Wells Voice September 2022

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September 2022 Issue 63

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Church spire restored to its former glory New stonework takes place of masonry that blew down in February storm

A new stone is lowered into place

THE six-month restoration project to replace the top of St Thomas’ Church spire that came down during high winds has been successfully completed.

The Wells church attracted international attention when the top section of the spire fell down as the UK was battered by Storm Eunice in February.

Picture: Thousand Word Media/Ecclesiastical

James Preston and Rich Sharpe of Sally Strachey Historic Conservation on St Thomas’ Church spire

Continued on page 5

Cricket tournament in memory of Martin Coppell: page 2 • Star in fundraiser for skatepark: page 9

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September 2022

T20 tournament in memory of Martin A CRICKET tournament in memory of Martin Coppell will take place at Horrington Cricket Club in September.

Martin, a cricket lover, and chief marshal of Wells Carnival for more than 20 years, died of cancer in 2019.

The Martin Coppell T20 Memorial Cricket Tournament takes place at Horrington CC, Chapel Piece, Chilcote Lane, East Horrington, on Saturday, September 10, starting at 11am until late.

The tournament will include three of the clubs that Martin played for, Horrington Cricket Club, Wookey Hole Cricket Club and Wells Wanderers Cricket Club.

There will be a bar, food, live

Martin Coppell music, bouncy castle and a raffle with money raised going to St Margaret’s Hospice, chosen by Martin’s family.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the day to share memories of Martin.

New restaurant opening soon after closure of Goodfellows A NEW restaurant is opening in Sadler Street in September to take the place of Goodfellows.

Adam and Martine Fellows have closed Goodfellows after 18 years to concentrate on their other venture in St Thomas Street that has been going for three or four years.

The Goodfellows restaurant will be replaced by The Olive Tree Restaurant, owned and managed by Petra Edwards.

“The Olive Tree Restaurant will be serving up a delicious twist of Modern British and French cuisine,” she said.

“We are hoping to be open in under two weeks’ time and can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”

An opening date will be announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page under the name of ‘The Olive Tree Restaurant, Wells’. The menu should also be available there in the next few days.

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September 2022

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n NEWS

Tempo picking up at new music centre The Wells Rocks team provide the latest news from the Wells Contemporary Music Centre SEPTEMBER sees the kick-off of evening music sessions as the tempo turns up at the Portway Annexe community hub, from blues to beats.

Two local musicians will be taking advantage of this with Chrissie adding an early evening session of the Wells Djembe Circle starting on Thursday, September 15, and Rick Payne launching his Blues Guitar Workshops on Wednesday, September 28 (see page 14).

The Portway Music School continues to grow on Saturdays.

James Packer is doing a great job with his enthusiastic and innovative approach to teaching drums and keyboards, which has continued to provide inspiration to kids during the summer holiday.

Check out his fundraising initiative to help students on low incomes access music: https:// jamespacker.bandcamp.com/ track/twice. For every three tracks sold, a lesson will be bought. James and colleagues

the Portway Annexe community hub, contact the hub’s manager, Alex Westwood, at comms@ wells.gov.uk. If you have an idea and want to develop it further, feel free to contact the Wells Rocks volunteer team for a chat via the website.

Recording artist Paul Oxley

are also organising Pop at the Portway.

The Seventies Rock Jam sessions mentioned last month are attracting interest. There are still opportunities to join in with sessions restarting in September.

To learn more, get in touch at info@wellsrocks.org. Don’t be shy, they are very friendly jams.

If you want to organise music related activities at the Wells Contemporary Music Centre in

Outdoor clothing store opens A TRESPASS outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories store has opened in Wells.

The outlet is in the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill site at the top of High Street.

The company said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our new store in

Wells. We know the people of Somerset love the outdoors, and will appreciate the mix of style, quality and value that Trespass will bring.

“With summer coming to an end and autumn upon us, our latest store opening in Wells couldn’t be more opportune.”

Make Music Day As reported last month, Wells was designated ‘A Great Music Place’ in 2022. Following the event in June, the national organisers have been in touch with Nigel Fraser who coordinated this year’s activities to get feedback and suggestions for future Make Music Day festivals.

Let’s make this an annual event.

If you want to get involved next year please contact Nigel through info@wellsrocks.org.

Community networking works When local recording artist Paul

Oxley met conductor Roland Melia at a recent Wells Rocks meeting, it proved to be very useful. Paul needed a cello player for a new single and a video to be recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales.

Roland suggested a bright young musician named Hamish Barry for the part. Hamish slotted in perfectly, played on the single and then travelled up to Monmouth to appear on the video.

Released in Finland where Paul Oxley has a large following with many number one singles and platinum and gold albums, his latest single, Laugh by Paul Oxley’s Unit is now on the A-list of Finnish radio broadcaster YLE (Finland’s BBC). The track can be found on Youtube (youtu.be/ bxwVA16QGwU) and Spotify.

An early success for the new contemporary music community in Wells.

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September 2022

n NEWS

Painstaking work to recreate tip of spire

STONEMASONS spent many hours carving the new spire tip for St Thomas’ Church to make it as close a match as possible to the old one.

The top of the spire was blown off in February by Storm Eunice, which saw wind speeds

The top of the spire after it was blown down in the storm of up to 122mph, and the event became headline news around the world.

Specialists from repair and conservation company Sally

Strachey Historic Conservation retrieved the fallen masonry and put it back together to guide the process of recreation.

Then three of the company’s stonemasons, James Preston, Adam Lavorgna and Rob Head, recarved all of the fallen pieces in new Doulting stone.

“Each stone that fell, 11 in total, has been glued back together from the salvaged pieces so that we could determine what they were supposed to look like,” said James.

“Then we transferred that retrieved information onto new stones and the three of us recarved them all by hand in our workshop in Green Ore.” The stones were then lifted one by one with a cherry picker and fixed in place.

“The new spire will have

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James Preston, Rob Head and Adam Lavorgna with the new top of St Thomas’ Church spire additional tie down rods installed into the spire, that will prevent any possibility of future repetition of events,” said James.

All of the original iron weathervane has been repaired and straightened as well.

“The iron work has been brilliantly saved by Ben Prothero and the weathervane will be decorated and regilded by Tess Clogstoun,” said James.

During the repair process, items were also placed in a time capsule hidden in the spire.

The time capsule was originally inserted when the spire had some works done to it in 1996. It included a summary of the works and their costs, main characters involved at the time, some words and prayers from the then vicar, Christopher Tookey, and some facts about what was happening in the UK in that year.

Added to it now are similar items for 2022, and a piece written by Priest in charge of St Thomas’, the Rev Claire Towns, about the church today and her account of seeing the spire fall.

Part of her text reads: “We’re now in August, six months since we lost the top of the spire. It’s going back up in the next few days. That is a wonderful thing physically, but also symbolically – the restored spire a symbol of hope and of new life for the people of this parish and city.

“We are hugely thankful to

all those who have offered us prayers, encouragement and support in the past few months, and of course we are thankful to our insurer, Ecclesiastical, for making this possible and for the personal care and skill of all those involved in the spire works.”

The church, on St Thomas Street, was built in the 1850s and is a Grade II* listed building.

The Rev Claire Towns and churchwarden Judy Penhaligon with the two spires

‘The restored spire a symbol of hope and of new life for the people of this parish and city’

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September 2022

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Six-month project reaches conclusion From page 1 The spire damaged a path around the church when it fell, but thankfully no further damage was caused to the church property.

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has led the restoration project to get the spire reinstated using its network of specialist suppliers who are experts in restoring damaged heritage properties.

The Gloucester-based insurance company was formed 135 years ago and specialises in providing cover to churches and the communities they serve.

Sally Strachey Historic Conservation stonemasons based in Wells were appointed to work on the restoration of the spire.

It was painstakingly pieced back together before a copy was carved from stone to create an exact replica using traditional stone carving techniques. The

Work on the restoration of the St Thomas’ Church spire Pictures: Thousand Word Media/Ecclesiastical

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Conservation, said: “Working on a project like this has been the opportunity of a lifetime for a team like ours. We have combined the uses of our inhouse steeplejacking and rope access team and masons, from the initial emergency works through to the complete renewal of the top section of the spire in our workshops.

“We have also worked alongside a great team of professionals to come up with the design and strengthening work.

“This will help to ensure the success of the new works going forward into our new unknown and ever-changing climate.

“I hope no more spires fall in my time as a mason, but if one does, we’d now be well-versed.”

The installation of the spire had been expected to take five days to complete, with a timelapse camera capturing the process.

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original weathervane which was damaged by the fall has also been straightened and restored.

To help avoid the spire coming down in future, the replacement spire will also have additional reinforcement in place.

Jeremy Trott, claims director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Like many other people we saw the video clip of the spire coming down on the news and immediately got in touch with the church.

“Thankfully no one was injured and the damage was minimal. It could have been a lot worse.

“This is so often the moment of truth for customers and I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with contractors with the skills and knowledge to help restore St Thomas’ Church to its former glory.”

James Preston, director at Sally Strachey Historic

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6

September 2022

n NEWS

United effort to maintain bus services MORE than 50 members of the public attended the second meeting of Wells Bus User Group (WBUG) in Wells Town Hall on August 8.

There was anger and dismay at the prospect of more cuts by First Bus to Wells bus services, and those present were urged to sign a petition, display posters and write letters of protest.

“The power is in the voice we have,” said Councillor Denise Denis, a member of the core group of WBUG and Wells City Council’s representative to the Somerset Bus Partnership.

Plans by First to axe the 173 service between Wells and Bath appear to have been shelved, but now the 126 service between Wells and Weston-super-Mare is under threat.

“The 126 is a vital bus route not just for the people of Wells but further along – those people have no other bus service,” said Councillor Theo Butt-Philip, a

Wells Bus User Group core members, far right, and members of the public who attended the meeting city and county councillor and another member of the WBUG core group.

“There are people who will have to drop out of college or lose their jobs if the 126 is axed.”

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designated Catch the Bus Month, when people are being encouraged to use bus transport in a mass show of support.

“We would like you to show your appreciation that there are still buses by catching one,” said WBUG core group member Jenny Rust.

WBUG is planning a large public rally at Wells Bus Station on September 5 that culminates

in people catching a bus. The group will also have a stall at Wells Market on September 7 to raise awareness and pass on information.

Members of the public made a number of points at the meeting about bus services in general and the 126 in particular, and its importance to the local community, and two volunteered to join the core group.

Thousands sign protest petitions PETITIONS to save bus routes that serve Wells have been circulated by the Liberal Democrats, the Labour Party and Wells’ Conservative MP James Heappey, as well as Wells Bus User Group.

The Liberal Democrats said that their petition calling for First Bus to change their mind on the axing of the 173 WellsBath bus received more than 600 signatures in just a few days. Tessa Munt, a Somerset County Councillor for Wells, said: “People rely on the 173 to get to school and college, to medical appointments, to work, to the shops, and to the market.

I am incredibly relieved that the 173 is not now facing the axe.

We must continue to ensure vital bus routes serving Wells and the surrounding villages are protected.”

Now they have launched a petition to save the 126 bus, and say that more than 2,000 people had signed it less than a week after it was launched.

Mr Heappey said that his

Councillor Denise Denis and Jenny Rust with the WBUG petition to save the 126 that collected nearly 900 signatures in a matter of days petition pushing First Bus, North Somerset Council and Somerset Council to save the 126 bus reached 1,300 signatures in less than a week. He said: “The number of signatures we have secured in a short space of time illustrates the strength of feeling about this service. I know it is a lifeline to many – especially its connection to the smaller villages across the Cheddar Valley. I will be continuing to press for a commitment to ensuring this bus route remains.”

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September 2022

7

n NEWS

Wells sets standard for visitor experience WELLS has been attracting national acclaim as a leading tourist destination.

It has been voted the best small UK city for a short break by Which? members, and has been praised for the welcome it gives to coach visitors.

Which? members were asked to rate the food, accommodation, sights and attractions, and value for money at destinations across the UK. Wells scored 88 per cent in the ‘small cities and towns’ category, ahead of St David’s in second place and Bath in third.

“Scoring the full five stars for lack of crowds, it’s the ideal place to find some peace and quiet while also enjoying value for money,” said Which?

It adds that Wells – which also featured on TV in August with the screening of an episode of Antiques Roadshow filmed at The Bishop’s Palace – received the full five stars for cultural sights and attractions, and

Visitors gather useful tips from Ambassadors Edward Denning and Elaine Stevens says: “Better still, it’s walkable: England’s smallest city has a historic core that’s hardly a mile wide.”

Meanwhile, Mark Williams, editor of weekly publication Coach & Bus Buyer, which is circulated to 5,500 bus and coach operators around the country, has lauded the Wells

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Ambassadors scheme. The initiative, launched by Ross Young, provides meet-and-greet for visiting coaches.

In an article headlined ‘Let’s hear it for Wells’, Mark highlights Wells as deserving of acclaim for making visitors feel so welcome, in contrast to some other towns and attractions.

He writes: “I was fortunate enough to be in Wells at the weekend, and it is absolutely lovely in every way.

“Coach parking is at the bus station, where one of the Ambassadors will meet your group and direct them to Wells’ very many delights.

“The street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays is a real treat… if Wells is not on your itineraries, make sure it is soon.”

Ross Young is currently trying to recruit more people to join the Ambassadors team.

He said: “Started in April 2021, the Ambassadors have

done a great job in meeting and greeting visitors to this beautiful city. The feedback from them and locals has been very positive.

“We aim for each Ambassador to do a maximum of two and a half hours a week, either morning or afternoon, Monday to Saturday – 10am-12.30pm, or 12.30-3pm (Sundays noon-2pm) – giving advice, pointing out all there is to see in Wells and handing out maps and leaflets where appropriate.

“Because of holidays and other commitments, it can be difficult to cover all the shifts and the more Ambassadors we have the easier it becomes – we need you.

“Training will be given, also notes about interesting features in Wells, and support from an experienced Ambassador.”

Call Ross to find out more on 01749 671874 or 07721 523487, or email him at ross-young@ hotmail.co.uk

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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September 2022

n NEWS

Tenth food event expected to be best yet WELLS Food Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 9.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Whilst essentially staying true to its roots, celebrating Somerset’s rich farming and culinary heritage, the festival has evolved over the years into a showcase for some of the region’s finest food and drink producers.

“Back in 2013 we opened the festival with just 30 producers and approximately 3,000 visitors turned up on the day,” says Jon Abbott, festival director.

“This year we will look forward to welcoming 200 artisan traders and potentially 15,000 visitors.”

The Artisan Market will once again take centre stage with 200 stalls stretching from the Wells Market Place, along the Palace Moat and into the Recreation Ground.

“We are so appreciative of the

The Artisan Market will be a central feature again producers who have been with us from the very beginning – and there are quite a number,” says Jon. “But the market also provides a fascinating insight into the

trends and developments that are shaping the food and drink landscape, and we are delighted to welcome new producers who have exploded onto the scene.”

Charlie Bigham’s is back as

the festival headline sponsor for the third year running. Charlie Bigham says: “We are delighted to be part of Wells Food Festival again this year and celebrate the very special 10-year anniversary.

There is no better place to immerse yourself into all things foodie. I like to think of Wells as the food capital of the South West.

“There’ll be a fantastic collection of talented, local food producers again this year, offering delicious artisan produce, from Louise Bees local honey to Grown-Up Marshmallows. Do come and visit this brilliant food festival and join us in supporting the thriving foodie culture in Wells.”

For details on the Artisan Market and all the other celebrations planned, including a Celebration of English Wine, the Fun Kitchen and a Ready, Steady, Cook demonstration, visit wellsfoodfestival.co.uk.

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wellsvoice

September 2022

9

n NEWS

Music legend to appear at concert in aid of skatepark MUSIC star Jack Bessant is appearing at a concert in Wells that is a fundraiser for the modernisation of Wells Skatepark.

