Wells Voice April 2025

01749

Share offer to open in bid to save Britannia

THE share offer to raise funds to buy, refurbish and reopen The Britannia Inn on Bath Road, Wells, will open on Saturday, April 5.

That is the same day as the drop-in meeting at St Thomas’ Church Hall when more information will be available about the project to save the pub.

The Britannia Inn – or ‘the Brit’ as it was fondly known –closed in June 2021 when landlords Rob and Karen Rouse retired after 35 years. It has been empty ever since, and is currently for sale with the Caldecotte Group for £300,000.

The East Wells Community Benefit Society (CBS) was set up last year with the aim of buying the pub and re-establishing it at the heart of the local community.

The community share offer is seeking to raise about £450,000 to pay for the purchase, and the repair and refurbishment work required.

From April 5,

Charity walk back even better than before

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s event, the Mendip Mental Health Hike (MMHH) is returning for 2025 with some changes to make it even better.

MMHH was created to raise funds for the Heads Up mental health charity, based at South Horrington.

Chris Young, owner of Wolf Barbers in Broad Street, Wells, and Neil Winterson, one of Chris’ clients, organised a 30-mile trek on the West Mendip Way from Uphill to Wells last August, which raised more than £17,000. About 50 people joined the walk at different stages.

This year there will be three different paced walking groups, each with its own Group Leader, to ensure that all participants remain together for the entirety of the walk.

There will be staggered starting times for all the groups, planned so that they all meet at the final checkpoint, Priddy, to

walk the final stage together.

This year’s walk will take place on Sunday, May 25, with participants who are taking part from the start meeting at 7am. It will finish at Wookey Hole, where The Wookey Hole Inn have agreed to hold the after party again from 5pm onwards, so that everybody can arrive at

the same time and celebrate their achievement. There will be live music, and a raffle and an auction to help boost fundraising efforts.

“We have also added another checkpoint to be able to rest and resupply. We have made two longer rest stops for this year’s

event, so there will be extra time to be able to refuel ourselves and keep our energy levels up,” said Chris.

“We will be taking everyone’s food order before the event to ensure that everyone who is walking has some food available to them afterwards.”

More companies are being asked to help sponsor the event this year. Cheddar Natural Spring Water is back on board along with The Wookey Hole Inn.

Registration for those who would like to join the walk is now open at: docs.

google.com/forms/d/1_ T1cfISotKNhTKacyojwoa WwPkIHI-gasqsaXbDtCts/edit

The donation page to give to the cause can be found using the QR code or via this link: localgiving.org/ fundraising/MendipMental-Health-Hike

Holy Week and Easter at Wells Cathedral

Join us at Wells Cathedral as we journey with Christ from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to his death on the Cross, and his glorious resurrection at Easter. Our guest preacher for Holy Week this year will be the Venerable Jonathan Smith, Archdeacon Emeritus of St Albans. Jonathan will preach at the services marked with an asterisk (*).

Palm Sunday, 13 April

8.30am Holy Communion (said)

10.30am Cathedral Eucharist

3.00pm Passiontide Meditation

Monday of Holy Week, 14 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy (said)

5.15pm Choral Evensong*

Tuesday of Holy Week, 15 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy (said)

10.00am Diocesan Chrism Eucharist

5.15pm Choral Evensong*

Wednesday of Holy Week 16 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy (said)

5.15pm Choral Evensong*

Maundy Thursday, 17 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy (said)

5.15pm Evening Prayer (said)

7.30pm Solemn Eucharist of the Last Supper*

Good Friday, 18 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy

12.00pm Three Hours’ Devotion

2.00pm The Final Hour

7.30pm The Good Friday Concert (Bath Camerata)

Holy Saturday, 19 April

8.00am Morning Liturgy (said)

5.15pm Said Evening Prayer (said)

7.30pm Easter Vigil

Easter Day, 20 April

8.00am Holy Communion (said)

9.30am Choral Matins

11.00am Cathedral Eucharist

3.00pm Festal Evensong*

For more information about our services and music, visit www.wellscathedral.org.uk/worship

Walkers pictured during last year’s Mendip Mental Health Hike

Joint winners of new business award

TWO High Street businesses are celebrating success in the Women Of Business Network Wells 2025 Independent Business Awards.

Banksia Flowers and Gifts boutique and Fig Tree Deli are joint winners of the new award.

The Women Of Business Network Wells (WOBN) was launched in January by Bella Merrifield, a B2B and Sales Manager for Flapjackery, and Emma Russell, Director of Riot Us. Its aim is to bring together business women in Wells to connect, learn and share experiences.

The awards have been set up to recognise and celebrate the independent businesses run by women in the local community. Members of the network were able to cast a vote after nominations had been submitted.

Before presenting trophies to the two winning businesses,

Bella said: “We wanted to put a spotlight on local businesses and the work they do, and their amazing products.

“It’s been lovely to hear people’s feedback on the businesses.”

Fig Tree Deli opened about 18 months ago and sells a range of freshly prepared food such as sandwiches, jacket potatoes and salad bowls, cakes, drinks, and items from the shelves such as jams, chutneys, oils, bread and eggs.

It is run by Tariq and Harriet Nasir. Tariq said: “We are a true family business and we work really hard to give our customers what they are looking for, and it is maybe an old-fashioned experience that we don’t see so much anymore.

“We’re thrilled to be given this award and so touched by the fact that people have responded, it’s a really nice feeling.”

Banksia Flowers and Gifts

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opened about two years ago, and is run by Madelaine Breguet and her sister and mum. The Wells store is mainly plant orientated, and also sells a lot of products that have been made by the owners such as soaps, room sprays, candles and jewellery.

Madelaine said on receiving the award: “I’m very touched that people are happy we are here and recognise what we do. We work really hard.”

Business owners who would like to sign up the WOBN can do so using the QR code on the left.

Bella Merrifield presents Women Of Business Network Wells 2025 Independent Business Awards trophies to Madelaine Breguet and Tariq Ali

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n NEWS

Award recognition for contribution to tennis

LONG-TERM Wells resident Brian Clarke has been presented with the Somerset Lawn Tennis Association 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the sport both in Wells and elsewhere.

The award was presented at Taunton LTA Club on March 14 by Sandi Procter, President of the LTA, to Brian’s wife Ruth and daughters Fran and Jo, as Brian, who has Motor Neurone Disease, was unable to attend. He has dedicated the award to those working to raise awareness and find a cure for MND, and has established the Clarke Foundation to help support junior tennis players and coaches at Wells into the future.

Since moving to Wells 22 years ago, Brian, of Anseres Place, has served as Treasurer, Chairman and President of Wells Tennis Club, represented it on the Somerset LTA Committee and played a key role in the club’s growth and success. A Club Life Member since last year, he was instrumental in the recruitment of Head Coach, Kevin Durney, and among other successes oversaw the creation of the club’s five artificial clay courts. He represented Wells

in the North Somerset Leagues and won several trophies in Club Championships.

For 13 years he organised a popular Easter Fun Tournament; he also arranged a tennis friendship match with Wells’ twin town Bad Durkheim. Before his move to Wells he belonged to Andover Lawn Tennis Club, where he was an active member for 20 years and was also awarded a life membership.

u Pair honoured for dedicated service, page 44

Neighbourhood Watch expanding

THE Wells Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been in place for several years and now Wells Community Network are working to refresh and expand how it can make the community safer. Eight new district coordinators for specific parts or streets in the city have come forward to share information given them regularly by the police, but more are needed.

make everyone safer.

“It’s simple, really,” said a Neighbourhood Watch spokesperson: “If we bring neighbours together, we all look out for each other, the whole community becomes stronger, safer from scams, thieves and anti-social behaviour.”

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Neighbourhood Watch is a friendly association that aims, through volunteers, to increase the sense of community and

People should email wellsneighbourhoodwatch@ gmail.com to find out more about becoming a district co-ordinator for their part of Wells to warn their neighbours about current crime dangers.

Call for entries to art competition

THE call for entries for this year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is now open. The deadline for site-specific Installations is July 1, and for the Gallery it is

July 8. More at artopps.co.uk The exhibition of shortlisted artworks will take place in Wells Cathedral from October 8 to November 1.

Brian Clarke was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award

Share offer opening in bid to save pub

community shares in the East Wells CBS can be made online at www.savethebritanniainnwells. org, or paper copies of the application form will be available at the drop-in meeting.

Shares will be priced at £1 each, with a minimum investment of £50, and a maximum of £25,000. The share offer is due to close on May 30, though if it fails to reach the initial target the East Wells CBS may decide to extend the offer for a further month.

The Society’s Business Plan and Share Offer Prospectus will be available to read at www. savethebritanniainnwells.org

There will be a copy of both documents at the St Thomas’ Church Hall drop-in meeting on April 5, when residents are welcome to call in any time between 2pm and 6pm to view display boards about the project

The Britannia Inn was an important focal point for the local community, with a well-used function room, before it closed in 2021

and talk to members of the East Wells CBS steering group.

Refreshments will be available to buy, including tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol from the licensed bar.

The East Wells CBS vision is to recreate a welcoming pub and hub at the heart of East Wells, owned and run for the benefit of the community, where a variety of activities take place.

The Chair of the steering group, Councillor Theo Butt Philip, said: “The opening of the share offer gives us all an opportunity to club together and buy the Brit, so that it can once again become a vibrant community pub for East Wells.

“I know we need to raise substantial funds for this project to work, but I also know how much people want to see the Brit reopened and I’m hopeful that our community will come good and find the money we need to make this project happen.”

Last year, The Britannia Inn was registered as an Asset of Community Value by Somerset Council, following an application by Wells City Council, because of its importance to the local community.

In a consultation conducted in 2024 through Wells Voice and online, 90 per cent of respondents said that it is important or very important to have a local pub in East Wells.

The Save the Britannia campaign has the backing of Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt, and the Bishop of Bath & Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley.

There have been many other messages of support for the campaign from local people. In a typical comment, one said: “The Britannia Inn was highly valued for its hospitality, great food and drink as well as being ideally located to walk to from our home. We really do miss it.”

Mayor sings solo at concert for Scouts

A CONCERT at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Saturday, March 22, raised almost £700 to support the work of 5th/7th Wells Scout Group.

The Wells community Good Afternoon Choir meets every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm4pm at St Thomas’ Church, and each year the choir members vote for a new charity to support. In previous years they have raised many thousands of pounds for different organisations and charities and this year’s choice is the work of 5th/7th Wells Scout Group.

A packed church heard the Choir singing many of their popular numbers conducted by their musical director Ruth Jenkins. There were also items from the attending members of the Scout Group, and the special guest was Wells Mayor

Councillor Jasmine Browne.

Some of the items included sea shanties, and when the audience, plus the choirs, sang the popular shanty Sloop John B, the first verse was sung as a solo by none other than the Mayor.

The concert was attended by Grenville Jones, the founder of Good Afternoon Choirs, who said: “Over the last 15 years I have attended many fundraising concerts across our Good Afternoon Choirs and this was the first time that the local Mayor sung a solo. She was brilliant.”

Members of the Choir supported a raffle which raised nearly £700, and additional fundraising by the choir for 5th/7th Wells Scout Group will continue throughout 2025.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Choir. There is no charge for the first rehearsal.

Event to get added ‘festival’ feel

THE Rotary Club of Wells has teamed up with the organisers of the Wells Festival of Running to bring a day of activities and celebrations for all the family on the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.

On Sunday, May 25, alongside the traditional 10k, 5k and 1.2k races, the Rotary Club will host an under 8s race on Cathedral Green and sports day-style

races for young children. There will also be food and drink and craft stalls on Cathedral Green, creating a fun day out for local families.

There is no need to preregister for the under 8s or sports day-style races, but anyone wanting to enter the 10k, 5k or 1.2k should enter online via www.wellcityharriers.org. uk/wells

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Young runners at last year’s Wells Festival of Running

Roads to close for work on gas pipes

WORK to upgrade gas pipes in the Queen Street and St John Street area of Wells is to begin at the end of March.

Wales & West Utilities will carry out the first phase of work between March 31 and May 23, pausing work for the Glastonbury Festival. The gas emergency and pipeline service will then return in July for a further phase of work.

The company says that anticipated road closures are:

n A road closure on lower High Street at its junction with Queen Street from March 31-April 11.

n A road closure on Queen Street from March 31-April 25.

n A road closure on St John Street from April 25-May 23, unless work on Queen Street finishes sooner than April 25 in which case it will be from April 22-May 23.

Wales & West Utilities’ Simon Lee is managing the work and said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

Diversion routes will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

“We’re sorry for any disruption our essential upgrade work might cause. If anyone has any queries about our work then you can contact our Customer Service Team on freephone 0800 912 2999 or email enquiries@ wwwutilities.co.uk.”

A computer generated image of the planned new development

Win £100 by naming development

CHURCHILL Living is inviting Wells people to name its new development on Glastonbury Road, Wells. The entrant who submits the winning name will win £100. To enter, the name should be emailed to Jo.Ridehalgh@crl.co.uk

The development on the former police station site has been granted planning permission, and will comprise

47 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Churchill Living says that those interested in entering the competition may look back on the history of the city for their inspiration.

The company’s development on West Street, Wells, that opened in 2018, was named St Athelm Lodge after the first Bishop of Wells.

Proposals for rugby club site explained

A PROPOSAL to build 106 homes on the Wells Rugby Club site at Charter Way was discussed at a meeting of Wells City Council’s Planning & Environment Committee on March 20.

Simon Sharp from Boon Brown architects gave a presentation about the plans on behalf of developer Stonewater. He is also involved in the proposals to relocate the rugby club to a site at Haybridge, and said that planning applications for both schemes had been submitted to Somerset Council.

boundary, and if all the trees were retained.

People need homes, he said, and without relocating, the rugby club would suffer because the Haybridge proposals include an enhanced clubhouse which would provide an income stream such as from functions, in addition to it being a clubhouse for the rugby club.

Committee Chair Councillor

Denise Denis read out a comment she had been sent from somebody who was concerned about the loss of green open

During public speaking time before his presentation, Tony Hathaway introduced himself as a representative of the Strawberry Line Society, and said that the Strawberry Line currently stops when it gets to Wells leisure centre. He said that there is scope to take it behind the leisure centre and along the northern boundary of the rugby club site, and he asked for that to be considered.

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space and potential loss of trees on the site. They believed that the scheme would negatively impact people and wildlife.

Mr Sharp told the meeting that there had been a public drop-in event at the rugby club before Christmas that was attended by more than 100 people; lots of comments were made, some being matters of principle and some specific issues on the site.

He said that Stonewater is a housing association that has a programme of about 1,500 new homes a year in England. The Charter Way proposal is for 106 homes – 76 houses and 30 flats –to be a mixture of social rent and shared ownership homes, all of which “will be affordable at first occupancy”.

He said that the building of the homes and the rugby club move are inextricably linked, and that the homes cannot happen unless the rugby club can be relocated. The Charter Way development has to finance the delivery of the new rugby club and has to be viable, he said.

He said that there has to be 106 homes on the site to make the development deliverable, and it would not be possible if there was a 6m ‘easement’ for the Strawberry Line along the

‘Viability and deliverability are key to this or it won’t go ahead’

“Balances have to be made,” he said, though he added that the developers were receptive to people talking to them if there were strong feelings about certain aspects, and they would see whether any changes could be accommodated.

But he said: “Viability and deliverability are key to this or it won’t go ahead.”

Councillor Louis Agabani asked whether more of the homes could be apartments to allow more space for the Strawberry Line and save the trees. “We’ve got to provide a mix and we feel that mix is spot on according to the need,” said Mr Sharp. He again stressed that the scheme had to be viable, saying that houses provide bigger rents, and shared ownership homes are more attractive to potential occupants.

n Among other matters discussed, councillors voted to recommend refusal of plans to upgrade currently unused hardstanding and replace grassed areas with parking spaces for staff and patients of some of the facilities at Wells Health Centre, on grounds of loss of habitat and flood risk.

