Wells says goodbye in style to its town crier of 25 years.
Turn to page 22
Homes on hold
The planning decision for 60 new homes in Westbury-subMendip has been deferred.
Turn to page 10
Still got the Blues
The Blues & Jazz Festival will return later this year.
Turn to page 30
Get out and about
Well over 100 events to keep you busy throughout the whole of June.
Turn to page 33
New Mayor elected in council meeting
THE ANNUAL Mayor-Making meeting of Wells City Council took place on Saturday, 16th May, where the honour passed over from Louis Agabani to Denise Denis, who will be the 652nd Mayor of the city.
At the start of the meeting, Mayor Agabani gave a speech outlining his time in office, some of the things he achieved and the highlights of the year – the Wells Carnival and the charity firewalking event in April to raise money for the Shepton Mallet-based charity, SWEDA (South & West Eating Disorders Association).
The Mayor also mentioned the great work done both by himself and the rest of the skatepark fundraising team since starting the campaign six years ago. Currently the total raised is around £240,00, and the total amount needed to build the park
is approximately £500,000.
In her speech of acceptance, the Mayor said how much she loved the city. Having moved to Wells 12 years ago, she was immediately struck by how beautiful and friendly it was.
Mayor Denise had a strong family support at the meeting, and she commented that she thought it was the first time her whole family had been together since she was about 14.
The Mayor’s Mayoress was Olivia Denis, the Mayor’s daughter-in-law, and after being nominated by Cllr. Stewart Cursley, Cllr. Sarah Powell was elected as the Deputy Mayor. Keeping with tradition, the Deputy Mayor presented a gift to the Mayor of a trout.
To find out more about the history of Wells Mayors, go to www.wells.gov.uk/newsarticle/the-mayoral-role
The Mayor of Wells: Denise Denis
I would like to thank Wells City for this wonderful opportunity to be elected as the 652nd Mayor. It is a such a privilege to serve the people of Wells.
schools and a community well served by volunteers.
In the coming year, I hope to meet as many people and organisations as possible, and I will endeavour to promote the best of Wells. It is an amazing place to live – a beautiful, historic setting in the heart of Somerset.
We are so lucky to have the wonderful historical buildings of the cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace, a thriving and busy High Street and market with independent traders, the Little Theatre, the Wells Film Centre and a state-of-the-art concert hall at the Cathedral School, several sports and leisure clubs, excellent
When I moved here 12 years ago, I was struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people I met, and very quickly found lots of opportunities to get involved and settle. It’s not hard to fall in love with the place and the people.
Over the coming year, I would like to involve young people more in local government, focus on climate and the environment, and work with support services for people who are disadvantaged, and marginalised.
I will be supporting two charities dear to my heart this year: YMCA and Root Connections, both of which work with people who are in need of housing and life skills support.
SHOUT OUT FOR THE NEW TOWN CRIER: Wells’ new town crier, Phil Dickson, performed his first cry for the city at the Mayor Making ceremony on Saturday, 16th May.
New Wells councillors in May local elections
THERE were two elections on 7th May to replace Councillor Tony Robbins, who not only served on Somerset Council under the Mendip Hills Division, but also St Thomas Ward Parish in the city itself. It was a strong night overall for the Liberal Democrats, as Sam Phripp was elected for the Mendip Hills and Kat Kinshaw was elected for St Thomas Ward, both standing for the Lib Dem party.
Here are the results in full:
Mendip Hills Division
Sam Phripp (Lib Dem) – 1,534
Greg Stone (Reform) – 936
Nicola Perold (Con) – 724
Victoria Welsh (Green) – 330
Abi McGuire (Ind) – 107
Terry Ledlie (Labour) – 64
The turnout was 46.75 per cent and eight ballot papers were rejected.
St Thomas Ward Parish
Kat Kinshaw (Lib Dem) – 754
Jamie Mochrie (Green) – 338
Greg Stone (Reform) – 302
Bernard Mealing (Ind) – 161
The turnout was 46.18 per cent and six ballot papers were rejected.
Sam Phripp (Lib Dem)
The Mendip Hills division is made up of more than 20 villages and hamlets, including the metropolis of Chilcompton boasting a couple of thousand residents, and places toward Burrington Combe where people are likely to be outnumbered by goats, but what a privilege it is to have been elected to serve this beautiful area on Somerset Council.
While stepping into the shoes of the late Cllr Tony Robbins is a huge task, there’s plenty to get my teeth into. During the campaign, people told me of their concerns: about potholes, dangerous traffic speeds and making ends meet while the cost of heating oil has spiralled. I’m keen to make all the difference I
can on these issues.
Somerset Council has moved through financial difficulty, and auditors now say it’s in a recovery stage. As a Councillor, I’m committed to making sure that recovery works for local people and is seen in the services provided here in the Mendip Hills.
Kat Kinshaw (Lib Dem)
Thank you to everyone who voted for me to represent St Thomas Ward as a Liberal Democrat councillor. It is a real honour and privilege to have earned your trust, and I am committed to working hard for every resident in our community.
My professional background is in education, having served in headship and school leadership, alongside extensive experience in school governance. Throughout my career, I have focused on listening carefully, building strong relationships, and making practical decisions that improve opportunities for young people and families.
I am deeply passionate about our community and protecting the services that matter most to local people. A key priority for
me will be supporting efforts to save our leisure centre following Fusion’s administration, ensuring that residents continue to have access to vital health, wellbeing, and community facilities.
I look forward to being a strong voice in the community and working positively with residents, local organisations, and fellow councillors.
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If you feel strongly that something needs to change, contact the campaign
Junction campaign update
CAMPAIGNERS say children walking to and from Stoberry Park School, the Cathedral School and Blue School have no way to safely cross the A39 between Ash Lane and College Road.
A recent survey found that most people crossing at peak times had either been involved in a near miss with a vehicle or knew someone who had.
“I take my life in my hands on a daily basis,” commented one
pedestrian. “It is so dangerous for school children crossing here every day,” said another.
“Improvements to safety are long overdue, and I am thankful that someone is taking action for the safety of the children.”
Campaigners want the council to install a place to cross at this junction so that children can walk to school safely. If you would like to support the campaign please email crossingabc@hotmail.com.
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A great start for new Roman Gallery
THE OPENING of the new Roman Gallery at the Wells & Mendip Museum was considered a success by organisers, with more than 120 guests attending a series of private viewings held over three evenings in April.
Sue Isherwood, chair of the Trustees, and David Walker, the museum’s honorary curator, welcomed supporters, friends and volunteers to the launch events.
Sue Isherwood said she was delighted by the response: “We were very pleased that so many of our supporters, friends and volunteers were able to join us,” she said. “We were also delighted that the mayor could be with us to mark the occasion.”
As well as enjoying drinks and canapés, guests attending the final evening were treated to
an unexpected encounter with a Roman legionary, adding an extra touch of theatre to the celebrations.
David Walker said the new permanent gallery shines a light on Roman lead mining in the Mendip area and the communities that grew up around it. Visitors can explore artefacts used by miners, discover information about Roman buildings in the area, view Roman coins and learn more about the network of Roman roads that once crossed the region.
Roman Mendip – Lives, Locations and the Pursuit of Lead can now be viewed at the Wells & Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, from 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Saturday. Admission to the gallery is included in museum entry.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING HUB
Dementia Day Care Support
– 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
Creative Community Block Courses
– varied days & times
Peer Support Groups
– varied days & times
Heads Up Somerset Upper Breach South Horrington Wells, BA5 3QG
Tel: 01749 670667 info@headsupsomerset org uk www.headsupsomerset.org.uk Charity No: 801391
Club starts season with donation
Wells Classic Motorcycle Club kicked of its first Bike Night of the season at the Cheddar Valley Inn with a cheque presentation to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for £1,600. This was raised at the Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show at the Bath and West Showground in February.
The club is hosting Bike
Gus is a 12-year-old cat who will be timid at first but, once his confidence is gained, he is an affectionate fellow.
Nights at the Cheddar Valley Inn on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 6.30pm until further notice.
The club’s next fundraiser is the 15th annual Tortoise and Hare event held over the weekend of 18th – 19th July and is open to all bikes and scooters who would like to join them.
He became unsettled in his existing home where he lived with another cat when a dog was added to the mix. Gus found this a step too far and began to bully his feline companion, so it was decided he needed a loving home without other pets.
He loves being stroked and getting attention, but is content to rest when he’s in his own company. He would need a home with a garden to explore, well away from busy roads and in a village or edge of town. Gus is microchipped, neutered and fully vaccinated. He had a recent health check and the vet reported that he is a very healthy cat.
If you would like to meet Gus and are keen to welcome him into your home, please complete the online application form or phone 01749 850660
The club meets at the Cheddar Valley Inn twice a month
n NEWS
Group campaigns for accessible bus stops
TO promote accessibility and active travel for wheelchair users, the Accessible Wells campaign group, supported by the Wells Bus User Group, is ready to start a comprehensive survey of all the bus stops in Wells and surrounding villages.
The survey will evaluate 120 bus stops at 60 locations in an area covering central Wells and villages out towards Easton, Henton and Coxley to the West, and Croscombe, Haydon and Green Ore to the East. Every stop will be visited and evaluated against a set of standard criteria and the results will be brought together in a formal report. Prioritised recommendations will then be sent to Somerset Council and bus operators so that improvement works can be commissioned.
Theo van Hensbergen, who leads Accessible Wells, explained: “Wheelchair users have pointed out to us that many bus stops are totally inaccessible to them or leave them in dangerous situations
on the road. When we went to investigate, we soon realised this was no exaggeration.
“For example: the stop in Tor Street leaves wheelchairs in the road, among parked cars and
moving traffic, with no drop kerbs nearby to access the pavement, and the stop at the bottom of St. Thomas Street sits behind a line of parked cars, presenting the same dangers of mixing with traffic.”
Dick Hodgson, a wheelchair user, said: “I have noticed how some bus stops are located on stretches of pavement that have no drop kerb serving them, so I don’t think anyone has thought about how I might use the bus service.
“If I needed to travel to Bristol by bus, my nearest stop is located at the Ash Lane crossing, but there is no drop kerb to allow me to cross the Bristol Road, so instead I must make a long detour or head for the bus station, which is a waste of time, stressful and tiring.”
If you would like to help, perhaps by agreeing to visit and survey a few bus stops in and around Wells, please send an email to accessiblewells@ gmail.com. No special skills are required, and wheelchair users are especially welcomed to join in.
120 bus stops will be evaluated in this comprehensive survey
A big thank you to Mayor Louis
THE WELLS Skatepark Project team wanted to say a huge thank you for the incredible support Mayor Louis Agabani has given the project over the past year.
Louis has been a genuine champion for the skatepark, helping raise awareness, supporting fundraising efforts and promoting the wider benefits of modern skateparks.
At every stage, Louis has understood that this project is about far more than ramps and concrete. It’s about creating a positive, inclusive space where young people and the wider community can connect, supporting physical and mental wellbeing for generations to come, while also helping ensure Wells has the kind of modern community facilities that towns and cities increasingly recognise as essential for young people.
Thanks to the support of local businesses, organisations and hundreds of individuals across Wells and the surrounding
villages, the project is moving ever closer to becoming a reality.
There is still a journey ahead, and we would love more people to get involved through sponsorship, fundraising or donations. Anyone interested in supporting the project can contact: wellsskatepark@ gmail.com
Thank you, Louis. And thank you to everyone continuing to support the project.
The cygnets are officially named
SHORTLY AFTER five new cygnets appeared on the Bishop’s Palace moat, the Palace asked people to suggest names. There were over 500 suggestions and here are the winners:
n David (after Mr. Attenborough)
n Hazel
n Sue
n Cuthbert
n Mary (Rand)
Falklands book display in museum
FROM Saturday, 13th June – Saturday, 22nd August, the Wells & Mendip Museum will be hosting a free book display. The book, titled A Falklands Family at War: Diaries of the
Windows and Doors
1982 Conflict, was edited by Rachel Simons. Rachel is the daughter of the authors and a relative of the family that owned the Falkland Islands Agency shop on Tucker Street.
true to their word, consistently delivering the best products and service.
We manufacture and install windows and doors using only the very best in materials and technology, handmade in our own factory.
And don’t forget, up to 25 years guarantee on all installations. Please call West Country Windows for a free no obligation quotation.
Mayor louis with some young skaters
Since 1977 West Country Windows has been run and owned by the same family owners who have stayed
Literature festival looking for sponsors
PROJECTS, including poems by post and visiting authors, are all part of year-round school activities organised by Wells Festival of Literature.
The programme is funded by profits from ticket sales and generous donations by supporters, sponsors and Friends of the Festival.
This year the festival has come up with a range of packages to make it easier for local folk and businesses to help fund these literary activities.
Supporters can join with a contribution of just £100, while sponsors have the choice of three available packages.
Each of the sponsor packages – Gold, Silver or Bronze –includes an advert in the full-colour festival brochure, available from mid-August, which has an 8,000 print run, plus an auditorium screen advert during the festival.
Other benefits include complimentary tickets, the opportunity to entertain clients and staff, and a free copy of a
Sadlers unveils
£18.95 for two courses
£24.95 for three
sponsored author’s book.
A registered charity, the festival works with over 50 Somerset schools, benefiting
over 3,500 children with projects that encourage the love of reading and literature.
Recent school visitors include author and humorist Andy Seed as author-in-residence at St Benedict’s in Glastonbury, and the poet A.F. Harrold, while several schools have received help with their libraries.
Funding also goes towards theatre trips and bookshop visits, along with a special festival event that hosts over 1,000 children.
The Wells Festival of Literature takes place in Cedars Hall from the 16th to the 24th of October.
For more information on how to become a supporter or a sponsor email: admin@ wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
View all 107 editions of Wells Voice online at issuu.com/wellsvoice
Sadlers Restaurant Wells has officially launched a seasonal set menu, signalling a fresh chapter for the local favourite. Known for its commitment to local produce, the restaurant’s new offering balances sophisticated gastronomy priced at £18.95 for two courses or £24.95 for three.
The new menu highlights the best of the West Country, featuring vibrant starters like Wye Valley Asparagus with Dorset crab, and hearty mains such as Chalk Stream trout in a Somerset cider sauce. For those looking for the full Sadlers experience, the extensive A La Carte menu remains available, offering a wider range of
or call
the kitchen’s signature dishes. Beyond the standard lunch and dinner service, Sadlers is positioning itself as the city’s premier destination for celebrations. The restaurant also offers a decadent Afternoon Tea and a lively Bottomless Brunch, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply catching up with friends.
Sadlers restaurant is family and dog-friendly, ensuring that a highquality meal doesn’t mean leaving anyone behind.
For those who enjoy the fresh air, the heated al fresco seating provides a comfortable outdoor dining option.
Whether you are looking for a quick seasonal lunch, a celebratory brunch, or a refined evening meal, Sadlers Restaurant remains firmly at the heart of the Wells community.
Please note, our last food sitting times: Tue – Fri: 12:00 – 2:30pm & 5:00 – 8:30pm Sat: All day service from 12:00 – 9:00pm
Kids with author Sam Sedgman’s books at last year’s festival schools event
Westbury-sub-Mendip planning decision deferred
By Daniel Mumby Local Democracy Reporter
COUNCILLORS have delayed a decision on plans for 60 new homes in a small Somerset village due to concerns about road safety.