Bass guitarist Bessant is one of the founding members of rock band Reef, and he and The Cheddar Experiment Band will be playing at Cedars Hall on Saturday, October 8.

He will be playing songs from his critically acclaimed solo records Been Notified, Lucky Mountain, Brother Thunder and Surfin’ Safari Blues.

The Cheddar Experiment Band’s impressive line-up includes ex-Wells Cathedral School pupil Julian Bath (K-Passa), Damon Reece (Massive Attack, Spiritualised), Oli Lee, skate and Blues legend Spex, Betsy Beard and Vince.

‘A new revamped skatepark will have massive benefits for our youth and people’s physical and mental health’

Urgent need for vaccine marshals as centre reopens WELLS’ Covid Vaccination Centre reopens on Fridays in September at St Thomas’ Church Hall.

Wells Community Network is urgently looking for more marshals to help out.

Anyone who can spare a few hours is asked to contact Carol or Trisha by emailing wcnmarshals@gmail.com

Proceeds from the event will go towards Wells Skatepark’s £300,000 appeal to provide a revamped wheeled sports facility for the city’s youngsters.

“Both BMX and skateboarding are such creative activities and are now in the Olympics,” said Bessant.

“A new revamped skatepark will have massive benefits for our youth and people’s physical and mental health.

“Beyond the facilities within Wells’ two secondary schools, there’s very little for kids here.

“Please support this event and the new Wells Skatepark.”

For tickets to the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, go to: tickets.cedarshallwells.co.uk

Thanks given for funding WELLS Skatepark Community Group has thanked everyone at SOUP for giving them a platform to talk about the Wells Skatepark and for donating £118 towards the project.

James Glendinning spoke on behalf of the group at the grantfunding lunch in the Connect Centre on July 9.

The group has also thanked Persimmon Homes Community Champions Grant that funds local good causes for their contribution of £1,000 to the skatepark project.

To get involved with the project, or to be kept up to date with progress, email wellsskatepark@gmail.com and follow on Instagram wells_ skatepark

Jack Bessant is one of the founding members of rock band Reef

Wells Quaker Meeting for Worship

Wells Quakers meet for worship on the second and fourth Thursday each month in the ground floor Council room, Wells Town Hall, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RB. All are welcome to join us.

Doors open 1.30pm, Meeting for Worship is between 1.45pm and 2.30pm, followed by refreshments, a chance to ask questions and to get to know each other. We are part of Street Quaker Meeting, which meets Sundays at 10.30am.

More information from Madeleine Page in Wells: 01749 674169 or www.quakersatstreet.org.uk (email: streetquakersclerks@gmail.com)

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wellsvoice

10

September 2022

n NEWS

Exploration of Wells through camera lens A STREET cinema project for Wells is being launched in September.

Participants in the Kinokotch project will be able to join awardwinning filmmaker and academic Dr John Sealey and explore Wells through a camera lens.

‘Kino’ in Europe means cinema. ‘Kotch’ is a Jamaican slang expression for hanging or chilling at a location for a temporary amount of time.

The project takes place between September 2022 and April 2023 and features outdoor film screenings, the commissioning of two new short films and begins with a series of free community filmmaking workshops: n Thursday, September 1, 10am4pm at Elim Connect Centre (for ages 12-18) n Saturday, September 3, 10am-

4pm at the Wells & Mendip Museum (for all ages over 12) n Tuesday, September 6, 10am4pm at Elim Connect Centre (for over 60s) n Saturday, September 17, 10am4pm at the Wells and Mendip Museum (for all ages over 12) Participation is free for those who live and work in Wells and the immediate surrounding Mendip areas, thanks to support from Mendip District Council Communities Fund and Arts Council England.

Limited space is available so booking is essential; book at somersetfilm.com/get-involved To find out more about the project, visit somersetfilm.com/ community The minimum age for participants is 12. Signed carer/ parental permission is required for all under 18s to attend.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed this year’s Wells Art Contemporary exhibition that ran throughout August in Wells Cathedral.

Pictured above is Jenna Fox’s installation If Not Now, When? Left, artist Curtis Holder with his drawing Portrait of Peter, Innocent 1, winner of the St Cuthberts Mill Award.

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wellsvoice

September 2022

11

n NEWS

Barn and Rec returned to city’s control A NEW chapter has begun for the Bishop’s Barn and Wells Recreation Ground after Mendip District Council transferred the trusteeship back to Wells City Council.

The Barn became the responsibility of the district council as a result of local government reorganisation in 1974. The council has made investments over the years to maintain the site, including replacing the play area in 2016, refurbishing the Bandstand and carrying out repairs to the Barn, including refreshing its existing kitchen and toilets.

The city council will receive a dowry as Mendip passes across the Trust Fund of circa £525,000 solely for improving the Bishop’s Barn, as well as a one-off final payment of £30,000 to cover operational costs.

Councillor Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council, celebrated the transfer by handing over the key to the Bishop’s Barn to the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley.

They were joined at the site for the occasion by the Mayoress, June Cursley, Lead Councillor for Wells City Council’s Bishop’s Barn sub-committee, Councillor Sarah Powell, Wells district councillors and Mendip officers.

Cllr Wyke said: “I’m excited

Councillor Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council, hands over the Bishop’s Barn key to Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley and pleased that this well-loved asset has been returned to the people of Wells.

“I know the Wells community will cherish and love this Barn and will protect it for generations to enjoy.”

Cllr Cursley said: “This is great news for Wells. After almost 50 years, the Bishop’s Barn and Recreation Ground are being returned to the control of Wells City Council, who are committed to the upkeep and improvement of this vital green space in the heart of Wells.

“There is a lot of work to be done to the wonderful historic

building, to enable it to be used for the benefit of the people of Wells, who will be fully consulted at every stage of the process.

“We all look forward to the day when we can use the Bishop’s Barn once again, and we will endeavour to enhance its potential and value to the city.”

The Bishop’s Barn is known as a ‘Great Barn’ and is one of only 200 remaining in the UK. It is protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national significance.

Wells Recreation Ground is a public open space with a Bandstand, bowling green, toilet block, children’s play area, and an informal kick-about space.

The site was gifted in two parts to the citizens of Wells for community activity in 1887 and 1897.

Local government reorganisation in 1974 saw the newly created Mendip District Council handed responsibility for looking after these assets.

Consultation on council tax relief A CONSULTATION has been launched on council tax support for the new unitary Somerset Council.

This is the first major policy consultation for the new council and it proposes that the lowest income households across Somerset get 100 per cent council tax relief.

Somerset’s four district councils currently offer varying levels of council tax support.

Maximum relief is set at 80 per cent to 85 per cent in most parts of the county, only in South Somerset is 100 per cent relief available. The proposed changes would harmonise support for working-age people on low

incomes across the county and come into effect on April 1, 2023, with the creation of the new council.

The consultation runs until September 19 and proposes a simplified approach that will be easier to administer. Under the proposals, a single person with an income below £95 per week, or a couple with two children on a weekly income below £260, would be entitled to the full 100 per cent council tax relief.

However, some families with an income below £500 a week could be eligible for some support.

The consultation is available at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ SomersetCTRLIVE

Deadline for the October edition: September 14

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

12

September 2022

n NEWS

Mural’s figures seen together for first time

ON Monday, July 18, a group of volunteers met in Philippa Threlfall’s studios in Wells to see the three ceramic figures that they have modelled and glazed over the last year.

They will form a mural about 9ft long to be affixed to a wall in the Wells & Mendip Museum Garden in September.

Three groups of volunteers had made the three different figures: modelling them in red clay and re-assembling the many pieces of fired terracotta for the glazing process. A small group had laid the pieces of each figure into a background of polyester resin and fibreglass to form solid panels.

Now, arranged on the floor of the studio, it was the first time that the figures had been seen together lying side by side: Bishop Beckynton, Dean William Turner and Herbert Balch.

There are two descriptive panels naming the mural’s makers and the figures with their dates. The west front of the Cathedral lies behind the Bishop. Dean Turner is shown surrounded by plants based on the wood cuts in his famous English Herbal. Herbert Balch, founder of Wells & Mendip Museum, sits in front of the kind of cave that he loved to explore.

The figures are now ready for installation by volunteers who work in the Museum.

Permanently fixed to a wall in the newly refurbished Museum Garden, the mural will be there for many years to come.

It is hoped that one or more local personalities will be able to

Philippa Threlfall and the volunteer mural-makers celebrate its completion, with the three figures featured laid out side by side for the first time Picture: Ann Cook

‘Permanently fixed to a wall in the newly refurbished Museum Garden, the mural will be there for many years to come’

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perform the opening ceremony.

This is to be on Saturday, September 24, when an exhibition will also be opened in the Museum showing portraits of the volunteers and photographs of the many different processes involved in the designing and making of a work of this nature.

“It has been a bonding as well as creative experience for everyone working on this

1:1

genuine community mural,” said Philippa.

“All the photographs and portraits will be part of an archival collection about the mural, kept carefully in the Museum for the interest of posterity. These include children from Stoberry Park School who came to the studio to make the tiles that surround the descriptive panels.”

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

13

n NEWS

Chance to voice opinions on Draft Neighbourhood Plan Councillor Denise Denis and Adrian I’Anson explain more about the public consultation on the draft of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan WELLS City Council is delivering a 12-page booklet to every household in Wells now. If you have not received it by September 3, please let us know.

The Wells Neighbourhood Plan ensures that the decisions taken at the higher planning levels can be guided by what a local community has decided is important.

The Draft Neighbourhood Plan has six main themes: l Heritage and the built environment l Housing l Moving around l Retail and commercial buildings l Tourism l Environment Each topic sets out policies and projects which will be taken into account when applications for development come to Wells City Council for consideration.

This booklet is a summary, and the full draft plan can be found on the Wells City Council website – wells.gov.uk – with: l The Wells Design Guide l A Masterplan for how three sites already proposed for new housing could be developed.

These are: West of Keward – 120 homes, Tincknells Depot – 25 homes, and the Rugby Club site at Portway – 80 homes.

New reception building plans A NEW visitor reception building is being planned at The Bishop’s Palace.

The Palace Trust has submitted an application to Mendip District Council for a small reception building to replace the mobile ticket trailer and kiosk in the forecourt.

The proposal is for a copperclad timber-framed building that matches the existing cafe cladding.

Planning documents say that the accommodation required is two to four reception desks, space for visitors to queue under cover, space to sit down with visitors to discuss membership, entrance and exit doors to control the flow of visitors, and a small retail space.

Society holding lunch celebration Wells Town Crier Len Sweales with copies of the consultation booklet l Housing Needs Assessment – indicates what kind of new housing would be appropriate for Wells l A Local Green Spaces Plan for areas which may deserve special protection There will be four public meetings to discuss the draft Neighbourhood Plan: l Monday, October 10, at 7pm – Wells Rugby Club l Tuesday, October 11, at 4pm – Wells Golf Club l Wednesday, October 12, at 7pm – Wells Museum (shared

event with Wells Civic Society) l Monday, October 17, at 2pm – Wells Town Hall Your views are important and can be made on the forms attached to the leaflet and returned to the Town Hall, Market Place, Wells; or you can respond online to wellsnplan@ gmail.com Cllr Denise Denis – Chair of City Council Planning and Environment Committee Adrian I’Anson – Chair of Wells Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

FOUNDED in 1952, Wells Civic Society has been contributing to the protection and wellbeing of the city for 70 years.

To celebrate this, a lunch will be held at The Swan in Sadler Street at 12.30pm on Wednesday, September 7.

The special guest speaker for the occasion will be Annie Maw, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Booking is essential: tickets, which include a welcome glass of bubbly and a two-course lunch, are £25 per person available from chris.f.winter@btinternet. com or 07884 236242 / 01749 673610.

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wellsvoice

14

September 2022

n NEWS

The Railwells model railway exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors over two days on its return to Wells Town Hall. Pictured, clockwise from top left, are a view of the Heybridge Wharf layout; Peter Watson and Adrian Henshaw studying their Flintcombe layout; the Aspire Gifts & Models stand; detail from Ventnor West; and exhibition organiser Chris Challis with 101-year-old model railway enthusiast Dickie Padgett. Chris expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped over the weekend, from the unloading and loading to the stewarding and catering, including contributions from Queen Street Deli and Wookey Hub.

GLASTONBURY & WELLS CATS PROTECTION

NEUTERING CAMPAIGN

NOW EXTENDED to 30th November 2022

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

We are repeating the special price we offered in our last campaign. Owners will pay £5.00 per cat and the charity will pay the balance and also microchip your cat for free.

This offer is open to residents in Glastonbury, Wells,Street, Cheddar and Shepton Mallet and surrounding areas.

Contact a volunteer for your voucher:

Julia on 07833 634087 Emma on 07717 837040 Holly on 07855 075962 Gill on 01749 850660 A neutered cat is a happy and healthy cat so be a responsible owner and phone for your voucher.

Pedigree cats are not eligible and vouchers will only be issued for participating vets.

Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)

www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Series of workshops with blues guitarist ACCOMPLISHED acoustic blues guitarist Rick Payne is starting a series of Blues Guitar Workshops at the newly refurbished Portway Annexe, Wells.

The eight-week course is designed for those players who wish to explore the many techniques involved in playing the blues. The sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from September 28 to November 9, from 7.30pm-9pm.

All ages are invited to take part and should have had some experience in playing the guitar. Although mainly for acoustic players, electric guitar is welcome as the styles can be adapted for both.

The course will include workshops in styles such as folk blues, ragtime blues and slide guitar. Places are limited so early booking is recommended.

For more details, email info@ rickpayne.co.uk or see www. rickpayne.co.uk/blues.html Rick has many national and international tours to his

Rick Payne is highly experienced credit, and has provided music to a number of TV productions and radio programmes. He has recorded a number of CDs, and has written and facilitated many courses and guitar workshops.

He said: “I’m very excited about doing a blues workshop in Wells. The Portway Annexe is a unique building with loads of history and character. The acoustics are fantastic and ideal for music workshops and I’m looking forward to hearing the blues played there.”

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

15

n NEWS

Programme offers world of adventure TICKETS are being snapped up fast for the Wells Festival of Literature celebrating its 30th anniversary in October with an exciting line-up that includes headline speakers Sheila Hancock, Jeremy Bowen and Robert Harris.

But one of the delights of a book festival is the chance to discover authors that you may not yet be familiar with – and this year’s speakers offer a host of page-turning adventures through the worlds of fiction, science, history, politics and more.

For starters, join Benedict Allen whose own quest for adventure, detailed in his book Explorer, took him to the Amazon and beyond. He has been shot at by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s assassins and on another occasion been robbed and left to die by loggers.

But, as Benedict says, adventure is not necessarily

Kate Humble, top, Benedict Allen and Chitra Ramaswamy about going somewhere – instead, it’s about opening up and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. He will share lessons about how everyone can tackle their own jungles.

Another fascinating tale of endurance is told by former soldier Harry Parker in Hybrid Humans. Harry lost both his legs to an IED (improvised explosive

device) in Afghanistan 13 years ago and since then has had to rebuild his life, learning how to walk on prosthetic legs.

He says he now has a new body that is 12 per cent machine – but he can now walk and carry his two young children on his shoulders. While his story is a tour of cutting-edge medical technology, his focus is very much on the transformative ability of heart and mind.

For something a little closer to home in a city renowned for its music, there’s an account of strange frequencies by musical adventurer Richard Mainwaring in Everybody Hertz, in which he takes a wild ride across the keys of his infinite piano. Along the way he discovers – among other things – what strange melodies are hidden in rats’ whiskers.

For the cooks among you, campaigner Kate Humble (presenter of TV’s Animal Park and Springwatch) serves up a

feast of seasonal recipe ideas from Home Cooked at one of the festival’s popular literary lunches.