They voted to recommend approval of plans for new educational play equipment at The Bishop’s Palace, but were concerned that one of the proposed materials is cobble stones, which could be an injury risk for children.

They were concerned about the lack of storage at a 22-apartment block at Park Wood House, Glastonbury Road, if a ground-floor storage unit is turned into a one-bed apartment, and voted to recommend refusal of the plans for change of use.

u Vision for more then 100 new homes, page 10

for the May edition: April 16

The plans envisage 106 homes on the rugby club site at Charter Way

More famous names join comedy bill

WELLS Comedy Festival has announced even more big names joining the line-up for the festival this year.

Dancing On Ice star and Taskmaster champion Lou Sanders will be heading to Wells for the bank holiday festival weekend alongside Spencer Jones, who makes a return this

year as a firm festival favourite. BAFTA nominated and multi award-winning Mark Steel returns as well, while Rob Newman brings his new tour show Where The Wild Things Were, Live at the Apollo’s Hal Cruttenden is back with a new tour show, and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Lucy

Pearman joins the bill. Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell and Rhys James have all added extra shows due to the demand.

The line-up also includes Rosie Jones, Amy Gledhill, Glenn Moore, Jessica Fostekew, Nick Helm, Chloe Petts, Katie Norris, Joe Kent-Walters, Chris Cantrill, Thanyia Moore, Abby

LOCAL FAMILY RUN

Wambaugh, Mat Ewins, Michael Akadiri, Peter Rethinasamy, Marjolein Robertson and more.

Tickets are selling fast for the festival’s four gala performances which will each feature a number of festival acts.

The event takes place from May 23-25. Tickets are on sale at www.wellscomfest.com

MOBILITY SHOWROOM

Among the stars who will be appearing at this year’s Wells Comedy Festival are, from left, Spencer Jones, Lou Sanders, Hal Cruttenden and Lucy Pearman

Vision for more than 100 new homes

By Daniel Mumby Local Democracy Reporter

MORE than 100 additional homes could be built on the western edge of Wells under plans teased by a major land promoter.

The western edge of the city has seen significant interest from housing developers in recent years, with several sites securing planning permission and being built out.

Gleeson Land Ltd secured outline planning approval on appeal in August 2024 to build up to 50 new homes on the New House Farm site, located off the A371 Portway south of the Wells Touring Park.

The Fleet-based promoter has now published initial details of another planned housing development to the west of the touring park, which would see 116 new houses built on the north side of the B3139 Wookey Road.

The initial plans (known as a screening option request) envision the new dwellings being built between the touring park and the main road, with a green buffer at the western edge near the River Axe.

The site was not allocated within either part of the Mendip Local Plan, but the promoter has argued that “the changing context of the area” in light of other developments made it an appropriate site for new housing.

In addition to the New House

Farm site, Somerset Council approved plans for 47 homes on the B3139 Elm Close in January – with a decision pending on revised plans for 100 homes immediately to the east.

A spokesman for Armstrong Rigg Planning (representing the promoter) said the homes were an appropriate response to “the continued deterioration in housing delivery” across the former Mendip area, coupled with delays in creating the new Somerset Local Plan (which may not be in place until mid-2029).

The spokesman added: “The site extends to 9.4 hectares and currently comprises three agricultural fields separated by trees and hedgerows running north-south through the site.

“The site is bounded to the west and north-west by open farmland and the River Axe and to the north by land proposed in the Local Plan Part II for the relocation of Wells Rugby Club.

“It is located in an area of growth with undeveloped land between it and the existing built edge of Wells now having planning permission (or a resolution to grant) for housing development.”

Of the 116 homes planned for the site, 40 per cent will be affordable (the equivalent of 46 properties), with the homes ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses.

In addition to a new access on to Wookey Road, the development would enhance an existing public right of way running across the western part of the site, and would connect up to other planned walking and cycling links on and around the B3139.

Somerset Council is expected to make an initial ruling on the screening request in the coming weeks – after which outline plans will be submitted and go out to wider public consultation.

in OUR factory

The site of the possible new housing development

Film possibilities to be promoted

A NEW role of Head of Filming at Wells Cathedral is being taken on by Matthew Minter.

Matthew, who is also a Tenor with the Cathedral’s Vicars Choral, said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the role as Head of Filming at Wells Cathedral.

“As part of the strategy for filming, I aim to actively promote Wells Cathedral by introducing more production companies to the stunning and unique locations that the Cathedral and its precincts offer.

“The revenue that can be procured from filming on location provides a vital source of income stream and I hope to maximise opportunities with minimum impact to the daily working life of the Cathedral.

“There are some film productions in the pipeline for 2025 which I am excited to be overseeing.”

Productions filmed at Wells Cathedral in recent years include Wolf Hall, Becoming Elizabeth and Alex Rider.

JULIE LILLY

Health Connections Mendip

CHRISTOPHER SOMERVILLE

“The Ballad of Bishop Jocelyn & the Dragon of Worminster Sleight”

JIM HARDCASTLE

“Why have a ‘Super’ National Nature Reserve on the Mendip Hills?”

CAMPAIGN FOR THE PROTECTION OF RURAL ENGLAND

“CPRE Somerset – protecting, enhancing and celebrating Somerset’s countryside”

EASTON WILDLIFE GROUP

“Community spaces, engagement and supporting biodiversity” Seed Swap 5.45-6pm Refreshments

Chat with councillors

Matthew Minter has become the new Head of Filming at Wells Cathedral

Julie Romeo took this photograph of Nick James as he was printing out his picture of the Cathedral Nave at the D H James photographic supply shop in Sadler Street, Wells. The picture is made up of 15 handheld photos that have been merged in Photoshop. Nick has framed it upright, and people can see the image and more of his shots at the Somerset Frames shop in Sadler Street.

Members of the Wells Ladies football team helped kick off the new season at East Somerset Railway at Cranmore on Saturday, March 8 – International Women’s Day. Locomotive 4555 was running and offered a nostalgic journey through the mid-Somerset countryside.

Wells Amnesty Group and Mid Somerset Oxfam Group celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8. They held a stall in the Penniless Porch where people could take part in the Oxfam ‘Famous Women’ quiz and sign letters in support of an Amnesty prisoner of conscience. Lapel badges and posies of fresh flowers in the Suffragette colours of green, white and purple were handed out to women in a show of solidarity.

Empowerment at heart of celebration

THIS year’s celebration of International Women’s Day, on March 8, brought together women from different cultures and countries as well as all parts of Wells.

Wells Welcome Hub and Women Of Wells, an informal group which has come together each year since 2015 to organise a celebration, were delighted with an event – at Seager Hall –which was built on sharing food and what can be achieved by empowered women.

The programme included Kateryna Lebid, a Ukrainian artist now living in Wells, who introduced her captivating painting Three Goddesses of Fate, delving into its themes of empowerment, destiny, and the unbreakable strength of women. She donated this painting which

was then auctioned by Harriet Mustard from Killens Mendip Auction Rooms. The auction was won by Alison Cholmondeley. It was agreed by all present that funds raised by this and

Auction winner Alison Cholmondeley, right, with Harriett Mustard of Killens Auction Rooms and Artist Kateryna Lebid

many women including two traditional Ukrainian dishes. Special thanks went to Iryna Ivashchenko and Oksana Rashchyk for their beautiful poppy roll (Makivnyk) and savoury chicken crêpes.

donations on the day would be used to help to support displaced women through the Wells Welcome Hub.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch with contributions from

Three extraordinary women shared their stories of leadership, resilience, and impact within the community: Claire Chettoe – a devoted local volunteer; Hanna Andrashova – a yoga instructor dedicated to promoting women’s wellbeing; and Anna Skobeyniuk – a businesswoman making waves in Wells, all spoke passionately about their work.

The event concluded with a performance of traditional Ukrainian songs, by Kozachky Bristol Choir, celebrating the strength and spirit of women.

Integrate

Ease

n NEWS

Inspection of pavements to prioritise work

AN inspection of the pavements in Wells city centre was carried out in March to prioritise remedial work that will make it easier for less able people to get around.

Dick Hodgson and Theo van Hensbergen from Accessible Wells were joined by Alan Muir, Somerset Council’s Technical Lead for Active Travel, and three officers from Kier Group, Somerset Council’s infrastructure contractor.

Dick, who is a member of the Accessible Wells steering group and has to use a wheelchair, took the team around to inspect pavement travel routes identified by Accessible Wells campaigners as being blighted by a combination of insufficient and poorly constructed drop kerbs.

The survey on March 12 took in areas of Tucker Street, St Cuthbert Street, Princes Road, Broad Street, St John Street, South Street, Southover, The Liberty, the bottom of St Thomas Street and Cathedral Green.

Dick said: “It’s great to have constructive engagement from Somerset Council and to be able to help them understand better how they can help me and other wheelchair and scooter users. The next step is for Kier to draw up a priority work plan and agree it with Somerset Council, so that

‘I’m already looking forward to being able to get around Wells more easily in my wheelchair’

sensible improvements can start to be made.

“I know I now have to be patient before they put the first spade in the ground, but I’m already looking forward to being

Next Sustainable Wells activities

SUSTAINABLE Wells events taking place in the next month: n Make and Mend in the Dodd Room at Portway Annexe, Wednesday, March 26, 6.30pm9pm. Share or learn how to upcycle, repurpose, repair and revive clothing or other textiles. Email sustwells@gmail.com for more information.

n Repair Cafe at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Saturday, March 29, 10am-12.30pm. Skilled volunteer repairers will try to fix broken items taken along. Homemade cakes and drinks available too. Email repaircafe. wells@gmail.com for more information.

n Freecycle at Priory Road car park, Wells, Sunday, March 30, 1pm-2pm. This event is like a car boot sale but no money changes hands; everything is given away

free to help unwanted things get reused rather than trashed. Arrive between 12.45pm and 1.30pm if donating items. Email sustwells@gmail.com for more information.

n Repair Saturday at Wells Library, Saturday, April 26, 10am-12.30pm. Take along broken items for skilled volunteer repairers to mend if they can. Email repaircafe.wells@gmail. com or wlslib@somerset.gov.uk for more information.

n Make and Mend in the Dodd Room at Portway Annexe, Wednesday, April 30, 6.30pm9pm. Join in with upcycling or repairing clothing or other textiles. Take whatever you are working on or just go along and see what others are doing. Email sustwells@gmail.com for more information.

able to get around Wells more easily in my wheelchair.”

The drop kerb remediation

project is part of a number of other projects agreed between Accessible Wells, Somerset Council and Wells City Council. The projects are aimed at making Wells a more welcoming and accessible city for both residents and visitors.

The improvements will benefit not just people who use wheelchair and mobility scooters, but also people pushing prams and pushchairs, and those such as frail older people who use walking aids.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “Somerset Council and Kier with the support of Accessible Wells looked at several key routes and crossings to help inform proposals to improve accessibility in Wells. The visit was a very worthwhile exercise to help shape the proposals with the aim of encouraging more people to walk or wheel in the city.”

Emma’s Home Help

Emma’s Home Help

Services in Wells

I’m Emma based in Wells offering domestic support services to local people throughout Wells and surrounding areas.

DOMESTIC

• DOMESTIC SUPPORT Home Cleaning, Light duties and snack preparation.

• DOMESTIC SUPPORT

SHOPPING

PET SUPPORT

Home Cleaning, Light duties and snack preparation.

• SHOPPING SUPPORT Shopping collection or travel support.

I’m Emma based in Wells offering domestic support services to local people throughout Wells and surrounding areas.

I’m Emma based in Wells offering domestic support services to local people throughout Wells and surrounding areas.

From Domestic Cleaning, Appointment Support, Pet Care, General transport, Trips to the garden centre or a friendly face just to have a chat and a cuppa with, then please get in touch.

From Domestic Cleaning, Appointment Support, Pet Care, General transport, Trips to the garden centre or a friendly face just to have a chat and a cuppa with, then please get in touch.

From Domestic Cleaning, Appointment Support, Pet Care, General transport, Trips to the garden centre or a friendly face just to have a chat and a cuppa with, then please get in touch.

I currently have availability Monday to Friday, have own transport and have over 25 years working in Customer Service, Hospitality, Petcare, Youth Coaching and Working with the Local Community.

I currently have availability Monday to Friday, have own transport and have over 25 years working in Customer Service, Hospitality, Pet Care, Youth Coaching and Working with the Local Community.

I currently have availability Monday to Friday, have own transport and have over 25 years working in Customer Service, Hospitality, Petcare, Youth Coaching and Working with the Local Community.

My Support Services: My Support Services

ONE TO ONE COMPANIONSHIP

• ONE TO ONE COMPANIONSHIP General company, going for a walk, board games, book reading or a local walk.

General company, going for a walk, board games, book reading or a local walk.

• TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT

Costs locally included. Over 3 miles charges apply.

• ONE TO ONE COMPANIONSHIP General company, going for a walk, board games, book reading or a local walk.

Costs locally included. Over 3 miles charges apply.

Pet feeding, walking or companionship.

• PET SUPPORT Pet feeding, walking or companionship.

• SHOPPING SUPPORT Shopping collection or travel support.

LOCAL TRANSPORT SUPPORT

PRICING

• PRICING From £18.50 per hour mimimum of 2 hours per bookings.

• TRANSPORT Costs locally included. Over 3 miles charges apply.

From £18.50 per hour minimum of 2 hours per bookings.

Travel support, appointment support, days out or shopping, trips etc.

• LOCAL TRANSPORT SUPPORT Travel support, appointment support, days out or shopping, trips etc.

• PET SUPPORT Pet feeding, walking or companionship.

• LOCAL TRANSPORT SUPPORT Travel support, appointment support, days out or shopping, trips etc.

• PRICING

From £18.50 per hour mimimum of 2 hours per bookings.

Theo van Hensbergen left, and Dick Hodgson, front, with Alan Muir, centre, and Kier officers

Star duo returning to theatre festival

AWARD-WINNING actor, director and writer Jonathan Guy Lewis is returning to the Wells Theatre Festival this June with his new 60-minute one man show The Healing.

The play explores panic attacks and imposter syndrome; how to let them go and what to do when those feelings of self-sabotage and fear come calling. Jonathan shares his own experiences of terrifying stage fright in a hit West End play, in front of audiences of thousands, and how he cured himself.

He will be sharing his ‘Pillars of Presence’… his ‘scaffolding’, that he has developed over of years of managing his own fears – with the hope and expectation that audiences will take some knowledge and tools away, and with which they can practice and manage their own experiences of this terrifying and debilitating condition.

The play is directed by actor

and director Harry Burton who most recently played Dr Mulberge in the 2024 Bob Marley film, One Love alongside Kingsley Ben-Adir and James Norton.

Jonathan has previously brought his hit one man play I Found My Horn to the Wells Theatre Festival. Also directed by Harry Burton, I Found My Horn is a critically acclaimed, West End hit, described by the Sunday Times as “A shot of pure joy”. The play is about a man relearning the French Horn that he had turned his back on in childhood. But Jonathan says, “behind the scenes, without employing these ‘Pillars of Presence’, there is no way I would be able to get up on a stage and perform that story –let alone play a Mozart Horn Concerto at the end”.

For anyone who struggles with any kind of imposter syndrome, or stage fright or

public speaking, this play offers an opportunity to go along and see what doors Jonathan could open for them too.

Masterclass – Devising a one-person show

JONATHAN and Harry Burton will also be running a two-day weekend masterclass on how to develop a one-person show. They have lived experience doing exactly that together with I Found My Horn and The Healing. Participants can expect to be taken on a journey from ideas to structure, characters to outcomes.

Included in the ticket price for the masterclass is the opportunity to see the Saturday performance of The Healing.

The Healing will be performed in the Bishop’s Barn on June 20 and 21.

Booking opens April 30. For more information visit www.wellstheatrefestival.org

Jonathan Guy Lewis, above, and Harry Burton, left

Trophies handed out at presentation night

WELLS City Carnival Committee held their presentation evening for the 2024 Carnival on Saturday, February 22, at Wells Football Club.

