FREE EVERY MONTH for people and businesses in Wells and district www.wellsvoice.co.ukSeptember 2022 Issue 63 Cricket tournament in memory of Martin Coppell: page 2 • Star in fundraiser for skatepark: page 9 Nat ural Looking Dental Implants with Dr Ryan K Hughes Priory Dental is a trading name of Dr Ryan K Hughes, registered with the General Dental Council (registration number 85731) - see www.gdc-uk.org Priory Dental is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - see www.cqc.org.uk. www.wellsimplants.com BDS, BSc, MBChB, MSc (Dental Implantology), FFDRCS(I), FFGDP(UK), FCGDent. PRIORY DENTAL PRIORY DENTAL WELLS Dental Implant Surgeon 01749 678040 Tell me more about Implants PRIORY.WELLSVOICE.SEPT2021.V.01.indd 1 22/09/2021 10:07 01749 678420 Independent Vets Est. 1922 Sadler Street, Wells BA5 2SE Tel: 01749 www.ancientgatehouse.com672029RESTAURANTEnjoy Septemberoutsidedininginto Picture: Thousand Word Media/Ecclesiastical New Februaryblewmasonrytakesstoneworkplaceofthatdowninstorm
Continued on page 5
Church formerrestoredspiretoitsglory 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. James Preston and Rich Sharpe of Sally Strachey Thomas’ConservationHistoriconStChurchspire
“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.”
A CRICKET tournament in memory of Martin Coppell will take place at Horrington Cricket Club in Martin,September.acricket 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 untilThelate.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’sEveryonefamily.isinvited to attend and enjoy the day to share memories of Martin.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 20222 n NEWS Wells City Council 01749www.wells.gov.uk673091 Police Emergency:Generalwww.avonandsomerset.police.ukinquiries:101999 Fire Generalwww.dsfire.gov.ukinquiries:01392 872 200 Emergency: 999 NHS Urgentwww.nhs.ukcalls: 111 Emergency: 999 PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Wells Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Wells Voice is distributed each month to residents. Feedback is always welcomed – email news@wellsvoice.co.uk. This month 7,000 copies will be distributed around Wells and surrounding villages. Follow us on wellsvoicewww.facebook.com/FindwellsvoiceonlineView@wells_voiceTwitter:AmemberoftheIndependentCommunityNewsNetworkeveryissueatissuu.com/usonFacebook:EditorCONTACTSandpublisher Andy Vallis 0174907906andy@wellsvoice.co.uk499655675157 Advertising 01749sales@wellsvoice.co.uk675157 Editorial 0174907906news@wellsvoice.co.uk499655675157 LOCAL INFORMATION wellsvoice www.wellsvoice.co.uk OCTOBER DEADLINE To ensure your news or letter is included in the October issue please contact us by September 14. YOUR VIEWS COMPLAINTS Letters for publication can be sent by email to news@wellsvoice.co.uk. We reserve the right to edit letters. Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Wells Voice, contact the Editor using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Wells Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Editor. CHINESE MEALS TO TAKE AWAY 22 Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SY 01749 679555 Open Tuesday-Sunday5-10pm ORIENT EXPRESS Scan the QR code to order with us or order online orientexpressofwells.co.ukat~DELIVERYAVAILABLE~
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 fourTheyears.Goodfellows restaurant will be replaced by The Olive Tree Restaurant, owned and managed by Petra Edwards.
PortwayWellsAnnexe, Every Thursday 10:45am-11:45am – Pilates 12pm-1pm – Core 1pm-2pm – Stretch Find out more by emailing GAFitnessPersonalTrainer@outlook.com
Pilates with GA Pilates
T20 tournament in memory of Martin
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.
New restaurant opening soon after closure of Goodfellows
The Wells Rocks team provide the latest news from the Wells Contemporary Music Centre
bought.trackstrack/twice.jamespacker.bandcamp.com/https://Foreverythreesold,alessonwillbeJamesandcolleagues
High Street. The company said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our new store in
Somerset love the outdoors, and will appreciate
opportune.” Outdoor clothing store opens
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:
us, our
style, quality and value
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. experts the former Woollen site at of Recording artist Paul Oxley Wells. know the people of the mix of that Trespass will coming to upon latest in Wells couldn’t be more
The Portway Music School continues to grow on Saturdays.
Edinburgh
an end and autumn
Yourlocallegal
Tempo picking up at new music centre
Directlawyer contact• Nohidden costs• Freefirstadvice• Sameday response Services for you Services forbusiness • Residentialproper ty • Agriculturalproper ty • Dispute resolution • Mediation • Employmentlaw • Willsandtrusts • Probate andestate administration • Powersof Attorney • Courtof Protection • Commercialproper ty • Commercialleases • Charityproper ty • Dispute resolution • Mediation • Businessand companysales • Businessand companyacquisitions • Businessand companyadvice • EmploymentlawandHRsupport Ourfirstadvicewillalwaysbefree Street: Glastonbury Wells: 014584424330145883370001749675535 Tel: 01749 346900 | www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk The Works, Board Cross, Shepton Mallet BA4 5DX Installation - Repair - Services STAIRLIFTS NEW from £1,495 RECONDITIONED from £949 REN TAL from £55 per month A TRESPASS outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories store has opened in Wells. The outlet is in
the top
We
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 3wellsvoice n NEWS
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).
are also organising Pop at the Portway.TheSeventies 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 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.
Mill
“Withbring.summer
store opening
Painstaking work to recreate tip of spire
P u r c h a s e o n s i t e o r o n l i n e : W W W . B I S H O P S P A L A C E . O R G . U K P a y o n c e f o r 1 2 m o n t h s o f r e t u r n v i s i t s O n a n y n o r m a l s i g h t s e e i n g d a y , i n c l u d i n g m a n y e v e n t s , t o u r s a n d f a m i l y a c t i v i t i e s T h e B i s h o p ' s P a l a c e & G a r d e n s , W e l l s
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.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 20224 n NEWS
“The new spire will have 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 Rev Claire Towns and churchwarden Judy Penhaligon with the two spires
James Preston, Rob Head and Adam Lavorgna with the new top of St Thomas’ Church spire 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.”Thechurch, on St Thomas Street, was built in the 1850s and is a Grade II* listed building.
‘The restored spire a symbol of hope and of new life for the people of this parish and city’
“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.
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 of up to 122mph, and the event became headline news around theSpecialistsworld. 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“ThenJames.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.