And for a moving tale of survival, journalist Chitra Ramaswamy draws on her ten years of friendship with Henry Wuga in her book Home Lands.

Now 97, Henry escaped the Holocaust, arriving in the UK via Kindertransport when he was 15.

In it she explores the contrasts and similarities between their two very different life stories, offering a new perspective on nationality, prejudice and immigration.

There are more details on these and many other speakers in the festival brochure available in numerous locations around the city including Waterstones.

Wells Festival of Literature runs from October 14-22 with all events taking place in Cedars Hall. More at wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

WELLS

Festival of Literature Paterson Joseph Justin Webb Michael Morpurgo Claire Fuller Lucy Cooke Melvyn Bragg William Sieghart Robert Harris

BOOKING NOW OPEN…

Sheila Hancock Jeremy Bowen Janina Ramirez Gaia Vince Michael Crick Max Hastings Emma Smith

ANNIVERSARY

AND MANY MORE…

14 – 22 October 2022 www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk Booking telephone line is 01749 834483 (9.30 am to 12.30 pm)

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

16

n NEWS Showcasing of poetry device HERITAGE charity the Alfred Gillett Trust, in Street, will celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days theme Astounding Inventions by showcasing the Latin Verse Machine built by

Bridgwater inventor John Clark in the 1830s.

The remarkable automaton, also known as Eureka, creates unique lines of Latin verse poetry at the turn of a handle and has delighted people for centuries as a feat of engineering and imagination.

The main exhibition will be open daily from Friday,

September 2022

September 9, until Sunday, September 18, from 10am until 4pm (late night opening until 6pm on Thursday) where people can find out more about the invention. The exhibition will be supported by a programme of events including talks, workshops and activities. The most recent programme of events including a chance to

EUREKA! T H E

L AT I N V E R S E MAC H I N E EXHIBITION I S

F I X E D

The Latin Verse Machine have a Latin taster session is available on the Alfred Gillett Trust website: alfredgilletttrust. org/whats-on The Trust is also looking for a number of volunteers to help steward the exhibition. People interested should call 01458 444060 or email enquiries@ agtrust.org.uk

F O R

FRI 9 - SUN 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 This HERITAGE OPEN DAYS, join the ALFRED GILLETT TRUST as we celebrate and exhibit this

A STOU NDI NG I N VE N T ION I T I S A U N I Q U E A U T O M AT O N F R O M T H E 1 8 0 0 S W H I C H C R E AT E S

LATIN POETRY Supported by a programme of innovative

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The Simply Uke! ukulele band will be playing in the Almshouses Chapel on September 10

Almshouses will welcome public THE City of Wells Almshouses will be inviting the public in again for Heritage Open Days in September.

The medieval and historic Chapel and Guildroom will be open to visitors, as well as the award-winning gardens, on Saturday, September 10, from 11am-4pm.

Refreshments will be served in the Guildroom, or in the gardens. The well-known Simply Uke! ukulele band will be playing in the 15th-century chapel.

Everyone is welcome to go along and look at these charming dwellings and to walk around the beautiful gardens including the walled garden, none of which are usually open to the public.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

17

n NEWS

Range of activities lined up to celebrate city’s rich heritage WELLS is once again taking part in the country-wide celebration of heritage – Heritage Open Days 2022 held between September 9 and 18.

There will be special exhibitions and tours as well as access to places that Voice readers might never have been.

Here is a brief summary of some of the events being planned: n Town Hall: Water Mills of Wells and Railways in Wells, including the Loco City of Wells, an exhibition, and more… areas of the Town Hall usually not accessible to the public.

Saturday, September 10. n City of Wells Almshouses: Medieval almshouses with stunning gardens… and delicious home-baked refreshments all day and live music from 2pm-4pm, Saturday, September 10. n Wells Museum: Children’s activities including Jane Flood Story Teller who will intrigue and delight, 10am-12.30pm on Friday, September 9. n Wells Museum: China comes to Wells – the marvellous collection of Chinese export porcelain which was retrieved from the garden during building work. 10am-4pm, September 10, and 13-17. n Wells Civic Society Plaques Trail walk: Starting in the Market Place, 2pm, Sunday, September 11. n St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells: The Medieval Painted Treasures, a rare opportunity to

Wells in Mosaic, top; porcelain at Wells Museum; and a St Cuthbert’s Church painted sculpture see some of the unique collection of 15th-century painted sculptures and enjoy a cream tea, 2.30pm-3.30pm on Sunday, September 11. n Mendip Hospital Cemetery: Chance to visit this beautiful, tranquil place, 11am4pm Sunday, September 11, and Sunday, September 18. n The Bishop’s Palace: Special Water Management tours which will focus on the water and the ingenious devices which make things happen, noon on

Thursday, September 15, and Friday, September 16 (booking essential). n Black Dog Open Studio: Ceramic murals and decorative terracotta, innovation and invention on Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18. n Wells in Mosaic Open Studio: See the progress to date of this stunning piece of public art; 10am-4pm on Sunday, September 18.

Contact the venue for more information about booking and opening times, or look out for the Programme of Events which will be available in early September.

Way to pass on unwanted items THE next Freecycle event organised by Sustainable Wells will be held in the Priory Road car park on Sunday, September 4, from 1pm.

Freecycle events are set up like a car boot sale, but no money changes hands – everything is given away for free, helping unwanted things be reused. The organisers say that this is the perfect opportunity to make someone happy by bringing any no longer needed treasures and giving them away, while perhaps discovering some treasures for yourself.

A one-way system will be in operation, so cars should enter via Princes Road council car park (entrance opposite Wells Film Centre) and leave by the exit on to Priory Road.

Walks in aid of good cause TWO walks will take place on Sunday, September 18, to raise funds for Wells Dementia Action Alliance. The 5km and 3km walks will start at the drawbridge of the Bishop’s Palace at 10.30am. Entry costs £10 at the Registration Desk which will be open just inside the Palace from 10am, and includes refreshments afterwards in Wells Town Hall.

To find out more, email admin@wellsdementia.org.uk or call 07812 206693.

View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice

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

For Prices and Bookings contact the Town Hall Manager- Tel: 01749 673091. e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

18

n NEWS

Good response to heritage appeal The list of historical items of interest is growing fast, reports the St Cuthbert Out Parish Heritage Team THE St Cuthbert Out (SCO) Parish Heritage Team – Lisa, Martin, Tony, and Celia – has been overwhelmed by responses to the article featured in the Wells Voice in July.

Thank you, one and all!

Our Heritage List, of sites and objects of historical interest in SCO parish, is growing by the day. There are Buddha statues, bridges, inns, woodlands, deer parks, houses of the great and the good, even 18th-century privies. Take a look for yourself at stcuthbertout-pc.gov.uk/ uploads/heritage-list-scopc-forwebsite-v1.pdf

September 2022 Picture: Caroline Derry

Picture: Lisa Pool

Do you have a favourite site or object that is not on the list, but needs to be? Down tools immediately and email us.

Our address is stcuthbertout. heritagelist@gmail.com Early progress We want to take steps to protect and to commemorate our forgotten treasures. Sadly, the old sign from Wookey Hole that warns off charabancs (a bus, for you spring chickens out there) was stolen a few years ago. Thanks to the support of Sarah Ramsay, of Wookey Hole Caves, and the ingenuity of the Somerset Forge, it is about to be replaced with an exact replica.

We have heard tell that there was once also a second sign nearby: Can you remember it?

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The old charabancs warning sign that could once be found in High Street, Wookey Hole; and the Romulus and Remus statue at, Bristol Road, Green Ore, that was made by Italian prisoners of war Where was it sited?

David Wilson Homes’ Wookey Hole Road development looked very different during the Second World War, when it was the site of the Penleigh Italian Prisoner of War Camp.

We’re delighted to share that David Wilson Homes has expressed interest in erecting a commemorative blue plaque or information board on site.

Our favourite finds so far?

The General Head Quarters Stop Line was a line of defensive structures set up across the country in the early years of the Second World War, in case of a Nazi invasion.

Last week, armed with (sunscreen and) a picnic, the team ventured out to explore some of the pill boxes, tank

traps, ditches, Auxiliary Bases and Home Guard lookout points in SCO parish that made up Stop Line Green, which ran between Highbridge and Upper Framilode. The threat of invasion must have felt very real and very frightening. Did you have any wartime structures near you, growing up? Family tales of wartime goings-on?

Our cunning plans, going forward?

The team is ultimately hoping to work with others to produce an interactive cycling and walking guide to SCO parish heritage.

St Cuthbert Out parish covers the villages of Dinder, Dulcote, Coxley, Polsham, Burcott, Haybridge, Easton, Wookey Hole, Milton, Green Ore, Masbury, and the Horringtons.

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To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

Wells Amateur Boxing Club coaches Graham Kelly (left) and Andy Lovell visited the base of Heads Up in South Horrington to hand over a cheque for £600. They are pictured presenting it to the mental health charity’s Service Director Bridget Harvey and Operations Manager Michelle Payne.

The money was raised from a boxing tournament held in May at Wookey Hole Caves.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

19

n NEWS

n LETTERS

Project for Community Fridge THERE are more than 300 Community Fridges across the UK, and Sustainable Wells has started work on a project to set one up in Wells.

The aim of a Community Fridge is to reduce food waste through the sharing of all sorts of foodstuffs.

A Community Fridge is a fridge and pantry that is open for the whole community to use.

Following strict food hygiene and safety practices, it is a place where surplus food from local retail, households, producers and gardens can be shared with anyone who would like to take it. Anyone can take food to the fridge that might otherwise be wasted.

People do not have to be a member of anything or explain why they are giving or taking food.

Of course, Community

Rachel Humphreys visits the Frome Community Fridge at its temporary home in Frome Town Hall Fridges do need a willing band of volunteers in order to work well, and Sustainable Wells is hopeful that there is enough interest to support a Fridge for Wells.

One of the facilitators for the project, Rachel Humphreys, said: “The average UK family spends £470 per year on food that’s binned and not eaten and the

UK discards 9.5 million tonnes of food every year, so we know Community Fridges make sense both for the climate and the cost of living.”

She added: “We’ve had great feedback to the initiative already with offers of time, materials and also possible funding support.

We’re looking at several possible locations and hope to take a proposal to Wells City Council soon. In order to get off the ground the project will need wellsvoice prepared to volunteers who are n IN DAYS GONE BY offer one hour a ofand their Endless appetite forweek drinking feasting time, so please do get in touch if you are interested.”

People can stay up to date on progress by following Community Fridge: Wells on Facebook.

Those who would like to be involved should send an email to fridgewells@gmail.com or text Rachel on 07988 846880.

35

August 2022

With Clare Blackmore

THE ancient city of Wells loves a corporate get-together and there are records from early days of the great and the good of the corporate body coming together for a feast.

In 1538 Mr John Godwyn was mayor and he established that: l “The articles I promote shall abyde in full power and strengthe forever.” l “He that thereafter shall occupye the office of the mayor of the said City of Wells shall be allowed yearly for his fee, 40s.” l “If the said Mayor shall keep a breakfast at Christmas for the Burgesses of the said city, 30s.” l “If the said Mayor keep a dinner once a year for the wives of the Burgesses he is to be allowed for the said dinner, 40s.” l “The said Mayor shall be allowed for his charge at the recreation of the vigil for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, 13s 4d.”

In 1562 the following allowances were given to the mayor: l “For the Mayor’s dinner, 40s.” l “For Saint Stephens Day feasting, 30s.” l “For Midsummers Night, 10s.”

In 1605 a great commotion in the corporate body was caused by protestations of Walter Bricke and John Cox, the General Receivers of the city, when the mayor laid out £11 on feasting for the mayor’s dinner.

Complaints were made that: “Diverse persons that are not Burgesses do rudely thrust themselves in to dine”, and it was ordered that thenceforth the dinner should not exceed 12d for each Burgess or £8 for the whole.

Fines for breach of municipal laws in the city were often paid to the corporate body in wine.

In 1621, a William Nurton paid a gallon of wine to be admitted in the place of a Burgess and this desire to become a member of the city corporate body, if accepted after fulfilling the necessary requirements, was always followed by a presentation of wine to the corporation.

The city accounts show numerous charges for different kinds of liquors.

Wells has always loved an excuse for a feast

1653 “for burned wine when Judge Wyndham was here, 3s 8d”.

1660 “paid for one quart of sack on Candlemas day, 2s 2d”.

In 1664, when the charter was brought back to Wells (the restoration of the City Charter by James II of the City Charter which had been unconstitutionally taken away

by Charles I), the accounts show that: l “6 bottles of sherry when the Charter was carried to the exchequer 12s.” l “Four bottles of canary 10s, four bottles of claret 4s, two bottles of white wine 2s, bread and cheese 1s 6d, sugar 6d, nuts 1s.”

1685 “three bottles of redstreak cider, pipes and tobacco, 3s 9d, a hogshead of beer £1 10s, for wine £9 5s.”

The drinking and feasting also applied to national events and when this happened the poor of the city also enjoyed being able to come together to celebrate, not with wine but with ales and strong beer.

On the occasion of the accession to the throne of Queen Anne (1707 to 1714), the loyalty of the citizens of Wells was exhibited. l “A feast shall be given to the poor with plenty of strong beer and ale.” l “At a public dinner for the gentry and the clergy, seventeen quarts of wine were drunk (at a cost to the city of £1 14s 6d) besides many other liquors.”

On May 11, 1710, an address was sent to the Queen from the corporation on the occasion of peace between England and

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Thank you for the informative articles

France being proclaimed.

A Hogshead (approximately 300 litres) of ale was ordered to be given away “to the common soldiers in the city” in the Market Place which cost the corporation purse £2 10s 1d.

“A bonfire of 60 faggots was made and the health of her Majesty was drunk while the corporators looked on and drank a dozen hogsheads of wine while looking on at the fire and listening to the ‘Hurrahs’ of the populace.”

On August 4, 1711, King George I was proclaimed king.

There was, “a great ceremony attended by the Corporators in their robes, the Civic Officers and the City Trading Companies and most of the inhabitants of Wells.”

A dinner was given by the mayor at which the Judges of the Assize and the Dean and Chapter were present and “a great feast was made for the poor”.

In 1760, George II died and the city sent an address to George III condoning with his Majesty on the death of his grandfather and congratulating George III on his accession.

The corporation and the townspeople enjoyed themselves: “By drinking the new King’s health in wine and punch with plenty of good ale, bread and cheese.”

On September 22, 1761, the city again showed its loyalty and joy on the coronation of George III. “This day having been appointed for celebrating the coronation of our most gracious Lord, King George III and our most gracious Queen Charlotte, the mayor desired the corporation to meet him

at 6 o’clock this evening at the Council House and also the principal gentlemen of the town to drink their Majesty’s health.”

The Banquet which followed was: “Of the most sumptuous kind and among the Bill of Fare was Venison in abundance furnished from a noble buck presented to the corporation by Lord Digby.”

His Lordship’s keepers were rewarded with one guinea.

“The Town Hall was brilliantly illuminated by means of candles stuck in clay.”

The victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was met with great rejoicing.

“A great public feast was held in a field called Waterleaze on the south side of the city.”

Cathedral Green was the site for much public rejoicing on the occasion of the coronation of George IV in February 1820. l “A public dinner was given to the inhabitants of the city in the Cathedral Green.” l “A great public procession was got up and the mayor and his corporation, the clergy and the gentry and the city companies took part.”

Each new mayor was expected to hold a lavish dinner for the council and other eminent citizens, usually in the Swan Hotel or the White Hart Hotel.

The Mayor’s Feast held at the Swan Hotel in 1894 saw: “At the foot of the stairs leading up to the dining room, a light arch of trailing greenery, interspersed with candles held in clay had been arranged and presented a bright and festive experience.

The tables were resplendent with plate, glass and flowers and carried to the centre of the room where the table in front of the mayor was arranged with taste and appropriateness with the municipal symbols of authority the loving cups, one a recent gift from Mr Dickenson, MP for the division, and the other a gift from the late Dr Livett.