The Church Commissioners for England, which handles land and property owned by the Church of England, put forward plans in January 2025 to deliver new housing and a community hub south of Roughmoor Lane in Westbury-sub-Mendip.
Somerset Council’s Planning Committee East was expected to vote in favour of the proposals when it convened in Shepton Mallet on 5th May. But after nearly three hours of debate, the committee voted unanimously to defer a decision until issues around pedestrian safety, active travel and over-development had been addressed.
The site lies at the western entrance to the village, between the Robert Glanville Playing Fields and St. Lawrence’s Church.
To achieve safe access into the site, a new junction onto the A371 Stoke Road will be constructed, with the speed limit being cut to 20mph, Roughmoor Lane being closed off, the existing bus stop being moved and a community green space being created.
Land for the planned community hub has been set aside at the eastern end of the site, with the new homes being clustered around a central green space, and an attenuation pond being provided at the southern edge to reduce flood risk.
Of the 60 homes planned for the site, 18 will be affordable, meeting the council’s 30 per cent target for any new development of 10 homes or more.
In addition to the affordable homes, the development will provide more than £152,000 for early years education in the village, along with nearly £61,000 for special needs provision.
Additionally, just over £38,000 will be set aside for local health services, with almost £19,000 on top for provision at the RUH in Bath.
Finally, nearly £41,000 will be provided towards the Strawberry Line active travel route, focused on delivering an extension west towards Rodney Stoke.
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Chris Langdon, who is heading up the creation of the Westbury-sub-Mendip Neighbourhood Plan, had warned about the traffic issues in this location as far back at December 2024, when he addressed the full council in Bridgwater.
Speaking on 7th May, he said: “Your officer suggests that all options for a safe pedestrian crossing have been considered –this is not the case.
“The approach from your highways team has been extremely arrogant – an attitude of: ‘you are wrong, you know nothing, we are right and nothing can be done about safety’.
“Safe pedestrian access across the A371 is a top priority for the village. There is a solution that the parish council has presented.”
David Maguire, who lives in the village, concurred: “New housing is needed, but a 17.5 per cent increase in the size of the village in a single hit is too much.
“Our main objection is the lack of regard to pedestrian safety and safe access to the core of the village.”
In the absence of a safe crossing over the A371, the development includes a mown path which connects to an existing footpath through the churchyard, emerging onto the road near The Westbury Inn.
Mr Maguire added: “In the week after Easter, a speeding car
ploughed into the village shop garden well, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage. It was a matter of luck that no-one was killed.
“The proposed 20mph limit on its own does not give pedestrians enough time at the preferred crossing point.
“Increased use of the Strawberry Line pathway would reduce some traffic, but this application does not include adequate multi-user access to the Strawberry Line from the development.”
Councillor Claire Sully (Liberal Democrat, Mendip South) shared the traffic concerns, stating: “In 2025, we had an average of two fatal or serious injury collisions a day on Somerset’s roads.
“There’s no safe crossing on this road, and there are two significant bends.
“This is a dark skies village, and I can’t see how you can have a development of this size without impacting that.”
The land is allocated within the Mendip Local Plan Part II to deliver around 40 homes – meaning the council would need strong reasons for refusing development in this location.
After almost three hours’ debate, the committee voted unanimously to defer a decision on the plans for up to six months so that these issues could be addressed.
Plans for 60 homes and community hub on Roughmoor Lane in Westbury-sub-Mendip
Picture: Thrive Architects
n ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Wells Slimming World groups are ready to blossom with you this summer
This spring, the Wells Slimming World group is proving that community-based support remains as important as ever when it comes to fresh starts, renewed motivation and weight-loss goals.
Slimming World Consultant Ally says the Wells group continues to thrive, even as weight-loss injections rise in popularity.
“We’ve always known there’s real power in community support,” she said. “Real change doesn’t happen in isolation – it happens when you’re surrounded by people who understand your challenges and celebrate your successes.”
The Wells group attracts members of all ages and backgrounds, each bringing their own goals and experiences. Ally says many members value the sense of belonging, encouragement and accountability they find each week.
Slimming World welcomes anyone looking to lose weight, including those taking weight-loss medication. Ally explained: “Many members tell us they appreciate an approach that focuses on healthy eating, behaviour change and emotional support – things that help them maintain weight loss long term.”
At the heart of Slimming World is Food Optimising, the organisation’s healthy eating plan. Ally said: “Members learn how to enjoy satisfying meals while building healthy habits that fit into everyday life. For people taking weight-loss medication, it’s especially important that every meal is balanced and nutritious. Members can feel reassured they’re getting the protein, fibre and nutrients their body needs.”
Support also continues between groups through the
Slimming World app, which offers meal ideas, progress tracking and motivational tools.
Ally’s comments follow the release of a University of Oxford study showing that people who stop taking weight-loss medication regain weight far faster than those following other weight-loss approaches.
She said: “When someone joins Slimming World, they step into a supportive space where they feel understood and encouraged. Week by week, members make small changes around food, drink and activity that become lasting habits. That support is especially valuable for anyone using weight-
loss medication, helping them lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.”
Julie, who has lost three stone since joining Slimming World in August 2025, says: “Slimming World has honestly changed my life. Turning up each week and being surrounded by people who cheer you on makes such a difference. There’s no judgement, just encouragement.”
The Wells Slimming World groups are held every Wednesday at Wells United Church: 9.30am and 11am with Sarah, and 5.30pm and 7pm with Ally.
For more information, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Optical team put careers in focus
THE TEAM from Specsavers in Wells recently visited The Blue School to engage with students through a series of career-focused events.
The outreach initiative included hosting school assemblies, having a stand at the careers fair and taking part in a mock interview session. Led by dispensing manager and in-store trainer, Willem Dalby, the team gave students a firsthand look at the diverse career paths available within the optical industry.
During the interactive sessions, Willem highlighted the various roles, from clinical positions to retail management, emphasising that a career in
optics offers a wide range of different opportunities.
“It was fantastic to get out and meet so many students,” said Willem. “I am always keen to inspire the next generation to explore the different paths available to them. Everyone we spoke to was really enthusiastic, and hopefully left with insight into an industry they may not have considered before.”
Kim Bingham, store director at Specsavers Wells, added: “Beyond sharing information about possible job roles, it’s amazing to help students through events like these. A big thank you to The Blue School for welcoming us.”
Kim Bingham and Willem Dalby from Specsavers’ Wells branch
Share your love for Somerset in competition
There are two prizes of £100 each – one for adults (19+) and one for those who are 18yrs old and under
Your images can be taken in the last 2 years and photos from all seasons are very welcome.
THE CAMPAIGN to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Somerset has just launched its 2026 photo competition, called Love Your Somerset Countryside.
taken in the last two years and photos from all seasons are very welcome.
(18 years old and under)
n Address and Email address
n Telephone number
Competition entry is FREE and you may enter up to 3 photographs. Closing date is 30th September 202
CPRE Somerset is a charity that works for a beautiful and thriving Somerset countryside. Its annual photo competition celebrates what is special about Somerset.
be our special landscapes or just the ordinary countryside next door. It is not really looking for empty landscape photographs so do try to include some people, animals or interesting features if you can. Images that share special times and events you enjoyed, or pictures that tell a story about your everyday life in the countryside are welcome.
Competition entry is free and you may enter up to three photographs. Closing date is 30th September, 2026. Please email photos as attachments to admin@cpresomerset. org.uk with the following information:
n Location of photo and the date it was taken
n Name of photograph or caption (no more than 20 words)
lease email photos as attachments to admin@cpresomerset.org.uk with the following information:
• Photographer’s name
The charity is looking for photos that capture just what you love about our beautiful Somerset countryside – it could
There are two prizes of £100 each – one for adults (19+) and one for those who are 18 years old and under. Your images can be
n Photographer’s name
n State which category you are entering – Adult (19+) or Youth
For a full list of competition terms and conditions, head to the Campaign for Rural England website at www.cpresomerset. org.uk and click on the ‘Get involved’ tab.
• State which category you are entering – Adult (19yrs +) or Youth (18yrs old and under).
• Address and Email address
• Telephone number
• Location of photo and the date it was taken
• Name of photograph or caption (no more than 20 words)
A co-educational prep school offering both day and boarding. All Hallows is conveniently situated just a 20-minute drive from Wells.
Please contact Jackie Truelove, All Hallows’ Registrar, to find out more, secure your place, or to arrange a bespoke tour.
Some of the stunning photos from preview CPRE competitions. Pictures: Amanda Baldwin, Ian Downes, Louise Mayhew and Paul Allen
‘Wonder-Full’ Wells events in June
THE GROUP Christians Together in the Wells Area (ATWA) is inviting everyone to take time out with its Wonder-Full Wells fourday event.
Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect:
Thursday, 25th June
n 3pm-4.30pm – How to be Strong with Warren Furman, exGladiator, ACE at Christ Church, Coxley
n School visits from Warren Furman
n 7pm-9pm – An open Q&A time with a panel of Christian leaders at the Methodist Church
Friday, 26th June
n School visits from Warren Furman
n 10am-2pm – Tea, coffee and cake, and episodes of The Chosen at Wells Churches
n 7pm-9.30pm – Bring your picnic for an evening of music, musings and relaxation with our new Mayor Denise Denis, Warren Furman and Reverend Roger
Simpson at the bandstand
Saturday, 27th June
n 8.30am – A men’s breakfast at St Cuthbert’s Church
n 10am-1pm – Music and Ministry with CTWA on St Cuthbert’s Green
n 12pm-3pm – Food festival. 15 nations offering a taste of their culture at St Joseph & St Teresa’s Church
n 7pm-9pm – Paul Karensa, Comedian, at Wells United Church. This is a ticketed event.
Sunday, 28th June
n 10am – An invitation to join a local Church for their Sunday Service
n 10.30am – Brunch at Christ Church, Coxley
n 5pm – Wrapping it Up at the bandstand with Rev Roger Simpson
There’s also something for the little ones. If they find our six ‘Wonder Wells’ around the city then they can win a prize.
BLUE OAK
New Archdeacon for Wells
THE REVD Jo Stobart is to be the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral. She will succeed Anne Gell who stepped down earlier this month after nine years in the role. Jo will be returning to Bath and Wells in the late autumn.
Jo was born and grew up in West London. Following a degree and postgraduate study in history in Yorkshire, Jo trained as a primary school teacher and taught at schools in the southeast. Jo moved with her family to Bath and Wells in 2006. She later became Lay Chaplain at the Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar.
Bishop Michael said, “I am thrilled that Jo is coming home. She is someone with huge ability, who loves our diocese, loves Somerset and rural ministry. I am absolutely delighted to welcome her back with us as the new Archdeacon of Wells.”
Speaking on her appointment, Jo, who is currently Chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter, said,
“I am overjoyed and honoured to be the next Archdeacon of Wells and Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral. The call to serve in this role was a tug at my vocational heart strings that I could not ignore.
Jo will be returning to Bath and Wells in the late autumn.
Jo Stobart will start in the autumn
A trip underground at wonderful Wookey
The next couple of years are big ones for Wookey Hole. 2027 marks the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the caves to tourists, and while we’re not sure what they’ve got planned to celebrate, we suspect it’ll be impressive. 2027 is also the 20th anniversary of the
Wookey Hole Circus School, and the 10th of Wild Wookey, which is the best way to explore the caves if you’re brave enough.
2026 is still an important one for Wookey Hole though, as not only did they launch their new Wookey Uncovered tour experience at the
All the Uncovered tour guides have an incredible amount of info to share
beginning of May, but they’ve also recently added stunning new immersive cave projections as part of a £250,000 investment.
If you’ve not been to the caves for a while, then here are two good reasons why you should consider going in the near future.
Wookey Uncovered
Essentially, Wookey Uncovered is a guided tour through the caves, but the premium version. Considerably longer than the standard tour, you also get an exclusive live papermaking demonstration, and then finish off with the fantastic combination of Wookey Hole Cave Aged cheddar and local Somerset cider – we’ve tasted both and they’re equally delicious.
When we were given a tour, we were taken around by Neil Morgan – the fount of all Wookey knowledge who writes our new column (see below).
Finding out about the history of the caves and the facts behind
the geological formations is truly fascinating. You’ll hear numerous unheard stories of the caves’ earliest inhabitants, folklore, witchcraft and the people who shaped the Wookey Hole we know today.
Chris Goodchild, Wookey Hole’s general manager, said: “Over the past 20 years, Wookey Hole has focused on creating experiences aimed mainly at the family market, but Wookey Uncovered is an alternative ticket for visitors who have more interest in the history of our world-famous caves and mill.
“There have been massive changes over the past 30 years and we wanted to create more of a private tour feel for adult visitors to enjoy.”
Tickets range from £32.99 for seniors and £34.99 for adults.
Ticket price gives you access not only to the Wookey Uncovered tour, but also to all the other attractions in Wookey Hole – 4D cinema, adventure golf, giant soft play area and much more.
Do you have family ties to Wookey Hole?
Neil Morgan, a cave guide supervisor at Wookey Hole, brings us a fascinating regular slice of history from the caves…
Many families in the mid-1800s moved to Wookey Hole to work at Wookey Hole Paper Mill, attracted by its rising reputation as a handmade cotton paper mill. Families came from near and far, some families working at the paper mill for generation after generation.
From Cheddar came the Lunnons, the Roses and the Richards, and the Coxes from Wells. The McEwans came from Northampton, the Lamberts from Kidderminster, and the Goodens, the Janes and the Sprys from Devon.
Some of these people left the paper mill to work as cave guides, others assisted Herbert Balch, the well-known local archaeologist with his excavations at Wookey Hole Caves.
William Sampson Hodgkinson purchased and enlarged the paper mill in the 1850s. Between him and his son – also named William Sampson Hodgkinson – they
built houses for the mill workers, a church, a chapel, a papermakers club and a village school.
The paper mill was managed by one family across three generations: John Lee from 1879, followed by his sons Frank and James, and finally Percy, John Lee’s grandson.
Miss Mason worked at the mill as a forewoman for 59 years, her mother having also served as forewoman for 60 years.
Tom Vincent drove the old covered Mill Wagon for 46 years. He and his horses, Lion and Blossom, were well-known figures on the Wells to Wookey Road, bringing cotton rags to the mill for papermaking.
George Adlam farmed the fields opposite the paper mill. He also advertised as a cave guide, offering tours for one shilling before the caves opened as a show cave. Afterwards, a cream tea costing an additional shilling was available at the Adlam farmhouse, served by his wife, a prize-winning butter and cream maker who kept her produce in the caves, making use of their cool and stable conditions.
Mother Cleeves ran the school from her cottage before the village school was built in 1872. She would teach the alphabet around the fire while cooking her husband’s dinner, and any child not paying attention would be pinned to her apron with very large safety pins.
On Saturdays, both the butcher and the fishmonger would visit Wookey Hole. The fishmonger came from Shepton Mallet and, wearing a bowler hat, would flick flies from his cart with a wet cloth. The butcher,
whiskered, red-faced and weatherbeaten, wearing a blue apron, was the envy of the villagers, able to tell the weight of meat simply by balancing it in his hands.