Thirty trophies were presented to the clubs and individual entrants for winning their classes in the Carnival.

Additionally, the committee reward the organisation which collected the highest amount in

the street collection by awarding The Evan Desmond Harris Rose Bowl to them, together with 40 per cent of the amount collected (which is also true of the other organisations who assist with the collection).

As a result, the 5th/7th Wells Scout Group were given £784 in recognition of the £1,754 which they collected in individual buckets and their collection float.

Some of the Gorgons Carnival Club juveniles picking up their trophies from last year’s Wessex Carnival entry

Juveniles organise Easter Bingo

AN Easter Prize Bingo is being held in April to raise funds for Gorgons Carnival Club, with most of the organising being done by the club’s juvenile members.

The club’s juveniles are too young to take part in normal fundraising activities so are finding other ways to support the club.

So far the mini Gorgons, whose ages range from eight to 15, have completed sponsored swims, sold ‘name the dog’ squares, and are organising a

monthly Bingo session with support from the adults. For the past two years they have entered the Wessex Carnival with their own small-scale entry, and a number of them also go on the main carnival cart.

The Easter Prize Bingo will take place at Wells Rugby Club on Monday, April 7, eyes down 7.30pm.

Contact Shelly Ford to book a table on 07894 078999 or email Gorgonscc@aol.com, or simply turn up on the night to support the event.

A total of 20 organisations collected more than £1,700 on the night, and £1,100 was donated online via QR codes.

Within the street collection there was euros to the value of £200 and assorted other currencies to the value of more than £60, which the committee managed to sell.

The committee said that it is very grateful for all of the

groups who assisted with the collection, and for the generosity of the spectators who made the donations.

It costs more than £25,000 to organise the Carnival, so every penny counts, and fundraising through the year allows the organising committee to maintain the Carnival in Wells, a tradition going back more than 100 years.

Trophies that were handed out at the presentation evening, and Mayor Jasmine Browne and others with the cheque for the 5th/7th Wells Scout Group

Imperfections maybe, but a perfect patient!

ALFIE the Cockapoo is not yet a year old, but in his short life, we’ve certainly got to know him very well after 20 visits to see us so far. The first veterinary appointment is very important for a puppy. As well as giving them their first vaccinations, it’s also an opportunity for them to get used to coming into the surgery, we can talk through their general care requirements, and we give them a thorough health check. While Alfie was extremely lively and delighted with all the attention at his first appointment, it became clear that he had some very concerning features.

Alfie was found to have a dermoid, congenital defect of the eye in which part of the cornea grows hairs. Alfie’s left eye had a clump of hair growing from it, causing irritation to the surface of his eye. Further examination revealed that a baby tooth was in an abnormal position. This was causing Alfie discomfort and was likely to affect the position of developing adult teeth. We also found that one of Alfie’s testicles had not properly descended, leaving him at high risk of developing a tumour later in life.

All of these conditions would affect Alfie’s health and quality of life if left untreated.

We made a plan for his treatment. A referral to an ophthalmologist was arranged and medical treatment started to keep the eye comfortable in the meantime. Our first priority was to extract the abnormally positioned tooth, to prevent further trauma to the soft palate. At just 12 weeks old, weighing only 3kg, Alfie went under anaesthesia for the first time. Since then, he has had three rounds of complicated ocular surgery at the referral specialist and has been back with us to remove the stubborn testicle that was hiding just inside his leg, along with three other baby teeth that he never managed to shed.

More recently, we saw Alfie again with some very sore ears. We looked down Alfie’s ears under sedation, due to them being so sore, where we discovered that he had extremely hairy ear canals. This caused wax to clump together, causing irritation, and required the hairs to be plucked away.

Many of Alfie’s vet visits have involved sedation or anaesthesia and some form of surgery or intervention, so you might expect his initial enthusiasm with the vets to have depleted somewhat. But the reason we love Alfie so much is that he is still so delighted to come and see us for every visit, wagging his tail with absolute joy and giving lots of kisses. Alfie is definitely special – he might have been born with a few imperfections, but to us, Alfie is the perfect patient!

Gudi Stuttard, BVSc (hons) MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon

Events that will be taking place at library in April

APRIL activities at Wells Library will include:

n New Group! Wells Writers: Aspiring writers who would you like to have fun with writing exercises, share their work and gain supportive criticism are being invited along to a new writing group. It will meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 2pm, with the first session on Tuesday, April 8. For more information email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk or info@ cathedralcitywordsmiths.co.uk

n Poetry & Art Workshop: Poet Chris Tutton will lead a friendly and interactive workshop to discuss the links between poetry and art. Participants will study an art movement and then create a poem. Saturday, April 5, at 11.30am. Email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk to book a place.

n Shared Reading: Shared Reading is on every Monday at

2.30pm when experiences can be shared using stories and poems. This group is open to all and free to attend. No need to book.

n Switch Club: Places are available at the popular Nintendo Switch Club, for children aged seven and up, on Saturday, April 12, at 10.30am. Free of charge –booking essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk

n Lego Club: Lego Club, for children aged five and older, is on Saturday, April 19, at 10.30am. Book a place to avoid disappointment: email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk

n PCSO: Drop in and speak to a member of Wells City Neighbourhood Policing Team on Thursday, April 24, 11am12pm. No need to book.

n Repair Saturday at the Library: Take items along to the library on Saturday, April 26, from 10am-12.30pm and see if they can be repaired.

Wells Cathedral Choristers had a pan-tastic time on Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday, March 4), taking the opportunity to flip pancakes in the Cathedral

Spring/summer opening hours

THE Wells (Dulcote) recycling centre will revert to its spring/ summer opening schedule from Tuesday, April 1, as will all 15 of Somerset Council’s other recycling sites.

Sites will be open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm at the weekend (the Dulcote recycling centre is closed on Tuesdays).

Continued help for 126 service

SOMERSET Council is introducing support and improvements to bus services across the county following confirmation of a new £6 million tranche of Government funding for 2025/26. The council says that among the measures will be continued support for the 126 Axbridge-Wells service, with an increased service on Saturdays.

Alfie the Cockapoo

150-mile cycle ride for cancer charity

A 12-YEAR-OLD will be cycling 150 miles from Wells to London over two days in April to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Audrey Newton, who is in Year 7 at Wells Cathedral School, is fundraising for the charity after it supported her grandpa during his recent cancer treatments.

She said: “I wanted to do something special to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and cycling is a great option as anyone can cover a long distance if they put their mind to it.

“Cycling 150 miles from Wells to London over two days will be a huge challenge for me, I know it will hurt, but the thought of cycling into London itself, seeing the famous landmarks and finishing outside Big Ben is exciting.

“But the biggest motivation I have is all the donations and the impact this could have helping

other people suffering with cancer.”

Her grandpa had prostate cancer and after six months of

radiation therapy at Musgrove Park Hospital and ongoing hormone therapy, he has made a full recovery.

Five years ago, aged seven, Audrey cycled 100 miles from Somerset to Hereford in two days to raise money for the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), and raise awareness about climate change.

She now has a new, bigger bike, and has been going out on training rides recently as she prepares for the longer challenge in April. She is asking people to donate to the cause through her GoFundMe page (‘12yrs old and cycling 150 miles to London’), where she has already raised more than £1,300.

She says “every donation will help more people facing cancer, so every pound is appreciated. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.”

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.

Audrey Newton out on her bike as she prepares for her ride to London

Future SOUP!s to take place in Cathedral

SOUP! is growing from success to success with a new home in iconic Wells Cathedral.

It has been run by Wells Independents since 2016. Held at first in Seager Hall on Union Street, the audience grew and a larger venue was needed, so SOUP! moved to a bigger hall at the Connect Centre. There were tables for 90 but sometimes it was full and people had to be turned away.

However when this grantgiving lunch went to the Cathedral in January this year there was room for 120 – the largest audience yet. It was a huge success and future SOUP!s will happen there.

The next one on Saturday, April 26, will start with Wells Youth Club telling how the

£350 they went away with at January’s lunch has been used. Here are the charities that will be presenting and what they do:

n The Lawrence Centre supports older vulnerable people.

n Wells Theatre Festival stages community plays and children’s shows.

n Wells Macular Group supports those with this vision deterioration.

n Windsor Hill Wood Refuge for people recovering from a major crisis.

“Given the success of the January SOUP! for the first time in the Cathedral, we’re delighted that future SOUP!s, including our next on April 26, will now all take place in the Cathedral,” said Ross Young of Wells Independents.

“Very many thanks to the Dean and Chapter for being so supportive. Please arrive no later than 12.40pm, as we had to turn away late-comers in January.”

This SOUP!’s sponsor is City Decorating Supplies, a family business run and owned by Mike Tucker who said: “I am very passionate about Wells and I know SOUP! is a very worthwhile cause.”

Lunch provided in show of support for neighbours

TESCO staff in Wells have been working to bring smiles and support to residents by teaming up with the Lawrence Centre, a charity committed to enriching the lives of older people.

Led by Caleb Baker, Tesco’s community champion, and service manager Karen Bevan, the Tesco colleagues prepared a pasta bolognese and sweetened the deal with Ms Molly Jam Eclairs for the Lawrence Centre’s service-users. As well as the meal, they provided a bag of goodies for each member.

Caleb said: “It’s remarkable how food brings us together. Creating this meal for the

Lawrence Centre was our way of saying we’re here not just as a retailer but as an ally to our neighbours.”

Tesco also supported the centre’s annual Christmas community lunch, donating food that helped serve more than 80 people across four days of celebrations, and organised a tombola, ensuring each member received a small gift during the festive season.

Maggie Charlesworth, Manager at the Lawrence Centre, said: “We would like to thank Tesco for cooking lunch. Our members thoroughly enjoyed it, and Caleb and Karen made

a brilliant team of chefs. Our members were over the moon with the meal, and the generosity of Tesco is heartening. The support they continue to give really shines a light on the difference community-focused efforts can make.”

The Lawrence Centre welcomes support from the community and has various opportunities available for people who would like to get involved, including volunteer roles and paid positions such as Session Leaders and Outreach Workers. To learn more, see thelawrencecentre.org.uk or call 01749 676839.

Ross Young, left, thanks Mike Tucker at City Decorating Supplies in Tucker Street for their support of April’s SOUP!

Caleb Baker and Karen Bevan served up a meal for service-users at the Lawrence Centre

Five years of assistance to tourists

WELLS Tourist Information Centre has celebrated five years since its opening at Wells Town Hall.

TIC Manager Dale Bray said: “We would all like to thank our customers and visitors for their support and custom.” She also thanked the Ambassadors for all their work throughout the years and their continued support.

“We feel honoured to be part of this wonderful city and all it has to offer.”

n Wells TIC is recruiting for volunteers for the summer season. People who have time to spare and could help tourists make the most of their time in Wells are invited to drop their details into the Tourist Information office.

THERE are a host of little known stories behind the nine Blue Plaques of Wells installed by the city’s Civic Society.

For example, how they managed to contact Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright in Hollywood and invite him back to the Blue School where he started making films with a teacher’s camera.

And while in Wells, Edgar’s worrying encounter with a stranger in a dark street at night about the director’s former home in Southover.

Then there was the mystery of who owned the Barclays Bank building in the Market Place and how the legendary cricketer’s plaque disappeared for a week.

Philip Welch will be giving an illustrated talk on these Blue Plaque stories, and more, on behalf of Wells Civic Society in Wells Town Hall on Wednesday, April 9, from 7pm-9pm. Entry £5 for non-Civic Society members.

Edgar Wright’s new film The

Telling stories of Blue Plaques Spring Concert one chance to see band

Tanya Flagg highlights appearances by Wells City Band in the coming months

WELLS City Band have had a busy start to the year rehearsing for our spring and summer events.

We are delighted to have been asked to play on April 26 as part of The Three Towers Music Festival. We will be performing at All Saints Church, Farmborough, at 7.30pm. More information and tickets available from www.threetowersfestival.org

Our Spring Concert is on Sunday, May 4, at Cedars Hall, Wells, at 3.30pm. With a concert on this date, it was too good an opportunity to miss giving the audience an ‘Out of this World’ experience. Be prepared to be transported to a musical dimension. We are delighted that this concert will feature Lions Brass for Youth, an

amazing local youth band, and pre-concert entertainment will be from Wells City Band Brass Academy. Tickets available from www.cedarshallwells.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01749 674483.

On May 31 we will be playing on the bandstand at the Bath and West Show from 11.30am12.10pm.

On July 12 we will be kicking off the Party at the Palace, playing at 3.15pm to start this amazing musical event at The Bishop’s Palace, followed by 3 Daft Monkeys, Mad Dog Mcrea, The Wurzels and Seth Lakeman. Tickets for this event are available from www. bishopspalace.org.uk

Our summer season finishes with us playing on Wells Bandstand on Saturday, September 6, from 1pm-3pm. Bring your own chairs, and a picnic if you wish.

Running Man, an action thriller based on a Stephen King novel, will be released in November.

u Around the Societies, pages 39-44

Edgar Wright with Philip Welch at the unveiling of the plaque on the Blue School reception building

Wells Tourist Information Centre Manager Dale Bray, second left, with Assistant Jenny Tolman and volunteers Lissie and Sue

Coffee morning is place to be

By Philip Welch

THE idea was a good one which has developed into something truly special.

“Why don’t we have a coffee morning at the Portway Annexe?” thought Liz Webber, who works there.

Then one day after its popular launch Freya Staniforth, a Health Connector who works for the local GP practices, came along and now she and Liz work together to make the coffee morning even more successful.

“We bring together people who may be socially isolated so they can make new friends,” said Freya. “Liz and the Annexe are just great.”

Estelle Crowley, who works with cancer patients for the NHS, said: “This talking cafe has had a wonderful impact on people that I am supporting within Primary Care.

“Social isolation has a huge impact on people’s lives, as

much as a diagnosis of a longterm illness. I have been able to signpost and support people to attend the coffee morning, which has instantly rejuvenated their social lives.

“It provides peer support and professional support in a wonderfully warm and lively setting.”

Also regularly at the coffee morning ready to signpost people

to support is Wells stained glass artist Edgar Phillips on behalf of Open Mental Health.

It is open every Friday from 10am-noon at the Annexe in Portway Avenue, Wells BA5 2QF.

All are welcome and entry is by a suggested £2 donation.

n On Friday, March 28, PCSO Donna President will attend the coffee morning for a chat between 10am and 11am.

Invitation to take part in environmental celebration

WELLS Environment Network is inviting residents, businesses and organisations to a ten-day environmental celebration from October 11-20.

The organisation says that it welcomes participation in the upcoming Ecoweek 2025 events

“to show our shared commitment to the environment.

“Create a wildlife-friendly garden corner this summer and share your photos with us. Consider commuting without a car for a few days or take a lunchtime walk with colleagues and send a list of nature observations.

“We can post your events, photos, and ideas on our website (wenvironment.org.uk) and invite you to upload them directly to our Facebook page (Wenvironment).”

Search for more Ambassadors

THE Wells Ambassadors, who help visitors make the most of the city, would welcome new recruits. Ross Young, who leads the Ambassadors, said: “It requires two hours’ voluntary work a week, Monday to Saturday, meeting visitors outside the Cathedral, Palace and in the Market Square, giving out maps and pointing out all there is to see and do in Wells.

“The feedback is always rewarding with many thanks from all you encounter and help. Basic training and information will be given.”

People interested can find out more by emailing Ross at rossyoung@hotmail.co.uk or calling 07721 523487.

Homes scheme gains approval

APPROVAL has been granted by Somerset Council for the demolition of commercial buildings behind 25 and 27 Broad Street, Wells, and the redevelopment of the site to provide three new homes. One of the new homes will have three bedrooms and two will have two bedrooms.

A part of the warehouse-style building that will be replaced by the homes has been occupied by school uniform supplier South West Schoolwear – formerly Identity Kits – for about 20 years.