“The general effect was brilliant and charming and did great credit to the hotel whose consideration for the comfort and convenience of the guests was everywhere manifest. The menu and the wines maintained the excellence for which the Swan is famous.”

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

I FEEL that letters giving praise or thanks to deserving people or groups in the Wells area would be much appreciated by those concerned or mentioned. May I give my thanks to Ms Clare Blackmore, whose ‘In Days Gone By’ articles are very informative, historical, and often humorous.

She should write a book on this subject, it could prove to be very popular.

Mr P Skinner Wells wellsvoice

August 2022

n IN DAYS GONE BY

35

With Clare Blackmore

Endless appetite for drinking and feasting THE ancient city of Wells loves a corporate get-together and there are records from early days of the great and the good of the corporate body coming together for a feast.

In 1538 Mr John Godwyn was mayor and he established that: l “The articles I promote shall abyde in full power and strengthe forever.” l “He that thereafter shall occupye the office of the mayor of the said City of Wells shall be allowed yearly for his fee, 40s.” l “If the said Mayor shall keep a breakfast at Christmas for the Burgesses of the said city, 30s.” l “If the said Mayor keep a dinner once a year for the wives of the Burgesses he is to be allowed for the said dinner, 40s.” l “The said Mayor shall be allowed for his charge at the recreation of the vigil for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, 13s 4d.”

In 1562 the following allowances were given to the mayor: l “For the Mayor’s dinner, 40s.” l “For Saint Stephens Day feasting, 30s.” l “For Midsummers Night, 10s.”

In 1605 a great commotion in the corporate body was caused by protestations of Walter Bricke and John Cox, the General Receivers of the city, when the mayor laid out £11 on feasting for the mayor’s dinner.

Complaints were made that: “Diverse persons that are not Burgesses do rudely thrust themselves in to dine”, and it was ordered that thenceforth the dinner should not exceed 12d for each Burgess or £8 for the whole.

Fines for breach of municipal laws in the city were often paid to the corporate body in wine.

In 1621, a William Nurton paid a gallon of wine to be admitted in the place of a Burgess and this desire to become a member of the city corporate body, if accepted after fulfilling the necessary requirements, was always followed by a presentation of wine to the corporation.

The city accounts show numerous charges for different kinds of liquors.

Wells has always loved an excuse for a feast 1653 “for burned wine when Judge Wyndham was here, 3s 8d”.

1660 “paid for one quart of sack on Candlemas day, 2s 2d”.

In 1664, when the charter was brought back to Wells (the restoration of the City Charter by James II of the City Charter which had been unconstitutionally taken away

by Charles I), the accounts show that: l “6 bottles of sherry when the Charter was carried to the exchequer 12s.” l “Four bottles of canary 10s, four bottles of claret 4s, two bottles of white wine 2s, bread and cheese 1s 6d, sugar 6d, nuts 1s.”

1685 “three bottles of redstreak cider, pipes and tobacco, 3s 9d, a hogshead of beer £1 10s, for wine £9 5s.”

The drinking and feasting also applied to national events and when this happened the poor of the city also enjoyed being able to come together to celebrate, not with wine but with ales and strong beer.

On the occasion of the accession to the throne of Queen Anne (1707 to 1714), the loyalty of the citizens of Wells was exhibited. l “A feast shall be given to the poor with plenty of strong beer and ale.” l “At a public dinner for the gentry and the clergy, seventeen quarts of wine were drunk (at a cost to the city of £1 14s 6d) besides many other liquors.”

On May 11, 1710, an address was sent to the Queen from the corporation on the occasion of peace between England and

France being proclaimed.

A Hogshead (approximately 300 litres) of ale was ordered to be given away “to the common soldiers in the city” in the Market Place which cost the corporation purse £2 10s 1d.

“A bonfire of 60 faggots was made and the health of her Majesty was drunk while the corporators looked on and drank a dozen hogsheads of wine while looking on at the fire and listening to the ‘Hurrahs’ of the populace.”

On August 4, 1711, King George I was proclaimed king.

There was, “a great ceremony attended by the Corporators in their robes, the Civic Officers and the City Trading Companies and most of the inhabitants of Wells.”

A dinner was given by the mayor at which the Judges of the Assize and the Dean and Chapter were present and “a great feast was made for the poor”.

In 1760, George II died and the city sent an address to George III condoning with his Majesty on the death of his grandfather and congratulating George III on his accession.

The corporation and the townspeople enjoyed themselves: “By drinking the new King’s health in wine and punch with plenty of good ale, bread and cheese.”

On September 22, 1761, the city again showed its loyalty and joy on the coronation of George III. “This day having been appointed for celebrating the coronation of our most gracious Lord, King George III and our most gracious Queen Charlotte, the mayor desired the corporation to meet him

at 6 o’clock this evening at the Council House and also the principal gentlemen of the town to drink their Majesty’s health.”

The Banquet which followed was: “Of the most sumptuous kind and among the Bill of Fare was Venison in abundance furnished from a noble buck presented to the corporation by Lord Digby.”

His Lordship’s keepers were rewarded with one guinea.

“The Town Hall was brilliantly illuminated by means of candles stuck in clay.”

The victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was met with great rejoicing.

“A great public feast was held in a field called Waterleaze on the south side of the city.”

Cathedral Green was the site for much public rejoicing on the occasion of the coronation of George IV in February 1820. l “A public dinner was given to the inhabitants of the city in the Cathedral Green.” l “A great public procession was got up and the mayor and his corporation, the clergy and the gentry and the city companies took part.”

Each new mayor was expected to hold a lavish dinner for the council and other eminent citizens, usually in the Swan Hotel or the White Hart Hotel.

The Mayor’s Feast held at the Swan Hotel in 1894 saw: “At the foot of the stairs leading up to the dining room, a light arch of trailing greenery, interspersed with candles held in clay had been arranged and presented a bright and festive experience.

The tables were resplendent with plate, glass and flowers and carried to the centre of the room where the table in front of the mayor was arranged with taste and appropriateness with the municipal symbols of authority the loving cups, one a recent gift from Mr Dickenson, MP for the division, and the other a gift from the late Dr Livett.

“The general effect was brilliant and charming and did great credit to the hotel whose consideration for the comfort and convenience of the guests was everywhere manifest. The menu and the wines maintained the excellence for which the Swan is famous.”

Last month’s In Days Gone By feature. This month’s is on page 39.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

20

September 2022

n NEWS

Call to do something about estate’s roads RESIDENTS on another Wells housing estate have complained about the lack of progress on finishing much-needed infrastructure work.

Last month, Wells Voice provided an update on the longrunning battle by homeowners on Crest Nicholson’s Vicarage Fields development to have work on the roads, paths and public open space completed.

Now people living on Bovis Homes’ Priory Fields development off Wookey Hole Road say they are facing a similar situation.

“I moved in here two and a half years ago and the road is still a mess,” said Jeremy Hellier.

“Temporary access slopes to properties in Stoney Stile Way make driving here inconvenient, dangerous and difficult.

Some parts of the road have significant potholes. Despite repeated communications with Bovis nothing has happened – promises, but no action.”

Another resident, Ruth Bush, said: “The state of the roads on the Bovis estate is unacceptable and unsafe.”

Kate Preston said: “Many of us residents have scraped our cars when trying to get in our drives, experienced damaged tyres due to chunks of aggregate lying around, and filthy pavements and windows due to the daily dust and dirt on untarmacked roads.”

A spokesperson for the Vistry Group – formerly the Bovis Homes Group – said: “We are still building homes at the location and will be well into next year. The roads will be completed

Stoney Stile Way, where the road and pavements still require work once the homes have been built due to the need for construction traffic to access the development.

“We have identified some areas that require patching and a few small potholes are being made safe. We will always look to finish areas that are not impacted by the same level of construction traffic, such as private driveways, as soon as we can.”

Residents at Vicarage Fields say that little has happened in the past month to complete work on their estate apart from continued work on the sewers.

They had a meeting at the end of July with Wells MP James Heappey, and say he told them he would take up their cause with Crest Nicholson and Mendip District Council.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

21

n NEWS

Display marks hotel’s 600th anniversary THE 600th anniversary of the Swan Hotel in Wells has been marked with an eye-catching display of flowers, made from recycled plastic.

The stunning artwork was created by local people at the workshops of mental health and well-being charity Heads Up. They made 600 flowers – one for each year that the Swan has been open – starting as an inn and now a four-star hotel. The installation was in the hotel garden that overlooks the West Front of Wells Cathedral.

Heads Up provides activities for people coping with mental health or dementia including woodcraft, pottery, gardening and well-being. Stocks of plastic bottles were donated by the public to be turned into the creation.

Service Director Bridget Harvey, who founded Heads Up ten years ago, said: “Many people were involved collecting and washing the clear bottles, cutting the shapes, spraying them and making them into 600 flowers. It has been a real community effort.

“The Swan Hotel has been a great supporter of the charity and the installation will help raise awareness and some funds to keep us going.”

The Swan’s celebratory flowers have been made from recycled plastic

The Swan opened its doors to its first traveller in 1422 when nine-month-old Henry VI became king and travellers on horseback needed a place to rest as they made their way over the Mendip Hills.

Kevin Newton – who has just sold the hotel to The Coaching Inn Group (see below) – said: “There are many original features in the hotel and in recent years we have transformed it into a four-star hotel that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

“We opened up the garden with its view of the West Front of the Cathedral and we wanted something special there to mark the significant anniversary.

“The people at Heads Up have done a magnificent job with such vibrant colours. We hope people who come to look at them will donate to the charity.

“The last few years have been tough for everyone during the pandemic, especially those with dementia or mental health issues, so the creative activity and social network that Heads Up provides for local people has become even more vital.”

The flowers will be on display throughout August and end in September.

‘Right time to hand over keys of this amazing property’ Philip Welch catches up with Kevin Newton to get his thoughts on the sale of the Swan Hotel to The Coaching Inn Group: IT has been a privilege and an honour to own the Swan Hotel for the past 15 years.

Having lived locally all my life, this chapter is certainly one I will remember fondly, especially the great team that supported me, in particular Terri Chichester who was general manager when I bought the hotel and more recently Mark Tobin who had been at the hotel for three decades until he fulfilled his life dream of opening his own venue, The Loft in Street last year.

Many things have changed at the hotel during those years, the front terrace looking out at the Cathedral is now used

Kevin Newton, left, and Kevin Charity, chief executive of hotel and inn operator The Coaching Inn Group

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by tourists and locals alike as a wonderful spot to enjoy the riches of this wonderful city. The award-winning Cathedral Suite where hundreds of couples have spent their wedding night and taking the Swan from three to four stars. All of which I’m very proud.

Now is the right time to hand over the keys of this amazing property for its next chapter and on Monday, August 8, the sale completed to The Coaching Inn Group which I am sure will take the business on a new adventure during its 600th anniversary.

So what next? I’m looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren and preparing to climb to Everest base camp next May, but also excited to see what the next chapter brings, working with my children and partner on new local projects.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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wellsvoice

September 2022

23

n NEWS

Final total for charity appeal tops £28,000 MORE than £28,000 has been raised for the Wells branch of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The total was reached in August by the charity appeal of the previous Mayor of Wells, Philip Welch.

“Two events that would have raised money for my appeal were cancelled last year but came back brilliantly since my term of office ended in May,” said Councillor Welch.

The Mendip Tour organised by the Classic & Historic Motor Club, which ends with the cars in the rally gathering in a glittering display on Cathedral Green, raised £2,000 for the appeal.

Then on August 7 a further £3,100 was raised at the Coxley Family Fun Day, another event that had been postponed last year because of Covid.

This money will provide support from Macmillan Nurses for cancer sufferers in this part of Somerset.

The need for this care has grown because Covid and the lockdowns have caused long delays in NHS cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“There are many people I must say a huge thank you to on behalf of the Classic and Historic Motor Club,” said their chairman Roger Dollins.

“Our main sponsor, Ian Studley Cars and our advertisers for their support. Also our club

Top, revellers at the Coxley Family Fun Day; and above, presenting the car club cheque, sitting from left, are Roger Dollins, Philip Welch, Ian Studley and Caroline Welch, and standing are John and Denise Blackburn with Annette Dollins in the middle

members who helped on the day and all the entrants who brought their wonderful cars.”

At Coxley, the musical entertainment included cool jazz from the Grey Dogs and Tim Pitman singing pop, rock and an opera favourite or two.

There was also a bouncy castle, barbecue, cream teas, wide range of family games and stalls, plus a sponsored head shave.

“My original target was to raise £3,000, and it kept rising because of the heart-warming generosity and support of so many people,” said Cllr Welch.

“Special thanks must go to the wonderful Macmillan volunteers in Wells, led by their chairman Mark Tobin. Working with them has been a joy.”

n FROM THE TOWN HALL

Advice Surgeries part of accessibility drive THE Editor of the Wells Voice has been kind enough to allocate some space each month to enable me to communicate with its readers.

This month, Councillor Sarah Powell is going to outline a new service being introduced

by Wells City Council that will allow residents the opportunity to easily communicate with councillors using an alternative channel on a regular basis: “Many thanks to the Mayor, Councillor Stewart Cursley, for giving me this opportunity to explain a bit about Advice

Surgeries. It is the council’s aim to be as open and transparent as possible but also making the council as accessible as possible, therefore councillors are finding ways to achieve this, whether it be through phone, email, Facebook, our website, or faceto-face meetings. At our June full council meeting, it was suggested by a member of the public that it might be good to have a set date where people could just drop in.

“This suggestion was enthusiastically taken up, and Wells City councillors voted unanimously to set up a monthly Advice Surgery held at the

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Town Hall, which would be an opportunity for Wells residents, businesses and councillors to get to know one another and for councillors to listen to concerns and act on or signpost these concerns to the relevant bodies.

The first one was held on a Monday in July on the hottest day of the year so far; despite the sweltering conditions, there were three members of the public who came with a range of concerns.

Cllrs Cursley and Browne were on hand to give advice and were very pleased to meet them.

“There will be different councillors every month. There

is no need to book, you can just turn up. The next Advice Surgery will be on Monday, September 12, from 6pm till 7pm, when Councillors Tanys Pullin and Deborah Orret will be on hand to welcome you.

“Look out for more dates in the Wells Voice, our Facebook page, Wells City Council’s website or posters.”

Many thanks Sarah, for explaining the monthly surgery for councillors and residents. I am sure it will be a great success.

Stewart Cursley Mayor of Wells

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

24

September 2022

n NEWS

Cautionary tale of swan’s release on moat THE moat at The Bishop’s Palace and the wildlife who make it their home are a well-known feature of the city of Wells. But it is a delicate eco-system that can be easily upset by wellmeaning actions, which played out recently when a swan was released by an individual onto the moat.

The swans who do inhabit the moat, Grace and Gabriel, are a breeding pair which makes them, as with all breeding pairs of swans, very territorial. They will guard and defend their area, especially when they have cygnets.

So when the Palace’s ‘Swan Whisperer’, Moira Anderson, arrived at work to see one swan on the Green, and two adults and six cygnets still on the moat, she was immediately concerned for their welfare.

After some investigation it seemed that the additional swan had arrived two days earlier and been released by a member of the public who had found the swan elsewhere and decided it should be taken to the moat.

In the interim period Grace and Gabriel had been attacking it, hence it trying to find refuge

Grace and Gabriel, as with all breeding pairs of swans, are very territorial on the Green. Several calls to agencies/experts confirmed that the new swan’s life was at risk from being killed as it was seen as a threat to the family and their territory.

In addition, the waterfowl on the moat were also at risk from the new swan due to the current levels of Avian Influenza (bird flu). Had the new swan had bird flu this could have spread quickly not only to the resident swans,

but also to the ducks, moorhens, pigeons and gulls, leading to illness and potential death.

