carrying off urine and other elements are rarely to be met with on any premises. “I found many cottages, even those of the better classes, much dilapidated. Many have no water and others have their water supply tainted with sewage and many have neither closets nor privies. I believe that the cases of Typhoid to have been caused by fetid gases proceeding from closets in close proximity to the
dwelling of the sufferers. The overcrowding in our city causes a state of atmosphere which is fostering conditions under which all infectious diseases develop and thrive. “Some privies are so miserably inefficient or in such a dilapidated state as to render common decency impossible. It is only by the most active and energetic measures that we can hope to remove such prolific sources of danger and make Wells what it is certainly capable of becoming, one of the cleanest as it is one of the most picturesque towns in the West of England.”
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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n THE PROPERTY MARKET
September 2019
With Roderick Thomas of Roderick Thomas Ltd
A house that can truly be called unique I’VE written before about we “estate agents” (background hisses and boos) often being accused of using too many boring adjectives and hyperbole. I’ll admit that sometimes it’s true. It’s not just limited vocabulary but most of us (agents) are great optimists, we love properties and get carried away with descriptions. We’re currently selling a property which is perhaps understated. There’s actually one word to describe it and that is UNIQUE – in practically every aspect. The property is Quarry House which stands on the edge of Westbury-sub-Mendip with panoramic views. This is a brand new house and is one of a kind with the exceptional and inspiring design being strongly influenced by Saxon architecture with post and cruck framing with oak timbers. These photos will give an idea but it has to be visited to appreciate the scale and charm of the house. It’s available at £995,000.
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
CASTLE CARY 01963 351993 WEDMORE 01934 710220 WELLS 01749 670079 Mobile 07791789954 www.roderickthomas.co.uk rdt@roderickthomas.co.uk
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
41
n NEWS
Young market traders set out their stall THE South West Regional Final of the Young Traders Market was hosted by Mendip Markets in Wells on July 25. Traders from across the South West attended the market including some of Mendip Markets’ regular traders. The young traders that were successful and made it the national finals were: Overall winners: Plastic Pollution Solution – General Retail; Winners: Pandan Street Food – Street Food, Sew Little – Art and Craft, TNC Cakes – Groceries; Highly Commended: Belle Isle Botanics – General Retail, Coastline Jewellery – General Retail, Critchill School Catering – Street Food, Howling Wolf Coffee – Street Food, Nutcessity – Groceries, Polly Victoria Vintage – General Retail, The Purple Saurus – Art and Craft, Xorbit – New Category: Innovation. Kathryn Bland of Plastic
Glastonbury £1,700,000
North Wootton £450,000
South Horrington £365,000
From left, Robert Powell, chair of Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism; Michael Nicholson, president of the NMTF; Kathryn Bland of Plastic Pollution Solution; and Councillor Helen Sprawson-White, chair of Mendip Picture: Roy Holland District Council Pollution Solution said: ‘‘Wells was an incredible experience. I am really looking forward to the finals; meeting so many young traders makes me realise I am not alone and it’s very nice to share the experience with all these young entrepreneurs.’’ Jake and Susan from Pandan Street Food said: ‘‘We only
A substantial six bedroom period house with two bedroom Coach House, further Annex and Studio. Set in two acres of attractive gardens. A substantial four bedroom bungalow situated close to the centre of this popular village with a great triple garage, gardens and parking. A property with character. Formerly part of the cricket pavilion, a three bedroom semidetached home with courtyard, garden and parking.
started trading at markets in February so to get an award this early on gives us a huge boost. We hope to continue flying the flag for Mendip traders at all other markets and are very proud of our award. You can find us trading at Wells every Wednesday and Street every Thursday serving up fresh
All types & sizes of property wanted for waiting buyers and tenants
Mexican inspired food for all.’’ Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: “We had a terrific day in the market place at Wells. We would like to thank Mendip District Council for their support in hosting what was the first ever Regional Young Trader Market in the South West. ‘‘Despite the tremendous heat, on what was the hottest July day on record, there was a tremendous display of quality young traders with very bespoke products, putting their best foot forward, that did the South West proud. ‘‘There will be 12 traders going forward to represent the South West at the National Final that will be held on August 30 and 31 in Stratford-upon-Avon, along with a similar number of traders from five other regions of England. We look forward to seeing them there and wish them well for the future in their businesses.”
