Grant a major boost for chapel project

A GRANT of £158,490 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has given the City of Wells Almshouses a major boost for their project to restore the Bubwith Chapel.

The project will develop and transform the chapel making it both a visitor destination in Wells and an important community space in the city. The restored chapel will provide a continuing place of worship, mindfulness and contemplation, and a warm space for activities to reconnect older residents and local community groups as well as hosting concerts, recitals, lectures, workshops, seminars and rehearsals.

The project has already received support from Mendip Communities Fund, The Blair Foundation, Wessex Water and community backing through a sponsored walk by Trustee Chris Vigar, as well as investment from the City of Wells Almshouses themselves.

Lottery Heritage Funding means that work on restoring the medieval chapel to full use can now begin.

Thanks for support in difficult few days

MAY I through your columns thank all our customers for their understanding during our recent problems at Wells Film Centre Cinema in what was the busiest time we have had since 2019.

Stewart Cursley, Chairman of the board of trustees, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players – we have been developing plans for some time and are delighted to have the opportunity to restore the Bubwith Chapel and to ensure this building retains its original purpose as well as becoming a vital part of Wells’ community landscape and an important place for people to connect.”

Since the 1400s the City of Wells Almshouses have been supporting those with housing needs in Wells.

With five almshouse buildings on either side of Priest Row, the

Trust provides housing for older people with a housing need in the very centre of the city.

The Bubwith Chapel was built in the early 15th century. Originally called St Saviour’s Hospital, it was established to support some of Wells’ poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

The Chapel has not been greatly altered since its inception. It is a Grade II* listed building of national importance. However, aside from a weekly service, this historic gem has been largely hidden from public view.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will restore this Grade II* listed building.

“When it was built in the 15th century, Bubwith Chapel was an integral part of its community and it’s fantastic that its restoration will once again create space and opportunities to bring the people of Wells together.”

The storm damage caused us to lose all our power supply and it required four days’ work to have all our electrics renewed.

I want to thank all those who have sent such wonderful comments, emails and messages offering their support during what was a very difficult nine days.

We are delighted to say we are back open every day with a great line-up of films for the summer holidays and yes, our summer special is still on with all seats, all shows, all films, all ages only £5 each, excluding Andre Rieu’s 2023 Maastricht Concert Live on August 26 and 27.

For full details of films and to

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South West Fireplaces. 22a Priory Road, Wells, BA5 1SR Our showroom is open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed on Bank Holidays book, see www.wellsfilmcentre. co.uk or telephone 01749 673195 or in person daily 1pm to 9pm. Please note during busy times you may get our 24-hour answerphone.

On behalf of the whole team, our grateful thanks.

Sally Cooper, Proprietor, Wells Film Centre Cinema

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