Because of those restrictions no agencies were able to come and assist with additional swan or to rehome it to a suitable site. So it was fortunate that, after careful consideration of the risks of moving/touching a bird, the visiting swan eventually made its way off Palace Green independently.

The moat can look like the perfect place to rehome/relocate animals to, however this does need to be done with prior permission from the team at the Palace so that the delicate eco-system of the area is not jeopardised.

As Moira says: “Should you come across a swan or a cygnet then please do not simply bring it to the moat. Contact the Palace to check if it is one of ours. It can happen that they go for a walkabout but Wells is also surrounded by areas of the Levels which are also populated with swans.”

Equally, as the summer progresses it will become time for the cygnets to start leaving the moat. This is a natural part of their lifecycle and will be instigated by Grace and Gabriel encouraging the cygnets to leave by pecking and chasing them.

The cygnets will eventually start to leave so seeing a cygnet resting in a field is all part of the process; they should not be returned to the moat.

If in doubt, then the RSPCA is always the first place to call. u In Days Gone By, page 39

Busy 18 months for community initiatives at Palace MANY people are unaware that the site and buildings of The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens are owned by the Church Commissioners and operated by The Palace Trust, a registered charity.

As a charity, working with the local community is a key focus for the Palace. And it has been a busy 18 months for the team who are encouraging local community organisations to get in touch to explore how new partnerships could be formed.

Community initiatives at the Palace over the last 18 months have included: n Providing over 150 complimentary People’s Tickets – valid for 12 months – for local people who will benefit from them the most; n Providing 23 family membership passes to local Ukrainian families; n Setting up a Community Membership Scheme to

Produce from the community garden has been donated to foodbanks encourage local not-for-profit groups and organisations to make the most of this unique heritage site at the heart of Wells; n Offering meeting and activity space to 11 local community groups; n Providing the 70 nearest schools with one complimentary class visit a year;

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

n Providing three community groups with the opportunity to learn new skills in the Community Garden including school children from The Blue School working with Growing Roots; n Donating produce from the Palace’s community garden to local foodbanks during the harvesting season;

n Offering opportunities for local people to return to work, gain work experience, and created new pathways into employment including via the Kickstart Scheme and apprenticeships; n Plus, each member of staff has two days each year to volunteer within the community.

Siobhan Goodwin, the Palace’s Community Engagement Manager, says: “We want to give a warm welcome to everyone and play our part in making Wells and the surrounding area a wonderful place to live and visit.

“I would be delighted to hear from anyone in our local community who has any ideas, suggestions or proposals for ways that we could work with you or how you might like to get involved with any of the Palace’s community initiatives.”

Siobhan can be contacted via email at siobhan.goodwin@ bishopspalace.org.uk

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

25

n NEWS

Everyone enjoyed the coffee morning at Seager Hall in Union Street, Wells

Lively coffee morning helps promote dementia services A VOLUNTARY organisation wanted to let more people know about their work.

So they organised a free coffee

morning with lots of tempting cake.

“We are part of an offer in Wells to support people living

with dementia and their carers,” said Emma Wheat of Somerset Arts Well.

“It was a great opportunity to

informally meet people wanting to know more about accessing dementia services, and also to network with fellow practitioners working within dementia care in Wells and beyond.”

The lively coffee morning took place at Seager Hall where Emma and her colleague Eliza Wylie run a Singing for the Brain session with drums and tambourines every Wednesday from 11.15am-12.45pm.

“Singing, playing instruments and moving together creates a sense of community and helps form friendships,” said Eliza.

“We all laugh and have fun one day a week.

“Carers see how the power of music and interaction benefits those they care for.”

For more information about Singing for the Brain call Emma on 01749 595735 or email her on emma@somersetartswell.co.uk.

During the Coffee Morning, £130 was collected in a donation box for the charity Wells Dementia Action Alliance, which aims to promote the physical and mental health of people living with dementia in the Wells area.

W E L L S VA LU ATI ON DAY J E W E LL ERY & WATC H ES F R IDAY 9 S EPTE M B E R 2 0 2 2 AT 1 0 A M – 2 P M W E LL S TOW N H ALL , M A R K E T P L AC E , SO M ER SE T B A 5 2 R B IF YO U ’ RE IN T E RE S T E D IN S E LLIN G YO U R I TEM S A ND YO U ’ D L I K E A FR EE VA LUATI O N , W IT H OU T OB LIG AT ION ,OU R E X P ERT L AU R A SM I TH W I L L B E H A P PY TO H EL P PLE A S E C ALL F OR AN AP P OIN T MENT O R EM A I L J E W EL L ERY @ NO O NA N S .CO.U K W W W. N O O NA NS .CO. U K

A ‘ PANTHÈRE’ BROOCH BY C ARTIER , CIRC A 1986 TO BE INCLUDED IN 13 SEPTEMBER AUC TION • ESTIMATE: £3,000–5,000

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Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

26

n COMMERCIAL SENSE

September 2022

With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants

Take a look at things from a different angle

I AM happily taking time out from organising a house move to write this. It has been more than two decades since we last upped sticks, so you can imagine the amount of ‘stuff’ which we have accumulated.

As a fan of the Arts and Crafts movement, I have found it helpful to follow William Morris’ guide to thinning our possessions out, which is to “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. It’s really helpful to have that ‘believe’ in there, since I have one or two items which I shall refuse to part with, but whose beauty and necessity is most definitely subjective. Take for instance, my proud Roman Penguin.

I vividly remember when my son told me that in a special pottery class, they had been instructed to make a Roman Eagle, but his looked more like a Penguin. Indeed it does. As

bits have dropped off it over the years (beak, a bit of flipper/ wing, a tiny piece of foot …) I have carefully retrieved them and put them inside the Penguin.

For yes, my friends, it has a lid!

A masterpiece of engineering in clay.

My second treasure is another clay piece by my younger son, who was tasked with making a

‘It isn’t always the obvious that is going to work well for you’ shoe …. I can only say that the sandal he constructed appears to be being worn by a severed foot.

Yes, William Morris, without that ‘believe to be beautiful’, two of my most precious items, both of which will be gracing a shelf in my new home, would have missed the cut by a country mile.

These things are precious, and so it is in business, in that

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

it isn’t always the obvious that is going to work well for you.

For instance, when you are taking on new staff, look at their qualifications for the position you are offering, of course, but please don’t rate qualifications more highly than attitude to work, to colleagues and to your customers. If someone is going to be good in all those aspects, but fall a little short in their qualifications, then consider offering them training.

We have, over the years, benefitted from engaging people who come from a wide variety of career paths. The thing they have in common is a passion to succeed and an ability to work with us. I am constantly grateful that we chose to work with them, as so many of their clients express their delight with the work that they do, and also their ability to speak in non-technical language which so many of us value enormously.

These people value their careers, for they were not easily come by. They understand that excellent customer service is a key part of running a successful business, and, perhaps most importantly, they will go the extra mile to ensure that the clients, the company and their colleagues will benefit from the work that they do. Not one of our current team is not prepared to support the others in giving their best possible service. I am so proud of them.

It is, therefore, experience that has taught me that a person’s character is probably the most important aspect of their employability, and the people you have around you should make you feel good about life and your business!

It also reassures me that I was absolutely right to pack my Penguin and my Foot, whatever anyone else thinks …

Take care.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

27

n EXAM RESULTS

‘The breadth of achievement is fantastic’ WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL ON A-level results day, Wells Cathedral School pupils celebrated some outstanding A-level results.

Pupils enjoyed success across a range of subjects, from sciences to languages to humanities to the creative arts. All pupils studying French obtained an A grade, the results in Music were exceptional even by the school’s high standards, with 60 per cent of pupils obtaining an A* grade, while the best performing subject of all was Geography, where all pupils obtained an A or A*.

Overall, more than 50 per cent of pupils achieved at least one A*, with a number of pupils achieving a “clean sweep” of 3 or 4 A* grades. While there were reports that the numbers of higher grades had reduced across England and Wales, Wells pupils were able to buck the national trend and maintain

Wells Cathedral School Head Master Alastair Tighe with some of the school’s successful A-level students the exceptionally high results achieved across the board in 2020 and 2021.

This year’s A-level cohort faced the particularly tough challenge of taking their first ever public exams, following two years of cancellations due to Covid, which makes

their achievements even more impressive.

These results mean that the vast majority of pupils obtained a place at their first choice university. As always, many of the musicians who have obtained places at the world’s leading conservatoires have secured

large scholarships to support their studies.

Head Master Alastair Tighe said: “The fact that our pupils met the challenge of sitting post-pandemic public exams for the first time so brilliantly is an achievement in itself; that they collectively achieved such outstanding results is an even greater source of pride for the school and, I hope, for them and their families. The breadth of achievement is fantastic.

“I pay tribute to each and every Upper Sixth pupil for the resilience and aspiration they have shown, to their parents and guardians for their wonderful support and, of course, to my wonderful teaching and support staff colleagues who have so brilliantly helped these young people navigate the challenges of the last few years and ensured they can embark on the next stage of their lives with confidence and optimism.”

‘Community should be proud of students’ WELLS BLUE SCHOOL WELLS Blue School has said it is proud of its students for the results that they received in their A-levels and BTECs. Despite the unique and challenging circumstances that they have faced in the last few years, this cohort of students have seen a true reward for the effort, application and tenacity that they have shown, said the school. Almost half of the grades (49.2 per cent) were at A/A*, an extraordinary figure emerging

from nearly 450 student entries.

More than two-thirds of the entries were at grade B and above. Given that this group of students were unable to take their GCSEs two years ago, these grades represent a marvellous set of outcomes for their first externally-assessed exams, the school said.

The vast majority of students have been offered their firstchoice university place or are able to embark upon their chosen career path. These include a number of places at the

most competitive universities and courses across the country, including Oxbridge, and a wide range of courses and careers.

Headteacher Mark Woodlock said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of all of our students this year. That is true for both the individuals themselves and for the teachers and school staff that have supported them to get to this point. We hope that these results will give them the best platform for the next steps in their education and careers.

Equally, as a group of positive role models, we are delighted with the example that they will continue to set.

“These results are the product of the close partnership between ourselves and the local community. We thank all of those who have supported these students during their time at school, particularly in the last few years. We believe that our community should be justifiably proud of its students and of the school that serves Wells and the surrounding area.”

Challenges overcome to achieve excellent set of GCSE results HARD work and tenacity has paid off for Year 11 students at Wells Blue School, who have achieved an excellent set of GCSE results despite the challenges of the past two years. Whilst grades across the country are likely to fluctuate this year, over a quarter of all grades were at 7+ (equivalent to A/A*) and the early indications are that progress is well above national benchmarks.

Blue School students had a lot to smile about on results day

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Headteacher, Mark Woodlock, said: “As a school, we are very proud of this cohort of young people and the way in which they have managed the last two years. Their GCSE grades should give them a great sense of achievement.

“The overall headlines hide the many individual stories that exist for students in all subjects. These include many personal challenges

that were overcome, of demons that needed to be vanquished and epic quests that needed to be fulfilled. That is true for staff, as much as for the students and their families.

“We thank all of those, inside and outside school, who have supported these students during the last few years and who have helped them to fulfil their potential.”

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

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September 2022

n ON THE BEAT

PCSOs have such important role to play THIS year marks a milestone in policing.

It is 20 years since the role of the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was created and a new member of the police family came into being.

I joined the police prior to this time, meaning that all enquiries, patrols and other routine tasks had to be done by a police constable.

Of course as time has gone on, they now have a wellestablished place in our community as people, such as my children, have grown up knowing no different.

Looking at neighbourhood teams and community policing as a whole now, it seems inconceivable that we could operate as effectively as we do without our PCSO colleagues.

They are the eyes and the ears of the police and work in our communities ensuring that patrols are carried out,

News from the local policing team with Neighbourhood Sergeant Simon Lancey vulnerable people are being safeguarded and schools are engaged with on a regular basis.

Meaning that their police

constable colleagues are left to concentrate on the other local and force priorities.

Wells are fortunate to have the services of six PCSOs all with various lengths of service and bringing a wealth of life experiences to the role and working tirelessly to serve the community of Wells.

Please, if you see them about, approach them and speak with them about any policing matters you have on your mind.

More recently, Avon and Somerset has pioneered a new role of PCSO Supervisor, and Hannah Hyde and I now work alongside each other in the running of the team and the delivery of the neighbourhood policing in Wells.

This role further develops the career path of a PCSO and ensures that the PCSOs on the team have dedicated line management to look after their career and welfare needs.

If the role of PCSO interests you please keep an eye on the Avon and Somerset website as recruitment processes are run on a regular basis for this rewarding career, or if you’d like more information on what it is like to be a PCSO, please get in touch with the team.

Finally, as I have said, I joined as a police officer over 20 years ago and today, as I write this, marks another milestone for me, as this afternoon I am going to see a new PCSO who will be joining the Glastonbury team next week having completed her training at Headquarters.

The milestone in question?

She will be the first person on my team who was born after I joined the job. What is it they said about police looking younger?

I hope you have all enjoyed your summer and as always, please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions for the team or myself.

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September 2022

n NEWS

Call for donations to crisis appeal SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has launched a Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal with an urgent call for donations which will help fund charities helping local people living in poverty through the cost-of-living crisis.

With inflation at a 40-year high and energy bills rocketing, thousands of Somerset households are facing tough times ahead. The Somerset Cost-of-Living Fund, which will open for applications from local charities soon, will provide rapid support to charities and community organisations across the county, many of whom are already experiencing record numbers of people seeking help.

Justin Sargent, Chief Executive at SCF, said: “As everyday costs rapidly outpace wage and benefit growth, many of our neighbours are living through exceptionally challenging circumstances. Many are already struggling to meet basic needs such as adequate food, transport and energy costs, and that will only get worse as we head into the winter.

“We will be building on 20 years of experience to raise vital funds and get them where they are most needed throughout Somerset. Whether young families living in poverty, older people on fixed incomes, or people facing financial stress and anxiety, Somerset’s army of local charities, community organisations and volunteers will do everything they can to alleviate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on those most affected.”

The appeal has already been boosted with an initial donation of £50,000 from Somerset County Council.

The charity is now inviting local people, businesses and organisations who can and wish to help, to donate to the appeal by visiting somersetcf.org.uk/ costofliving or calling 01749 344949.

When the fund is open, any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for a grant should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application: somersetcf.org.uk/ apply

The St Cuthbert’s Church Flower Festival made a welcome return in August after a three-year gap because of the pandemic. Pictured are organisers Suzy Vivash and Maggie Pattenden in front of the display ‘A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing’. Left, Heads Up’s ‘A time for Nature’s Abundance’.

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29

SOLOMON

Handsome cat full of character urgently needs a new home This handsome 2/3 year old fellow came to us as an un-neutered stray. He is full of character and addicted to catnip mice (because he can’t catch real ones) and food, food and more food.

Solomon is clearly wanting to live a life where he is free to come and go as he pleases. He may well want to come into the house but equally may prefer to sleep out, especially in the summer. A home in the country well away from busy roads and with outbuildings or a small holding or stables would be ideal.

Solomon is quite a bold cat and likes to get attention from humans and interact with them. But currently he operates a “play with me, look at me but don’t touch me” policy. But he does like to rub round legs and it is possible to stroke him when food is on the horizon. It is all a question of time and trust.

He needs a home with an experienced cat owner and we wouldn’t home him with young children. Older ones who would respect him would be fine.

Please contact Gill on 01749 850660 if you could be the one to make Solomon happy.

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September 2022

n NEWS

31

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Role is great honour says the next Ld-Lt THE man who is taking over as Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset in the autumn says he is “greatly looking forward giving something back to the country which has given me so much”.

Mohammed Saddiq, who is Executive Director of Operations at Wessex Water, will take over from Annie Maw when she retires at the end of October.