Nature course at Bishop’s Palace

A FREE nature course for neuro-divergent people will take place at The Bishop’s Palace on Thursdays from 2pm until 5pm from May 8 until June 5. There are a maximum of ten spaces.

Organiser Layla says: “Nature is a beautiful and grounding tool at our fingertips brilliant at finding our ventral place which is responsible for a sense of safety and belonging perfect for neurodivergent people.”

Self-diagnosed people are welcome too.

People who are interested in attending should email layla@ diverseuk.org or art@diverseuk. org

Liz Webber, Freya Staniforth and Edgar Phillips with some of the people at a Friday coffee morning Picture: Philip Welch

Winning team The Allnuts celebrating their victory in the Mayor’s Quiz in the Wells Town Hall Ballroom on March 15, with Mayor Jasmine Browne and quizmaster Andy Sully (in the hat). The event, which included a raffle, was a fundraiser for the 5th/7th City of Wells Scouts.

Picture: Philip Welch

Assessor impressed by Palace

THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells has scored 94 per cent in a recent assessment by Visit England as part of the national Visitor Attractions Quality Scheme, the highest score achieved by the Palace to date.

The high scores awarded to the heritage site have meant the Palace has also been nominated for a national Gold Accolade. There was particular recognition for The Bishop’s Table cafe which has been nominated for a prestigious Quality Food & Drink Accolade following a 100 per cent rating in its category.

Attractions are independently visited by quality assessors who inspect the services and facilities offered each year, from the efficiency of the booking process to the level of service provided. The Gold Accolade is only awarded to the top scoring attractions in the country.

Overall, the assessor noted that they were “most impressed

and future improvements are anticipated with interest. A big ‘well done’ to all the team for a very enjoyable visit experience.”

The assessor said of The

Bishop’s Table cafe that the recent “total refurbishment of cafe decoration and furniture… gives it a more modern feel, more space”, and that “the onsite chef produces meals of an excellent quality using local and fresh ingredients. The All Day Breakfast ordered ranks as one of the very best the assessor has had. Service was quick and efficient.”

Chief Executive of The Palace Trust, Merryn Kidd, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way. Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard all year round to ensure that The Bishop’s Palace and The Bishop’s Table cafe always offer a warm welcome to our visitors.

“It’s fantastic to see that our efforts have paid off, with our scores actually increasing from the already positive feedback we received from our assessment last year.”

PLANS have been unveiled to convert The Cheddar Valley Inn on Tucker Street, Wells, into housing.

Red Oak Taverns Limited have submitted a planning application to Somerset Council for the conversion of the public house to two residential dwellings. One will be a twobedroom home and the other a one-bedroom home.

The planning documents say that The Cheddar Valley Inn has a history of poor trading performance, there are high levels of competition from a number of reputable and established pubs in the surrounding catchment, and it is no longer economically viable.

There is already planning permission for the conversion of a pub outbuilding to a onebedroom bungalow and the building of a two-bedroom bungalow next to it, accessed from Westfield Road.

The Bishop’s Table cafe interior

The K’s, an indie rock band from Earlestown, Merseyside, pictured playing at Studio 24 in Wells on March 7 to a sell-out crowd of 500. The venue will host two big-name acts in April, with Toploader performing on Saturday, April 5, and The Christians on Saturday, April 12. For more information and tickets, see studio24wells.com

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, and the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Toby Wright, were in Wells Market Place on Ash Wednesday (March 5) to offer the sign of the cross to those who were visiting the market. The sign was made on the forehead using ashes created from burning the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Report highlights landscape’s importance

FOR the first time a State of the Heritage report has been produced for the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

The report, by the South West Heritage Trust, shows that the Mendip Hills is of international importance for its archaeology and provides evidence of over half a million years of occupation, settlement and land use: the landscape shapes the people and the people shape the landscape.

The State of Heritage report looks at the nine key periods from the Palaeolithic to the Modern, reviewing all the finds, summarising their condition, fieldwork and other investigations that have taken place and finishing with a broad list of recommendations. There are more than 4,800 sites identified on the Historic Environment

at

Records for the National Landscape. Of these only eight per cent are covered by statutory heritage designations, like Scheduled Monuments.

There are 173 Scheduled Monuments making it the third densest protected landscape in the South West for scheduled monuments.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING DAY CENTRE

Dementia Day Care Support – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 10am-3pm

Mental Health & Wellbeing Workshops – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, 1pm-3pm, or ALL Day Outreach Visits – Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Monthly Carers Groups – Wells & Wedmore

Block Courses – varied days & times

Heads Up, Upper Breach, South Horrington, Wells BA5 3QG 01749 670667 info@headsupsomerset.org.uk www.headsupsomerset.org.uk Charity No: 801391

Caves, particularly in Cheddar Gorge and around Wookey Hole, provide some of the best evidence in Britain for early human activity with connections across Europe. Much later in the prehistoric period, important ceremonial sites, such as the Priddy Circles with their parallels to Stonehenge, were constructed, and recent research has shown that other sites exist though much less visible after thousands of years of ploughing.

In the Bronze Age the landscape is dominated by round barrows, singly and in rows, at a greater density than in surrounding areas. Modern reinvestigations have also shown unusual evidence of extreme violence and cannibalism in the Early Bronze Age at Charterhouse Warren Swallet,

where some of the earliest evidence for plague in Britain also was found.

In the Late Iron Age, the lead mining industry starts which will dominate the area for the next 2,000 years.

Jim Hardcastle, from the National Landscape Team, said: “The area contains evidence of human activity which is of both regional and national significance, and in some cases European importance. But the threats to these sites, particularly the undesignated sites, remains a significant concern. Monitoring and protection should be highlighted as a priority. This needs to run alongside making people aware of the incredible heritage value of Mendip and involving people in its protection.”

EAR WAX REMOVAL

Barrows

Tynnings Farm

n NEWS

Cathedral gives the swift a helping hand

Wells Cathedral has installed a bank of swift boxes to provide a nesting site for the endangered bird. Mark Rowe, Superintendent of the Works, and Simon Nash explain more.

THE swift is a medium-sized aerial bird and is a superb flyer. Sleeping, eating, bathing and even mating on the wing, swifts rarely touch the ground. They are also the fastest birds in level flight, with an impressive top speed of 69mph.

Swifts are summer visitors, breeding across the UK, but are most numerous in the south.

Spending their winters in Africa, swifts migrate 3,400 miles twice a year, stopping off to refuel in places like Portugal and France along the way.

After a long flight back from their summer in Africa, swifts have one thing on their minds –to mate. Swifts pair for life, returning to the same site each year for a little nest renovation before laying and incubating their eggs. They like to live in houses and churches, squeezing through tiny gaps to nest inside roofs. But as more old buildings are renovated and gaps in soffits closed up, swift nest sites are fast disappearing. This, in part, has resulted in swifts being added to the IUCN Red list in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report.

Species on this list, such as swifts, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges. In Wells there are now four recorded swift nesting sites, 40 years ago there were at least 25.

Across the Church of England, in cathedrals and churches, swift boxes are being installed to help swift populations recover. Salisbury, Winchester and Durham all have

swift boxes in their buildings. Swifts are declining at five per cent per annum and that’s why Wells Cathedral offered to help.

In 2024, working in partnership with Hampshire

Swifts, Wells Cathedral developed a plan to install a bank of swift boxes high up in the north-west tower. The project brought together the Cathedral architects and Cathedral Yard Team in July and a bank of 16 boxes were fitted behind the tower’s wooden louvres. The costs of the materials for the boxes were generously paid for by a local benefactor.

Swifts can be slow to take up residence and one way to speed this up is to play swift calls in the vicinity of the nest box using a call player which will be switched on in late April.

It is hoped that this will be the first of many swift box installations across the city to help this amazing bird. For further information on swift box installation, go to: https://www.hampshireswifts. co.uk/ or contact simond.nash@ icloud.com

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Top, Nathan Philips, Roger Maynard, Simon Nash, Antony Sleight, Tom Burton and Tim Norris with some swift boxes; and boxes installed in Wells Cathedral’s north-west tower

The swift is a superb flyer, with a top speed of 69mph

Picture: David Moreton

7.49% council tax rise agreed

SOMERSET Council Leader Bill Revans repeated calls for the Government’s planned reform of local government funding to be accelerated when councillors met to vote through plans to set a balanced budget for 2025-26.

The budget was again set using Exceptional Financial Support measures offered by the Government, which includes increasing council tax by 7.49 per cent – above the referendum limit of 4.99 per cent – and a capitalisation direction of £43 million. Capitalisation direction is a form of one-off assistance which allows the council to finance everyday revenue costs by selling assets or borrow money.

Cllr Revans said: “With costs and demand for our services continuing to soar, we have had no choice but to ask the Government for Exceptional Financial Support. But let’s be

clear, this is not a bailout or a long-term solution. We are asking our residents to pay more, and we will be required to sell our assets or borrow money to cover everyday running costs.

“It is clear the funding model is broken and I welcome the Government’s commitment for reform to funding in key areas of pressure like social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We need

action urgently, or councils like Somerset will simply run out of money.”

Members attending the council’s annual budget setting meeting on March 5 were told the council is facing a budget gap of £52.2 million for next year, despite finding new savings of £48 million which includes £34 million of savings agreed by reducing the number of staff and managers employed. Agreeing to increase council tax by 7.49 per cent will reduce the gap by approximately £9.2 million a year, leaving a £43 million gap which will be covered by the capitalisation direction.

The council tax increase means those living in a band D property will pay an additional £129 a year, or £2.49 a week. Bills for council tax payers in Somerset will still remain below the national average.

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Challenged to go the distance

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced a new challenge which will begin this April called ‘Marathon in a Month’. This event invites everyone to walk, run, or even swim their way to 26.2 miles to raise funds for the charity.

The challenge can be completed all in one go or the miles can be spread out over the month. Those who take part will receive a complimentary T-shirt, and there are rewards and a special medal for those who complete the challenge and meet their fundraising goals.

Tracy Bartram, DSAA’s Communications Manager, said: “We are really excited to see what everyone gets up to and we will be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Find out more and sign up by visiting: www.dsairambulance. org.uk/marathoninamonth

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans

Sale of artworks raises more than £5,000

THE recent artists’ postcards fundraising event held at Wells & Mendip Museum from February 20-22 was a resounding success.

The sale of postcard-sized artworks raised more than £5,000 and showcased the generosity of local artists who donated original work and all those in the community who bid to buy it. The event was a partnership between the Museum and Wells Rotary and brought together residents, local businesses, artists and history enthusiasts over three days to view the work and bid in a silent auction.

On the final evening there was a lively reception which featured a hammer auction for some selected artworks. All funds raised will go to support the Museum’s work.

Housed in a Grade II listed building on Cathedral Green at the heart of the city, it serves as an educational resource, a

cultural hub, and a testament to the heritage of the ordinary people of Wells.

The Museum’s exhibits, which span from prehistoric times to the present day, offer

Appointment of new High Sheriff

JANET Montgomery has been appointed as High Sheriff of Somerset for 2025/26, following a declaration ceremony at Wells Cathedral on March 23. The High Sheriff is an independent, non-political role appointed by the monarchy for a one-year term, serving as the King’s representative in the county on matters of law and order.

Janet said: “I am honoured to take on the role of High Sheriff for Somerset and join the distinguished list of those who have served before me.

“During my term, I am committed to supporting the judiciary, law enforcement, and voluntary and charitable organisations in Somerset, with a particular focus on supporting young people through mentoring and development initiatives.”

Janet, who was born and bred in Somerset, is a qualified chartered surveyor and town planner, with most of her professional career spent as a partner in a West Country firm of architects and surveyors, where she remains a consultant.

visitors an insight into ancient artefacts discovered by Museum founder, Herbert Balch in the Mendip caving system as well as an immersive experience of modern caving.

The new city galleries, enabled by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, highlight stories of the ordinary people of the city and illustrate events and places that have shaped them.

Its next major exhibition project is a Roman gallery, drawing on the importance of lead mining on Mendip for the whole of the Roman Empire and bringing together finds made by Herbert Balch in Wookey Hole at the beginning of the 20th century with recent 21st century discoveries made by community archaeologists in Charterhouse and Westbury-sub-Mendip.

A Museum spokesperson said that funds raised from the art sale will enable it to continue to develop its programme, working in partnership with other cultural and heritage organisations in the community, preserving the past and enriching the future of the city of Wells.

The sale of postcard-sized artworks at Wells & Mendip Museum

Bidding was brisk when the artworks went under the hammer

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Motorcycle club wins best stand accolade

WELLS Classic Motorcycle Club, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary year, was able to mark it in fine style at the Bristol Classic Motorcycle show, held at The Bath & West Showground over the weekend of February 22 and 23.

The club won Best Club Stand with a theme of a street party in Wells Market Place and a cafe called Jubilee Cafe, which was supported by a display of motorcycles ranging from a 1914 Douglas through the years to a 2000 Kawasaki ZZR. The theme was also complemented by Jany Scott dressed as a cake and Mike Parfitt as town crier complete with a bell.

Jany was equipped with a ‘rattle bucket’ collecting donations for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in return to being invited into the Jubilee Cafe for tea or coffee and

a slice of cake, all of which was donated by club members.

The cafe team of Sheila, Jean and Ken supported by others

at peak periods were kept very busy and between them raised £2,090.70 for the air ambulance. The club also won the £750

prize money for Best Club Stand.

The club’s next fundraiser is the 14th Annual Tortoise and Hare Run that also includes a Snail section at which much-needed funds are raised for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and EVS Freewheelers (the Blood Bikes).

This year’s event will be held over the weekend of July 18, 19 and 20 and is open to all motorcycles, scooters and trikes etc through the three run categories.

The club welcomes new members regardless of age of machine or rider, as well as those just interested in motorcycles as there is also a fairly strong social element. All club details plus Tortoise and Hare entry forms are available at www. wellsclassicmotorcycleclub. weebly.com or email chriswcmc@hotmail.com

Some of the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club show team

Travel poster sells for £484

A BRITISH Railways transport poster promoting travel by rail to Wells has sold at auction for £484.

The poster, right, was created by the renowned British artist Fred Taylor (1875-1963), who was commissioned to create artworks for several travel companies across Britain.

This poster, signed in the print at the bottom left, was printed by Waterlow & Sons and measures 129.5cm x 102.5cm.

It was offered in a sale titled Art Deco Centenary (1925-2025) including Clarice Cliff by Woolley & Wallis auctioneers on March 19. The estimate was £200£400.

As well as carrying out work for railway and shipping firms, Fred Taylor was an official camouflage artist during the Second World War.

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Bursary

for emerging makers

SOMERSET Art Works and The Somerset Craft Guild are joining together and offering a new Bursary Programme for emerging craftspeople and makers. The Somerset Craft Guild is one of the oldest craft guilds in the country and has been promoting excellence in craftsmanship and design since 1933. Following the closure of the Guild’s premises in Wells, a new era for craft in the county has been announced as the Guild and Somerset Art Works join together for the future.

They will be continuing the

Volunteers find plenty of litter

WELLS was cleared of litter over the weekend of February 15 and 16 thanks to the efforts of volunteer litter pickers who were out and about around the city, including two who collected 11 large sacks of rubbish on the A371 Wells to Shepton Mallet road.

The next litter pick will be in May. Any new volunteers are asked to get in touch with Deborah Orrett: deborahwoolvenorrett@gmail. com

legacy work of the Somerset Craft Guild, whilst fostering and encouraging the development of a new generation of craftspeople through an upcoming programme of opportunities, bursaries, exhibitions and more.

As part of this partnership, each year the new bursary will support three emerging makers born, living, or working in Somerset to further their individual practices and develop high quality work.

For the full bursary brief and application details, visit the Somerset Art Works website.

Nomination of Mayor elect

COUNCILLOR Louis Agabani has been nominated to become the next Mayor of Wells.