Wells £625,000
An exciting chance to purchase this five bedroom detached house currently being built to an extremely high standard with double garage, gardens & parking.
Wells £385,000
A very well presented four bedroom detached home in a popular part of Wells offering spacious accommodation with secluded garden, garage and parking.
Wells £250,000
A well maintained town house close to the centre of Wells offering three bedroom accommodation with garden, car port and parking.
10 Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2SE
01749 671172 wells@killens.org.uk
Got News? Call 07906 499655
Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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September 2019
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS MEN’S BREAKFAST WELLS Men’s Breakfast will be meeting on Saturday, September 7, at The Connect Centre, Chamberlain Street, Wells. Our speaker will be Keith Brown who will demystify the baffling topic of the quantum world. We welcome newcomers and, if you would like to join us, please ring 07974 879902 before Thursday, September 5. Doors open at 7.30am, breakfast is at 8am and we finish by about 9.30am. The cost is £9. WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY WELLS Civic Society has paid a return visit to Worcester following the successful trip to Wells last year by members of the Worcester society. Rain threatened to spoil the day but in between the journeys to and from the city in heavy rain, the clouds lifted and ten members enjoyed the day which began with coffee and biscuits
Members of Wells Civic Society and the Worcester Civic Society are made welcome by Mayor, Jabbar Riaz served by colleagues at St Helen’s 15th-century church in the heart of the city. Worcester shares many of the challenges of other small historic places just like Wells, including empty shops and parking problems, but it boasts Edward Elgar as a famous resident and a magnificent Guildhall. Members enjoyed a tour of this building and were welcomed to the city by the Mayor, Jabbar
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Riaz, in his beautiful, panelled Parlour. Georgian buildings, halftimbered houses and pubs, and the Tudor House Museum featured in the walking tour, with reminders of links with events as diverse as the Civic War and the Three Choirs Festival, and ended at the Cathedral which boasts seventh-century origins. After an interesting introduction by the Cathedral Archaeologist Chris Guy, members explored the splendid circular Chapter House, saw the tomb of King John, the Victorian stained-glass windows and other key features. There was much speculation during the journey back to Wells about where we might visit next time so watch this space – www. wellscivicsociety.org.uk. WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB FROM September onwards and throughout the winter months our Somerset hedgerows are wreathed in appealing swathes and garlands of Clematis vitalba – or, more familiarly, Traveller’s Joy or Old Man’s Beard. This British native has
Contact Andy on
01749 675157 Or email
sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Marcel Floyd will discuss Clematis and other climbers at Wells Gardening Club in September. Pictured is Clematis ‘Nubia ‘
been delighting travellers and walkers for centuries past and it is fitting that the first meeting on Thursday, September 12, of Wells Gardening Club will be partly devoted to the genus Clematis. The great Victorian gardener William Robinson maintained that clematis “are hardy as an oak, come early into flower and only cease with the approach of winter”. He clearly planted quite a number of varieties since my own experience with them has not quite matched his. However, no garden deserves to be without at least one of the huge number of varieties available. Marcel Floyd who has a nursery specialising in Clematis near Calne, in Wiltshire, will be speaking on Clematis and other climbers. Not only is he an engaging and knowledgeable speaker but he will be bringing a number of climbers for sale. It is worth noting that on Thursday, September 19, there will be a visit to the gardens of Waterperry near Oxford. More details at the meeting to which everyone is very welcome, new and old members, visitors £3. Pip Harwood WELLS NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAREK Lewcun will be giving an illustrated talk entitled A History of Clay Pipe Making in Somerset 1600-1900 in Wells & Mendip Museum on Friday, September 6, at 7.30pm. Marek will be bringing examples of clay pipes made in Wells during this period. He would also like attendees to bring along any clay pipes they have found locally to the meeting. Members free, visitors £2.