Mr Saddiq’s parents came to England in the late Sixties from a small village in Pakistan, setting up a new home in Leeds.

“They came here with

Mohammed Saddiq virtually nothing but they had such a strong work ethic,” said Mr Saddiq.

“I was born in Leeds and my parents were always encouraging me to do well at school, to help create a good life for myself. I became the first member of our family to go to university.”

That was to lead to a long and successful business career in

the water, waste and renewables sectors. He has held a number of senior engineering and management positions in those sectors over the past 30 years.

Mr Saddiq, who is 52, now lives in Midford near Bath with his wife Paula and five children.

On taking up the role of LordLieutenant, Mr Saddiq says: “It is a tremendous honour for me. I’ve always thought it is important to remember where you’ve come from. I’m in a privileged position now and it’s important for me to give something back to the community and the country which has given me so much.

“I’m grateful too to my company for allowing me to accept this important public role, supporting the Royal Family in Somerset.”

Mr Saddiq says he is particularly keen to engage with the business community and voluntary sector in Somerset and support them in any way he can.

Somerset’s current LordLieutenant Annie Maw CVO, who will have held the position for nearly eight years when she retires in October, said: “It’s been the greatest honour of my life to serve as Somerset’s LordLieutenant. I know Mohammed thinks the same and I know he will do a tremendous job. With his business background he will bring a new skillset to the role, which will be invaluable.”

Completion of Jubilee Jaunts THE Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, has completed the final leg of her series of Jubilee Jaunts to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Mrs Maw broke her back in a horse riding accident 20 years ago resulting in paraplegia.

But she has not let life in a wheelchair get in the way of commemorating Her Majesty’s reign, traversing 70 miles across Somerset in seven sections over two months in her motorised buggy.

She has been accompanied by local Duke of Edinburgh students on every section of her journey.

A reflection of how Somerset celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has been captured in an official film put together by former BBC Correspondent and now Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, Clinton Rogers.

It features material from the celebrations in Wells, and can be viewed at somersetlieutenancy. com/platinum-jubilee/onfilm-the-platinum-jubilee-insomerset The plan is for a copy of the film to be held in the county records office in Taunton, so future generations can see how the Platinum Jubilee was marked in Somerset.

Got News? Call 07906 499655

The new regulations ensure that the use of cladding on buildings more than 18 metres tall meets new safety criteria

Regulations to be aware of in wake of Grenfell Tower disaster

By Gail Barry

THE fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower in June 2017 was one of the UK’S worst modern disasters, effectively blighting the sale of high-rise flats.

In an attempt to overcome the problems and to reflect changes made to the Building Regulations, an industry-wide process to be used by valuers, lenders, building owners and fire safety experts when they are valuing high-rise properties was introduced – the EWS1 (short for External Wall System Fire Review Certificate).

From December 2018 the regulations apply to all new residential buildings more than 18 metres or six storeys in height which now require an EWS1 certificate. The new regulations ensure that the use of cladding

on buildings more than 18 metres tall meets new safety criteria introduced for the EWS1.

It is the responsibility of building owners rather than the local authority to obtain the form EWS1. However, if the building owner refuses to commission the EWS1, the matter should be referred to the local authority or the Fire and Rescue Service. An EWS1 will cover the entire block of flats.

Preparing the EWS1 involves physically invasive checks into the wall systems and the cost can be considerable. Once issued an EWS1 is valid for a period of five years from the date it is signed although it may need to be reassessed if there have been any significant changes to the walls or coverings attached to them in the meantime. n Gail Barry is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid Solicitors, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.

Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100

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

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September 2022

n NEWS

Big turnout for motorbike event

Next activities at Wells Library

THE sun shone all weekend for Wells Classic Motorcycle Club’s 11th annual Tortoise and Hare event held over the weekend of July 15-17.

Organisers welcomed more than 170 motorcycles of all ages from around the country, and the Blood Bikes who do such a fine job.

Saturday morning saw the Social Scenic Run to Westonsuper-Mare which attracted some of those camping plus some local riders, all enjoying the scenery on the way there and back over and around the Mendip Hills.

On Sunday morning, Wells Football Club was the starting venue for the 11th Annual Tortoise and Hare run which again included a ‘Snail’ section for low-powered machines.

The Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, assisted by Town Crier Len Sweales, flagged off the various

EVENTS coming up at Wells Library in Union Street in September include: n Lego Club on Saturday, September 24, at 10.30am. For ages 5 and up. Book a place to avoid disappointment by emailing wlslib@somerset.gov. uk n Author Talk: Sally Mills and partner, Melvyn, swapped their life in Somerset for an adventure in the Seychelles managing a nature reserve. Hear their story at this author talk and book signing at Wells Library on Saturday, September 17, at 11am.

Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book a place. n Tai Chi Taster Sessions – Monday, September 12, and Monday, September 26, at 10.30am. Participants can treat their body to a gentle flowing workout. There is no need to book and the sessions are free.

Held outside in the courtyard weather permitting.

Some of the motorcycles at the Tortoise and Hare event run groups, and there was another run in the afternoon.

Cllr Cursley presented the class awards plus the raffle prizes once the participants had returned to Wells FC. The main sponsor of this

year’s event was Joeby’s Airbrush Art and Custom Painting.

The event raises muchneeded funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and once again a sizable donation will be made to the charity.

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Amongst our many recent prestigious instructions – Entire Contents of Barrow Court, to be sold by auction at Clevedon Salerooms

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

33

n NEWS

Organisers hail success of Food Trail THE Somerset Food Trail Festival was declared a roaring success after more than 190 farmers, growers, food producers, cafes, pubs and restaurants took part in the 10day festival from July 15-24.

While visitor estimates are still being compiled, the Somersetfoodtrail.org website attracted 7,055 unique visitors and the online brochure was viewed more than 7,600 times, with 10,000 printed copies distributed county-wide.

Stewart Crocker, chair of the Somerset Food Trail organising committee, said the event had exceeded all expectations.

“We set out to showcase the range and richness of Somerset’s sustainable food producers and farmers, and we were absolutely delighted by the number of venues that took part and the variety and quality of the activities and experiences offered,” he said.

Visitors find out more about Plotgate Community Farm at Nifty & Thrifty, top; and petting the goats at Wookey Farm

“We wanted to create opportunities for people to learn more about where their food comes from, celebrate the excellent food produced here in Somerset and understand how we all can bring about a shift to nature-friendly farming through our everyday food choices.”

Participants in the Wells

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area included The Lorax Patch Farm; LOAF. Bakehouse; The Good Earth; Wells Market; The Bishop’s Palace; Wookey Farm; Wookey Hub; and Westbury Village Stores.

Sustainable Wells also ran a special Nifty & Thrifty session in tandem with the Trail at the Connect Centre on how to eat affordably and sustainably.

The Trail team were indebted to a network of about 30 volunteer co-ordinators who liaised with their area’s participants to bring the festival to life, and were thrilled to be approached by more volunteers who want to continue to support the Trail year round, as well as producers and retailers wanting to become part of next year’s Trail Festival.

As a result, plans are already underway for next year’s festival, with the aim of making it a key annual event in Somerset’s calendar.

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34

September 2022

n NEWS

Boys enjoy first taste of snowboarding TWO boys from Wells have enjoyed their first opportunity to go snowboarding thanks to a story in Wells Voice.

Jennifer Persson applied to house-builder Redrow’s winter sports fund to take her two sons snowboarding for the first time after reading about it in the Voice.

The fund was established this year in celebration of Redrow’s partnership with GB Snowsport.

The fund, which amounts to £10,000, is being used to encourage children and youth groups to go on trips to their local snowdome or slope to try skiing and snowboarding for the first time.

Thirteen-year-old James and ten-year-old Seb enjoyed two snowboarding taster sessions at the Mendip Activity Centre

where instructor Mitch explained all the key techniques. The boys loved the session so much that they are returning this summer to complete Mendip’s four-star programme and receive a ski pass. Whilst there, the boys also had the option to ski and toboggan.

Jennifer said: “Snow sports can be quite exclusive. So, it was fantastic that Seb and James had the opportunity to try snowboarding for the first time.

The instructors at the Mendip centre were brilliant. They broke the sport down step by step, making it accessible for both of my boys. We’re looking forward to more sessions there this summer.”

Sian Smith, Sales Director for Redrow South West, said: “Children bring so much joy to

Climate summit for businesses

Seb and James at the Mendip Activity Centre our local communities and so it is such a pleasure giving them the opportunity to thrive in areas where they might otherwise not have had the chance. We are so pleased to see young people from the South West benefiting from this fantastic scheme.”

SOMERSET businesses are being urged to play their part in combating the climate emergency – with a conference offering insight into practical steps they can take to become more sustainable.

The Somerset Business Climate Summit 2022 will take place at Queens College in Taunton on September 21, between 10am and 1pm.

Guest speakers will discuss topics including the easiest ways for businesses to cut carbon, what Net Zero means, the journey to B Corp, and sustainable agriculture and manufacturing.

The summit will highlight best practice and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges for businesses with the shift toward a low carbon economy.

For more information about the event, visit: Climate Summit (somerset.gov.uk).

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Whether you’re passionate about felting, quilting and embroidery, or you’re in love with needlecraft and textiles, these along with glasswork, papercraft, card making, stamping and more will be in abundance at the show. With over 65 workshops every day (many of which can be booked in advance), special crafting guests, textile displays, live demonstrations, make & takes, and much more. Hobbyists will be able to satisfy their needs by meeting national and local craft suppliers who, alongside selling, will be demonstrating the latest products, and giving their experienced crafting advice.

On view for visitors to admire will be ‘Alice in Wonderwool’, a project designed to be the biggest

piece of art made entirely from felt. The display piece is 8 meters in length. It depicts the story of Alice in Wonderland based on the Lewis Caroll book.

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

35

n NEWS Chance to be chorister for a day WELLS Cathedral is holding a free Be a Chorister for a Day event, where children can experience what it is like to be a Cathedral Chorister, on Saturday, September 17, from 11am-5pm.

The day is open to children aged between seven and nine, there are fun singing workshops,

and the day ends with them taking part in the Evensong service alongside the Cathedral Choir. Children taking part do not need to be trained singers.

For further information or to register for a place, contact Melanie Lawlor via musicoffice@ wellscathedral.org.uk

Litter pickers set to get to work

A storytelling workshop took place at the Sheldon Drive Independent Living Scheme in Wells

Group open up in front of cameras

THE next Wells litter picking weekend will take place on Friday, September 2, Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4.

Organiser, Councillor Deborah Woolven-Orrett will be available at Wells Town Hall on

the Friday and Saturday from 8.30am-9.30am to sign out pickup sticks, high vis jackets, hoops, gloves, road signs and orange sacks to the volunteers. There will also be sacks available from Reception at the Town Hall from Tuesday, August 30.

High Street nail salon application A NEW nail salon could be coming to Wells High Street. A planning application has been submitted to Mendip District Council for the change of use

of 56 High Street from retail to allow its use as a nail salon.

The unit has been empty since Sante Wines moved out two years ago.

A GROUP of social housing in our eyes, listening to the tenants in Wells were recently stories from people who have invited to take part in a lived such full and amazing lives. storytelling workshop aimed at Loneliness is an endemic issue tackling loneliness among the for the older members of our over 55s. communities and initiatives like Eight tenants benefitted from this make a huge difference to the activity which took place their quality of life.” at Sheldon Drive Independent Film Crew 4u was set up Living Scheme. The session was

by Portsmouth resident Billy hosted by the Aster Foundation, Stevenson as a way to use No need for an expensive care home the charitable arm of local filmmaking as a form of therapy. housing association Aster Group, Billy said: “Pursuing my Stay independent at home with your own live in carer along with Film Crew 4u – a interest in filmmaking gave social enterprise that has recently me the direction and purpose No need for an expensive care home graduated from the Foundations to stay on the right path afterMany people want to stay in their own home as they get olde No need expensive care home social incubator, inc. facing my for ownan mental health Stay independent at home with own live in carer No need for an expensive careyour home The workshop taught those Stay independent issues and battling alcohol No need for a at homewith with your own live in carer Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older attending how to use green dependency. It taught me how Stay independent at home with your own liveaninproviding carer Featherbed Care has been live in carers since 198 No need for expensive care home No need for an expensive care home Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older No need for an expensive care home screen technology to create powerful filmmaking is as a Stay independent at No need for an expensive care home Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older in independent only the at very care affordable cos a presentation about their recovery tool and I wanted toWe see believeStay Stay independent at homebest with your your ownat livean in carer carer with own live in Featherbed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer Many want to stay lives. Attendees also had the it could help providing other people Featherbedhow Care has been live in carers since 1986 Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older the people very best care at antheir affordable cost Many want to stay own home as they get older opportunity to share their who are struggling inWe lifebelieve – that’s in only Many people want tocarers stay in in their as as they get get olderolder Many people stay insince theirown ownhome home they Featherbed Care been providing live into 1986 We believe in only the very best care athas an affordable cost want creations and stories with their the thinking behind Film Crew We believe in only the very best care at has an affordable cost peers at the end of the session.

4u.”

Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 Featherbed Care has bee has been been live carers Featherbed Care Featherbed Care has providing live in an carers since 1986 1986 Annie Maidment, an Inc. is a 10-month business We believe in only the very best care at affordable cost Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since We believe in 1986 only the v We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost independent living officer at Aster development programme that We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Group, said: “The storytelling Aster Group offers to help workshop was an amazing nurture start-ups that can benefit experience for all involved. To be local communities. filmed, to reminisce and share Billy added: “Getting our personal experiences with each first project off the ground, with other over a cup of tea, biscuits the helpCall of Aster, immensely for a is brochure today Call for a brochure today and cake was just the perfect way 0117 exciting, particularly as we 0800 111 4885 9860710 / Freephone: 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 to create togetherness. have the opportunity to tackle a Call for a brochureCall todayfor a brochure today Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call/ for for brochure today today “We laughed, sat in awe, and major societal problem in elderly Call for aa brochure today Call a 0117 9860710 Freephone: 0800 111 4885 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111for 4885 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk Call a brochure brochure 0800 today 0117 9860710 9860710 Freephone: 111 4885 4885 one or two of us even had tears loneliness.” www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 // Freephone: Freephone: 0800 111 111 4885 0117 / 0800 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: Email: Call for a brochure today Call fo Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Deadline for the October edition: September 14 www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 0117 9860710 / Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk Email: featherbed

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September 2022

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A project has started to restore the external face of the Wells Cathedral Clock. Scaffolding was put up before conservation work began on the decorative form and finishes. The works will preserve as much as possible of the historic painted layers, while allowing a recreation of a more original scheme. The project is expected to take four months to complete.

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There when we are needed IT has been an interesting few weeks here at Wells Funeral Services.

The start of July was quiet but then we conducted a funeral at West Mendip Crematorium.

This was in addition to a direct to crematorium funeral, which is a funeral without any ceremony.

Everyone’s circumstances are different and sometimes a direct to crematorium funeral is the best option.

We were then asked to deliver a Caribbean funeral, in Slough.

Careful planning was essential and so we made the journey to Slough a week before the funeral to make sure we were fully aware of what we could expect when we took our team there on the day.

A funeral in Bristol was next following a conversation on our market stall in Wells, where we are available every Wednesday to provide advice and guidance in all matters related to funerals. Following that we delivered the funeral of a local vicar including a church ceremony in Shepton Mallet.

Then another local crematorium funeral. Finally, we received a request from a distraught family of the Hindu faith. The mother had come to visit from India and unfortunately had died. In the Hindu culture the deceased has to be cremated as soon as possible. So we brought the lady into our care and arranged for the cremation three days later.

However, on the Sunday before the cremation, we were asked to return the deceased to the family home for and were honoured to participate in the ‘mukhagni’, where the ‘last food’ is offered. Traditionally, the ‘mukhagni’ is the cremation itself and is only attended by men, however, modern Hindu funerals allow women to attend.