Currently the Deputy Mayor, he was nominated as Mayor elect for the next Mayoral year at the city council meeting on February 27. No other nominations were received and the vote by councillors was unanimous.

Councillor Denise Denis was nominated as Deputy Mayor elect.

The mayor-making ceremony will take place on May 10.

n NEWS

Chance of enhancement to cycle route

By Daniel Mumby Local Democracy Reporter

A KEY cycle route linking communities across the Somerset Levels could be enhanced and extended as part of a new transport plan.

National Cycle Network route 3 runs from Bristol to Sennen Cove in Cornwall via several key Somerset settlements, and is managed by Sustrans, the government’s active travel charity.

The section between Glastonbury and Wells primarily consists of quiet back roads heading north-east of Glastonbury, linking up with the Strawberry Line multi-user path near the Charlie Bigham food campus on the edge of the city.

Somerset Council has now made a public commitment to enhance this route as part of its local transport plan, which was published in February.

Glastonbury currently benefits from good walking and cycling links along the A39 between the town centre and the Tin Bridge roundabout, where the A39 Wells Road joins Old Wells Road near West Mendip Community Hospital.

Pedestrians and cyclists seeking to travel north from the roundabout can currently use a short off-road section, which runs parallel to the A39 and then passes below the road level near the Twelve Foot Rhyne.

This section, which ends at the junction with Long Drove, is intersected by numerous access points for local farms and is narrow and overgrown in places.

From Long Drove, road users have a choice: brave the busy A39 Wells Road into the city via Coxley, or follow route 3 northeast via Launcherley, passing

‘We want to be more innovative in our approach to delivering active travel with local communities taking the lead’

under the A371 Bishop’s Park Way and join the Strawberry Line to approach Wells from the south-east.

The council’s local transport plan includes a lengthy assessment of the “linked towns [sic] of Wells, Street, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet”, acknowledging the need for better car-free connections between the settlements given their close proximity.

It also includes an inprinciple commitment to “develop proposals for Glastonbury to Wells active travel route”, which would either enhance the existing National Cycle Network or provide a more direct route along the length of the A39.

A spokesman said: “We will

Activities for Christian Aid Week

CHRISTIAN Aid Week in Wells and area begins with a service at Cathedral Evensong at 3pm on Sunday, May 11, and concludes with the street collection in Wells Market Place and High Street on Saturday, May 17.

House-to-house envelopes will be delivered during the week, and the Methodist Church

will hold a Coffee Morning on Saturday, May 10, from 10am to noon.

The focus of Christian Aid Week this year is Guatemala. Meanwhile, Christian Aid Lent Lunches continue on Fridays until April 11 in the United Church Seager Hall, from noon to 1.30pm. All are welcome.

work with internal and external partners to speed up delivery of active travel networks both onand off-highway.

“We will deliver a balanced programme of activities that support both rural and urban active travel – for example, route selection, interventions to increase safety, and behaviour change that encourages more people to use active travel.

“We want to be more innovative in our approach to delivering active travel with local communities taking the lead, such as on the Strawberry Line.”

The route between Glastonbury and Wells was previously identified as a key ‘missing link’ on Somerset’s active travel network by Mendip District Council, which shortlisted this section in February 2021 as one of five key

priorities for walking and cycling within the district.

The district council and its successor Somerset Council have been working to deliver a car-free route along the A39 from new developments at the gateway to Wells, providing a safe link to the nearby village of Coxley.

Somerset Council’s local transport plan comes hot on the heels of the government announcing an additional £291 million would be invested in walking and cycling improvements by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The lion’s share of this forms grants directly to local authorities to design and deliver new schemes, with Somerset Council receiving £2,775,438 on top of previous grants. A spokesman said: “We welcome the announcement – this is positive news.

“It is too early to go into specifics at the moment; we will need to look closely at the detail and funding conditions before working up any proposals.”

A further £30 million will be provided to Sustrans to “deliver improvements to the National Cycle Network” – meaning some of the money could find its way to upgrading the Stop Line Way.

The local transport plan also commits to other improvements in and around the town –including a 20mph zone “across parts of Glastonbury and Street”, improved bus stops along the A39 corridor, and additional evening bus services to serve the community hospital.

The junction between the cycle path along the A39 Wells Road and Long Drove near Glastonbury Picture: Daniel Mumby

Special dinner to celebrate 50th anniversary

MUCH has changed at City of Wells Lions who celebrated the 50th anniversary of their charter with a dinner at the Burcott Inn.

Women were not invited to join Lions until 1987. But now their president and longest serving member are both female – Mary Ellis and Tessa Munt MP.

The Wells Lions are few in

number but prolific in their voluntary work that includes the annual Moat Boat Race, the Tree of Life on which local people can place a light each Christmas in memory of a loved one, recycling old mobile phones and supporting free prostate tests.

Guests included Lions District Governor Kevin Moore and

Wills and Probate without the mystery

My sister and I sorted out our parents’ estate about four or five years ago. Our brother has been MIA in Australia for years; we have no idea what he’s been up to, and he didn’t come back for anything to do with our parents’ care or even their funerals. Suddenly, he’s in town, ranting and raving about his share of the inheritance. Are we up the creek without a paddle?

The very first thing you need to look at is the Last Will and Testament for each of your parents. If it does say “everything to my children in equal amounts” then unfortunately, your mysterious brother does have a claim, despite his absence. Given it sounds like your parents passed a little while ago, it would depend on what’s left in the estate and whether you and your sister dispersed the remaining value of it. Nevertheless, he does have a claim if that’s what it says in the will, and if there’s been a grant of probate then it was down to you

as the executors to make sure that his share of the inheritance was catered for.

his wife Catherine, and Deputy Mayor of Wells, Louis Agabani. Kevin presented President Mary with a certificate of celebration and recognition for the club’s 50 years. In her toast to the guests, Mary shared some snippets from the archives and told how they are pleased to have welcomed some new members.

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Six attractions team up again

SIX South West attractions have teamed up once again to bring back the South West Attractions VIP Pass, which unlocks a 20 per cent discount at five additional attractions after purchasing a full-price ticket at any of the participating venues.

The venues are Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Mendip Activity Centre, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Puxton Adventure Park and West Country Water Park.

Ellen Ramsay, spokesperson for Wookey Hole, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back the South West Attractions VIP Pass. It’s hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.

“This pass makes it even easier for families to enjoy unforgettable adventures together, all while saving money.”

The offer is valid on tickets purchased and used between March 1 and June 1, 2025. More at southwestvip.co.uk

Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.

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Regardless, I’d suggest you talk to your sister about having a sit down with your brother and all of you discussing the situation. You will need to keep in mind that if the money has been spent that family diplomacy is the best option here also it might be prudent to look at getting some money together to pass to your brother or you may well find yourself up that creek without your proverbial paddle.

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Jim Emsley

Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristolbased ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.

Mary Ellis and guests at the City of Wells Lions’ 50th anniversary dinner with their framed charter and the certificate of celebration and recognition Picture: Philip Welch

Church hall to flats proposal

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

AN empty church hall in West Street, Wells, could be converted into four one-bedroom flats.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.

and Strode College came together to raise money for the refurbishing of the Wells Scout Hut. Picture: Philip Welch

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

Garrison setting up camp for the weekend

THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells is preparing to be taken over by 17th century soldiers and their entourage on May 3 and 4.

encampment at the Palace for the weekend.

In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

The Wardour Garrison, a group of re-enactors who enjoy recreating life as it might have been in England during the 17th century, will be setting up their

Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

Visitors will be given a flavour of both domestic and military life, through sight, touch, sound and smell as the Garrison engage in the crafts and skills of the period, including a series of lively demonstrations and skirmishes.

The activities of daily life within the camp will also be on show including what the cooks are cooking, what games the soldiers are playing alongside many other crafts which will be taking place around the encampment.

into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.

The event is included with any standard admission ticket.

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

& South Wales

final of the industries Prestigious G24 Awards!

And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

A planning application has been made to Somerset Council for change of use of the building from the existing place of worship to residential flats. Located between the Royal Mail delivery depot and Tramways, it was designed for use as a church hall for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is intended that the flats will be made available as rented accommodation.

Tonnes of plastic

The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.

In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.

MORE than 50 tonnes of plastic bags and wrapping has so far been recycled in Somerset Council’s trial collections. Ten councils are taking part in the national FlexCollect trial, and the latest figures show that 51 tonnes have been collected in the trial area involving about 26,000 residents in the east of Somerset.

Simple ways to help keep yourself safe

WITH the weather improving and many of us starting to enjoy the lighter evenings as they get more frequent and being out and about with many outdoor activities, walking home from a friend’s house or from work, we all need to remember to keep ourselves safe and to be aware of our surroundings. This is important for all members of our community and to look out for each other.

The following is some simple advice but can often be forgotten. Plan your route:

Always plan your route ahead of time, have a clear picture of the way you are going to walk before setting off. If in an unfamiliar area, planning can prevent you from getting lost.

Make sure someone else knows where you are going: Whether it is a text to a colleague, or a phone call to Mum or a friend, always let someone know where you are

The latest from the local policing team with PCSO Leann Chinnock

going and what time you think you will get there. It may seem over the top at first thought, but you must

Live-in Care

Care in your own home

think of what would happen in a worst-case scenario where you were unable to contact anybody. If something happens to you and you don’t arrive home when you expect to, people can start looking for you as soon as possible. And they will know where to start looking. Always carry your phone with you: You can download the Hollie Guard App, this is a free app in which you can set up emergency contacts. This can be activated by shaking the phone, it will then track your location and send this to your emergency contacts and can record where you are.

route you could take? Could you head somewhere more public?

Do you have a feeling that someone may be following you? Turn around to check. We wouldn’t advise approaching someone who is following you, but sometimes just simply making them aware you have noticed could make them go away.

Please make sure that your phone is charged, and if pay as you go that it has some credit to make a call or send a message to a relative or friend.

Please ask any of the Wells neighbourhood policing team regarding the app and we will be happy to talk to you about it. Trust your gut:

One tip we always give to anyone working or walking alone is to always trust your gut instinct. If you start to feel uncomfortable for any reason phone a friend or colleague. Is there an alternative

Avoid wearing headphones: It is important that you stay alert. If you’re wearing earphones or headphones, it’s easy to get distracted and be unaware of what’s going on around you. While music can make a walk more enjoyable, using headphones can compromise your safety.

Take a self-defence class: Try to find out if there are any self-defence classes running in the area, maybe get a group of friends together and attend, these can help with confidence, mental and physical health. Self-defence training emphasises the importance of staying alert and tuned to your surroundings. You learn to identify potential threats, assess risky situations, and trust your gut instincts.

Finally, always head to a safe place if you’re ever concerned, these can be well-lit populated areas, a pub, restaurant, supermarket, open shops. These places provide immediate safety and people who can help if needed. If you feel in immediate danger don’t hesitate to call the police on 999.

n MESSAGE FROM THE MP

Engagement with students and farmers

Thoughts of Wells and Mendip Hills MP

Tessa

Munt

ONE of the best parts of being your MP is when local students visit Parliament, and I visit them at school. In January, I met Sixth Formers from Wells Blue School when they visited the Houses of Parliament, and a month later, I answered their many and varied questions when I visited the school. I’m looking forward to the next visit from Blue School students.

I was delighted to visit Yeo Valley’s HQ with my colleague Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. We were joined by many from the local farming community who heard from Alistair and asked many questions about farming, food, flooding and other rural matters. It proved

Speaking to Blue School students

a great opportunity for both Alistair and me to hear directly from Somerset’s farmers and others about their concerns and experiences.

In February, I continued my call for an exemption to the proposed National Insurance Contributions increase on NHS healthcare providers, attending a carers’ rally outside Parliament on 25th, alongside thousands of carers in opposition to this disastrous idea. The House of

Lords voted for an amendment to exempt healthcare providers from the increase, and the Bill has returned to the House of Commons, where the final version will be decided. I’ll continue to follow this Bill closely and press the Government to ensure that NHS healthcare providers, already hugely underfunded, don’t face this damaging increase.

Every Tuesday is my Justice Select Committee day. One of our Inquiries is looking into drugs in prisons, which often involves organised criminal gangs who distribute and traffic drugs and more, and use drones and mobile phones to enable their activities. We’ve taken evidence on how effective our prisons’ current preventative measures – drug testing, screening, treatment for prisoners, substance-free wings – are in tackling this huge problem. I’ll report back to you when our Committee has reached

its conclusions. If you’d like to watch the Justice Committee at work, or any other Parliamentary Committee proceedings, they are all televised on parliamentlive.tv. Thank you for all your letters and messages, questions, and campaign issues raised. I recognise that we live in incredibly challenging times and that in just 24 hours, everything can feel as though it has changed completely. The impact of world events can touch us deeply, and may make us feel insecure and unhappy. If you have any thoughts on anything I’ve mentioned this month, or which concerns you, or you’d like any information, please contact me and let me know.

I’ll be holding my regular ‘surgery’ on Saturday, April 5, from 8.30am-10am at Coffee#1 in the High Street, Wells. No appointment is necessary. If you can’t come to meet me, I’ll come to see you.

Residents install new planter in playground

RESIDENTS have installed a new bench planter in the children’s playground in the park at Cathedral Walk estate, next to Morrisons.

This is a private park, which anyone can enjoy, but the residents say they want everyone to respect the facilities, and they were disappointed to find that the newly repaired fence had been vandalised by graffiti at the end of February.

On March 1, the team of directors of the Cathedral Walk Management Company installed a planter in the middle of the bench in the centre of the park. It is a bespoke planter, which was constructed specifically for this space.

The directors expressed their gratitude to Darrell Frost for the construction and design, and to Sarah Rowe, who wood-stained the timber edging. Flowers have been planted in the middle after a lot of work transporting and filling the planter with soil.

When the bench was first installed it had a tree planted in the middle but that only survived a couple of years due, the residents say, to young people swinging from it. They hope the bench will still act as a seat but that the planter will not be used as a litter bin.

Residents have to pay for the upkeep of the park and say they want everyone to enjoy it but they do not want to have to

The bench before and after the planter was fitted, and top, the residents who did all the work:

Sarah Rowe, Darrell Frost, Jeremy Fricker and Nathan Rowe

repair damage caused by nonresidents at their expense, and they want people to take their litter home with them – or at least put it in the bin provided.

Youthwork outreach funding award

WELLS City Council has been successful in obtaining a £1,500 grant from SALC (Somerset Association of Local Councils) Community Health and Wellbeing to conduct research into the current provision for young people in the parishes neighbouring Wells.

The current Wells Youth Project, which is run by YMCA Brunel and funded by Wells City Council, is increasing its membership and providing a valuable resource for young people living in Wells through the varied activities it provides on Monday evenings at the

Elim Connect Centre. Through working with other parishes, Wells City Council hopes that opportunities to young people living outside Wells can be developed once the gap in provision is mapped out.

SALC is working with Somerset Council Public Health, and other partners, to help support the county’s city, town and parish councils to actively engage in, and deliver, community health and wellbeing projects.

For more information, contact the city council on 01749 673091 or email reception@wells.gov.uk

Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid

Let us help you understand implications of tax changes

By Deborah Cable

THE 2024 Budget brought a shake-up to private client law and tax planning in particular.

The Inheritance Tax (IHT) free threshold, known as the nil rate band, will continue to be frozen at £325,000 and the residence nil rate band will continue at £175,000. There is no change to the residence nil rate band taper which will continue to start at £2 million until April 5, 2030. The spouse exemption and the gifting rules remain unchanged. The standard IHT rate remains at 40 per cent.

From April 6, 2026, 100 per cent IHT relief through Business of Agricultural Property Relief will be capped at £1 million of assets (combined agricultural and business property). Assets over that amount will be charged at 20 per cent.

From April 6, 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a person’s estate will be subject to IHT. It is the pension scheme administrators that will be liable for reporting and paying IHT due on the assets. This is a significant

change to the current position where pensions can be left free of IHT and is likely to result in people using their pension pots rather than leaving them untouched.