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 The top of the spire after it was blown down in the storm
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 5wellsvoice n NEWS
“I hope no more spires fall in my time as a mason, but if one does, we’d now be well-versed.”
The spire damaged a path around the church when it fell, but thankfully no further damage was caused to the church property.Specialist Ecclesiasticalinsurerhasled the restoration project to get the spire reinstated using its network of specialist suppliers who are experts in restoring damaged heritage properties. The
Six-month project reaches conclusion
stoneexactcarvedbackItoninConservationtheproviding135insuranceGloucester-basedcompanywasformedyearsagoandspecialisesincovertochurchesandcommunitiestheyserve.SallyStracheyHistoricstonemasonsbasedWellswereappointedtoworktherestorationofthespire.waspainstakinglypiecedtogetherbeforeacopywasfromstonetocreateanreplicausingtraditionalcarvingtechniques.The
The installation of the spire had been expected to take five days to complete, with a timelapse camera capturing the process.
The Property Professionals Let Us Let Your Property ♦ F Find A Tenant ♦ R Referencing & inventories ♦ F Full Management ♦ E Extensive marketing ♦ T Tenancy Deposit Protection ♦ C Comprehensive advice ♦ R Rent Reviews ♦ E Experienced friendly staff As a local, family business, we never forget it is your home Wells | Chew Magna | Ston Easton | Somerton | Knightsbridge | Mendip Auction Rooms killens org uk | 01749 671172 Work on the restoration of the St Thomas’ Church spire Pictures: Thousand Word Media/Ecclesiastical From page 1
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“Thankfullychurch. 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 formerJamesglory.”Preston, director at Sally Strachey Historic 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“Weworkshops.havealso 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.
MORE than 50 members of the public attended the second meeting of Wells Bus User Group (WBUG) in Wells Town Hall on AugustThere8. 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.
United effort to maintain bus services
Wells Bus User Group core members, far right, and members of the public who attended the meeting
ANTIQUES l l FOR APPOINTMENTS, TELEPHONE 07442 499390 01934 416171 OPENING DAYS MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DECORATIVE ANTIQUES AND FINE ART SILVER, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS, CURIOS, CHINA, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, GOLD BOUGHT & SOLD MATTHEWANTIQUESCOLES 25 SADLER STREET, WELLS
“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“Thethreat.126is 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 city and county councillor and another member of the WBUG core“Theregroup.are people who will have to drop out of college or lose their jobs if the 126 is axed.”
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 UserTheGroup.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.”Nowthey 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 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.”
“We would like you to show your appreciation that there are still buses by catching one,” said WBUG core group member JennyWBUGRust.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
Councillor Denise Denis and Jenny Rust with the WBUG petition to save the 126 that collected nearly 900 signatures in a matter of days
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 20226 n NEWS
September has been designated Catch the Bus Month, when people are being encouraged to use bus transport in a mass show of support.
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
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 coachWhich?visitors.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 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 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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 7wellsvoice n NEWS
Visitors gather useful tips from Ambassadors Edward Denning and Elaine Stevens
“Becauseappropriate.ofholidays and other commitments, it can be difficult to cover all the shifts and the more Ambassadors we have the easier it becomes – we need“Trainingyou. 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
Wells sets standard for visitor experience
“The street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays is a real treat… if Wells is not on your itineraries, make sure it is soon.”
“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.”
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.
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.
1 WESTWAY FARM | BISHOP SUTTON | BRISTOL | BS39 5XP www.orientalrugsofbath.com | 01275 319950 MattWill Ltd trading as Oriental Rugs of Bath
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.“Weare so appreciative of the 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.”
Market will
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 20228 n NEWS
The Artisan be a central feature again
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 Marshmallows.Grown-UpDocome and visit this brilliant food festival and join us in supporting the thriving foodie culture in Wells.”
Tenth food event expected to be best yet
Jack Bessant is one of the founding members of rock band Reef ‘A new people’sskateparkrevampedwillhavemassivebenefitsforouryouthandphysicalandmentalhealth’
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 theJamesproject.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, skateparkandwellsskatepark@gmail.comemailfollowonInstagramwells_
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 wcnmarshals@gmail.comemailing
Urgent need for vaccine marshals as centre reopens
MUSIC star Jack Bessant is appearing at a concert in Wells that is a fundraiser for the modernisation of Wells Skatepark.Bassguitarist
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 9wellsvoice n NEWS
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 joinDoorsus. 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 streetquakersclerks@gmail.com)(email:
“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“Beyondhealth.the facilities within Wells’ two secondary schools, there’s very little for kids here. “Please support this event and the new Wells Skatepark.”
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. 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.
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.
Music legend to appear at concert in aid of skatepark
For tickets to the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, go tickets.cedarshallwells.co.ukto:
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, 10am4pm 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 CouncilLimitedEngland.space is available so booking is essential; book at project,somersetfilm.com/get-involvedTofindoutmoreaboutthevisitsomersetfilm.com/ communityTheminimum age for participants is 12. Signed carer/ parental permission is required for all under 18s to attend.
Just 10% deposit will secure the price for the next 12 months!
YEARS 45 you BEAT INFLATION
Made in the West Country
Inflation is running at its highest level for decades, and it’s affecting the price of everything…including home improvements. But at West Country Windows we can help you BEAT INFLATION!
An inflated Puffer fish 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.
Exploration of Wells through camera lens
Helping
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202210 n NEWS www. westcountrywindows .com T: 0800 378 371 DESIGNED YROTCAFRUOANDMANUFACTUREDIN•
...
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.
A 10% deposit will secure the price of our quality doors, windows and conservatories for 12 months –so even if you’re not planning to have the work done until 2023… you’ll only pay today’s prices. And don’t forget our 15 year guarantee on all installations. Please call West Country Windows for a free no obligation quotation.
“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.”
“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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 11wellsvoice n NEWS
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 Somerset’srelief.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.Theconsultation 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 SomersetCTRLIVEwww.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ council tax relief
Consultation on
Barn and Rec returned to city’s control
Deadline for the October edition: September 14
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.TheBarn 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 operationalCouncillorcosts.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 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.”CllrCursley 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.