As you can see, a month in the life of a Funeral Director is interesting and varied. We strive to make a difference at a difficult time in the calm and professional manner for which we are known, and as the month ended, we felt very grateful for being part of life’s cycle.

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

37

n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Property prices relax after the heat

THE market has calmed, along with the recent high temperatures. Prices, however, are 20 per cent higher than 2019.

Asking prices increased by nearly 13 per cent year-on-year in Somerset but we have seen a typical slowdown in August, resulting in a 1.3 per cent fall this month, which is on a par with the seasonal average over the last ten years.* Lodestone Property colleagues Francoise Jackson, Manager of the Bruton office, and Alistair Burchett, Deputy Manager, concur with the recent softening of demand in general terms, but conclude that this is inevitable after the frenzy of the last two years.

Even prospective home buyers need a summer break, but there are still plenty of buyers in strong positions waiting to find their Somerset homes.

St Dunstan’s Mede, Baltonsborough – a Galion Homes development

‘We expect a steady, healthy market through autumn with good buyers looking to move before Christmas’

“New stock is continuing to come through and we expect a steady, healthy market through autumn with good buyers looking to move before Christmas,” says Alistair.

New homes performed well during the pandemic and are gearing up again with small, independent Somerset-based

company Galion Homes launching their second development in as many years in Baltonsborough this month.

Faithful to their core values, the homes are centred within a thriving community with thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Modern demands are met with innovative and sustainable building techniques and a sympathetic approach to the landscape and biodiversity on the site.

The initial launch of three properties this month will be followed by further releases towards the end of the year and into 2023.

For more information on St Dunstan’s Mede Development in Baltonsborough, please email bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk or call 01749 605099. * All figures provided by Rightmove – August Insights

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bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01749 605099

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wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk 01749 605088

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

38

September 2022

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Commendable endeavour by students AS you read this, students across the Wells Constituency will have had their A-Level, T-Level, and GCSE results.

I know a lot of work has been done to ensure the examination period went as smoothly as possible this year, and I want to congratulate everyone on their results.

For the first time in three years, summer exam results will be announced in the conventional way. After such a tumultuous last few years due to the pandemic, I know this is very welcome news for schools, colleges, and most importantly students. While teacher assessed grades were necessary for that time, it was clear it was sub-optimal, and everyone was desperate to get back to the regular assessment system.

It was great to see the positive T-Level results from Strode

Thoughts of Wells MP James Heappey ‘I am very proud of the schools across the Wells Constituency which have been brilliant’ College after becoming one of the first institutions to provide the qualification just a couple of years ago. I recently met with the

new Principal of Strode College, John Revill, who was optimistic about the opportunities T-Levels will present to this first cohort of students who have completed them.

I visit schools and colleges on an almost weekly basis and the commitment the teaching staff have to their students is so clear to see.

Lots is said in the media about how the grades compare to previous years, but I think it is important to focus on how far we have come since 2020 and commend those students who have worked so hard when being up against it.

There are so many options, and while it is great to see so many young people going to university, I am equally pleased to see students have a choice of qualifications. As well as T-Levels, there are also a range

of apprenticeships on offer, something I am very interested in seeing more of.

I really enjoy speaking to students as they prepare for exams and beyond and I am very much looking forward to getting back out and about in schools once the summer holidays are over.

The teachers and leadership teams deserve a huge amount of credit for the way they have adapted to the ever-changing requirements and for supporting the students so admirably through a time none of us expected to have to go through.

I am very proud of the schools across the Wells Constituency which have been brilliant and were rewarded with impressive A-Level results, I am sure the GCSEs will be the same and I hope they all know how grateful we are for their dedication.

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wellsvoice

September 2022

n IN DAYS GONE BY

39

With Clare Blackmore

Swans inspired poem by enchanted visitor IN a small A5-sized selfpublished pamphlet called A Wayfarer in Wells by H.C. printed in 1926 by Clare, Son & Co Ltd of 5 High Street, Wells, in a box in Wells & Mendip Museum library, I read a reference to an American lady called Florence Converse who H.C. says: “Wrote the quaintest, prettiest poem about The Happy Swan.”

The museum has the original swan from around 1869 who was taught to ring the bell by the bishop’s daughter and which, under the museum’s upcoming development programme, is due to be re-conserved as part of the new Wells galleries, and not having heard of this poem I set about trying to rediscover it.

Florence Converse was born in New Orleans in 1871. She was a member of the editorial staff of the Churchman from 1901 to 1908 and must at some point before 1926, when A Wayfarer in Wells was printed, have visited the city and witnessed the swans ringing the bell on the moat and been inspired to write about them.

After some research I managed to find the poem.

In the cathedral close at Wells, In lovely Somerset, there dwells, A happy swan: I saw him float Up and down the Bishop’s moat Among the cloudy water-weeds. ’Tis an enchanted life he leads.

His grandsire served Lord Lohengrin, Lir’s children are his next of kin, And Leda’s mate and royal others Fly in his flock, the sad young brothers Bewitched in Anderson’s fairy tale, Tewkesbury’s bird the twain that sail On Shakespeare’s Avon, but none else Except the elfin swan of Wells, Has a flair for ringing bells.

I saw him like a barge of State, Sweeping toward the watergate.

I saw the round-eyed unconcern Of his proud profile at the turn Beyond the drawbridge, as his glance Ignored my humble circumstance.

Waters ecclesiastical In faerie peace fantastical: A hero in a charmed life Untouched by such industrial strife, Unshadowed by that awful dread Of hungering for daily bread.

Oh, strange to know that manna fell Every time you rang a bell!!

‘I saw him rear his head And stretch his neck and seize the string And ring the little bell’ Beneath the gate-house window hung A rusty bell that once was rung By travellers who crossed the moat, Swimming or in a little boat, To ask a dole and thither sped The swan – I saw him rear his head And stretch his neck and seize the string And ring the little bell, and ring And ring, until his shrill demand Was answered by a fluttering hand Romantically strewing cake Upon these waters for his sake.

It was the hour when mortals take Their tea in England; all the bells Were ringing four o’clock in Wells.

And all the while the bells were ringing, I heard the Welsh coal-miners singing Without the green close, in the glare Of the dusty market square, I heard the strikers out of Wales The sooty Cumbrian nightingales Singing their hunger songs: I heard, The music sweet, the bitter word.

Through the Porch called Penniless Grievance chanted and distress, Hymned old haunting melodies.

But swans and canons took their teas.

H.C. relates that he is staying “in one of the College houses at the foot of the close. Our house is old world in charm. Great thick walls and little window seats looking out through tiny churchlike windows on to the close below: so still by moonlight: so full of life at times of day.

“Walls colour washed and quiet, blend into the atmosphere of peace that prevails. Low ceilings lend cosiness, and soft lights of students’ reading lamps gives the soothing feeling, which

so old a room requires. Old cupboards, old kitchens, old stairways. Old thoughts seem to come to one as one sits by the bright fire in the lamplight, listening to the sonorous tones of the great Cathedral’s bell.”

The only clue to the identity of H.C., who wrote so eloquently about the city of Wells, is that he or she wrote Island Notes in Wartime with a foreword by the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, and Island Folk Songs published in Kirkwall, Orkney, in 1920.

In his A Wayfarer in Wells he finishes: “We need never say Goodbye to Wells. It is there for us through all time, and I wonder if some buildings like it, but even fairer, won’t be there through Eternity.

“We can shut our eyes and we are back again in the quaint old close, the bells-a-ringing, and we have only to catch a Great Western or Somerset and Dorset and we will get there some time.”

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Oh, strange to be a happy swan, Privileged to float upon

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40

September 2022

n WHAT’S ON Talk on Judge not for the squeamish JON Jefferies will give a talk on Judge Jeffreys at Christ Church, Henton, near Wells, on Thursday, September 8, at 7pm.

The talk spans the life – and death – of the Duke of Monmouth, from being the adored illegitimate firstborn son of Charles II, through to his exile and the consequence of his failed attempt to take the crown.

It will also cover the implications of the seven Assize Courts held throughout the West Country.

It is not for the squeamish and contains accurate accounts of executions and the obligations placed on the people of Wells to carry them out.

Jon is at pains to point out that he is not an historian. He says he is just someone who is fascinated by the story of the Duke of Monmouth and the fearsome reputation of Judge Jeffreys.

He has lived in Wells for more than 20 years and has long been interested in the significance of the city during the Monmouth Rebellion. He was intrigued that, although not a direct forbear, they shared the same surname.

Jon has written on the subject, spoken on radio and there are plans afoot to create an exhibition on the subject at Wells & Mendip Museum.

To reserve a place, email rosie.inge@gmail.com. Tickets will cost £10 on the door.

Almshouses Open Day Saturday 10 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 3pm.

year, meets regularly on Thursdays at Draycott Memorial Hall, with weekly sketching trips during the summer holidays.

To find out more, contact draycottartclub.mendip@gmail. com

Reading group

The cast of And Then There Were None to die one by one, the survivors turn on each other.

Performance dates are September 13-17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available on the Little Theatre website: www. wellslittletheatre.com

Back singing again WELLS Good Afternoon Choir starts back singing again on September 6.

The choir meets every Tuesday from 2pm-4pm at St Thomas’ Church, led by Grenville Jones, with accompanist Sheila Ross.

There are no auditions involved. For more information about joining, email gac@ grenvillemusic.co.uk or tel: 01761 472468.

Test of brainpower AN Oxfam Quiz Night is being held at the Tramways, Wells, on Sunday, September 18, starting at 8pm. Teams of up to six, £4 per team member. Raffle prizes welcomed. To book, phone Celia on 07909 665813.

Classes restarting PILOGAFIT weekly classes with John Beasley restart at Portway Annexe 6-7 (large room) on Wednesday, September 7, from 6pm-7pm.

The price remains the same at £5, pay as you go.

For more information, call John on 01749 672482.

Unmasking a killer

Board game nights

THE Agatha Christie thriller And Then There Were None is the next production at Wells Little Theatre.

Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, and as they start

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, September 7, and Wednesday, September 21, from 7pm9.30pm.

To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS Pilates 9.15am Pilates seated seniors 10.30am WEDNESDAYS Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm THURSDAYS Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am Pilates 6pm All above classes at Wells Town Hall FRIDAYS Pilates 9am. Online via Zoom All classes mixed ability and prebooking only. Contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Art club exhibition AN exhibition by Draycott Art Club opens at Wells & Mendip Museum on Wednesday, August 31.

The exhibition is the club’s first at the Museum for several years. It will continue until Saturday, September 17, open 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday.

On show will be a great variety of subjects by longtime members and newcomers with framed pictures, mounted work, prints and cards for sale.

With the current cost of living problems, every effort has been made to provide high quality work at attractive prices.

The club, now in its tenth

PEOPLE are invited to “be part of a bigger story” by attending sessions of the Shared Reading group that meets on Fridays at Wells Library in Union Street from 2pm-3.30pm. Anyone interested can just drop in to enjoy listening to a story and poems. There is no charge, no booking needed and no pressure to talk or read.

Beastly workshop ARTIST Sean Harris will lead the latest in a series of creative workshops for families at Wells & Mendip Museum on Saturday, September 24.

Inspired by the museum’s collection, Ice Age Beasts of the Mendips will tell a story of time and climate change. Children and their parents or carers can drop in anytime between 10am3.30pm, there is no need to book Entry to the workshop is free, entry fees apply to visit the museum.

Folk and Barn dance WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets at Dinder Village Hall on Wednesdays from 7.30pm9.30pm. Members £3.50, visitors £4. Tel: 01749 674920.

Bridge for beginners BEGINNERS’ Classes for Bridge will be held weekly on Mondays at Coxley Memorial Hall from 2pm-4pm starting on September 19. If interested, contact Jean Howard by phone on 07894 570905 or email howardjeanm@ gmail.com

A Draycott Art Club life drawing class

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

41

n WHAT’S ON

Corryvrechan will be giving Scottish dance displays at Cedars Hall in September; and there will be a Medieval Falconry Day at The Bishop’s Palace

Rare chance to see Scottish dancers CORRYVRECHAN is a locallybased Scottish Dance Display team with an international reputation, drawing dancers and musicians from across the UK. They have performed at festivals in 11 countries and were finalists at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 2017.

Now, there is a rare opportunity to see them in concert in Cedars Hall, Wells, on September 24 and 25.

The team’s displays combine Scottish Country, Highland and Hebridean dances that showcase the breadth of the Scottish tradition. Accompanied by their expert musicians, the team offers an entertaining programme that will have audience members tapping their feet.

Corryvrechan will be welcoming a special guest band, The Schmoozenbergs Trio, conjuring up the mood of 1930s Paris, fused with flavours of Eastern Europe and a liberal sprinkling of high energy folk.

Tickets are £14 (£10 for under 18s), available through the website cedarshallwells.co.uk or by ringing the box office on 01749 834483.

Falconry displays THE Bishop’s Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day on Saturday, September 10, promises a day out with a difference.

Held on the South Lawn, against the backdrop of the Palace’s Great Hall, Tony Bryant from specialist falconry firm, Raptorcare, will entertain crowds

th Tai Chi Heal

P i l o g a Fi t Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk John Beasley 01749 672482 with a day of flying displays, fascinating information and beautiful birds.

Displays will take place at 12pm and 3pm. Aimed at all ages of visitor, displays will illustrate how these birds would have been used in Medieval times and why.

In between displays, visitors can have the chance to handle some of the birds.

The event runs from 9.30am5.30pm. The Palace will close at 1pm for a private event but the Gardens and Bishop’s Table cafe will remain open as usual.

Entrance to Medieval Falconry is included with general admission to the Palace.

attend should ring Jane Hill on the morning (01749 675668) to check whether the band has had to cancel. Audience members should take their own chairs.

The band is appearing again at the Bandstand as so many supporters enjoyed the performance on July 24.

Music favourites A FORMER student at Wells Cathedral School is giving a concert at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, in September.

Tenor Gregory Steward was a vocal specialist at the school from 2015-2018. He has recently graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and is performing a series of concerts in villages and towns around the South West as he embarks on his solo career.

He will present An Evening of Romantic Song and Popular Favourites, to include Bring Him Home and Stars (Les Miserables), If I Loved You (Carousel), O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma and more, at St Thomas’

Got News? Call 07906 499655

Comedy night THE Comedy Cavern will be back at Wookey Hole on Friday, October 7, with another evening of comedy.

On the bill will be Dawn Bailey, Kevin Daniel, Cerys Nelmes and Bobby Mair.

Box office and bar 6pm, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm.

More at wookey.co.uk/ comedy-cavern

TAI CHI Connect Centre, Wells Mondays 6pm – 7pm £5 per class Bob 07791 291886

Summer exhibition

Bandstand concert WELLS City Band will be performing on the Bandstand at Wells Recreation Ground on Sunday, September 25, from 2pm-4pm.

There will be no wet weather provision so people planning to

Church on Friday, September 16, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 to include a glass of wine or soft drink. To book, contact the Parish Office on 01749 672335, or pay on the door. Free admission for under 18s.

Tenor Gregory Steward is returning to Wells for a concert

A SUMMER exhibition of glass, prints and painting by artist Caroline Byrne is currently on display at The Bishop’s Palace.

Art of Looking can be seen upstairs until October 2.

The artist is in the exhibition herself on Thursdays from 12.30pm-3pm as part of ‘artist in work’ where she paints in the exhibition and answers questions from visitors.

Entry is included with any standard admission to the Palace.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

42

September 2022

n WHAT’S ON

Artists respond to theme of Sanctuary ARTISTS across Somerset will be responding to the theme of Sanctuary for this year’s Somerset Art Weeks.

More than 300 artists will be hosting exhibitions and events in over 100 venues, including loft spaces, tithe barns, stables, museums, churches, farms, libraries and a prison, from September 24 to October 9.