Do you have family connections to Wookey Hole Paper mill or Caves? Email the Wells Voice at dean@ wellsvoice.co.uk. We would love to hear your stories.
Join me or one of my colleagues on the new Wookey Uncovered Tour, where you’ll learn more about the rich history of Wookey Hole.
George Adlam’s cave guide advert from 1910
wellsvoice
n FEATURE
Cave Projections
Launched this May half-term holiday, this immersive experience maps a series of animated projections directly onto the surface of the caves.
The large projections appear, with sound, on three of the cave chambers and tell the story of the Witch of Wookey Hole, millions of years of geology and the spirit of exploration under the Mendip Hills.
Chris explained: “We’re not just projecting pictures onto rock. The caves become the stage, each story is a moment of true spectacle and wonder, making these ancient natural structures feel truly alive.”
Each projection sequence lasts approximately two minutes and is integrated into the guided cave tour.
For more information about the projections or Wookey Uncovered, head to www. wookey.co.uk.
The projections, Wookey Hole’s latest attraction, look stunning when mapped on the walls of the caves
MP’s concern over replaced grant scheme
TESSA Munt has called on the Government to reinstate the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to ensure the future of listed churches and chapels across the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency.
Tessa, whose work in early 2025 helped secure the scheme for an additional year when it was originally threatened, is concerned the new grant won’t cover basic maintenance.
Tessa said: “Over the past 18 months, I have been contacted by many listed churches and chapels across my patch, all of whom are deeply concerned about cuts to this fund.
“The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme allowed communities to claim back VAT on essential upkeep and repairs. For many, it wasn’t just a significant grant, it was essential to their continuation.”
The grants, which had already been reduced to just
£23m a year, have been replaced by a new scheme now subject to tax.
Ashcott, Somerset
imposition of VAT, represent a significant drop in funding for historic buildings like St. John’s Church in Axbridge and Wells Cathedral, many of which offer the only community facilities in rural areas.
The National Churches Trust recently estimated that 1 in 20 churches in the UK require a new roof or gutters this year alone. Without action, the estimated tax bill for places of worship over the next four years is expected to exceed £120 million.
Tessa said: “Unique Listed churches and chapels can be seen across this region. They are part of our heritage and landscape and need our protection.
“My Lib Dem colleagues and I are proud to get things done in our communities, including fixing church roofs. I will continue to raise this with the Government.”
“My
The Lib Dems have warned repeatedly that these cuts, combined with the new
Tessa Munt at Christ Church Henton, with lay worship assistant, Rosie Inge and Ed McEwan, who has been renovating the church with his team
Tessa
‘Unforgettable’ London trip for young Ukranians
By Inna Irykhodko and Philip Welch
40 YOUNG Ukrainians had an unforgettable trip to London thanks to these supporters:
n Wells MP Tessa Munt invited the refugees to a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
n WCN’s Welcome Hub who organised the coach trip to London.
n Dean of Wells Toby Wright and Canon Jonathan Lloyd of Wells Cathedral for securing free admission to Westminster Abbey as a school visit.
The group visited the House of Commons and the House of Lords, gaining first-hand insight into how Parliament works and decisions are made in a democratic system.
The young people asked Tessa thoughtful questions and engaged in discussion about public life and democracy. They also visited a parliamentary committee room, which gave them a closer look at how the Commons’ work happens in practice.
“Showing our delightful
Ukrainian friends our British democracy at work was a profound privilege,” said Tessa. “And we took their minds off what is happening in their home country for a little while.”
Jonathan added: “The day at Westminster immersed the Wells Ukrainians into the political, royal and ecclesiastical life of our nation.
“At Westminster Abbey we paid our respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, learnt about the relationship between Church and State, saw the throne on which our monarchs are crowned, walked among the tombs of royalty and memorials to scientists, poets, artists and politicians, and ate our sandwiches in The Cloisters.
“It was day full of learning, exploration and living history. We are very grateful for the warm welcome of our three tour guides.”
Special thanks are extended to Tessa Munt, Dean Toby, and to the WCN volunteers. A spokesperson for the Welcome Hub said: “This trip was truly unforgettable, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Legal guidance with Chubb Bulleid
The Rise of Rolling Break Clauses: The Shift Towards Fluidity
By Irene Richardson
IN THE evolving landscape of commercial property, the traditional ‘fixed-term’ lease is increasingly giving way to a more flexible arrangement. The most significant change is the rise of rolling break clauses. While once reserved for short-term arrangements, rolling breaks have become a centrepiece of modern lease negotiations, reflecting a fundamental change in how both landlords and tenants calculate risk.
Beyond the fixed date
A standard break clause allows a party to terminate the lease on a specific, predetermined date. In contrast, a rolling break allows the party to exercise the right at any point after a certain date, provided the requisite notice period is given.
For property lawyers, this shift requires a departure from standard drafting. Unlike fixed breaks, which provide a single target for compliance and potential risk of missing a break date, rolling breaks create a continuous window of potential termination of the lease.
Drafting challenges for lawyers
The primary concern for lawyers in this environment is certainty. A poorly drafted rolling break clause can potentially lead to disputes regarding:
n Conditions precedent: For a break to be effective, tenants usually must satisfy specific conditions, such as providing vacant possession or paying all ‘basic rent’ up to the termination date. In a rolling scenario, calculating pro-
Cathedral announces competition
WELLS CATHEDRAL has launched a choral competition where the winner will have their piece performed by the Wells Cathedral Choir as part of the
cathedral’s Advent Procession this November.
Those interested in entering can find out more on the cathedral’s website.
rata payments for a mid-quarter termination requires absolute precision to avoid the notice being deemed invalid.
n The notice window: If a lease allows a break ‘at any time after the third anniversary’, the drafting must clearly state whether the notice can be served before that anniversary to take effect on or after it.
n Service of notices: The mechanism for serving notice becomes more critical when the target date is moving. Lawyers must ensure that the notice provisions are robust enough to withstand the scrutiny of a landlord seeking to challenge a notice in order to keep a tenant ‘on the hook’.
The Strategic Perspective For tenants, a rolling break is a vital exit option in an unpredictable economy, where business planning and outlooks are often shorter than traditional lease terms. Some organisations are reluctant to commit to a longer lease of 10 or 15 years without the ability to adjust to market changes and business needs, and so the inclusion of a rolling break would make a longer lease more attractive.
Surveyors focus on the marketability and yield impact of rolling break clauses. For landlords, although rolling breaks can reduce income certainty, they are often necessary to secure tenants in a competitive and tenant-friendly market.
The rise of rolling breaks is more than a passing trend; it reflects the reality that circumstances change and leases must be flexible enough to adapt and withstand change.
n Irene Richardson is a Senior Associate with Chubb Bulleid, who have offices in Wells, Street, Somerton and Taunton. Phone 01749 836100.
Munt with the Ukrainians and Wells Hub volunteers in Parliament
Causes revealed for June’s Wells SOUP
By Philip Welch
WELLS SOUP will bound back with a summer smile on Saturday, 13th June after welcoming a record number of people at spring’s fundraising lunch.
The four good causes who will be telling their stories from 1pm at this grant-giving lunch in Wells Cathedral are:
n Edric Hobbs, who will attempt to cycle the equivalent height of Mouth Everest by riding the Old Bristol Road between Wells and Priddy 47 times. Funds will provide a defibrillator for Wells Town Hall in memory of former Mayor of Wells Tony Robbins, and a cabinet for the one at Hunters’ Lodge, Priddy.
n Focus Wells has been offering affordable counselling to the local community since 1999, supporting people between the ages of 13-19. No referral is
needed – young people can chat with a qualified counsellor in a safe and confidential space.
n The Grand Organ Appeal is a major fundraiser by the Friends of Wells Cathedral to restore the Grand Organ, which is ageing and at risk of failure. The project aims to raise around £2 million towards a full restoration, while preserving its historic character.
n Westbury Footlights produce and perform plays, revues and pantomimes for those in and around Westbury-sub-Mendip. They are raising funds to support an outdoor performance of As You Like It by bicycle touring company, The Handlebards.
The sponsor for this SOUP is estate agents Cooper and Tanner, who have been in Wells for more than 35 years.
“We love to support the community, which SOUP does
in a unique way,” said their Branch Manager, Sam Masters, who has worked there since 2012.
“SOUP is like a local version of Dragon’s Den – but much, much gentler. Putting good causes in front of local people who want to help, and they do.”
For a good seat arrive by 12.40pm. Donation entry is £7, which includes choices of homemade soup and bread by chefs from Fresh & Good.
All the four presenters will go away with more money than at previous SOUPs and a raised profile after the audience votes.
June’s Wells SOUP is kindly sponsored by Cooper and Tanner
TAKE A SWING AT IT: By tradition, the Bishop of Bath and Wells opens the croquet season on the lawns of The Bishop’s Palace, and this year was no exception – the Bishop is also the club’s president. The Wells Croquet Club has been playing on the lawns since 1976 and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
wellsvoice
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Making Funerals Cheaper and Easier For You
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As the business owner and Funeral Director of Wells Funeral Services, I want to make a difference to the families I work with, so from your first conversation with me to the delivery of our service, you will always be dealing with the same person.
We are a family business that excels on delivering to you what we would expect for our own family member at that time of need.
We’re always looking at ways we can improve the service we offer, so we’ve invested in an upgrade to our chapel. By keeping everything inhouse, that means that we can then pass on those savings to you.
So if you are looking for a send-off for your loved one that will not break the bank, we could potentially save you up to £2,000 on the overall cost of the funeral.
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We will supply a celebrant, or you can have the vicar, priest or family member delivering the service. Music is also included and can be anything that’s recorded. We can also livestream the service and, again, there is no extra charge for this part; it’s all included in the price of £2,500.
If you have any questions at all then please do call me. I am happy to come and see you at home or you can meet me in my chapel for a preview before you book.
At Wells Funeral Services, we offer dignified and affordable funerals from £1,499 backed by over 180 five-star reviews. Our offices in Wells and Chilcompton serve our community with care.
As the year draws to a close and the Christmas season approaches, all of us at Wells Funeral Services would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients, and colleagues for their continued trust and support. It is a privilege to serve our local community, and we are deeply grateful to those who place their confidence in us during what can be one of life’s most difficult times.
At Wells Funeral Services, we believe that every family deserves care, respect, and time to make the choices that feel right for them. Losing we understand two funerals—are is to guide offering support call, we work alongside that truly Whether cremation, something our promise
Wells Funeral Services, we offer dignified and affordable funerals from £1,499, backed by over 160 five-star reviews. Offices in Wells and Chilcompton, serving our community with care.
Blake Major Trainee Undertaker and Funeral Director
All cried out – Len retires after 25 years
It’s impossible to spend much time in Wells without hearing someone mention the name Len Sweales. The self-proclaimed ‘Fat Man in Green’, Len has graced thousands of local events in the 25 years that his powerful cry has echoed around the walls of the Market Place.
All that came to an end on 16th May when Len officially retired, but we couldn’t let such a well-known Wells legend go off to his retirement without speaking to him first.
Len estimates that he’s done 3,000 cries at least over his career as Wells’ town crier. And did you know that he had two uniforms for seasonal crying?
“Because I had both a summer and a winter uniform,” said Len, “my wife Rosemary would take the badges off the old coat and sew them on the new one. She said the other day: ‘do you realise that I’ve swapped the badges over on these coats 50 times now!’”
Len was in the London Fire Brigade for 30 years, and retired as a Divisional Commander with over 3,000 fire fighters under him.
Len remembered: “Having recently retired, my wife Rosemary and I were living near Camberley in Surrey and thought it was time to look for somewhere different to live. We found a house we both fell in love with in Wells, which was a city that we’d never even visited before!”
So that’s how Len found Wells, but how did he find his new career?
“When we moved in, I needed something to keep me occupied and to meet people,” he said, “and one of our new neighbours suggested I apply for the post of town crier advertised in the local paper. I did this, was interviewed by the whole council, and awarded the post by the then Mayor, Desmond Gripper. A post I took up officially at Mayor Making in May 2001, by the newly appointed Mayor, David Anderson.”
With no experience of being a town crier, Len did the sensible thing and set about researching the job himself.
“Nothing much was known of my duties and how to carry them out, as the previous town criers had died in the post. I did lots of research, joined the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, and attended a few competitions to learn the ropes. I had some degree of success at these.
“I found out that the criers in the Middle Ages always did it in rhyme. Most of the people couldn’t read then so it was seen as a better way for people to remember the cries. I did a Christmas fundraiser one year in rhyme and it sort of stuck from there. I tried to go back to a normal cry but people really missed the rhymes. I suppose it became my trademark.”
Len soon became such a familiar Wells fixture that he was very much in demand.
“Having gained a bit of experience, the people of Wells were contacting me to attend garden parties, weddings,
two proposals of marriage, anniversaries and to open shops,” said Len. “This I did with enthusiasm to meet new people (boy have I met people!) and still continue to get requests to this day.
“I have been proud to proclaim the national commemorations of VE Day, VJ Day and the King’s Coronation, together with many royal births, deaths and marriages.
One of the benefits (or down sides, depending on your viewpoint) of being a recognisable local celebrity is that people want to include your in their work.
“How do you encapsulate 25 years without being repetitive? I have taken part in filming, been the subject of two children’s books, and been painted by artists. They tell me I have an interesting face!”
Len told us a fantastic story from when he was on the Antiques Roadshow on one of its numerous visits to Wells, but sadly it’s too long to fit in here. It’s a great tale though, so be sure to ask him in person.
Len also likes to keep himself busy when he’s not in his town crier uniform.
“I have been actively involved in the theatre, first at Strode, and for the past 17 years at the Little Theatre – another great asset to the city that goes from strength to strength. I still enjoy a round of
“I wanted to pack up as the crier I am, not the crier I was”
golf at Wells Golf Club.
“I decided some time ago to retire after completing 25 years of service and reaching the age of 80. I wanted to pack up as the crier I am, not the crier I was. Also, if a successor could be found, I could give him the basis of understanding that I never had. Step in Phil Dickson – he will be great.
“My thanks go to the many councillors that work so hard for the city, and for supporting me in all things I undertake. After a short break I will decide my next stage volunteering somewhere, and still undertaking the many talks I am asked to give.”
Hundreds of Wells residents and passing tourists crowded around Len for his final cry, but there was one final jesture he wanted to do. Len gave his bell, such a iconic part of his uniform, to a young fan, Thomas, who’s loved Len’s work for years.
“Thomas has been coming ever since he was a child,” said Len, “and he’s got a room in his house totally devoted to me. He has learning difficulties and struggles with speech, but I usually make sure there are some words in my cry that he knows so he can join in.
Sharing a dodgem with Phil Dickson, Len’s replacement as town crier
Thanks for 25 years of amazing cries, Len, and enjoy your retirement
Freedom of the City of Wells
ON SATURDAY the 18th July, Len is being awarded the Freedom of the City of Wells. This is an honour that only 22 others have received, and it’s just a small thank you to Len for all his years of dedication to the role.