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 reorganisationgovernmentin1974 saw the newly created Mendip District Council handed responsibility for looking after these assets. Councillor Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council, hands over the Bishop’s Barn key to Mayor of Wells Councillor Stewart Cursley
To arrange a consultation contact Molly: Mobile: 07960 530293 Email: molline01@gmail.com Mendip Court, Upper Breach, Wells, BA5 3DG HOME VISITS ALSO COMFORTABLEAVAILABLE FEET l Corns and Callus removal l General nail cutting l Thickened problem nails l Ingrowing toe nails l Cracked heels l Verrucae l Athlete’s foot l Bunions l Heel and Arch pain l Flat feet l Footwear and footcare advice and many more SERVICES 1:1 Counselling for Adults 07774 879369www.facebook.com/SGCounsellorSimonCounsellor1@gmail.com Simon Gaddes Private room a short distance from Wells centre. Walking therapy and discount for rural workers available. Integrative practice. Here to Hear
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202212 n NEWS
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’ Molly Podiatry / Chiropody Molly BSc Podiatrist/Chiropodist member of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
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 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. well as creative experience for everyone working on this genuine community mural,” said Philippa.“Allthe photographs and posterity. These include children
Accredited
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.
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.
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 specialThereprotectionwillbefour 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
www.stevecollinslawncare.co.uk01749595224 Feed & Weed • Mowing • Renovation Moss Control • Scarifying • Hollow-Tining Topdressing • Pest & Disease Control Verticutting • Annual Treatment Plans LAWNwww.stevecollinslawncare.co.uk01749595224‘HYDRO-3’RESCUETREATMENTAthreeinonetreatmenttorapidlyreviveyourlawnfollowingthe2022drought.Consistingof1xmechanicaland2xchemicaltreatmentspromotinghealthygreengrowthalongwithstrongdeeprooting.Forprices,bookingsandinformationon‘HYDRO-3’pleasecontactus: New buildingreceptionplans
Chance to voice opinions on Draft Neighbourhood Plan
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.TheDraft Neighbourhood Plan has six main themes: Heritage and the built environment Housing l Moving around l Retail and commercial buildings Tourism l EachEnvironmenttopicsetsout 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.
Denise Denis – Chair of City Council Planning and Environment Committee
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. Society holding lunch celebration
l
l
Councillor Denise Denis and Adrian I’Anson explain more about the public consultation on the draft of the Wells Neighbourhood Plan
l
Adrian I’Anson – Chair of Wells Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 13wellsvoice n NEWS
Cllr
and
microchip your cat for free. This offer is open to residents in
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
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.
GLASTONBURYwww.cats.org.uk/glastonbury&WELLSCATSPROTECTIONNEUTERINGCAMPAIGNNOWEXTENDED also Glastonbury, Wells,Street, Cheddar and Shepton Mallet surrounding
Rick Payne is highly experienced Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202214 n NEWS
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.
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. Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)
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 andrickpayne.co.uk/blues.htmlwww.Rickhasmanynationalinternationaltourstohis 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.”
Series of workshops with blues guitarist
Paterson
Joseph Justin Webb MichaelWilliamMelvynClaireMorpurgoFullerLucyCookeBraggSieghartRobertHarris AND MANY MORE… 14 – 22 October 2022 www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk Booking telephone line is 01749 834483 (9.30 am to 12.30 pm)
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 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 Anotherjungles.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.Andfor 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 Kate Humble, top, Benedict Allen and Chitra Ramaswamy
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 15wellsvoice n NEWS
ANNIVERSARY WELLS Festival of Literature BOOKINGOPEN…NOW Sheila JaninaJeremyHancockBowenRamirezGaiaVinceMichaelCrickMaxHastingsEmmaSmith
poetry
The Latin Verse Machine The Simply Uke! ukulele band will be playing in the Almshouses Chapel on September 10
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202216 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 theThe1830s.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.Themain exhibition will be open daily from Friday, 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 have a Latin taster session is available on the Alfred Gillett Trust website: alfredgilletttrust. org/whats-onTheTrustis also looking for a number of volunteers to help steward the exhibition. People interested should call 01458 444060 or email enquiries@ agtrust.org.uk n NEWS This HERITAGE OPEN DAYS , join the ALFRED GILLETT TRUST as we celebrate and exhibit this ALFRED GILLETT TRUS T EUREKA ! LATINMACHINEVERSE THE EXHIBITION 10AM – 4PM EVERY DAY ADMISSION, FREE FRI 9 - SUN 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 IS FIXED FOR (Thursday 15 open until 6pm) THE GRANGE, CLARKS VILLAGE, STREET BA16 0BB WWW.ALFREDGILLETTTRUST.ORG/WHATS-ON ASTOUNDING INVENTION IT IS A UNIQUE AUTOMATON FROM THE 1800S WHICH CREATES LATIN POETRY Supported by a programme of innovative TALKS, WORKSHOPS, BOOK SIGNINGS & CRAFT ACTIVITIES, we will take you on a journey through the arts and science like you have never seen before.
Showcasing of device
THE City of Wells Almshouses will be inviting the public in again for Heritage Open Days in September.Themedieval 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. Almshouses will welcome public
Wells Museum: Children’s activities including Jane Flood Story Teller who will intrigue and delight, 10am-12.30pm on Friday, September 9.
WOOD BURNERS & MULTI FUEL STOVES, FIRE PLACES & HEARTHS, CLAY CHIMNEY POTS. BUILDING WORK, CCTV CAMERA SURVEYS, INSURANCE REPORTS. FULLY INSURED AND INSTALLERS.QUALIFIED Mobile 07921 074602
THE next Freecycle event organised by Sustainable Wells will be held in the Priory Road car park on Sunday, September 4, fromFreecycle1pm. 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.Aone-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. Way to pass on unwanted items
n
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.
www.solidfuelinstallationsltd.co.uk • solidfuel3@aol.com
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 17wellsvoice n NEWS
n Wells Civic Society Plaques Trail walk: Starting in the Market Place, 2pm, Sunday, September 11.
For Prices and Bookings contact the Town Hall Manager Tel: 01749 673091. e-mail: thm@wells.gov.uk Website: www.wells.gov.uk
WELLS is once again taking part in the country-wide celebration of heritage – Heritage Open Days 2022 held between September 9 andThere18. 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 St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells: The Medieval Painted Treasures, a rare opportunity to 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 Cemetery:Hospital 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).
01749
At the Hear t 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 Wells in Mosaic, top; porcelain at Wells Museum; and a St Cuthbert’s Church painted sculpture
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. Walks in aid of good cause View every edition online at issuu.com/wellsvoice Phone 677440
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.
Range of activities lined up to celebrate city’s rich heritage
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.
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 website-v1.pdfuploads/heritage-list-scopc-for-stcuthbertout-pc.gov.uk/
years
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?