Members of Somerset Art Works and commissioned artists will be showcasing their work, giving local people and visitors to the county the opportunity to discover high quality shows and exhibitions in unique and inspiring locations.

Artists have interpreted the theme of Sanctuary in many different ways, such as with paintings of the natural world, mindful mark making and a poetic sanctuary. Poet Katrina Naomi and eco-writer Sara Hudston responded to the natural heritage of Alfoxton Park with its links to Wordsworth and Coleridge as the birthplace of English Romanticism.

Somerset Art Works recently declared a Climate Emergency, and reflecting this, the event has a focus on sustainability. Many of the artists have been inspired by our relationship to the natural world. Others have responded to shared experiences of the pandemic, often highlighting positive changes or allowing visitors to contemplate.

Siân Cann finds sanctuary

DJS

walking in the woodlands with her Polaroid camera, absorbing quiet moments in nature and observing the poetry of light between the leaves. The woodlands became more important to her when she began to lose her sight during lockdown, and her documentation of this natural space became her reassurance.

Bronwen Coe has created a series of work on the theme Theatre of Trees, including botanical prints and wood sculptures in memory of a local Sweet Chestnut tree.

The name Muchelney means ‘great island’. In times of flood, the church there provided sanctuary. To reflect this, Jane Mowat has created an installation of embroidery that floods, from the font and down the church nave, sewn with images of native plants.

Wells Art Contemporary Bursary winner Leah Hislop will

A work by Bronwen Coe

An image by artist Carolyn Lefley install a sculpture constructed from handmade, individually folded Origami Building blocks at Kingweston Church near Keinton Mandeville. Triangular folds within the work tie in with the symbol of the number three and The Holy Trinity, along with the concept of guidance and protection.

Penelope O’Gara of The Itinerant Bizarrium has created figurative textile works exploring the theme of sanctuary within the setting of the 14th-century church of St Peter, Evercreech.

Six artists have taken over C-Wing at Shepton Mallet Prison to create immersive and interactive artworks using a variety of artforms and techniques, including creative computer coding, an installation exploring light and colour, painting and mark making as a practice of mindfulness, exploring conversations on postcolonial ideas of the Black

British experience in the UK, and participatory installations considering themes of wellbeing.

Jacky Oliver has created a large-scale kinetic sculpture for Somerset Rural Life Museum’s 14th-century Abbey Barn. The sculpture draws inspiration from research into the different ways horses have been central to Somerset’s rural heritage.

A full event programme includes talks, walks and workshops focussing on making art, wellbeing and a return to nature. Each weekend will be family friendly, with arts activities for families, encouraging everyone to join in.

The Somerset Art Weeks Guide will be available from early August, so visitors can see what’s on, who is taking part and start planning their visits. There will also be more information on the SAW website and an app to highlight venues and give directions.

D. J. Simpson Engineering Ltd

Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1EZ 01749 870688 djsimpsoneng@hotmail.co.uk

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To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157

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Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

43

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB WINE, Women and Song was the title of our demonstration on Tuesday, July 12.

Area demonstrator Sue Neale from Ilfracombe was joined by her husband Stuart, an accomplished pianist, to give club members an enjoyable afternoon.

Sue’s first design was arranged in a large wine glass filled with red roses, alstramarias and freesias. Stuart played Thank You for the Music as she completed the design.

White flowers predominated in the next arrangement in honour of St Theresa accompanied by Ave Maria.

A naturalistic arrangement representing the Yorkshire moors was Sue’s interpretation for the Bronte Sisters, completed with the sounds of It’s A Wonderful World.

On Saturday, July 30, we honoured an arrangement made before lockdown to raise funds for Wells Macular Society.

Sixty-four members and friends enjoyed a demonstration by area demonstrator, Rosemary Kerr followed by a cream tea served by the committee.

All the ingredients were donated by Tesco and Morrisons in Wells and Chilcompton Coop. Chairman Isobel Cameron expressed her thanks to them all, as well as to Elaine Lewis who did sterling work baking 150 scones.

It proved to be a very successful afternoon with more than £750 raised. This will be presented to the macular society

at the club’s general meeting later in the year.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 13, at 2.15pm when we will be welcoming area demonstrator Allison Finch whose demonstration is entitled Well Read. We meet at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells.

Look out for details of our open meeting in The Little Theatre on November 8 when international designer and national judge, Alan Beatty will present Quintessentially Christmas. Tickets will be available in September.

Jenny Jones MENDIP POSTCARD CLUB MENDIP Postcard Club meet in Wells Town Hall on Monday, September 19, at 7.30pm, for the start of their new season programme of talks etc and we welcome new members.

We meet there on the first Monday of the month.

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP WE arranged a cream tea for our members for the afternoon of August 3 and planned to hold it in the Tor Street garden.

Unfortunately it proved to be the only wet day we have experienced for quite some while. Fortunately, we had also covered ourselves by asking if we could use the committee room in St Thomas’ Church if it did rain.

We laid out the room with

A design by area demonstrator Rosemary Kerr

Got News? Call 07906 499655

St Thomas Women’s Fellowship members enjoying a cream tea tablecloths and bone china and served the tea and scones to 18 members who all said what an enjoyable afternoon it turned out to be.

Our next meeting will be held ‘indoors’ on Wednesday, September 7, at 7pm in the Church Hall when we welcome Michael Malaghan with a talk entitled ‘It shouldn’t happen to a writer’. We look forward to seeing everyone then.

Pat Dyer WELLS TUESDAY WI A DIFFERENT kind of meeting this month for a summer evening: we brought chairs, games of boules and food to share for a social gathering on the green in front of Wells Cathedral. We were delighted that some women from Wells Monday WI joined us.

President Anne had devised an ingenious treasure hunt which she sent to participants’ phones, and small groups set off looking for clues around the green. Happily, the winners were a mixed group of Monday and Tuesday WI members.

In regular news all the sub-groups are thriving, with members meeting to talk about books they’ve read, films they’ve seen, going to theatre and opera at The Bishop’s Palace, walking together and sharing results of photography experiments. The busiest group is Blooming Fun, who have been visiting gardens and sharing tips, seeds and produce.

Several members enjoyed a

floral art workshop that involved making an arrangement from wild flowers they’d picked. It’s been a bit too hot for netball and cycling, but they will resume shortly.

Our next meeting will be on September 6.

More information can be found on our Facebook page facebook.com/Wellssomersetwi Veronica Howe HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB HENTON and District Gardening Club begin their autumn programme of talks and demonstrations on September 21 at 7.30pm with a visit from Castle Gardens Gold Club representative Louise Burks.

Louise will offer lots of tips and suggestions for the creation of a Winter Hanging Basket, one of her favourite subjects.

She is the founder of the Gardens Group in Sherborne and is the inspiration behind their amazing festive displays.

We meet in Henton Village Hall on the third Wednesday of the month with raffle, refreshments and sales table.

More information on our website hentongardenclub.weebly.com Don’t miss our October meeting on October 19 at 7.30pm – BBC’s Gardeners Question Time expert Matt Biggs will give an illustrated talk on The Wonder of Plants. Tickets from thomassya@gmail.com or 01749 674767. u More reports on page 44

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

44

September 2022

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES COXLEY & DISTRICT WI COXLEY & District WI met on August 2 at the Memorial Hall.

We began our meeting welcoming the ladies of Walton WI, back by popular request to help us play Kerling. We also welcomed Peggy’s sister as a visitor, who joined in the fun.

We had a very enjoyable evening, Christine C managed to be top personal scorer. Ursula and Rosemary won the play-off pairs, with the blue team beating the reds overall. Val gave the vote of thanks. We are sure to want to repeat this again next year.

After a well-earned cup of tea, we sorted through the general business, discussing our various specialist clubs and fixing dates and details. Jenny also informed us about the latest news at County level. Also names were taken for hopefully our forthcoming annual outing for later in the month.

In September we are having a surprise speaker and will meet on the 6th, again at the Memorial Hall. Visitors and new members are most welcome.

Ursula Dann SOMERSET WILDLIFE TRUST FOLLOWING the popularity of the ‘Bats Galore’ events in August, the Wells Area Group is continuing the bat theme with the first of our autumn talks at the Wells museum on September 27. Our speaker will be renowned bat expert Daniel Hargreaves who will be talking about his world of bats. Daniel has been studying and filming bats pretty much all over the world and has brilliant imaging and many amusing anecdotes to share.

Subsequent talks will be by Chris Sperring MBE about owls and how they are coping with climate change on October 25, and Nick Gates talking about his book, Orchard: A Year in England’s Eden, on November 29. More details of these will appear in due course.

If you would like to join us for any of these events, please book in advance with Jean Mantle: jaye.mantle@btinternet.com, telephone 01749 677600. We ask for a donation of £5 per adult – under 16s are free. Jean will also be able to provide you with details of all our other events.

Talks start at 7.30pm and refreshments will be offered

Also watch a selection of videos on the website that follow some of our groups, to see the pleasure it brings to our members.

Ann Brown WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

Top, Coxley & District WI welcomed back the ladies of Walton WI to play Kerling; and above, Wells u3a’s Pizza and Pud lunch during an interval. We will still be operating the reuseable cup reward scheme that we started before the pandemic. So don’t forget to bring a reuseable cup for your tea/coffee.

Eric Lewis WELLS U3A MANY of the groups in Wells u3a take a break in August but everyone was invited to attend a Pizza and Pud lunch held at Wells football club. Around 50 people enjoyed a great variety of pizzas made fresh from the mobile pizza-making van by ‘Fed

by Fed & Ben’. Normally this event would have been held at tables outside the pavilion on the grass under gazebos but due to the extreme hot weather it was decided to hold the event inside.

This did not deter from a very social event where people from many groups could get together and exchange stories. The pizzas were followed by a wonderful variety of puddings to suit all tastes. The next event open to all members will be a harvest supper in October being held at the museum.

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Wells u3a are still looking for people to start up groups or to take over the leadership of existing groups. Leaders have to leave for a variety of reasons but there are still members keen to continue but do not feel they can run the groups.

Examples of this are Beginners Water Colours, and our writing group has several keen members but need someone to guide them.

There is always an opening for language groups such as German and Spanish and even room for another French group. If you feel you have the skills to guide one of these groups, all you have to do is to join Wells u3a and contact our group leader’s rep who will give you all the support you need.

All of our groups are for pleasure, no exams or competition involved, we just want our groups to get together with like-minded people and learn something along the way.

You can go our website u3asites. org.uk/wells/home to discover all the groups that are available and if there isn’t a subject you are interested in and you would like to start a group, we would welcome you with open arms.

AUGUST has left us with dilapidated borders and defoliated shrubs, a scattering of leaves over the lawn and plants in general having shut down to preserve their moisture. The odd patch of drizzle only served to emphasise the low levels of rainfall the South West has suffered this summer.

Going into September my garden, sprightly in spring and luxuriant in early summer, now has the rather scruffy and tatty appearance of a post-Christmas High Street shop window marking the January sales.

Plants everywhere have taken a battering and some have proved more resilient than others. Only those hydrangeas which enjoyed the shelter of some shade have survived with dignity intact.

As these dramatic quirks brought by climatic change become part of what we can expect, the trick in future will be to choose the winners rather than the losers. And it’s not just the decorative borders. We are more dependent on plants than we imagine. The prospect ahead doesn’t look optimistic.

Which sobering notion brings us to the next meeting of Wells Gardening Club. We are delighted to welcome back Timothy Walker, lecturer at Somerville, Pembroke and Hertford Colleges, Oxford, and formerly for several years Curator of Oxford University Botanic Garden.

Timothy is one of those rare speakers who has the gift of making the dullest aspect of gardening hugely entertaining.

It is this originality which sets him apart. On a previous visit to us, what he had to say about the private life of the fig took many of us by surprise.

So, mark the date: Thursday, September 8, in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm. Subject: What have plants ever done for us?

Everyone welcome. Members £1, Visitors £3, includes refreshments. Further details: 01749 679182 / 673244, www. wellsgarden.club Pip Harwood

Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

September 2022

45

n SPORT

Registration day heralds new season RUGBY Denis Verrier, Chairman of the Minis and Junior section of Wells Rugby Club, looks forward to an exciting season ahead WE are coming to this very exciting time of the year when the new season is about to start – and this year is more exciting than ever. Last year was a transition year for many of us, and we are certainly looking forward to what should be a “normal” season ahead. This starts with our registration day,

on Sunday, September 4, at the main club on Charter Way in Wells, starting at 10.30am.

The day promises to be full of fun activities, allowing existing and new players – girls and boys aged 6 to 16 – to come together and get to know each other in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The day will also feature a cake sale, kit sale, boots exchange and the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

On the back of our successful summer of Touch Rugby, and with some new faces joining the club, it promises to be another

great season for our thriving community club, which over the years has been home to some incredibly talented players, who then went on to have successful national and international careers. Our beloved sport core values of ‘Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship’ will continue to be a cornerstone of our approach to players’ development.

Despite all the success, we also always need new players of all ages as well as volunteers to help the club and are also looking for coaches in our minis

section to help develop and grow further for the benefit of our young players, so please do get in touch with us to get involved.

We also have several sponsorship opportunities available, and these allow us to have the resources available to continue to provide such great opportunities for our young payers to develop.

The future is looking incredibly exciting, and with our 150th anniversary only a few years away, we are delighted to be able to be a part of that future at the heart of your community.

Wells Tennis Club marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration event on July 31. The Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, cut a ribbon to officially open the new artificial clay courts, and dozens of players took part in a day of tennis in the sunshine.

Teenager triumphs in thrilling championship finale GOLF A RECENT highlight at Mendip Golf Club was a thrilling finish to the Ladies Club Championship.

As expected this became a battle between Aimee Sawyer (+2) and 16-year-old Ellen Reakes (Scratch). Aimee was 3 ahead after day 1 and still ahead going into the final 9 holes on day 2. However she was then hit by a birdie blitz from Ellen who finally came out on top.

Amazingly Ellen was 5 under gross for the last 12 holes. Third place went to 12-year-old Ffion Richardson.

The Ladies Nett Champion was Ladies Captain Allison Rumming, with Louise Scott in

2nd place on countback from Connie Cox. Mendip’s Men have now progressed to the semi-final stage of the Somerset County Rose Bowl. In the quarters they defeated Mendip Spring by the finest of margins 3-2. Team Captain Ryan Sainsbury and Phil Leadbeater were victorious as were Scott Butland/Tom Black winning on the 19th and Tom Chapman/Rob Cook winning on the 20th. The team now play Worlebury in the next round.

103 men at Mendip competed for the Stephenson Cup and even with the fast running fairways and speedy greens, scoring for the majority of players remained a challenge. Division 3 saw a

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win for Colin Davies with 35 points. Division 2 went to Jack Harrington with 38. Division 1 was won by Leigh Harvey with 39. However the Trophy was won

by Andrew Robinson with an excellent 40 points Division 1 of the Ladies Stableford was won by Anita Butcher with 37 points. Division 2 went to Alison Kay with 37.

Division 3 saw an amazing 45 points from Joan Clark who it is fair to say is one of the older ladies in the Section.

The Ladies Alliance A Team had a home win over Knowle 11-3 with wins from Aimee Sawyer, Ellen Reakes, Lynne Vowles, Fran Davies and Anita Butcher.

The annual running of the

Mixed event the Millington Salver was won by Rob and Sue Needham with 41 points.

The Past Captains held their annual event which saw an outstanding 44 points from Tony Logan who retains the Trophy he won last year. The winning team were Duncan Offer/Mike Snaith/ Malcolm Srawley/Paul Smith.

The Ladies Courage Trophy saw a win for the very much in form Joan Clark playing with Margaret Hawker with 38 points after count back from Gina Howard/Allison Rumming.

Work has started on the new Driving Range. Footings and concrete flooring have been completed and the metal structure is rapidly taking shape.

Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk

wellsvoice

46

September 2022

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September 2022

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