Len’s name will be added to the Freedom Roll on a plaque in the Town Hall. Previous recipients of the honour include Michael Chamberlain, Harry Patch and Mary Bignal Rand.
The civic procession starts at 1.30pm in the Market Place.
This was what happened to anyone who criticised any of Len’s cries
Pins, Patience and Puppy
Energy:
Goose’s Road to Recovery
AT JUST four-and-a-half months old, Goose was already a memorable patient. The American bulldog cross Staffordshire bull terrier had been visiting the practice since he was a tiny puppy for vaccinations and routine checks, always arriving full of energy, affection and enthusiasm. Goose quickly became a favourite among the team.
So when his owners contacted our out-of-hours emergency service after a rough play session left him suddenly lame on his left hind leg, there was immediate concern. Despite the injury, Goose remained bright and comfortable at home overnight, so he was rested and brought into the clinic first-thing the following morning.
Even while clearly sore, Goose greeted the team exactly as expected – tail wagging and eager to make friends. Given his age and the severity of the lameness, veterinary surgeon Ella recommended immediate X-rays, which quickly confirmed an orthopaedic injury: a tibial crest avulsion fracture.
This type of fracture occurs in young puppies because parts of their bones are still developing and relatively soft. In Goose’s case, the powerful pull of his quadriceps muscle during play had literally pulled away the section of growing bone where the patella tendon attaches to the shin bone. Without treatment, the injury could have permanently affected his mobility and left him unable to properly extend the leg. Surgery was the only realistic option.
To repair the fracture, the surgical team used pins and orthopaedic wire to create a ‘pin and tension band’ system. Although technically complex, the principle is simple and highly effective: the tension band converts the pulling
force of the muscle into pressure that helps keep the fractured bone compressed together as the leg moves. The surgery went smoothly and Goose appeared far more comfortable almost immediately afterwards. However, everyone suspected the hardest part of recovery would not be the operation itself, but keeping such an energetic puppy calm enough to heal. Strict rest and carefully controlled exercise were essential, something Goose found difficult to understand.
His owners, however, managed him brilliantly. For weeks they carefully restricted his activity and followed every instruction. Then, three weeks into recovery, Goose suddenly pulled free during a walk and sprinted off before anyone could stop him. Although he returned safely a few hours later, his owners noticed swelling around the operated knee and brought him straight back to the clinic.
Fortunately, repeat X-rays showed the fracture was healing well, although the sudden strain had loosened the surgical pins. Because healing was progressing rapidly, the team decided to monitor him closely before removing the pins the following week under anaesthetic.
Now, six weeks later, Goose is fully back to his usual lively self. Aside from a small patch of shaved fur, there is little sign of the serious injury he suffered. His recovery is a testament not only to modern orthopaedic surgery, but also to the dedication of his owners, whose patience and commitment helped get Goose happily back on all four paws.
Lucy Pitman
Marketing Executive at Shepton and Wells Vets
Keeping a recovering puppy still for its recovery is always a challenge
Len reading out his final cry on Saturday, 16th May
Len and Rosemary Sweales
No news on pub planning appeal
THE group campaigning to reopen the Britannia Inn as a community hub are still awaiting a decision from the Planning Inspectorate on whether to uphold Somerset Council’s decision to refuse permission to convert the pub and its grounds into housing.
The pub’s owners appealed against the council’s decision in March, and the East Wells Community Benefit Society (EWCBS) defended its position that the pub should remain as a community asset. However, at the time of going to press, no decision has yet been
issued – although, according to their website, a site visit has been made by the Planning Inspectorate.
The EWCBS has launched two community share offers in the last year, and the total raised has reached almost £100,000.
The funds raised, combined with the pledge of a large donation by a local benefactor, allowed the EWCBS to make a formal offer to buy the Britannia Inn at the end of March.
The current community share offer remains open and has attracted new shareholders in the last few weeks.
CLASSIC COLLECTION: The Cathedral Green was the setting for the 30th anniversary of the Classic & Historic Motor Club’s annual tour on 17th May.
Museum volunteer writes new book about Wells
NICK AXTEN, a volunteer at the Wells & Mendip Museum has recently finished a new book that tells the story of both the city of Wells and also its museum.
Why Wells? is packed with the history of the city, from 550 million years ago right up to the present day.
We spoke to Nick and asked him what made him write the book.
“I’m a relative newcomer to Wells,” said Nick. “I started being a volunteer at the museum and I found that I really loved the city.
“What fascinated me though, was that, aside from Bradford, which was made a city in 1897, Wells is the only city in the British Isles that isn’t on a river, and it’s one of the very few in the world. So it’s a city because it has the great springs.
“If you were a trader you wouldn’t ever come to Wells, you’d go to Bath or Bristol. So that’s pretty much why Wells never grew.
“I felt there was a story there that needed to be told, and hopefully one that people would find interesting.”
If you ever talk to Nick, then you’re immediately struck by his incredible passion for Wells history. And that comes through in the book. Something that could be dry is packed with illustrative photos and drawings to highlight the copy. So much is covered, and unless you have a local knowledge to rival Nick’s, you’re sure to learn plenty about the city from reading it.
Why Wells? is available from the museum as well as other outlets in the city, and costs £5.
First Wellbeing festival a success
ON MONDAY, 4th May the first Wells Festival of Wellbeing was held on the Recreation Ground.
Studio Eight Wells CIC hosted the free event to highlight and demonstrate the wellbeing practices that are available in Wells, and to ensure everyone had a chance to enjoy them.
By creating a welcoming space filled with music, movement, nourishment and connection, they hope to make wellbeing tangible, accessible and joyful
for everyone, regardless of background, income or experience.
The day included a range of classes, talks and workshops, run by Studio Eight’s practitioners and other local teachers, alongside wellbeing stalls, food and music including the wonderful Samba do Bispo.
Organisers are already excited about looking ahead to next year’s festival, and we’ll be sure to bring you the news as soon as we can.
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Nick Axten, with copies of his fascinating new book, Why Wells?
The organisers are already working out plans for next year’s festival
wellsvoice
Local councillor cycling a mountain for charity
EDRIC HOBBS, a Somerset councillor for the Mendip Hills Division, will attempt to cycle the height of Mount Everest in a single day on 20th June, starting at 1pm. Edric will be doing this by cycling up and down the old Bristol Road between Wells and Priddy in 47 journeys and roughly 185 miles.
He expects it to take around 21 hours in total, with over 29,000 feet of ascension.
Edric said: “I’m doing this to raise money to buy a defibrillator for Wells Town Hall and to fund the cabinet which houses the defibrillator that was recently installed at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn in Priddy. That defibrillator was donated to the community by Octavius, the road builders who worked on the Miner’s Arms Crossroads improvements.
“The defibrillator for the Town It’s
Hall will be donated in memory of my Mendip Hills Council colleague and former Mayor of Wells, Tony Robbins, who passed away in February this year.”
“I passionately believe that defibrillators should be available to everyone, and that they should be kept in unlocked cabinets – after all, lifebelts and fire extinguishers are not kept under lock and key. The time taken to get the code, which is in
excess of four minutes, could be the difference between life and death.”
There will be defibrillator training on the 20th June at The Hunters’ Lodge Inn at Priddy. These are drop-in sessions from 12pm – 2pm.
To support Edric on this amazing feat, go to his Just Giving page at www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/edrichobbs-1
Cyclists head to Wells to raise awareness of the Somerset Circle
ON 18TH April, some 25 cyclists gathered on Wells Cathedral Green while exploring the Somerset Circle cycle route.
The route links Bath to Wells via Midsommer Norton and Shepton Mallet before heading on to Cheddar, Clevedon and Bristol and then back to Bath.
The 88-mile route would be entirely off-road or on quiet lanes but for some key missing sections
which have not yet been made available for cycle paths.
The aim of the ride, organised by The Strawberry Line and its associated engineering charity Greenways and Cycleroutes, was to highlight these missing sections. It’s hoped this will build public and political support to help acquire the missing sections through negotiations with land owners.
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Ear wax removal using irrigation and micro suction procedures. Sherri is a qualified nurse with over 10 years experience.
Greenways and Cycleroutes was recently awarded £730,000 by Somerset Council to complete further sections of the Somerset Circle. The biggest impediment to finally completing the route remains arranging land leases.
To find out more about the Somerset Circle, go to www. thestrawberryline.org. uk/ and www.greenways andcycleroutes.org
Clinics in Wells and Paulton. Home visits can also be arranged.
The defibrillator on The Hunters’ Lodge Inn – hopefully soon in a cabinet
A busy and varied month for Wells’ MP
Thoughts of Wells and Mendip Hills MP
Tessa Munt
HELLO EVERYONE. In April, I held my 200th surgery since July 2024. I’m always happy to listen to you, wherever you catch me! I look forward to the next 200!
Just before the Easter holidays, I had a fab visit to the Blue School, spending time with the Diversity Panel and Politics A-Level students, who all asked loads of interesting and insightful questions.
Locally, I met residents and officials about informal ‘festivals’ on private land, an officer from the Woodland Trust, and the Rivers Trust about sewage spills and water quality in my patch. I also met some of the Somerset Council team who clear fly tipping, and thanked them for their swift responses.
In Westminster, I met a Treasury Minister to discuss
providing Basic Financial Advice for consumers, Health officials about what’s available for those with ME, Ofsted’s Regional Director to discuss education and care, and attended an InterGovernmental Round Table on Frozen Pensions.
I also raised my concerns with the Government over the potential problems with prisoners being returned to their country of birth. This was brought to my attention by the family of Sarah Ashwell, whom many will remember was murdered in Wells in 2021. I accompanied members of Sarah’s family to meet Jake Richards MP, the Sentencing Minister, who agreed to look into the particulars of the case. I await his full response. It is vital that victims – including family members – are listened to, and I will continue to push for this.
In Parliament I led a short debate on regulating the description of marmalade.
Headlines about ‘rebranding’ marmalade post-Brexit led to confusion about what is, and what is not, ‘marmalade’. Bristol University analysed marmalade in the 1920s and determined it comprised only citrus fruits. I’m pushing Government to recognise the importance of ingredients used and set standards for this, one of our most successful exports.
I’ve been working for some time with a constituent to persuade the Prime Minister to meet the families of those who died in the 1994 Mull of Kintyre Chinook helicopter crash. The opportunity arose to press the PM on this during Prime Minister’s Questions, and I’m pleased he gave his assurance he’d meet with the group. I continue to keep a close eye on this situation as, 32 years later, it’s as important as ever that the families know why their loved ones were put on an aircraft deemed “positively dangerous”, “unairworthy” and “not to be relied on in any way whatsoever” by military experts at the time, and that the lessons from this terrible accident will be learned by the services and agencies involved.
I’m holding two events for constituents in June:
On Monday, 22nd June from 7pm to 8pm I’ll be joined by members of IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) for an online discussion about the
future of SEND provision.
Then, on Monday, 29th June I’ll be holding a Parliamentary Insight Day in Westminster for young adults aged 18-23 who are interested in a career in Politics. You’ll have a tour of Parliament, spend time with my team, watch proceedings in the Chamber and learn how Parliament works.
If you are interested in either event, please contact me and I will send you further information.
My next local surgeries are listed below, but please visit my website or contact me for the full list.
n Friday, 5th June from 8am to 9am at The Mendip Pantry, Chewton Mendip.
n Friday, 5th June from 8pm to 9pm at The Pub Night, Village Hall, Dinder.
n Saturday, 6th June from 8.30am to 10am at Coffee#1, Wells.
n Friday, 12th June from 8am to 9am at Edelweiss Café, Cheddar. n Saturday, 13th June from 11.30am to 12.30am at The Hive Craft Café, Shepton Mallet. No appointment is necessary – it’s first come, first served. If you can’t come to meet me, I’ll come to see you.
As we enjoy the move from spring to summer, I look forward to joining you at forthcoming fetes, fairs and festivities. If you see me, feel free to come over and say hello! Thank you.
Here’s to the next 200 surgeries. The latest ones for June are listed below
n HOME AND GARDEN
Bishop’s Palace Fete returns for summer fun
The Bishop’s Palace is once again hosting its hugely popular Garden Fete on Saturday, 6th June, complete with entertainment, music and activities for all ages.
Set within the Palace’s 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens, the fete promises a relaxed and joyful summer day out in the heart of Wells, with visitors invited to enjoy everything from artisan market stalls and live music to family activities, garden-inspired entertainment, delicious food and drink and the ever-popular petting farm and dog show. There is also a Craft and Produce competition with classes for both adults and children to enter, in partnership with the Wells Tuesday WI group.
Activities and entertainment will take place throughout the day, and visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs to take part in the dog show – including the have-a-go agility course. The
petting farm, in partnership with Puxton Park, is always a popular spot where miniature ponies, guinea pigs, giant rabbits and (weather permitting) reptiles will be waiting to greet visitors.
Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Palace Trust, said: “We’re delighted to bring the Garden Fete back to The Bishop’s
Palace for what promises to be a fantastic summer day out.
“There’s something wonderfully joyful about a traditional fete and, set against the backdrop of the Palace gardens, it becomes a really special experience for families, friends and visitors of all ages.
“As a registered charity, events
like this also help support the ongoing conservation and care of this extraordinary historic place for future generations to enjoy.”
The Garden Fete takes place on Saturday, 6th June, and advance tickets are recommended and available via the Palace website at www. bishopspalace.org.uk
The Bishop’s Palace is a stunning backdrop to this garden fete
The Puxton Park petting farm
the year to visit the stunning Stoberry Garden
Stoberry is Garden of the Month
Stoberry Garden, which is part of the Stoberry Park estate, has been picked as the NGS (National Garden Scheme) Garden of the Month for June.
On specific days, the chosen garden will fundraise for charity. For the NGS, that will be on 13th and 14th June between 12pm and 4.30pm.
Stoberry Garden is a five-acre family garden with stunning views across Wells. It is planted
sympathetically within its landscape, providing beautiful combinations of vistas accented with wildlife ponds, sculptures and water features.
Stoberry is hosting a sculpture exhibition in September and October which will have over 100 sculptures and works of art on the estate.
For more information on the gardens, go to www. stoberryparkgarden.co.uk
Notes from a wildlife garden
I have a small orchard. Well, actually it’s two pear trees and a fig tree gifted to me by a neighbour, but an orchard it is, and I claim the word without apology.
This year I have the most beautiful fruitlets. Teenage pears, I call them – that awkward stage between blossom and something you might actually eat. I have become inordinately excited by the prospect of growing my own pears, so much so that each morning I visit my trees and wish them good morning. I touch their leaves the way a mother might gently nurture a small child. And most mornings, if I’m honest, I lean in and kiss them. I tell them they are loved. I fully expect a bumper crop.
The fig receives the same devotion, though I confess with slightly less consistency. The fig is more self-possessed somehow, more assured of its own survival. The pears feel younger, needier, more responsive to encouragement. Or perhaps that’s just me.
At this time of year the garden barely gives me room to breathe. The raspberries are climbing. The strawberries are sprawling with characteristic ambition. The gooseberries are quietly swelling, doing what gooseberries do –getting on with it, without any fuss or reassurance from me. The apples are steady. The medlar, that most patient and peculiar of trees, simply
stands and waits, as it always does, knowing that its moment comes last of all.