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 heritagelist@gmail.comstcuthbertout.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202218 n NEWS
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. 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
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? Where was it sited?
Bowley’s Garage Call 01749 674554 Westfield Road Trading Estate, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2HS www.bowleysgarage.co.uk u Car servicing and MOTs u Vehicle engine diagnostics u Electrical and mechanical repairs u Air conditioning servicing High quality continence care products for men and women Discreet, reliable mail order service For advice, free samples and a brochure call 0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com Arelle is a family business based in Somerset for
Good response to heritage appeal
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 NaziLastinvasion.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. over 20
Picture: Caroline Derry
Project for Community Fridge
Wells has always loved an excuse for a feast
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 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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 19wellsvoice n NEWS
Rachel Humphreys visits the Frome Community Fridge at its temporary home in Frome Town Hall
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 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 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.“Afeast shall be given to the poor with plenty of strong l “At public dinner for the gentry and the clergy, seventeen quarts of wine were drunk (at 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.”OnAugust 4, 1711, King George 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.”OnSeptember 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 noble buck presented to the corporation by LordHisDigby.”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“Arejoicing.greatpublic feast was held in a field called Waterleaze on the south side of the city.” 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 tookEachpart.”new mayor was expected to hold a lavish dinner for the 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, 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 Wells has always loved an excuse for feast Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk
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.”Sheadded:
August 2022 35wellsvoice n IN DAYS GONE BY With Clare Blackmore Endless appetite for drinking and feasting
Thank you for the informative articles 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 WellsSkinner n LETTERS Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk August 2022 35wellsvoice n IN DAYS GONE BY With Clare Blackmore Endless appetite for drinking and feasting
Got News?
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 Infeast.1538 Mr John Godwyn was mayor and he established that: “The articles 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.” “If the said Mayor shall keep breakfast at Christmas for the Burgesses of the said city, 30s.” “If the said Mayor keep a dinner once year for the wives of the Burgesses he is to be allowed for the said dinner, 40s.” “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:“For the Mayor’s dinner, 40s.” l “For Saint Stephens Day feasting,“For30s.”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 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, William Nurton paid a gallon of wine to be admitted in the place of a Burgess and this desire to become 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.
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: “6 bottles of sherry when the Charter was carried to the exchequer“Four12s.”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 exhibited.“Afeast shall be given to the poor with plenty of strong beer and ale.” “At 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 her Majesty was drunk while the corporators looked on and drank dozen hogsheads of wine while looking on at the fire and listening to the ‘Hurrahs’ of the populace.”OnAugust 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 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 noble buck presented to the corporation by LordHisDigby.”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“Arejoicing.greatpublic feast was held in 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. “A public dinner was given to the inhabitants of the city in the Cathedral Green.” “A great public procession was got up and the mayor and his corporation, the clergy and the gentry and the city companies tookEachpart.”new mayor was expected to hold 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 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.”
“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 volunteers who are prepared to offer one hour a week of their time, so please do get in touch if you are Peopleinterested.”canstayup to date on progress by following Community Fridge: Wells on Facebook.Thosewho would like to be involved should send an email to fridgewells@gmail.com or text Rachel on 07988 846880. Last month’s In Days Gone By feature. This month’s is on page 39.
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.
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 Infeast.1538 Mr John Godwyn was mayor and he established that: “The articles promote shall abyde in full power and strengthe forever.” 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.” “If the said Mayor keep dinner once a year for the wives of the Burgesses he is to be allowed for the said dinner, 40s.” “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:“For the Mayor’s dinner, 40s.” “For Saint Stephens Day feasting,“For30s.”Midsummers Night, 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 Burgess and this desire to become member of the city corporate body, if accepted after fulfilling the necessary requirements, was always followed by presentation of wine to the corporation. The city accounts show numerous charges for different kinds of liquors.
0800www.somersetcare.co.uk8174990
Now people living on Bovis Homes’ Priory Fields development off Wookey Hole Road say they are facing a similar situation.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202220 n NEWS
“I moved in here two and a half years ago and the road is still a mess,” said Jeremy Hellier.
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. Stoney Stile Way, where the road and pavements still require work Offer your loved ones the best in care with our short-term Respite Care at Fletcher House, Wells. Whether you’re a carer in need of a break, your loved one needs temporary care, or you want to experience one of our services before making a longer-term commitment, we can help.
“Temporary access slopes to properties in Stoney Stile Way make driving here inconvenient, dangerous and difficult.
Please get in touch today.
Fletcher House Wells regarded Wells considered Wells established Well Well Well
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 once the homes have been built due to the need for construction traffic to access the development.
Some parts of the road have significant potholes. Despite repeated communications with Bovis nothing has happened –promises, but no action.”
“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.”
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.
RESIDENTS on another Wells housing estate have complained about the lack of progress on finishing much-needed infrastructure work.
RespiteShort-termCare.
Call to do something about estate’s roads
Long-lastingmemories.
Another resident, Ruth Bush, said: “The state of the roads on the Bovis estate is unacceptable andKateunsafe.”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.”
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.
“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 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 MendipKevinHills.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.
The flowers will be on display throughout August and end in September.The Swan’s celebratory flowers have been made from recycled plastic
‘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 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.
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 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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 21wellsvoice n NEWS
Display marks hotel’s 600th anniversary
“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.”
“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.
Glastonbury Abbey Magdalene Street Glastonbury BA6 9EL Reg. Charity No. 1129263 Company Reg. No. 6873912 Day and Weekend Tickets www.glastonburyabbey.comAvailable
Final total for charity appeal tops £28,000
Advice Surgeries part of accessibility drive
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“TwoWelch.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.Theneed for this care has grown because Covid and the lockdowns have caused long delays in NHS cancer diagnosis and“Theretreatment.aremany people I must say a huge thank you to on behalf of the Classic and Historic Motor Club,” said their chairman Roger“OurDollins.mainsponsor, 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 n FROM THE TOWN HALL
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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 23wellsvoice
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.
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.
“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 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.”
“This suggestion was enthusiastically taken up, and Wells City councillors voted unanimously to set up a monthly Advice Surgery held at the 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.
n NEWS
Produce from the community garden has been donated to foodbanks
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 EngagementPalace’sSiobhancommunity.Goodwin,theCommunityManager,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.”
Busy 18 months for community initiatives at Palace
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 theThemoat.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.Sowhen 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 theirAfterwelfare.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 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.Inaddition, 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.