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
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n WHAT’S ON September 1 n Wells Emergency Services Day, Market Place, 10am-5pm. September 2 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure Group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n Wells Fountain Poets meet at The Venue, 42 South Street, 7.45pm for 8pm. This month the guest will be Pam ZinnemannHope. Plus open-mic; no need to book. More from Ama Bolton: 01749 672911. September 4 n St Thomas’ Women’s Fellowship Harvest Evening, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 7pm. All welcome. Visitors £2. September 5 n Bereavement Cafe, St Thomas’ Church, 10.30am-noon. For anyone who has lost a loved one, come and talk over a cuppa. September 7 n Antiques, Crafts & Collectors Market, Wells Town Hall, 10am4pm. Admission free. n Around the World in 80 Minutes, a concert by Wells City Band, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets on door, £7.50 (children £3). Refreshments included in ticket price – a selection of food from around the world. September 8 n Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band, Wells Recreation Ground Bandstand, 3pm-5pm. September 10 n Wells Circle Dance, Wells Methodist Church, Southover, 7pm-8.45pm. £4 per session. Traditional and choreographed dances from around the world done in a circle. No partner or experience needed. All dances taught. FFI: Rowena 01749 679300.
DUO CON MOTO Violin and Piano recital
Saturday 12th October 7pm St Thomas’s Church, Wells Danish mother and daughter duo on UK tour Bach, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and R.Strauss Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door From Jenny Henderson 01749 671006 hendersonfamily@hartershill.co.uk
BOOK SALE on Saturday 14 September, 10 – 4 at Wells Town Hall Need something new to read? Come and browse the huge range of books on sale and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some home-made cake Many books for £1 or less Organised by Wells Labour Party
ALMSHOUSES OPEN DAY Saturday 21 September 11am – 4pm Free entry Beautiful gardens and medieval homes to visit as well as the Guildroom and ancient chapel. Tasty savouries and home-made cakes and puddings available Popular Ukulele band playing between 2pm and 3 pm September 11 n Wells Board Game Group, Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. September 12 n Soup & Pud Lunch, Seager Hall, Wells, noon-2pm. Also raffle. All proceeds to the Children’s Society. Pay at the door, £7.50. September 13 n New Core Restore Programme, Pilates Body Aligned Studio, BA5 3DG. Start of six-week course individually tailored to restore your pelvic floor. Classes every Friday 1pm. Contact Corali at info@ deeperbalance.co.uk. September 14 n Coffee Morning, Wells Methodist Church, Southover, 10am-noon. All welcome. September 16 n Wells U3A Singing for Pleasure Group will meet in the Seager Hall, Union Street, at 2.30pm. All U3A members welcome. n Why Did People Believe in Dragons?, lecture by Professor Darren Oldridge, Wells Cathedral Education Room, 2pm-4.30pm. Free, no booking required.
Got News? Call 07906 499655
September 18 n Action for Hearing Loss 5-minute hearing assessments, Wells Library, 9.30-noon. Free, no appointment needed, no obligation. September 19 n New art/history series The Devil in the Detail with Joanna Cobb MA, Seager Hall, Wells, 2pm-4pm. Featured work for lecture 1: The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger. £10 for one person/£18 for two. Includes handouts and refreshments. Discounts available for booking all three lectures in series. Contact Joanna, 01458 832178, ericjoanna@waitrose.com September 21 n Vintage Somerset Fair, Wells Town Hall, 9.30am-4pm. Vintage clothes, vinyl, gifts, accessories, jewellery, toys, books, collectables, kitchenalia and more. Entry £1, 50p for students, under 16s free. September 22 n Wells City Band, Wells Recreation Ground Bandstand, 3pm-5pm. September 25 n Wells Board Game Group,
TAI CHI Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 7pm - 8.30pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886 Cheese Yard Cafe, West Horrington, 7pm-9.30pm. 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 Small group physio-led Pilates ideal for pre and post-surgery and recovery from injury, Pilates Body Aligned Studio, BA5 3DG, 10.30am. £105 block of four sessions and initial assessment. £20 PAYG. Email info@pilatesbodyaligned.uk. n Wells Zen Group (Dogen Continued on page 44
Will Writing & Estate Planning
A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –
if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.
Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk
Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
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September 2019
n WHAT’S ON From page 43 Sangha). Zazen, The Drawing Room, Unit 4, 10 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells, 7.45pm (please arrive 7.30pm). For more details tel: Paul 01749 670193. n KMA Dance, ‘Feet & Beat’ Dance Fitness, Centrespace, Market Street, Wells, and Westbury Village Hall. See KMADance.com or kaye@ kmadance.com, 07799 814204. Also Tues, Fri, Sat. 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 Coffee Stop, St Thomas Church, Wells, 9am-noon. Everyone welcome. Plenty of space. Activities for young children. 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 (no membership required). n Zumba. Latin-based cardio dance exercise, Wells Cathedral School dance studio, 6.45pm7.45pm. Tel Jacqui 07870 544551 or just turn up (no membership required).
Come along and try our Absolutely Glorious Meeting! Sept 9th from 7 – 9pm with Anna Francis, Resilience Manager from Frome Town Council, talking about Frome’s achievements! Plus our ever popular Eco Café on Sept 7th from 10 – 12 Both at Wells Little Theatre. For more info check in at: sustainablewells.org.uk
YOGA
Improves Strength, Flexibility & Balance; Reduces Stress Beginners & Improvers Weekly Classes CentreSpace, Wells Various Days & Times £7 per class / £40 for 6 classes Transformational Yoga Weekly 1.5hr class, £10 Also Available: Private 1 to1, Private Groups, Corporate, Workshops Melanie Kelly 07305 193018 mkwellbeing19@gmail.com f mk wellbeing
TEEN YOGA
For 13 to 17 year olds CentreSpace, Wells Wednesdays 4.00 - 5.00pm Details as above 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. n Ceilidh and Scottish Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30-9.30pm. Every Wednesday n Wells Market, Market Place, 9am-4pm. n Mandarin Discussion Group, Wells Library, 10.30am-11.30am. Learn all about Chinese language and culture. Drop in group, no booking required. n Wells Bridge Club: Rubber Bridge, St Thomas’ Church Hall, 1.45pm-5pm. Improvers and experienced players welcome, contact 01749 939515 or 01749 674729. 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. n Wells Folk Dance Club, Dinder Village Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. All welcome, whether single or a couple. Contact: 01749 674920. Every Thursday n Knitting and Natter, Wells Library, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Learn knitting, crochet and cross-stitch. Open to men and women, no need to book. 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 Trigger Point Pilates, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, 10.30am. For more informtion contact Sally at zest2zen@gmail.com or 07946 310877. n Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall, BA5 3PF, 8pm-10pm, £3. For more details call 01458 210051. Every Friday n Wells Country Market, Seager 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 Shared Reading Group, Wells Library, 11am-12.30pm. A place to relax, make new friends and share stories with others every week. 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 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 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. n DO YOU WANT YOUR EVENT TO STAND OUT? We try to print as many listings as possible for free, but if you want to ensure your event is included and gets attention, we will print it with a colour background like this for just £5 + VAT. Find out more by emailing sales@wellsvoice.co.uk Every Sunday n Wells Zen Group (Dogen Sangha). Zazen, The Drawing Room, Unit 4, 10 Heritage Courtyard, Sadler Street, Wells, 9am (please arrive 8.45am). For more details 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. n Wells Carers Group, Wells Fire Station Community Room, 10.30am-noon.