And so I move through the garden each morning like a woman doing her rounds – checking, coaxing, sometimes just standing still and watching. There is so much life here that it’s genuinely difficult to know where my focus should be. Everything calls for me at once.
But the pears get the kiss. Every morning, without fail. Some things deserve that level of devotion.
This month I am reading Living on Exmoor by Hope Bourne. A book full of weather, solitude, observation and a deep affection for the land. It’s the sort of writing best read slowly, perhaps with muddy boots by the door and something growing quietly outside...
Sharon Brien
June is the perfect time of
Teenage pears
City will swing again to the sounds of the Blues
By Philip Welch
A NEW free music festival for Wells, which launched with huge success last year, is returning in September with 40 bands confirmed to perform over three days.
During the last weekend in September (25th27th), the Wells Jazz & Blues Festival will once again transform four local venues into vibrant hubs of music: The White Hart, The Swan Hotel, Blossom’s, and The Rose & Crown.
in the host venues with details of who is playing and when, so audiences can save the dates.
There are no tickets to buy as all performances are free at the point of entry.
Festival founder
Niamh McGrogan of Wells said: “This is a key part of the festival ethos but not without its challenges.
With returning bands such as Ruby Jazz, Julie Dunn and Milly Riquelme being joined by newcomers Ma Polaine’s Great Declineand Ruby and the Fandjangos, the organisers promise something for every taste. The schedule is being finalised and posters will start to appear
“We want to make live music available to everyone, even if personal circumstances mean that money is tight. It’s an integral value of the festival but it means we have to raise more than £10,000 in other ways to make it happen.
“Two other organisers, Peter Thompson and Jenny Jeffreys, are fundraising with me to secure the money needed. With just over £4,000 raised so far and funding applications in to grant organisers, we are now asking
new originals
for the community to look out for and join the fundraising events as they come up. These will include music events, swing jive dancing and a fashion show supported by a local clothing shop.”
Supporters of the event can also contribute via the Festival Go Fund Me page www.
gofund.me/ebc3957f, and the team are always looking out for regular sponsorship from local individuals and/or businesses who want to keep live music thriving and available to everyone in the community. The team can be reached at info@ wellsjazzandblues.com.
Sons of the Delta will perform at this year’s Jazz and Blues Festival. Formed by two of the top bluesmen in the South West, Mark Cole and Rick Edwards, they play a no-nonsense blend of electric and acoustic blues – traditional plus
wellsvoice
n LETTERS
Somerset children need volunteers
THIS Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June), I want to pay tribute to the people in Somerset who are quietly changing children’s lives.
Across Somerset, 15,071 children are eligible for free school meals, a stark reminder that for many families here, getting by is a daily struggle.
Nationally, 4.5 million children are living in poverty – going to school hungry, wearing worn-out uniforms, unable to join in with friends. Somerset volunteers for The Children’s Society are helping us reach those children, through befriending, community events, charity shops and speaking up as local ambassadors.
To every volunteer in Somerset, thank you. Your time and commitment make our work possible. But we need more people to step forward. Whether
you can spare a few hours in one of our shops, support a young person directly, or use your voice as a speaker or ambassador, every contribution matters.
To find out how to get involved, visit www.childrens society.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 303 7000. Mark Russell OBE
Chief Executive
The Children’s Society
Can you spare an hour for the RNIB?
HERE at The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), we’re gearing up for our biggest volunteering opportunities of the year so far.
This June, we’re asking people to take just an hour to help make a difference for blind and partially sighted people in their local areas. Reading and books are crucial to children with vision
impairment, and blind and partially sighted adults. Books in accessible formats like audio and large print help to open doors to the imagination which would otherwise remain hidden.
As RNIB’s Library Services Manager, I am writing to encourage you to take part by visiting your local library between 1st – 14th June to check what books are available for blind and partially sighted readers.
It only takes a few minutes to ask the library staff and find out whether their library shelves include large print, braille or audiobooks.
We’d then love you to share what you find with us using our quick online form, or by calling our Library Team.
This simple action will help RNIB build a far clearer picture of accessible library services across the UK, and support our work to ensure everyone can enjoy reading in a format that works for them.
WCN welcomes its new Patron n NEWS
By Philip Welch
WELLS Community Network are delighted to announce that Annie Maw has become the Patron of our charity.
“I am absolutely thrilled. It is such an honour,” said Annie.
“And I welcome the opportunity to give back to the city of Wells for all she has done for me over the years.”
Annie has been involved in the voluntary sector for many years, and served as High Sheriff of Somerset in 2008-2009 and Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset from 2015 to 2022.
She trained as a nurse and has been married to Dickie, a retired surgeon, for 55 years. They have lived in Somerset since 1974 and have two sons and a daughter, all of whom are grown up, and seven grandchildren.
She has maintained a close involvement with many areas of voluntary work in the community despite being a wheelchair user following a horse-riding accident in 2002. These include the Friends of Wells Cathedral, where she was a voluntary guide for many years.
Last year she raised money for Ukraine and the Wells
Almshouses by steering her motorised scooter on old Pilgrimage paths from Bath Abbey to Wells Cathedral.
For WCN, she is fundraising with the Wells Welcome Hub for an ambulance to be filled with medical supplies which will be driven and donated to Ukraine this summer.
Annie is also a Vice-President of the Somerset Community Foundation and serves as a trustee of CHARIS, a charity
I would be grateful if readers who would like to take part could complete our quick form online at www.tinyurl.com/7xh99ppz, or if you are unable to do so online, contact our Library Team by calling 0303 123 9999.
For this opportunity, RNIB is working alongside The Big Help Out – a UK-wide event which runs from 5th – 8th June and sees millions of volunteers turn out to help community causes.
The first two weeks of June also marks Hi-Vis Fortnight –an event organised by charities Share The Vision and RNIB. This celebrates library services for blind and partially sighted people, and highlights the importance of books in accessible formats.
By taking a little time to support us, you will be helping improve access to vital reading resources for blind and partially sighted people across the country.
Lara Marshall Library Services Manager RNIB
Quiz raises valuable funds
A QUIZ to raise money to buy an ambulance, fill it with medical supplies and drive it to Ukraine gathered £900. The vehicle will be donated as well as its much-needed contents.
The photo above shows the organiser Martyn Starnes with Ukrainian helpers from WCN outside the quiz venue – the George at Croscombe.
which cares for families who have been displaced by armed conflict, and works with the Royal Bath and West of England Society as a Council member and a VicePresident.
“Securing Annie as our Patron was a real coup,” said Paul James, Chair of WCN’s Board of Trustees. “Having such a dedicated, community-minded and well-respected advocate will be an enormous help in raising awareness of the important work
Martyn said: “I’d be very grateful for contributions towards buying the secondhand ambulance at my JustGiving account below.” www.justgiving.com/page/ martyn-starnes-4
of our charity. We are absolutely thrilled that she has accepted the position and look forward to working with her as we develop our ambitious plans for the future.”
Annie Maw pictured by The Bishop’s Eye recently
n NEWS
Christmas classic picked for theatre festival show
WELLS Theatre Festival’s event for 2026 will take place at Christmas this year with a new production of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol by local writer, Richard Crowe.
The Festival’s artistic director, Ros Johnson, is looking for local actors, adults and children, as well as those keen to support backstage, to take part in this Wells Theatre Festival community group production.
This is a great opportunity for local actors of all levels of experience to work with a professional creative team, and to be part of a group which has been producing events since 2018.
The show will be performed in the Bishop’s Barn over six nights in December.
Auditions will take place at
The White Hart, Sadler Street on Sunday, 14th June from 2pm – 5pm, with rehearsals starting in October.
Ros Johnson said: “The Wells Theatre Festival Community Group has become a really special thing. Over the years we have built a close network of friends and collaborators. We work hard and we have fun and socialise together throughout the year.
“We love to welcome new members to join us. There are great opportunities to explore your acting talent, and we also need support with costumes and backstage, so do get in touch to find out more about us.”
Those wishing to take part or find out more should email ros@ wellstheatrefestival.org for further details.
Miniaturist society returns for its 2026 exhibition
2026 International Exhibition
JULY 4TH – JULY 11TH
RUNNING FROM Saturday, 4th July to Saturday, 11th July, the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists are once again hosting their International Summer Exhibition in Wells Town Hall.
The society held its first event in Wells in May 1982, and it’s a fascinating opportunity to see the work that miniaturists do.
A miniaturist is an artist that focuses on small, highly detailed paintings. For hundreds of years, small portraits have been painted to enable them to be carried around in lockets, but now it’s developed into anything the artist is inspired to paint.
During the exhibition itself there will be daily demonstrations by the society’s artists and also a full-day painting workshop – which is the perfect opportunity to learn about the techniques of miniature art, have a go yourself and ask the artists plenty of questions. Places are limited on the Workshop so the society advises people to book early.
If you fancy trying your hand at miniature art before
then though, the society has introduced the Hilliard Postcard Competition to this year’s exhibition. Entry is free.
n The competition is open to young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years old.
n There are three categories in total – 5-10 years old, 11-15 years old and 16-18 years old.
n Every entry must be on a postcard-sized piece of paper or card (6” by 4”).
n Entries must be sent to: The Secretary, 52 Goodymoor Avenue, Wells BA5 2JJ by 30th June. Collections can be arranged in advance from local schools.
n Entries must clearly state the name and age of the artist, and a contact number or email for their guardian on the reverse.
n Please note – if you want to collect your entry after the exhibition, please indicate on the reverse.
n Each category’s winner will receive a £20 voucher for The Works and a certificate to commemorate their achievement.
Wells Community Theatre Group in rehearsal for a previous production
WHAT’S ON
BARD TO THE BONE: The Handlebards, the world’s first cycling theatre company, are bringing their critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It to the Robert Glanville Playing Field in Westbury-sub-Mendip on 20th June. Entry is completely free, but you will need a ticket from the Westbury-sub-Mendip Community Shop. Contact Sue Isherwood on 01749 870457 or sueisherwood@gmail.com for more information.
Home to host fundraising fete
FLETCHER House Residential Home, on Glastonbury Road, is hosting a Summer Fete on Saturday, 20th June between 2pm and 4pm.
The cash-only event will have all your British fete favourites, so expect plenty of homemade cakes and crafts stalls, a coconut shy, live music and a raffle.
The fete is being held to raise funds to enable staff to purchase a ‘Rainbow Table’, which has an interactive screen to enhance the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of individuals with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Additionally, staff are also hoping to raise enough to plan some days out for their residents.
The Preucil School String Orchestra
Interesting talk for astronomers
JOSH Dury, an award-winning landscape astrophotographer, will give a talk for the Wells & Mendip Astronomers group on 13th June at the Wells & Mendip Museum.
The talk, which is titled Land, Earth and Sky, will explore aspects of astroarchaeology through an evaluation of ancient stone circles as astronomical observatories.
The talk starts at 7.30pm, and you can find out more about Josh and his work on his website here: www.joshduryphotomedia.com
Setting up a vineyard in the UK
WINEMAKER Stephen Duckett will give a fascinating talk on the trials and tribulations of setting up a wine estate in England.
The talk will be held at Henton Village Hall on Friday, 12th June at 7pm.
Tickets cost £12.50 and are available via jennycrossley@ mbzonline.net or WhatsApp 07753 958836.
The University of Arkansas Children’s Choir
Two unmissable WOWFest Fringe concerts
THE WOWFest Wells Orchestral Weekend fringe events are hosting two free concerts on 20th June at 5pm in Wells Town Hall, and 22nd June at 1.05pm in Wells Cathedral.
Come and hear the Preucil School String Orchestra from
Iowa perform a variety of music by Elgar, Dvorak, Bach and Joplin on 20th June. This free concert is not to be missed! The wonderful University of Arkansas Children’s Choir will be performing a lunchtime concert on 22nd June at 1.05pm as part
of their UK tour. The concert is free – included with the cathedral entrance costs. They will be singing a variety of popular, traditional and spiritual songs including This Little Light of Mine, Lacrymosa, Scarborough Fair and Let it Be.
n WHAT’S ON
Event to plan new memorial
WELLS has a story that not everyone knows. The city’s historic buildings – including the Town Hall and the Cathedral –owe a debt to wealth generated by the transatlantic slave trade.
The Wells and Transatlantic Slavery Group has been researching and sharing this history for several years, and now the group is taking the next step with a permanent memorial to the enslaved people whose labour helped shape this city.
On Wednesday, 24th June, the group is hosting an evening Talk and Discussion at Wells Museum, starting at 6.30pm. There will be two talks – one on the history of transatlantic slavery and its local connections, and one exploring what a memorial might look like, followed by an open discussion and Q&A.
This is your chance to hear the story, ask questions, and help shape what Wells does next.
Tickets can be purchased on the door and cost £3.
A summer of music at St Cuthbert’s Church
ONCE again this year, there is plenty of music to enjoy at St Cuthbert’s Church over the summer months.
On 21st June, popular local chamber choir, the Swan Singers, return to St Cuthbert’s with a concert of Floral Choral items from the 16th to the 21st century based around the theme of flowers. The concert is at 3pm with tea and cake available. Tickets are £10 beforehand and £12 on the door.
After their triumphant performance of Magic Flute last summer, Opera in a Box are coming back to St Cuthbert’s on Sunday, 28th June with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. The performance starts at 3pm and there will be an interval bar serving summery Pimms. Tickets are available through www.trybooking. com/uk/FWZY.
The following Sunday, 5th July, there is a very contrasting concert. One of America’s leading performers on early keyboard instruments, Gwendolyn Toth, will play the Tudor Wingfield organ. This is another afternoon concert with tea.
There are two more concerts in July – one on Saturday 11th July as part of WOWFest and an Evening with the Divas with Angie
Lang on Saturday 25th July.
You can find out more and access links to ticket sales on the church website: www. achurchnearyou.com/ church/11052
Fundraiser for Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust
A FUNDRAISING concert for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust is to be performed in the Chapel of the Bishop’s Palace on Saturday, 14th June.
Songs of Creation is directed by Jeremy Martin and is sung by the Cantiamo choir. The centrepiece of the concert is the powerful In The Beginning by the American composer, Aaron Copland. Based on the seven days of the Genesis creation
story, it paints a musical picture of each day in a dialogue between the soprano soloist, Josephine Goddard, and the choir.
The concert also features other pieces themed around Genesis, including works by De Victoria, Dove, Ešenvalds, MacMillan, Whitacre, Ticheli, Gjeilo, Stanford, Rheinberger and Mealorand.
After the concert guests are invited to enjoy a drinks
reception in the Palace and Gardens.
All proceeds go to the charity, helping in its aim to ensure that talented children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to access the unique musical education and experience offered at Wells Cathedral as a Chorister.
Tickets are £20, with limited availability on the door. To book visit www.wcct.co.uk.
There’s a variety of musical treats coming to St Cuthbert’s this summer
The small festival with the big line up
The Godney Gathering is once again getting ready to take over Garslade Farm in Godney for two days of fantastic music featuring well-known bands and local talent.
The festival has been running since 2011, and over the years they’ve featured acts such as UB40, Scouting for Girls, The Blockheads, The Darkness, The Lightning Seeds and The Lottery Winners.