Cautionary tale of swan’s release on moat
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 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;
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;
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.AsMoira 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 theIfmoat.indoubt, then the RSPCA is always the first place to call.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202224 n NEWS
Siobhan can be contacted via email at bishopspalace.org.uksiobhan.goodwin@
u In Days Gone By, page 39
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.Asa 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 Communityformed.initiatives at the Palace over the last 18 months have included:
Grace and Gabriel, as with all breeding pairs of swans, are very territorial
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 25wellsvoice n NEWS
Lively coffee morning helps promote dementia services
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 day“Weformsenseand“Singing,11.15am-12.45pm.playinginstrumentsmovingtogethercreatesaofcommunityandhelpsfriendships,”saidEliza.alllaughandhavefunoneaweek.“Carersseehowthepowerof music and interaction benefits those they care for.”
For more information about Singing for the Brain call Emma on 01749 595735 or email her emma@somersetartswell.co.uk.on
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.
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“ItWell.was a great opportunity to Everyone enjoyed the coffee morning at Seager Hall in Union Street, Wells 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.”
WELLS VALUATION DAY JEWELLERY & WATCHES FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 10 AM–2 PM WELLS TOWN HALL, MARKET PLACE, SOMERSET BA5 2RB IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN SELLING YOUR ITEMS AND YOU’D LIKE A FREE VALUATION, WITHOUT OBLIGATION,OUR EXPERT LAURA SMITH WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT OR EMAIL JEWELLERY@NOONANS.CO.UK WWW.NOONANS.CO.UK A ‘PANTHÈRE’ BROOCH BY CARTIER, CIRCA 1986 TO BE INCLUDED IN 13 SEPTEMBER AUCTION • ESTIMATE: £3,000–5,000
‘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
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.Asafanof 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. 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.
SENSE With Jane Bowe of Probusiness accountants
n COMMERCIAL
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202226
Challenges overcome to achieve excellent set of GCSE results
‘The breadth of achievement is fantastic’
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 schoolThesaid.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 Wells Cathedral School Head Master Alastair Tighe with some of the school’s successful A-level students
‘Community should be proud of students’
ON A-level results day, Wells Cathedral School pupils celebrated some outstanding A-levelPupilsresults.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 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.Theseresults 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 theirHeadstudies.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.
n EXAM RESULTS
“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.”
“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.”
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.
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.“Theoverall 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.“Wethank 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.”
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 27wellsvoice
Blue School students had a lot to smile about on results day
WELLS BLUE SCHOOL
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.
WELLS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
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. 1TD CINEMAEVENTSHOWS
DISABLED ACCESS IN ALL 3 SCREENS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK CHARITYEVENTS AutismShowsFriendly SAVERSSUNDAYONLY£5EACHAFTER7PM INC:MATINEETEA£6.50TEA/COFFEEANDBISCUITS
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 Finally,team.asI 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.
PCSOs have such important role to play
n ON THE BEAT News from the local policing team with NeighbourhoodSergeantSimonLancey wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202228
01749 673195 wellsfilmcentre.co.uk LOCALTHREEFAMILYYOURRUNSCREENCINEMA PRINCES ROAD, WELLS, BA5
THIS year marks a milestone in policing.Itis20 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, 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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 September 2022 29wellsvoice n NEWS
Call for donations to
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 localapplicationswhichCost-of-LivingSomersetFund,willopenforfromcharitiessoon,will provide rapid support to charities and community organisations across the county, many of whom are already experiencing record numbers of people seeking help.
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.
Reg Charity No: 203644 (England & Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland)
Handsome cat full of character urgently needs a new home crisis appeal
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.
Glastonbury & Wells Cats Protection www.cats.org.uk/glastonbury
“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 thealleviateeverythingvolunteersorganisationscharities,localcommunityandwilldotheycantotheimpactofcost-of-livingcrisis on those most affected.”
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’.
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
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
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.
GET IN CONTACT WITH OUR TODAYTEAM Should you be looking to carry out a project that would benefit from one of our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch today! We can discuss your requirements and what you are looking to achieve as well as discuss or recommend any services or equipment that may benefit you whilst trying to complete the task at hand. Although projects are likely to be highly unique, we have helped numerous clients so we have more than likely assisted in a project similar to your own. GET IN TOUCH ON 01761 241 387 Pennys Group Ltd Green Street . Ston Easton . Nr. Bath BA3 4BY • Tel: 01761 241 387 www.pennysgroup.co.uk DiamondCuttingConcrete&Drilling DisposalRemovalAsbestos& DemolitionRail MuckAway TreatmentWasteRecycling&Centre WorksEarthRemovalLandContaminated&TestingSoil Groundworks&EngineeringCivil HorseGallops &ArenasExcavators &DozersDumpers &CrushersScreeners AggregatesRecycledAggregatesDecorativeStones OrganicComposts&Mulch SomersetTopsoil Blend of Both pennys
Got News?
n Gail Barry is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid Solicitors, who have offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100.
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 com/platinum-jubilee/on-somersetlieutenancy.
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).
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 virtually nothing but they had such a strong work ethic,” said Mr “ISaddiq.wasborn 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 Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, has completed the final leg of her series of Jubilee Jaunts to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.MrsMaw 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.
Personal legal services for you, your business and your family Call 499655 Email:
Regulations to be aware of in wake of Grenfell Tower disaster
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.
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.”MrSaddiq says he is particularly keen to engage with the business community and voluntary sector in Somerset and support them in any way he can.
By Gail Barry Offices in Wells, Street and Somerton Tel: 01749 836100 www.chubb-bulleid.co.uk
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.
Role is great honour says the
film-the-platinum-jubilee-insomersetTheplan 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.
The new regulations ensure that the use of cladding on buildings more than 18 metres tall meets new safety criteria 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.
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.”
next Ld-Lt
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
07906
Completion of Jubilee Jaunts
Mohammed Saddiq
news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 31wellsvoice n NEWS
uk
Some of the motorcycles at the Tortoise and Hare event
Big turnout for motorbike event
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.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202232 n NEWS FREE VALUATION DAYS Held at the salerooms Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 10am 1pm & 2pm 5pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers info@clevedonsalerooms.com01934www.clevedonsalerooms.com830111ValuersforBristol,SouthGloucestershire,Somerset&Wells A Trusted Presence Since 1860 *Free Bristol Valuation Day* Tuesday 13th September St. Mary’s Church Hall, Mariners Drive, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1QJ (The Hulbert Room) 10am 3pm Free, No Obligation Valuations, No Appointment Necessary Amongst our many recent prestigious instructions Entire Contents of Barrow Court, to be sold by auction at Clevedon Salerooms The Autumn Specialist Sale: Thursday 1st September at 10:30am To browse & bid visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com
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.