The deadline for the October issue of Wells Voice is Wednesday, September 18 To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157
Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
wellsvoice
September 2019
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n WHAT’S ON PILOGAFIT Pilates Yoga Fitness Fusion for Spine & Core Stability 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 – STANDING Additional exercise class Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 12.45 - 1.45pm Details as above First Thursday of each month n Wells Bipolar UK Support Group, East Room, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Confidential, informal, drop-in basis. Open to all individuals affected by bipolar disorder, including family members and friends. 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. Second Tuesday of each month n Wells Writers Group, The Globe Inn, Priest Row, 7pm. n Wells Floral Art Society demonstration, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome. Ffi: Janet 01934 712809. Second Wednesday of each month n Wells Civic Society meets at Wells & Mendip Museum at 7.30pm for interesting and entertaining talks. Refreshments served and guests welcome. wellscivicsociety.org.uk Third Wednesday of each month n Wells Memory Cafe, Methodist Church Hall, Southover, 2pm-4pm. Relaxed drop-in for anyone with memory problems and their carer or family. Ffi: Claire 01749 676248 or clairechettoe@gmail.com Third Friday of each month n Goldies Sing&Smile in Wells, Elim Connect Centre, Portway, 1.30pm2.30pm. We’re not a choir but
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we love music. We sing along to popular hits of the Fifties onwards and socialise together. £2 donation requested. Third Saturday of each month n Focus on Photography Camera Club meeting, Wells Methodist Hall, Southover, 9.30am-11.30am. Aimed at all abilities from beginners, everyone with an interest in photography welcome. More details: Gwen, 07712 206578. 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. Last Monday of each month n Mid-Somerset Amateur Radio Club meets at the Quarter Jack, Wells, for an informal social get-together at 2pm. Coffee etc available. (No meetings on bank holidays.) Last Tuesday of each month n Wells Floral Art Society practice meeting, St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells, from 2.15pm. All welcome. Ffi: Janet 01934 712809. 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 Full Moon, Southover, Wells, 8pm. n Email brief details of events including when and where to news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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wellsvoice
46
September 2019
n TAKE A BREAK For serious sudoku fans
Each 3x3 box, every row and every column must contain the numbers 1-9, with each used only once. Can you crack it?
319 5 85 6 4 6 Š www.123rf.com/profile_KsenyaSavva
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TXT PERT
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6 C O I N U S H A S O O H H O Y M U N S 9 S M E A E AY
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
5
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2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L
4
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Cricket teams
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Down Down Down 1.1429244 2667454 7866224 (7) 1. 2.22662673 3642 26553 (5) 3. 3.343246 2272227 5633 (4) 4. 5.562463 6222263 4867 (4) 5. 6673 (4) 6.6 42664 7 7227 (4)
SOLUTIONS
6 New Zealand
The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad
Across Across Across 6756 (5) 14.79328 2. 64244426 428262 46.7546 (4) 5. 6668262 7. 54674272 5 43637 6. 6446 (5) 642639(6) 88.849687 7. 336837 9 327 (3)
Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4.
Solutions
N
This month: US states and capitals This month: The Human Body This month: Capital Cities
TXT PERT
EASY for children
E
SUDOKU
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4 36 5 5
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Can you count how many ice creams there are of each shape?
1 Sri Lanka
5 2 723 3 8 9 49 6 1 2 8 8 4 17 6 9 3
For younger readers HOW MANY ICE CREAMS?
Word Wheel 2 England 7 Pakistan 3HOW West Indies 8 Australia beautiful, albeit,ICE bleat, built, fault, fetal, MANY CREAMS? 4 Bangladesh India filet, flute,Six table, bait, beat,9belt, beta, Cones: 5 South Africa 10 Afghanistan bite, fate, feat, Lollies: Fivefelt, feta, flat, left, lift, lute, tail, teal, tile, tube, tuba, ate, bat, bet, bit, Scoops: Three but, eat, fat, fit, let, tea, tie, tub, at, it, ta
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HARVEST FESTIVAL 28-29TH SEPTEMBER | 10AM-5PM THE BISHOP'S PALACE, WELLS Cheese, cider, 'grow your own', talks, stalls, music, local produce, advice
TICKETS: Adult £9 Child £4
www.bishopspalace.org.uk