The 2026 line up of acts is arguably their best yet, with Reverend and the Makers, Dodgy, The Pigeon Detectives, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the undeniable talents of local legends, The Wurzels.
The festival has always been a champion for smaller, local bands, and their Glastonbury Calling stage is packed with a wide – and wonderfully diverse – range of artists from around the area.
The Godney Gathering Festival is a two-day event that runs from Friday, 17th July to Saturday, 18th July. There is camping available next to the festival site.
Although The Godney Gathering is a small festival, with a maximum capacity of 5,000 people, there’s still plenty to see and do. There is entertainment for the kids and also a silent disco running throughout both days.
As usual, there’s a range of stalls for food and drink, as well as the
all-important merch stand. Tickets range from just £41 for the Saturday only, to £51 for both days. Children are free but camping is extra.
For more information about the festival, this year’s line up and buy tickets, go to www. thegodneygathering.com
Reverend and the Makers
Fun Lovin’ Criminals
Dodgy
Wine tasting returns to Crown
THE Grape and the Good’s annual Summer Tasting is to be held on Thursday, 2nd July at the Crown. The event will feature four renowned wine importers who will have around a dozen wines each. There will also be a table of non-alcoholic aperitifs from the award-winning Drinks Kitchen.
The Crown supply excellent cheese and charcuterie, and all wines are available to order at discounted prices on the night.
Tickets for the event are £25 and the doors open at 6pm.
The Grape and the Good has held regular events since opening 10 years ago. It also does a Spring Tasting in Blossom’s.
For more information and to book your tickets, head to the Shop page on the Grape and the Good website (www. thegrapeandthegood.com), or pop into the physical shop on Broad Street.
Art exhibition at the cathedral
JESMARIE’S Painters, a local amateur arts group, are pleased to announce that their annual exhibition will again be held in the Cloisters of Wells Cathedral between 2nd – 13th June.
There will be a large display of work by a host of different artists, and it is a great opportunity for the artists to show off their work. All paintings are original, in a variety of media, and are offered at affordable prices.
New members to the group are always very welcome, so for more information on the group or the exhibition, contact their secretary, Sue Williams, by email to sue.willpower53@ talktalk.net
Wells dog show is bark for more
FOLLOWING on from the success of last year’s event, the team behind 2025’s charity dog show are doing it all again.
The show had over 200 visitors and raised over 1,500 for charity, and organisers are hoping for even more this year when the Wells Charity Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 14th of June at the same venue on Wellesley Lane in Dulcote – you can find the exact spot by using What3words: ///noted.sprinter.buffoon.
There will once again be a main show ring – classes include waggiest tail and best rescue dog, with rosettes and prizes, and a Best in Show Cup. There
will also be a dog agility arena, a ‘handy dog’ area, where dogs and their handlers are challenged by puzzles and obstacles, a scurry, and a dog enrichment trail to boost your pooch’s mental health. All profits this year will be going to Medical Detection Dogs and S.U.R.E. (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment).
The show field has no internet signal, so please bring cash. And if you would like to support the show, please contact the team via their Facebook page. Reservations for trade stand pitches will be available until 7th June.
Look up ‘Wells Charity Dog Show’ on Facebook for more info.
The annual Summer Tasting at the Crown is always a well-attended affair
n WHAT’S ON
n Exhibition: Finding Home 1st – 21st June
The Bishop’s Palace Somerset-based artist Natasha Lee presents a collection of original watercolour paintings.
n Exhibition: Botanical Sculptures
1st June – 12th September
The Bishop’s Palace Artist-blacksmith Jenny Pickford brings an extraordinary collection of large-scale floral sculptures to the historic gardens, creating a unique meeting point between contemporary art and the natural landscape.
n Exhibition: Jesmarie’s Painters 2nd June – 13th June
Wells Cathedral
An art exhibition by a group of talented and local amateur artists from around Wells.
See page 36 for more details
n Exhibition: Old Bakery Artists 15th June – 27th June
Wells Cathedral
The Old Bakery Artists are a group of individuals residing in the creative triangle between Bath, Frome and Wells.
n Exhibition: Martin
Bentham RWA – Paintings
30th May – 6th June
Wells & Mendip Museum
Monday 1st
n Trio Paradis Café Concert
St Thomas Church 11am
For more information about these free concerts, go to www.trioparadis.com
n Wells Ukulele Group Garden Party
The White Hart
From 7.15pm Singers also welcome. Email wellsukulelegroup@gmail.com for more info.
Tuesday 2nd
n Ancestry Group
Wells Library 2pm or 3pm
Interested in ancestry? We run a group on the first Tuesday of every month. Book a one-hour session at 2pm or 3pm. Email wlslib@
somerset.gov.uk to find out more or book your place.
n Ross Kirk’s Open Mic Night
The White Hart 8pm
Have a musical talent? Want to show it off? Come on down to the White Hart.
n ‘We Buy Vintage’ –Antique & Jewellery Roadshow
The Wells & Mendip Museum 10am – 2pm
Come along and convert your unwanted valuables, jewellery and antiques into same-day cash.
Thursday 4th
n Jazz Night – Two Guitars
The White Hart 8pm Featuring Richard Llewelyn.
n The Wells Ghost Walk
7pm – 8.30pm & 9pm – 10.30pm
Find out about the lesser-known aspects of Wells’ history, local folklore and unexplained activity. Full details and booking can be found at www.extours.co.uk.
Friday 5th
n Social Dance
Henton Village Hall
7pm – 9pm
£6 per head, with refreshments. Beginners welcome.
n Groove is at the Hart
The White Hart 8pm
n An Evening of Ancient History
The Wells & Mendip Museum 7pm – 9pm Ancient Mesopotamia, The Near East, The Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Persia, Indus Valley, China. Tickets available from: info@ ancientmesopotamiagifts.com
n Live Music: Jacobson Butler City Arms From 8pm
S aturday 6th
n The Bishop’s Palace Garden Fete
The Bishop’s Palace 9.30am – 5.30pm
See page 28 for more details
n Crafty Church
St Thomas Church 10am – 12pm
Crafty Church is for families with older toddlers. They serve a free breakfast at the back of the church at 10am and crafting begins at 10.30am.
n Live Music: Alex Sturman Trio Blossom’s 2.30pm – 3.30pm
n Garden Open Day and Plant Sale
The Wells & Mendip Museum 10am – 2pm
Experience this little-known medieval walled garden and its delights in the heart of Wells. Refreshments available. Free entry to garden only.
Sunday 7th
n Mendip Brass Band
Wells Bandstand 2pm – 4pm
Mendip Brass Band are playing in the park from 2pm to 4pm. Come and relax and enjoy the music.
n Bingo Night Sadlers Restaurant 5pm
Eyes down at 6pm prompt. Booking advised at booking@ sadlersrestaurant.co.uk.
Monday 8th
n Community Employment Hub Wells Library 10.30am – 12.30pm
This is a free employment support service giving guidance on opportunities for learning, training and work. The friendly team will be in the library on the following dates: Monday 8th and 22nd June
between 10.30am – 12.30pm for drop ins.
Tuesday 9th
n Weekday Book Discussion Group Blossom’s 2pm
Lively discussion and interesting conversation.
Wednesday 10th
n Wells Board Game Group Wetherspoons 7pm – 9.30pm
Thursday 11th
n Jazz Night –The Andy Christie Trio The White Hart 8pm
A fantastic local Jazz trio, featuring piano, double bass and drums.
n Lunchtime Organ Recital –Woosug Kang
Wells Cathedral 1.05pm – 1.45pm Hear masterpieces for the organ from across the ages on Thursdays throughout the year at 1.05pm, in the Quire of Wells Cathedral.
n Jess Gillam Trio Cedars Hall 7pm – 9.30pm
This trio of talented performers weave a programme of fantastic lesser-known repertoire with fresh takes on some firm favourites.
n Open Mic
The Globe Inn 7.30pm
All types of performance are welcome. Reserve your slot on 07506 876534.
Friday 12th
n Writing for Wellbeing
The Bishop’s Palace Six-week course. Discover your creativity and reconnect with nature in this relaxed and supportive six-week writing course, set in the Bishop’s Palace Community Garden.
n Live Music: Patrick Blooming City Arms From 8pm
Continued on page 38
n WHAT’S ON
Saturday 13th
n Switch Club
Wells Library 11am
For children aged seven and over. Booking is essential – email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to guarantee your place.
n Live Music:
Alex Sturman Trio Blossom’s
2.30pm – 3.30pm
n Indoor Market
Wells Town Hall
9am – 3pm
For more information, email reception@wells.gov.uk or call 01749 673091.
n Craft and Gift Fair
Seager Hall
For all enquiries, call 07513 998142 or email midsomercraftfairs@ gmail.com
n Wells SOUP!
Wells Cathedral 1pm – 3pm
A relaxed community lunch where you can enjoy good food and support local causes.
See page 26 for more details
n Weekend Reading Group Blossom’s 2pm
Quiet reading and/or an opportunity to chat about books.
n World Cup Saturday BBQ Garden Party
The White Hart 3pm – 8pm Party from 3pm and Indi Perry live from 6pm.
n GWS Radio Open Day
Glastonbury 9am – 6pm
See page 36 for more details
n Monthly Talk – Land, Earth and Sky
Wells & Mendip Museum
7.30pm – 9pm
See page 33 for more details
Sunday 14th
n Charity Dog Show
Wellesley Lane
10am – 4pm
n Live Music: Songs of Creation
The Bishop’s Palace
6pm
See page 34 for more details
n Oxfam Quiz Night
Tramways
7.30pm
Teams of up to six, £5 per team member. Booking essential. Phone Terry on 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail. com
Monday 15th
n Sounds Joyful
Community Sing
Wells Cathedral
10.45am – 11.45am
Engaging and uplifting sound and music sessions for all ages and abilities.
n Lunchtime Concert –
Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral
1.05pm – 1.50pm
Join Students from Wells Cathedral School for a lunchtime concert in the Nave of Wells Cathedral.
n Wells Ukulele Group
The White Hart From 7.15pm Singers also welcome. Email wellsukulelegroup@gmail.com for more info.
Tuesday 16th
n Quiz Night
Crossways Inn, North Wootton
7pm
Tickets available on the door. Contact Alison for more information on 07952 041477.
n Ross Kirk’s Open Mic Night
The White Hart
8pm
Have a musical talent? Want to show it off? Come on down to the White Hart.
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
Thursday 18th
n Jazz Night –Newton’s Toad
The White Hart
8pm
Jazz with a continental feel. Some Bossa Nova and some Tango, too.
Friday 19th
n Pink Floyd by Candlelight
Wells Cathedral
7.30pm – 9.30pm
This candlelit concert features some of the band’s greatest hits, including Another Brick in the Wall, Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here, Us and Them, Shine On You Crazy Diamonds.
n Watercolour Birds Workshop
The Bishop’s Palace 10.30am – 3.30pm This colouring pencils workshop is set in the vaulted Undercroft at The Bishop’s Palace.
n Farmasi with Amber Blossom’s 11am
n Live Music: Holly Gray City Arms From 8pm
Saturday 20th
n Lego Club
Wells Library 11am
For children aged five and over. Come and see what you can make! Booking essential – email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk.
n The HandleBards Present Shakespeare’s As You Like It Westbury-sub-Mendip
See page 33 for more details
n Dinder Village Open Gardens
Dinder
2pm – 5pm
See page 34 for more details
n Summer Fair
Fletcher House Residential Home 2pm – 4pm
See page 33 for more details
n History Alive – Knights’ Tournament
The Bishop’s Palace 9.30am – 5.30pm
n Preucil School String
Orchestra
Wells Town Hall 5pm
See page 33 for more details
n Motown by Candlelight Wells Cathedral 7.30pm – 9.30pm Featuring a cast of professional singers and a live band, serving up the biggest and best Motown hits.
n Live Music: Alex Sturman Trio Blossom’s 2.30pm – 3.30pm
n World Cup Saturday BBQ Garden Party
The White Hart 3pm – 8pm Party from 3pm and Gia live from 6pm.
Sunday 21st
n Floral Choral
St Cuthbert’s Church 3pm – 4pm
See page 34 for more details
n Father’s Day –Ploughman’s Party Blossom’s 12pm – 3pm
Monday 22nd
n Community Employment Hub
Wells Library 10.30am – 12.30pm This is a free employment support service giving guidance on opportunities for learning, training and work. The friendly team will be in the library on the following dates: Monday 8th and 22nd June between 10.30am – 12.30pm for drop ins.
n Act to Adapt Gathering
Wells Town Hall 7pm – 8.30pm Dr. Bel Deering from Somerset Rivers Authority will talk about making a household plan for flooding and other emergencies. Refreshments available. Email sustwells@gmail.com for more information.
n University of Arkansas Children’s Choir
Wells Cathedral 1.05pm
A great family day out. Come along to enjoy fun activities, food, craft stalls and ‘have a go’ agility. See page 36 for more details
Wells Cathedral From page 37
Location Wells Town Hall. Small, mixed ability classes. To apply, contact Sally at: zest2zen@gmail.com
Join the Knights of the Warwick Warriors and feel the thrill of medieval combat as armoured fighters clash in a spectacular Knights’ Tournament.
See page 33 for more details
n Sounds Joyful Community Sing
June 2026
n WHAT’S ON
10am – 11am
Engaging and uplifting sound and music sessions for all ages and abilities.
Wednesday 24th
n Indoor Market
Wells Town Hall
9am – 3pm
For more information, email reception@wells.gov.uk or call 01749 673091.
n Wells and Transatlantic Slavery Group Talk
Wells & Mendip Museum
6.30pm
See page 34 for more details
n Make and Mend Globe Inn
6.30pm – 9pm
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.
n Wells Board Game Group Wetherspoons 7pm – 9.30pm
n The Wells Ghost Walk
7pm – 8.30pm & 9pm – 10.30pm
Find out about the lesser-known aspects of Wells’ history, local folklore and unexplained activity. Full details and booking can be found at www.extours.co.uk
Thursday 25th
n Jazz Night – Jazz Vibes
The White Hart
8pm
A duo made up of a vibraphone player and a guitarist.
n Outdoor Theatre: Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
The Bishop’s Palace
6.30pm
The Pantaloons bring their riotous new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles to The Bishop’s Palace.
n Open Mic
The Globe Inn
7.30pm All types of performance are welcome. Reserve your slot on 07506 876534.
n The Wells Ghost Walk 7pm – 8.30pm & 9pm – 10.30pm
Find out about the lesser-known aspects of Wells’ history, local folklore and unexplained activity. Full details and booking can be found at www.extours.co.uk
Friday 26th
n Quiz Night
Wells Golf Club
7pm
Non-members welcome. Teams of six and £3 per person. Reserve your table at least a week before on 01749 675005.
n Wells Solo Travellers Club Blossom’s 2.30pm
Contact Amanda on 07551 958663 or join their Facebook group.
n Live Music: Ally Rach City Arms From 8pm
Saturday 27th
n Repair Saturday
Wells Library
10am – 12.30pm
Repairers will be in the library on Saturday 27th June 10am –12.30pm to mend your broken items. There is no need to book just come along with your item. Any queries please email wlslib@ somerset.gov.uk. Repair Saturday with volunteer repairers from Wells Repair Café.
n Wells Cathedral School
Jazz Picnic Cedars Hall
1pm – 4pm
An annual treat of alfresco jazz with the Wells Cathedral School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos and Jazz Orchestra.
n Opera Scenes
Cedars Hall
7pm – 10pm
Wells Cathedral School’s annual opera project, presenting a vibrant programme of staged scenes from across the operatic repertoire.
n Spanish Wine Tasting
Wells & Mendip Museum
7pm – 10pm
You are invited to a tasting of Spanish wines and tapas curated by The Giggling Grape. To book or for more information, call 01749 673477 or email admin@ wellsmuseum.org.uk
n Vinyl Daze Record Fair Seager Hall 10am – 3pm Admission £1.
n ‘Peggy Bag’ workshop
Needle Nook 10am – 3pm 38H Market Street. Phone 01749 681380 or email contact@ needlenook.co.uk for booking or more information.
n World Cup Saturday BBQ
Garden Party
The White Hart 3pm – 8pm Party from 3pm and Patrick Blooming live.
n Charity Golf Day Mendip Golf Club
A day of golf for both members and visitors to raise money for the Gympanzees charity.