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.
The Mayor of Wells, Councillor Stewart Cursley, assisted by Town Crier Len Sweales, flagged off the various 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 WellsTheFC.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.
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 JulyOrganisers15-17. 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.
Organisers hail success of Food Trail
BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE BUILD YOUR NETWORK BUILD YOUR FUTURE Attend one of our FREE construction breakfast or lunch workshops ScantheQRcodetoregister FREE SUPPORT for small and medium sized construction business across the West of England Funded by Delivered by S O U T H W E S T
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.
“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.”
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 TrailAsFestival.aresult, plans are already underway for next year’s festival, with the aim of making it a key annual event in Somerset’s calendar.
Visitors find out more about Plotgate Community Farm at Nifty & Thrifty, top; and petting the goats at Wookey Farm
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 33wellsvoice n NEWS
Participants in the Wells area included The Lorax Patch Farm; LOAF. Bakehouse; The Good Earth; Wells Market; The Bishop’s Palace; Wookey Farm; Wookey Hub; and Westbury VillageSustainableStores.
“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.
Stewart Crocker, chair of the Somerset Food Trail organising committee, said the event had exceeded all expectations.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202234 n NEWS
–
stock
Save money on tickets to craft show bursting with creativity 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. The show runs from Thursday, September 29, to Saturday, October 1, 2022, doors open 10am-5pm (4pm Saturday) at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN. Parking is free and there is a shuttle bus service running from Castle Cary Train Station on Thursday and Friday of the show. For more details including tickets, exhibitors and workshops visit ticketsSavewww.craft4crafters.co.uk£2onallonlinewhenyouusethecode: BW22PM
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.
Seb and James at the Mendip Activity Centre
Boys enjoy first taste of snowboarding
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
The perfect place to up on those hard-to-find crafting
The Craft4Crafters Show – Bath & West SpecialShowgroundTicketOffer SAVE £2 ON ALL ADVANCE TICKETS NOW!
(somerset.gov.uk).theeconomy.thechallengesofbestmanufacturing.sustainablethecarbon,waystopicsbetweenintakeClimateThesustainable.SomersetBusinessSummit2022willplaceatQueensCollegeTauntononSeptember21,10amand1pm.GuestspeakerswilldiscussincludingtheeasiestforbusinessestocutwhatNetZeromeans,journeytoBCorp,andagricultureandThesummitwillhighlightpracticeandraiseawarenesstheopportunitiesandforbusinesseswithshifttowardalowcarbonFormoreinformationaboutevent,visit:ClimateSummit
The Craft4Crafters show returns with a show bursting with creativity this September at The Bath & West Showground. 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 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
supplies!
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.”SianSmith, Sales Director for Redrow South West, said: “Children bring so much joy to 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.”
Climate summit for businesses
Care in your own home
Film Crew 4u was set up by Portsmouth resident Billy Stevenson as a way to use filmmaking as a form of therapy.
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
n NEWS Deadline for the October edition: September 14
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
No need for an expensive care home
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
A storytelling workshop took place at the Sheldon Drive Independent Living Scheme in Wells
THE next Wells litter picking weekend will take place on Friday, September 2, Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, SeptemberOrganiser,4.
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
No need for an expensive care home
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk
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.
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Care in your own home
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Group open up in front of cameras
No need for an expensive care home
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 35wellsvoice
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
No need for an expensive care home
A GROUP of social housing tenants in Wells were recently invited to take part in a storytelling workshop aimed at tackling loneliness among the over 55s. Eight tenants benefitted from the activity which took place at Sheldon Drive Independent Living Scheme. The session was hosted by the Aster Foundation, the charitable arm of local housing association Aster Group, along with Film Crew 4u – a social enterprise that has recently graduated from the Foundations social incubator, inc. The workshop taught those attending how to use green screen technology to create a presentation about their lives. Attendees also had the opportunity to share their creations and stories with their peers at the end of the session.
featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Chance to be chorister for a day
Email:
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Billy said: “Pursuing my interest in filmmaking gave me the direction and purpose to stay on the right path after facing my own mental health issues and battling with alcohol dependency. It taught me how powerful filmmaking is as a recovery tool and I wanted to see how it could help other people who are struggling in life – that’s the thinking behind Film Crew 4u.”Inc. is a 10-month business development programme that Aster Group offers to help nurture start-ups that can benefit localBillycommunities.added:“Getting our first project off the ground, with the help of Aster, is immensely exciting, particularly as we have the opportunity to tackle a major societal problem in elderly loneliness.”
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Care in your own home
No need for an expensive care home
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk
0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Care in your No need for an Stay independent at Many people want to stay Featherbed Care has been We believe in only the very Call for 0117 9860710 / Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
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
Care in your own home
No need for an expensive care home
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
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.
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Care in your own home
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Litter pickers set to get to work
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Care in your own home
Care in your own home
Care in your own home
No need for an expensive care home
No need for an expensive care home
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
Loneliness is an endemic issue for the older members of our communities and initiatives like this make a huge difference to their quality of life.”
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Care in your own home
High Street nail salon application
Email:
Stay independent at home with your own live in carer
Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986
Email: www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 01749 349007
“We laughed, sat in awe, and one or two of us even had tears in our eyes, listening to the stories from people who have lived such full and amazing lives.
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885
No need for an expensive care home
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
Annie Maidment, an independent living officer at Aster Group, said: “The storytelling workshop was an amazing experience for all involved. To be filmed, to reminisce and share personal experiences with each other over a cup of tea, biscuits and cake was just the perfect way to create togetherness.
Call for a brochure today
Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost
www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk
“I would like to say how professional Rod and his team are. From our initial meeting through to the Funeral Service, every process was made as easy as possible. What could have been a very stressful experience was made less so by the way Rod and the Celebrant, Nicky paved the way for myself and my family. I would highly recommend Wells Funeral Services.” - Liz R.
IT has been an interesting few weeks here at Wells Funeral Services.Thestart 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 bestWeoption.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.
What customers say:
our
“It has been so refreshing to deal with a business that listens to its customers and delivers a personalised service above and beyond expectations. I have unfortunately had to arrange 3 funerals in the last decade and Rod and the team have been head and shoulders above what I have experienced before. I’d have no hesitation in recommending Wells Funeral Services.” - James M.