Finally, from October 30, 2024, the lower rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was increased from 10 per cent to 18 per cent and the higher rate from 20 per cent to 24 per cent.

Chubb Bulleid can provide assistance with tax planning

Tax planning is more important than ever before. Please contact our Private Client team to discuss how this may affect you.

n Deborah Cable is an Associate with Chubb Bulleid, a local firm with offices in Wells, Street and Somerton. Phone 01749 836100. Website chubb-bulleid.co.uk

n IN DAYS GONE BY

With Clare Blackmore

Education in music, maths and morals

SOME items regarding private education in Wells for the middle and upper classes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 1761

At the Grammar School, Wells, Somerset.

Young Gentlemen are boarded and educated in classical learning at reasonable rates by the Rev Cox, late assistant at the Grammar School in Bath.

Proper Masters for writing and arithmetic, dancing and French will attend the school.

The terms of this school may be obtained from Rev Cox in Wells.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 1785

Private Tuition, Wells, Somerset.

The public are respectfully informed that Mr Morley proposes immediately to apply himself to the private instruction of young gentlemen in the Latin and Greek languages with the very necessary appendage of Geography.

Their morals will be particularly attended to and every endeavour called forth to form their minds to Virtue and Religion.

Mr Morley’s present situation will not permit him to accommodate more than two in his house, the advantage of which will be given to those persons who are earliest in their application.

Proper accommodations will be secured for rent as near to him as possible.

As more than ten, agreeable to his plan, cannot meet with the attention which he means to bestow upon them, Mr Morley intends to confine himself to that number, which will not be increased upon any consideration.

Letters should be addressed to Mr Morley, The Close, Wells, and will be duly attended to.

Sherborne Mercury 1788 Hodges Academy, Wells, Somerset.

Young gentlemen are educated in Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic, Merchant’s Accounts in most modern and

Mr Charles Jones of the Wells Blue School, who publicised educational opportunities in the 1870s

Picture: Wells & Mendip Museum

improved methods, Geometry, Trigonometry, with their applications to Mathematics, Geography etc.

Also in Latin, French, Music, Dancing etc.

Terms for board, English grammar, writing and arithmetic, Sixteen Guineas per annum and One Guinea entrance. Day Scholars Two Guineas a year.

Mr Hodges presents the most grateful acknowledgement to his friends and the public and hopes the continuance of his favours which it shall be the constant endeavour of himself and his affiliates to merit.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 1821

Mr Churchill announces that he has engaged a gentleman as a classical teacher who is perfectly conversant with the Latin and Greek languages and solicits the support of parents who wish their sons to be instructed in that branch of education assuring them that no labour or attention shall be wanting on his part or expense in procuring the most able assistants to conduct every part of his academy for the benefit and improvement of his pupils.

French, music and drawing at the usual terms.

Washing Two Guineas.

Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 1825

A gentleman of the established

church and a graduate of the University of Cambridge will receive into his house, in a convenient and healthy situation in Wells, a limited number of pupils to educate them in the higher aspects of literature.

Board, instruction in the English, Latin and Greek languages.

Sixty Guineas per annum.

Write to J Backhouse, Wells.

The Patriot 1842

A gentleman of considerable experience in tuition is desirous to engage himself as a Private Tutor or would be happy to undertake the instruction of the youth of two or three families united, in order that economy may be blended with the acquisition of a liberal education. Satisfactory references at command.

Address AB Mr Tyte, Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset.

Morning Herald (London) 1844

Wanted, a Master for the Chapter Grammar School at Wells, Somerset.

Under the encouragement of the Diocesan Board of Education and with a stipulated annual payment from the Dean and Chapter for instructing a limited amount of pupils he will undertake to open and conduct a school for the sons of middle class society in the principles and the doctrines of the Church of England.

Premises will be provided by the Diocesan Board on certain terms which will be made known upon application to the Rev William Gunning, Diocesan Office, Wells, Somerset.

Carmarthen Journal 1846

A superior education on economical terms at Montroy House, The Liberty, Wells.

Miss Emma Ball begs to respectfully announce that the duties of her school will be resumed on Monday, January 19, 1846.

The essentials of education will be taught namely the English language and composition, writing and arithmetic, ancient and modern history, geography with the use of globes, useful and ornamental needlework, French,

drawing, music. Twenty Guineas per annum.

Dancing on the usual terms. The premises in which the above establishment is conducted are most elegantly situated with a secluded lawn and playground and every arrangement is made to ensure the health, comfort and improvement of the pupils.

Wells Journal 1877

Monsieur Asplet (Du Lycee Imperial du Rennes) conducts French Classes in Wells for Ladies and Gentlemen. Private pupils attended at their own residence.

5, High Street, Wells.

Wells Journal 1877

Auckland House, New Street, Wells.

Mrs Hemsley receives Young Ladies for board and education in the above commodious residence which is situated in the most pleasant and healthy part of the city.

The course of instruction embraces all the branches of a sound, useful and refined education.

Accomplishments: German, French, Music, Singing, Dancing, Deportment and Callisthenics.

Pupils prepared for the university local examination.

Wells Journal 1877

Mr C Jones, Master of the Blue School, begs to draw the attention of parents, guardians, masters, workmen, apprentices, and others.

i Practical Geometry and Plan Drawing to Scale

ii Freehand and model Drawing

iii Practical Perspective

iv Landscape drawing

v Sketching from nature

Mr Jones also begs to state that he gives private lessons either at his own or his pupil’s home in writing, English grammar and composition, geography, history, arithmetic, Euclid, algebra, mathematics, Latin and book keeping by single and double entry.

Day Scholars are admitted to the Blue School where drawing and other branches of a good English education are taught on payment of 10/6d per quarter.

Understanding Your Options For Direct Cremation

The funeral plan direct market currently sees around 15,000 funeral plans sold every month. Of these, 8,000 are for Pure Cremation’s direct cremation services. This raises an important question: why are people choosing to invest in a third-party company for their funeral arrangements when, at the time of need, the only invoice a bank will pay from a deceased person’s account is for their funeral?

At Wells Funeral Services, we do not offer pre-paid funeral plans but actively encourage funeral planning—where no money is paid upfront. Instead of locking funds into a funeral plan, keeping money in a personal bank account may be a safer option. Unlike some funeral plans that deduct administrative fees, a bank account ensures that every penny remains in your control.

A pre-paid funeral plan does not necessarily guarantee the funeral director of your choice. That decision often depends on who owns the funeral plan company at the time of death. The funeral plan industry has seen significant consolidation in recent years, with many companies being acquired by larger corporations. This means that families may not have the flexibility they expect when the time comes to arrange a funeral.

Another common question is whether a direct cremation must be arranged through Pure Cremation. The answer is no.

At Wells Funeral Services, we offer dignified and affordable funerals from £1,899, backed by 140 five-star reviews. Offices in Wells and Chilcompton, serving our community with care.

While Pure Cremation has gained prominence for its direct cremation services, you are not limited to their offerings. Local independent funeral directors, such as Wells Funeral Services, can also carry out direct cremations— often with a more personal touch and at your local crematorium rather than an unfamiliar facility elsewhere in the country. Many funeral companies advertising on television, radio, the internet and via post operate from hundreds of miles away,

Choosing a local funeral director means your loved one will be cared for in a familiar setting, still allowing some personal touches if required, such as chapel visits. They will then be taken to the local Mendip Crematorium, unlike national

providers that may transfer the deceased to a distant location for cremation, a local service ensures your loved one remains within the community, allowing for a more personal and respectful experience.

Once at the crematorium the coffin is taken through the chapel and placed on the catafalque, the staff member will respectfully bow to the coffin before the curtains are closed around the coffin and it is moved through to the crematory. The ashes will be returned in person to your next of kin or scattered within the crematorium gardens if that is what you prefer.

At Wells Funeral Services, we believe that every farewell should be handled with care, dignity, and transparency. If you’re considering funeral planning, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions that best suit your wishes.

Contact us today.

n WHAT’S ON

Garden and Country Fair to offer day full of events

THE new Garden and Country Fair at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will offer something for everyone this May, whether a passionate gardener, a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out.

Set within the Palace’s 14-acre RHS partner gardens,

the new one day Fair will be a celebration of all things garden and country for all the family. Watch traditional crafts; sample a selection of local and specialist food and drink, or have a go at the ‘bake off’ baking competition.

There will be craft and plant stalls, circus performers and a speakers tent, plus animal lovers will enjoy the petting farm and even get a chance to take part in the dog show.

Live music will round off what will be a day of celebrating all things garden and country in the heart of Wells.

Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Bishop’s Palace, said: “This is a new event for the Palace and will be a day full of events, entertainment and countrythemed activities for all the family. We have a busy schedule planned this year which I know will prove to be very popular with locals and visitors alike.”

The Garden and Country Fair will be open from 9.30am7pm on Saturday, May 10, with last entry at 6pm. Tickets are available via the Palace’s website at www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Solène Weinachter melds dance, comedy, storytelling and theatre in After All, which asks: how do we deal with the end?

Show will explore finite nature of life with sensitivity and humour

A PROFESSIONAL dance theatre show celebrating humanity’s vulnerable and courageous existence will take place at Croscombe Village Hall on Saturday, April 5, at 7.30pm.

In After All, Solène Weinachter melds dance, comedy, storytelling and theatre to ask: how do we deal with the end?

A heartfelt exploration of the different death rituals we have –the ones we’ve lost and those that need inventing – it brings people together to conjure a better sort of space for us to be with loss and collectively contemplate the finite nature of our lives.

A recent audience member said: “I had misgivings about an act on the subject of death but Solène treated this with candour, dark humour and sensitivity, making the experience a fulfilling and very positive one. Her

amazing dance ability, fluidity and grace was accompanied by minimal but extremely effective professional props and lighting.” This is the latest touring professional show to be hosted by Croscombe Frolics thanks to the support of Take Art –Somerset’s rural touring charity. The event will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 7.30pm at Croscombe Village Hall. Tickets £12 adults, £6 low income, £6 under 25 via www.takeart.org/ whats-on or in person from The George Inn, Croscombe. There will also be a free event, Beyond After All – a space to speak about death together inspired by the tradition of the death cafe movement. This will be held on Sunday, April 6, at 10am in The George Inn. More details and free ticket via www.takeart.org/whats-on

Musical journey with Swan Singers

THE Wells chamber choir, the Swan Singers, is developing a reputation for concerts which tell a story and leave the audience both more knowledgeable and musically satisfied.

The programme for their next concert In the Footsteps of Alexander follows Alexander the Great from modern Greece, through Persia to India through settings of words by the earliest known female poet Sappho (a world premiere from Jonathan Lane entitled Sappho Fragments), the Greek Orthodox nun Mother Thekla, portions of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Bengali poet Rabindranath

Tagore and the sacred Hindu text the Rig Veda.

This may sound intriguing or it may sound a bit scary but, in either case, the music is varied and appealing. There are settings by well-loved composers including Holst, Stanford and John Tavener (his beautiful Song for Athene), together with some entertaining Indian sound effects and lyrical melodies.

People can join the Swan Singers for the journey at St Thomas’ Church, Wells, on Saturday, May 3, at 7pm. Tickets are £10 and are available via info@swansingers.com or at the door.

The Palace South Lawn and Chapel

n WHAT’S ON

Tickets on sale for musical Carousel

TICKETS have gone on sale for Wells Little Theatre’s forthcoming production of Carousel, which tells the story of Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan who fall in love, little realising that Billy’s rebellious ways will result in tragedy.

Voted best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine, this timeless classic features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most iconic pieces, including If I Loved You, June Is Bustin Out All Over, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Show dates are May 6-10. Find out more and buy tickets at wellslittletheatre.com

Board game dates

WELLS Board Game Group will meet at The Quarter Jack, Priory Road, Wells, on Wednesday, April 2; Wednesday, April 16; and Wednesday, April 30, from 7pm-9.30pm.

PILATES AND BARRE

TUESDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Pilates Seated Seniors 10.30am

WEDNESDAYS

Barre 5pm • Pilates 6pm

THURSDAYS

Pilates 9.15am • Barre 10.30am

FRIDAYS

Pilates 9.15am

Location Wells Town Hall. Small, mixed ability classes. To apply, contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com

Concert at church

LOCAL rock band Loose Ends will be playing a concert in support of the Lawrence Centre at St Thomas’ Church on Friday, March 28, organised by City of Wells Lions. There may be some tickets available on the evening at the door. Doors open at 7pm and the gig starts at 7.30pm. Licensed bar available.

Conclave screening

WOOKEY Hole Cinema will be showing acclaimed film Conclave (12A) upstairs at Wookey Hole Club on Sunday, April 13, at 7.30pm.

A venerable Ralph Fiennes (Cardinal Lawrence) is tasked with running the process to

Health Tai Chi PilogaFit

select a new Pope and makes a discovery that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

Tickets on the door: Wookey Hole Club Members £6, Guests £8. More information at wookeyholecinemaclub.weebly. com

Vocal ensemble

VOCAL ensemble Hemiola will present the programme Faith, Hope, and Love at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells, on Sunday, April 13, at 5pm. Inspired by Christina Rossetti’s poignant poem Good Friday, it explores themes of reflection, devotion, and spiritual depth. More information at www.hemiolachoir.co.uk

Quiz challenge

WELLS Storehouse (Foodbank & Furniture Store) will be hosting a quiz at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, April 26. Arrive 7pm for a 7.30pm. start. Teams of up to six.

Prizes for the top three teams. Tickets £5 (pay on the night). Raffle, bar, nibbles. Contact tickets@wellsstorehouse.co.uk or 07587 125228 to reserve a place.

Solo saxophone

EDWARD Leaker, the Head of Woodwind and Jazz at Wells Cathedral School, will feature as solo saxophone during a concert

at St John’s, Glastonbury, on Saturday, April 5. His turn in the spotlight will come when James Whitbourn’s Son of God Mass is performed as part of Chorale21’s Songs for Spring.

Tickets for the concert, that starts at 7.30pm, are available on the door for £12, payable by card or cash. Refreshments available. For more information, email info@chorale21.org.uk

Pub music events

FREE folksong and music sessions are being organised in friendly traditional pubs.

The Wells Folk Sessions take place on the second Monday of every month at Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy, 9pm till late; and the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Arms, High Street, Wells, 8.45pm till late.

All are welcome at the music nights to sing a song, play a tune or just listen and enjoy. More from Richard: 01761 412797, richardlm397@gmail.com

Yoga Classes with Layla:

Tuesday: 5.30pm Yin Yoga

Friday: 9.15am Hatha Yoga

Sunday: 10.30am Yoga

All above at Wells Leisure Centre Wednesday: 10.30am Slow Flow Yoga at Studio Eight Thursday: 5.45pm Yin Yoga at Studio Eight

All classes suitable for beginners or those just returning. Email laylacarter001@gmail.com or whatsapp 07495 828742 for booking details or inquiries. Available for one to ones

Weekly dance nights

WELLS Folk and Barn Dance Club meets on Wednesday evenings between September and July (although not the first Wednesday of the month) at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells. Doors open 7pm, dancing 7.30pm-9.30pm. No experience or partner necessary. For more, call 01749 674920 or see www.wellsfdc.co.uk

Relaxing Guided Healing Meditation

n SOCIETIES

WELLS MONDAY WI

AT our March meeting, renowned local artist, Liam O’Farrell, spoke to us about his life, career and what influences his art. It was an enjoyable and informative session and Liam shared tips and advice on how others might take up painting. He was very generous and gave away one of his paintings to one lucky winner of a free raffle.

The Art group met for a free flow art session in the library and hope to display some of their pieces at our AGM. Our Knitting and more group will also be displaying some of their work.

With the better weather, the Walking group enjoyed an invigorating walk to the top of Glastonbury Tor. They are planning more walks now that spring has arrived.