Sunday 28th
n Freecycle
Leisure Centre Car Park 10am – 12pm
Freecycle is back with a new time and venue! 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 thrown away. Email sustwells@gmail.com for more information.
n Veteran’s Breakfast Quickshifter Coffee From 11am
An opportunity for veterans to pull up a sandbag and chat to other veterans over coffee and a bacon bap. On the last Sunday of the month.
n Opera in a Box – The Pirates of Penzance
St Cuthbert’s Church 3pm
See page 34 for more details
Monday 29th
n Wells Ukulele Group
The White Hart
From 7.15pm
Singers also welcome. Email wellsukulelegroup@gmail.com for more info.
Tuesday 30th
n Ross Kirk’s Open Mic Night
The White Hart
8pm
Have a musical talent? Want to show it off? Come on down to the White Hart.
Regular events
n Wells Community Network Café
Portway Annexe
Every Tuesday
10.30am – 12pm
Pop into this weekly café for a cuppa, a chat and friendly support.
n Wells Good
Afternoon Choir
St Thomas Church
Every Tuesday 2pm – 4pm
Everyone is welcome to come along and have fun. You can find out more at www. goodafternoonchoir.org.
n Music for Wellbeing Seager Hall
Every Wednesday 11.15am – 12.45pm
A welcoming community music group where people come together to sing, play, listen and enjoy music. Open to everyone.
n Heritage Walk
The Crown
Every Wednesday 11am
Learn the history of Wells in a tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
n Tech Help
Wells Library
Every Wednesday 10.30am and 11.30am
Do you, or someone you know, need help with your mobile phone, tablet or iPad? Book a place with one of our volunteers and we will try and help you with any general tech queries you may have. One-hour sessions are
Continued on page 40
n WHAT’S ON
From page 39
available on Wednesdays at 10.30am and 11.30am. Email wlslib@somerset.gov.uk to book your place.
n South Horrington
Walking Group
South Horrington Cricket Club
Every Wednesday
From 6.30pm
A walking group for evening walks around South Horrington village and the surrounding area. Meet at the benches at the South Horrington Cricket Club at 6.30pm.
n Djembe Tots
Dinder Village Hall
Every Wednesday 10am – toddlers/pre-schoolers 11am – babies
Music sessions for little ones with a world music flavour. For more information, go to www. djembetots.com
n Knit & Craft
Wells Library
Every Thursday (not third Thursday) 2pm – 4pm
n Irish Set Dancing
Dinder Village Hall
Every Thursday
8pm
£3, including refreshments.
n Mendip Watercolour Art
Dinder Village Hall
Every Thursday
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Email John Hunt on watercolour hunt@gmail.com for more information.
n Coxley Community Café
Christ Church, Coxley
Every Thursday 2.30pm – 4pm
Free drinks and a place to chat.
n Stories & Rhymes
Wells Library
Every Friday 10.30am – 11.15am
n NHS Health Checks
Wells Library
Every Friday 10am – 4pm
If you are aged between 40 and 74 and haven’t had a free NHS Health
Check in the last five years, you’re entitled to one now. Book your appointment at www.shorturl.at/tgabo
n Mendip Community Credit Union
Wells Library
Every Saturday 10am – 11am
n Quiz at the Crown
The Crown
Every Sunday 7.30pm £2.50 per person to play.
n Portway Annexe
From toddler groups to ballet classes – and pretty much everything in between – there are over 50 events held at the Portway Annexe every month.
The full list is on the Annexe’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/PortwayAnnexe, or you can call 01749 673091 or email PABookings@wells.gov.uk for more information.
n Wells Town Hall
The Town Hall hosts also hosts over
50 events each week. These are mostly exercise classes, but there are also baby/toddler groups as well.
To view all the events available at the Town Hall, head to the official Wells City Council website at www.wells.gov.uk, then go to ‘News & Events’ then ‘Local Clubs/Groups’.
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
COXLEY & DISTRICT WI
We met at Coxley Memorial Hall for our May AGM meeting, and it was agreed that the past year had been varied and interesting. Recently, members delivered 60 oncology heart cushions and blankets to the RUH in Bath.
This month the walking group enjoyed coffee at Browne’s Garden Centre after a local walk across the Keward fields footpath.
The book club read Sandi Toksvig’s Friends of Dorothy and then met to discuss it.
A visit to the American museum in Bath was thoroughly enjoyed by our ladies this month, and an evening walk around Wells is planned for June.
The third round of the WI county skittles tournament will be against Taunton Divas and will take place in Glastonbury.
Final arrangements were made this month for the forthcoming WI Jumble Sale.
Pat S then related to our members a very humorous account of her latest adventures, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
We meet again on 2nd June at Coxley Memorial Hall at 7pm. Visitors are most welcome.
MENDIP FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP
It was pleasing to welcome Paul, a new member. The AGM was well attended and very positive. Unfortunately with rising running costs we made a loss this year but all members were supportive of raising suggested donations to £5 a meeting, which includes refreshments. We look forward to running a Christmas craft stall
which always boosts funds. Tanya was thanked for all her hard work in keeping the group going.
June’s meeting will host a speaker who will inspire us with the life of Westley in Wells.
For more information about our group – that also covers Long Covid and anyone with constant pain – contact Tanya Flagg on tanya@mendipfmsg.org
WELLS MONDAY WI
A wonderful morning was enjoyed by everyone who visited the award-winning, third-generation family cheese producer, White Lake Cheese. We toured the factory, sampled several of their 30-plus varieties and then took a scenic walk through meadow and fields to their farm, where we were greeted by over 600 goats!
Our Environment group undertook a guided 4.9km walk of Westhay Nature Reserve through hides and lakes in beautiful weather. They were treated to marsh harriers, canada geese taking their kids out for a waddle, coots behaving badly, roe deer leaping across the newly created peat beds and a very first sighting of a rare chaser dragonfly.
The human body was April’s theme for the Art for Pleasure group.
It was a month for visits to the theatre, and several of us went to Strode theatre to see a local production of Calendar Girls – we were laughing and crying at the same time.
We were also treated to an excellent performance of Guys & Dolls at the Little Theatre.
Please contact wellsmonday wi@gmail.com for more information should you like to join our friendly group.
WELLS ROTARY CLUB
Wells Rotarians recently tried their hand at bell ringing in the parish church at Westbury-sub-Mendip, visited the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis to hear how the racing gigs are made, and listened to a variety of interesting speakers at our regular meals in the Crown Hotel. We have also welcomed several new members to the Club, listened to a jazz band while enjoying tea and cake at a summer garden party and raised money for polio eradication throughout the world.
In addition to preparing for and organising the Festival of Running, planning a new picnic area which we aim to build next to the Strawberry Line at Dulcote, and various other new and ongoing projects, we are this month taking 176 disadvantaged children, their teachers and support staff to Longleat for the day, paid for by the Wells and Shepton Mallet Rotary Clubs.
One of our recent speakers at the club was Jon Davis, Chair of Governors at Ashcott village school. After hearing about the pressures being faced by the school, we decided to help, and recently presented a cheque for £500 to the school to help towards the cost of building a new sensory hub, to provide a calm space for children as they start their school day.
ST. THOMAS WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Our speaker for May took us on a round-the-world trip by yacht with her husband. A very brave and adventurous couple, they sold everything – including their house – and bought a 55-foot yacht, which they purchased in America. They had it kitted out with fridge, freezer and a washer/dryer, as well as up-to-date navigational equipment.
They took classes on sailing, navigation and weather to be expected, packed in plenty of provisions and set sail from the Caribbean, heading for the Panama Canal and into the Pacific Ocean.
They then crossed to Polynesian and rounded the north of Australia – experiencing a terrible storm in the Pacific that lasted two days.
From there they went through the Indian Ocean into the Red Sea and via the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean, stopping off in
Greece, then into the Atlantic and back to the Caribbean.
It was an adventurous trip, stopping off on the way to visit some unusual and remote places. They had the holiday of a lifetime.
We were all mesmerised and had many questions about such a fabulous journey, which we were so lucky to hear about. We thank our speaker for a memorable evening.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 3rd June at 7pm in St. Thomas Church Hall, when our secretary will be sharing ‘Remember Highway, Harry Secombe’ with us all. We welcome new members who would like to join us for a happy and friendly evening.
Pat Dyer
TUESDAY WI
May is our AGM and a traditional time to say thank you to all our lovely ladies.
In my President’s report I thanked the 20 or so ladies who run our 30-odd sub-groups and our fabulous committee, who were speedily re-elected before any of them could escape! It’s also a time of reflection and an opportunity to see what we have added – a new swimming group, social pickleball and board games sub-groups.
The popularity of certain activities meant adding an extra knit and natter, another reading group, and a second stitch and chatter group.
We discovered that Blooming Fun has visited over 50 different gardens since its introduction, and luckily we discover that we just like spending time together having a giggle. Just as well really, as our very expensive speaker cancelled at the last minute and we ended up playing Play Your Cards Right’.
As ever, we have been busy here and there with various trips. I eventually made it to the American Museum having previously failed to join various outings there. Some of our ladies love quiltmaking so that added an extra dimension (and expertise) to the garden tour.
We enjoyed Calendar Girls at Strode Theatre and reflected on the bond of sisterhood that allows us to celebrate, support and commiserate with each other.
We’ve no walking netball in the summer months as the Sports hall is used for exams, so you can find
Coxley & District WI
n AROUND THE SOCIETIES
From page 41
us out and about on Wednesday evenings at the Recreation Ground so feel free to say hi!
We are currently focusing our energy on the Bishop’s Palace Garden Fete (6th June) where we are looking forward to being involved with all things competitive in the Craft and Produce competition. There are classes suitable for all, including children.
A carrot to entering is there is no fee to do so, and if you enter then your ticket for a lovely day out is half price. Definitely worth time spent baking or drawing or junk modelling – check out the Bishop’s Palace website for details.
WELLS U3A
The spring weather has given a boost to the u3a walking groups, and there have been wellsupported outings to Chewton Mendip and Mells in recent weeks, on dates that luckily avoided the many May showers. June walks will be at Pensford and Glastonbury Tor.
In September the u3a will be going much further afield, when its fourth annual holiday will take members to Cambridge and environs for four days, staying at the Bar Bridge Hotel in Cambridge, set in 200 acres of grounds.
The coach departs from Wells Bus Station, stopping off at Stow-on-the-Wold along the way. Outings during the stay will include a tour of Kings College, Cambridge, a chauffeured strawberries and cream punt through the college grounds, and a day in Bury St Edmunds, with a visit to Jacobean Anglesey Abbey.
The National Horse Racing Centre at Newmarket is the destination on Day 4, later moving on to Ely to explore the medieval city streets and visit the magnificent cathedral, known as the Ship of the Fens.
On the homeward journey there will be a stop-off at Hughenden Manor, the former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.
Back in Wells, the new u3a bowls group has got off to a good start, and meets on Thursday afternoons at the bowling green in the park, near the bandstand.
The monthly talks at Wells Museum continue to be well attended, and there will be a nautical theme on 10th June, when
Christopher Day, an experienced yachtsman, will reflect on the Viking way of life, and in particular how they sailed, set against his own extensive sea voyages.
If you’re at Wells Market on Saturday, 6th June, do look out for the u3a stand, which will be in the portico of the Town Hall all day. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in joining to meet some of our representatives and find out what the group has to offer.
With some 700 members in Wells, u3a gives interest and friendship for the retired and semiretired through its 50-plus groups.
Full details are on our website (www.wells.u3asite.uk), or pop in to the coffee mornings at the Portway Annexe from 10.30am to 11.30am every Thursday.
WELL & DISTRICT WILDLIFE GROUP
Our meeting in May was a visit to Ham Wall on a sunny, if cool evening. We were rewarded with booming bittern calls as well as good views of marsh harriers, great white egrets and hobby. Highlights were glossy ibis feeding on the main lagoon and the sighting of a barn owl as the group left the reserve at sunset in the thickening light.
On Monday, 8th June there is a visit to Park Wood which will be an afternoon stroll (2pm-4pm) with Barbra Lakin.
We will meet in Morrisons car park and stroll to Park Wood along the Dulcote Path. Note that free car parking in Morrisons car park is limited – although you can pay for additional time (check signage for current limitations).
Numbers are limited on this walk so booking is essential,
and payment of £5 per person is required in advance. For more details or to reserve a place, email bookings@wdwg.org.uk.
Secondly there will be a Bee Safari with bee expert Jean Vernon at Yeo Valley Organic Gardens on Thursday, 25th June between 12pm-2pm. Jean is an awardwinning writer and author of The Secret Lives of Garden Bees.
On this safari you will meet some of the garden’s fabulous bumblebees and solitary bees, and learn about the huge diversity of garden bees. Jean will show you the sorts of flowers that really make a difference, and help you understand how to garden to support all of our bees and other essential pollinators.
Numbers are restricted so booking is essential. The price is £8 per adult which is payable on booking. For more details or to reserve a place, email bookings@ wdwg.org.uk
This does not include the entry fee to the gardens themselves. Entry is currently £8 for adults, payable on the gate – RHS and Soil Association members are free. Why not make a day of it? Come early and enjoy the gardens and maybe have lunch in the restaurant before the safari.
Graham Allen
WELLS CIVIC SOCIETY
Bishop Michael Beasley agreed to follow tradition and to become President of the Wells Civic Society when he and his family moved to Wells in 2022. Introducing him at the recent meeting of the Society, Chair Chris Winter said that she was delighted that we were finally able to welcome him to speak to members.
Bishop Michael talked about the fairly unusual route that led him not only to the Palace in Wells but also to the slightly more prestigious Palace at the end of The Mall.
From a strong faith in his early years, alongside a successful academic career, Bishop Michael explained that he felt drawn both to science – specifically epidemiology – and theology, unable to decide which to follow, until a mentor suggested that he could do both.