There when we are needed FEATURE
wellsvoice Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202236 n NEWS MAKING FUNERALS LESS OF AN UNDERTAKING Rod Major Business Owner Our Funeral Services Funeral Services & BespokeFuneralAffordableArrangementsPackagesFuneralPackages Our Introduced Services Will Writing Service from £145 Protective Property Trusts from Lasting£669 Powers of Attorney from £235 COMPLETE FUNERAL SERVICES FROM ONLY £1,499 Offices in Wells and Chilcompton Wells 01749 670100 Chilcompton 01761 233555 Email www.wellsfuneralservices.co.ukwellsfuneralservices.co.ukrod@wfs.me.uk
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
01749bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk605099
JOIN A NEW COMMUNITY IN SOMERSET
Property prices relax after the heat
Within walking distance of the pub, bus stop and The Balsbury Grocer which houses a bakery and coff ee shop, St Dunstan’s Mede off ers a wonderful assortment of and sustainable homes which refl ect their countryside surroundings, in the heart of the vibrant and popular village of Baltonsborough. Contact our Bruton team to fi nd out more on 01749 605099
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 37wellsvoice n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
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 colleaguesLodestoneyears.*PropertyFrancoiseJackson, 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.
“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.Moderndemands are met with innovative and sustainable building techniques and a sympathetic approach to the landscape and biodiversity on theThesite.initial launch of three properties this month will be followed by further releases towards the end of the year and intoFor2023.more information on St Dunstan’s Mede Development in Baltonsborough, please *orbruton@lodestoneproperty.co.ukemailcall01749605099. All figures provided by Rightmove – August Insights St Dunstan’s Mede, Baltonsborough – a Galion Homes development
‘We expect a steady, healthy market through autumn with good buyers looking to move Christmas’before lodestoneproperty.co.uk wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk01749605088 In partnership with Bunga low Semi-De tached Town house
individual
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202238
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 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.Ivisit 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. MP James Heappey
Tincknell Fuels Top up your Oil Tank Order your Heating Oil delivery from your Local Fuel Depot Oil & Gas Boiler Servicing & Tel:www.tincknellfuels.comInstallation01749683911 ‘I am very proud of the schools across the WellswhichConstituencyhavebeenbrilliant’
Commendable endeavour by students
n MESSAGE FROM THE MP Thoughts of Wells
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.“Wecan 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.”
n IN DAYS GONE BY With Clare Blackmore www.elm-online.co.uk Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs. Protect your family's inheritance Single & joint Wills £99.00from*IncludingVAT Call us today on 0117 952 0698 or email info@elm-online.co.uk Home visits or online appointments are available. ‘I saw him rear his head And stretch his neck and seize the string And ring the little bell’
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 Lir’sLohengrin,children are his next of kin, And Leda’s mate and royal others Fly in his flock, the sad young Bewitchedbrothers in Anderson’s fairy Tewkesbury’stale, 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 waterIgate.saw the round-eyed unconcern Of his proud profile at the turn Beyond the drawbridge, as his Ignoredglance my circumstance.humble
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 39wellsvoice
Swans inspired poem by enchanted visitor
Beneath the gate-house window Ahungrusty bell that once was rung By travellers who crossed the Swimmingmoat, or in a little boat, To ask a dole and thither sped The swan – I saw him rear his Andheadstretch his neck and seize the Andstringringthe little bell, and ring And ring, until his shrill demand Was answered by a fluttering Romanticallyhand strewing cake Upon these waters for his sake. It was the hour when mortals Theirtake tea in England; all the Werebells ringing four o’clock in AndWells.all the while the bells were Iringing,heardthe Welsh coal-miners Withoutsinging the green close, in the Ofglarethe dusty market square, I heard the strikers out of Wales The sooty SingingnightingalesCumbriantheirhunger songs: I Theheard,music sweet, the bitter Throughword. the Porch called GrievancePenniless chanted and distress, Hymned old haunting melodies. But swans and canons took their Oh,teas.strange to be a happy swan, Privileged to float upon Waters ecclesiastical In faerie peace fantastical: A hero in a charmed life Untouched by such industrial Unshadowedstrife, by that awful Ofdreadhungering for daily bread. Oh, strange to know that manna Everyfell time you rang a bell!! 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.”
WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, September 7, and Wednesday, September 21, from 7pm9.30pm.
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 cast of And Then There Were None
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, willrosie.inge@gmail.com.emailTicketscost£10onthedoor.
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
Almshouses Open Day
Unmasking a killer
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 01761grenvillemusic.co.ukgac@ortel:472468.
to die one by one, the survivors turn on each Performanceother.dates are September 13-17, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the Little Theatre website: www. wellslittletheatre.com
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.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202240 PILATES AND PilatesTUESDAYSBARRE9.15am Pilates seated seniors PilatesBarreWEDNESDAYS10.30am5pm•Pilates6pmTHURSDAYS9.15am•Barre10.30amPilates6pm 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
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.
The club, now in its tenth year, meets regularly on Thursdays at Draycott Memorial Hall, with weekly sketching trips during the summer holidays. To find out more, contact comdraycottartclub.mendip@gmail.
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.
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.Theprice remains the same at £5, pay as you go. For more information, call John on 01749 672482.
Reading group
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
Beastly workshop ARTIST Sean Harris will lead the latest in a series of creative workshops for families at Wells & Mendip Museum on Saturday, SeptemberInspired24.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
THE Agatha Christie thriller And Then There Were None is the next production at Wells Little Theatre.Tenstrangers are invited to Soldier Island, and as they start A Draycott Art Club life drawing class
Board game nights
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 fromEntryvisitors.isincluded with any standard admission to the Palace.
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 soloHecareer.willpresent 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’ 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. Comedy night THE Comedy Cavern will be back at Wookey Hole on Friday, October 7, with another evening of comedy.Onthebill will be Dawn Bailey, Kevin Daniel, Cerys Nelmes and Bobby Mair. Box office and bar 6pm, doors 7.30pm, show 8pm. More at comedy-cavernwookey.co.uk/
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 41wellsvoice n WHAT’S ON
Falconry displays
Music favourites
A
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
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 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.
John Beasley 01749 672482
Essential Mindful Exercise Core & More Functional Fitness Classes www.healthtaichi.co.uk www.pilogafit.co.uk
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 Corryvrechanfeet.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.