The Coffee and Chat group continues to regularly meet at The Bishop’s Table, on the second and fourth Tuesday in the month. The Cinema group are looking forward to going to see Billy Elliot and Six, both being shown at Wells Film Centre. The Book club met to discuss Butter by Asako Yuzuki. Our newly formed Going Green environmental group are delighted to be lending a hand to refurbish the entrance gates at the Recreation Ground. The work, undertaken by Wells City Council with the help of some of our members, will reduce the need to replace them with plastic ones. A great community project.

On Sunday, March 23, we were delighted to assist serving refreshments after the Legal Service that was held in the Cathedral. The High Sherriff of Somerset, Rob Beckley, hosted attendees of the service in the Ballroom at the Town Hall.

We are busy preparing for our third AGM on Monday, April 14, from 7pm in the Ballroom at the Town Hall. This is a week earlier than usual due to Easter.

If you are interested in joining our friendly and inclusive WI please email us at wellsmondaywi@gmail.com

CITY OF WELLS PROBUS CLUB

THE speaker at our March meeting was Jim Plunkett-Cole who gave a talk entitled Amazing Equator. Jim was inspired by

Continued on page 40

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

the 2012 Olympics to take up running, and since 2013 has been running a minimum of 10 kilometres per day in addition to working full time. He also talks to local primary schools in deprived areas and encourages children to take up Olympic sports. He normally runs with his dog. His first dog, a border collie, unfortunately died, but has been replaced by two more border collies.

In 2016 Jim went to America and ran across the United States. Over the years he has had many interesting encounters with animals including alligators, wild pigs, a fox and a bullock. He intends to be the first man and dog team to run the distance round the equator – 27,000 miles. To date he has completed 15,000 miles with his dog Flo. He has also added a 750 metre swim and a 20 kilometre bike ride to his daily run. An interesting and entertaining talk on an unusual subject.

If you are a retired businessman or professional and are interested in finding out more about what we do look at the City of Wells Probus Club online at probusonline.org

WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY

APPARENTLY, it is said in some quarters that the Wells Civic Society is pointless and irrelevant; that it is anodyne, with neither power nor influence; that it deludes itself about its importance, and is prone to navel gazing. Well, if those things are remotely true, how did it manage to attract a local cavalcade of respected movers and shakers to its March meeting to the extent that the large room of the Wells Museum was chocka-block, and when it came to structured discussion groups, the animation of the debates reached astronomical decibel levels?

The particular issue which had sparked such a concerned degree of interest was that of sustainable local employment of young people. This in turn had been triggered by, as Laura Linham, editor of Nub News pointed out, research by marketing agency Think Orion which showed that only 30 per cent of Wells young graduates return to the area after finishing university. As the evening

progressed and others gave their presentations, this widened to address all young people, their local employment prospects, and how they could best be equipped to find employment.

Heather Anderson, group leader volunteer, 5th/7th City of Wells Scout Group, stressed their work in developing young people’s skills for life and social skills, boosting their confidence, enhancing their communication skills, and generally widening their horizons. This was echoed by Carol Plenty, adult services manager at Wells YMCA, who supports the 16-25s in their quest for employment, in being motivated, in having aspirations and in wanting to achieve.

Abigail David, youth team leader, Wells Youth Club, sang from much the same hymn sheet, and we also had the perspective of, Lilly, one of the club members.

From an employer’s point of view, Charlie Bigham, founder of Charlie Bigham’s ready meals, said they aimed to be the employer of choice in Wells and beyond at their Dulcote Quarry site, and employment prospects were further amplified by Matthew Hill, Charlie Bigham’s general manager, who stressed that there were opportunities in several spheres and at different levels from chefs to engineers to maintenance staff and so on, not to mention further opportunities for local people to start supporting businesses that such a large concern needs.

The importance of work experience for pupils and students was stressed throughout, with schools and colleges on the one hand and the

a role for a key personnel officer that young people from the city and beyond could contact to get the lie of the land so far as opportunities were concerned. Come the end of the evening, sympathies were with the venue’s caretaker, a man of infinite quiet patience. Interest throughout had been so high that the meeting overran its booked time. And even then, people simply would not go home, and let the poor man get on with his locking up, but stood scattered around in knotted groups, putting forward solutions to the vexed issues raised. Was there ever a more vibrant meeting? It rather seems as if the Wells Civic Society could have a positive role in helping the city move into the second quarter of the 21st century.

businesses and employers on the other working together to make it a really constructive exercise, and there was a contribution from Adam Bilkey, assistant head teacher at Wells Blue School.

The national and local situation was brought into focus by Lucy Cotterell, HR consultant at Mogers Drewett, solicitors, who outlined how the future is being shaped by the gig economy, AI and technology, flexible working, remote working, part-time working, plus the strong possibility that jobs for life will not exist and the realisation that people will quite possibly have to change careers. She was, also, the only contributor to mention salary, and fringe benefits, as current big drivers in candidates’ thinking.

From a lively floor, the absence nowadays of the several old big employers such as Clare’s was noted as a depressant on opportunities for young people; that possibly the new housing developments were inappropriate so far as young people are concerned because they are of the wrong size and price; that perhaps Wells does not have the amenities that a young generation seeks and, indeed, perhaps the image of Wells is that of primarily a retirement destination, possibly for the well-off. Laura had said that there is a need for partnership between schools and colleges with local businesses to show that there is a future for young people in Wells, and Charlie Bigham had more than speculated that perhaps there is

Please note that the next event on Wednesday, April 9, will be in the Town Hall (not the museum) starting at 7pm, with the usual refreshments available. The speaker will be Philip Welch and his topic The stories behind the Blue Plaques of Wells, which are seen on numerous buildings throughout the city. More from chris.f.winter@btinternet.com or www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk

Richard Hanks

WELLS NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

THE Wells Natural History & Archaeology Society, in conjunction with the Wells & Transatlantic Slavery working group, are presenting a talk by Tony Coverdale of the Saltford Brass Mill Project entitled ‘Red Gold of Africa. Benin, Brass, Bristol & Slavery’. It will take place at Wells & Mendip Museum on Friday, April 4, at 7pm. Free to members. £4 for non-members (pay at the door).

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

ANYONE for whom eating is a problem is welcome at meetings of Overeaters Anonymous.

The group is a 12 Step Fellowship – not a diet club –which many sufferers have found to be the only solution to this distressing condition. It now meets in the Portway Annexe, Wells, on Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm-4.30pm.

More information from oagb. org or from local contacts: 07989 474570 or 07900 361631.

Charlie Bigham on a video link at the March meeting of Wells Civic Society Picture: Philip Welch

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

WELSH OF WELLS

TALES of Patagonia, playing in Cardiff Arms Park*, a Welsh international player’s granddaughter and puffins on Skomer, and many tales of Wales of yore and now. So regaled the score and more who in lively, chatty and noisy mood celebrated St David’s Day with a sumptuous Welsh-themed lunch at the Burcott Inn.

Kate, mine hostess chef, conjured up rich leek and potato soup, roast local lamb from Burcott fields and apple pie sublime. Quality and delight.

To the saint Clive composed and gave tributive grace; and the saint’s invocation followed “peidiwch ac anghofio gwneud y pethau bychan. Mewn bywyd.”**

Old friendships were developed, new friendships made. Bendigedig!

The Welsh of Wells will gather again, perhaps for a barbecue, in August.

* Schoolboy brass band

** “Don’t forget to do the little things in life”

WELLS TUESDAY WI

MARCH’S meeting (repair, reuse, recycle) was challenging. Becky, a sustainable stylist, shared a series of inconvenient truths about the fashion industry tracing the creation and demise of a pair of jeans. Whilst I was aware that making jeans used a lot of water, the fact it was ten years’ worth of drinking water for a single person rather put it in context. Similarly the fact the average woman buys 67 pieces of clothing (and that doesn’t include underwear) a year was somewhat shocking.

Her challenge to us was to gain just five items preferably from an ethical source. You can find out more regarding specific brands on the ‘goodonyou’ free app. With 17 billion items returned from online purchase that are disposed of in dubious ways it seems important that we become more ethical shoppers.

It was good to have our yearly clothing SWISH where basically we swap clothes at such a relevant meeting. Thank goodness we have ladies with skills they are willing to share at the new ‘more sew and chatter’ group. It’s small things – but hopefully makes a difference. We also brought our oldest item

of clothing to show – a beautiful skirt from the 1940s won.

Last month we donated food to the Wells Foodbank and money to support the work of the air ambulance following their excellent talk.

We also attended a ‘Let’s dance’ session run by the Somerset Federation, an initiative led by Angela Rippon. Lots to look forward to as ever this month – all the regular sporting activities, Saturday Supper Club meal at Rugantinos on International Women’s Day, a trip to Forde Abbey (hopefully warmer than the Yeo Valley gardens trip last month), a sports and crafts weekend away, and Bridget Jones at the cinema now the queues are dying down.

Sadly we are not reopening our waiting list as we are still full, but we would recommend all the lovely local WI groups to ladies wanting to meet new friends in the area.

WELLS & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

ON the kitchen windowsill what we call the geraniums are blooming once more, having sturdily survived our overwintering efforts, a harbinger of pleasant things to come. Each year we rather

take them for granted. They are foreigners, that we know, but where do they really come from? Brownes Garden Centre is the obvious answer but there’s more to it than that.

For a start they are now called pelargoniums, Pelargonium hortorum, the garden geranium. And we know they come from South Africa. Every plant has a story to tell and our pot geraniums have a colourful one together with umpteen other species which arrived in this country during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1772 Captain Cook was preparing his second global voyage. Joseph Banks of Kew was to accompany him but fell foul of the Admiralty when, among other things, he wanted to bring along his personal orchestra and his pack of greyhounds for the voyage. As a replacement Banks suggested Kew’s official plant hunter Francis Masson, an unassuming Scot from Aberdeen who had never left British shores. It’s difficult to imagine the leap into the unknown which this young man was to take.

For instance if you found yourself halfway up Table Mountain on your knees, clasp knife in hand prising up exotic specimens for your collecting tin, when a bunch of escaped convicts arrived on the scene and gave chase and forced upon you a trembling, cowering night in a shepherd’s hut, or if your horse disappeared under you down a hippo hole in mid-river crossing, or if your pack horses were under threat from snakes cosying up to anyone sleeping on the ground, not to mention prowling animals and burning sun, lack of water and general mishaps, you would be forgiven for calling it a day and going

home for an early bath and a nice cup of tea. But young Francis Masson was made of sterner stuff; the words dedication, tenacity and downright courage seem inadequate when applied to Masson. He wasn’t an obvious hero, privately fearful as he lay in his tent trembling with apprehension at night while hyenas howled and lions and leopards roared. But heroic he certainly was. Over his collecting lifetime he introduced thousands of species of plants which enhance conservatories and our summer garden beds. Including the familiar geranium.

Sir James Smith, founder of the Linnean Society, said of Masson that he was responsible for “the novel sight of African geraniums in York or Norfolk. Now every garret and cottage window is filled with the numerous species of that beautiful tribe and every greenhouse glows with the innumerable bulbous plants and splendid heaths of the Cape.”

Plant hunting nowadays is not usually so fraught and one man who has wide and intimate knowledge of botanising on a global scale is David Haselgrove, Chairman Alpine Garden Society, RHS Council Member and plant collector. Wells Gardening Club is delighted to welcome David to our next meeting in April to talk on Spring and Summer in South Africa. This event promises to be a fascinating and informative evening, one not to be missed. The details are :

Wells Town Hall 7.30pm. Refreshments from 7pm. David Haselgrove: Spring and Summer in South Africa. Admission: Members £2, Visitors £5 including raffle ticket. Everyone very welcome.

Please Note: Town Hall lift is currently out of action.

Pip Harwood

MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

MARCEL Wills entertained us all at our March meeting. With the help of Jackie Young, they brought back memories of our childhoods with anecdotes from the schools in Wells and the background for the successful Little Theatre that thrives today. Many remembered the desks with the inkwells and the mess

The Welsh of Wells lunch at the Burcott Inn on March 1

Geraniums blooming again on a kitchen windowsill Continued on page 42

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

we made, the strict discipline, the savage effect of war, the close family ties of extended families living near. It was a forgotten past that showed the power of friends and families working together often with lack of funds.

With the daily problems members have with poor health as well as sadness, it was a joy to relax, smile, and laugh for an hour. It was a perfect tonic for us all.

Our next meeting on April 2 will be a chance to start making items for our Christmas stall. Three members will be helping us with this challenge.

We meet at Binegar and Gurney Slade Memorial Hall from 10.30am-12.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

For more information about our group (that also covers long Covid and anyone with constant pain), contact Tanya Flagg: tanya@mendipfmsg.org

RICHARD III SOCIETY SOMERSET BRANCH

THE Society meets at Wells Museum on the third Saturday of the month. Doors open at 12.30pm with the first talk of the afternoon starting at 1.30pm and the meeting concluding at 4pm. Refreshments are served before the first talk and at the interval.

On Saturday, April 12, John Dike will give a talk on Edward V, one of the Princes in the Tower, and the mystery of Coldridge Church, Devon.

Visitors and guests are most welcome.

For more information, please call Patsy Barrow, 01749 679296.

WELLS CATHEDRAL CITY MINIATURE CLUB

FOLLOWING our AGM in February we decided to follow it up with a meeting where we all brought something that we had made and would talk about how we created it. We have some new members and it was so interesting to see and hear what they enjoyed doing. Everything was in 1/12th scale and included beautiful hand-made carpets, quilts, furniture, crocheted and knitted items and an abundance of miniature food including many decorated cakes. One member brought along a lovely

greenhouse which was full of plants.

For those who wish to, we take it in turns at our monthly meetings to do a workshop which is great fun and a chance to chat. Our Christmas project is to each create a scene depicting a favourite song which is giving us all food for thought. It will be interesting to see what turns up.

We meet at Coxley Village Hall (in the rear room) on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm. Further details ring Jill: 01749 675477.

HENTON AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

ON Wednesday, April 16, we are excited to be welcoming Charles Dowding the ‘No Dig Gardener’ to Henton Garden Club. Charles is one of the country’s foremost and most passionate

advocates of no dig organic gardening. His influence stretches across the globe, including a YouTube channel, numerous publications, and appearances on the BBC. His much-acclaimed method has consistently produced higher yields and healthier crops –without back-breaking digging. Join us to learn the science behind ‘no dig’ and be inspired.

His talk will include a Q&A session, time permitting.

Henton Village Hall (BA5 1PD) at 6.45pm for refreshments before a 7.30pm talk. Members free, Visitors £7, contact Sue: 01749 674767, sue.fennycastle@ gmail.com

Further information: www. hentongardenclub.weebly.com

ST THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

OUR March meeting saw the AGM come round again. The evening started with John Beasley leading us in a session of Tai Chi which we always thoroughly enjoy and so look forward to seeing him each year. It is a quiet, contemplative start to our time together.

Although we had fewer members attend, the meeting went smoothly. We re-elected officers and committee and discussed our charity for this year and ideas for the August meeting when we usually arrange a cream tea. It was also put to the floor if they would like to meet up in Tor Street garden, where we planted a tree for the late Queen’s diamond jubilee, to have tea and cake, when the sun shines!

We look forward to a year of really interesting and varied speakers, so if you would like to come along to a meeting you would be made most welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Thomas’ Church Hall at 7pm.

Our next meeting is on April 2 when the Civic Society will speak about the Blue Plaques of Wells. Pat Dyer

COXLEY & DISTRICT WI

OUR speaker at the latest meeting was Tim Richen, his topic Retraining my Brain, which detailed his ongoing journey, having suffered a severe brain injury about ten years ago. This had been caused by a random life-changing accident. This included the immense challenges that a person in his position undergoes to make a sustainable recovery.

It was very sobering to hear of his experiences of how some people sometimes selfrighteously interact with folks with a disability, especially a disability that doesn’t show in an obvious physical way. Fortunately he has had a supportive family and friends, which is not always the case apparently with other brain injury sufferers. He also said how well he had been supported during and after his long hospital stay by heath staff. It was gratifying to see and hear how far he had come with his efforts in the face of such adversity on what had been a long very personal journey.