His focus and passion was, and still is, primary health care, with which so much can flourish. His early research on health interventions in Tanzania indicated the improved life chances resulting from access to good nutrition and basic treatments. Then, following a theology degree at Durham, where he met his wife Lizzie, he was ordained. Working with the Church of England, the Gates Foundation, UNICEF and the World Bank, he was able to continue to combine his vocations for some years until his appointment in 2015 as Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans.
Coming to Wells has brought the family back to Lizzie’s home county of Somerset, where there are 561 churches within the Diocese of Bath and Wells. With this huge potential congregation, the Bishop pledged to focus on ‘unity’. The best bit, he said, was visiting the parishes, schools and communities.
It was a historical ‘accident’ in the year 973 that led to our very own Bishop standing at the side of King Charles on May 6th, 2023 at the coronation. But his largest live audience was a year later when he was invited to the Pyramid Stage by Michael Eavis!
The opportunity to take his place in the House of Lords later this year, Bishop Michael said, would give him a further opportunity to advocate for primary healthcare.
The next meeting of the Society will be the Summer Social – Strawberries and Fizz in the Museum Garden – on 10th June. For information, contact chris.f.winter@btinternet.com
WELLS FLORAL ART GROUP
This month, Somerset-based NAFAS Area Flower Demonstrator Lesley Hunt delighted club
Wells u3a
members with her vibrant, theatrical and storytelling approach to floral design.
Making her third visit to our club, Lesley was given a warm welcome by our chairman, Sylvia Ingham. Presenting her highenergy Summer Delights theme, Lesley shared her expertise in innovative floristry, creating five beautiful arrangements.
Lesley’s first arrangement, Walking and Gardening brought a wonderful sense of fun! Proving that inspiration can be found anywhere, Lesley used a yoghurt pot tucked inside a welly as her container. She incorporated structural sansevieria (commonly known as snake plant or mother-inlaw’s tongue), architectural spider fatzia foliage, alliums, gerberas, and striking white chincherinchees. These were complemented by pittosporum (tom thumb) and pink veronica. This ‘just gathered’ display set a cheerful tone for the demonstration.
The next arrangement transported the audience to a Countryside Walk and Picnic. Forgoing her Fortnum & Mason hamper, Lesley used a small, rustic charity shop find as her base. This choice lent a wonderfully authentic, organic charm to the design. Lesley used the new Oasis Renewal Floral foam and an abundance of seasonal plant material, including fatshedera, dried oats, white antirrhinums, astrantia, nigella (love-in-themist), bronze fennel, feverfew (tanacetum), and the delicate trailing stems of muehlenbeckia.
Following the picnic was a nostalgic tribute to Lesley’s favourite summer delight: camping! With an impressive 60 years in the Girl Guides, the theme was incredibly close to her heart. Lesley creatively styled the arrangement in a classic campstyle ‘stew pot’ tin! Her ‘stew’ being a beautiful arrangement of eucalyptus, alstroemeria, carnations, feverfew and white veronica, to be hung inside a home-made wigwam, constructed from hazel wood. To complete the scene, Lesley cleverly created a second arrangement on a bed of kindling wood, representing a glowing camp fire to cook her stew!
Turning our attention to the coast, the fourth arrangement focused on driftwood and shell seeking, evoking a vivid picture
of Lesley walking along the shoreline in flip flops! To disguise a vase, Lesley used two pieces of driftwood, screwed together and anchored by a fascinating piece of natural fungi at the base. Tall white agapanthus and stunning dark blue delphiniums perfectly captured the beauty of the British seaside.
The finale celebrated Lesley’s favourite summer delight: a beach Cocktail! For this showstopper, Lesley used a spectacular, tall cocktail glass! With foil wrapped foam, Lesley created a vibrant, eye-catching framework using eucalyptus, pittosporum, pink veronica, glossy hypericum berries and a dazzling selection of mini gerberas in bright, sunny colours. Capturing the pure essence of a fabulous day, this wonderful overthe-top cocktail was topped off with playful cocktail cherries, mini umbrellas and sparkling details. It left the entire room filled with warmth and inspiration.
Pat Squires gave the vote of thanks, which was followed by a collective round of applause.
Jenny Jones and Jan Brittain kindly organised teas.
Our next demonstration will be held on Tuesday, 9th June when we shall welcome Area Demonstrator Jenny York with Shipshape and Bristol Fashion.
Rosie Cutbill
WELLS RAILWAY FRATERNITY
Fraternity Member Canon Revd. Brian Arman made his 26th presentation to the Fraternity at its May meeting, as he has done every year since 1999. This year he took us on a journey through both miles and time along the GWR mainline from Paddington towards Bristol
with a diversion to Gloucester
The GWR was first proposed by merchants in Bristol, at that time the principal port for transatlantic trade. The Parliamentary Bill was tabled in 1835. The Railway was engineered as a high-speed railway by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to a standard which by the 1880s allowed trains to cover the 53 miles from Paddington to Didcot in 47 minutes – compared with 38 minutes today.
Paddington station opened in 1839 with 7’ 1/4” gauge tracks, so the initial images shown were copies of lithographs and drawings illustrating the original Paddington station. The first actual photograph shown was taken in 1852-3 depicting a typical broad gauge six-wheel carriage.
As we travelled down the line from Paddington, we moved in both miles and time seeing the development of both the infrastructure and the rolling stock, including the gradual conversion of the tracks to standard 4’ 81/2” gauge.
The locomotives illustrated included a 2-2-2 Vulcan tender engine built in 1837, the very successful Firefly class passenger engines, and small 0-6-0 tender goods engines. The express passenger engines having 8’
diameter wheels, which allowed the speed while minimising the wear on the moving components.
An interesting diversion was an image of Fowler’s Ghost, a steam engine specifically designed to create no smoke for operation on the Metropolitan Line. Unsurprisingly it was proved to be a failure on its first outing, a case of wishful thinking overtaking practicality.
Wells Railway Fraternity’s next evening meeting will be the opening of the new season on the 8th September in Wells Town Hall at 7.30pm, when the speakers will be Paul Finch and Peter Bamber talking about Preserving, Maintaining and Operating three Western Class diesel locomotives.
New members and guests are always welcome. The Fraternity’s programme features a wide range of railway subjects, from historic times through to the modern day with both full size and modelling subjects being covered.
For further information about the Wells Railway Fraternity and its programme of meetings see the web site www.railwells.com. The not to be missed
prestigious annual Railwells Model Railway Show will be held on the 8th and 9th of August in Wells Town Hall.
Wells Floral Art Group
Wells Civic Society
Picture: Chris Winter
Young Wells golfers storm to victory
GOLF – WELLS GOLF CLUB
THE 2026 Somerset Junior County Championship took place on Sunday, 10th May at Worlebury Golf Club. Wells GC was represented by six juniors in a field of 33. They braved some cold and very windy conditions on the North Somerset coastline.
The course was in great condition and provided a parkland test with some similar features to Wells Golf Club. A tough uphill first hole into a strong wind provided an immediate challenge.
It was a terrific day for Wells Golf Club in the under-12s, with Ben Taylor winning scoring a gross 83 and William Hambleton finishing runner up with a personal best of 85. A Wells 1 and 2 is fantastic, a very well done.
There was strong competition in the under-14s with the winner
Congratulations to William Hambleton (left) and Ben Taylor (right) with a recent 1 and 2 at the Somerset
scoring gross 78. Well done Reece Tucker for finishing 6th with a round of 84.
Also well done to Eddy Sperring-Trendl (under-12s),
Dylan Pugh and Stanley Dash (under-14s) for giving it your best efforts in tough conditions. Great to see the young talent in the Junior Section.
Wells Golf Club win in competitive match
GOLF – WELLS GOLF CLUB
WELLS Seniors’ team played the first round of the Somerset Seniors’ Bowl recently.
Looking to improve on the defeat in the final in 2025, they met Burnham Channel at home. Lovely weather with quick greens buoyed everyone’s spirits.
Unexpectedly, the Wells team had to give shots in all the matches but one and in some cases a lot.
The last group out was the first result in with captain Glen Crocker and Mike Metcalfe playing almost scratch golf to win 8 and 6, despite giving 9 shots.
Peter Cherry and Andy Green were first out and struggled, giving 10 shots and eventually losing 2 and 1.
Martin Barnes and Stuart Austwick lost the second game against strong opposition 4 and 3.
Nigel Pring and Simon Jackson mostly controlled the
match but did not clinch it until the 17th, winning 2 and 1.
Therefore it was down to a rookie pairing of Bill McCollum and debutante Collin Chamberlain. There were no shots in this match.
They mostly controlled the match but the opposition fought back taking the match to the 17th – the Wells pair winning 2 and 1.
Much to the captain’s relief, Wells won 3-2 in what was a competitive and tight match.
May highlights from Mendip Golf Club
GOLF – MENDIP GOLF CLUB
Men’s Competition Results
The Hodder Qualifier saw 53 pairs battling it for a top 32 finish to qualify for the Hodder Knockout. Winning with a score of nett 62 was Tom Hill and Spencer Pocock, runners up were James DarbyJones and Matthew Branch, and Charlie Pike and Jeremy Lawrence with nett 63s.
A mammoth field of 152 competitors battled it out for the first men’s Order of Merit trophy, the Burnell Cup. A magnificent 45 points was the winning score from Mario Rolli.
The Jock Callaghan Trophy attracted a field of 140 players and the winner, for the second
week in a row, was Mario Rolli, with a brilliant nett 65, winning on countback from Eric Jordan.
Special mention to George Morgan for his fine gross 69.
Ladies’ Competition Results
The ladies played for the Granny Trophy, a hotly contested competition with the winner being the lady who is either a Granny or a Step-Granny.
The best score on the day went to junior member Harper Howerd, with a fabulous 41 points, however, the trophy went to Philippa Brown with 39 points. Division 1 was won by Harper Howerd, Division 2 went to Elaine P Richardson, and Division 3 went to Philippa Brown with 39 points.
WELL Tennis Club are busy fundraising for a clubhouse, and are looking for local businesses interested in supporting them through court sponsorship.
They are grateful to their first two sponsors, Chubb Bulleid Solicitors and Browne’s Garden Centre, for supporting the club with banners.
They have recently got their third sponsor, the Elestial Crystal Shop in Glastonbury
The club still has two courts available for sponsorship this year, so if you or your business would like an opportunity to promote your brand within the local community while supporting grassroots sport and junior tennis, they would love to hear from you.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Wells Tennis Club Sponsorship Page at www.wellstc.co.uk/ become-a-sponsor.
Juniors’ Competition Results
The Juniors played the first of the Order of Merit events and winnings with a score of 20 points over 9 holes was Noah Hartley, with Oscar Alexander runner up with 19 points.
Seniors Competition Results
The Seniors played their 1st Order of Merit event for 2026, competing for the Memorial Trophy. The overall winner was Mike Snaith with 41 points.
The seniors played for the Bill Smith Cup, the 2nd Order of Merit event and victory went to Peter Daulby with a fine 43 points. Hot on his heels in runners-up spot was Phil Butcher with 42 points.
Match Report
It was Derby Day in Somerset when The Mendip Seniors took on local rivals at Wells Golf Club for their 5th friendly match of the season. The hosts fielded a team with shots-a-plenty, with an average handicap index of 21.9 per player, whereas The Mendip team had an average handicap index of 16.4. So giving up shots to a home team, on a drying and lively track, was always going to be an uphill challenge, but a spirited team performance resulted in a respectable 4-2 loss (with two defeats on the 18th!).
However, it’s only half-time and the Wells Team have to come to the hallowed turf of The Mendip in August.
Junior County Championship
wellsvoice
Strong performances in Somerset Championships
CHESS
WELLS Chess Club enjoyed an excellent weekend at the Somerset Championships hosted by the Frome Chess Congress, held from 15th to 17th May. It was a 5-round event from Friday evening through to Sunday evening. There were strong performances across all five sections and a county title to celebrate.
The standout result came from Wells junior Leon Nelson, who produced a hugely impressive and mature performance in the Open section. Scoring an unbeaten 4 points, he finished second overall in the tournament and, in doing so, secured the Somerset Championship title. Leon takes home the Denys Bonner Trophy, matching the wins of Wells junior coach Sasha Matlak in 2023 and 2024. This follows his strong showing at the Bristol Championships in March where he scored 3.5 points against tough opposition.
All the other Wells players scored at least half points (2.5) in their sections. In the Major section, Matthew Goatcher scored a commendable 2.5 points in what is always a difficult section. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rossi achieved 3 points in the Minor section remaining undefeated all weekend.
In the Intermediate section, Greg Roome scored 2.5 points over the weekend and performed above his grading. Also encouraging were the performances of Haroon Symonds and Brendan Gibbs, who both returned to tournament chess after a couple of years away from the game. Symonds scored 3 points in the Intermediate section, while Gibbs matched that total in the Standard section. We look forward to them both playing more chess in Wells.
Overall, the congress proved to be a memorable and successful event for Wells Chess Club, and especially for Leon Nelson.
Mention must also go to Wells members Chris Strong and Paul Humphreys who were part of the organising team for the event.
Wells is always keen to hear from players both young and old, experienced and new to the
Wells fitness instructor opens first sumo club
A FITNESS instructor from Wells recently opened the first Sumo club in the South West. Joe Andrews, the owner of the Average Joe Fitness Studio, launched the club from his base on the Beckery Old Road in Glastonbury.
Sumo is the national sport of Japan, and originated in the country around 1,500 years ago. The object of the game is very simple: Two wrestlers enter a ring and then have to either force their opponent outside of it or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet.
A sumo match is also over very quickly. Bouts can have a time limit of up to four minutes, but are usually over long before that.
There are now around 10 amateur Sumo clubs in the UK, but Joe’s was the first one to be launched in the South West.
“Sumo is a fun sport with simple rules and perfect for beginners, especially if you’re not very fit,” said Joe. “My next step is to compete nationally representing Wells.”
Joe has lived in Wells all his life, has trained in martial arts for nearly 30 years, and sumo for two. He was given the Kaizen award for ‘Outstanding
contribution to martial arts’ in 2024, and was a Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee in 2025.
Joe is running two weekly sumo courses from his studio. There is a junior class on Tuesdays between 4.30pm –5.30pm, and a senior class on Saturdays between 10.30am –11.30am.
As well as sumo classes, Joe also runs personal trainer sessions and a karate school from his studio. For more information about Joe’s sumo group or any of his other classes, go to his website at www. averagejoefitnessstudio. co.uk
game. They can be found at the Globe Inn on Wednesdays from 7.30pm, with juniors from 5pm. You can also check out www. wellschess.co.uk or email the club at wellschessclub@ outlook.com
HAVE you played badminton before but want more practice? Or maybe you’re looking to get back into badminton after a break from the sport?
Wells City Badminton Club is a relaxed, friendly membership club affiliated to Badminton England and with a team in the North Somerset Badminton League.
The club play Wednesday evening at Wells Leisure Centre from 7.10pm to 9.10pm. Standard is intermediate and above.
If you’re interested in joining them, email the club for more details on enquirieswcbc@gmail. com, or check out their website at www.wells citybadmintonclub.co.uk
Wells Globetrotters team at the event L to R: Jon Rossi, Greg Roome, Matt Goatcher, Leon Nelson
Joe says that sumo is simple for beginners and a great way to get fit. Check out his website to find out more