Health Tai Chi PilogaFit TAI CHI Connect Centre, Wells
Bob£56pmMondays–7pmperclass07791291886 with a day of flying displays, fascinating information and beautifulDisplaysbirds.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 theThebirds.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. Bandstand concert WELLS City Band will be performing on the Bandstand at Wells Recreation Ground on Sunday, September 25, from 2pm-4pm.Therewill be no wet weather provision so people planning to Tenor Gregory Steward is returning to Wells for a concert Summer exhibition
Wells Art Contemporary Bursary winner Leah Hislop will 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.
A work by Bronwen Coe
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.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202242 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 theArtistslocations.haveinterpretedthemeofSanctuaryin 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 EnglishSomersetRomanticism.ArtWorks 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.
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.
Siân Cann finds sanctuary 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.
The free community newspaper at the heart of everything local Do you have a news story? Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk Would you like to advertise? Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk
View every issue of Wells Voice online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
D. J. EngineeringSimpsonLtd Westbury-sub-Mendip, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1EZ 01749 870688 djsimpsoneng@hotmail.co.uk MOT centre motor and general engineering Class 3 vehicles3-wheeled Class 4 Cars and small vans D J S Class 5L 13-seater minibuses up to 5,000kg DGW Class 7 Goods 3,000-3,500kgvehiclesDGW WE CATER FOR THE FOLLOWING MOT CLASSES:
An image by artist Carolyn Lefley
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.
A design by area demonstrator Rosemary Kerr
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.
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 674767.thomassya@gmail.comWondergiveTime–meetinghentongardenclub.weebly.comwebsiteDon’tmissourOctoberonOctober19at7.30pmBBC’sGardenersQuestionexpertMattBiggswillanillustratedtalkonTheofPlants.Ticketsfromor01749
ST THOMAS FELLOWSHIPWOMEN’S 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 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.
u More reports on page 44 n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
St Thomas Women’s Fellowship members enjoying a cream tea
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.Itproved 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 demonstrationwhoseisentitled 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.
Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 43wellsvoice
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 facebook.com/Wellssomersetwipage
Pat Dyer WELLS TUESDAY WI
Ann Brown WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB 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 BotanicTimothyGarden.isone 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 Top, Coxley & District WI welcomed back the ladies of Walton WI to play Kerling; and above, Wells u3a’s Pizza and Pud lunch
Also watch a selection of videos on the website that follow some of our groups, to see the pleasure it brings to our members.
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 telephonejaye.mantle@btinternet.com,Mantle:01749677600.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 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.
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202244 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.
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 Examplesgroups.of this are Beginners Water Colours, and our writing group has several keen members but need someone to guideTherethem.isalways 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.
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.
RUGBY Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 45wellsvoice n SPORT
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.
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.TheLadies Nett Champion was Ladies Captain Allison Rumming, with Louise Scott in 2nd place on countback from ConnieMendip’sCox. 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 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.
GOLF Teenager triumphs in thrilling championship finale
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’ Despitedevelopment.allthesuccess, 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.
Registration day heralds new season
wellsvoice To advertise, contact Andy on 01749 675157 Email: sales@wellsvoice.co.uk September 202246 n TAKE A BREAK Window ConservatoryCleaningCleaning Fascia & Soffit Cleaning Gutter Clearance Solar Panel Cleaning 01458 www.bubbles-and-suds.co.ukinfo@bubbles-and-suds.co.uk258188 l l l l l 5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL ‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL ‘SUFFOLK’ DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST Additional Doors available DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 - 07767 376770 A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR FITTING ORDER DATE This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk A 1 RR 2 REGNA 3 AUR T 4 YTILANO I S 5 NI 6 RG 7 GA 8 LOOT TE 9 EOIR TE 10 EI The FIEND 5 2 3 8 4 6 7 2 8 9 3 2 7 8 6 9 1 6 7 5 6 9 9 5 Txtpert 1Across27726437 (8) 4 86625489 (8) 5 7464 (4) 7 724 (3) 9 8746 (4) 10 843 (3) 1Down2784783 (7) 2 786 (3) 3 729 (3) 6 6683 (4) 7 7668 (4) 8 4533 (4) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Use keypadphonethe to decode the be5678B2Forclues.example:couldbeA,orC...andcouldLOSTTheme: Music 1 3 1 4 Txtpert Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square. © www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy Ac t v ity i vi l lage MHDABCEFGIJKL WQONPRSTUVXYZ Animal Alphabet Challenge Can you come up with an animal for each letter of the alphabet? Solution For younger readers Easier sudoku Rules the same as the Fiend, but only four numbers in each box, row and column
LEAFLET DIRECTORY DistributionLeaflet Do you need leaflets delivered door to door in Wells? We can help! 01749 675157 Got News? Call 07906 499655 Email: news@wellsvoice.co.uk September 2022 47wellsvoice PAINTING AND DECORATING serviceslocal AERIALS COMPUTER SERVICES Keward GlastonburyPark Road Wells BA5 1QE 01749 674466 07713 598226 For all your computing needs Wide variety of computers and accessories in stock –visit our extensive showroom at Keward Park. Expert advice on computer repairs, with a call-out service for local businesses and residents. www.wellscope.co.uk PRIVATE TUITION Contact: Sara Tambling 07801 Wellslearning@wellstutors.co.uk368628www.wellstutors.co.ukTutorsTutoringandhelpCore subjects ages AGCSEincluding7-18&level CLEANING SERVICES 01458 258188 • Window Cleaning • Conservatory Cleaning • Fascia & Soffit Cleaning • Gutter Clearance • Solar Panel info@bubbles-and-suds.co.ukCleaningwww.bubbles-and-suds.co.uk PRESSURE WASHING House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003 House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003 House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 3/4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003 HOUSE CLEARANCE NICKI AND JON HANDY PEOPLE PAINTING & KITCHENDECORATINGFITTING Nicki JonathanWettonWetton REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE TILINGwww.nickiandjon.cominfo@nickiandjon.comTEL:07707059188 S I M P L E cost effective ADVERTISING Give Andy a call on 01749 675157 or 07906 499655 to book your space W I T H A L O C A L services advert This space could help promote your business to our readers From only £20.00 PER MONTH From £20.just00permonth
lodestoneproperty.co.uk “A cut above other local agents with communication and knowledge”* With over 50 years of property experience between our local team, they have had plenty of practice opening new doors. Explore with Lodestone Call our Wells Office if you would like to find out more on 01749 605088 *Vendor – Wells, Somerset 01749bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk605099 shaftesbury@lodestoneproperty.co.uk01747442577 wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk01749605088 ButleighWells CroscombeWells DulcoteWells For Sale For Sale Sold STC Sold STC SoldSold