He was thanked by Ursula on behalf of us all.

On other matters, we firstly welcomed Claire as a visitor. Hilary reported on the latest WI skittles match, which we regrettably lost.

Hilary also reported on our latest ramble, which was around Cheddar Reservoir. The ladies stopped for coffee in Axbridge town, which was most welcome as the day was a bit wet and windy.

Our next walk is planned around Wookey, with coffee at the Hub, on March 28.

We had a lively book club meeting discussing The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith. There were plenty of issues to talk about with this book.

Next lunch club is yet to be arranged. Various other WI

Charles Dowding is the guest of Henton and District Gardening Club on April 16

The creations of Wells Cathedral City Miniature Club members

n AROUND THE SOCIETIES

matters we reported on and discussed at this meeting.

We all miss Peggy’s current absence, so we wish her well, and hope she will be with us again as soon as she is able.

Jenny won both the flower of the month and also the competition this month.

In April we hope to welcome Carol Plenty from Somerset YMCA for a talk. We will meet at 7pm on the 1st at Coxley Memorial Hall. Tea, biscuits and a warm welcome to any visitors.

Ursula Dann

WELLS U3A

IT’S the time of the year to start thinking about holidays and members of Wells u3a are no exception. First of all, our members had the chance to think what they can do not far from home or suitable places to go with friends and family. There was a capacity audience at the monthly talk in March to hear a talk by Andrew PowellThomas on his book 50 Gems of Somerset.

He spoke with such enthusiasm on every place he had written about, giving anecdotes and historical details from each place. Unable to cover all 50 places, he divided the talk into sections, picking one or two examples in each. He started with ‘Must See’ places and top of the list was Bath and the Roman Baths. In second place came Glastonbury, as he kept saying, all ‘roads’ lead to Glastonbury and he talked about Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury.

The next section was ‘Natural Wonders’ and this was topped by Cheddar Gorge which is 130m deep, followed by Exmoor covering 2,675 square miles and Tar Steps being one of many attractions. He also talked about Burnham-on-Sea with its unusual lighthouse and Kilve beach and the fun of fossil hunting.

His next section was ‘Museums’ and he was very enthusiastic about the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton which contains one of the saved Concordes after it was grounded. Taunton, the Museum of Somerset, was on his list followed by Haynes Motor Museum and a ride on the West Somerset Railway.

‘Buildings’ was another

section Andrew covered giving examples of Dunster Castle, 1066, the home of the Luttrell family until it was given to the National Trust. Cleeve Abbey which is 800 years old and still has amazing floor tiles. He mentioned Montacute House, 1598, with its 52m-long gallery. This section ended with Glastonbury Abbey and the myth of the planting of the thorn tree.

He went on to talk about ‘Events’ such as the amazing carnivals we have in the county and the Glastonbury Festival. He talked about ‘Somerset at War’ which included the hill fort at Brean Down, and various airfields, now abandoned, which were built in preparation for D-Day, and various pillboxes around the coast with two at Bossington and the starfish decoy site near Charterhouse.

The final section was ‘Little Known Places’ starting with Chew Valley Lake, a paradise for bird watchers, and then Andrew talked about Mells village and all the historical buildings and people connected with the village some of whom are buried in the churchyard. A fascinating talk enjoyed by all who attended.

In preparation for their holidays some of our members are able to brush up on their languages such as German Conversation, a group that meets twice a month; Spanish Conversation that meets once a month; Italian Conversation that also meets twice a month. There are two French groups who both meet twice a month, of varying abilities. It must be emphasised that none of the language groups teach the language, they learn off each other and turn the sessions into social occasions.

We are in need of people to start exercise groups of any sort to get us all fit for our holidays.

If you are qualified to do this, on a voluntary basis, please contact our Group Organiser via our website which is https://wells. u3asite.uk where you will find information on all the groups available. You can also join Wells u3a via this website or call into our coffee morning at the Portway Annexe on a Thursday morning from 10.30am-11.30am. Ann Brown

WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY

AT the March meeting, Bob Bunyar, a volunteer at the Swanage Railway, gave the Fraternity audience a view down memory lane with his presentation covering the former Southern Railway lines in North Devon and Cornwall, which many people will have used to reach their holiday destinations before the drastic closure of the lines in the 1960s. They have been known since closure as the ‘Withered Arm’.

The Atlantic Coast Express ran from London Waterloo to the West Country where it split into many sections each heading for different holiday destinations, including Ilfracombe, Bude, Padstow and Plymouth.

The talk covered in two parts the lines from Okehampton to Bude and Okehampton to Padstow. In addition to showing images of the lines in their working days the modern day remains of the infrastructure including station buildings, goods sheds and viaducts were featured. At Bude the line to the canal basin and its sea lock and the narrow-gauge tramway that extended onto the beach for collection of sand and is still extant albeit derelict was particularly interesting. At Padstow the station building is a good example of railway infrastructure which has been repurposed in modern times.

For those more interested in the steam locomotives, classes illustrated included veteran LSWR T9, O2 and M7s together with more modern types such as Bulleid West Country and Battle of Britain pacifics, LMS Class 2 tanks, BR Standard tanks and Maunsell N Class moguls. A few diesel locomotives were illustrated. Diesel multiple units took over in the last few years but failed to prevent closure of the lines. However, the stars of the show were the diminutive

Beattie Well Tanks which started their lives in London suburbia in the 1870s before being transferred to the West Country to haul china-clay wagons on the lightly built Wenfordbridge branch line, surviving until the early 1960s.

The recently refurbished and reopened Okehampton station now served by the reinstated passenger service to Exeter and the reopening of the nearby Meldon Quarry, which will provide freight traffic, are good news stories.

The audience gave a very enthusiastic show of appreciation at the end of the presentation.

The Fraternity were pleased to be able to announce a donation of £73 to the Railway Children charity from the sales of coffee and biscuits at previous meetings.

The next meeting will be on April 8 in Wells Town Hall at 19:30 Hours when the speaker will be Geoff Hudson talking about the Class 50 Diesel Locomotives. New members and guests are always welcome. For further information about the Wells Railway Fraternity and the Railwells Model Railway Exhibition, to be held on August 9 and 10, see the website Railwells.com

WELLS FLORAL ART CLUB

CLUB members were welcomed to our meeting on Tuesday, March 11, by club chairman, Sylvia Ingham. This year is the south west area of the National Association of Flower Arrangements Societies 70 anniversary and Sylvia announced some of the future events before welcoming our demonstrator from Bristol, Cathryn Brown, with her intriguing title, A Flower Prescription.

Each of her designs was based on her work as an environmental health officer. A tall gilded candlestick was used as a container for her first arrangement to introduce sunshine which always lightens one’s mood. After placing a variety of evergreen foliage into biodegradable foam she added dried gold sprayed leaves and ferns before placing large gold and red variegated roses and red mini gerbera.

Continued on page 44

Andrew Powell-Thomas with Wells u3a talks co-ordinator Babs Jones

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From page 43

Next, we went down to the woods for some forest bathing. Immersing oneself in the forest can have a calming effect on our health. Beginning with a piece of driftwood Cathryn used a range of different foliage including eucalyptus for a light perfume to create her forest before adding green chrysanthemum blooms.

Diet was the theme for the next design. An open basket was used to introduce the rainbow diet. The arrangement was built up using palms, stems of solidago, purple antirrhinums, soft pink Peruvian lilies, mini gerbera in red and finishing with pink mini pineapples completed the design.

Cathryn is not only a talented flower arranger, she is also a skilled knitter, both hobbies help her mindfulness. To represent this, she had covered a large container with variegated wool before adding a pale cream rose edged with orange outer petal and red gerberas.

Brown,

Our final prescription was exercise. Cathryn has just returned from a holiday in Madeira and she was there for Mardi Gras and she explained that the heliconia flowers, orange roses and germini arranged in wooden containers reminded her of the fun of the carnival as well as Nordic walking in the hills.

Jan Britten gave the vote of thanks and Jenny Randell and Val Roper served the teas.

Our next demonstration will be on Tuesday, April 8, when area demonstrator Germaine Smith will present Spring

Inspirations. It is at St Thomas’ Church Hall, Wells BA5 2UZ, at 2.15pm.

Our annual charity cream tea and demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 28. Tickets will be available at our April meeting. This year we will be supporting Somerset Sight and The Strawberry Line footpath project.

Jenny Jones

WELLS AND DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP

TO the poet, April was the month when you felt nature “wind the mainspring of life and let it run”. Even in my small 6m x 7m garden I am feeling this with the robins and blue tits nesting in the boxes I have provided and a blackbird prospecting my ivy-covered fence as a potential nest site.

Early mornings begin in my part of Wells with the song of robin, song thrush and blackbird. Rosemary and other spring flowers are attracting bees and tortoiseshell and red admiral butterflies give my garden the once over. The rising temperatures stimulate plant life and lawns and the need, for many, to get the mowers going. This year instead of no ‘no mow May’ why not try leaving an area unmown for the whole season? This will allow wild flowers to grow up and attract bees, butterflies and other insects.

This month it is worth keeping an eye on the skies when we should see swallows and house martins arrive. On the Levels the reed beds should begin to pulse with the song of arriving warblers who are eager to establish territories. Hopefully the sound of cuckoo should be heard: to many the true sign that spring has arrived.

With the indoor meetings ended until autumn we have a series of outdoor meetings over the spring and summer. On April 5 there will be a reptile ramble. This will be a walk around a reserve (10am-noon) on the Mendips with John Dickson, looking for emerging snakes, reptiles and other amphibians. Numbers are restricted so booking is essential. £5 per adult (payable on booking), under 16s free. For more details or to reserve a place email bookings@ wdwg.org.uk Graham Allen

n SPORT

FOOTBALL: Action from the Les Phillips Cup semi-final between Wells City FC 1st team, in blue, and Brixham on March 8 at the Athletic Ground. Brixham won on penalties after the game finished goalless.

Pair honoured for dedicated service

TWO members of Wells Tennis Club were honoured in the Somerset LTA Awards held at Taunton Tennis Club in March for inspiring service to the sport.

Brian Clarke received the Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 22 years of service, including his leadership roles and contributions to junior tennis development. Brian received many accolades from fellow club members, and from Sandy Procter, President of the LTA, who presented the award.

Juliet Matthews was awarded Volunteer of the Year, recognising her efforts in organising social events and raising more than £4,000 for club improvements. As the final designs for the new clubhouse are drawn up, Juliet’s fundraising has been and will continue to be key for the club to have the space it has needed for some time. A space to socialise, and to host competing tennis teams.

Outgoing Chair Colin Blatchford Brown said: “As we embark on the new season, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. With fresh initiatives, ongoing improvements, and a continued focus on fostering a welcoming environment for players of all levels, the future of our club looks bright. I am delighted that two of our volunteers have been recognised at county level for their dedication.”

These awards were

highlighted at the club’s Annual General Meeting alongside a tribute to long-standing Club President Tasha Smith. Tasha held the role for 11 years as ambassador for the club, welcoming new members and fostering a sense of community for the entire membership. Her passion and commitment have left a lasting impact.

At the AGM members extended their gratitude to committee members who are standing down, Helen Thompson, Corali Sacerdote and Ian Baker, and elected a new chair, Matt Stevens.

The club will be holding its annual Open Day on Saturday, April 26. This is a free event for adults and children to come and try the sport for the first time or pick up a racket after a long break. It is a chance to meet the coach, Kevin Durney, try the artificial clay courts and see what the local club has to offer. A full programme will be published on the club website.

Cathryn

demonstrator at the Wells Floral Art Club meeting on March 11

Tasha Smith, Juliet Matthews and Matt Stevens of Wells Tennis Club

TENNIS

n SPORT

Congress an even bigger success this year

CHESS

THE first weekend of March sees the chess come to Wells thanks to Rugantino and The White Hart supporting. Following on from the inaugural Congress last year there were high hopes. This year the numbers were up by 20 with just under 130 players converging on the Town Hall to do battle over the board. The increased numbers meant there were four sections instead of last year’s three.

The Open Section saw Grandmaster Keith Arkell return to defend his title. He blazed a trail from the start with four wins in his first four matches before being held to a draw by Oxford junior Daniel Udovenko in his final game. Daniel clinched second place behind Keith and it was the juniors who came to the fore this year with four of the top seven being under 18.

The Major Section (Under 1950 grading) was the largest and arguably the most competitive. With 39 players, five from Wells, this section saw many tight matches. Once again juniors featured prominently with Wells junior Leon Nelson putting in a strong performance with four wins, only losing to the final winner David Egginton. He finished third on 4 points while James Thomas took second. Wells players placed well with Matt Goatcher in sixth on 3.5 points and Jamie Eales eighth on 3 points. Jeremy Lynn and Paul Humphreys both scored a solid 2.5 points.

The new Intermediate (Under 1750 grading) section saw more Wells interest with Greg Roome,

Jon Rossi and Ed Farms playing. Once again, the rising juniors provided the toughest challenge. The section was won by Alexis Malibiran with Anay Misra in second place, both Bristol junior players. Greg Roome finished a strong third on 3.5 points with Ed on 2.5 and Jon on 2 points.

The Minor section (Under 1550 grading) had lots of upand-coming juniors in, including several from Wells. Gigi Ionescu, Forrest Whitworth, Alfie Green and Finlay Jackson along with adult member Garry Wakeling all took part. Gigi scored 3 points and the others all put in good performances and will have gained valuable tournament experience. The section was won by 18-year-old Dillon Harle from Frome. Wells Club also won the overall team event with Eales, Goatcher, Roome, and Farms notching up a collective 12.5 points.

Once again, the event was much appreciated by all who came. With the glorious spring weather Wells showed off its wonderful small city grandeur that makes it such a fabulous venue for a Chess Congress. Players will continue to come to such a beautiful venue with a well-run Congress. The club look forward to even more in 2026.

Wells Chess Club thanked Rugantino and The White Hart for their support as well as all those who donated both time and money to make the weekend such a success. Anyone interested in playing at the club can find details at wellschess. co.uk, and the club can also be contacted at wellschessclub@ outlook.com.

Pro Shop Stableford event settled by count back

GOLF

THE Pro Shop Weekend

Stableford event at Mendip saw a win for Tim Flagg with 37 points, after count back from Tristan Reakes. In 3rd place came Nicholas Sharp with 35 points after count back from Simon Kidd, Darren Phelps and Paul Merrett, with in 6th place Paul Lewis with 34 points.

Fifty-three ladies played in the nine-hole qualifying

Stableford. Div 1 went to the best score of the day 19 points by Margaret Allen. Carol King was 2nd with 17 and Lena Warren was 3rd with 15 after count back.

Div 2 was won by Debbie Godwin with 18, Pippa Brown was 2nd with 17 and Lizzie Wood was 3rd with 16 after count back. Div 3 went to Suzie Howe with 18 after count back from Pauline Williams and Carol Curtis.

Although a very miserable wintry day, 36 played in the

Mixed Texas Scramble. Well clear of the field, the event was won by William Burns, Victoria Ham, Jack Harrington and Lyn Jones with a net 56.

There was a triple tie with 61 which after count back saw Alan and Rebecca Edwards, Louise and Tony Scott 2nd, Isobel and Paul Panton, Lizzie and Paul Wood in 3rd and Karen and Phillip Cookson, Rob and Sue Needham 4th.

The Seniors saw a very large

entry of 113 players, amazing for a February event, for the first singles event of the year. Div 1 was won by David Forshaw with 40, Justin Barrow was 2nd with 35 and Gary Quinn was 3rd with 34.

Div 2 went to Paul Cains with 38, Terry Carter was 2nd with 36 and Ham Ridene was 3rd with 36. Div 3 was won by Chris Giles with 38, Chris Bennett was 2nd with 36 after count back from Stephen Lake.

Jeremy Lynn, top, and Gigi Ionescu, above, of Wells Chess Club in action during the Congress in Wells Town Hall Pictures: Chris Lamming

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